Santa Monica Bay Shoreline Monitoring, Data Analysis and Application of Best Management Practices to Meet Bacteria TMDLs

Starting in 2004, the Santa Monica Bay shoreline monitoring program has monitored the bacteriological water quality of the beaches at 67 monitoring stations. Densities of total coliforms, E. coli and enterococcus showed considerable variations during summer dry weather, winter dry weather and wet weather. Exceedance of the water quality objectives was observed for every class of bacteria and type and period of weather, with the frequency depending on the beach monitoring location. To comply with the Santa Monica Bay Beaches Bacteria TMDLs for dry and wet weather, the City of Los Angeles has implemented Low Flow Diversions (LFDs) that prevent dry weather urban runoff discharges from major storm drains into Santa Monica Bay. This has significantly reduced the frequency of exceedances during summer dry weather. Currently, these LFDs are being upgraded for year-round diversion of dry weather runoff to meet the 2009 deadline for winter dry weather. Likewise, several multi-benefit stormwater projects are being designed and constructed to meet the 25% compliance milestone of the wet weather TMDL by 2012. Future TMDL implementation efforts in the City of Los Angeles are guided by the City's Water Quality Compliance Master Plan for Urban Runoff. This plan puts emphasis on green infrastructure, Low Impact Development, and on-site capture and use of rainwater as a sustainable approach to water quality compliance in the Santa Monica Bay watershed and other parts of the City.