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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-05-04 City Council (14)City of Palo Alto City Manager’s Report TO:HONORABLE CITY COUNCIL 6 FROM:CITY MANAGER DEPARTMENT: PUBLIC WORKS DATE:MAY 4, 1998 CMR:219:98 SUBJECT:APPROVAL OF CONSULTANT CONTRACT WITH THE U.S. GEOLOGIC SURVEY FOR SAN FRANCISCO BAY MONITORING RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that Council approve and authorize the Mayor to execute the attached contract with the United States Geologic Survey (U.S.G.S.) in the amount of $108,582 to monitor pollutants in clam tissue and sediments in the Palo Alto Baylands area of San Francisco Bay. DISCUSSION Consultant Services Description The contract work provides for the sampling and analysis of tissue from clams and sediment found in the mud flats near the discharge point of the Regional Water Quality Control Plant (RWQCP). The monitoring program is required by the Regional Water Quality Control Board, which regulates the discharge of treated waste water from the RWQCP to the Bay. The sampling and analysis will cover a three year period (calendar years 1998, 1999, and 2000). The results to date show dramatic decreases in pollutant levels in the clams compared to the early 1980’s when pollutant loadings from the RWQCP were much higher. Consultant Selection The U.S.G.S. has collected clam and sediment data adjacent to the Palo Alto outfall since 1976. Therefore, the U.S.G.S. has a unique ability to establish pollutant trends and ensure consistency of methods and procedures. The Regional Water Quality Control Board required the City to coordinate the sampling and analysis with the U.S.G.S. Therefore, no other requests for bids, were sent out. The Regional Water Quality Control Board and the City wish to take advantage of knowledge and experience in analyzing and interpreting data that the U.S.G.S. has gained over the years. CMR:219:98 Page 1 of 2 RESOURCE IMPACT Funds are available in the FY 1997-1998 Wastewater Treatment Fund operating budget for the $108,582 contract. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW The monitoring program does not constitute a project under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and, therefore, an environmental assessment has not been performed. ATTACHMENT Contract with U.S.G.S. DEPARTMENT HEAD :~ /,.3. ¢~aCt~’¢/ GLENN S. ROBERTS Director Public Works CITY MANAGER APPROVAL : "~-~. ~ EMILt~ HARRISON Assistant City Manager CMR:219:98 Page 2 of 2 Form 9-1366 U.S. Department of the Interior CA228 (May 1996)U.S. Geological Survey WR9801700 Joint Funding Agreement FOR WATER RESOURCES INVESTIGATIONS THIS AGREEMENT is entered into as of the 1st day of January 1998 by the U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, party of the first part, and the City of Palo Alto, party of the sec- ond part. 1.The parties hereto agree that subject to the availability of appropriations and in accordance with their respective authorities there shall be maintained in cooperation Near Field Receiving Water Monitoring of Tissues and Sediments, 1998- 2000, hereinafter called the program. 2.The following amounts shall be contributed to cover all of the cost of the necessary field and analytical work directly related to this program. (a) $0o00 by the party of the first part during the period January 1, 1998 to December 31, 2000 (b) $108,582.00 by the party of the second part during the period January 1, 1998 to December 31, 2000 The City of Palo Also will allocate funds for this project annually to the U.S. Geological Survey in increments of $36,194.00 (c)Additional or reduced amounts by each party during the above period or succeeding periods as may be determined by mutual agreement and set forth in an exchange of letters between the parties, 3. The costs of this program may be paid by either party in conformity with the laws and regulations respectively governing each party. 4.The field and analytical work pertaining to this program shall be under the direction of or subject to periodic review by an authorized representative of the party of the first part. 5.The areas to be included in the program shall be determined by mutual agreement between the parties hereto or their authorized representatives. The methods employed in the field and office shall be those adopted by the party of the first part to insure the required standards of accuracy subject to modification by mutual agreement. 6.During the course of this program, all field and analytical work of either party pertaining to this program shall be open to the inspection of the other party, and if the work is not being carried on in a mutually satisfactory manner, either party may terminate this agreement upon 60 days written notice to the other party. 7.-The original records resulting from this program will be deposited in the office of origin of those records. Upon request, copies of the original records will be provided to the office of the other party. 8.The maps, records or reports resulting from this program shall be made available to the public as promptly as possible. The maps, records or reports normally will be published by the party of the first part. However, the party of the second part reserves the right to publish the results of this program and, if alreadypublished.by the party of the first part shall, upon request, be furnished by the party of the first part, at cost, impressions suitable for purposes of reproduction similar to that for which the original copy was prepared. The maps, records or reports published by either party shall contain a statement of the cooperative relations between the parties. 9.Billing for this agreement will be rendered December of each year . Payments of bills are due within 60 days after the billing date. If not paid by the due date, interest will be charged at the current Treasury rate for each 30 day period, or portion thereof, that the payment is delayed beyond the due date. (31 USC 3717; Comptroller General File B-212222, August 23, 1983.). CITY OF PALO ALTO By U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR By (SIGNATURE & TITLE) FredericH. Nichols, Chief, Branch of Regional Research By By (USE REVERSE SIDE IF ADDITIONAL SIGNATURES ARE REQUIRED) PROPOSAL TO THE CITY OF PALO ALTO: NEAR FIELD RECEIVING WATER MONITORING OF TISSUES AND SEDIMENTS: January 1, 1998 through December 31, 2000 U. S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY Samuel Luoma, Daniel Cain, Michelle Hornberger, Cynthia Brown, Byeong-Gweon Lee MAIL STOP 465 345 MIDDLEFIELD ROAD MENLO PARK, CA 94025 1.0 INTRODUCTION The Regional Water Quality Control Board has described a Self Monitoring Program with its NPDES permits for South Bay dischargers that includes specific receiving water monitoring requirements. One of the requirements is for inshore monitoring of metals and other specified parameters, to be conducted using the clam Macoma balthica and sediments, following protocols compatible with the Regional Monitoring Program. Monitoring efforts are to be coordinated with the U. S. Geological Survey (USGS). The latter requirement stems from the 18 years of previous data that USGS has collected from a station south of the Palo Alto discharge site in the extreme South Bay. The goal of the Board is to take advantage of that data in interpreting mcniloring data in the future. This proposal describes the near field (inshore) monitoring program at Palo Alto proposed by USGS. 1.1 PREVIOUS MONITORING STUDIES IN NEAR FIELD RECEIVING WATERS Since 1976, USGS personnel have monitored and studied trace metal concentrations in sediments and sediment-dwelling species in the vicinity of the discharge of the Palo Alto Regional Water Quality Control Plant (PARWQCP). These studies initially found exceptionally high concentrations of copper and silver in mud-dwelling animals from this area. Additional studies documented that cont.aminants were present in enriched concentrations throughout the food web, including birds from the area. Contaminant trends through time have also been characterized. Concentrations of the most enriched pollutants, copper and silver, in sediments and clams, declined after1981, as PARWQCP improved its waste treatment facilities. The downward trends in copper content of animals correlated with reduced Cu discharges from the PARWQCP, between 1977 and 1989. In the 1990’s those correlations are more complex. Silver concentrations remained elevated in the late 1980’s compared to other localities in the Bay, Silver contamination has also declined, in association with changing waste t-reatment and a source reduction program undertaken by PARWQCP. These studies demonstrated effective approaches to long term monitoring. The results suggested that sediments and local populations of clams are sensitive indicator~ oi the response of receiving waters to changes in metal output from a discharger. They illustrated that reducing metal discharge in South Bay can be reflected within a year by r...,uc...d’-" " near field contamination in the environment and biota of San Francisco Bay. Both sediments and clams responded sensitively to the changes. Both also incorporated important environmental factors in their responses. When sediments and clams were monitored together, they provided corroborating lines of ~vidence, minimizing mis-interpretations. The most effective interpretation of trends occurred when samples were collected at several times of year, because of seasonality in concentrations. The data from a receiving water monitoring program of this type is not only useful for the Regional Board but can prov.ide valuable feedback to local industries and small businesses. Palo Alto has used the data to provide feedback to participants in their silver source control program, for example. A project currently underway to summarize the long term data set may offer opportunities to evaluate influences of the PAWRQCP on contamination in South Bay compared to influences of other inputs. 2.0 Objectives The purpose of the monitoring program is to characterize long term trends in trace element concentrations inshore near the discharge of the PARWQCP. Coincident near field monitoring of San Jose and Sunnyvale discharges allow characterization of regional influences on contamination compared to influences of individual POTW.s. Trace elements and associated parameters will be determined in fine-grained sediments and in the clam Macoma balthica. The monitoring will be conducted in a manner that will provide high-quality dala that are compatible with data collected historically, and with data provided by programs such as the Regional Monitoring Program. Specific objectives include: ¯ Provide data to assess seasonal and annual trends in trace element concentrations in sediments and clams near the discharge; specifically at the site designated in the RWQCB’s Self-Monitoring Program for PARWQCP. ¯ Present the data within the context of historical changes inshore in South Bay and within the context of on-going monitoring of effluents. ¯ Coordinate sampling efforts with similar inshore receiving water monitoring programs near San Jose/Sunnyvale, and provide data compatible with relevant aspects of the Regional Monitoring Program. The near field data will augment the Regional Monitoring Program as suggested by the RWQCBI ¯ Provide data which could support other South Bay issues or programs such as development of sediment quality standards. The monitoring approach described below has been effective in the past in relating changes in near field contamination in San Francisco Bay to changes in metal discharges from RWQCPs, despite the complexities of monitorir~g natural systems. Existing historical data will provide a context within which cause and effect can be assessed for change in the future. If continued, this study will provide a unique opportunity to understand how investments in sewage treatment actually affects a receiving water environment. The monitoring effort also will act as a local extension of the Regional Monitoring Program. Furthermore, the coordination Palo Alto, San Jose..’Santa Clara and Sunnyvale RWQCP’s will provide a regional context for interpreling results. 3.0 Monitoring Program Approach The proposed approach will be to monitor trace element concentrations in fine grained sediments and resident populations of the deposit feeding clam Macoma ba/th,’ca. Sediment particles bind most trace element pollutants strongly, efficiently removing them from the water column. Numerous prior studies have shown that analysis of concentrations of these pollutants in sediments provide a time-integrated indicator of trace element input to the water column. Animals such as Macoma balthica live in cor]tact with sediments and feed upon organic material associated with sediment particles. Thus they are exposed to this concentrated pool of trace elements and sequester them in their tissues. These animals are important prey for larger species that live in the Bay, including migrating water fowl. Analysis of the tissues of the clams provides a measure of their exposure to bioavailable pollutants and an estimate of food chain eXposures. Study of such exposure is the first step in understanding whether pollutants are adversely affecting an environment (although elevated tissue concentrations, alone do not prove an effect is occurring). Understanding exposure in one species can be useful in indicating a larger exposure of the local food web, as shown in earlier studies at Palo Alto. Past USGS monitoring efforts have demonstrated the value of the dual sediment/tissue approach, when data are collected following the rigorous protocols described below. 3.1 Sampling Design 3.1.1 Sampling location Samples will be collected from one station located north of Sand Point (Figure 1). This is a mudflat on the shore of the bay (not a slough) 1 kilometer south of the Palo Alto discharge.. It was chosen because it is influenced by the discharge of PARWQCP’s, but it is not immediately adjacent to that discharge. Thus it reflects a response of receiving waters to the effluent, beyond just a measure of the effluent itself. Earlier studies have shown that dyesl natural organic materials in San Francisquito Creek and wasters in the PAWQCP discharge all move predominantly south toward Sand Point and thereby influence the mudflats in the vicinity. Earlier work showed that San Francisquito Creek and the Yacht Harbor were minor sources of most trace elements compared to the PARWQCP. Earlier studies also showed that intensive monitoring at one site was more effective in determining trends in trace element contamination than was less frequent sampling at a larger number of sites in the vicinity of the discharge. 3.1.2 Sampling frequency The basic monitoring program supported by Palo Alto will have a sampling frequency of three times per year as stipulated by the RWQCB. Sampling will correspond as closely with Regional Monitoring Program sampling as tides permit. The RMP samples once during the wet season, once during the dr,/season and then again at the end of the dry season. The basic program will follow this schedule also. Statistical techniques such as power analyses indicate that threesamples per year will provide a 20 percent sensitivity in detecting trends. The USGS monitoring experience indicates that three samples pe.r year will be insufficient to sensitively’ track seasonality in metal contamination. More frequent sampling provides more accurate interpretation of cause and effect in a temporally variable environment (accuracy is not considered in power analysis). USGS activities will include collecting samples an additional 3 - 5 times per year at their own expense. 3.2 Constituents to be Determined The constituents to be analyzed in sediments, and associated variables, are listed in Table 1. The constituents and variables to be determined in clam tissues are listed in Table 2. The constituent list is consistent with the constituents analyzed by the Regional Monitoring Program. The methods employed will be adjusted so as to minimize below detection limit determinations. The variables chosen for determination are those required by the Regional Board. 3.3 Methods 3.3.1 Sampling Macoma balthica and sediments will be collected at low tide from the exposed mudflat. Sediment samples will be scraped from the surface oxidized layer (<2cm depth) with a metal-free tool in a manner similar to previous sediment sampling in the area. Sediment will be collected from the same area as the clams. Enough sediment will be obtained to conduct all proposed analyses (Table 1) and to archive approximately 10 grams for any unforeseen future needs. Approximately 40 individual clams wi;I be collected at each sampling time. 3.3.2 Sample preparation Sediments will be sieved through 100 pm mesh in ultra-clean (-18 Mohm) deionized water immediately upon return to the laboratory. Both the fraction of sediment passing through the sieve a~nd the fraction retained on the sieve will be dried 8 and weighed. Particle size distribution will be defined as the proportion of the total sediment mass divided between these two fractions. This also provides ar~ estimate of the particle size characteristics of the bulk sediment for those who might want to make comparisons with bulk analyses. Replicate aliquots of the fraction of sediment that passes through the 100 pm sieve will be digested by reflux with concentrated nitric acid to determine near total concentrations (the same approach employed, by the RMP). Replicate aliquots of each sediment will also be extracted in 0.5N hydrochloric acid to determine the leachable, anthropogenic contribution to the sediment concentration. Standard.reference materials will be digested with each sediment digestion run. Clams will be returned to the laboratory live, washed free of local sediment and placed in clean ocean water diluted with distilled water to the salinity on the mudflat at the time of collection (determined from the water in the mantle cavityof representative individual clams). The animals will be held for two days to depurate undigested sed~,,,..nt, then prepared for analysis. The length of each clam will be determined then the shell and soft tissue will be separated. Soft tissues will be composited into 4 - 8 composite samples, each containing animals of similar shell length, and digested by nitric acid "reflux. Samples for mercury and selenium analysis will be composited as above, and freeze dried before digestion in concentrated nitric/perchloric acid. The above procedure, will result in 4 - 8 replicate samples from each collection for ICP analysis and 4 samples for mercury/selenium analysis. The data from these animals are not normally distributed and may be affected by animal size. Correlations will be calculated between animal size and metal concentration; and established procedures .will be employed to calcuiate metal content of a standard sized clam for each collection. Previous studies show that such data reduction procedures are necessary to account for biological factors (size and growth) that affect metal concentrations, thus allowing a clearer linkage between RWQCP discharges and responses of the clams.. 3.3.3 Analytical methods Digested tissue and sediment samples will be evaporated to dryness and reconstitute~ in 0.6N hydrochloric acid. Most elements will be analyzed by Inductiveiy Coupled Plasma Emission Spectroscopy (ICP or ICAPES)(Table 1 and 2). Exceptions will include cadmium and silver in sediments, which occur at low concentrations and will be determined by Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (GFAAS) with Zeeman background correction. The standard additions technique will be employed as necessary in these analyses. Mercury and selenium will be determined in both sediment and clam tissues by Hydride Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. All glassware and field collection apparatus will be acid washed, thoroughly rinsed in ultra-clean deionized water, dried in a dust-free positive pressure environment, sealed and stored in a dust free cabinet. Quality control will be maintained by frequent analysis of blanks, analysis of National Institute of Standards and Technology standard reference materials (tissues and sediments) with each analytical run, and internal comparisons with prepared quality control standards. A full QA/QC plan is available upon request. Typical detection limits for each element, in the matrix we are sampling, 10 are shown in Table 3 and compared to "background" (the lowest) concentrations found in San Francisco Bay. 3.4 Data Analysis Data will be summarized and reported to Palo Alto annually. Annual reporting will be consistent with Regional Monitoring Program reporting format and will be coordinated with the receiving water monitoring programs of San Jose/Sunnyvale. Data appendices will be included that show basic analytical and computational data. The data report will include interpretive figures and tables that express each year’s monitoring data within the context of historical change and concentrations observed elsewhere. 4.0 Budget The budget for the proposed project is outlined in detail in Table 4. This budget includes charges only for the basic monitoring program of 3 collections per year. USGS will complement the study with the additional collections in each year. This proposal describes Work that will begin January 1998 and continue for three years, through December. 2000. Renewal each January will be at the discretion of Palo Alto. 11 Table 1. Activities, constituents and variables in near field monitoring of fine rained sediments near Palo Alto RWQCP discharges. Activity Schedule Field Collections Sediment - Particle Size Sediment - HCI + Total AI Pb Ni Zr~ Sedimenl - HCI + Total Cd Ag Sediment- Hg & Se (total) TOC Archive sediment Assemble data Annual Report Method Intertidal >100 um & <100 um ICP GFAAS Hydride Total C- GD Scint vial Common spreadsheet Common format Additional activities ...... L.ogisiics sieve from field Extract or digest Use above extracts Freeze dry, grind ..... dry aliquot dry Frequenc.y 6-8/y 6-8/y 6-8/y 6:8/y 6-8/y 3/y 6-8/y 6-8/y 6-8/y 1/y 13 Table 2. Activities, constituents and variables in near field monitoring of metals in the bivalve, Macoma balthica near the discharge of the Palo Alto RWQCPs. Activity Field Collect clean, depurate, dissect, size, dry, weigh Whole Tissues Fe Mn Cd Cr Cu Pb N~ A~ Zn Whole Tissues Hg Se Condition index/content Assemble data Annual Report Method ICP metals Hg & se ....... As above ICP Hydride Calculate Common spreadsh,=et Common Format Additional. 20 individuals 20 individuals as above ’ digest etc freeze dry.. Frequency 6-8/y 3/y ,,, 6-8/y 6-8/y, 6-8/y l/y. Table 3. (units are micrograms per gram dry sediment). Detection limits for constituents to be determined in monitoring study Element Detection Backgroundin SF Bay* Cd 0.05 0.2 Cr 1.0 >50 Cu 1.0 10-20 Pb 1.0 5-20 Hg 0.1 0.1 Ni 1.0 >40 Se ,0.1 0.1 Ag 0.05 0.1 Zn 1.0 >40 TOC 0.1%0.3%lowest "De~.ermined from pre-1850 sediments from cores. 15 Table 4. ACTIVITY 1998 Budget for Palo Alto near field monitoring progr.am in dollars.¯ SALARY SUPPLIES ANALYSES MISCELLANEOUS "’ Field Work 3,120 550 Sample Preparation ICP Analyses Mercury/Selenium GFAAS 3,985 1,695 896 1,000 1,000.. 2,400 Total Organic Carbon Reduce & Assemble Data 2,801 736 Instrument Repair &1,500 Maintenance Final Re#oft 3,333 SUBTOTALS 15,830 2,550 3,136 1,500 TOTAL DIRECT COST 23,016 INDIRECT COST 12,123 [TOTAL COSTS 35,139 Note: The real costs in ~his budge~ are the same as charged the last three years. However, USGS has changed the w overhead is calculated, resulting in a net increase in indirect costs that we are required to charge on our partnered studies. Please contact Sam Luoma if there are difficulties with this new arrangement. Table 4. 1999 Budget for Palo Alto near field monitoring program in dollars. ACTIVITY SALARY SUPPLIES ANALYSES MISCELLANEOUS Field Work 3,284 550 Sample Preparation 4,195 1,000 ICP Analyses 1,784 1,000 Mercury/Selenium 2,400 GFA~S 943 Total Organic Carbon 736 Reduce & Assemble 2,948 Data Instrument Repair &1,500 Maintenance Final Report 3,508 SUBTOTALS 16,663 TOTAL DIRECT COST 2,550 3,136 1,500 23,849 INDIRECT COST 12,562 ITO’[’A L COSTS 36,411 Nc~e: The real cost,., in this budget are the same as charged the last three years. However, USGS has changed th~ ov~,n_.d is calculated, resulting in a net increase in indirect costs that we are required to charge on our partnered s~udies. Please contact Sam Luoma if there are difficulties with this new arrangement. Table 4. 2000 Budget for Palo Alto near field monitori.ng program in dollars, ACTIVITY SALARY SUPPLIE,~ ANALYSE MISCELLANEOUS Field Work 3,386 550 Sample Preparation 4,324 ICP Analyses 1,839 Mercury/Selenium GFAAS 972 1,000 1,000 2,400 Total Organic Carbon 736 Reduce & Assemble 3,040 Data Instrument Repair &1,500 Maintenance Final Re#oft 3,508 SUBTOTALS 17,070 2,550 3,136 1,500 TOTAL DIREC’~ COST 24,256 INDIRECT COST 12,776 [TOTAL COSTS 37,032 No~.e: The real costs in this budget are the same as charged the last three years. However, USGS has changed the wa] overhead is calculated, resulting in a net increase in indirect costs that we are required to charge on our partnered studies. Please contact Sam Luoma if there are difficulties with this new arrangement.