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Title	Operation Baseline Project 2B: Phytoplankton, CSU Maritime Academy
Lead	California State University Maritime Academy
Description	Planned upgrades to the Sacramento Regional wastewater treatment plant (Regional San) between 2019 and 2021 will reduce total nitrogen inputs by >60% and shift the dominant form of nitrogen entering the Delta from ammonium (NH4) to nitrate (NO3). These changes will affect the Delta in ways unforeseeable with existing knowledge. The focus of this project is to quantify the links between wastewater nitrogen and phytoplankton standing stock, community composition and carbon and nitrogen production. Working in collaboration with the other two Operation Baseline projects, we will: 1. validate in situ monitoring approaches for phytoplankton standing stock and community composition (i.e. using size-fractionated chlorophyll-a and diagnostic phytopigments via HPLC) and 2. provide estimates of ambient and nitrogen-saturated phytoplankton NH4 and NO3 uptake rates as well as C uptake. Phytoplankton N and C uptake rates will be made along spatial gradients in nitrogen and water residence time (Task 1) and in three wetland habitats with varying influence from wastewater nitrogen (Task 3). Together with the other proposals, this project will provide much needed baseline characterization of nutrient processes in the Delta prior to Regional San upgrades.
Science topics	Algae, Floating aquatic vegetation, Food webs, Nitrogen / ammonia, Open water, Other discharge contaminants, Phytoplankton, Submerged aquatic vegetation, Wastewater discharge, Water operations / exports, Wetlands, Zooplankton
Updated	December 14, 2022

Title	Operation Baseline Project 2C: Zooplankton, Romberg Tiburon Center, SFSU
Lead	San Francisco State University [SFSU]
Description	This project will examine responses of zooplankton (copepods) to variations in the foodweb attributable to nutrient sources. At each wetland site we will determine spatial abundance patterns and rates of reproduction, growth, and mortality. These will be integrated with information on phytoplankton and physical dynamics to determine how population dynamics responds to nutrient conditions. Stable isotopes will be used to assess nutrient source contributions to growth.
Science topics	Algae, Floating aquatic vegetation, Food webs, Nitrogen / ammonia, Open water, Other discharge contaminants, Phytoplankton, Submerged aquatic vegetation, Wastewater discharge, Water operations / exports, Wetlands, Zooplankton
Updated	December 14, 2022

Title	Do light, nutrient, and salinity interactions drive the “bad Suisun” phenomenon? A physiological assessment of biological hotspots in the San Francisco Bay-Delta
Lead	University of California - Santa Cruz [UCSC]
Description	This project assessed the physiological basis for reduced phytoplankton growth in Suisun Bay, prior to the major upgrade at the Sacramento Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant (SRWTP), which is responsible for 90% of the nitrogen released into the bay. The work involved analyzing almost three decades of historical eld data from the bay-delta and using it to build a model to evaluate environmental drivers of phytoplankton biomass. Discoveries from the eld data were then tested through laboratory culturing experiments. By illuminating the interacting e ects of bottom- up drivers (light, nutrients, salinity) on phytoplankton, this research helps provide a fundamental understanding of this complex ecosystem.
Science topics	Ammonia, Flushing rates, Light, Open water, Pelagic fish, Phytoplankton, Salinity, Wastewater discharge, Water temperature
Updated	November 17, 2022

Title	Operation Baseline Project 1: Conceptual Framework
Lead	Delta Stewardship Council
Description	A multidisciplinary team will develop a thorough conceptual model that will describe current conditions and consider changes from the WWTP upgrade. The model will be used to identify the highest priority science questions and investigations to pursue before, during, and after the plant upgrade.
Science topics	Algae, Floating aquatic vegetation, Food webs, Nitrogen / ammonia, Open water, Other discharge contaminants, Phytoplankton, Submerged aquatic vegetation, Wastewater discharge, Water operations / exports, Wetlands, Zooplankton
Updated	December 14, 2022

Title	Operation Baseline Project 2A1: USGS Pilot Studies
Lead	U.S. Geological Survey [USGS]
Description	Two pilot studies were funded to establish a baseline in open water and shallow wetland habitats prior to the WWTP upgrade. Study 1: Nutrient concentrations, transformation rates, and links to the foodweb. Study 2: Method to improve monitoring using fixed stations coupled with high-speed boat measurements
Science topics	Algae, Floating aquatic vegetation, Food webs, Nitrogen / ammonia, Open water, Other discharge contaminants, Phytoplankton, Submerged aquatic vegetation, Wastewater discharge, Water operations / exports, Wetlands, Zooplankton
Updated	December 14, 2022

Title	Operation Baseline Project 2A2: USGS Pilot Studies - Isotopes
Lead	U.S. Geological Survey [USGS]
Description	Evaluate the usefulness of stable isotopes to trace nutrients form effluent water
Science topics	Algae, Floating aquatic vegetation, Food webs, Nitrogen / ammonia, Open water, Other discharge contaminants, Phytoplankton, Submerged aquatic vegetation, Wastewater discharge, Water operations / exports, Wetlands, Zooplankton
Updated	December 14, 2022

Title	National Pollution Discharge Elimination System [NPDES] Self-Monitoring Program
Lead	U.S. Environmental Protection Agency [USEPA]
Description	The NPDES permit program, created in 1972 by the Clean Water Act (CWA), helps address water pollution by regulating point sources that discharge pollutants to waters of the United States. The permit provides two levels of control: technology-based limits and water quality-based limits (if technology-based limits are not sufficient to provide protection of the water body). NPDES requires self-monitoring for its permitting programs: stormwater, industrial, vessel, and municipal discharges.
Science topics	Wastewater discharge, Nitrogen / ammonia, Salinity, Water temperature, Dissolved oxygen, pH, Turbidity, Hg and methyl mercury, Lead, Copper, Zinc, Conductivity, Stormwater runoff / drainage, Fecal coliform / E. coli
Updated	April 29, 2022

Title	Water Quality in the Nation's Stream and Rivers
Lead	U.S. Geological Survey [USGS]
Description	In 1991, Congress established the National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Project to address where, when, why, and how the Nation's water quality has changed, or is likely to change in the future, in response to human activities and natural factors. A prominent feature of NAWQA is the development of long-term consistent and comparable information on streams, rivers, ground water, and aquatic systems. The NAWQA Project is designed to answer these questions: 1. What is the current condition of our Nation's streams, rivers, and groundwater? 2. How are these conditions changing over time? 3. How do natural features and human activities affect these conditions, and where are those effects most pronounced? Under the National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) project, there are several surface water and ecology studies, including the Regional Stream Quality Assessment (RQSA) (a baseline assessment of streams), and current conditions and long-term trends monitoring.
Science topics	Wastewater discharge, Nitrogen / ammonia, Phosphorous, Carbon, Chlorophyll A / B, Harmful algal blooms HAB, Suspended sediment, Chemistry, Toxicity, Salinity, Water temperature, Dissolved oxygen, pH, Turbidity, Hg and methyl mercury, Polychlorinated biphenyl PCB, Hydrocarbons / polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons PAH, Flame retardants, Endocrine disruptors, Lead, Cadmium, Copper, Zinc, Arsenic, Selenium, Constituent of emerging concern CEC, Insecticides, Rodenticides, Herbicides, Fungicides, Microplastics, Other discharge contaminants, Main channels, Sloughs, Backwater, Benthos, Insects, Mollusks, Crustaceans, Fish, Invertebrates
Updated	April 29, 2022

Title	SJCDWQC Surface Water Monitoring
Lead	San Joaquin County and Delta Water Quality Coalition [SJCDWQC]
Description	The San Joaquin County and Delta Water Quality Coalition (SJCDWQC or Coalition) performs monthly surface water quality monitoring as part of the Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program to characterize discharge from irrigated agriculture.
Science topics	Wastewater discharge, Agriculture, Surface water / flow, Toxicity, Dissolved oxygen, pH, Lead, Cadmium, Copper, Zinc, Arsenic, Selenium, Insecticides, Rodenticides, Other discharge contaminants, Non-forested vegetation, Conductivity
Updated	April 29, 2022

Title	SJCDWQC Groundwater Quality Trend Monitoring
Lead	San Joaquin County and Delta Water Quality Coalition [SJCDWQC]
Description	The San Joaquin County & Delta Water Quality Coalition was established to help irrigated agriculture meet the requirements of the California Regional Water Quality Control Board's (RWQCB) Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program (ILRP) in San Joaquin County, Calaveras County and Contra Costa County. The Coalitions is operated and governed by the San Joaquin County Resource Conservation District. Under the ILRP that was originally adopted in July of 2003, farmers and ranchers that irrigate their land and have runoff from that irrigation or rainfall must belong to a coalition or apply for an individual discharge permit from the Regional Board directly.
Science topics	Wastewater discharge, Agriculture, Groundwater, Nitrogen / ammonia, Water temperature, Dissolved oxygen, pH, Turbidity, Constituent of emerging concern CEC, Other discharge contaminants, Non-forested vegetation, Conductivity, Stormwater runoff / drainage
Updated	April 29, 2022

Title	Nitrogen Monitoring [Self-Reporting]
Lead	Westside San Joaquin River Watershed Coalition
Description	Beginning in April 2016, members in a high vulnerability groundwater area, for which nitrate is identified as a constituent of concern, must prepare and implement a certified Nitrogen Management Plan (NMP).
Science topics	Wastewater discharge, Agriculture, Surface water / flow, Groundwater, Nitrogen / ammonia, Non-forested vegetation, Stormwater runoff / drainage
Updated	April 29, 2022

Title	California Rice Commission [CRC] Surface Water Monitoring
Lead	California Rice Commission
Description	The efforts began under the RPP and, beginning in 2004, included activities under the Conditional Waiver for Rice (CWFR) under the ILRP. The CWFR expired at the end of 2014, and in 2015 the Rice Waste Discharge Requirements (Rice WDR) takes effect. The CRC implements water quality monitoring and reporting activities in compliance with the following two programs of the CVRWQCB: -CVRWQCB Order No. R5-2014-0032, Waste Discharge Requirements General Order for Sacramento Valley Rice Growers, and associated Monitoring and Reporting Program (MRP) Order R5-2014-0032 -Rice Pesticides Program (RPP), pursuant to the Conditional Prohibition of Discharge requirements specified in the Water Quality Control Plan for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins (Basin Plan;Resolution R5-2010-9001)
Science topics	Wastewater discharge, Agriculture, Surface water / flow, Nitrogen / ammonia, Phosphorous, Toxicity, Water temperature, Dissolved oxygen, pH, Turbidity, Copper, Insecticides, Non-forested vegetation, Conductivity
Updated	April 29, 2022

Title	Stream Pollution Trends Monitoring Program [SPOT]
Lead	California State Water Resources Control Board [SWRCB]
Description	The SPoT project is primarily funded by SWAMP. SPoT monitors trends in sediment toxicity and sediment contaminant concentrations in selected large rivers throughout California and relates contaminant concentrations and toxicity to watershed land uses. It is designed to improve our understanding of watersheds and water quality by monitoring changes in both over time, evaluating impacts of development, and assessing the effectiveness of regulatory programs and conservation efforts at the watershed scale.
Science topics	Wastewater discharge, Dredging, Urban development, Bedload, Chemistry, Toxicity, Energy and mines, Vessels and shipping channels
Updated	April 29, 2022

Title	Sacramento District Water Control Data System [WCDS]
Lead	U.S. Army Corps of Engineers [USACE]
Description	The Sacramento District's Water Control Data System (WCDS) collects data necessary for the management of Corps Reservoirs and Flood Control Space in Non-Corps Reservoirs (i.e.,"Section 7" projects)
Science topics	Water operations / exports, Water storage, Water conveyance / infrastructure, Wastewater discharge, Surface water / flow, Stage, Flood, Air temperature, Precipitation, Wind, Main channels, Sloughs, Environmental drivers, Snowpack / snow water equivalent SWE, Water use / demand
Updated	April 29, 2022

Title	Water Conservation and Production Reports
Lead	California State Water Resources Control Board [SWRCB]
Description	Since June 2014, the State Water Board has been tracking water conservation for each of the state's 409 larger urban water suppliers (those with more than 3,000 connections) on a monthly basis with a goal of documenting the reduction in water use. Water "production" is defined as urban water deliveries to customers. Conservation is calculated over time by reduced deliveries. The program has not been mandatory since 2017. However, many of the urban suppliers have continued to report on a voluntary basis. There is an effort to consolidate and streamline reporting under AB 1668 and SB 606 that will likely replace this system of reporting.
Science topics	Water operations / exports, Wastewater discharge, Environmental drivers, Water use / demand
Updated	April 29, 2022

Title	Stormwater Multiple Application and Report Tracking System [SMARTS]
Lead	California State Water Resources Control Board [SWRCB]
Description	SMARTS provides a platform where dischargers, regulators, and the public can enter, manage, and view storm water data including permit registration documents, compliance, and monitoring data associated with California's Storm Water General Permits. SMARTS is compliant with the EPA's Cross-Media Electronic Reporting Rule (CROMERR) which sets requirements for electronic reporting of National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit and report submittals. The Storm Water Multiple Application and Report Tracking System more commonly referred to as SMARTS is the Water Boardâ€™s online database. The Industrial General Permit requires all documents related to Storm Water to be certified and submitted electronically on the website. These documents can include a siteâ€™s Notice of Intent (NOI) or No Exposure Certification (NEC) application, Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP), Storm Water Sample Results, or Annual Reports. SMARTS has three types of user roles: Legally Responsible Persons (LRPs), Duly Authorized Representatives (DARs), and Data Entry Persons (DEPs). Each Facility is required to have an LRP account on SMARTS in order to apply for either NOI or NEC coverage under the IGP. That LRP has the option to link additional users to the account. For example, Frog Environmental can be linked to SMARTS as a Data Entry Person. As your DEP, Frog Environmental can assist with uploading and properly preparing documents that are required to be on SMARTS. Although we can help with the data entry, all documents are required to certified and submitted by either the LRP or the DAR that is linked to the facilityâ€™s SMARTS account. We also assist with the certification process by sending step by step instructions and answering any questions you may have regarding SMARTS.
Science topics	Wastewater discharge, Urban development, Salinity, Water temperature, Dissolved oxygen, pH, Turbidity, Hg and methyl mercury, Polychlorinated biphenyl PCB, Hydrocarbons / polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons PAH, Flame retardants, Endocrine disruptors, Lead, Cadmium, Copper, Zinc, Arsenic, Selenium, Constituent of emerging concern CEC, Insecticides, Rodenticides, Herbicides, Fungicides, Microplastics, Nitrogen / ammonia, Other discharge contaminants, Stormwater runoff / drainage, Fecal coliform / E. coli
Updated	April 29, 2022

Title	Streamflow Monitoring
Lead	U.S. Geological Survey [USGS]
Description	The USGS works in partnership with more than 1,400 Federal, regional, State, Tribal, and local agencies or organizations to maintain and manage a multipurpose network of streamgages that monitor streamflow and (or) water level. Approximately 8,200 of the more than 10,000 USGS streamgages in the network continuously monitor streamflow year-round and are collectively referred to as the National 'Streamflow' Network (NSN). Approximately 40% of the NSN is made up of Federal Priority Streamgages (FPS), which are considered critical for long-term tracking and modeling/forecasting to ensure that Federal water priorities and responsibilities can be met. Such priorities and responsibilities include forecasting hydrologic events (floods and droughts);managing interstate agreements, compacts, court decrees, and other legal obligations;and tracking streamflow in major river basins and across borders.
Science topics	Water operations / exports, Water storage, Water conveyance / infrastructure, Wastewater discharge, Surface water / flow, Stage, Velocity, Direction, Flood, Main channels, Sloughs, Backwater, Stormwater runoff / drainage, Water use / demand
Updated	April 29, 2022

Title	Source characterization and biogeochemical consequences of wastewater and agricultural C, N, and P inputs to the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta region.
Lead	University of California - Santa Cruz [UCSC]
Description	This project aimed to characterize the sources of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorous and sulfur compounds from wastewater treatment plant and agricultural discharge in the region. Stable isotope measurement provides elemental signatures that can be used to trace compounds to their sources. Use of this methodology requires that researchers first characterize the stable isotope composition of sources—or fingerprint the suspects. By determining the stable isotope composition of various compounds in wastewater and agricultural drainage sources, this project aimed to build a better understanding of how these compounds are affected by different wastewater treatment agricultural land use practices. In addition, the project has provided a base of knowledge to better understand how these compounds are transported and taken up in the delta environment.
Science topics	Carbon, Nitrogen, Phosphorous, Wastewater discharge
Updated	February 26, 2024

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