Stakeholder Success for Stormwater Quality Benefits

Recreational beneficial uses in the Los Angeles River (LA River) are impaired due to elevated concentrations of fecal coliform and E. coli. A Bacteria Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) for the LA River was developed by the — California Regional Water Quality Control Board – Los Angeles Region (RWQCB) in cooperation with the Cleaner Rivers through Effective Stakeholder-led TMDLs (CREST) stakeholder group. In order to assist with the TMDL development, the City of Los Angeles (City) led the CREST stakeholder group to conduct special studies for a more comprehensive understanding of water quality challenges facing the City. The overall goal of the special studies was to increase the accuracy of the to-be-developed LA River Bacteria TMDL and improve the likelihood of success for future bacteria source control efforts associated with the TMDL&s implementation plan. Two special studies, Bacteria Source Identification (BSI) and Waterbody Use Survey (WBUS) were conducted to characterize the bacteria inputs to the LA River, support the development of a TMDL source assessment, and assist with prioritization of the types and locations of TMDL implementation actions. With the results of the BSI and WBUS studies in hand, the City of LA embarked on a focused and proactive stakeholder out-reach effort to gain the support needed for adoption of a TMDL that achieved key goals by CREST. The CREST team took on the responsibility of supporting Regional Board staff by leading the development of the LA River Bacteria TMDL. The outcomes of the CREST process were successfully incorporated into the TMDL and Staff Report.