Heal the Bay, A BEACH REPORT CARD Heal the Bay is an environmental non-profit dedicated to making the coastal waters and watersheds of Greater Los Angeles safe, healthy and clean. To fulfill our mission, we use science, education, community action and advocacy. The Beach Report Card program is funded by grants from ©2019 Heal the Bay. All Rights Reserved. The fishbones logo is a trademark of Heal the Bay. The Beach Report Card is a service mark of Heal the Bay. We at Heal the Bay believe the public has the right to know the water quality at their beaches. We are proud to provide West Coast residents and visitors with this information in an easy-to-understand format. We hope beachgoers will use this information to make the decisions necessary to protect their health. HEAL THE BAY TABLE OF CONTENTS THE BEACH REPORT CARD SECTION I: INTRODUCTION EXECUTIVE SUMMARY....................................................................................4 ABOUT THE BEACH REPORT CARD (BRC)..................................................6 SECTION II: WEST COAST SUMMARY OVERVIEW OF CALIFORNIA BEACH WATER QUALITY..........................9 BEACH REPORT CARD: HONOR ROLL........................................................12 BEACH REPORT CARD: BEACH BUMMERS..............................................16 TOP TEN BEACH BUMMERS.........................................................................17 ANALYSIS BY BEACH TYPE.......................................................................... 22 ANALYSIS BY BEACH TYPE: IMPACTS OF FIRE..................................... 25 SECTION III: 2018-19 BEACH NEWS CLIMATE CHANGE........................................................................................... 27 FUNDING SHORLINE MONITORING PROGRAMS.................................. 28 NOWCAST UPDATE......................................................................................... 28 RIVER REPORT CARD..................................................................................... 28 NEW BACTERIAL UPDATES.......................................................................... 29 PROP W................................................................................................................ 29 SECTION IV: COUNTY SUMMARIES COASTAL COUNTIES: CALIFORNIA.............................................................31 COASTAL COUNTIES: OREGON / WASHINGTON................................... 48 SECTION V: APPENDICES A // HISTORY OF BEACH BUMMERS......................................................... 54 B1 // GRADES BY COUNTY: CALIFORNIA..................................................55 B2 // GRADES BY COUNTY: OREGON......................................................... 68 B3 // GRADES BY COUNTY: WASHINGTON............................................. 69 C // FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS..................................................... 74 D // METHODOLOGY........................................................................................ 76 E // BILLS............................................................................................................ 78 G // ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS......................................................................... 79 HEAL THE BAY // 2018-2019 BEACH REPORT CARD 3 I. INTRODUCTION WELCOME executive summary California beaches had excellent water quality during the summer months of 2018. Out of almost 500 beaches across the state, 94% received A or B grades for the summer. This is great news for beachgoers. However, the winter months of 2018-2019 saw an abnormally high amount of rainfall, which did not bode well for water quality. Rain washes pollutants and contaminants into the ocean thus lowering water quality. The inordinate amount of rain during the winter months led to lower than average Wet Weather Grades, and the lingering effects of the rain may account for the lower Winter Dry Grades. Increased rainfall is also why we saw a decrease in the total number of beaches receiving perfect scores on our Honor Roll list this year. ● San Clemente Pier holds the number one Beach Bummer spot this year and is one of two Orange County beaches to make the list; Monarch Beach at Salt Creek holds the number six spot. ● Clam Beach at Strawberry Creek in Humboldt County is number two on the list marking its sixth consecutive appearance as a Beach Bummer. HEAL THE BAY // 2018-2019 BEACH REPORT CARD 4 I. INTRODUCTION WELCOME Executive Summary (continued) ● San Mateo County has two the weeks in a season. Beaches in to keep the public safe in a changing only three counties were sampled environment. only enough to receive grades. Sum- In the face of climate change, pre- beaches on the Bummer list: mer Dry Grades in Oregon were Linda Mar at San Pedro Creek good with 78% of the beaches re- (number three) and Aquatic ceiving A and B grades. Park (number 10). This is an All coastal counties in Washington protect human health and the natural had beaches sampled enough to environment. Heal the Bay is lead- be assigned grades. Summer Dry ing innovation in predictive water Grades in Washington were excel- quality modeling with our NowCast ● The two Los Angeles County lent with 97% of the beaches receiv- program. NowCast accurately pre- Beach Bummers came as no ing A and B grades. Oregon and dicts daily water quality at over 20 surprise as Marina Del Rey Washington rely heavily on the U.S. beaches in California, and we will Mother’s Beach (number seven) Environmental Protection Agency’s continue to expand our program to and Cabrillo Beach Harborside (U.S. EPA) Beaches Environmental include more locations to help keep (number eight) have been Assessment and Coastal Health Act more beachgoers safe. mainstays on the list over the (BEACH Act) for ocean beach water years. Long Beach City Beach quality monitoring funding. Unfor- at Coronado Avenue is making tunately, the allocation of funds has its first appearance on the list at not increased substantially since its number four. adoption in 2000. improvement from last year, which saw four San Mateo County Beach Bummers. ● Cowell Beach has been no As the effects of climate change con- stranger to the Beach Bummer tinue to take hold, patterns in rainfall list taking the number five spot and wildfires are expected to change, this year. which can have immense impacts on ● Another newcomer to the Bummer list is Keller Beach South Beach in Contra Costa County, which is number nine on the list. environmental conditions will become increasingly important as initiatives are implemented that Luke Ginger Heal the Bay Water Quality Specialist water quality. California experienced a disproportionate amount of rain and wildfires over the last year, which brought below average Wet Weather Grades in 11 out of 17 Coastal Coun- As in the past, many grades could ties and far below average grades at not be calculated for the state of Or- Malibu beaches where the Woolsey egon this year because the Oregon Fire burned. It is crucial that govern- Department of Environmental Quality ment bodies work to improve their did not meet our sampling frequen- water quality monitoring programs cy standards. To receive a grade a and invest in projects and technol- beach must be sampled for 75% of ogy that will improve water quality HEAL THE BAY // 2018-2019 BEACH REPORT CARD dicting 5 I. INTRODUCTION ABOUT THE BRC THE 2018-19 BEACH REPORT CARD Since its inception over 25 years ago, the Beach Report Card (BRC) has provided beachgoers with reliable and easy-to-understand information about water quality at the beach. The BRC collects shoreline monitoring data from government agencies and issues grades for beaches across California, Oregon, and Washington. The better the grade a beach receives, the lower the risk of illness to beachgoers. Millions of people flock to beaches every year to enjoy the ocean, and fortunately, water quality at West Coast beaches is good 94% of the time during summer months when beaches are most visited. Good water quality at the beach is achieved and maintained through the efforts of nonprofit organizations, federal and local governments, and concerned communities. There are still big improvements to be made. Approximately one million ocean beachgoers contract illnesses each year in Los Angeles and Orange Counties with total healthcare costs of $20 to HEAL THE BAY // 2018-2019 BEACH REPORT CARD 6 I. INTRODUCTION ABOUT THE BRC Introduction (continued) This report assigns three separate streets directly into the ocean through grades for each beach: storm drains, rivers and streams, and $50 million1. Nationwide, 90 million SUMMER DRY WEATHER people contract illnesses from water April – October 2018 recreation annually at a healthcare This is the prime recreation cost of $3 billion2. The public must have accessible and easy-to- understand information about water quality so they can make informed decisions about where and when to get in the water. season in California when beaches are most active. County governments are required to sample during this period according to the California Beach Bathing Water Quality Standards, as defined in Assembly The BRC uses an intuitive A-to-F let- Bill 411 (AB411). Samples taken during ter grading system to provide wa- wet weather were not used for these ter quality information to the public. grades. This annual report issues cumulative grades for beaches on the West Coast, and provides information about other important water quality events that occurred in the past year such as sewage spills, rainfall, and wildfires. Grades are based on routine water quality sampling conducted by County health agencies, State agencies, sanitation departments, and dischargers on the West Coast. For recreational health protection, water samples are analyzed for three fecal WINTER DRY WEATHER Nov. 2018 – March 2019 AB411 does not mandate water quality monitoring for recreational purposes during winter months leading many Counties in California to halt water quality monitoring in the winter season. Additionally, recreation generally decreases at beaches during the winter. Therefore, the winter season is graded separately. Samples taken during wet weather were not used for these grades. over impermeable surfaces such as concrete. This untreated stormwater decreases water quality by increasing the amount of pathogens in the ocean to potentially unsafe levels. Wet Weather Grades consist of samples taken during or three days following a rain event greater than 0.10 inches. These grades are separate from dry weather grades, so we can analyze water quality impacts that are not attributed to rainfall. Beachgoers who recreate at beaches after a rain event have an increased risk of contracting ear infections, eye infections, upper respiratory infections, skin rashes, and gastrointestinal illness3,4,5. Swimmers are advised to stay out of the water for a minimum of three days following a significant rain event (0.1 inches or greater)6. Local governments across the West Coast must continue to invest in stormwater capture projects to prevent untreated stormwater from polluting the ocean while serv- indicator bacteria (FIB): total coliform, WET WEATHER ing as a water source and alleviating fecal coliform (E. coli), and Enterococ- CONDITIONS stressed water supplies in times of cus species. These FIB, in significant April 2018 – March 2019 drought. quantities, indicate the presence of Rain flushes contaminants and pol- harmful pathogens in the water. lution, including bacteria from our 1 Given, S., L. H. Pendleton, A. B. Boehm. 2006. Regional public health cost estimates of contaminated coastal waters: a case study of gastroenteritis at Southern California beaches. Environmental Science & Technology 40: 4851-4858. 2 DeFlorio-Barker,S., C. Wing, R.M. Jones, S. Dorevitch. 2018. Estimate of incidence and cost of recreational waterborne illness on United States surface waters. Environmental Health 17:3 3 Haile, R.W., J.S. Witte, M. Gold, R. Cressey, C. McGee, R.C. Millikan, A. Glasser, N. Harawa, C. Ervin, P. Harmon, J. Harper, J. Dermand, J. Alamillo, K. Barrett, M. Nides, G. Wang. The health effects of swimming in ocean water contaminated by storm drain runoff. 1999. Epidemiology Vol. 10 No.4 355-363. 4 Colford, J.M., T.J. Wade, K.C. Schiff, C.C. Wright, J.F. Griffith, S.K. Sandhu, S. Burns, M. Sobsey, G. Lovelace, S.B. Weisberg. 2007. Water quality indicators and the risk of illness at beaches with nonpoint sources of fecal contamination. Epidemiology Vol. 10 No. 1 27-35. 5 Arnold, B.F., K.C. Schiff, A. Ercumen, J. Benjamin-Chung, J.A. Steele, J.F. Griffith, S.J. Steinberg, P. Smith, C.D. McGee, R. Wilson, C. Nelsen, S.B. Weisberg, J.M. Colford. 2017. Acute illness among surfers after exposure to seawater in dry-and wet-weather conditions. American Journal of Epidemiology Vol. 186 No. 7 866-875. 6 https://www.ioes.ucla.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013healthebayproject-1.pdf HEAL THE BAY // 2018-2019 BEACH REPORT CARD 7 OVERVIEW II. WEST COAST SUMMARY Abalone Cove, Rancho Palos Verdes OVERVIEW OF CALIFORNIA BEACH WATER QUALITY Summer Dry Grades were excellent across the State this year but lower than average with 94% of California beaches receiving A and B grades. Winter Dry Grades were good but below average with 87% of the beaches receiving A and B grades. Wet Weather Grades for the past year were far below average with only 54% of the beaches receiving A and B grades. Note: All averages below refer to the five-year-average unless otherwise indicated. Coastal Counties in California re- ing bacteria, are being flushed into were excellent with 93% of its beach- ceived abnormally high amounts of the ocean. es receiving A and B grades. rain over the last year. All Counties except Del Norte received above average rainfall, which is likely why 11 out of 17 Coastal Counties had lower than average Wet Weather Grades this year. While rain can alleviate drought conditions, more rain means that more pollutants, includHEAL THE BAY // 2018-2019 BEACH REPORT CARD NORTHERN CALIFORNIA OVERVIEW Wet Weather Grades were good but below average with only 81% of Northern California beaches receiv- Northern California consists of all ing A and B grades. counties from Marin County to Del No Counties in Northern California Norte County. monitored beach water quality fre- Summer Dry Grades in this region quently enough during the 2018- 9 II. WEST COAST SUMMARY West Coast Overview (continued) 2019 winter months. The Northern California region received 207 inches of rain, which was the highest compared to the rest of the State and 9% higher than the historical average of 191 inches. The increased rainfall is likely why Wet Weather Grades were below average. However, most of the rain fell during the winter months when the beaches are not monitored. As a result, the full impact of the increased rainfall is unknown. CENTRAL CALIFORNIA OVERVIEW Central California consists of all counties from San Luis Obispo County to San Francisco County. Summer Dry Grades were excellent and slightly above average with 92% of its beaches receiving A and B grades. OVERVIEW Winter Dry Grades were superb and of the beaches receiving A and B higher than average with 100% of the grades. beaches receiving A and B grades. Winter Dry Grades were good but Wet Weather Grades were poor and lower than average with only 85% considerably lower this year with of the beaches receiving A and B only 53% receiving A and B grades grades. compared to the five year average of Wet Weather Grades were poor and 65%. lower than average with only 50% A total of 167 inches of rain fell in of the beaches receiving A and B Central California counties, which grades. is 17% higher than the historical av- Southern California received a total erage of 142 inches. The increased of 76 inches of rain, which is 43% rainfall is most likely the reason be- higher than the historical average hind the lower than average Wet of 53 inches. The increased rainfall Weather Grades. most likely caused a decrease in SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA OVERVIEW Wet Weather Grades and the linger- Southern California consists of all Grades since most rain fell during counties from San Diego County to the winter months. ing effects of the rain may have had a negative impact on the Winter Dry Santa Barbara County. Summer Dry Grades were excellent but lower than average with 95% FIGURE 2-1: CALIFORNIA GRADES (STATEWIDE) 1%1% Summer Dry (April - October 2018) 461 locations 88% Winter Dry (November 2018-March 2019) 326 locations Wet Weather 444 locations 44% 78% 10% 9% 7% 3% 7% 2% 3% 8% 5% 33% 2% 1% 2% Summer Dry (Five year average 2013-2018) 90% Winter Dry (Five year average 2013-2018) Wet Weather (Five year average 2013-2018) 80% 51% 11% 9% 5% 9% 4% 2% 5% 6% 23% Key: HEAL THE BAY // 2018-2019 BEACH REPORT CARD 10 II. WEST COAST SUMMARY OVERVIEW FIGURE 2-2: NORTHERN CALIFORNIA GRADES Key: Combined grades for Del Norte, Humboldt, Mendocino, Sonoma and Marin Counties Summer Dry (April - October 2018) 42 locations 88% 5% 5% 2% Winter Dry (November 2018-March 2019) NO WINTER MONITORING Wet Weather 43 locations 72% 9% 5% 2% 12% 2% 1% 2% Summer Dry (Five year average 2013-2018) 90% 4% Winter Dry (Five year average 2013-2018) NO WINTER MONITORING Wet Weather (Five year average 2013-2018) 80% 5% 5% 6% 5% FIGURE 2-3: CENTRAL CALIFORNIA GRADES Combined grades for San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Cruz, Monterey and San Luis Obispo Counties Summer Dry (April - October 2018) 83 locations 73% 18% 2% 4% 2% Winter Dry (November 2018-March 2019) 42 locations Wet Weather 97 locations 95% 5% 48% 5% 9% 4% 33% Summer Dry (Five year average 2013-2018) 80% Winter Dry (Five year average 2013-2018) 76% Wet Weather (Five year average 2013-2018) 49% 16% 12% 9% 8% 7% 5% 2% 3% 6% 2% 8% 17% FIGURE 2-4: SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA GRADES Combined grades for Santa Barbara, Ventura, Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego Counties 1%1% Summer Dry (April - October 2018) 336 locations 91% 4% 3% Winter Dry (November 2018-March 2019) 284 locations Wet Weather 305 locations 39% 75% 11% 10% 8% 6% 8% 4% 4% 36% 1%1% 1% Summer Dry (Five year average 2013-2018) 93% 4% 1% Winter Dry (Five year average 2013-2018) Wet Weather (Five year average 2013-2018) HEAL THE BAY // 2018-2019 BEACH REPORT CARD 82% 48% 10% 8% 6% 9% 4% 4% 27% 11 II. WEST COAST SUMMARY HONOR ROLL Cabrillo Beach (ocean side) BEACH REPORT CARD: HONOR ROLL To earn a spot on the Honor Roll, a beach must be monitored weekly all year, and the beach must receive an A+ for all seasons and weather conditions (Summer Dry, Winter Dry, Wet Weather). This year, 33 of the 500 monitored beaches made it on the Honor Roll, which is lower than last year (37) likely due to the higher than average rainfall. The Honor Roll is typically dominated by Southern California beaches because many Northern and Central California Counties do not monitor beach water quality year-round. San Diego County had the most Los Angeles County had two beach- beaches on the Honor Roll with 12. es on the Honor Roll: Cabrillo Beach Encinitas and Carlsbad beaches (oceanside) and Las Tunas Beach have been a mainstay on the Honor at Pena Creek. Unfortunately, this Roll for the past decade. is a decrease from last year when Orange County had 10 beaches on the Honor Roll. All four of the Newport beaches from last year’s Honor Roll have fallen off the list as well as three Dana Point beaches. HEAL THE BAY // 2018-2019 BEACH REPORT CARD eight L.A. County beaches made the Honor Roll. Three of the four Malibu beaches fell off the list, as well as all three Palos Verdes beaches from last year’s list. 12 II. WEST COAST SUMMARY HONOR ROLL FIGURE 2-6 Honor Roll (continued) Ventura County had three beaches on the Honor Roll this year: Silverstrand at Santa Paula Dr., Silverstrand at Sawtelle Ave., and Oil Piers Beach. San Luis Obispo County added Cayucos State Beach (downcoast of CITY COUNTY MONITORING LOCATION Santa Cruz Santa Cruz Natural Bridges State Beach Pismo Beach SLO Sewers at Silver Shoals Dr. Cayucos SLO downcoast of the pier San Simeon SLO at Pico Avenue the pier) and Sewers at Silver Shoals Morro Bay SLO City Beach, 75 ft N of parking lot Dr. to the Honor Roll this year along Guadalupe Santa Barbara Guadalupe Dunes with Morro Bay City Beach (north of Channel Is.Harbor Ventura At Santa Paula Dr. (south of drain) parking lot) and San Simeon Beach Channel Is. Harbor Ventura at Sawtelle Ave. (south of drain) at Pico Ave., which were on the list Ventura Ventura Oil Piers Beach - south of drain last year. San Pedro Los Angeles Cabrillo Beach, ocean side Natural Bridges State Beach in Santa Malibu Los Angeles Las Tunas County Beach at Pena Creek Dana Point Orange Harbor Youth Dock Huntington Harbor Orange Trinidad Lane Beach Huntington Harbor Orange Coral Cay Beach Cruz County and Guadalupe Dunes in Santa Barbara County made the Honor Roll. Corona del Mar Orange El Moro Beach Three of the beaches on the Honor Laguna Beach Orange Victoria Beach Roll are enclosed beaches, which is Dana Point Orange South Capistrano Bay Comm. Beach an increase from last year when only Dana Point Orange Dana Strands Beach (AWMA) one enclosed beach made the list. San Clemente Orange Linda Lane Beach San Clemente Orange North beach at Avenida Pico San Clemente Orange at Avenida Calafia Oceanside San Diego projection of Cassidy Street Carlsbad San Diego projection of Poinsettia Lane Carlsbad San Diego projection of Ponto Drive Carlsbad San Diego Encina Creek outlet Carlsbad San Diego projection of Palomar Airport Rd. Carlsbad San Diego projection of Cerezo Drive Solana Beach San Diego Tide Beach Park (proj. Solana Vista Dr.) Cardiff San Diego Seaside State Park Cardiff San Diego Las Olas (100 yds. S of Charthouse ) Cardiff San Diego Charthouse parking ( S. of Kilkeny) Encinitas San Diego San Elijo State Park (proj. Liverpool Dr.) Encinitas San Diego San Elijo State Park, N. end of stairs HEAL THE BAY // 2018-2019 BEACH REPORT CARD 13 HONOR ROLL II. WEST COAST SUMMARY goon. Dry weather storm flows were Phase 2 diverted into the sewer system where This phase is ongoing and will con- they can be treated. A trash separa- sist of increasing the connection tion device was installed in the storm between the lagoon and the ocean. drain to catch trash before it could This will allow for more water circu- enter the lagoon. Phase 1 also re- lation in the lagoon, which has been moved thousands of cubic yards of shown to impact water quality (see Every year, we shine a polluted sediment. Phase 1 was com- beach type analysis). This phase will spotlight on one beach pleted in 2012, which coincides with also restore the wetland habitats that has shown a large Colorado Lagoon’s last appearance throughout the lagoon and remove improvement in water as a Beach Bummer in 2011. invasive species. Honor Roll (continued) BEACH IMPROVEMENT SPOTLIGHT: COLORADO LAGOON NORTH, L.A. COUNTY quality. We do this to highlight successful water quality management practices. Colorado Lagoon was a chronic Beach Bummer prior to 2012. Since then, its grades have greatly improved. This year, Colorado Lagoon North received an A grade for Summer Dry, C for Winter Dry, and an F grade for Wet Weather. Steps Taken to Improve the Beach: Restoration projects have been ongoing for the past decade and consist of two phases: Phase 1 Bioswales were installed to catch runoff from the neighboring golf Colorado Lagoon course before it could enter the la- TABLE 2-5: HISTORICAL GRADES OF COLORADO LAGOON 2017-18 2018-19 2016-17 2015-16 2014-15 2013-14 Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather Colorado Lagoon - North A B C A B D n/a n/a n/a A A F A+ A+ F A A+ F Colorado Lagoon - South A C F A B F n/a n/a n/a A A+ F A+ A+ F A A F HEAL THE BAY // 2018-2019 BEACH REPORT CARD 14 HONOR ROLL II. WEST COAST SUMMARY TABLE 2-6: 2018-19 HONOR ROLL BEACHES AND HISTORICAL GRADES u = Honor Roll = Year Round good or excellent grades = Inconsistent or poor grades County/Beach n/a = Partial or unavailable grades 2018-19 Santa Cruz Santa Cruz, Natural Bridges State Beach u SLO Pismo Beach, Sewers at Silver Shoals Drive u SLO Cayucos, downcoast of the pier u SLO San Simeon, at Pico Avenue u SLO Morro Bay, City Beach, 75 ft N of parking lot u Santa Barbara Guadalupe, Guadalupe Dunes Ventura 2017-18 2016-17 2015-16 2014-15 2013-14 2012-13 2011-12 u u u u u u u n/a n/a Silverstran, Santa Paula Drive u u Ventura Channel Islands Harbor, at Sawtelle Avenue (south of drain) u u Ventura Ventura, Oil Piers Beach, south of drain u n/a Los Angeles San Pedro, Cabrillo Beach, ocean side u Los Angeles Malibu, Las Tunas County Beach, Pena Creek u u Orange Dana Point Harbor, Youth Dock u u Orange Huntington Harbor, Trinidad Lane Beach Orange u n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a u n/a u u u u u u n/a n/a n/a u n/a n/a n/a Huntington Harbor, Coral Cay Beach u n/a n/a n/a Orange Corona del Mar, El Moro Beach u u n/a Orange Laguna Beach, Victoria Beach u u u Orange Dana Point, South Capistrano Bay Community Beach u u u Orange Dana Point, Dana Strands Beach (AWMA) u u Orange San Clemente, Linda Lane Beach u Orange San Clemente, North beach at Avenida Pico u Orange San Clemente, Avenida Calafia u San Diego Oceanside, projection of Cassidy Street u San Diego Carlsbad, projection of Cerezo Drive u u u u n/a San Diego Carlsbad, projection of Palomar Airport Road u u u u n/a San Diego Carlsbad, Encina Creek outlet u u u u n/a u San Diego Carlsbad, projection of Ponto Drive u u u u n/a u u San Diego Carlsbad, projection of Poinsettia Lane u u u u n/a u u San Diego Solana Beach, Tide Beach Park (projection Solana Vista Drive) u u San Diego Cardiff, Seaside State Park u u San Diego Cardiff, Las Olas (100 yards S of Charthouse ) u San Diego Cardiff, Charthouse parking ( South of Kilkeny) u San Diego Encinitas, San Elijo State Park (projection of Liverpool Drive) u u San Diego Encinitas, San Elijo State Park, north end of stairs u u HEAL THE BAY // 2018-2019 BEACH REPORT CARD n/a n/a u u n/a u u n/a u n/a u n/a n/a n/a u u u u u u u u u u u u u u u u u u 15 II. WEST COAST SUMMARY BEACH BUMMERS San Clemente Pier BEACH REPORT CARD: BEACH BUMMERS Unfortunately, every beach does not make the Honor Roll. The beaches that received the ten poorest Summer Grades are called Beach Bummers. Following are the Beach Bummers for 2018-19. 1 SAN CLEMENTE PIER ORANGE COUNTY San Clemente Pier was one of two Orange County beaches to make the Beach Bummer list this year. San Clemente Pier last appeared on the Beach Bummer list in 2016. This beach is impacted by untreated dry weather runoff that flows into the ocean through a nearby storm drain. The City of San Clemente is currently conducting a Microbial Source HEAL THE BAY // 2018-2019 BEACH REPORT CARD Tracking (MST) study, which will help identify the sources of bacteria in the ocean by examining genetic markers specific to certain animal groups (e.g. humans, cows, dogs, horses, birds). The City has also installed bird deterrent netting under the pier to help prevent bacteria-containing bird excrement from entering the water. In April 2019, the City of San Clemente formed their Ocean Water Quality Subcommittee to address the poor water quality around the pier. 16 II. WEST COAST SUMMARY BEACH BUMMERS FIGURE 2-7 Beach Bummers (continued) 2 CLAM BEACH HUMBOLDT COUNTY CHRONIC BEACH BUMMER 1 San Clemente Pier Drain SAN CLEMENTE // ORANGE COUNTY 2 Clam Beach County Park near Strawberry Creek MCKINLEYVILLE // HUMBOLDT COUNTY 3 Linda Mar Beach at San Pedro Creek PACIFICA // SAN MATEO COUNTY 4 Long Beach City Beach at Coronado Avenue LONG BEACH // LOS ANGELES COUNTY 5 Cowell Beach, west of the wharf SANTA CRUZ // SANTA CRUZ COUNTY 6 Monarch Beach North at Salt Creek DANA POINT // ORANGE COUNTY 7 Mother's Beach, between Tower and Boat Dock MARINA DEL REY // LOS ANGELES COUNTY 8 Cabrillo Beach, harborside at restrooms SAN PEDRO // LOS ANGELES COUNTY 9 Keller Beach, South Beach RICHMOND // CONTRA COSTA COUNTY This chronic Beach Bummer is on the list for the sixth straight year. Water quality at this beach is negatively impacted by agricultural runoff that flows into the ocean via Patrick Creek and Strawberry Creek. Humboldt County officials are actively working to identify the largest sources of bacterial pollution at this beach. 3 LINDA MAR BEACH AT SAN PEDRO CREEK SAN MATEO COUNTY Linda Mar Beach has made a second consecutive appearance on the Beach Bummer list, and is one of two San Mateo County beaches on the list this year. This beach is impacted by runoff during dry weather, which flows untreated into the ocean through San Pedro Creek. 4 LONG BEACH AT CORONADO AVENUE LOS ANGELES COUNTY Long Beach City Beach at Coronado Ave. is making its first appearance on the Beach Bummer list, and is one of three L.A. County beaches on the list this year. Water quality at HEAL THE BAY // 2018-2019 BEACH REPORT CARD 10 Aquatic Park SAN MATEO // SAN MATEO COUNTY 17 II. WEST COAST SUMMARY BEACH BUMMERS Beach Bummers (continued) this beach is negatively impacted by dry weather runoff, which flows into the ocean through a storm drain on the beach. Currently, the City of Long Beach is implementing the Municipal Urban Stormwater Treatment (MUST) project. The MUST project will catch stormwater and treat it before it can enter the L.A. River and subsequently impact ocean beaches. The treated water will ultimately be used 5th Street 10th Street to support wetland restorations. Molino Avenue Coronado Avenue Belmont Pier Prospect Avenue Granada Avenue Long Beach TABLE 2-8: HISTORICAL GRADES OF LONG BEACH CITY BEACH Long Beach monitoring locations 2017-18 2018-19 2016-17 2015-16 2014-15 2013-14 2012-13 Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather 5th Street A C F A B F A C F A A F A B F B B F A A C 10th Street A B F A B F A C F A A F A A F B A F B A C Molino Ave. C A F A B F A C F A C F A A F B A F A A C Coronado Avenue F B F A A F C B F A A F A A F B A F C A B Belmont Pier B A F A D F A B F A A+ F A B F B A F C A B Prospect Ave. C A F A C F A B F A A F A+ A F B A F B A B Granada Ave. C A F B B F B C F B C F A+ A F C A F B A A HEAL THE BAY // 2018-2019 BEACH REPORT CARD 18 II. WEST COAST SUMMARY BEACH BUMMERS Beach Bummers (continued) COWELL BEACH 5 WEST OF WHARF SANTA CRUZ COUNTY CHRONIC BEACH BUMMER This chronic Beach Bummer is making its tenth straight appearance on the list this year. Water quality at this Cowell Beach, Santa Cruz beach is negatively impacted by untreated dry weather runoff that flows into the ocean through a storm drain on the beach. The County of Santa years to improve the water quality at makes it a popular beach for fami- Cruz, City of Santa Cruz along with this beach. A bird abatement project lies. Nonprofit partners has formed the was implemented, which consisted Cowell’s (CWG), of deterring seagulls with a falcon. which is dedicated to improving wa- The City also installed a facility that ter quality at this beach. The CWG treated water flowing from Salt Creek has conducted studies to determine before it could enter the ocean. Working Group the sources and distributions of bacteria at the beach. Another goal of CWG is to spread public awareness about water quality at Cowell Beach. 6 MONARCH BEACH AT SALT CREEK ORANGE COUNTY Monarch Beach last appeared on the Beach Bummer list in 2015 and is 7 MARINA DEL REY, MOTHERS BEACH LOS ANGELES COUNTY L.A. County has installed bird exclusion devices and water circulators to help remediate the problem. The restroom building underwent renovations last year replaced pipes and sewer lines. Bioswales designed to catch runoff before it can enter the water were also installed. CHRONIC BEACH BUMMER Marina Del Rey Mother’s Beach is making its fifth appearance on the list this year and is one of three L.A. County Beach Bummers. This beach 8 CABRILLO BEACH INNER/HARBOR SIDE LOS ANGELES COUNTY CHRONIC BEACH BUMMER is considered enclosed because it This beach has appeared on the list is located within the marina and the eight times in the last 10 years and is only connection to the open ocean one of three L.A. County Beach Bum- is through the marina’s entry and mers. Cabrillo Beach (harborside) is exit channel. Because it is enclosed, enclosed by a seawall that cuts the there is little water circulation and beach off from the open ocean. The bacteria and other pollution do not seawall and lack of waves do not al- The City of Dana Point has imple- get flushed away from the beach. low for sufficient water circulation; mented several projects in recent The lack of waves at this beach as a result, bacteria and other pollut- the second Orange County beach to make the list this year. Water quality at this beach is negatively impacted by untreated dry weather runoff that flows into the ocean through a storm drain on the beach. HEAL THE BAY // 2018-2019 BEACH REPORT CARD 19 II. WEST COAST SUMMARY Beach Bummers (continued) ants can build up in the water. The absence of large waves and a strong BEACH BUMMERS TABLE 2-90: SEWAGE SPILLS IN 2018-19 BY CALIFORNIA COUNTY Number of Spills County Volume of Spills (in gallons) Volume that reached surface water # that reached surface water Del Norte County 5 30,575 30,460 5 Humboldt County 15 251,910 134,902 15 current makes it a popular beach for Mendocino County 2 3,086 3,030 2 families with young children. Sonoma County 45 2,836,110 2,833,713 45 Marin County 41 361,657 247,861 41 San Francisco County 4 19,780 19,780 4 In 2016, a study concluded that the elevated Enterococcus levels were Contra Costa County 39 2,452,543 2,440,152 39 at the beach. However, this study Alameda County 32 74,186 70,345 32 San Mateo County 35 223,606 155,107 35 also detected a human source of Santa Cruz County 4 19,922 19,722 4 correlated with bird concentrations bacteria of unknown origin. Subse- Monterey County 4 4,960 4,269 4 quent studies have tried to identify SLO County 7 59,500 56,500 7 where the bacteria are coming from, but these studies were ultimately Santa Barbara County 4 2,057 742 4 Ventura County 4 7,990 5,130 4 Los Angeles County 96 1,545,819 1,308,852 96 infrastructure at the beach was re- Orange County 28 42,547 19,102 28 San Diego County 23 183,634 118,936 23 placed, but the human bacteria per- Total 388 8,119,882 7,468,603 388 inconclusive. In 2017, the sewage sisted7. 9 KELLER BEACH CONTRA COSTA COUNTY Keller Beach South Beach is in Contra Costa County and is making its beds themselves may also be a This beach is also surrounded on all source of bacteria as aquatic plants sides by residential housing so it is have been shown to harbor FIB spe- heavily impacted by runoff. cies . 8,9 first appearance on the Beach Bummer list. This beach is in the San 10 Francisco Bay and is connected to The City of San Mateo has a goose AQUATIC PARK SAN MATEO COUNTY control program in place to reduce the impact that goose excrement has on the water quality. The City of San the open ocean via the Golden Gate Aquatic Park was on the Beach Bum- Mateo is also working on improving Strait. There is little water circulation mer list in 2014 and is the second San its sewer infrastructure with their Ba- at this beach due to its lack of waves Mateo County beach to make the list sin C Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation and the surrounding seagrass beds. this year. This beach sits in a channel Project, which started in 2019. Bacteria and other pollution are not within the San Francisco Bay making easily flushed away from the beach it even more cut off from the open and can build up. The seagrass ocean than a typical enclosed beach. 7 http://ftp.sccwrp.org/pub/download/DOCUMENTS/TechnicalReports/1068_CabrilloQMRA.pdf 8 Odonkor, S. T., J. K. Ampofo. Escherichia coli as an indicator of bacteriological quality of water: an overview. 2013. Mibiology Research volume 4:e2. 9 yappanahalli, M. N., M. B. Nevers, A. Korajkic, Z. R. Staley, V. J. Harwood. Enterococci in the Environment. 2012. Microbiology and Molecular Biology Reviews volume 76: 685-706. HEAL THE BAY // 2018-2019 BEACH REPORT CARD 20 II. WEST COAST SUMMARY BEACH BUMMERS TABLE 2-10: 2018-19 BEACH BUMMERS AND RECENT HISTORY 2017-18 2018-19 2016-17 2015-16 Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather Orange County F D A+ C F F F F C B A n/a Clam Beach County Park, McKinleyville Humboldt County F n/a B F n/a C F n/a F F n/a F 3 Linda Mar Beach, Pacifica San Mateo County F n/a F F F F C A F A C F 4 Long Beach @ Coronado Avenue Los Angeles County F B F B A F C B F A A F 5 Cowell Beach, Santa Cruz Santa Cruz County F A C D B B F A F F A+ D 6 Monarch Beach, Dana Point Orange County F C D C F F D F F F F F 7 Mother's Beach, Marina del Rey Los Angeles County D F F A F B D F F F F F 8 Cabrillo Beach (@ restrooms), San Pedro Los Angeles County D F F D F F B B F A A D 9 Keller Beach South, Richmond Contra Costa County D n/a A B n/a A C n/a D B n/a A San Mateo County D n/a A B n/a F B B F C F F 2018-19 Beach Bummers County 1 San Clemente Pier, San Clemente 2 10 Aquatic Park, San Mateo TABLE 2-11: MOST BEACH BUMMER APPEARANCES DURING LAST DECADE Beach/County County Number of appearances 2018-19 Rank 17-18 Rank 16-17 Rank 15-16 Rank 14-15 Rank 13-14 Rank 12-13 Rank 11-12 Rank 10-11 Rank 09-10 Rank 3 1 1 1 2 2 1 2 9 4 4 6 3 3 Cowell Beach, Santa Cruz Santa Cruz County 10 5 8 Cabrillo Beach at restrooms Los Angeles County 8 8 9 Santa Monica Pier Los Angeles County 6 Clam Beach County Park Humboldt County 6 Poche Beach, San Clemente Orange County 5 1 Marina Lagoon, Lakeshore Park San Mateo County 5 2 Mother's Beach, Marina del Rey Los Angeles County 5 Capitola Beach, Capitola Santa Cruz County 4 Avalon Beach, Catalina Island Los Angeles County 4 Monarch Beach Orange County 3 2 7 7 6 5 6 7 4 1 2 3 6 5 3 4 9 6 7 4 2 2 3 10 5 4 10 8 2 1 6 9 1 6 8 1 4 FOR THE COMPLETE LIST OF BEACH BUMMERS DURING THE LAST DECADE, SEE PAGE 54. HEAL THE BAY // 2018-2019 BEACH REPORT CARD 21 II. WEST COAST SUMMARY ANALYSIS BY BEACH TYPE Monarch Beach 2018-19 Beaches with Good (A or B) Grades Open Ocean Beaches 99% Storm Drain Impacted 92% Enclosed Waterbodies 94% OPEN OCEAN VS. STORM DRAIN VS. ENCLOSED BEACHES Not all beaches are the same when it comes to water quality. We have categorized California’s beaches into three groups for our analysis: Summer Dry 1) Open Ocean Beaches 88% 84% 84% 2) Storm Drain-impacted Beaches 3) Enclosed Beaches Winter Dry 76% 48% Wet Weather 38% OPEN BEACHES Open beaches do not have obstructions between the beach and open water. They experience waves and greater water circulation than a non-open or enclosed beach. These beaches do not have nearby storm drains, streams, or rivers. Open beaches have better water quality than enclosed or storm drain, stream, or river beaches, making them great for HEAL THE BAY // 2018-2019 BEACH REPORT CARD 22 II. WEST COAST SUMMARY BeachTypes (continued) ANALYSIS BY BEACH TYPE FIGURE 2-12: GRADES BY TIME PERIOD & BEACH TYPE : A+B GRADES recreation. We have classified 92 beaches as SUMMER DRY GRADES (APRIL - OCTOBER 2018) open. Summer Dry Grades were excellent with Open Ocean 99% of the beaches receiving A and B grades. Winter Dry Grades were good but below av- : C+D+F GRADES Storm Drain (93 locations) 2018 5-Year Avg. 99% 100% erage with 88% of the beaches receiving A Enclosed (237 locations) 2018 5-Year Avg. 92% 96% 8% 4% (93 locations) 2018 5-Year Avg. 94% 93% and B grades. Wet Weather Grades were good with 76% of the beaches receiving A and B grades. Open beaches have better water quality than enclosed or storm drain, stream, or river 1% beaches, making them great for recreation. As indicated by the poor Wet Weather Grades, WINTER DRY GRADES (NOVEMBER 2018 - MARCH 2019) open beaches are still impacted by stormwater. We advise people to avoid contact with water for at least three days following a sig- 7% 6% Open Ocean Storm Drain (66 locations) 2018-19 5-Year Avg. 88% nificant rain event. Enclosed (157 locations) 96% 2018-19 5-Year Avg. (64 locations) 2018-19 5-Year Avg. 84% 88% 84% 85% 16% 12% 16% 15% STORM DRAIN, STREAM, AND RIVER BEACHES Beaches with storm drains, streams, or rivers 12% flowing into them receive high amounts of 4% runoff. We recommend swimming at least 100 yards away from storm drains, streams, and WET WEATHER GRADES (APRIL 2018 - MARCH 2019) rivers at the beach. Also, avoid contact with Open Ocean the water for at least three days following a rain event. We have classified 237 beaches as impacted by storm drains, streams, or rivers. Storm Drain (88 locations) 2018-19 5-Year Avg. 76% 79% 2018-19 5-Year Avg. 48% 63% Summer Dry Grades were good but below average with 92% of the beaches receiving A Winter Dry Grades were good but below aver- (92 locations) 2018-19 5-Year Avg. 38% 62% 52% and B grades. Enclosed (222 locations) 31% 69% 37% 24% 21% age with 84% of the beaches receiving A and B grades. HEAL THE BAY // 2018-2019 BEACH REPORT CARD 23 II. WEST COAST SUMMARY ANALYSIS BY BEACH TYPE Beach Types (continued) Wet Weather Grades were poor and far below average with only 49% of the beaches receiving A and B grades. This is likely due to the large increase in rainfall over the last year. Avoid contact with the water for at least three days following a rain event. Mother's Beach, Marina del Rey The top six beaches on this year’s Beach Bummer list are impacted by runoff through a storm drain, river, or stream. ENCLOSED BEACHES Enclosed beaches have obstructions like a land mass or wall blocking the beach from the open water. Therefore, these beaches do not receive TABLE 2-13: SUMMER WATER QUALITY AT L.A. CO. ENCLOSED BEACHES Beach/County 2018-19 2017-18 2016-17 2015-16 2014-15 2013-14 Mother's Beach – Playground Area Marina del Rey A A A C F A Mother's Beach – Lifeguard Tower Marina del Rey A A A B F B Mother's Beach – bet. Tower /Dock Marina del Rey D A D F F F Cabrillo Beach – harborside @ restrooms D D B A D F waves and have poor water circulation. Enclosed beaches are usually found in lagoons, marinas, and harbors. Due to their calm waters, enclosed beaches are popular areas for small children and are frequently named “baby beach” or something similar. We have classified 93 beach- higher than average with 38% of the ity because fires damage sewage in- beaches receiving A and B grades. frastructure and increase the amount Four Beach Bummers this year are enclosed beaches. of runoff due to vegetation loss. We compared Winter Dry Grades for Malibu beaches going back five years to see if there was a noticeable es as enclosed. IMPACT OF FIRE Summer Dry Grades for enclosed In early November 2018, the Woolsey lyzed Winter Dry Grades because beaches were excellent with 94% re- Fire burned 96,949 acres of land and the fire happened in early November ceiving A and B grades. destroyed 1,500 structures across and thus Summer Dry Grades would Malibu, Calabasas, and Thousand not capture the effects of the fire. We Oaks . Major wildfires such as this also wanted to eliminate differences can have a big impact on water qual- in grades due to rainfall, therefore Winter Dry Grades were also good with 84% of the beaches receiving A and B grades. Wet Weather Grades were poor but HEAL THE BAY // 2018-2019 BEACH REPORT CARD 10 effect of the Woolsey Fire. We ana- https://cdfdata.fire.ca.gov/incidents/incidents_details_info?incident_id=2282#main_content 24 II. WEST COAST SUMMARY ANALYSIS BY BEACH TYPE Beach Types (continued) Wet Weather Grades were not used for comparison. However, we acknowledge that the effects of heavy rainfall may extend beyond the three days post-rain that are classified as wet weather. Over the last five years, 87% of the Malibu beaches received A and Woolsey Fire B Winter Dry Grades. Winter Dry Grades this year were substantially TABLE 2-14: EFFECTS OF FIRE ON WATER QUALITY GRADES lower with only 57% of the beaches receiving A and B grades. This dropoff is particularly substantial Good Grades (A and B) Year/ No. of Grades Poor Grades (C-F) # % # % considering that 100% of the beach- 2013-2014 21 18 86% 3 14% es in Malibu received A and B grades 2014-2015 22 15 68% 7 32% in the year prior to the fire. Also, in 2015-2016 20 19 95% 1 5% 2016-2017 21 18 86% 3 14% 2017-2018 22 22 100% 0 – Pre Fire Grades 106 2018-2019 21 Post Fire Grades 21 the five years before the fire, the lowest grades for Malibu beaches occurred in 2014-2015 with 68% receiving A and B grades. This is 11 percentage points higher than the 57% A and B grades post fire. More research must be done to measure 87% 12 13% 57% 57% 9 43% 43% how long the impacts of this fire will last, but we will continue to monitor the Malibu beaches and post grades on beachreportcard.org. HEAL THE BAY // 2018-2019 BEACH REPORT CARD 25 III. BEACH NEWS Santa Monica, north of Pier BEACH NEWS: UPDATES The Beach News section discusses some of the major issues that impacted beach water quality over the past year. CLIMATE CHANGE Unfortunately, climate change is inevitable with more and more of its impacts realized every day. At this point, we can only work toward limiting the negative impacts that climate change will have on our health and environment. One potential impact of climate change is poorer recreational water quality along the West Coast. As we have shown, rain and wildfire significantly decrease water quality by increasing the amount of pollution that reaches the ocean. As the climate changes, most of the HEAL THE BAY // 2018-2019 BEACH REPORT CARD coastal areas on the West Coast will receive more rain11. Additionally, changing patterns in rainfall coupled with changes in wind patterns are expected to increase the frequency and size of wildfires12. Governments, leaders, and the public must take immediate action to mitigate the effects of climate change and pollution. Many local governments have made enormous efforts to identify and eliminate runoff entering the ocean, but across the board there are still improvements to be made. Governments must continue to invest in projects that capture and reuse stormwater because the benefits will be threefold. One, capture and reuse prevents pollution from reaching the ocean, thus protecting public health and the natural environment. Two, capture and reuse reduces the amount of water imported to Southern California and subsequently reduces the fossil fuels used to transport the water. Three, the captured water could be used to restore natural coastal habitat which can mit- 11 Neelin, J.D., B. Langenbrunner, J.E. Meyerson, A. Hall, N. Berg. 2013. California winter precipitation change under global warming in the coupled model intercomparison project phase 5 ensemble. Journal of Climate Vol. 26 6238-6256. 12 http://www.climateassessment.ca.gov/techreports/docs/20180827-Projections_CCCA4-CEC-2018-014.pdf 27 III. BEACH NEWS Beach News (continued) igate against the effects of climate change such as sea level rise. In addition, governments should consider implementing policies and programs that will reduce the impacts of fire, rain, and floods such as limits on the amount of development allowed in fire and flood prone areas. FUNDING SHORELINE MONITORING PROGRAMS Going against President Donald Trump’s recommendations, the U.S. Congress passed a 2019 budget that did not make cuts to the U.S. EPA’s Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health Act (BEACH Act). This program funds water quality monitoring in coastal U.S. areas with some States, such as Oregon, relying solely on these grants to sustain their monitoring program. Without the BEACH Act funding, many states would abandon their beach monitoring programs, which would be devastating to public health. Millions of people could get sick by unknowingly exposing themselves to poor water quality. The economic cost would also be severe as coastal recreation and tourism generates well over $100 billion annually13. While funding for the BEACH Act 13 https://coast.noaa.gov/data/digitalcoast/pdf/econ-report.pdf HEAL THE BAY // 2018-2019 BEACH REPORT CARD was secured for 2019, the funding under the BEACH Act continues to be threatened each year, and the amount has not increased significantly since it was adopted in 2000. The Federal Government must increase funding for the BEACH Act so coastal states can keep their communities and visitors safe and healthy. States will also likely need to take local action to maintain a robust recreational water quality program moving forward. California funds statewide beach monitoring programs with BEACH Act resources as well as Senate Bill 482 (SB482), which funds two-thirds of the nonregulatory based shoreline monitoring in the State. SB4482 Allocation is overseen by the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB). However, the funds provided are not sufficient as there are many beaches that do not get monitored, and many counties do not conduct monitoring year round. We recommend that the SWRCB provide additional water quality funding, so counties can expand their monitoring programs year round. The SWRCB must also ensure that every beach applicable under AB411 is monitored. NOWCAST UPDATE For the fourth straight summer, Heal the Bay is providing daily water quality predictions for California Beaches at the Beach Report Card with Now- Cast website and app. NowCast is able to predict concentrations of bacteria in the water on a daily basis thus providing additional information to the public and filling in the time gaps of traditional bacteria sampling. NowCast consists of computer models that examine correlations between environmental conditions (such as temperature and tide) and historical bacteria concentrations. Our models then predict how much bacteria are present in the water given the current local conditions at the beach. Visit beachreportcard.org to find daily predictions for beaches in California. The Beach Report Card with NowCast app is available for free on iOS and Android devices. RIVER REPORT CARD This past May Heal the Bay released its first Annual River Report Card. The River Report Card uses color-grades of Red, Yellow, or Green for 27 freshwater recreation sites in Los Angeles County. Grades are based on levels of bacteria monitored in 2018 and prior years. The River Report Card is the most comprehensive water quality report to date on bacterial pollution in popular freshwater recreation areas within the Los Angeles River Watershed, the Malibu Creek Watershed, and the San Gabriel River Watershed. These valued public places are often used for swimming, wading, fishing, kayaking, 28 III. BEACH NEWS Beach News (continued) and other activities, especially during summer months when communities seek relief from hot SoCal days. Since we started monitoring freshwater recreation sites and making water quality data public, some positive changes have included increased bacterial monitoring and public notification signage in L.A. River recreation zones as well as increased dissemination of water quality information to the public through emails, websites, and other online means by government agencies collecting water quality information. Our annual River Report Card 2018 includes additional recommendations for water quality monitoring and public notification protocols to be the most protective of public health. Before heading to a freshwater recreation area in L.A. County check out our River Report Card at healthebay. org/riverreportcard, which is updated regularly during the summer months. NEW BACTERIAL OBJECTIVES (ADOPTED AUGUST 2018) In August 2018, the SWRCB approved new TMDL and 303(d) bacterial objectives for recreational waterbodies to align the objectives with the U.S. EPA’s 2012 Recreational Water Quality Criteria14,15. These new objectives HEAL THE BAY // 2018-2019 BEACH REPORT CARD do not affect public water quality notifications at the beach, which are laid out in AB411. Despite that, the newly passed objectives are concerning because they are not as protective to public health as they should be. The SWRCB increased the allowable amount of Enterococcus in the water from 104 cfu/100ml to 110 cfu/100ml. In other words, a waterbody can have more bacteria than before and still be compliant. The SWRCB also changed the geometric mean objective for Enterococcus from 35/100ml (30-day geometric mean) to 30/100ml (6-week geometric mean). Changing the 30-day geometric mean to a 6-week geometric mean has no scientific basis and does not incentivize monitoring agencies to sample the water weekly. Monitoring agencies now have two extra weeks to collect the same amount of samples, which is not in the best interest of public health. Water quality information needs to be readily available in order for it to be useful. The SWRCB also proposed to remove fecal coliform bacteria from the updated bacterial objectives. This would have left Enterococcus as the sole bacteria used for TMDL compliance and EPA 303(d) listing. Removing fecal coliform objectives is problematic because fecal coliform exceedances are often independent from Enterococcus exceedances (according to Beach Report Card database), and the World Health Organization advises that at least two FIB should be measured to properly protect public health16. Using the latest research and data, Heal the Bay scientists with the help of other groups successfully convinced the SWRCB to retain fecal coliform bacterial objectives in August 2018. MEASURE W A recent success for L.A. County’s water quality was the passage of Measure W in November 2018. Heal the Bay played an integral role in the passing of Measure W, which will fund stormwater improvement projects around the County. Heal the Bay, along with partners in the OurWaterLA Coalition, are currently working to ensure that nongovernmental stakeholders have decision making roles in the prioritization of projects. We want to ensure that nature-based, equitable, and multibenefit projects are prioritized and implemented. We support projects that improve watershed health and water quality, such as projects that address stormwater runoff and expand and improve green space for all. 14 https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/bacterialobjectives 15 https://www.epa.gov/wqc/2012-recreational-water-quality-criteria-documents 16 https://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/bathing/srwg1.pdf 29 IV. CALIFORNIA COUNTY SUMMARIES Malaga Cove, Palos Verdes Estates COASTAL COUNTIES: CALIFORNIA Heal the Bay provides Beach Report Card grades for all coastal counties in California from Del Norte to San Diego. Here is a brief summary of each county’s monitoring program over the past year, water quality grades, rainfall amounts, and a summary of sewage spills. Note: All averages below refer to the five-year-average unless otherwise indicated. Heal the Bay provides a summer Grades are categorized as wet weath- to see differences in dry versus wet (AB411) dry grade and a winter dry er for any sample taken throughout weather water quality. grade for a beach if the public agen- the whole year (April 1, 2018 to March Sewage cy collected weekly samples for at 31, 2019) during or within 72 hours of through the State Water Resources least 75% of the monitoring time-pe- a rain event of at least 0.10 inches. Control Board’s SSO (Sanitary Sewer riod. To receive a summer dry grade, The difference in frequency of rain Overflow) online database. Only Cat- there had to be at least 23 samples events between counties makes it egory 1 sewage data is recorded for collected between April 1 and Octo- impossible to determine a minimum each county. Category 1 describes ber 31. For a winter dry grade, there sampling threshold for a grade. Thus, discharges of untreated or partially had to be at least 16 samples collect- Heal the Bay generates a grade for treated wastewater of any volume ed between November 1, 2018 and wet weather regardless of the sam- resulting from a sanitary sewage sys- March 31, 2019. ple size. This enables beachgoers tem failure. HEAL THE BAY // 2018-2019 BEACH REPORT CARD spill data is obtained 31 IV. CALIFORNIA COUNTY SUMMARIES SAN DIEGO San Diego County San Diego County Grades 2018-2019 Summer Dry Grades were excellent and close to the fiveyear average with 97% of the beaches receiving A and B grades. Wet Weather Grades were poor and lower than average with only 69% of the beaches receiving A and B grades. Winter Dry Grades were good but lower than average with only 84% of beaches receiving A and B grades. A total of 12 beaches made it on the Honor Roll comprising Summer Dry* # % Winter Dry # % 5-Year Avg. (2013-2018) Wet Weather Summer Dry* # % Winter Dry Wet Weather # % # % # % A 72 95% 33 73% 27 60% 69 94% 34 88% 37 66% B 2 3% 5 11% 4 9% 3 4% 1 4% 6 10% C 2 3% 3 7% 1 2% 1 1% 0 1% 4 6% D 0 0% 3 7% 2 4% 0 1% 1 2% 2 4% F 0 0% 1 2% 11 24% 0 1% 2 6% 8 14% Total 71 45 45 73 38 56 *State AB411 monitoring April thru October. Percentages may not add up to 100 due to rounding. over a third of the beaches on the list. San Diego County received 12 inches of rain, which is 37% Sewage Spill Summary higher than the historical average of nine inches. This may 118,936 account for the lower than average Wet Weather and Win- GALLONS OF SEWAGE Total volume reported to have reached a waterbody in San Diego County ter Dry Grades since most of the rainfall occurred in the winter months. Honor Roll There were 23 sewage spills across the County amounting to 183,634 gallons. Oceanside and Del Mar beaches were Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather Oceanside, projection of Cassidy Street A+ A+ A+ Carlsbad, projection of Cerezo Drive A+ A+ A+ Carlsbad, projection of Palomar Airport Road A+ A+ A+ Monitoring agencies in San Diego County: • The City of Oceanside • The City of San Diego • Encina Wastewater Authority • San Elijo Joint Powers Authority • Port of San Diego • The County of San Diego Department of Environmental Health (DEH) Carlsbad, Encina Creek outlet A+ A+ A+ Carlsbad, projection of Ponto Drive A+ A+ A+ Carlsbad, projection of Pointsettia Lane A+ A+ A+ Encinitas, San Elijo State Park, north end A+ A+ A+ For additional water quality information: County of San Diego Department of Environmental Health www.sdbeachinfo.com Encinitas, San Elijo State Park, Liverpool Drive A+ A+ A+ Cardiff State Beach, Charthouse parking lot A+ A+ A+ Cardiff State Beach, Las Olas A+ A+ A+ Cardiff State Beach, Seaside State park A+ A+ A+ Solana Beach, Tide Beach Park A+ A+ A+ impacted by spills. A complete list of grades for San Diego County’s beach monitoring locations can be found in Appendix B-1. HEAL THE BAY // 2018-2019 BEACH REPORT CARD 32 IV. CALIFORNIA COUNTY SUMMARIES ORANGE Orange County Orange County Grades 2018-2019 Summer Dry Grades were excellent and almost equal to the five-year average with 97% of the beaches receiving A and B grades. Wet Weather Grades were poor but higher than average with 56% of the beaches receiving A and B grades. Winter Dry Grades were equal to the five-year average with 93% of the beaches receiving A and B grades. A total of 10 beaches made it on the Honor Roll, compris- Summer Dry* 5-Year Avg. (2013-2018) Winter Dry % A 106 92% 96 86% 50 42% 105 B 5 4% 8 7% 16 14% C 2 2% 1 1% 8 D 0 0% 4 4% F 2 2% 3 3% Total 115 # Wet Weather Summer Dry* # % # 112 % Winter Dry Wet Weather % # % # 95% 88 84% 44 42% 4 4% 9 9% 9 9% 7% 1 1% 4 3% 10 9% 7 6% 0 0% 1 1% 9 8% 37 31% 1 1% 3 3% 34 32% 118 # 111 104 % 105 *State AB411 monitoring April thru October. Percentages may not add up to 100 due to rounding. ing a third of all the beaches on the Honor Roll. Sewage Spill Summary Monarch Beach (at Salt Creek), and San Clemente Pier both made the Beach Bummer list. Orange County received 17 inches of rain, which is 94% 19,102 GALLONS OF SEWAGE Total volume reported to have reached a waterbody in Orange County higher than the historical average of nine inches. Honor Roll There were 28 sewage spills reported across the County Summer Dry equaling 42,547 gallons. Laguna Beach, Newport Harbor, and Corona Del Mar beaches were impacted by spills. A complete list of grades for Orange County’s beach monitoring locations can be found in Appendix B-1. Monitoring agencies: • Orange County Environmental Health • South Orange County Wastewater Authority • Orange County Sanitation District (OCSD) For additional water quality information: County of Orange Environmental Health Division www.ocbeachinfo.com Winter Dry Wet Weather Huntington Harbor, Trinidad Lane Beach A+ A+ A+ Huntington Harbor, Coral Cay Beach A+ A+ A+ Corona del Mar, El Moro Beach A+ A+ A+ Laguna Beach, Victoria Beach A+ A+ A+ Dana Strands Beach A+ A+ A+ South Capistrano Community Beach A+ A+ A+ San Clemente, North Beach at Avenida Pico A+ A+ A+ San Clemente, Linda Lane Beach A+ A+ A+ San Clemente, Avenida Calafia A+ A+ A+ Dana Point Harbor, youth dock A+ A+ A+ Beach Bummers HEAL THE BAY // 2018-2019 BEACH REPORT CARD Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather Dana Point, Monarch Beach North F F D San Clemente Pier F D A+ 33 IV. CALIFORNIA COUNTY SUMMARIES LOS ANGELES Los Angeles County Los Angeles County Grades 2018-2019 Summer Dry Grades were excellent but slightly lower than average with 91% of the beaches receiving A and B grades. Wet Weather Grades were poor and considerably lower than average with only 30% of the beaches receiving A and B grades. Winter Dry Grades were poorer and below average with only 70% of the beaches receiving A and B grades. Summer Dry* # % 5-Year Avg. (2013-2018) Winter Dry # Wet Weather Summer Dry* % # % Winter Dry Wet Weather # % # % # % A 76 85% 51 55% 21 21% 78 87% 63 75% 31 35% B 5 6% 14 15% 9 9% 6 7% 9 11% 10 11% C 5 6% 19 20% 8 8% 2 2% 5 6% 8 9% D 2 2% 3 3% 6 6% 2 2% 2 2% 5 6% F 1 1% 6 6% 55 56% 2 2% 5 6% 35 39% Total 89 93 99 89 84 89 Cabrillo Beach (oceanside) and Las Tunas Beach (at Pena Long Beach Grades Creek) made it on the Honor Roll list. 2018-2019 Long Beach City Beach (Coronado Ave.), Cabrillo Beach Summer Dry* (harborside), and Marina Del Rey Mother’s Beach all made # % Winter Dry # 5-Year Avg. (2013-2018) Wet Weather Summer Dry* % # % # % Winter Dry # Wet Weather % # % the Beach Bummer list. A 10 59% 8 53% 0 0% 11 77% 9 64% 0 3% L.A. County received 15 inches of rain, which is 46% higher B 2 12% 3 20% 0 0% 3 18% 3 22% 0 0% above the historical average of 10.5 inches. This may ac- C 3 18% 4 27% 0 0% 1 5% 1 10% 0 3% count for the lower than average Wet Weather and Winter D 1 6% 0 0% 0 0% 0 0% 0 3% 1 4% F 1 6% 0 0% 17 100% 0 0% 0 1% 13 90% Total 17 Dry Grades since most of the rainfall occurred in the winter months and the effects of rain may linger beyond the wet weather period of three days. There were 96 sewage spills across the County totaling 1.5 million gallons. Avalon Bay beaches and Long Beach City Beach were reported as impacted by spills. However, the number of impacted beaches may be higher. There were 15 17 15 15 15 *State AB411 monitoring April thru October. Percentages may not add up to 100 due to rounding. Sewage Spill Summary 1,300,000 GALLONS OF SEWAGE Total volume reported to have reached a waterbody in Los Angeles County six spills greater than 10,000 gallons in waterways that Honor Roll eventually flow into the ocean near recreational beaches, Summer Dry yet no beaches were reportedly impacted and no health advisories were issued. Winter Dry Wet Weather Malibu, Las Tunas County Beach A+ A+ A+ Cabrillo Beach, ocean side A+ A+ A+ A complete list of grades can be found in Appendix B-1. Monitoring agencies: • City of Los Angeles’ Environmental Monitoring Division (EMD) at Hyperion Sewage Treatment Plant • The Los Angeles Co. Dept. of Public Health Environmental Health program • Los Angeles County Sanitation District • City of Long Beach, Environmental Health Division • The City of Redondo Beach. For additional water quality information:County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health Environmental Healthhttp://publichealth.lacounty.gov/eh City of Long Beach http://www.longbeach.gov/health/inspections-and-reporting/ inspections/recreational-water-samples/?folderid=4415&1 HEAL THE BAY // 2018-2019 BEACH REPORT CARD Beach Bummers Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather Mother's Beach, Marina del Rey D F F Long Beach, projectioon of Coronado Avenue F B F Cabrillo Beach, harborside at restrooms D F F 34 IV. CALIFORNIA COUNTY SUMMARIES VENTURA Ventura County Ventura County Grades 2018-2019 Summer Dry Grades were excellent with 100% of the beaches receiving A grades. Wet Weather Grades were poor and markedly below average with only 67% of the beaches receiving A and B grades. Winter Dry Grades were excellent and above average with 100% of the beaches receiving A grades. Silverstrand (Santa Paula Dr.), Silverstrand (Sawtelle Ave.), Summer Dry* # A % 40 100% Winter Dry # 5-Year Avg. (2013-2018) Wet Weather Summer Dry* % # % 18 100% 15 56% # % Winter Dry Wet Weather # % # % 40 100% 14 90% 25 79% B 0 % 0 0% 4 15% 0 0% 1 5% 3 10% C 0 % 0 0% 5 19% 0 0% 0 3% 2 6% D 0 % 0 0% 0 0% 0 0% 0 1% 1 2% F 0 % 0 0% 3 11% 0 0% 0 1% 1 3% Total 40 18 27 40 15 32 *State AB411 monitoring April thru October. Percentages may not add up to 100 due to rounding. and Oil Piers Beach made the Honor Roll. Sewage Spill Summary Ventura County received 17 inches of rain, which is 38% higher than the historical average of 12 inches. This may 5,130 account for the lower than average Wet Weather and Win- GALLONS OF SEWAGE Total volume reported to have reached a waterbody in Ventura County ter Dry Grades since most of the rainfall occurred in the winter months. Honor Roll Grades There were four sewage spills reported across the County totaling 7,990 gallons. San Buenaventura Beach and Surfer’s Point at Seaside Park were both impacted by spills. A complete list of grades for Ventura County’s beach monitoring locations can be found in Appendix B-1. Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather Silverstrand, at Santa Paula Drive A+ A+ A+ Silverstrand, at Sawtelle Avenue A+ A+ A+ Oil Piers Beach A+ A+ A+ For additional water quality information: Ventura County’s Environmental Health Division https://vcrma.org/beaches-and-sampling-results Emma Wood State Beach HEAL THE BAY // 2018-2019 BEACH REPORT CARD 35 IV. CALIFORNIA COUNTY SUMMARIES SANTA BARBARA Santa Barbara County Santa Barbara County Grades 2018-2019 Summer Dry Grades were good but lower than average with 88% of the beaches receiving A and B grades. Wet Weather Grades were poor and lower than average this year with only 44% receiving A and B grades. Winter Dry Grades were excellent and above average with 100% of the beaches earning A grades. Guadalupe Dunes made it on the Honor Roll. Santa Barbara County received 16 inches of rain, which is Summer Dry* # % A 13 81% B 1 6% C 2 D Winter Dry # 5-Year Avg. (2013-2018) Wet Weather Summer Dry* % # % Winter Dry # % # % Wet Weather # % 16 100% 6 38% 15 95% 11 71% 7 43% 0 0% 1 6% 1 5% 2 14% 2 15% 13% 0 0% 2 13% 0 0% 1 8% 2 11% 0 0% 0 0% 2 13% 0 0% 0 1% 2 10% F 0 0% 0 0% 5 31% 0 0% 1 5% 3 21% Total 16 16 16 16 15 16 *State AB411 monitoring April thru October. Percentages may not add up to 100 due to rounding. 15% above the historical average of 13 inches. This may acSewage Spill Summary count for the lower than average Wet Weather and Winter Dry Grades since most of the rainfall occurred in the winter months. 742 GALLONS OF SEWAGE Total volume reported to have reached a waterbody in Santa Barbara County There were four sewage spills reported across the County comprising 2,057 gallons. No beaches were impacted, but Honor Roll Grades 742 gallons did spill into surface water such as a stream, river, lake, or ocean. Summer Dry Guadalupe Dunes A+ Winter Dry A+ Wet Weather A+ A complete list of grades for Santa Barbara County can be found in Appendix B-1. For additional water quality information: Santa Barbara County’s Environmental Health Agency www.sbcphd.org Guadalupe Dunes HEAL THE BAY // 2018-2019 BEACH REPORT CARD 36 IV. CALIFORNIA COUNTY SUMMARIES SAN LUIS OBISPO San Luis Obispo County San Luis Obispo County Grades 2018-2019 Summer Dry Grades were exceptional and above average with 100% of the beaches receiving A grades. Wet Weather Grades were also exemplary and above av- Summer Dry* # A % 19 100% Winter Dry # 5-Year Avg. (2013-2018) Wet Weather Summer Dry* % # % Winter Dry Wet Weather # % # % # % 19 100% 18 95% 16 90% 17 89% 13 69% B 0 0% 0 0% 0 0% 1 7% 1 4% 4 22% C 0 0% 0 0% 0 0% 0 2% 1 4% 1 4% D 0 0% 0 0% 1 5% 0 1% 0 1% 0 1% F 0 0% 0 0% 0 0% 0 0% 0 1% 1 3% Cayucos State Beach (downcoast of the pier), San Simeon Total 19 Beach (at Pico Ave.), Sewers at Silver Shoals Dr., and Morro *State AB411 monitoring April thru October. Percentages may not add up to 100 due to rounding. erage with 95% of the beaches receiving A and B grades. Winter Dry Grades were superb and above average with 100% of the beaches receiving A grades. 19 19 17 19 19 Bay City Beach (75 feet north of the main parking lot) made it on the Honor Roll. Sewage Spill Summary San Luis Obispo County received 14 inches of rain, which is 25% higher than the historical average of 11 inches. 56,500 GALLONS OF SEWAGE Total volume reported to have reached a waterbody in San Luis Obispo County There were seven sewage spills reported across the County amounting to 59,500 gallons. No beaches were Honor Roll Grades reportedly impacted, however, 56,500 gallons spilled into surface water such as a stream, river, lake, or ocean. A complete list of grades for San Luis Obispo County’s beach monitoring locations can be found in Appendix B-1. For additional water quality information: San Luis Obispo County Environmental Health Department Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather Sam Simeon, Pico Avenue A+ A+ A+ Cayucos State Beach, downcoast of the pier A+ A+ A+ Morro Bay City Beach, north of main parking lot A+ A+ A+ Sewers at Silver Shoals Drive A+ A+ A+ https://www.slocounty.ca.gov/Departments/Health-Agency/Public-Health/ Environmental-Health/All-Environmental-Health-Services/Beach-Water-QualityMonitoring.aspx Cayucos Beach HEAL THE BAY // 2018-2019 BEACH REPORT CARD 37 IV. CALIFORNIA COUNTY SUMMARIES MONTEREY Monterey County Monterey County Grades 2018-2019 Summer Dry Grades were excellent and above average with 100% of the beaches receiving A and B grades. Wet Weather Grades were sufficient but below average with only 75% of the beaches receiving A and B grades. Monterey County does not monitor its beaches frequently enough in winter months so no Winter Dry Grade was generated and no beaches from this County were eligible for the Honor Roll. Summer Dry* # % Winter Dry # % 5-Year Avg. (2013-2018) Wet Weather Summer Dry* # % # % Winter Dry # % Wet Weather # % A 7 88% n/a 6 75% 7 85% n/a 7 88% B 1 12% n/a 0 0% 0 5% n/a 0 0% C 0 0% n/a 0 0% 0 5% n/a 1 13% D 0 0% n/a 0 0% 0 5% n/a 0 0% F 0 0% n/a 2 25% 0 0% n/a 0 0% Total 8 8 8 8 *State AB411 monitoring April thru October. Percentages may not add up to 100 due to rounding. Monterey County received 20 inches of rain, which is 23% higher than the historical average of 16 inches. However, most of the rain fell during the winter months when the beaches are not monitored, so we do not know the full impact of the increased rainfall. Sewage Spill Summary 4,269 GALLONS OF SEWAGE Total volume reported to have reached a waterbody in Monterey County There were four sewage spills across the County totaling 4,960 gallons. San Carlos Beach was impacted by a 1,300 gallon spill. A complete list of grades for Monterey County’s beach monitoring locations can be found in Appendix B-1. For additional water quality information: Monterey County Environmental Health Bureau http://www.co.monterey.ca.us/government/departments-a-h/health/environmentalhealth/general/public-beaches-water-quality Asilomar State Beach HEAL THE BAY // 2018-2019 BEACH REPORT CARD 38 IV. CALIFORNIA COUNTY SUMMARIES SANTA CRUZ Santa Cruz County Santa Cruz County Grades 2018-2019 Summer Dry Grades were good and equal to the five-year average this year with 85% of the beaches receiving A and B grades. Wet Weather Grades were poor and lower than average this year with only 39% of beaches receiving A and B grades. Winter Dry Grades were superb with 100% of the beaches receiving A grades. Summer Dry* # % Winter Dry # 5-Year Avg. (2013-2018) Wet Weather Summer Dry* % # % Winter Dry Wet Weather # % # % # % A 7 54% 7 100% 6 33% 10 77% 10 77% 10 49% B 4 31% 0 0% 1 6% 1 8% 2 14% 3 14% C 1 8% 0 0% 1 6% 1 5% 1 5% 4 17% D 0 0% 0 0% 2 11% 0 3% 0 0% 1 4% F 1 8% 0 0% 8 44% 1 8% 1 5% 3 15% Total 13 7 18 13 13 21 *State AB411 monitoring April thru October. Percentages may not add up to 100 due to rounding. Natural Bridges State Beach made it on the Honor Roll list. Cowell Beach West of The Wharf was on the Beach Bum- Sewage Spill Summary mer list for the tenth straight year. Capitola Beach, another 19,722 chronic Beach Bummer in this County, was not on the list GALLONS OF SEWAGE Total volume reported to have reached a waterbody in Santa Cruz County this year. Santa Cruz County received 29 inches of rain, which is 3% Honor Roll higher than the historical average of 28 inches. This may account for the lower than average Wet Weather and Win- Summer Dry A+ Natural Bridges State Beach Winter Dry A+ Wet Weather A+ ter Dry Grades since most of the rainfall occurred in the winter months. Beach Bummers There were four reported sewage spills across the County amounting to 19,922 gallons. No beaches were reported Santa Cruz, Cowell Beach, west of wharf Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather F A C to be impacted, however, 19,722 gallons spilled into surface water such as a stream, river, lake, or ocean. A complete list of grades for Santa Cruz County’s beach monitoring locations can be found in Appendix B-1. For additional water quality information: Santa Cruz County’s Department of Environmental Health Services http://gis.co.santa-cruz.ca.us/PublicWaterQuality Cowell Beach HEAL THE BAY // 2018-2019 BEACH REPORT CARD 39 IV. CALIFORNIA COUNTY SUMMARIES SAN MATEO San Mateo County San Mateo County Grades 2018-2019 Summer Dry Grades were good and better than average this year with 89% of the beaches receiving A and B grades. Wet Weather Grades were poor and substantially lower this year with only 36% of the beaches receiving A and B grades. San Mateo County does not monitor its beaches frequently enough in winter months so no Winter Dry Grade was Summer Dry* # % Winter Dry # % 5-Year Avg. (2013-2018) Wet Weather Summer Dry* # % Winter Dry # % # % Wet Weather # % A 10 53% n/a 7 28% 16 74% 13 68% 7 33% B 7 37% n/a 2 8% 2 9% 2 11% 3 15% C 0 0% n/a 4 16% 2 8% 2 8% 2 9% D 1 5% n/a 0 0% 0 2% 0 2% 3 14% F 1 5% n/a 12 48% 2 8% 2 11% 7 29% Total 19 25 21 20 23 *State AB411 monitoring April thru October. Percentages may not add up to 100 due to rounding. assigned and no beaches from this County were eligible for the Honor Roll. Sewage Spill Summary Aquatic Park and Linda Mar Beach at San Pedro Creek were on the Beach Bummer list. This is an improvement from last year when there were four San Mateo County 155,107 GALLONS OF SEWAGE Total volume reported to have reached a waterbody in San Mateo County beaches on the list. Beach Bummers San Mateo County received 26 inches of rain, which is 20% higher than the historical average of 22 inches. How- Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather ever, most of the rain fell during the winter months when Linda Mar Beach, at San Pedro Creek F n/a F the beaches are not monitored, so we do not know the full Aquatic Park D n/a A impact of the increased rainfall. There were 35 sewage spills reported across the County equaling 223,606 gallons. Pacifica State Beach and Aquatic Park were impacted by spills. A spill in the Foster City Lagoon reportedly did not impact any beaches, however the spill location was close to Kiteboard Beach and Erckenbrack Park. A complete list of grades for San Mateo County’s beach monitoring locations can be found in Appendix B-1. For additional water quality information: San Mateo County http://smchealth.org/environ/beaches San Mateo HEAL THE BAY // 2018-2019 BEACH REPORT CARD 40 IV. CALIFORNIA COUNTY SUMMARIES EAST BAY East Bay: Contra Costa & Alameda Counties East Bay (Combined) Grades 2018-2019 Summer Dry* # % Winter Dry # % 5-Year Avg. (2013-2018) Wet Weather Summer Dry* # % # % Winter Dry # Wet Weather % # % Summer Dry Grades were passing but below average with A 5 63% n/a 3 38% 7 74% n/a 6 63% only 75% of the beaches receiving A and B grades. B 1 13% n/a 1 13% 2 20% n/a 1 8% Wet Weather Grades were poor and below average with C 0 0% n/a 1 13% 1 7% n/a 1 10% only 50% of the beaches receiving A and B grades. D 2 25% n/a 0 0% 0 0% n/a 1 8% F 0 0% n/a 3 38% 0 0% n/a 1 10% Total 8 Beaches in Alameda County and Contra Costa County are not monitored enough in the winter months so no Winter 8 9 10 *State AB411 monitoring April thru October. Percentages may not add up to 100 due to rounding. Dry Grade was issued and no beaches are eligible for the Honor Roll. Contra Costa County Alameda County 2018-2019 2018-2019 Keller Beach South Beach made it on the Beach Bummer Summer Dry* list. # % Winter Dry # % Wet Weather Summer Dry* # % # % Winter Dry # Wet Weather % # % Alameda County and Contra Costa County received 26 A 0 0% n/a 1 50% 5 83% n/a 2 33% inches of rain, which is 20% higher than the historical av- B 1 50% n/a 1 50% 0 0% n/a 0 0% erage of 22 inches. However, most of the rain fell during C 0 0% n/a 0 0% 0 0% n/a 1 17% the winter months when the beaches are not monitored, D 1 50% n/a 0 0% 1 17% n/a 0 0% therefore we do not know the full impact of the increased F 0 0% n/a 0 0% 0 0% n/a 3 50% Total 2 rainfall. There were 71 sewage spills across both Counties totaling 2.5 million gallons. No beaches were reportedly impacted, however 99% of the sewage spilled into surface water such as a stream, river, lake, or ocean. A complete list of grades for Contra Costa and Alameda counties beach monitoring locations can be found in Appendix B-1. For additional information:East Bay Regional Park District www.ebparks.org 2 6 Sewage Spill Summary 2,500,000 GALLONS OF SEWAGE Total volume reported to have reached a waterbody in East Bay counties Beach Bummers Richmond, Keller Beach, South Beach HEAL THE BAY // 2018-2019 BEACH REPORT CARD 6 Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather D n/a A 41 IV. CALIFORNIA COUNTY SUMMARIES SAN FRANCISCO San Francisco County San Francisco County Grades 2018-2019 Summer Dry Grades were exceptional and above average with 94% of the beaches receiving an A and B grade. Summer Dry* # % Winter Dry # % 5-Year Avg. (2013-2018) Wet Weather Summer Dry* # % Winter Dry # % # % Wet Weather # % A 13 81% 14 88% 7 37% 12 81% 10 70% 4 27% B 2 13% 2 12% 1 5% 1 10% 1 5% 3 20% C 1 6% 0 0% 3 16% 1 7% 1 5% 3 17% D 0 0% 0 0% 1 5% 0 1% 1 5% 1 7% F 0 0% 0 0% 7 27% 0 1% 2 14% 5 29% San Francisco County received 26 inches of rain, which Total 16 is 20% higher than the historical average of 22 inches. *State AB411 monitoring April thru October. Percentages may not add up to 100 due to rounding. Wet Weather Grades were poor and slightly below average this year with just 42% receiving A and B grades. Winter Dry Grades were superb and above average with 100% of the beaches receiving A and B grades. 16 19 14 15 17 However, rain runoff generally has a lower impact on San Francisco beaches because their stormwater flows into Sewage Spill Summary the sewer system and gets treated. There were four reported sewage spills across the County 19,780 GALLONS OF SEWAGE Total volume reported to have reached a waterbody in San Francisco County summing to 19,780 gallons. No beaches were reported as impacted, however, 100% of the sewage spilled into surface water such as a stream, river, lake, or ocean. A complete list of grades for San Francisco County’s beach monitoring locations can be found in Appendix B-1. Background Information from the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission For additional water quality information: San Francisco Public Utilities Commission http://beaches.sfwater.org Baker Beach HEAL THE BAY // 2018-2019 BEACH REPORT CARD 42 IV. CALIFORNIA COUNTY SUMMARIES MARIN Marin County Marin County Grades 2018-2019 Summer Dry Grades were excellent with 100% of the beaches receiving A and B grades. Wet Weather Grades were passable but below average with only 75% of the beaches receiving A and B grades. Marin County does not monitor its beaches frequently enough in winter months so no Winter Dry Grade was calculated and no beaches from this County were eligible for the Honor Roll. Summer Dry* # % Winter Dry # % 5-Year Avg. (2013-2018) Wet Weather Summer Dry* # % # % Winter Dry # % Wet Weather # % A 22 92% n/a 17 71% 22 94% n/a 20 87% B 2 8% n/a 1 4% 1 5% n/a 1 2% C 0 0% n/a 1 4% 0 1% n/a 0 0% D 0 0% n/a 0 0% 0 0% n/a 2 7% F 0 0% n/a 5 21% 0 0% n/a 1 4% Total 24 24 23 23 *State AB411 monitoring April thru October. Percentages may not add up to 100 due to rounding. Marin County received 26 inches of rain, which is 20% higher than the historical average of 22 inches. However, Sewage Spill Summary most of the rain fell during the winter months when the beaches are not monitored, so we do not know the full impact of the increased rainfall. 247,861 GALLONS OF SEWAGE Total volume reported to have reached a waterbody in Marin County There were 41 reported sewage spills across the County totaling 361,657 gallons. Schoonmaker Beach was impacted by a 750 gallon spill. A complete list of grades for Marin County’s beach monitoring locations can be found in Appendix B-1. For additional water quality information: Marin County’s Department of Environmental Health www.marincounty.org/ehs Muir Beach HEAL THE BAY // 2018-2019 BEACH REPORT CARD 43 IV. CALIFORNIA COUNTY SUMMARIES SONOMA Sonoma County Sonoma County Grades 2018-2019 Summer Dry and Wet Weather Grades were exceptional with 100% of the beaches receiving A grades. Sonoma County does not monitor its beaches frequently enough in winter months so no Winter Dry Grade was generated and no beaches from this County were eligible for the Honor Roll. Sonoma County received 45 inches of rain, which is 46% higher than the historical average of 31 inches. However, Summer Dry* # % Winter Dry # % 5-Year Avg. (2013-2018) Wet Weather Summer Dry* # % A 7 100% n/a 7 100% B 0 0% n/a 0 0% C 0 0% n/a 0 D 0 0% n/a F 0 0% n/a Total 7 # % Winter Dry # % Wet Weather # % 7 100% n/a 7 96% 0 0% n/a 0 4% 0% 0 0% n/a 0 0% 0 0% 0 0% n/a 0 0% 0 0% 0 0% n/a 0 0% 7 7 7 *State AB411 monitoring April thru October. Percentages may not add up to 100 due to rounding. most of the rain fell during the winter months when the beaches are not monitored, so we do not know the full impact of the increased rainfall. There were 45 sewage spills across the County totalling 2.8 million gallons. This is the highest amount of sewage Sewage Spill Summary 2,800,00 GALLONS OF SEWAGE Total volume reported to have reached a waterbody in Sonoma County spilled in a California coastal county this year. No beaches were reportedly impacted, but three spills occurred in the Russian River (upstream of Goat Rock State Park beaches). A complete list of grades for Sonoma County’s beach monitoring locations can be found in Appendix B-1. For additional water quality information: Sonoma County’s Department of Environmental Health www.sonoma-county.org/health/services/ocean.asp Goat Rock Beach HEAL THE BAY // 2018-2019 BEACH REPORT CARD 44 IV. CALIFORNIA COUNTY SUMMARIES MENDOCINO Mendocino County Mendocino County Grades 2018-2019 Summer Dry Grades were excellent and above average with 100% of the beaches receiving A grades. Wet Weather Grades were below average with only 66% of the beaches receiving A and B grades. Mendocino County does not monitor its beaches frequently enough in the winter months so there is no Winter Dry Grade and no beaches were eligible for the Honor Roll. Mendocino County received 44 inches of rain, which is 9% Summer Dry* # % Winter Dry # % 5-Year Avg. (2013-2018) Wet Weather Summer Dry* # % # % Winter Dry # % Wet Weather # % A 6 100% n/a 4 66% 5 93% n/a 4 71% B 0 0% n/a 0 0% 0 4% n/a 1 8% C 0 0% n/a 1 17% 0 4% n/a 1 21% D 0 0% n/a 1 17% 0 0% n/a 0 0% F 0 0% n/a 0 0% 0 0% n/a 0 0% Total 6 6 5 6 *State AB411 monitoring April thru October. Percentages may not add up to 100 due to rounding. higher than the historical average of 40 inches. However, most of the rain fell during the winter months when the beaches are not monitored, so we do not know the full impact of the increased rainfall. Sewage Spill Summary 3,030 GALLONS OF SEWAGE Total volume reported to have reached a waterbody in Mendocino County There were two sewage spills across the County equaling 3,086 gallons. No beaches were reportedly impacted, but a portion of both spills impacted surface water such as a stream, river, lake, or ocean. A complete list of grades for Mendocino County’s beach monitoring locations can be found in Appendix B-1. For additional water quality information: www.co.mendocino.ca.us/hhsa/chs/eh/index.htm Fort Bragg @ Pudding Creek HEAL THE BAY // 2018-2019 BEACH REPORT CARD 45 IV. CALIFORNIA COUNTY SUMMARIES HUMBOLDT Humboldt County Humboldt County Grades 2018-2019 Summer Dry Grades were far below average this year with just 40% of the beaches receiving A and B grades. Wet Weather Grades were excellent and above average this year with 100% of the beaches receiving A and B grades. Humboldt County does not monitor its beaches frequently enough in the winter months so there is no Winter Dry Grade and no beaches were eligible for the Honor Roll. Summer Dry* # % Winter Dry # % 5-Year Avg. (2013-2018) Wet Weather Summer Dry* # % # Winter Dry % # Wet Weather % # % A 2 40% n/a 2 40% 3 56% n/a 2 30% B 0 0% n/a 3 60% 0 4% n/a 1 15% C 2 40% n/a 0 0% 1 12% n/a 1 15% D 0 0% n/a 0 0% 0 8% n/a 1 20% F 1 20% n/a 0 0% 1 20% n/a 1 20% Total 5 5 5 5 *State AB411 monitoring April thru October. Percentages may not add up to 100 due to rounding. Clam Beach at Strawberry Creek was a Beach Bummer for the sixth straight year. Luffenholtz Beach did not appear on Sewage Spill Summary the Beach Bummer list this year. Humboldt County received 43 inches of rain, which is 6% 134,902 GALLONS OF SEWAGE Total volume reported to have reached a waterbody in Humboldt County higher than the historical average of 41 inches. However, most of the rain fell during the winter months when the Beach Bummers beaches are not monitored, so we do not know the full impact of the increased rainfall. There were 15 reported sewage spills across the County Clam Beach County Park, McKinleyville Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather F n/a B amounting to 251,910 gallons. No beaches were reportedly impacted by these spills, however 134,902 gallons spilled into surface water such as a stream, river, lake, or ocean. Photo: Nicholas Turland A complete list of grades for Humboldt County’s beach monitoring locations can be found in Appendix B-1. For additional water quality information: Humboldt County’s Department of Health & Human Services https://humboldtgov.org/1696/Water-Quality-Test-Results Clam Beach HEAL THE BAY // 2018-2019 BEACH REPORT CARD 46 IV. CALIFORNIA COUNTY SUMMARIES DEL NORTE Del Norte County Del Norte County Grades 5-Year Avg. (2013-2018) 2018-2019 Del Norte County is the northernmost coastal County in California, and there is only one beach that is monitored: Summer Dry* # % Winter Dry # % Wet Weather Summer Dry* # % A 1 100% n/a 1 100% beach received an A+ for Summer Dry and Wet Weather B 0 0% n/a 0 0% Grades, which is what it has historically been issued. C 0 0% n/a 0 Del Norte County does not monitor in the winter months, D 0 0% n/a so there is no Winter Dry Grade and its beach was not eli- F 0 0% n/a Total 1 Crescent City Beach at Battery Point Lighthouse. This gible for the Honor Roll. # % Winter Dry # % Wet Weather # % 5 100% n/a 5 100% 0 0% n/a 0 0% 0% 0 0% n/a 0 0% 0 0% 0 0% n/a 0 0% 0 0% 0 0% n/a 0 0% 1 *State AB411 monitoring April thru October. Percentages may not add up to 100 due to rounding. This county received 50 inches of rain this past year, which is more than any other County in California. But, this was 14% below the County’s historical average of 58 inches. Del Norte County was the only county in California to receive less than average rainfall this year. Sewage Spill Summary 30,460 GALLONS OF SEWAGE Total volume reported to have reached a waterbody in Del Norte County There were five sewage spills reported across the County totaling 30,575 gallons. Four beaches were impacted by the spills, but these beaches are not monitored for recreational water quality. A complete list of grades for Del Norte County’s beach monitoring locations can be found in Appendix B-1. For additional water quality information: County of Del Norte Environmental Health Division www.co.del-norte.ca.us/departments/community-development-department/ environmental-health-division Battery Point Lighthouse HEAL THE BAY // 2018-2019 BEACH REPORT CARD 47 IV. PACIFIC NORTHWEST COUNTY SUMMARIES Cannon Beach, Oregon COASTAL COUNTIES: OREGON & WASHINGTON Heal the Bay has been analyzing beach water quality in Oregon and Washington since 2010. Both states sample water quality for one fecal indicator bacteria, Enterococcus, between Memorial Day and Labor Day. OREGON Note: All averages below refer to the five-year-average unless otherwise indicated. Oregon’s Department of Environmental Quality samples water quality at teria to be sampled from April 1 to October 31 every year. Funding for ocean beach monitoring in Oregon comes entirely from the U.S. EPA’s Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health Act (BEACH Act). ocean beaches between Memorial For the fourth straight year, we were Day and Labor Day and tests for one unable to grade most of Oregon fecal indicator bacteria, Enterococ- beaches due to a lack of sampling. cus. This is in contrast to California, Our which requires three indicator bac- beaches must be sampled for at least HEAL THE BAY // 2018-2019 BEACH REPORT CARD methodology requires that 48 IV. PACIFIC NORTHWEST COUNTY SUMMARIES Oregon & Washington (continued) 75% of the weeks in their summer season — defined as Memorial Day through Labor Day. We encourage the State of Oregon to provide additional funding for increased ocean water quality monitoring. Neah Bay, Washington We were able to calculate grades for nine beaches in Clatsop, Coos, and Lincoln Counties this year because they met our grading threshold. Summer Dry grades were good with WASHINGTON of the state, the Makah Tribe moni- 78% of the beaches receiving A and Note: All averages below refer to tors beaches in Clallam County year B grades. Wet Weather grades were the five-year-average unless other- round. slightly better with 88% receiving A wise indicated. Summer Dry Grades were excellent and B grades. Oregon beaches are Washington’s Department of Ecol- and above average with 97% of the not monitored in the winter months ogy samples water quality at ocean beaches receiving A and B grades. so Winter Dry Grades could not be beaches between Memorial Day Wet Weather Grades were excep- assigned. and Labor Day and tests for one fe- tional and far above average with cal indicator bacteria, Enterococcus. 96% receiving A and B grades. Only This is in contrast to California, which Clallam County beaches were sam- requires three indicator bacteria to pled in the winter months so Win- be sampled from April 1 to October ter Dry Grades were only issued to 31 every year. Approximately 80% of those beaches. For additional water quality information: Oregon Health Authority http://public.health.oregon.gov/HealthyEnvironments/ Recreation/BeachWaterQuality/Pages/index.aspx the funding for ocean beach monitoring in the State comes from the BEACH Act, and the remaining 20% of funding comes from the U.S. EPA’s National Estuary Program’s Pathogen Prevention, Reduction, and Control Grant. The Makah Tribe also contributes beach monitoring to the State through separate BEACH Pro- Wet weather grades in Washington are based on a significant rainfall event of 0.2 inches or more and the 72 hours following the rain event. A complete list of grades for Washington State’s monitoring locations can be found in Appendix B-2. Information and photos generously provided by the Washington Department of Health and Department of Ecology. For additional water quality information: State of Washington’s Department of Ecology www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/eap/beach/index.html Current beach closure and advisory information can be found at: http://ecologywa.blogspot.com/search/label/ Fecal%20matters gram Tribal funding. Unlike the rest HEAL THE BAY // 2018-2019 BEACH REPORT CARD 49 IV. PACIFIC NORTHWEST COUNTY SUMMARIES TABLE 4-1: OREGON / WASHINGTON STATE GRADES TABLE 4-2: OREGON GRADES BY COUNTY Oregon State Grades 5-Year Avg. (2013-2018) 2018-2019 Summer Dry Winter Dry # % Clatsop County Wet Weather Summer Dry* # % # % # A 7 78% n/a 6 75% 21 B 0 0% n/a 1 13% C 0 0% n/a 0 D 1 11% n/a F 1 11% n/a Total 9 Winter Dry % # % Wet Weather # Summer Dry % # % Winter Dry # % # % Winter Dry # % Wet Weather # % 86% A 1 100% n/a n/a 16 100% n/a 13 81% 1 5% n/a 0 0% B 0 0% n/a n/a 0 0% n/a 0 0% 0% 0 0% n/a 0 0% C 0 0% n/a n/a 0 0% n/a 0 0% 1 13% 0 0% n/a 2 9% D 0 0% n/a n/a 0 0% n/a 2 13% 0 0% 0 0% n/a 1 5% F 0 0% n/a n/a 0 0% n/a 1 6% Total 1 22 22 16 % # A 161 94% n/a 133 94% 743 B 6 3% n/a 2 1% 21 3% C 2 1% n/a 2 1% 22 D 3 2% n/a 1 F 0 0% n/a 1 141 % # 16 Coos County 5-Year Avg. (2013-2018) Wet Weather Summer Dry* # Total 172 % % 19 2018-2019 # # n/a Washington State Grades Winter Dry Wet Weather Summer Dry* 95% 8 Summer Dry 5-Year Avg. (2013-2018) 2018-2019 Winter Dry % # % # 5-Year Avg. (2013-2018) 2018-2019 Wet Weather Summer Dry % # % 100% Winter Dry # % Wet Weather Summer Dry* # % Winter Dry # % Wet Weather # % n/a 1 33% n/a n/a # n/a % 97% 513 77% A 3 0 0% 29 4% B 0 0% n/a 1 33% n/a n/a n/a 3% 0 0% 27 4% C 0 0% n/a 0 0% n/a n/a n/a 1% 10 1% 0 0% 80 6% D 0 0% n/a 1 33% n/a n/a n/a 2% 22 2% 1 3% 57 9% F 0 0% n/a 0 0% n/a n/a n/a 15 666 Total 3 809 91% 14 3 Lincoln County 5-Year Avg. (2013-2018) 2018-2019 Summer Dry HEAL THE BAY // 2018-2019 BEACH REPORT CARD # % A 3 60% B 0 C Winter Dry # % Wet Weather Summer Dry* # % Winter Dry # % Wet Weather # % n/a 5 100% n/a n/a # n/a % 0% n/a 0 0% n/a n/a n/a 0 0% n/a 0 0% n/a n/a n/a D 1 20% n/a 0 0% n/a n/a n/a F 1 20% n/a 0 0% n/a n/a n/a Total 5 5 50 IV. PACIFIC NORTHWEST COUNTY SUMMARIES TABLE 4-3: WASHINGTON GRADES BY COUNTY Clallam County 5-Year Avg. (2013-2018) 2018-2019 Summer Dry Winter Dry # % Wet Weather Summer Dry* # % # A 10 83% % B 1 8% 0 0% 2 17% C 1 8% 0 0% 0 D 0 0% 0 0% F 0 0% 0 0% Total 12 # Winter Dry % # % Wet Weather # Summer Dry % # % Winter Dry # % % A 33 100% n/a 33 9 4% n/a 11 4% B 0 0% n/a 0 0% 0% 4 4% n/a 13 5% C 0 0% n/a 0 0 0% 5 2% n/a 17 7% D 0 0% n/a 0 0% 5 2% n/a 18 7% F 0 0% n/a Total 33 248 249 # % A 3 100% n/a 3 B 0 0% n/a 0 0% C 0 0% n/a 0 D 0 0% n/a F 0 0% n/a Total 3 # # % n/a 4 3% 0% 1 1% n/a 5 4% 0 0% 2 1% n/a 8 6% 0 0% 1 1% n/a 10 7% 174 % Winter Dry # % Wet Weather # Summer Dry % # % Winter Dry # % Wet Weather Summer Dry* # % 100% n/a 9 0 0% n/a 0 0% B 0 0% n/a 0 0% 0% 2 15% n/a 0 0% C 0 0% n/a 0 0 0% 0 0% n/a 1 8% D 0 0% n/a 0 0% 0 0% n/a 9 69% F 0 0% n/a Total 9 12 13 A 15 100% n/a 15 B 0 0% n/a 0 0% C 0 0% n/a 0 D 0 0% n/a F 0 0% n/a Total 15 # % Wet Weather # % n/a 30 71% 4 8% n/a 2 5% 0% 3 6% n/a 2 5% 0 0% 0 0% n/a 2 5% 0 0% 3 6% n/a 6 14% 51 Winter Dry 42 % # % # 5-Year Avg. (2013-2018) 2018-2019 Wet Weather Summer Dry % Winter Dry # % Wet Weather Summer Dry* # % # 78% n/a 8 % n/a 54 82% A 7 1 1% n/a 2 3% B 2 22% n/a 0 0% 0% 2 2% n/a 4 6% C 0 0% n/a 1 0 0% 0 0% n/a 1 2% D 0 0% n/a 0 0% 0 0% n/a 5 8% F 0 0% n/a Total 9 15 Winter Dry 80% 96% 100% 78 % 100% 41 9 5-Year Avg. (2013-2018) # # Island County Wet Weather Summer Dry* % 135 5-Year Avg. (2013-2018) 9 # % 2% A % # 8 23% # Wet Weather 80% 2018-2019 Snohomish County Winter Dry % 108 3 2018-2019 # n/a n/a 3 Winter Dry 96% 85% 100% 11 % Mason County Wet Weather Summer Dry* % # 100% 167 33 5-Year Avg. (2013-2018) # Summer Dry % 76% 2018-2019 # # 180 12 Winter Dry Wet Weather Summer Dry* n/a 83% 218 Skagit County Summer Dry 5-Year Avg. (2013-2018) 2018-2019 88% 15 100% 10 15 Kitsap County 81 HEAL THE BAY // 2018-2019 BEACH REPORT CARD 66 # 80% 17 % Winter Dry # % Wet Weather # % 52% n/a 21 78% 0 0% n/a 1 4% 11% 2 6% n/a 0 0% 0 0% 4 12% n/a 1 4% 0 0% 10 30% n/a 4 15% 9 33 27 51 IV. PACIFIC NORTHWEST COUNTY SUMMARIES TABLE 4-4: WASHINGTON GRADES BY COUNTY Whatcom County 5-Year Avg. (2013-2018) 2018-2019 Summer Dry Winter Dry # Pierce County Wet Weather Summer Dry* # % % # % A 4 67% n/a 6 B 0 0% n/a 0 0% C 1 17% n/a 0 D 1 17% n/a F 0 0% n/a Total 6 # Winter Dry % # % Wet Weather # Summer Dry % # % Winter Dry # % 39% A 26 100% n/a 7 1 3% n/a 4 13% B 0 0% n/a 0 0% 0% 2 6% n/a 3 10% C 0 0% n/a 0 0 0% 1 3% n/a 3 10% D 0 0% n/a 0 0% 6 19% n/a 9 29% F 0 0% n/a Total 26 31 31 # % A 6 100% n/a 6 B 0 0% n/a 0 0% C 0 0% n/a 0 D 0 0% n/a F 0 0% n/a Total 6 # # % n/a 1 1% 0% 3 2% n/a 4 4% 0 0% 2 2% n/a 1 1% 0 0% 1 1% n/a 4 4% 125 % Winter Dry # % Wet Weather # Summer Dry % # % Winter Dry # Wet Weather Summer Dry* % # % 100% n/a 9 2 9% n/a 0 0% B 0 0% n/a 0 0% 0% 0 0% n/a 1 6% C 0 0% n/a 0 0 0% 0 0% n/a 2 13% D 0 0% n/a 0 0% 0 0% n/a 0 0% F 0 0% n/a Total 9 22 16 A 28 93% n/a 26 B 2 7% n/a 0 0% C 0 0% n/a 1 D 0 0% n/a F 0 0% n/a Total 30 100% 45 % Winter Dry # % Wet Weather # % 100% n/a 35 97% 0 0% n/a 0 0% 0% 0 0% n/a 0 0% 0 0% 0 0% n/a 0 0% 0 0% 0 0% n/a 1 3% 9 5-Year Avg. (2013-2018) # # 45 35 Thurston County Wet Weather Summer Dry* % 101 5-Year Avg. (2013-2018) 9 # % 2% A % # 3 81% # Wet Weather 90% 2018-2019 King County Winter Dry % 91 13 2018-2019 # n/a n/a 6 Winter Dry 93% 91% 100% 20 % Gray’s Harbor County Wet Weather Summer Dry* % # 100% 116 7 5-Year Avg. (2013-2018) # Summer Dry % 12 2018-2019 # # n/a Jefferson County Winter Dry Wet Weather Summer Dry* % 68% 100% 21 6 Summer Dry 5-Year Avg. (2013-2018) 2018-2019 % Winter Dry # % # 5-Year Avg. (2013-2018) 2018-2019 Wet Weather Summer Dry % Winter Dry # % Wet Weather Summer Dry* # % # % Winter Dry # % Wet Weather # % 100% n/a n/a 13 87% n/a 5 # 42% % 95% n/a 57 66% A 3 3 3% n/a 7 8% B 0 0% n/a n/a 1 7% n/a 4 33% 4% 2 2% n/a 3 3% C 0 0% n/a n/a 1 7% n/a 2 17% 0 0% 0 0% n/a 13 15% D 0 0% n/a n/a 0 0% n/a 0 0% 0 0% 1 1% n/a 6 7% F 0 0% n/a n/a 0 0% n/a 1 8% Total 93 27 96% 110 116 HEAL THE BAY // 2018-2019 BEACH REPORT CARD 86 15 12 52 2018-19 APPENDICES appendices APPENDIX A BEACH BUMMERS, HISTORY....................................................................... 50 APPENDIX B B-1 CALIFORNIA GRADES BY COUNTY.................................................. 51 B-2 OREGON GRADES BY COUNTY........................................................ 68 B-3 WASHINGTON GRADES BY COUNTY.............................................. 69 APPENDIX C FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS............................................................ 74 APPENDIX D METHODOLOGY............................................................................................... 76 APPENDIX E BILLS.................................................................................................................... 78 APPENDIX F ACKNOWLEDGEMENT................................................................................... 79 V. APPENDIX / A HISTORY BEACH BUMMERS TOP TEN HISTORY: 2012-2019 2019 2018 2017 l First appearance 2016 San Clemente Pier ORANGE COUNTY Poche Beach ORANGE COUNTY Clam Beach County Park HUMBOLDT COUNTY Cowell Beach SANTA CRUZ COUNTY Clam Beach County Park HUMBOLDT COUNTY Marina Lagoon, Lakeshore Park SAN MATEO COUNTY San Clemente Pier ORANGE COUNTY Clam Beach County Park HUMBOLDT COUNTY Linda Mar Beach SAN MATEO COUNTY Linda Mar Beach SAN MATEO COUNTY Cowell Beach SANTA CRUZ COUNTY Shelter Island (Shoreline Park) SAN DIEGO COUNTY Long Beach @ Coronado Ave. l LOS ANGELES COUNTY Clam Beach County Park HUMBOLDT COUNTY Marina Lagoon, Lakeshore Park SAN MATEO COUNTY Monarch Beach (North) ORANGE COUNTY Cowell Beach SANTA CRUZ COUNTY Roosevelt Beach SAN MATEO COUNTY La Jolla Cove SAN DIEGO COUNTY Santa Monica Pier LOS ANGELES COUNTY Monarch Beach, Dana Point ORANGE COUNTY Luffenholtz Beach HUMBOLDT COUNTY Santa Monica Pier LOS ANGELES COUNTY Mother’s Beach, MDR LOS ANGELES COUNTY Mother’s Beach, MDR LOS ANGELES COUNTY Santa Monica Pier LOS ANGELES COUNTY Capitola Beach SANTA CRUZ COUNTY Redondo Beach Pier LOS ANGELES COUNTY Cabrillo Beach, harborside LOS ANGELES COUNTY Cowell Beach SANTA CRUZ COUNTY Luffenholtz Beach HUMBOLDT COUNTY Candlestick Point SAN FRANCISCO COUNTY Keller Beach, South Beach l CONTRA COSTA COUNTY Cabrillo Beach, harborside LOS ANGELES COUNTY Mother’s Beach, MDR LOS ANGELES COUNTY Pillar Point Harbor SAN MATEO COUNTY Marina Lagoon, Aquatic Park SAN MATEO COUNTY Surfer's Beach SAN MATEO COUNTY Monarch Beach, Dana Point ORANGE COUNTY Pismo Beach Pier SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY 2015 2014 2013 2012 Cowell Beach SANTA CRUZ COUNTY Cowell Beach SANTA CRUZ COUNTY Avalon, Catalina Island LOS ANGELES COUNTY Avalon, Catalina Island LOS ANGELES COUNTY Mother’s Beach, MDR LOS ANGELES COUNTY Marina Lagoon (2 locations) SAN MATEO COUNTY Cowell Beach SANTA CRUZ COUNTY Cowell Beach SANTA CRUZ COUNTY Clam Beach County Park HUMBOLDT COUNTY Mother’s Beach, MDR LOS ANGELES COUNTY Poche Beach ORANGE COUNTY Marie Canyon, Malibu LOS ANGELES COUNTY Marina Lagoon (2 locations) SAN MATEO COUNTY Cabrillo Beach, harborside LOS ANGELES COUNTY Cabrillo Beach, harborside LOS ANGELES COUNTY Surfrider Beach, Malibu LOS ANGELES COUNTY Mission Bay SAN DIEGO COUNTY Stillwater Cove MONTEREY COUNTY Malibu Pier LOS ANGELES COUNTY Solstice Canyon, Malibu LOS ANGELES COUNTY Santa Monica Pier LOS ANGELES COUNTY Clam Beach County Park HUMBOLDT COUNTY Marina Lagoon (2 locations) SAN MATEO COUNTY Cabrillo Beach, harborside LOS ANGELES COUNTY Candlestick Point SAN FRANCISCO COUNTY Santa Monica Pier LOS ANGELES COUNTY Doheny State Beach ORANGE COUNTY Doheny State Beach ORANGE COUNTY Stillwater Cove MONTEREY COUNTY Pillar Point Harbor SAN MATEO COUNTY Redondo Beach Pier LOS ANGELES COUNTY Poche Beach ORANGE COUNTY Cabrillo Beach, harborside LOS ANGELES COUNTY Capitola Beach SANTA CRUZ COUNTY Windsurfer Circle SAN FRANCISCO COUNTY Escondido State Beach, Malibu LOS ANGELES COUNTY Huntington Beach (Brookhurst) ORANGE COUNTY Windsurfer Circle SAN FRANCISCO COUNTY Tijuana River Mouth SAN DIEGO COUNTY Topanga State Beach Malibu LOS ANGELES COUNTY PLEASE NOTE: Starting in 2015, the SWRCB required all coastal counties receiving state funds to monitor their beaches at point zero – where the discharge meets the ocean. Prior to monitoring year 2015-16, only Los Angeles County (and portions of Orange, San Diego, and Humboldt Counties) sampled directly at the outfall, which gives the most accurate picture of water quality. HEAL THE BAY // 2018-2019 BEACH REPORT CARD 54 V. APPENDIX / B-1 CALIFORNIA GRADES BY COUNTY San Diego County Summer Dry (Apr-Oct) Winter Dry Wet Weather (Nov-Mar) Year-Round Oceanside San Luis Rey River outlet A+ A+ projection of Tyson Street A+ A+ A projection of Forster Street A A+ A 500' north of Loma Alta Creek outlet A+ A+ A projection of Cassidy Street A+ A A+ St. Malo Beach, downcoast from St. Malo Road A+ A+ A Carlsbad projection of Tamarack Avenue A+ warm water jetty A projection of Cerezo Drive A+ A+ A+ projection of Palomar Airport Road A+ A+ A+ Encina Creek outlet A+ A+ A+ projection of Ponto Drive A+ A+ A+ projection of Poinsettia Lane A+ A+ A+ Batiquitos Lagoon outlet A+ Encinitas Moonlight Beach, Cottonwood Creek outlet A Swami's Beach, Seacliff Park A San Elijo State Park, Pipes surf break A+ A+ A San Elijo State Park, north end of State Park stairs A+ A+ A+ San Elijo State Park, projection Liverpool Drive A+ A+ A+ Cardiff State Beach San Elijo Lagoon outlet A A Charthouse parking, slightsouthof Kilkeny A+ A+ A+ Las Olas, 100 yds. south of Charthouse A+ A+ A+ Seaside State Park A+ A+ A+ Solana Beach Seascape Surf Beach Park A+ Fletcher Cove, projection Lomas Santa Fe Drive A+ A+ A Tide Beach Park, projection Solana Vista Drive A+ A+ A+ Del Mar San Dieguito River Beach A A F projection of 15th Street A+ A+ Torrey Pines Los Penasquitos Lagoon outlet A+ A+ La Jolla Shores El Paseo Grande, near Scripps A+ projection of Ave De La Playa A La Jolla La Jolla Cove C South Casa Beach A Ravina, south of Nicholson Point A Windansea Beach projection of Playa Del Norte A+ projection of Palomar Avenue A+ Pacific Beach P.B. Point, downcoast of Linda Way A Tourmaline Surf Park, projection of Tourmaline Street A projection of GrandAvenue A+ HEAL THE BAY // 2018-2019 BEACH REPORT CARD // Beach Bummer and Honor Roll names appear in color/bold. C A F A 55 V. APPENDIX / B-1 CALIFORNIA GRADES BY COUNTY Summer Dry (Apr-Oct) Winter Dry Wet Weather (Nov-Mar) Year-Round Mission Bay Vacation Isle North Cove Beach A Vacation Isle Ski Beach A Bonita Cove, east cove A Bahia Point, northside, apex of Gleason Road A Fanuel Park, projection of Fanuel Street A Crown Point Shores A Wildlife Refuge near fence, projection of Lamont Street A Campland, west of Rose Creek A A DeAnza Cove, mid, cove A B Visitor's Center, projection of Clairemont Drive B Comfort Station north of Leisure Lagoon A Leisure Lagoon, swim area A Tecolote Shores, swim area A Tecolote Playground, watercraft area A Mission Beach, Belmont Park A A+ C Ocean Beach San Diego River outlet, Dog Beach A A A+ Stub Jetty A A B Pier, north side at NewportAvenue A A A+ Ocean Pier, projection of Narragansett Avenue A+ projection of BermudaAvenue A B Sunset Cliffs projection of Ladera Street B Point Loma Point Loma Treatment Plant A+ A Lighthouse A+ A B San Diego Bay Shelter Island, Shoreline Beach Park C Spanish Landing Park beach A+ Glorietta Bay Park at boat launch A Bayside Park, projection of J Street A A+ Silver Strand, bay side A+ Tidelands Park, projection of Mullinix Drive B B Coronado Silver Strand A+ A F projection of Ave del Sol A A F Imperial Beach projection of CarnationAvenue A A F southend of Seacoast Drive A D F Imperial Beach Pier A+ B F projection of Cortez Avenue A A D Tijuana Slough NWRS, 3/4 mile north of Tijuana River A C F NWRS, Tijuana Rivermouth A D F Border Field State Park projection of Monument Road A F F Border Fence, north side A D F HEAL THE BAY // 2018-2019 BEACH REPORT CARD // Beach Bummer and Honor Roll names appear in color/bold. B C D A+ B A+ 56 CALIFORNIA GRADES BY COUNTY V. APPENDIX / B-1 Orange County Summer Dry (Apr-Oct) Winter Dry Wet Weather (Nov-Mar) Year-Round Seal Beach projection of 1st Street B A F projection of 8th Street A A B projection of 14th Street A A B Seal Beach Pier, 100 yards south of pier A A D Surfside Beach projection of Sea Way A+ A+ A Sunset Beach projection of Broadway A+ A A+ Bolsa Chica Beach across from the Reserve Flood Gates A+ A A at the downcoast end of the State Beach A+ A A Huntington City Beach Bluffs A A+ B projection of 17th Street A+ A A Jack's Snack Bar at Huntington Street A+ A+ A projection of Beach Boulevard A A A Huntington State Beach projection of Newland Street, SCE Plant A A+ C projection of Magnolia Street A A C projection of Brookhurst Street A A B Santa Ana River, upcoast B F Santa Ana River Mouth A A C Newport Beach projection of Orange Street A A B projection of 52nd/53rd Street A+ A B projection of 38th Street A+ A+ A Balboa Beach projection of 15th/16th Street A+ A A Balboa Beach Pier A+ A B The Wedge A+ A+ A Huntington Harbor 11th Street Beach A A+ A+ Humboldt Beach A A+ A+ Seagate Lagoon A A+ A+ Trinidad Lane Beach A+ A+ A+ Mothers Beach, Orange County A C F Coral Cay Beach A+ A+ A+ Davenport Beach A A A+ Newport Bay Newport Dunes, North B B F Newport Dunes, East B B F Newport Dunes, Middle A B F Newport Dunes, West A A F Bayshore Beach A+ A+ F Via Genoa Beach A A+ F Lido Yacht Club Beach A A F Garnet Avenue Beach A A F Sapphire Avenue Beach A A F Abalone Avenue Beach A+ A F HEAL THE BAY // 2018-2019 BEACH REPORT CARD // Beach Bummer and Honor Roll names appear in color/bold. 57 V. APPENDIX / B-1 CALIFORNIA GRADES BY COUNTY Summer Dry (Apr-Oct) Winter Dry Wet Weather (Nov-Mar) Year-Round Newport Bay (continued) Park Avenue Beach C A F Onyx Avenue Beach A+ A F Ruby Avenue Beach A A F Grand Canal A A F 43rd Street Beach A+ A F 38th Street Beach A+ A+ F 19th Street Beach A+ A+ F 15th Street Beach A+ A F 10th Street Beach A A F Alvarado/ Bay Isle Beach A A F N Street Beach A A F Harbor Patrol Beach at Bayside Drive A A F Rocky Point Beach A B F Corona del Mar Corona Del Mar, CSDOC A+ A F Little Corona Beach A A C Pelican Point Beach A+ A+ D Crystal Cove, CSDOC A+ A+ A Crystal Cove, weekly A+ A D Muddy Creek Beach A+ A+ B El Moro Beach, point zero A+ A+ A+ Laguna Beach Emerald Bay Beach, Point zero A+ A A+ Diver's Cove, point zero A A A+ Crescent Bay Beach A+ A A+ Laguna Main Beach, point zero A+ D A+ Laguna Hotel, point zero A A A+ Cleo Street, point zero A A C Projection of Bluebird Canyon, point zero A A B Between Pearl and Agate Street, point zero A Victoria Beach, point zero A+ Blue Lagoon, point zero A+ Laguna Beach, Goff Island Beach A+ A+ B Treasure Island Beach A+ A B North Aliso County Beach A+ A+ F Aliso Creek Ocean Interface, point zero A A+ F Aliso Creek, outlet A+ A+ F Aliso Creek, 1000' south A+ A+ B Camel Point A+ A+ C West Street, point zero A+ A+ C Table Rock A+ A+ B Laguna Lido Apt. A+ A+ B HEAL THE BAY // 2018-2019 BEACH REPORT CARD // Beach Bummer and Honor Roll names appear in color/bold. A+ A+ 58 V. APPENDIX / B-1 CALIFORNIA GRADES BY COUNTY Summer Dry (Apr-Oct) Winter Dry Wet Weather (Nov-Mar) Year-Round Laguna Beach (continued) 9th Street 1000 Steps Beach A A+ B Three Arch Bay A+ A B Dana Point Monarch Beach, North, point zero F F D Monarch Beach, North A A+ Salt Creek Beach A+ A A+ Dana Strands Beach, AWMA A+ A+ A+ Marine Science Institute Beach, SERRA A A A+ Doheny, North Beach, point zero A D F Doheny, Mid Beach north of San Juan Creek A+ B F Doheny, San Juan Creek Ocean Interface, point zero B F F Doheny, San Juan Creek Interface A D F Doheny, Last Campground, 1000' south of SERRA Outfall A+ B F Doheny, 2000' south of SERRA Outfall A B D Doheny, South Day Use Area drain, point zero A A D Doheny, Pedestrian Bridge, 3000' south of SERRA Outfall A+ A D Doheny, End of the Park, point zero A+ A C Capistrano County Beach, 5000' south of SERRA Outfall A A A+ Capistrano County Beach drain, point zero A+ Projection of Camino Estrella, 7500' South Outfall A+ A A+ S. Capistrano Bay Comm Beach, 10000' so. of SERRA Outfall A+ A+ A+ San Clemente Poche Beach A+ A+ F Poche Creek Ocean Interface, point zero C F F Avenida Pico drain at North Beach, point zero A A A+ North Beach at Avenida Pico, 20000' South Outfall A+ A+ A+ Mariposa Beach, point zero A+ A+ Linda Lane Beach, point zero A+ A+ A+ San Clemente Pier drain, point zero F D A+ San Clemente at El Portal drain, pt zero A+ San Clemente Pier Lifeguard Building north A A A+ Trafalgar Canyon, point zero A+ A A+ South Linda Lane drain, point zero A Riviera Beach, point zero A+ A+ Avenida Calafia A+ A+ Avenida Las Palmeras A+ A+ Dana Point Harbor Baby Beach, West End B A A+ Baby Beach, Buoy Line A A A+ Baby Beach, Swim Area A A A+ Baby Beach, East End A A A+ Guest Dock A+ A A+ Youth Dock A+ A+ A+ HEAL THE BAY // 2018-2019 BEACH REPORT CARD // Beach Bummer and Honor Roll names appear in color/bold. A+ 59 V. APPENDIX / B-1 CALIFORNIA GRADES BY COUNTY Los Angeles County Summer Dry (Apr-Oct) Winter Dry Wet Weather (Nov-Mar) Year-Round Malibu Leo Carrillo Beach at Arroyo Sequit Creek mouth, point zero A+ F F Nicholas Beach at San Nicholas Canyon Creek mouth, point zero A A B Encinal Canyon at El Matador State Beach A+ F Broad Beach at Trancas Creek mouth, point zero A+ C F Zuma Beach at Zuma Creek mouth, point zero A D F Walnut Creek outlet, projection of Wildlife Road A+ A F Unnamed Creek, projection of Zumirez Drive, Little Dume A B A Paradise Cove Pier at Ramirez Canyon Creek mouth, point zero B F F Escondido Creek, just east of Escondido State Beach A+ C B Latigo Canyon Creek mouth, point zero A B F Solstice Canyon at Dan Blocker County Beach B C F Unnamed Creek, adjacent to public stairway at 24822 Malibu Road A+ B C Puerco State Beach at creek mouth, point zero A+ C F Marie Canyon storm drain at Puerco Beach, at 24572 Malibu Road A+ C F Malibu Point, MC A+ A A+ Surfrider Beach, breach point, MC A D F Malibu Pier, 50 yards east, MC A B F Carbon Beach at Sweetwater Canyon A+ A D Las Flores State Beach at Las Flores Creek, point zero A+ A C Big Rock Beach at 19948 PCH stairs A A A+ Pena Creek at Las Tunas County Beach A+ A+ A+ Topanga State Beach Topanga Beach at creek mouth A B F Castle Rock Beach Castlerock Storm Drain at Castle Rock Beach A A A+ Will Rogers State Beach 17200 PCH, 1/4 mile east of Sunset drain A+ A F Bel Air Bay Club drain near fence, point zero A A D Pulga Canyon storm drain, point zero A A C Temescal Canyon drain, point zero A A+ F Santa Monica Canyon drain, point zero A D F Santa Monica Beach MontanaAvenue drain, point zero A A F Wilshire Boulevard drain, point zero A A F Santa Monica Municipal Pier, point zero C C F Pico/Kenter storm drain, point zero A C F Strand Street, in front of the restrooms A+ A F Ocean Park Beach at Ashland Avenue drain, point zero A A F Venice Beach at the RoseAvenue storm drain A B F BrooksAvenue drain A+ A+ F WindwardAvenue drain, point zero A+ B B Venice Fishing Pier, 50 yards south, A+ A C Topsail Street A A C HEAL THE BAY // 2018-2019 BEACH REPORT CARD // Beach Bummer and Honor Roll names appear in color/bold. 60 V. APPENDIX / B-1 CALIFORNIA GRADES BY COUNTY Summer Dry (Apr-Oct) Winter Dry Wet Weather (Nov-Mar) Year-Round Marina del Rey Mothers' Beach, Playground area A C F Mothers' Beach, lifeguard tower A F F Mothers' Beach, btwn. Tower and Boat dock D F F Basin D, near first slip outside swim area, from surface A D Basin D, near first slip outside swim area, at depth A+ D Basin E, in front of tide gate from Oxford Basin A F Basin E, center of basin, from surface C F Basin E, center of basin, at depth A F Basin E, in front of Boone, Olive Pump Outlet B F Back of main channel, from surface A F Back of main channel, at depth A+ F Basin F, center of basin, from surface A D Basin F, center of basin, at depth A+ C Playa del Rey Dockweiler Beach, Ballona Creek mouth, point zero A+ A F Dockweiler Beach, Culver Boulevard drain A A C Dockweiler Beach, North Westchester Storm Drain A+ A+ B Dockweiler Beach, World Way, south of D&W jetty A A D Dockweiler Beach, Imperial Hwy drain, point zero A A F Dockweiler Beach, Hyperion Treatment Plant One Mile Outfall A+ A A El Segundo Beach GrandAvenue drain A+ A+ F Manhattan Beach 40th Street A C A 28th Street drain A A F Manhattan Beach Pier drain, point zero A C B Hermosa Beach 26th Street A A A+ Hermosa Beach Pier, 50 yards south A C B Herondo Street storm drain, in front of the drain A A F Redondo Beach Redondo Municipal Pier 100 yards south C F C Sapphire Street A C B Topaz Street, north of jetty A+ A A+ Torrance Beach Avenue I drain, point zero A B B Palos Verdes Peninsula Malaga Cove at trail outlet A C A+ Malaga Cove at rocks A+ B A+ Palos Verdes, Bluff Cove, Palos Verdes Estates A+ A B Long Point, Rancho Palos Verdes A A A Abalone Cove Shoreline Park A+ B A Portuguese Bend Cove, Rancho Palos Verdes A A A San Pedro Royal Palms State Beach A A A Cabrillo Beach, oceanside A+ A+ A+ Cabrillo Beach, harborside at restrooms D F F Cabrillo Beach, harborside at boat launch B C F HEAL THE BAY // 2018-2019 BEACH REPORT CARD // Beach Bummer and Honor Roll names appear in color/bold. 61 V. APPENDIX / B-1 CALIFORNIA GRADES BY COUNTY Summer Dry (Apr-Oct) Winter Dry Wet Weather (Nov-Mar) Year-Round Catalina Island Avalon Beach, 100 feet east of the Green Pleasure Pier A+ A+ Avalon Beach, 50 feet east of the Green Pleasure Pier A A+ Avalon Beach, 50 feet west of the Green Pleasure Pier B A+ Avalon Beach, 100 feet west of the Green Pleasure Pier A A+ Avalon Beach, east of the Casino Arch at the steps A+ A+ Long Beach projection of 5th Place A C F projection of 10th Place A B F projection of Molino Avenue C A F projection of Coronado Avenue F B F Belmont Pier, westside B A F projection of Prospect Avenue C A F projection of Granada Avenue C A F Alamitos Bay, 2nd Street Bridge and Bayshore A A F Alamitos Bay, shore float A+ A F Mother's Beach, Long Beach, north end A C F Alamitos Bay, 56th Place, on bayside A+ A F projection of 55th Place A A F projection of 72nd Place A C F Colorado Lagoon, south A B F Colorado Lagoon, north A C F A A+ Ventura County Ventura Rincon Beach, 25 yds. south of the creek mouth A Rincon Beach, at the end of the footpath A+ La Conchita Beach point zero, Ocean View Road A+ Ventura Oil Piers Beach, south of drain A+ Hobson County Park, base of stairs to the beach A A+ Faria County Park, stairs A C Mandos Cove, point zero, A A+ Solimar Beach, south, end of east gate access road A+ A C Emma Wood State Beach, 50 yards south of first drain A A B Surfer’s Point at Seaside, End of access path via wooden gate A A C Promenade Park, Figueroa Street A+ A F Promenade Park, Redwood Apts. A+ A+ Promenade Park, Holiday Inn, south of drain at California Street A A+ San Buenaventura Beach, south of drain at Kalorama Street A+ A+ San Buenaventura Beach, south of drain at San Jon Road A+ F San Buenaventura Beach, south of drain at Dover Lane A A+ San Buenaventura Beach, south of drain at Weymouth Lane A A+ HEAL THE BAY // 2018-2019 BEACH REPORT CARD // Beach Bummer and Honor Roll names appear in color/bold. A+ A A A+ 62 V. APPENDIX / B-1 CALIFORNIA GRADES BY COUNTY Summer Dry (Apr-Oct) Winter Dry Wet Weather (Nov-Mar) Year-Round Ventura Harbour area Marina Park, Beach at north end of playground A A+ Peninsula Beach, Beach area north of South Jetty A+ A+ Surfer’s Knoll, Beach adjacent to parking lot A C Oxnard 5th Street, south of drain A+ Outrigger Way, south of drain A+ Falkirk Avenue, south of drain A+ Starfish Drive, south of drain A+ Channel Islands Harbor Hollywood Beach, La Crescenta Street, south of drain A+ Hollywood Beach, Los Robles Street, south of drain A+ Hobie Beach Lakshore Drive A Beach Park atsouthend of Victoria Avenue A A C Silverstrand, San Nicholas Avenue, south of jetty A+ A A+ Silverstrand, Santa Paula Drive, south of drain A+ A+ A+ Silverstrand, Sawtelle Avenue, south of drain A+ A+ A+ Port Hueneme Beach Park, 50 yds. north of the Pier A+ A+ B Oxnard Ormond Beach, J Street drain A+ A F Ormond Beach, Oxnard Industrial drain, 50 yds. north of the drain A+ A B Ormond Beach, Arnold Road A+ A A+ Point Mugu Point Mugu Beach, adjacent to parking lot entry A+ Thornhill Broome Beach, adjacent to parking lot entry A+ Sycamore Cove Beach, 50 yds. so. of the creek mouth A+ County Line Beach point zero A+ Staircase Beach, bottom of staircase A+ A+ A+ B Santa Barbara County Guadalupe Guadalupe Dunes A+ A+ A+ Lompoc Jalama Beach A A A+ Goleta Gaviota State Beach A+ A A Refugio State Beach A A F El Capitan State Beach A A+ B Isla Vista Sands @ Coal Oil Point A+ A+ A Goleta Goleta Beach C A C Hope Ranch Hope Ranch Beach A+ A F Santa Barbara Arroyo Burro Beach A A C Leadbetter Beach A A D East Beach @ Mission Creek C A F East Beach @ Sycamore Creek A A D Montecito Butterfly Beach A+ A+ A Hammond’s Beach A A F Summerland Summerland Beach A A+ A Carpinteria Carpinteria State Beach B A F HEAL THE BAY // 2018-2019 BEACH REPORT CARD // Beach Bummer and Honor Roll names appear in color/bold. 63 V. APPENDIX / B-1 CALIFORNIA GRADES BY COUNTY San Luis Obispo County Summer Dry (Apr-Oct) A Winter Dry Wet Weather (Nov-Mar) Year-Round San Simeon Hearst Memorial State Beach, 100 yds. west of pier at creek outfall A A+ Pico Avenue, San Simeon A+ A+ A+ Cayucos Cayucos Beach, north of pier at outfall A A+ A+ Cayucos State Beach, downcoast of the pier A+ A+ A+ Studio Drive parking lot near Old Creek A+ A+ D Morro Strand State Beach projection of Beachcomber Drive A A+ A+ Morro Bay City Beach projection of Atascadero A A A+ Morro Bay City Beach, Morro Creek, south side A A A Morro Bay City Beach, 75 feet north of main parking lot A+ A+ A+ Avila Beach Olde Port Beach, Harford Beach, north A A A Avila Beach, 350 yards west of pier at creek outfall A A A+ Avila Beach, projection of San Luis Street A A A+ Pismo Beach Sewers at Silver Shoals Drive A+ A+ A+ Pismo Beach, projection of Wadsworth Street A A A+ Pismo Beach Pier, 40 feet south of the pier A A A+ Pismo Beach, projection of Ocean View A A A+ Pismo State Beach, 330 yards north of Pier Avenue A A A+ Pismo State Beach, projection of Pier Avenue A A+ A+ Pismo State Beach, 571 yds. south of Pier Ave., end of Strand Way A A+ A+ Monterey County Monterey Bay Monterey State Beach A+ F Monterey Municipal Beach, at the commercial wharf B F San Carlos Beach at San Carlos Beach Park A A+ Lover's Point Park, projection of 16th Street A A+ Asilomar State Beach, projection of Arena Avenue A A+ Spanish Bay, Moss Beach, end of 17 mile drive A A+ Stillwater Cove, at Beach and Tennis Club A+ A+ Carmel Carmel City Beach, projection of Ocean Avenue, west end A A+ A+ A+ Santa Cruz County Santa Cruz Natural Bridges State Beach Mitchell's Cove Beach A+ Lighthouse Beach, Steamer Lane F Cowell Beach at the Stairs B A+ Cowell Beach Lifeguard Tower 1 C A B Cowell Beach, west of the wharf F A C Santa Cruz Main Beach at the Boardwalk A A D Santa Cruz Main Beach at the San Lorenzo River B A F Seabright Beach A+ HEAL THE BAY // 2018-2019 BEACH REPORT CARD // Beach Bummer and Honor Roll names appear in color/bold. A+ F 64 V. APPENDIX / B-1 CALIFORNIA GRADES BY COUNTY Summer Dry (Apr-Oct) Winter Dry Wet Weather (Nov-Mar) Year-Round Twin Lakes Twin Lakes Beach A F Corcoran Lagoon Beach A+ Opal Cliffs Moran Lake Beach A+ Capitola Beach west of jetty B A F Capitola Beach east of jetty B A F New Brighton Beach A+ F Aptos Seacliff State Beach A D Rio Del Mar Beach A F Watsonville Palm/Pajaro Dunes Beach A+ San Mateo County Pacifica Sharp Park Beach, projection of San Jose Avenue A A+ Sharp Park Beach, projection of Birch Lane A+ A+ Rockaway Beach at Calera Creek B C Linda Mar Beach at San Pedro Creek F F Moss Beach Fitzgerald Marine Reserve at San Vicente Creek B F Pillar Point Pillar Point #9 Harbor Beach F Pillar Point #8 Mavericks Beach Westpoint Avenue A F Pillar Point Harbor, end of Westpoint Avenue #7 B F Pillar Point Harbor, Capistrano Ave Beach #5 C Half Moon Bay Surfer's Beach, south end of riprap B F Roosevelt Beach, south end of parking lot A F Dunes Beach A F Venice Beach at Frenchman's Creek B C Francis Beach at the foot of the steps B F San Gregorio State Beach at San Gregorio Creek F Pomponio State Beach at Pomponio Creek A A Pescadero State Beach at Pescadero Creek A C Bean Hollow State Beach A+ A+ Gazos Beach at Gazos Creek A A+ San Mateo Coyote Point A+ A Aquatic Park D A Lakeshore Park, behind Rec Center B F Kiteboard Beach B Erckenbrack Park F Marlin Park, Foster City B HEAL THE BAY // 2018-2019 BEACH REPORT CARD // Beach Bummer and Honor Roll names appear in color/bold. 65 V. APPENDIX / B-1 CALIFORNIA GRADES BY COUNTY San Francisco County Summer Dry (Apr-Oct) Winter Dry Wet Weather (Nov-Mar) Year-Round Aquatic Park Beach Hyde Street Pier, projection of Larkin Street A+ A A+ Aquatic Park Beach, 211 Station A B A Presidio Crissy Field Beach East, 202.4 Station A+ A B Crissy Field Beach West 202.5 station A+ A+ C Baker Beach East, Ocean #15 East A A+ A Baker Beach, Lobos Creek C A C Baker Beach West, Ocean #16 A A+ A Seacliff China Beach, end of Sea Cliff Avenue A A+ A Ocean Beach projection of Balboa Avenue A+ A+ A Ocean Beach, projection of Lincoln Way A+ A+ D Ocean Beach, projection of Pacheco Street F Ocean Beach, projection of Vicente Street F Ocean Beach, projection of Sloat Boulevard A Fort Funston, opposite Lake Merced overflow structure F Mission Creek Park Mission Creek A A F Islais Channel Islais Landing at Islais Creek B A F Candlestick Point Jackrabbit Beach A A C Candlestick Point, Windsurfer Circle B B F Candlestick Point, Sunnydale Cove A A F A+ A East Bay, Contra Costa and Alameda Counties Richmond Keller Beach North Beach B B Keller Beach South Beach D A Alameda Crown Beach Crab Cove D F Crown Beach Bath House A A+ Crown Beach Windsurfer Corner A A Crown Beach Sunset Road A C Crown Beach 2001 Shoreline Drive A F Crown Beach Bird Sanctuary A F Marin County Tomales Bay Dillon Beach A A+ Lawson's Landing A A+ Miller Park A A+ Heart's Desire A A+ Shell Beach A A+ Chicken Ranch Beach at Creek A A+ Millerton Point A A+ HEAL THE BAY // 2018-2019 BEACH REPORT CARD // Beach Bummer and Honor Roll names appear in color/bold. 66 V. APPENDIX / B-1 CALIFORNIA GRADES BY COUNTY Summer Dry (Apr-Oct) Winter Dry Wet Weather (Nov-Mar) Year-Round Bolinas Bay Bolinas Beach, Wharf Road A F Stinson Beach, North A+ B Stinson Beach, Central A+ A+ Stinson Beach, South A+ A+ Muir Beach Muir Beach, North A A+ Muir Beach, Central A A+ Muir Beach, South A A+ Rodeo Beach Rodeo Beach, North A+ A+ Rodeo Beach, Central A A+ Rodeo Beach, South A+ A+ Baker Beach Baker Beach, Horseshoe Cove SW A A+ Baker Beach, Horseshoe Cove NW A+ F Baker Beach, Horseshoe Cove NE A C Sausalito Schoonmaker Beach A+ F San Rafael China Camp B F McNears Beach B F El Campo Paradise Cove A+ A+ Sonoma County Gualala Gualala Regional Park Beach A+ A+ Sea Ranch Black Point Beach A+ A+ Jenner Stillwater Cove Regional Park Beach A A+ Goat Rock State Park Beach A+ A+ Bodega Bay Salmon Creek State Park Beach A+ A+ Campbell Cove State Park Beach A+ A+ Doran Regional Park Beach A+ A+ Mendocino County Fort Bragg MacKerricher State Park at Virgin Creek A+ A+ Pudding Creek Ocean Outlet A+ A+ Hare Creek A D Mendocino Caspar Beach at Caspar Creek A+ A Big River near PCH A+ A+ Little River Van Damme State Park at the Little River A+ C Humboldt and Del Norte Counties Trinidad Trinidad State Beach near Mill Creek A B Luffenholtz Beach near Luffenholtz Creek C A+ Moonstone County Park, Little River State Beach C B McKinleyville Clam Beach County Park near Strawberry Creek F B Mad River Mouth, north A+ A+ Crescent City Battery Point Lighthouse A+ A+ HEAL THE BAY // 2018-2019 BEACH REPORT CARD // Beach Bummer and Honor Roll names appear in color/bold. 67 OREGON GRADES BY COUNTY V. APPENDIX / B-2 Coos County Summer Dry (Apr-Oct) Winter Dry Wet Weather (Nov-Mar) Year-Round Sunset Bay State Park Beach South Cove A – D Sunset Bay State Park Beach at North Beach Access A+ – A Sunset Bay State Park Beach at Restroom A+ – B Lincoln County Nye Beach Turnaround west of discharge pipe (marine water) D – A+ Nye Beach 100m north Nye Creek outflow west of NW 6th street A+ – A+ Seal Rock State Wayside Beach at mouth of Hill Creek F – A+ Seal Rock State Wayside Beach at mouth of Little Creek A+ – A+ Seal Rock State Wayside Beach at north access A+ – A+ A – – Clatsop County Cannon Beach at Ecola Creek mouth (2nd Avenue) HEAL THE BAY // 2018-2019 BEACH REPORT CARD 68 WASHINGTON GRADES BY COUNTY V. APPENDIX / B-3 Clallam County Summer Dry (Apr-Oct) Winter Dry Wet Weather (Nov-Mar) Year-Round Front Street Beach East at Pine Street A+ A A+ Front Street Beach East - mid A A+ A Front Street Beach East at Kal Chate St. A+ A+ A Sooes Beach - south A+ A+ A+ Sooes Beach - mid C A+ A+ Sooes Beach - north B A+ A+ Salt Creek Recreation Area - south A – A+ Salt Creek Recreation Area - north A+ – A+ Cline Spit County Park - north D – A+ Cline Spit County Park - mid A – A+ Cline Spit County Park - south A+ – A+ Hollywood Beach - west D – F Hollywood Beach - mid A – F Hollywood Beach - east B – F Hobuck Beach - south A+ A+ A+ Hobuck Beach - north A+ A+ A+ Hobuck Beach - mid south A+ A+ A+ Third Beach Neah Bay - west A+ A+ A+ Third Beach Neah Bay - mid A+ A+ A+ Third Beach Neah Bay - east A+ A+ A+ Dakwas Park Beach Neah Bay west A+ A A+ Dakwas Park Beach Neah Bay mid A+ A+ B Dakwas Park Beach Neah Bay east A+ A+ B Snohomish County Kayak Point County Park - north A – D Kayak Point County Park - south A+ – A+ Kayak Point County Park - mid A – A+ Edmonds Underwater Park - mid A+ – Edmonds Underwater Park - north A+ – Edmonds Underwater Park - south A+ – Marina Beach Edmonds (No Dogs) - mid A+ – Marina Beach Edmonds (No Dogs) - north A – Marina Beach Edmonds (No Dogs) - south A+ – Mukilteo Lighthouse Park mid A+ – A+ Mukilteo Lighthouse Park north A+ – A+ Mukilteo Lighthouse Park south A – A+ Picnic Point County Park - mid A+ – A+ Picnic Point County Park - north A+ – A+ Picnic Point County Park - south A+ – A+ HEAL THE BAY // 2018-2019 BEACH REPORT CARD 69 WASHINGTON GRADES BY COUNTY V. APPENDIX / B-3 Kitsap County Summer Dry (Apr-Oct) Winter Dry Wet Weather (Nov-Mar) Year-Round Arness County Park - mid A – A+ Arness County Park - north A – A+ Arness County Park - south A+ – A+ Fay Bainbridge State Park - mid A+ – A+ Fay Bainbridge State Park - north A – A+ Fay Bainbridge State Park - south A – A+ Illahee State Park - mid A – A+ Illahee State Park - north A+ – A+ Illahee State Park - south A – A+ Indianola Dock - east A – A+ Indianola Dock - mid A+ – A+ Indianola Dock - west A – A+ Joel Pritchard Park - east A+ – A+ Joel Pritchard Park - mid A+ – A+ Joel Pritchard Park - west A+ – A+ Kitsap Memorial State Park mid A+ – A+ Kitsap Memorial State Park north A+ – A+ Kitsap Memorial State Park south A+ – A+ Lions Park - mid A+ – A+ Lions Park - north A+ – A+ Lions Park - south A – A+ Point No Point Lighthouse Park mid A+ – A+ Point No Point Lighthouse Park north A+ – A+ Point No Point Lighthouse Park south A+ – A+ Pomeroy Park - Manchester Beach - mid A – A+ Pomeroy Park - Manchester Beach - north A – A+ Pomeroy Park - Manchester Beach - south A – A+ Scenic Beach State Park east A+ – A+ Scenic Beach State Park mid A+ – A+ Scenic Beach State Park west A+ – A+ Silverdale County Park - east A+ – A+ Silverdale County Park - mid A+ – A+ Silverdale County Park - west A+ – A+ Mason County Allyn Waterfront Park mid A – A+ Allyn Waterfront Park north A – A+ Allyn Waterfront Park south A – A+ Potlatch State Park - mid A+ – A+ HEAL THE BAY // 2018-2019 BEACH REPORT CARD 70 WASHINGTON GRADES BY COUNTY V. APPENDIX / B-3 Summer Dry (Apr-Oct) Winter Dry Wet Weather (Nov-Mar) Year-Round Potlatch State Park - north A+ – A+ Potlatch State Park - south A+ – A+ Twanoh State Park - point A+ – A+ Twanoh State Park - west of dock A+ – A+ Twanoh State Park - west of point A – A+ Island County Freeland County Park Holmes Harbor - west A+ – A+ Freeland County Park Holmes Harbor - mid B – A+ Freeland County Park Holmes Harbor - east B – A+ Dave Mackie Park Beach south A+ – A Dave Mackie Park Beach in tidal lagoon A+ – C Dave Mackie Park Beach north A+ – A+ Oak Harbor Lagoon - south east A – A+ Oak Harbor Lagoon - mid A+ – A+ Oak Harbor Lagoon - north west A+ – A+ Whatcom County Larrabee State Park Wildcat Cove - mid A – A+ Larrabee State Park Wildcat Cove - south A – A+ Larrabee State Park Wildcat Cove - west C – A+ Little Squalicum Park at creek outlet A – A+ Little Squalicum Park east A – A+ Little Squalicum Park far west of pier D – A+ Jefferson County Fort Worden State Park - mid A – A+ Fort Worden State Park - north A+ – A+ Fort Worden State Park - south A+ – A+ Herb Beck Marina - east A – A+ Herb Beck Marina - mid A – A+ Herb Beck Marina - west A – A+ King County Alki Beach Park - mid A+ – A+ Alki Beach Park - north A+ – C Alki Beach Park - south A – A+ Carkeek Park - mid A+ – A+ HEAL THE BAY // 2018-2019 BEACH REPORT CARD 71 WASHINGTON GRADES BY COUNTY V. APPENDIX / B-3 Summer Dry (Apr-Oct) Winter Dry Wet Weather (Nov-Mar) Year-Round Carkeek Park - north A+ – A+ Carkeek Park - south A+ – A+ Dash Point State Park - east A+ – A+ Dash Point State Park - mid A+ – A+ Dash Point State Park - west A+ – A+ Golden Gardens - mid A – A+ Golden Gardens - north A+ – A+ Golden Gardens - south B – A+ Lincoln Park - mid A – A+ Lincoln Park - north A+ – A+ Lincoln Park - south A – A+ Redondo County Park - mid A+ – A+ Redondo County Park - north A+ – A+ Redondo County Park - south A+ – A+ Richey Viewpoint - mid A – A+ Richey Viewpoint - north B – A+ Richey Viewpoint - south A – A+ Richmond Beach Saltwater Park - mid A+ – A+ Richmond Beach Saltwater Park - north A+ – A+ Richmond Beach Saltwater Park - south A+ – A+ Saltwater State Park - mid A+ – A+ Saltwater State Park - north A+ – A+ Saltwater State Park - south A – A+ Seahurst (Ed Munro) Park - mid A – – Seahurst (Ed Munro) Park - north A+ – – Seahurst (Ed Munro) Park - south A – – Pierce County Dash Point County Park - east A+ – A+ Dash Point County Park - east of pier A+ – A+ Dash Point County Park - west of pier A+ – A+ Jack Hyde Park - east A – Jack Hyde Park - west A+ – – Kopachuck State Park mid A+ – – Kopachuck State Park north A+ – – Kopachuck State Park south A+ – – Owens Beach - Point Defiance Park - mid A+ – A+ Owens Beach - Point Defiance Park - north A+ – A+ Owens Beach - Point Defiance Park - south A+ – A+ HEAL THE BAY // 2018-2019 BEACH REPORT CARD 72 WASHINGTON GRADES BY COUNTY V. APPENDIX / B-3 Summer Dry (Apr-Oct) Winter Dry Wet Weather (Nov-Mar) Year-Round Penrose Point State Park east A+ – – Penrose Point State Park mid A+ – – Penrose Point State Park west A+ – – Purdy Sandspit County Park - east A+ – – Purdy Sandspit County Park - mid A+ – – Purdy Sandspit County Park - west A+ – – Ruston Way north - projection of Warner St A – A+ Sunnyside Beach Park - mid A+ – – Sunnyside Beach Park - north A+ – – Sunnyside Beach Park - south A – – Titlow Park - mid A+ – – Titlow Park - north A+ – – Titlow Park - south A+ – – Waterfront Dock/ Ruston Way - north A – – Waterfront Dock/ Ruston Way - south A+ – – Thurston County Burfoot County Park - north A+ – – Burfoot County Park - mid A+ – – Burfoot County Park - south A+ – – Gray’s Harbor County Westhaven State Park Half Moon Bay - mid A+ – A+ Westhaven State Park Half Moon Bay - north A+ – A+ Westhaven State Park Half Moon Bay - south A+ – A+ Westhaven State Park South Jetty - mid A+ – A+ Westhaven State Park South Jetty - north A+ – A+ Westhaven State Park South Jetty - south A+ – A+ Westport - The Groynes - east A+ – A+ Westport - The Groynes - mid A+ – A+ Westport - The Groynes - west A+ – A+ Skagit County Bayview State Park - north A – A+ Bayview State Park - mid A – A+ Bayview State Park - south A – A+ HEAL THE BAY // 2018-2019 BEACH REPORT CARD 73 V. APPENDIX / C FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS About Heal the Bay’s Annual Beach Report Card Heal the Bay is a nonprofit environmental organization, dedicated to making Southern California coastal waters and watersheds, including Santa Monica Bay, safe, healthy and clean. We use science, education, community action and advocacy to pursue our mission. What is the Beach Report Card? Ocean water quality testing is vital to the health of the millions of people who use our coastal waters. Heal the Bay’s Beach Report Card (BRC) is a vital public health pro­tection tool based beach monitoring conducted by local health agencies and dischargers. Since the BRC was first published more than 25 years ago, beachgoers throughout California have come to rely on the annual and weekly grades to better protect their health and the health of their families. The BRC grades over 600 locations along the West Coast on an A-to-F scale based on the risk of adverse health effects to beachgoers. Grades are based on fecal bacteria pollution concentrations in the wave-wash. Water samples are analyzed for bacteria that indicate pollution from numerous sources, including fecal waste. The better the grade a beach receives, the lower the risk of illness to ocean users. The BRC should be used like the SPF ratings in sunblock—beachgoers should determine what they are comfortable with in terms of relative risk, and then make the necessary decisions to protect their health. Heal the Bay urges coastal beachgoers to use this information before they visit beaches on the West Coast. The Beach Report Card would not be possible without the cooperation of all of the shoreline monitoring agencies in California, Oregon and Washington. What is the history of the BRC? Heal the Bay’s first Beach Report Card was published in 1991 and covered about 60 monitoring locations in Los Angeles County from Leo Carrillo Beach (near the Ventura County line) to Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro. At that time, beachgoers knew little about the health risks of swimming in polluted waters or the water quality at any of their favorite beaches in Los Angeles County. Beach water quality was a known public issue only when a substantial sewage spill occurred. Although beaches were routinely monitored, the data were either inaccessible or incomprehensible to the general public. Since then, an immense amount of work has been completed and resources invested to reduce urban runoff pollution and sewage spills at our local beaches. Heal the Bay is proud to announce its influence on and participation in the following: • Completion of scientific studies such as the Santa Monica Bay Restoration Project’s epidemiological study on swimmers at runoff polluted beaches and the Southern California Coastal Water Research Project (SCCWRP) led bight-wide shoreline bacteria and laboratory inter-calibration studies. • Passage of legislation, such as the statewide beach bathing water standards and public notification bill (AB 411), and the protocol for identifying sources of fecal indicator bacteria at high-use beaches that are impacted by flowing storm drains (AB 538). • Completion of structural best management practices such as the Santa Monica Urban Runoff Recycling Facility (SMURRF), dry weather runoff diversions, and nearly $100 million in California’s Clean Beach Initiative (CBI) projects throughout the state. • Passage and Implementation of Proposition O. The City of Los Angeles is spending over $100 million of Prop O funds to make Santa Monica Bay beaches cleaner and safer for public use. HEAL THE BAY // 2018-2019 BEACH REPORT CARD • Measure V. The City of Santa Monica passed Measure V in 2006, which help funds urban runoff water quality improvement projects around the City. • Measure W passed in 2018 and will fund stormwater improvement projects around L.A. County. What do the grades mean to the beach user? Coming into contact with waters with elevated bacteria concentrations has been associated with increased risks to human health. The higher the grade a beach receives, the better the water quality at that beach. The lower the grade, the greater the health risks. Potential illnesses include stomach flu, eye/ear infections, upper respiratory infection and major skin rash (full body). The known risks of contracting illnesses associated with each threshold are based on a one-time, single day of exposure (head immersed while swimming) to polluted water. Increasing frequency of exposure or the magnitude of bacteria densities may significantly increase an ocean user’s risk of contracting any one of a number of these illnesses.. Summer Dry (Apr-Oct) Winter Dry (Nov-Mar) Wet Weather Year-Round A A F Beach Report Card’s water quality grade (See Appendix for complete methodology) How are grades calculated? Heal the Bay’s grading system takes into consideration the magnitude and frequency of exceedances above allowed bacterial levels over the course of the specified time period. Each BRC year contains three time/weather periods: • Summer Dry = Samples taken during dry weather between April 1 and October 31 • Winter Dry = Samples taken during dry weather between November 1 and March 31 • Wet Weather = Samples taken during or within 72 hours of a rain event* Water quality typically drops dramatically during and immediately after a rainstorm, but often rebounds to its previous level within a few days. For this reason, year-round wet weather data throughout California were analyzed separately in order to avoid artificially lowering a location’s grade, and to provide better understanding of statewide beach water quality impacts. For complete methodology, see Appendix D. NOTE: *Heal the Bay utilizes a definition of a ‘rain event’ in California as precipitation greater than or equal to one tenth of an inch (≥ 0.1"). Oregon and Washington criteria for a rain event is ≥0.2" precipitation. How current are the weekly grades? It is important to note that the grades from the Beach Report Card represent the most current information available to the public, but they do not represent realtime water quality conditions. Currently, laboratory analyses of beach water quality samples take 18 to 24 hours to complete; then the data must be entered into a database before they are sent to Heal the Bay for a grade calculation. For weekly grades, Heal the Bay releases grades every Friday throughout the year based on the most recent available sample data for the entire west coast. Weekly grades and more can be found at www.beachreportcard.org What type of pollution is measured? Pollution is measured by sampling for three types of fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) including total coliform, fecal coliform (E. coli) and Enterococcus spp. Runoff from creeks, rivers and storm drains are sources of pollution to California, Oregon and 74 V. APPENDIX / C FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Washington beaches. Runoff may contain toxic heavy metals, pesticides, fertilizers, petroleum hydrocarbons, animal waste, trash and even human sewage. rivers, creeks, or storm drains meet the ocean. This was a major step in achieving monitoring consistency from county to county, and meeting the intent of AB411. The amounts of fecal indicator bacteria present in runoff, and consequently in the wave-wash, is currently the best indication of whether or not a beach is safe for recreational water contact. The link between swimming in waters containing elevated levels of indicator bacteria and health risk was confirmed in the ground breaking 1995 epidemiological study conducted by the University of Southern California, Orange County Sanitation District, the City of Los Angeles and Heal the Bay, under the auspices of the Santa Monica Bay Restoration Project. The majority of Oregon and Washington water quality monitoring occurs during the summer swimming season (Memorial Day through Labor Day). Indicator bacteria do not usually cause bather illness. Instead, their presence indicates the potential for water contamination with other pathogenic microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses and protozoa that do pose a health risk to humans. The BRC includes an analysis of shoreline (ankle-deep) water quality data collected by more than 25 different State, County, and City public agencies for fecal indicator bacteria. At present, the report card contains no information on toxins or trash in the water or on the beach. ABOUT INDICATOR BACTERIA The most common types of indicator bacteria include: • Total coliform • Fecal coliform (or E. coli) • Enterococcus Total coliform, which contains coliform of all types, originates from many sources including soil, plants, animals and humans. Fecal coliform and Enterococcus bacteria are found in the fecal matter of mammals and birds. This fecal bacteria does not necessarily come from humans, although numerous prior studies have demonstrated that there is a significant possibility of human sewage contamination in storm drain runoff at any given time. Why is storm drain pollution so significant? Storm drain runoff is the greatest source of pollution to local beaches, flowing untreated to the coast and often contaminated with motor oil, animal waste, pesticides, yard waste and trash. After a rain, indicator bacteria densities often far exceed state health criteria for recreational water use. Health officials and Heal the Bay recommend that beach users never swim within 100 yards on either side of a flowing storm drain, creek, or river in any coastal waters during a rainstorm, and to stay out of the water for at least three days after a storm has ended. This is the Beach Report Card’s eighth year of grading water quality along the entire U.S. Pacific Coastline. A total of 661 shoreline monitoring locations were analyzed from Whatcom County in Washington to San Diego County at the Mexican border. Most sample locations are selected by monitoring, health, and regulatory agencies to specifically target popular beaches or those beaches frequently affected by a pollution source like runoff. In case of the Pacific Northwest, some locations are selected for being popular shell fishing beaches. According to the EPA BEACH Act of 2000, each state having coastal recreation waters has to adopt water quality standards for bacteria in order to qualify for federal beach monitoring funding. Therefore, each state has the ability to adopt its own standards. President Trump’s proposed budget for FY 2019 ’red-lined’ the entire BEACH Act monitoring program (approximately $10 million). States are only required to monitor recreational waters when federal funding is available, meaning the proposed budget cuts could ultimately relinquish states of their monitoring responsibilities. Without such funds, water quality monitoring programs like Oregon’s would vanish. Fortunately for beachgoers across the country, Congress restored these appropriated funds for the 2017 swimming season. Why not test for viruses? A common question asked by beachgoers is: “if viruses cause many of the swim­ ming-associated illnesses, why don’t health agencies monitor directly for viruses instead of indicator bacteria?” Although virus monitoring is incredibly useful in iden­ tifying sources of fecal pollution, there are a number of drawbacks to available virus measurement methods. There have been tremendous breakthroughs in the use of gene probes to analyze water samples for virus or human pathogenic bacte­ria, but these techniques are still relatively expensive, highly technical and not very quantitative. In addition, interpretation of virus monitoring data is difficult because, unlike bacterial indicators, there are no data available that link health risks associated with swimming in beach water to virus densities. Many epidemiology studies have been conducted on the West Coast and have found a strong correlation between illness rates and FIB concentrations so measuring FIB is a robust way to protect public health3,4,5. However, research must be continued to refine how water quality is measured.. Children often play directly in front of storm drains and in runoff-filled ponds and lagoons. Monitoring at “point zero” (the mouth of storm drains or creeks) is the best way to ensure that the health risks to all swimmers are minimized. This Heal the Bay recommendation was finally adopted by the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) for the 2015 swimming season. In fact, the SWRCB made point zero monitoring a criterion for receiving beach water quality monitoring funds. This was great news for beachgoers and families going to the beach last summer. For more on storm drain beaches, see “Analysis of Beach Types”. Are beaches monitored year-round? In California, water quality samples are collected by the appropriate health agency at a minimum of once a week from April through October as required under the California Beach Bathing Water Quality Standards (AB 411) and recommended by EPA’s National Beach Guidance and Performance Criteria for Recreational Waters (EPA’s BEACH program). Some agencies conduct year-round sampling, while others scale back their monitoring programs dramatically from November through March, despite the fact that many surfers and ocean swimmers are in the water year-round. Starting April 2015, all monitoring agencies participating in the California Beach Program were required to sample at point-zero—where flows from HEAL THE BAY // 2018-2019 BEACH REPORT CARD 75 V. APPENDIX / D METHODOLOGY Beach Report Card Grading and Methodology The Beach Report Card Grading Methodology translates complex shoreline bacteria data into a grade format that is meaningful and useable by all California beachgoers. Calculating the ‘Total Points Lost’ for the geometric mean component involves using the rolling 30-day geometric mean values calculated for each sample day (see Table 5-3). Each geometric mean criterion exceeded is assigned a specific percentage of points lost. Non-exceedances are given 0%. The percentage of points lost from each of the three criteria divided by the number of sample days are multiplied by the ‘Total Available Points’ (any sum of percentages exceeding 100% automatically loses all 50 points available in the geometric mean component). Single Sample Standard METHODOLOGY: CALIFORNIA Heal the Bay’s Beach Report Card grading system is endorsed by the SWRCB and the Beach Water Quality Workgroup as an effective way to communicate beach water quality to the public Past amendments to the grading methodology have included: • The inclusion of the geometric mean into the calculation • A firm zero-to-100 point scale • Greater weight for Enterococcus and the total to fecal ratio relative to total coliform and fecal coliform The methodology retains past modifications to the report card, such as the inclusion of new indicator bacteria thresholds (namely the total-to-fecal ratio), developed by the Santa Monica Bay Restoration Commission in the 1996 health effects studies of Santa Monica Bay beachgoers. It also retains the implementation of standard deviations for each indicator bacteria threshold, which was developed by the Southern California Coastal Water Research Project and Orange County Sanitation Districts during the 1998 Southern California Bight Study. Each threshold is based on the prescribed standards set in the California Department Health Service’s Beach Bathing Water Standards. As seen in Table 5-1 the methodology uses a standard A through F grading system, and grades are based on the following formula: % Grade = Calculating the ‘Total Points Lost’ for the Single Sample Standard component is similar to the calculation used for deriving the points lost for the Geometric Mean. However, the Single Sample Standard component uses a gradient to calculate the ‘Total Points Lost’. The gradient of percentage points lost used in calculating the number of points lost is derived from work completed by the Southern California Coastal Water Research Project and Orange County Sanitation District as part of the 1998 Southern California Coastal Bight Study (see Table 5-4). ‘Percentage of points lost’ is allocated depending upon the threshold exceeded by each of the four criteria. Each single sample criterion exceeded is given a ‘percentage of points lost’. These amounts are presented in Table 5-4. The ‘percentage of points lost’ from each of the four criteria for each sample during the time period are added together and divided by the total number of samples. Once this number is calculated (total ‘percentage of points lost’ divided by total number of samples), it is multiplied by the ‘Total Available Points’. In the Single Sample Standard component, more points are lost as the magnitude or frequency of exceedances increases. Points lost from the Single Sample Standard component are added to the points lost in the Geometric Mean component (if applicable) and this sum becomes ‘Total Points Lost’. Once the ‘Total Points Available’ and the ‘Total Points Lost’ are calculated, a grade for a particular sample site can be determined. Determining a Grade ‘TOTAL POINTS AVAILABLE’ — ‘TOTAL POINTS LOST’ ‘TOTAL POINTS AVAILABLE’ [Note: The Annual and End-of-Summer Beach Report Card methodology is modified slightly to accommodate the longer time period. For example: no greater significance is given to the most recent samples.] Total Points Available ‘Total Points Available’ is derived from adding together two point components (if applicable): the Geometric Mean and the Single Sample Standard. The points for each component are listed in Table 5-2. In order for the points in each component to become available, certain criteria must be met. (For example, the geometric mean points will be added to the ‘Total Points Available’ only if there are a minimum of four dry weather samples collected within the allotted time frame). Wet weather data is graded separately from dry weather data, and does not currently include a geometric mean component. Therefore, it is possible for ‘Total Points Available’ to be less than 100. The new grading methodology allows for a relative grade to be determined based on the actual monitoring completed. Once the ‘Total Available Points’ has been determined for a specific location, then the ‘Total Points Lost’ can be calculated for the applicable grade components. % Grade = Separate calculations are used to quantify ‘Total Points Lost’ for each applicable component from the ‘Total Available Points’. The following describes the two calculations. Geometric Mean HEAL THE BAY // 2018-2019 BEACH REPORT CARD ‘TOTAL POINTS AVAILABLE’ Most dry and wet weather annual grades are calculated with 100 ‘Total Available Points’, although there is no Geometric Mean component for wet weather grading. Wet weather grades are calculated by the total ‘percentage of points lost’ divided by the total number of samples and then multiplied by 100. This gives the location’s score for wet weather ‘Total Points Lost’. This number is then subtracted from 100 to give the percentage grade. METHODOLOGY: OREGON AND WASHINGTON The Oregon and Washington state grade methodology (using Enterococcus standards) was adapted from the seven standard California methodology (see Appendix A1). Total Points Available As seen in Table 5-2, the methodology uses a standard A through F grading system, and grades are based on the following formula: % Grade = Total Points Lost ‘TOTAL POINTS AVAILABLE’ — ‘TOTAL POINTS LOST’ ‘TOTAL POINTS AVAILABLE’ — ‘TOTAL POINTS LOST’ ‘TOTAL POINTS AVAILABLE’ Note: The Annual and End-of-Summer Beach Report Card methodology is modified slightly to accommodate the longer time period. (For example: no greater significance is given to the most recent samples.) Wet weather data (>=0.2 inches of rain in previous 72 hours) is graded separately from dry weather data and does not currently include a geometric mean component. 76 V. APPENDIX / D METHODOLOGY ‘Total Points Available’ is derived from adding together two point components (if applicable): the Geometric Mean and the Single Sample Standard. The points for each component are listed in Table 5-2. In order for the points in each component to become available certain criteria must be met. Oregon and Washington Summer Beach Report Card methodology calculations only include Geometric Mean scores when four or more dry weather samples are available in determining a location’s 30day geometric mean. Therefore, it is possible for ‘Total Points Available’ to be less than 100. The grading methodology allows for a relative grade to be determined based on the actual monitoring completed. Once the ‘Total Available Points’ has been determined for a specific location, then the ‘Total Points Lost’ is calculated for the applicable grade components. Total Points Lost Separate calculations are used to quantify ‘Total Points Lost’ for each applicable component from the ‘Total Available Points’. The following describes the two calculations: TABLE 5-1: GRADING SYSTEM A B C D F 100%-90% 89%-80% 79%-70% 69%-60% <60% TABLE 5-2: TOTAL POINTS AVAILABLE BY COMPONENT Geometric Mean 50 points Single Sample Standard 50 points Total 100 points TABLE 5-3: CALCULATING THE TOTAL POINTS LOST FOR THE GEOMETRIC MEAN COMPONENT Indicator Exceeded Calif. Beach Bathing Water Standard % of Total Available Points Lost** Due to Exceedance 35 80% Fecal Coliform 200 40% Total Coliform 1000 20% Enterococcus Geometric Mean Calculating the ‘Total Points Lost’ for the Geometric Mean component involves using EPA’s beach bathing indicator density of 35 for the geometric mean. If there are four or more samples included in the 30-day geometric mean calculation then the 50 points for the Geometric Mean component become available. Oregon and Washington Beach Report Card methodology calculates the percentage of geometric mean exceedance days based on the number of valid (four or more) geometric means scored during the extended time period. The percentage of geometric exceedance sample days out of valid geometric mean sample days is multiplied by the 50 available points to determine the ‘Total Points Lost’ for the Geometric Mean component. Total Avail. Points 50 * Colony forming units per 100 milliliters of ocean water TABLE 5-4: SINGLE SAMPLE GRADIENT THRESHOLDS IN CFU/100ML* Indicator Bacteria SLIGHT T – 1 SD MODERATE T + 1 SD HIGH > T + 1 SD EXTREME Very High Risk Total Coliform 6,711-9,999 10,000-14,900 > 14,900 N/A Fecal Coliform 268-399 400-596 > 596 N/A Single Sample Standard Enterococcus 70-103 104-155 > 155 N/A The Single Sample Standard component uses a gradient to calculate the ‘Total Points Lost’. The gradient of percentage of points lost used in calculating the number of points lost is derived from the EPA’s Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria and is found in Table 5-6. Total: Fecal Ratio (when total > 1,000) 10.1-13 7.1-10 2.1-7 < 2.1 ‘Percentage of points lost’ is allocated depending upon the threshold exceeded. The penalties for threshold exceedances are presented in Table 5-7. Non-exceedances lose zero points. The ‘percentage of points lost’ for each sample during the time period are added together and divided by the total number of samples and multiplied by the ‘Total Available Points’. More points are lost as the magnitude or frequency of exceedances increases. Points lost from the Single Sample Standard component are added to the points lost in the Geometric Mean component (if applicable) and this sum becomes ‘Total Points Lost’. Once the ‘Total Points Available’ and the ‘Total Points Lost’ are calculated a grade for a particular sample site can be determined. Determining a Grade % Grade = * Colony forming units per 100 milliliters of ocean water. N/A = Not applicable SD = Standard Deviation. Bold = California State Health Department standards for a single sample TABLE 5-5: CALCULATING THE TOTAL POINTS LOST FOR THE SINGLE SAMPLE STANDARD COMPONENT SLIGHT % Points Lost MODERATE % Points Lost HIGH % Points Lost EXTREME % Points Lost Total Coliform 10% 30% 40% N/A Fecal Coliform 10% 30% 40% N/A Enterococcus 20% 40% 60% N/A Ratio (when total > 1,000) 25% 50% 75% 100% Indicator Exceeded Total Available Points 50 ‘TOTAL POINTS AVAILABLE’ — ‘TOTAL POINTS LOST’ ‘TOTAL POINTS AVAILABLE’ Most dry and wet weather annual grades are calculated with 100 ‘Total Available Points’, although there is no Geometric Mean component for wet weather grading. Wet weather grades are calculated by the total ‘percentage of points lost’ divided by the total number of samples and then multiplied by 100. This gives the location’s score for wet weather ‘Total Points Lost’. This number is then subtracted from 100 to give the percentage grade. TABLE 5-6: SINGLE SAMPLE GRADIENT THRESHOLDS IN CFU/100ML* Indicator Bacteria Enterococcus SLIGHT T – 1 SD MODERATE T + 1 SD HIGH >T+1S 70-103 104-155 >155 * Colony forming units per 100 milliliters of ocean water SD = Standard Deviation. Bold = California State Health Department standards for a single sample TABLE 5-7: CALCULATING THE TOTAL POINTS LOST FOR THE SINGLE SAMPLE STANDARD COMPONENT Indicator Exceeded Enterococcus HEAL THE BAY // 2018-2019 BEACH REPORT CARD SLIGHT % Points Lost MODERATE % Points Lost HIGH % Points Lost Total Available Points 25% 75% 100% 50 77 V. APPENDIX / E INDICES Significant Bills and Acts Clean Water Act- Federal (1972) Establishes the basic structure for regulating discharges of pollutants into the waters of the United States. AB 411 - California (1997) Beach Bathing Water Quality Standards. Requires all waters along California’s coast to meet certain minimum standards. Coastal waters will be tested weekly during the period of April through October. AB 538 - California (1999) Requires the state board to develop source investigation protocols for use in conducting source investigations of storm drains that produce exceedances of specified bacteriological standards. BEACH Act - Federal (2000) Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health Act. Amends the Clean Water Act and authorizes the EPA to award grants to reduce the risk of illness to users of the nation’s recreational waters. CBI - California (2001) California’s Clean Beach Initiative. Grant program provides funding for projects that will improve California’s coastal water quality and swimmers’ safety. Funding priority is given to projects that reduce bacterial contamination on busy California beaches. Proposition O (Prop O) - Los Angeles (2004) Authorized the City of Los Angeles to issue a series of general obligation bonds for up to $500 million for projects to protect public health by cleaning up pollution, including bacteria and trash, in the city’s watercourses, beaches and the ocean, in order to meet Federal Clean Water Act requirement ARRA - Federal (2009) American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Stimulus package, from which $18 billion is allocated for relief and investment in environment, public health and ‘green’ alternatives. SB 482 - California (2011) Public Beach Contamination, Standards, Testing, Closing. Allows the State Board to direct permit fees up to $1.8 million towards California’s Beach Program and requires the drafting of regulations relating to testing of waters adjacent to public beaches. Recreational Water Quality Critera – Federal (2012) After 25 years, USEPA updates water quality standards/criteria to protect people swimming in recreational waters (e.g., lakes, rivers, beaches) from microbial organisms such as bacteria and viruses. Introduces Statistical Thresold Values (STV) and Beach Action Values (BAV) into the beach water quality lexicon. HEAL THE BAY // 2018-2019 BEACH REPORT CARD 78 V. APPENDIX / F ACKNOWLEDGEMENT & CREDITS Acknowledgements Heal the Bay would like to give special thanks to Washington’s Department of Health and Department of Ecology, who jointly manage Washington’s beach program, for generously providing local, current information on Washington’s beach water quality. We would also like to thank Oregon’s Department of Human Services and Oregon’s Department of Environmental Quality for providing water quality data. All agencies provided valuable advice and information, making the Beach Report Card possible in Oregon and Washington. Additionally, this report and the entire Beach Report Card program would not be possible without the cooperation of the many monitoring and public agencies throughout California. These agencies include: Humboldt County Environmental Health Division Mendocino County Environmental Health Department Services County of Orange Environmental Health Santa Barbara County Environmental Health Services Orange County Sanitation District Ventura County Environmental Health Division San Diego County Department of Environmental Health City of Los Angeles Environmental Monitoring Division San Elijo Joint Powers Authority Marin County Environmental Health Services San Francisco Public Utilities Commission Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts East Bay Regional Park District County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health Environmental Health Sonoma County Environmental Health Division San Mateo County Environmental Health Division Santa Cruz County Environmental Health Services Monterey County Environmental Health Bureau San Luis Obispo County Environmental Health City of Redondo Beach City of San Diego City of Oceanside Encina Wastewater Authority State Water Resources Control Board City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services Environmental Health Division South Orange County Wastewater Authority The Beach Report Card’s original concept and methodology were created in-part by Heal the Bay’s former President, Dr. Mark Gold. This report would not be possible without his vision and unwavering dedication to improving beach water quality and strengthening public health protection. A special thank you to our funders for their continued support of the Beach Report Card program and the publication of this report: 2018-19 Beach Report Card Report Research and Copy: Luke Ginger Data Compilation and Analysis: Luke Ginger, Lucy Rieves, Karen Vu Copy Editors: Shelley Luce, Katherine Pease, Talia Walsh, Delaney Alamillo Photography and Design: Joy Aoki 1444 9th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401 800.HEAL.BAY 310.451.1500 healthebay.org HEAL THE BAY // 2018-2019 BEACH REPORT CARD 79