1. Richard Looker RWQCB RMP Annual Meeting March 22, 2002
Current Regulatory Approach to Copper in SF Bay: Source Control, Pollution Prevention and Monitoring
Richard Looker
RWQCB
RMP Annual Meeting
March 22, 2002

2. Why the current approach?
Good news!
Lower ambient copper concentrations and decreased loading to the bay.
Beneficial uses not threatened. De-list with site-specific objectives in all bay segments.
But…..
Uncertainties to address.
Ongoing maintenance needed through action and monitoring.

3. Current approach protects gains
Commit to source control and pollution prevention.
Seek treatment opportunities when feasible.
Monitor to assess conditions and improve source control and pollution prevention efforts.
Reduce uncertainties identified through the Lower South SF Bay TMDL.
Maintain commitment to copper management.
RMP plays a key role …
RMP redesign provides better spatial coverage
TSS study provides loading information
Future special studies can help reduce uncertainties

4. Control known sources of copper
Address automobile-related pollutants
Copper in brake pads (large portion of copper in urban runoff/stormwater)
Other automobile-related pollutants
Brake Pad Partnership is addressing the automobile as a source of copper (can we expand this effort and scope?)
Target architectural uses (roofs, piping, etc.).
Target metal plating industries.
Minimize use of pesticides like copper sulphate.

5. Treat runoff strategically
In near-term, cannot rely only on source control
Seek strategic treatment opportunities like near…..
Roadways;
Copper-intensive structures;
Metal plating facilities.
Used in conjunction with source control, not instead of source control.

6. Monitoring is essential
Treatment opportunities
Source control
Is the current approach adequate?
Monitoring receiving waters, discharges and conveyances

7. How the redesigned RMP will help
RMP continues tracking trends in the bay (essential to the copper strategy).
The RMP segmentation will enhance our understanding of copper in SF Bay:
better spatial coverage,
much more data from the shallows.

8. There are still uncertainties and threats to address….
Phytoplankton may be threatened by ambient levels of copper.
Tributary/stormwater loading estimates, copper cycling, and sediment toxicity are uncertain.
There are worrisome watershed trends:
Urbanization  impervious surfaces (I.S.)
I.S. + cars + copper in brake pads = threat

9. How the RMP TSS study will help
Majority of copper entering SF Bay comes through the delta from Central Valley.
Most of this delta inflow copper is probably particle-bound.
RMP TSS study will help reduce uncertainty for bay in general and help with loading estimates for major copper source.

10. To ensure ongoing success
Remember that copper is a high profile test case of relaxing a WQ standard while relying on pollution prevention, source control and monitoring.
Copper is coming off the 303(d) list, but there are uncertainties and threats.
Look for opportunities to deal with several pollutants at once (e.g. autos).
We have made progress for copper. Continue the good efforts to make strategy a success.

11. Information and contact info:
Phone:
SFEI reports at:
Lower South SF Bay technical reports at: