HomeMy WebLinkAbout09 - Big Canyon Creek Restoration ProjectTO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
Agenda Item No. 9
April 28, 2009
HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
Public Works Department
Mark Reader, Project Manager
949 - 644 -3311
BIG CANYON CREEK RESTORATION PROJECT - APPROVAL OF
AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH
VA CONSULTING, INC. FOR SELENIUM MONITORING
RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. Approve Amendment No. 2 to Professional Services Agreement with VA Consulting, Inc.
for on -site selenium monitoring and upstream selenium source tracking for the Big Canyon
Creek Restoration Project for a total fee of $81,761 and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk
to execute the Agreement.
2. Approve a Budget Amendment transferring $41,761 from 7014- C5100969 (Irrigation Smart
Controller Program) to Account No. 7014- C5100709 (Big Canyon Creek Restoration); and
recognizing $40,000 from a contribution from the County of Orange Nitrogen Selenium
Management Program and appropriating $40,000 to Account No. 7251- C5100709.
BACKGROUND:
VA Consulting Inc. (VA) is completing the final construction documents and permit
applications for the Big Canyon Creek Restoration Project. The concept design for the
restoration as envisioned in the Feasibility Report has changed in important ways in order to
address elevated concentrations of selenium that have been found in the sediments, water
column and tissue samples of invertebrates and fish. The measured water column selenium
concentration in some cases exceed by a factor of ten, the California Toxic$ Rule freshwater
chronic criterion of 5 micrograms per liter.
The City and Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) have been working together
on the Big Canyon Creek Restoration project since 2004. The RWQCB has partially funded
the preparation of the feasibility study and final construction documents. When the
selenium problem became apparent last summer (2008), the City and RWQCB began
discussions on how to address this issue while keep the project on track to begin
construction in Fall 2009. As selenium treatment technology is still in its initial development
stages with pilot projects indicating that treatment could be very costly, RWQCB and City
staff have agreed to move in a deliberate manner to monitor the extent of selenium problem;
Big Canyon Creek Restoration — Approval of Amendment No. 2 to Professional Services Agreement with VA Consulting, Inc.
April 28, 2009
Page 2
find, as possible, the selenium sources; and continue research on potential mitigation
solutions. With this approach, the RWQCB can issue the required 401 permit for this project
Under this contract amendment, VA will complete the baseline monitoring by having its
subconsultant, CI-112M Hill, collect bird eggs from Big Canyon and analyze the tissue for
evidence of selenium toxicosis. Water column and sediment samples in adjacent areas will
also be collected and analyzed for selenium. Additionally, CH2M Hill will collect surface
water, water from groundwater seeps and sediment samples in upstream areas to try and
ascertain potential sources of selenium.
With the completion of the baseline survey and upstream source identification program, the
results will be a guide to identify selenium treatment source controls or remediation options
and allow us to document improvements once these controls are in place.
Funding Availability:
The City's current CIP budget includes general funds set aside to match an expansion of
the smart irrigation controller program which is part of the Newport Coast runoff reduction
program. While the City has been awarded a Proposition 84 grant, State funds are currently
frozen and no date has been given on when these funds will be available. At the time
Proposition 84 funds become available, the smart irrigation controller program will advance
primarily with grant funds. The status of match funding will be reviewed by staff and
presented for Council consideration as needed once more information is available.
It is recommended that $41,761 be transferred from the smart irrigation controller program
to the Big Canyon Creek restoration project for monitoring and tracking of selenium. Also,
the County of Orange will contribute $40,000 from its Nitrogen Selenium Management
Program (NSMP) for this sampling and analysis work.
Upon approval of the recommended Budget Amendment, sufficient funds will be available in
the following accounts for this project:
Account Description
Big Canyon Creek Restoration
Orange County NSMP Contribution
Prepared by:
Mark Reader
Project Manager
Account Number
Amount
7014- C5100709
$41,761
7251- C5100709
40,000
Total:
$81,761
Submitted by:
Attachment: Amendment to PSA with VA Consulting Inc.
Scope of Services prepared by VA Consulting Inc, nd CH2MHill.
aoum
Director
AMENDMENT NO. TWO TO
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH
VA CONSULTING, INC. FOR
BIG CANYON CREEK RESTORATION PROJCT
THIS AMENDMENT NO. TWO TO PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT,
is entered into as of this day of ' 2009, by and between the CITY
OF NEWPORT BEACH, a Municipal Corporation ( "CITY "), and VA CONSULTING,
INC., a California Corporation whose address is 17801 Cartwright Road, Irvine,
California, 92614 ( "CONSULTANT "), and is made with reference to the following:
RECITALS:
A. On December 11, 2007, CITY and CONSULTANT entered into a Professional
Services Agreement, hereinafter referred to as "AGREEMENT ", for engineering
design services for the Big Canyon Creek Restoration Project, hereinafter
referred to as "PROJECT ".
B. CITY and CONSULTANT have entered into one separate AMENDMENT of the
AGREEMENT, the latest dated January 27, 2009.
C. CITY desires to enter into this AMENDMENT NO. TWO to reflect additional
services not included in the AGREEMENT or prior AMENDMENT and to extend
the term of the AGREEMENT to December 31, 2010.
D. CITY desires to compensate CONSULTANT for additional professional services
needed for PROJECT.
E. CITY and CONSULTANT mutually desire to amend AGREEMENT, hereinafter
referred to as "AMENDMENT NO. TWO ", as provided here below.
NOW, THEREFORE, it is mutually agreed by and between the undersigned parties as
follows:
1. In addition to the services to be provided pursuant to the AGREEMENT and
AMENDMENT NO. ONE, CONSULTANT shall diligently perform all the services
described in AMENDMENT NO. TWO, including but not limited to, all work set
forth in the Scope of Services attached hereto as Exhibit 1 and incorporated
herein by reference. The City may elect to delete certain tasks of the Scope of
Services at its sole discretion.
2. City shall pay Consultant for the services on a time and expense not -to- exceed
basis in accordance with the provisions of this Section and the Schedule of
Billing Rates attached to this AMENDMENT NO. TWO for all work performed
pursuant to this Amendment. Consultant's compensation for all work performed
in accordance with this AMENDMENT NO. TWO, including all reimbursable
items and subconsultant fees, shall not exceed Eighty One Thousand Seven
Hundred Sixty One Dollars and no /100 ($81,761.00) without prior written
authorization from City.
3. The term of the AGREEMENT shall be extended to December 31. 2010.
4. Except as expressly modified herein, all other provisions, terms, and covenants
set forth in AGREEMENT shall remain unchanged and shall be in full force and
effect.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this AMENDMENT NO.
TWO on the date first above written.
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
By: A4 -�-- ( _ _ H
o Mynette D. Beauchamp
Assistant City Attorney
for the City of Newport Beach
ATTEST:
By:
Leilani Brown
City Clerk
Attachments: Exhibit A — Scope of Services
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH,
A Municipal Corporation
By:
Edward D. Selich
Mayor
for the City of Newport Beach
VA CONSULTING, INC.:
By:
Max P. Vahid
President and C.E.O.
Michael S. Carter
Secretary and C.F.O.
EXHIBIT 1
VAI
CONSULTING
April 16, 2009
Mr. Mark Reader
Project Manager
City of Newport Beach
3300 Newport Boulevard
Newport Beach, CA 92663
Dear Mr. Reader:
This letter is a change order request for additional engineering design services for the Big
Canyon Restoration Project (Project) located in the City of Newport Beach (City), California
(Professional Services Agreement dated December 11, 2007). This change order supersedes
our previous letter dated April 15, 2009.
As you are aware, the City has requested that additional material sampling and testing be
undertaken within Big Canyon. These additional services are related to establishing the base-
line selenium levels within Big Canyon prior to implementation of the proposed Project. Upon
approval of this change order request, VA will retain CH2M Hill to provide the sampling and
testing services in accordance with its scope -of -work (Exhibit "B ").
A summary of the overall scope of services included in this request is provided in Section I and
fees are provided in Section If of this letter. VA will provide our services on a time -and-
materials, not -to- exceed basis in accordance with the attached fee schedule (Exhibit "A ").
SCOPE OF SERVICES
Phase I I — Preliminary Source Tracking and Selenium Monitoring
CH2M Hill will collect samples and conduct testing in accordance with their
scope -of -work (Exhibit "B ").
2. Administration, Coordination, and Sub - Consultant Management
This task provides for subconsultant management, coordination, and review of
subconsultant work - product as the Project progresses. The total VA fee for this
task is $3,893 and will be billed on a time- and - materials basis.
VA Consulting, Inc.
Coipiome Office
Orange County Division
6400 Oak Canyon, Suite 150
Irvine. CA 92618
Phone 949.474.1400
Fax 949.261.8482
XIR[.WA373 W0&0dn rc,COn..rtpCnm 'eek_of i4[9.a ..
Mr. Mark Reader
City of Newport Beach
April 16, 2009
Page 2 of 2
II. FEES
Phase II — Preliminary Source Tracking and Selenium Monitoring --------- ...$77,868
2. Administration, Coordination, and Sub - Consultant Management ................$3,893
TOTALFEES ................................................ ............................... ........................$81,761
Please indicate your approval of this change order request by signing in the space provided
below and returning a copy to our office. If you have any questions regarding this request,
please feel free to contact Dan Villines or me at (949) 474 -1400.
Sincerely,
Max P. Vahid, P.E.
President and CEO
MPVJkam
Enclosure
cc: Dan Villines
Contracts
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EXHIBIT "A"
VA CONSULTING, INC.
FEE SCHEDULE
2009
Staff Classification
Civil Engineering and Planning Services
President.............................................................. ...............................
Division President/Division Manager .................... ...............................
Sr. Vice President/Vice President/ Exec. Director ...............................
Director................................................................ ...............................
Senior Project Manager ....................................... ...............................
ProjectManager ................................................... ...............................
Assistant Project Manager ................................... ...............................
Senior Project Engineer /Senior Design Supervisor /Senior Planner.....
Project Engineer /Design Supervisor ..................... ...............................
Senior Design Engineer /Senior Designer ............. ...............................
Design Engineer / Planner ..................................... ...............................
Designer............................................................. ...........................I "..
Assistant Engineer /Assistant Planner ................... ...............................
Research and Processing Coordinator ................. ...............................
Senior CADD Technician ..................................... ...............................
JuniorEngineer .................................................... ...............................
CADD Technician
Hourly Rate
....................... $190
....................... $173
..................... $163
....................... $160
........................................................... ...............................
EngineeringIntern .......................................................... ...............................
Office Support/Clerical ................................................... ...............................
Field Survev and Marmina Services
Director of Survey and Mapping .......... ...............................
Manager of Field Survey ........................ ...............................
Survey and Mapping Associate ............. ...............................
Survey and Mapping Technician ............ ...............................
3 -Man GPS Crew ................................... ...............................
2-Man GPS Crew ................................... ...............................
1 -Man GPS Crew ................................... ...............................
Special Services
Litigation . ...............................
Notes:
1. In -house reprographics charges: B &W Bond copies $1.00 /sq.tt, Color Bond $6.00/sq.ft.
.......I ........ $155
................ $147
................ $142
................ $137
................ $132
................ $122
................ $117
.............. $110
................ $100
................. $95
.................. $90
.................. $85
.............. I... $80
.................. $70
.................. $69
........... $158
........... $130
........ $95
.............. $75
............ $235
............ $205
............ $175
2. Mileage will be billed at standard mileage rates set by IRS. 2009 rates currently listed at $0.55 per mile.
....... $450
x!A 13 � _s%rMar+.k_ --CW � G -OCAS
EXHIBIT "B"
Dan Villines, P.E.
Director of Water Resources
VA Consulting, hx.
17501 Cm-1 - vrihht ROild
Irvine, C A 92614
Dear Mr. Villines:
CH2A4 HILL is pleased to provide this cost proposal for a scope of work to conduct the Big
Canyon wash selenium monitoring and source tracking in Newport Beach, California. Thi•
monitoring and tracking will be conducted in Big Canyon Wash and along its tributaries.
CH2M HILL will collect LIP to 21 water samples for selenium speciation from Big, Canyon
Wash freshwater pond outlet, mid -pond, inlet, and below Jamboree Road.
CH2M HILL, will collect up to three samples for water column particulate selenium from
three of the water quality sampling sites.
CH2M HILL will collect algae, benthic and water column invertebrates, fish, and bird eggs
from the Nahrre Park pond for total selenium analysis.
CH2M HILL will compare the results with the 2008 sampling and bird eggs will be
compared to concentrations found in other parts of the Newport Bay watershed.
Bird eggs will be opened and embryos evaluated for effects characteristic of selenium
toricosis before sending them to the laboratory for chemical analyses.
CH2M HILL will collect flow estimates from up to ten locations for the area from the eastern
end of the Big Canyon golf course to just downstream of Back Bay Drive at the western end
of Big Canyon Creek Nature Park. Flow estimates will lie conducted) at the time of surface
water quality sample collection. Flow will be estimated by measuring average depth, cross -
section width, and velocity (using standard hand -held field velocity meter).
It is estimated that the sample collection, and analysis and reporting for the Big Canyon
Wash seleniunn source - hacking Program will take three months to complete.
T'he detailed scope and budget are attached and a sununary of Lhe tasks and estimated costs
are aS follows.
CH2M HILL
2,185 NWORxes P8rk 01 r
S.Ne WO
Sacramento, CA 95833
Tel
8816-
Fax 928.6463
April 16, 2009
Dan Villines, P.E.
Director of Water Resources
VA Consulting, hx.
17501 Cm-1 - vrihht ROild
Irvine, C A 92614
Dear Mr. Villines:
CH2A4 HILL is pleased to provide this cost proposal for a scope of work to conduct the Big
Canyon wash selenium monitoring and source tracking in Newport Beach, California. Thi•
monitoring and tracking will be conducted in Big Canyon Wash and along its tributaries.
CH2M HILL will collect LIP to 21 water samples for selenium speciation from Big, Canyon
Wash freshwater pond outlet, mid -pond, inlet, and below Jamboree Road.
CH2M HILL, will collect up to three samples for water column particulate selenium from
three of the water quality sampling sites.
CH2M HILL will collect algae, benthic and water column invertebrates, fish, and bird eggs
from the Nahrre Park pond for total selenium analysis.
CH2M HILL will compare the results with the 2008 sampling and bird eggs will be
compared to concentrations found in other parts of the Newport Bay watershed.
Bird eggs will be opened and embryos evaluated for effects characteristic of selenium
toricosis before sending them to the laboratory for chemical analyses.
CH2M HILL will collect flow estimates from up to ten locations for the area from the eastern
end of the Big Canyon golf course to just downstream of Back Bay Drive at the western end
of Big Canyon Creek Nature Park. Flow estimates will lie conducted) at the time of surface
water quality sample collection. Flow will be estimated by measuring average depth, cross -
section width, and velocity (using standard hand -held field velocity meter).
It is estimated that the sample collection, and analysis and reporting for the Big Canyon
Wash seleniunn source - hacking Program will take three months to complete.
T'he detailed scope and budget are attached and a sununary of Lhe tasks and estimated costs
are aS follows.
Task
Se Itoring and Initial Source Tracking
Project .4dministratil�n (including; I site meeting,, fol
Istaff, and I teleconference)
Sample Collection
I'a I;C) —rato r v_A I —,,, I I V,-i i I —C1 Q) L-1 i I v
Laboratoi Y Anal.Y.qis - Sojenium Spi�cw,5
Laboratory Analysis- Particulate fraction Selenium
Laboratory Analysis - hinta
Total Laboratory Ana]yses
Subcontractor overhead chirgo: 10%'
. .... ..... I., --- ---- Embr.yo Analysis
Sample Preparation and Pick-up
. ... .... . . .......
11
TOTAL
Sincerely,
Ron Weddle
Contracts ManagOr
N,. of Sa-nn pl e
qCost l"Si ate
.1
(if 6iL
S 9,192
20
'S 250
$ 4,515
$ 480
S 6.100
16,345
1,635
1,584
. .... .....
S 1,660
— ---------
$ 100
$ 22,458 __
577,868
BIG CANYON WASH WETLANDS RESTORATION PROJECT
SELENIUM MONITORING PHASE 11 — PRELIMINARY SOURCE TRACKING and
SELENIUM MONITORING PROJECT
Introduction
Big Canyon Wash is a small tributary drainage to Upper Newport Bay that drains a
watershed of approximately 2 square miles (Figure 1). The majority of the
watershed (approximately 96 %) is highly developed with homes, commercial areas,
a golf course, cernetery, and other urban features. The 60 -acre undeveloped portion
of Big Canyon Wash (Big Canyon Creek Nature Park) has been identified by the
Southern California Wetlands Recovery Project (SCWRP) as an important resource
that is in need of restoration. The City of Newport Beach was directed by the City
Council to move forward with restoration efforts in the canyon (Weston, 2007).
Weston Solutions was hired to establish baseline water quality conditions in the
canyon and to assess appropriate design elements that could be incorporated into
the restoration plan to address identified existing or future water quality issues
(Weston, 2007).
The resultant study conducted by Weston Solutions (2007) showed that water
column concentrations throughout the lower part of Big Canyon west of Jamboree
Road exceed the California Toxics Rule (CTR) freshwater chronic criterion for
selenium of 5 micrograms per liter (pg /L) under both wet and dry conditions. In
addition, investigations by Southern California Coastal Research Project (SCCWRP;
Sutula et al., 2008) have indicated that selenium concentrations in soils in the lower
portion of Big Canyon Wash (near Back Bay Drive) exceed the selenium screening
value for substantial ecological risk of 4 milligrams per kilogram (mg /kg) dry weight
(Presser et al. 2004). Selenium is a bioaccumulative compound that has been
associated with reproductive impairment in fish and birds. Ecological risk screening
values for selenium are shown in Table 1.
Table 1. Ecological Risk Screening Levels for Selenium
Media
Ecological Risk Level (mg/ q dw
T None
Marginal
Substantive
_
Freshwater
<2 AIL
2 -5 /L
>5 /L
Sediment
<2
2 -4
_ >4
Diet fish & birds
"
3 -7
>7
Fish Tissue
<4
4-6
>6
.- ..._...
Bird Egg Tissue
--
<6
-- -
6 -10
>10
(Source: Presser et al., 2004)
The sources of selenium in the watershed have not all been identified. The steep
cliffs that rim Big Canyon Wash are formed primarily of the Miocene Monterey
Formation. This formation is a known source of selenium in California and is a likely
source of selenium in Big Canyon. Selenium may have also accumulated in the
canyon bottom soils, especially in the freshwater marsh areas.
The changes in canyon hydrology and the areas tributary to Big Canyon Wash as
the watershed has developed have likely contributed to the mobilization of selenium.
Urban landscape irrigation, the construction of an 18 -hole golf course in the up-
gradient part of the canyon east of Jamboree Road (Figure 1), Big Canyon
Reservoir, and storm drain systems that discharge to the canyon, have changed the
canyon's flow regime from ephemeral to perennial. This has resulted in significant
changes in habitat and has likely contributed to the high selenium concentrations
that have been found in the soils and water in the canyon.
A baseline monitoring study in the Big Canyon Creek Nature Park was recently
completed by CH2M HILL. From June 9 -11, 2008, CH2M HILL staff collected
samples of water, sediment, and biota from different areas within the nature park to
evaluate selenium concentrations and potential impacts in the food webs in the area
Samples were collected from the up- gradient portion of the canyon just west of
Jamboree Road, in the freshwater marsh and riparian areas in the upper and middle
sections of the canyon, and in the fresh and salt water marshes in the lower part of
the canyon. Biological samples collected and submitted for analysis included algae,
dragonfly larvae, crayfish, mosquito fish, fathead minnows, and African clawed frogs
No nesting birds were observed at the time and therefore, no bird eggs were
collected. Several of the water column samples were also submitted for selenium
speciation analysis.
The data collected indicate that selenium concentrations in sediment and the biota in
the park are extremely high — an order of magnitude higher than the concentrations
measured in biota in the San Diego Creek watershed — despite the fact that the total
selenium concentrations in the surface waters in Big Canyon Creek are similar to
those measured in the lower part of San Diego Creek (Table 2). The selenium
concentrations in water, sediment, and tissue collected from Big Canyon Creek
Nature Park all exceeded the ecological risk screening values shown in Table 1.
Selenium concentrations in sediment as high as 122 mg /kg dry weight (dw) were
found in the lower freshwater marsh ponds. Fish tissue concentrations in this area
range from 58 -64 mg Se /kg dw, and algae and dragonfly larvae selenium
concentrations exceed 30 mg /kg dw. Selenium concentrations in sediment and
biota were elevated throughout the park, even in the middle and upper sections of
the canyon. Selenium concentrations in sediment at these locations, though not as
elevated as that seen in the lower freshwater marsh ponds, are still elevated well
above screening levels (20 -27 mg Se /kg dw; Figure 4) and algae, crayfish, fish
(fathead minnow and mosquito fish), and frogs were also extremely high (35 -57
mg /kg dw).
Table 2. Comparison of Median Selenium Concentrations in Surface Waters in San
Diego Creek Basin No. 2 and the Biq Canyon Creek Nature Park
Water
15 p /L
19 /L
Sediment
0.5 m /k d weight
54 /k
m d wei ht
Macroinvertebrates
7 m /k d weight
2 m fk d wei ht
7 m /k d weight
57 k d
m / weight
Selenium speciation data indicate that the selenium in the surface flows that enter
the nature park from upstream of Jamboree Road is composed of a significant
amount of the more bioavailable inorganic form of selenium known as selenite (Se
IV) than the flows in the San Diego Creek watershed. Approximately 21 percent ( %)
of the selenium in the baseflow in the canyon was composed of selenite, 78% was
selenate (Se VI), and less than 1% was organic selenium (primarily, methylselenic
acid). Since the majority of selenium in groundwater is in the form of selenate (this
is supported locally by the data collected from storm drain #1 [LBCW- SD #1], which
flows year round due to groundwater leakage into the storm drain, the presence of
so much selenite in the flows at the upper end of the park indicate that it is likely that
conversion of selenate to selenite is occurring upstream of the park. Within the
nature park, the percentage of selenite continues to increase downstream with 30-
40% of the selenium in the lower freshwater marsh ponds being composed of
selenite. The percentage of organic selenium also increases from less than I% at
the upper end of the park to nearly 3% in the ponds.
The presence of the relatively high proportions of selenite in the surface waters in
the park is the most likely reason for the extremely high concentrations of selenium
in sediment, algae, invertebrates, frogs, and fish. The concentrations of selenium in
the fish and frogs are well into to the range of selenium concentrations that are
associated with deformities (teratogenesis) in fish and birds. It is likely that turtles
and some birds may be similarly affected. It is therefore, very important that the
sources of selenium in the surface water flows that enter the park, and the
mechanism(s) for the conversion of selenate to selenite that occur(s) up- gradient of
the park, be identified so that steps may be taken to try to control, mitigate, or
eliminate them before the surface waters enter the park. The sources of selenium
also need to be identified so that the plans for the nature park restoration can be
modified, if necessary, to incorporate selenium treatment or source controls, or, if
impairment due to selenium continues to occur under post- restoration conditions,
additional remediation options can be considered.
Potential Sources of Water Selenium and Selenium Conversions in the Big Canyon
Watershed
Sources within the Nature Park
There are seven storm drains that have been identified in the nature park. Five of
these drains are located on the north side of the canyon and two on the south side.
The westernmost storm drain on the north side of the canyon (SD #1) appears to flow
perennially and has a small catchment area at its discharge point. Water flows from
the catchment into the riparian area located along the northern side of the lower part
of the canyon. Given the volume of the flow from this drain, it is likely that the drain
is intercepting groundwater. The selenium concentration measured in the water
from this drain during the recent baseline monitoring investigation was 13 µg /L.
Based on CH2M HILL's recent reconnaissance and sampling in the nature park, one
other flowing storm drain (SD #3) was identified along the north side of the canyon.
The selenium concentration in the water flowing from this drain was very low ( <5
µg /L).
Groundwater may also surface within the canyon itself, though CH2M HILL staff did
not see any obvious signs of groundwater seepage while they were conducting the
baseline monitoring investigation. However, baseflow in the creek has not been
sequentially measured from the up- gradient to the down gradient end of the creek to
determine if rising groundwater is contributing to the surface flows.
Big Canyon Golf Course
The Big Canyon Golf Course and Country Club is located upstream of the nature
park between Jamboree Road and MacArthur Boulevard (Figure 1). This privately
owned and operated golf course was constructed in Big Canyon Wash in the late
sixties /early seventies and opened in 1971. Several lakes and creeks can be seen
on the course (Figure 2). According to golf course personnel (Jeff Beardsley, Big
Canyon Country Club greens supervisor, personal communication, May 20, 2008)
there was no visible water present when the golf course was constructed.
Currently, surface flows enter the golf course at three main locations east of
MacArthur Boulevard (Figure 2). Mr. Beardsley has estimated the flows from each
of these drainages. The northernmost stream enters the golf course through a 30-
inch pipe at a flow rate of about 25 gallons per minute (gpm) and drains the northern
"port" streets area of Newport Hills Estates. The middle stream enters the course
through a 72 -inch pipe at a rate of approximately 100 gpm and drains the southern
port streets area of Newport Hills Estates. The southernmost stream flows onto the
course at a rate of about 90 -100 gpm through a 72 -inch pipe; the drainage extends
up to Big Canyon Reservoir and drains this area and the residential areas located
just west of the reservoir. Additional water flows from storm drains from the
residential areas located within and adjacent to the Big Canyon golf course. All of
this water flows through the golf course into their ponds and riparian areas. The
flows join near the west end of the golf course, just east of the maintenance building,
then exit the course and flow through a large culvert that extends underneath
Jamboree Road to the nature park (Figure 2). Mr. Beardsley has estimated that
approximately 300 gpm in surface water exits the golf course and enters the nature
park (faxed map received August 6, 2008). Mr. Beardley has also observed that
irrigation from upstream residences in the morning hours results in noticeable
increases in the surface water flows that enter the golf course.
The surface water that enters the golf course is not used for irrigation, but feeds the
lakes and creeks that dot the course. The course uses approximately 60%
reclaimed water from the Irvine Ranch Water District and 40% potable water from
the Green Acres project to irrigate their greens. The lakes on the golf course may
be converting selenate to selenite, which would explain the high concentrations of
selenite in the surface waters entering the Big Canyon Nature Park.
Tributary Streams to Big Canyon Creek
As previously noted, three main drainages (Big Canyon Wash north, middle and
south branches) appear to conduct surface flows from the upstream areas through
the Big Canyon golf course where they join prior to continuing down into the nature
park and Upper Newport Bay. The south branch passes through the Harbor View
Nature Park which appears to contain a riparian corridor. If the surface waters in
this branch of the creek contain selenium, there may be some conversions of
selenate to selenite occurring in this part of the tributary. There also may be other
areas within the three tributaries where selenium conversions could occur if
selenium is present within surface water flows.
Big Canyon Reservoir
The Big Canyon Reservoir is a 23 -acre facility that was constructed in 1958 as a
drinking water reservoir and has a capacity of 195 million gallons (George Murdock,
City of Newport Beach, personal communication, May 15, 2008). The reservoir is
owned and operated by the City of Newport Beach Utilities Department and was
recently fully covered (as of September 2004) to prevent water loss from evaporation
and contamination from airborne pollutants. Though the reservoir is asphalt -lined
and underlain by a five -foot deep clay layer, it does leak and a system of
underdrains and piezometers around the reservoir track the rate and amount of
leakage. This slow leakage from the reservoir likely contributes to groundwater
recharge. The water table at the base of the reservoir dam is around eight (8) feet
below grade (George Murdock, City of Newport Beach, personal communication,
May 15, 2008).
Pacific View Memorial Park
Pacific View Memorial Park cemetery and mortuary (Figure 1) opened in 1958 in
Corona del Mar. The 45 -acre facility includes private garden estates, sloping lawns
and abundant landscaping. Irrigation of the park grounds may contribute to
groundwater recharge and selenium mobilization in the area. Two fountains and two
artificial streams on the grounds constantly recycle water so there is no infiltration
from those systems (Cathy Wadsworth, office manager, Pacific View Memorial Park,
personal communication, May 19, 2008).
Residential and Commercial Landscape Irrigation
Approximately 96% of the Big Canyon watershed has been developed for urban use
with homes, schools, and commercial operations. Much of the urban area is heavily
landscaped and irrigated providing another source of infiltrating water to the
watershed; however, the magnitude of the contribution of this source to surface and
groundwater flow in Big Canyon Wash is not known.
Shallow Groundwater Upstream of Big Canyon Creek Nature Park
A perched shallow water table underlies the site of the old Ford Aeronutronic
property located north of Ford Road, between Jamboree Road and MacArthur
Boulevard (Geomatrix, 2008). A groundwater divide bisects the site and in the
southern portion of the site, groundwater flows almost due west to the northwestern
quadrant of the golf course. Groundwater likely surfaces somewhere either on the
golf course or just on the west side of Jamboree Road in the Nature Park. Water
quality samples collected from the monitoring wells at the site have not yet been
analyzed for selenium concentrations.
There is also a high water table in the Spyglass Hill area beneath the Newport Hills
Estates area (the port streets) located upstream of the nature park near the Big
Canyon Reservoir (George Murdoch, City of Newport Beach, personal
communication, May 15, 2008). The shallow groundwater from this area also likely
contributes to the surface and subsurface flows that enter the golf course and
ultimately, the nature park.
Unidentified Sources
There may be other sources of water and groundwater to Big Canyon Wash and the
golf course that are not readily identifiable. The source investigation should
determine if all potential sources of selenium and their relative contributions to
selenium loads in the canyon have been identified.
Proposed Scope of Work
A combination of sampling water, algae, and biota in Big Canyon Wash and flow
estimates throughout the Big Canyon watershed will be conducted to evaluate the
potential sources and loads of pollutants entering the drainage.
Water samples (Se speciation) will be collected from the Big Canyon Wash
freshwater pond outlet, mid -pond, inlet, and below Jamboree Road. In addition,
algae, benthic and water column invertebrates, fish, and bird eggs will be collected
from the pond for total selenium analysis. These samples will be compared to the
results of the 2008 sampling effort and bird eggs will be compared to concentrations
found in other parts of the Newport Bay watershed. Bird eggs will be opened and
embryos evaluated for effects characteristic of selenium toxicosis before sending
them to the laboratory for chemical analyses.
Since it appears that the golf course ponds may play an important role in the
conversion of selenate to the more bioavailable selenite before the surface flows
enter the nature park, the selenium source tracking investigation should also focus
on identifying the following:
• Sources of water that may enter the golf course grounds, both as surface
flows and subsurface flows (former Ford plant, Spyglass Hill area, tributary
drainages to Big Canyon creek);
• Surface water flow paths through the golf course to Big Canyon Creek;
• Selenium concentrations, selenium species, and flow estimates in surface
flows before they enter the golf course;
• Selenium concentrations, and selenium species in the creeks and ponds on
the golf course; flow estimates where appropriate;
• Selenium concentrations, selenium species, and flow estimates in the surface
waters that enter the golf course (Big Canyon Wash north, middle, and south
branches) and exiting the golf course, under Jamboree Drive.
Investigation of Big Canyon Wash Hydrology and Pollutant Sources and Loads
The flow regimes in the Big Canyon watershed need to be defined in terms of
groundwater contributions or losses (gaining reaches or losing reaches of the creek)
in baseflows, and water sources and pollutant transport mechanisms. Storm drains
and urban runoff are readily identifiable sources of flow to the drainage, but it is not
known whether rising groundwater conditions occur within the nature park, the golf
course, or elsewhere in the watershed. In order to determine the groundwater
contributions and pollutant sources and loads in the Big Canyon drainage, estimates
of flow must be added to water quality sampling. Water quality and selenium
analyses have already been conducted on water column samples collected from the
nature park in June 2008 by C112M HILL. However, sampling of the creeks and
ponds on the golf course has not yet been conducted and the flows in the creek in
the nature park and the golf course have not yet been measured to determine dry
season baseflow conditions.
Sample Collection and Analysis
Samples must be collected and processed in accordance with Surface Water
Ambient Water Monitoring Program (SWAMP) protocols. Analytical laboratory
results must be reported in SWAMP database format. Original analytical laboratory
reports, including quality assurance /quality control reports and chain -of- custody
documents, should also be submitted in electronic format as Adobe Acrobat pdf files.
Field observations should include the presence or absence of algae or water plants,
riparian vegetation along creek areas, benthic and water column invertebrates (e.g.,
chironomid larvae [blood worms], dragonfly or mayfly larvae, waterboatmen
[corixids], or crayfish), amphibians (frogs or turtles), fish, and birds. Any
groundwater seeps or springs should also be identified. Sample sites and stream
transects /gauging stations should be located using GPS coordinates.
The water quality samples should be collected from the locations shown on Figure 2
(up to 21 samples if there is water at all the sample sites) plus the three samples
from the lower Nature Park pond and should be analyzed for the listed groups of
constituents (Table 3). In addition, three samples will be collected for water column
particulate selenium from three of the water quality sampling sites (locations to be
determined, based on obvious availability of particulates in the water at the time of
sampling). The particulate fraction samples and all dissolved fraction samples will
be filtered in the laboratory within 24 hours of sample collection. Algae, benthic and
water column invertebrates, fish, and bird eggs will be collected from the Nature
Park pond in the lower canyon, as available. It is anticipated that three to five
samples may be collected from each of these four main tissue types (12 to 20 biota
samples, total). Table 4 provides the individual parameters for each group of
constituents for water and tissue.
Table 3. Water Q ality Samples and Flow Estimates by Location
SAMPLE
LOCATION
SAMPLES
Flow
Estimate
Tissue Total .
Selenium .
Water Quality
Parameters
Selenium
Species
INFLOW 1
1
1
1
1
INFLOW 2
1
1
1
1
INFLOW 3
1
1
1
1
INFLOW 4
1
1
1
1
INFLOW 5
1
1
1
1
INFLOW 11
1
1
1
1
INFLOW 15
1
1
1
1
OUTFLOW
1
1
1
1
LAKE 1
1
1
1
LAKE 3
1
1
1
LAKE 4
1
1
1
LAKE 5
1
1
1
LAKE 6
1
1
1
RIPARIAN 1
1
1
1
1
RIPARIAN 2
1
1
1
1
RIPARIAN 3
1
1
1
1
Golf Course
Irrigation Water
1
1
1
Lower Nature Park
Pond
3
20
3
3
QA/QC Duplicates
1
1
1
Total Samples
21
1 11
1 20
21
21
The following Table 4 lists the recommended analytical parameters for the water
column and biota tissue samples and Table 5 lists the analytical methods and
detection limits:
Table 4. Analytical Parameters
Water Column Samples
Tissue Samples
Water Quality Parameters
Total Recoverable Se
Total Dissolved Selenium
Total Selenium
Total Recoverable Selenium
ICP -MS w /DRC
Particulate fraction selenium
(groundwater samples)
Trace Metals (Cd, Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb, Zn)
Trace Metals (Cd, Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb, Zn)
Hardness (as CaCO3)
HPLC - ICP -MS w /DRC
Total Dissolved Solids
SeVI
Total Suspended Solids
Percent ( %) Solids
Dissolved Oxygen
Dissolved Organic Carbon
Organic Se
pH
<0.1 µg /L
Temperature
Selenium species
NA
Selenate
Selenite
Methylselenitic acid
Selenomethionine
Selenoc anite
Table 5. Recommended Analytical Methods and Detection Limits for Selenium in
Water
Constituent
Analytical Method
Method Detection Limit
Total Recoverable Se
ICP -MS w /DRC*
<0.5 /L
Dissolved Se
ICP -MS w /DRC
<0.5 pg /L
(groundwater samples)
Selenium Species:
HPLC - ICP -MS w /DRC
SeVI
<0.1 gg /L
SeIV
<0.1 Ng /L
Organic Se
<0.1 µg /L
Selenomethionine
Selenocyanate
Methyl selenic acid
* Dynamic Reaction Cell (DRC)- lowers detection limits and eliminates matrix interferences
ICP -MS w /DRC: Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry with Dynamic Reaction Cell
HPLC - ICP -MS w /DRC: High Performance Liquid Chromatography - Inductively Coupled
Plasma- Mass Spectrometry with Dynamic Reaction Cell
Stream Flow estimates
Ten locations are currently proposed for flow estimates for the area from the eastern
end of the Big Canyon golf course to just downstream of Back Bay Drive at the
western end of Big Canyon Creek Nature Park. Flow estimates will be conducted at
the time of surface water quality sample collection. Flow will be estimated by
measuring average depth, cross - section width, and velocity (using standard hand-
held field velocity meter).
Reporting
It is estimated that the sample collection, and analysis and reporting for the Big
Canyon Wash selenium source - tracking program will take three months to complete.
Estimated Sampling, Analytical, and Reporting Costs
The proposed scope of work is based on existing information and CH2M HILL staff's
professional best judgment. Actual conditions in the field may differ and require
adjustments to the number and type of samples and sample locations. The actual
number of stream flow estimates and biota samples and their locations will be
determined in the field and should be based on existing stream flow conditions and
biota availability. Therefore, all costs should be considered preliminary and subject
to change based on the actual number of samples collected, field conditions,
consultant fees, and laboratory rates for the recommended analyses.
The following tasks and costs have been estimated:
Table 6. Tasks and Estimated Costs
Task
No, of Samples
(if applicable)
Estimated Cost
Se Monitoring and Initial Source Tracking
Project Administration (including 1 site meeting for
2 staff, and 1 teleconference)
$ 9,192
Sample Collection
$ 24,894
Laboratory Analysis - Water Quality
21
$ 5,250
Laboratory Analysis - Selenium Species
21
$ 4,515
Laboratory Analysis- Particulate Fraction Selenium
3
$ 480
Laboratory Analysis - biota
20
$ 6,100
Total Laboratory Analyses
$ 16,345
Subcontractor overhead charge: 10%
$ 1,635
Embryo Analysis
5
$ 1,584
Sample Preparation and Pick -up
$ 1,660
Sample Pick -up
$ 100
Reporting
$ 22,458
SUBTOTAL
$77,868
10
References
Byron, E. and G. Santolo, 2008, Big Canyon Wash Wetlands Restoration, Baseline
Selenium Results, draft report dated July 25, 2008, prepared by CH2MHi11 for the
City of Newport Beach and the Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board.
Presser, T., D. Piper, K. Bird, J. Skorupa, S. Hamilton, S. Detwiler and M. Huebner,
2004, The Phosphoria Formation: A Model for Forecasting Global Selenium Sources
in the Environment. In J. Hein, ed., Life Cycle of the Phosphoria Formation: From
Deposition to the Post - Mining Environment. Elsevier Publications.
Sutula, M., J. Brown, and E. Fetscher, 2008, Habitat Value of Urban Wetlands, final
report dated March 5, 2008, prepared by the Southern California Coastal Water
Research Project for the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board, Grant
Agreement No. 04- 090 - 554 -0.
Weston Solutions, Inc., 2007, Big Canyon Creek Flow and Water Quality
Assessment. Report prepared for WRC Consulting Services, Inc.
Weston Solutions, Inc., 2008, Big Canyon wet weather results unpublished data.
City of Newport Beach NO. BA- 09BA -051
BUDGET AMENDMENT
2008 -09 AMOUNT: $s1,7s1.00
EFFECT ON BUDGETARY FUND BALANCE:
X Increase Revenue Estimates Increase in Budgetary Fund Balance
X Increase Expenditure Appropriations AND X Decrease in Budgetary Fund Balance
X Transfer Budget Appropriations I No effect on Budgetary Fund Balance
SOURCE:
X from existing budget appropriations
X from additional estimated revenues
from unappropriated fund balance
EXPLANATION:
This budget amendment is requested to provide for the following:
To transfer expenditure appropriations from the Irrigation Smart Controller Program to the Big Canyon Creek Restoration
Project and to increase revenue estimates and expenditure appropriations due to a contribution from the Orange County
Nitrogen Selenium Management Program for the Big Canyon Creek Restoration Project.
ACCOUNTING ENTRY:
BUDGETARY FUND BALANCE
Fund Account
REVENUE ESTIMATES (3601)
Fund/Division Account
250 4889
EXPENDITURE APPROPRIATIONS (3603)
Description
Description
Contributions - Governmental Award
Signed:
Signed:
Signed:
Approval: Administrative Services Director
Administrative Approval: City Manager
City Council Approval: City Clerk
Amount
Debit Credit
F
$40,000.00
$41,761.00
Automatic System Entry.
$40,000.00
$41,761.00
�Z7J
Date
Date
Date
Description
Division
Number
7251
Contributions - Capital
Account
Number
CS100709
Big Canyon Creek Restoration
Division
Number
7014
General Fund - Misc Capital
Account
Number
C5100969
Irrigation Smart Controller Program
Division
Number
7014
General Fund - Misc Capital
Account
Number
C5100709
Big Canyon Creek Restoration
Signed:
Signed:
Signed:
Approval: Administrative Services Director
Administrative Approval: City Manager
City Council Approval: City Clerk
Amount
Debit Credit
F
$40,000.00
$41,761.00
Automatic System Entry.
$40,000.00
$41,761.00
�Z7J
Date
Date
Date