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HomeMy WebLinkAbout3338; Agua Hedionda & Calavera Creek Dredging; Agua Hedionda Creek Limited Environmental Analysis; 2006-02-10Geotechnlcal and Envlronmental Sc~ences Consultants CITY OF CARCSBAD LIMITED ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS' AGUA HEDIONDA CREEK CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA PREPARED FOR: City of Carlsbad Engineering Department 1635 Faraday Avenue Carlsbad, California 92008 PREPARED BY: Ninyo & Moore Geotechnical and Environmental Sciences Consultants 57 10 Ruffin Road San Diego, California 92 123 February 10,2006 Project No. 105760001 57 10 Ruffin Road = San Diego, California 92 123 Phone (858) 576- 1000 Fax (858) 576-9600 San Diego lrvine Ontario Los Angeles Oakland Las Vegas Carson City Phoenix v Geotechnical and Environmental Sciences Consultanll February 10,2006 Project No. 105760001 1 Mr. David Hauser City of Carlsbad 1635 Faraday Avenue 1 Carlsbad, California 92008-73 14 Subject: City of Carlsbad Limited Environmental Analysis 1 Agua Hedionda Creek, Carlsbad, California Dear Mr. Hauser: 1 In accordance with our proposal dated November 21, 2005, Ninyo & Moore has performed a limited environmental analysis of sediments collected in Agua Hedionda Creek, located adjacent 1 to California State Highway 11 (El Camino Real) in Carlsbad, California. The following report . describes the sampling event, analytical testing, and presents the results of these data along with conclusions and recommendations. 1 We appreciate the opporhmity to be of continued service to you. If you have any questions re- garding this report, please contact the undersigned at your convenience. 9 Sincerely, MNYO & MOORE w 1 Jim Schneider, P.G Project Manager ' Sree Gopinath, P.E. Principal Engineer I Distribution: (1) Addressee 1 (5) Mr. Glen Van Peski; GVP Consultants, 3764 Cavern Place, Carlsbad, California 92010 1 57 10 Ruffin Road - San Diego, California 92 123 Phone (858) 576- 1000 . Fax (858) 576-9600 . San Diego lrvine m Ontario LosAngeles Oakland a LasVegas Carson City Phoenix Agua Hedionda Creek Carlsbad, California February 10,2006 Project No. 10576000 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS Page 2. PROJECT OBJECTIVES ............................................................................ . ............................ 1 3. SCOPE OF WORK ............ . .. ... . ... . ... ... . ... .. :. .. ... . . .... . .. ..... . ...-........ ...... .. ..... . . . . ..... ... .. . . .. . .. .. . .. , ...... 2 4. SITE GEOLOGY AND HYDROGEOLOGY ............................................................ ............. 3 4.1. Sample CCAH-0 1 - Poorly graded sand with gravel, SP ........ ....... .. .. .. ..... ... . . ........ . ..... 3 4.2. Sample CCAI-I-02 - Well graded sand with silt and gravel, SW -SM .......................... 4 5. SAMPLING EVENT.. .. . . . .. . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . ..... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . .. -5 5.1. Sediment Sampling ....................................................................................................... 5 5.2. Sample Handling and Analytical Testing Program ...................................................... 6 5.3. Equipment Decontamination Procedures ... ... .. ................ ..... ... .. .. .... ..... .. ......... ............ .6 6. RESULTS . ...... ........ ........ . ...... . .. ... . ............ .... . .. .. ........ .. . .. .. ... .. . .... . . ... . ........... ...... ... . ... ... . . . . ... ...... 7 7. CONCLUSIONS . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -7 8. RECOMMENDATIONS ..... . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . .. . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . -7 9. LIMITATIONS .... .. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..... . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 8 10. SELECT REFERENCES .... . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . .. . . . .. . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . ... . . . . .I Fiigures Figure 1 - Site Location Map Figure 2 - Stream Transect Locations Tables - Table 1 - Summary of Analytical Results Amendices Appendix A - NOAA SQuiRT Tables ~Gendix B - ~nalytical-~eports with Chain-of-Custody Documentation Appendix C - Geotechnical Analysis Agua Hedionda Creek February 10,2006 I Carlsbad, California Project No. 105760001 I I 1. INTRODUCTION Ninyo & Moore is pleased to present this report summarizing the results of our limited environ- mental analysis conducted at Agua Hedionda Creek (site), located in Carlsbad, California (Figure 1). The site lies within a relatively short segment of the Agua Hedionda Creek, an inter- mittent westward flowing stream, adjacent to California State Highway 11 (El Camino Real). The outflow fiom Agua Hedionda Creek mixes with the Pacific Ocean via the Agua Hedionda Lagoon. Daily tidal fluctuations help promote mixing of these waters. As understood by Ninyo & Moore, this transect of stream will eventually be dredged approximately four feet below the ex- isting creekbed. The surrounding areas adjacent to this site are residential. This work complied with the approved Ninyo & Moore proposal dated November 21,2005. 2. PROJECT OBJECTIVES The primary objective of this limited environmental analysis was to evaluate potential contami- nants of concern in the stream sediments at the site as part of the City of Carlsbad Channel Dredging and Improvement Project. As indicated by the City of Carlsbad's representative and consultant, Mr. Glen Van Peski, the guidelines for the sediment analysis followed the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Office of Response and Restoration (OR&R), Screening Quick Reference Tables, or SQuiRTs, for Inorganics in Solids (Appendix A). NOAA's OR&R protects the coastal environment fi-om oil spills and hazardous waste sites, restores dam- aged natural resources, and promotes coral reef conservation, and marine debris prevention and cleanup. The SQuiRTs present screening concentrations for inorganic and organic contaminants in various environmental media. The SQuiRTs also include guidelines for preserving samples and analytical technique options. Ninyo & Moore believes that NOAA has updated the Applica- ble Sediment Quality Objectives that were provided by Mr. Van Peski (which are based Levels for Inorganics in Solids); as such, recent SQuiRT Tables are presented in Appendix A, along with the table provided by Mr. Van Peski. This limited analysis involved collection of creek sediments at two different locations within the site. The first location sampled was within Agua Hedionda Creek, downgradient of anticipated Agua Hedionda Creek February 10,2006 1 Carlsbad, California Project No. 10576000 1 dredging activities, identified as NM-CCAH-01 in Figure 2. The second sampling location, iden- tified as NM-CCAH-02 in Figure 2, was approximately 50 feet downgradient of the confluence between Agua Hedionda and Calaveras creeks. In both sampling locations, Ninyo & Moore (N&M) personnel observed and documented the sediment characteristics of the creekbed and the stream bank deposits. Sufficient sediment was collected to satisfy geotechnical and environ- mental testing requirements specified by each laboratory. The samples collected were stored in an ice-filled cooler and sent to a California State-certified laboratory for analytical testing and the N&M San Diego office for particle gradation (sieve) analysis and Sand Equivalent testing. 3. SCOPE OF WORK The scope of work performed for the limited environmental analysis is summarized below. a Site reconnaissance; Sediment observation and documentation of Agua Hedionda Creek; Field homogenization of sediments collected from two different transects across Agua He- dionda Creek; sample depths ranged fiom surface to two feet below creekbed; Submitted samples to a California State-certified laboratory for the following analytical tests: 1) Metals using United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Method 6020 (7 elements tested: Al, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Ni, Zn) 2) Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH) using EPA Method 8270C 3) Oil and Grease using EPA Method 41 3.2 4) Amphipod Hyalella azteca using EPA Method 600m-991064; Submitted samples for testing of particle gradation (sieve) analysis and Sand Equivalent evaluation to our in-house laboratory; and, Prepared this report su&narizing field activities, results, illustrations, and conclusions and recommendations, as appropriate. Agua Hedionda Creek Carlsbad, California February 10,2006 Project No. 105760001 4. SITE GEOLOGY AND HYDROGEOLOGY The site is located within the United States Geological Survey (USGS) geologic map titled "Ocean- side, San Luis Rey, and San Marcos Quadrangle" (USGS, 1996) at an approximate elevation of 80 feet above mean sea level (MSL). This USGS map defines this area as Holocene alluvium and colluvium with unconsolidated silt, clay, sand, and gravel. The site is relatively flat with no- ticeably older stream bank deposits on either side of Agua Hedionda Creek. The surrounding residential property is relatively flat, approximately seven feet higher in elevation than the site. Significant vegetation of trees, shrubs, and grasses, surround the stream banks as chaparral. After field observations, the sediments were sampled and classified using standards set within the Unified Soil Classification System (USCS) (United States Department of the Interior Bureau of Reclamation 5005-86, 1990), American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) procedure D 2488 - 00 (2005) Standard Practice for Description and Identification of Soils (Visual-Manual Procedure), ASTM D 75 - 03 Standard Practice for Sampling Aggregates, and the Munsell Color Chart (1988). The identification of soils in this report was based on visual-manual procedures. A description of these sediments, as observed by field personnel, follows and is partially based on the resuIts form the gradation and sand equivalent testing (Appendix B). 4.1. Sample CCAH-01- Poorly graded sand with gravel, SP Light brown lOYR 5/8; very soft; wet; approximately 88% sand, 12% gravel, trace fines; poorly graded, coarse to fine-grained sand; coarse to fine-grained gravel; some cobbles pre- sent, but only on surface of creekbed; sand is subangular to subrounded; gravel is subangular; sand is approximately 75% quartz, 20% feldspar, and 5% lithic material (obser- vational percentages); no reaction with HCl; no cementation; no dilantancy; no dry strength; no plasticity, moderate hardness of sand grains and gravel clasts; small bivalve shell fiag- ments found on creekbed surface; approximately 1-inch thick organic layer observed within the centerline of creek deposits with strong organic decay odor. Agua Hedionda Creek Carlsbad, California February 10,2006 Project No. 105760001 4.2. Sample CCAH-02 - Well graded sand with silt and gravel, SW -SM Light brown lOYR 518; very soft; wet; approximately 94% sand, 5% silt, 1% gravel; coarse grained sand, coarse-grained gravel; one sandstone boulder observed in creek; sand is subangular to subrounded; gravel is subangular; sand is 80% quartz, 15% feldspar, and 5% lithic material (observational percentages); no reaction with HCl; no cementation; no dilan- tancy; no dry strength; no plasticity; moderate hardness of sand grains and gravel clasts; small bivalve shell fiagments found on creekbed surface; approximately I-inch thick organic layer observed within the centerline of creek deposits with strong.0rgan.i~ decay odor. The "In-Place" conditions of Agua Hedionda Creek are very soft, wet, light brown sands and gravels. The geologic interpretation of this area is that it is part of a alluvial fan deposit. The visual methods used to classify these soils provide qualitative information only; therefore, a precision and accuracy statement in not applicable. Based on the review of available hydrologic data fiom the Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) and the California Department of Water Resources (DWR), the site is located in the Agua Hedionda Hydrologic Area within the Carlsbad Hydrologic Unit (HU) (RWQCB, 1994). There are multiple existing and potential beneficial uses of surface water in the Carlsbad HU in- cluding municipal, domestic, agricultural and industrial service supply, hydropower generation, contact water recreation, non-contact water recreation, warm fieshwater habitat, cold fieshwater habitat, wildlife habitat, and rare, threatened, or endangered species habitat. Surface drainage fiom surrounding residential units flows into Agua Hedionda Creek via many , drainage culverts. Other drainage into Agua Hedionda may potentially come fiom overflow of Calaveras Creek, which joins Agua Hedionda at the western portion of the site. Drainage fiom Agua Hedionda is west towards the Pacific Ocean via Agua Hedionda Lagoon approximately 1.5 miles downgradient. Agua Hedionda Creek Carlsbad, California February 10,2006 Project No. 1 0576000 1 5. SAMPLING EVENT This section summarizes the overall site conditions during the field-sampling event. The follow- ing information presented is based on a review of referenced andlor published reports, and observations made by Ninyo & Moore at the site during the work effort. During sampling, the Agua Hedionda Creek had continual flow. The creek is broadly sinuous with erosional and depositional sweeps. The average width of Agua Hedionda Creek at both sampling locations was approximately 72 feet. The flowing portion of the creek measured ap- proximately 15 feet wide, and this portion of the creek appeared moderately braided. Fieldwork took place in accordance with the procedures and guidelines outlined in the N&M Site Health and Safety Plan (SHSP). The SHSP provided policies, information, requirements, and guidelines regarding procedures that were followed by personnel performing specific tasks. 5.1. Sediment Sampling 'Ikvo stream transects were sampled by homogenizing sediment obtained fiom approximately 6 (six) locations within each transect perpendicular to the creekbed. Samples obtained were field-homogenized fiom the centerline of the creek, midway between the creek and the creek banks, and at the edge of the creek banks to obtain a representative sample. The sampling transects crossed the width of the creek perpendicular to flow direction to obtain a reason- able representation of recent stream channel deposits. The sediments sampled were obtained fiom the upper two feet of the creek. Homogenized samples were obtained by using a decontaminated shovel and placing the various collected samples within several new 5-gallon buckets. Approximately 12 gallons of sediment was collected at each stream transect. The sediment was then homogenized by spreading the sediment over new plastic sheeting and mixing the sediment by hand to create a composite sample. Agua Hedionda Creek Carlsbad, California February 10,2006 Project No. 10576000 1 5.2. Sample Handling and Analytical Testing Program Samples were placed new laboratory supplied glass jars and new 4-mil plastic 5-gallon bags. Samples were labeled with appropriate information including project number, project name, sample identification, sample collection date, and time, and sampler initials. All samples were placed in an ice-filled cooler maintained at approximately 4" Celsius. Two samples (NM-CCAH-01 and NM-CCAH-02) were submitted to Calscience Environ- mental Laboratories of Garden Grove, California for analytical testing for EPA Method 413.2 (Oil & Grease), EPA 8270C (PAH7s), and EPA 6020 (Metals - 7 elements). One 5- gallon plastic bag filled with sediment was sent to Nautilus Environmental of San Diego, California for fish bio-assay of amphipod Hyalella azteca (EPA Method 600R-99/064). One 5-gallon bag filled with sediment was sent to our in-house laboratory for a particle gradation (sieve) analysis and Sand equivalent evaluation. 5.3. Equipment Decontamination Procedures Sampling equipment was decontaminated and cleaned prior to and after each sampling event. Non-disposable tools that contacted the samples were decontaminated prior to the col- lection of each sample and between each stream transect location. Equipment was decontaminated in accordance with the steps described below. A non-phosphate, laboratory grade detergent (e.g., LiquinoxB) was mixed with water to create a 5-gallon wash solution; Sampling equipment was scrubbed with a stiff-bristled brush using this solution; Sampling equipment was triple rinsed with clean water; the last rinse using deionized water; The equipment was placed on clean, plastic sheeting and allowed to air dry. Agua Hedionda Creek Carlsbad, California February 10,2006 Project No. 105760001 6. RESULTS A record of the results and Chain-of-Custody documentation is presented within Table 1 and Ap- pendix C. Based on available information fi-om this limited sediment assessment; the following is a summary of the findings: Aluminum was detected in both samples at concentrations of approximately 0.15%; these concentrations are below the Applicable Sediment Quality Objectives for background levels indicated in the current NOAA SQuiRT tables and former table provided by Mr. Peski; Results for metal analytes were below the Applicable Sediment Quality Objectives indicated in the current NOAA SQuiRT tables and former table provided by Mr. Van Peski; Mean survival of amphipod Hyalella azteca to test sediments: Control sample: 82%; NM-CCAH-01 : 90%; NM-CCAH-02 : 75%; Sample NM-CCAH-01 reported the presence of naphthalene at 0.091 mg/kg; and, Samples NM-CCAH-01 and NM-CCAH-02 reported the presence of oil and grease at 17 and 19 mgkg, respectively. 7. CONCLUSIONS Based on the findings from this limited sediment assessment, N&M concludes: The soils within this section of Agua Hedionda are poor to well-graded sands with small percent of silt and/or gravel; Agua Hedionda Creek has stratigraphic and lithologic variations (laminations) within the upper 2 feet of the creek bed; more variations may occur with increasing depth; and, The NOAA Sediment Quality Objectives for the analytes tested in this study, as set forth in the NOAA SQuiRT Levels for Inorganics in Solids and the table provided by Mr. Van Peski, were not exceeded. 8. RECOMMENDATIONS The limited sampling and testing in this scope of work does not imply that Agua Hedionda Creek or the area scheduled for dredging is free of contamination. There remains a possibility that pol- lutants may exist at deeper depths not obtained during this scope of work. Further sampling and analysis during dredging may be warranted. Additionally, if the dredged soils are planned for Agua Hedionda Creek Carlsbad, California February 10,2006 Project No. 1 05760001 transport off-site for unrestricted re-use, N&M recommends that the City of Carlsbad obtain con- currence with the RWQCB prior to transport. 9. LIMITATIONS This report represents the limited environmental analysis of the sediments within Agua Hedionda Creek in Carlsbad, California performed December 29, 2005. The information provided in this report reflects the field observations by N&M personnel and analytical data reported. It is not a complete or comprehensive analysis of the Agua Hedionda Creek or vicinity. Sediment observa- tions provided in this report does not include a geotechnical analysis, geologic hazards assessment, or grading plan. Sampling occurred within the proposed dredge area within Agua Hedionda Creek as part of the requirements for the City of Carlsbad Channel Dredging and Im- provement Project at Agua Hedionda Creek in Carlsbad, California. The environmental services described in this report have been conducted in general accordance with current regulatory guidelines and the standard-of-care exercised by environmental consult- ants performing similar work in the project area. No warranty, expressed or implied, is made regarding the professional opinions presented in this report. Variations in site conditions may ex- ist and conditions not observed or described in this report may be encountered during subsequent activities. Please also note that this study did not include an evaluation of geotechnical condi- tions or potential geologic hazards. Ninyo & Moore's opinions and recommendations regarding environmental conditions, as presented in this report, are based on limited subsurface assessment and chemical analysis. Further assess- ment of potential adverse environmental impacts fiom past on-site andlor nearby use of hazardous materials may be accomplished by a more comprehensive assessment. The samples collected and used for testing, and the observations made, are believed to be representative of the area(s) evalu- ated; however, conditions can vary significantly between sampling locations. Variations in soil and/or groundwater conditions will exist beyond the points explored in this evaluation. The environmental interpretations and opinions contained in this report are based on the results of laboratory tests and analyses intended to detect the presence and concentration of specific IOY7M)OI R doe 8 Agua Hedionda Creek Carlsbad, California February 10,2006 Project No. 10576000 1 chemical or physical constituents in samples collected fiom the subject site. The testing and analyses have been conducted by an independent laboratory which is certified by the State of California to conduct such tests. Ninyo & Moore has no involvement in, or control over, such testing and analysis. Ninyo & Moore, therefore, disclaims responsibility for agy inaccuracy in such laboratory results. Our conclusions, recommendations, and opinions are based on an analysis of the observed site conditions. It should be understood that the conditions of a site could change with time as a result of natural processes or the activities of min at the subject site or nearby sites. In addition, changes to the applicable laws, regulations, codes, and standards of practice may occur due to government action or the broadening of knowledge. The findings of this report may, therefore, be invalidated over time, in part or in whole, by changes over which Ninyo & Moore has no control. This document is intended to be used only in its entirety. No portion of the document, by itself, is designed to completely represent any aspect of the project described herein. Ninyo & Moore should be contacted if the reader requires any additional information, or has questions regarding content, interpretations presented, or completeness of this document. This report is intended exclusively for use by the client. Any use or reuse of the findings, conclu- sions, andlor recommendations of this report by parties other than the client is undertaken at said parties' sole risk