RPVCCA_CC_SR_2011_11_01_L_Montrose_Settlements_Restoration_PgmCITY OF
MEMORANDUM
RANCHO PALOS VERDES
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
REVIEWED:
HONORABLE MAYOR &CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
CAROLYNN PETRU,DEPUTY CITY MANAGER~
NOVEMBER 1,2011
MONTROSE SETTLEMENTS RESTORATION PROGRAM:KELP
FOREST AND SUBTIDAL REEF RESTORATION
CAROLYN LEHR,CITY MANAGER
Staff Coordinator:Matt Waters,Senior Administrative Analyst~
RECOMMENDATION
Authorize the Mayor to sign the attached draft letter of support for the Montrose
Settlements Restoration Program's Restoration Plan to restore lost fishing opportunities in
and around the Palos Verdes Shelf through kelp forest and subtidal reef restoration.
BACKGROUND
Local industries discharged approximately 2,000 metric tons of DDTs and PCBs into the
ocean off the Palos Verdes Peninsula from the late 1940s until the early 1970s.Almost all
of the DDTs came from the Montrose Chemical Corporation manufacturing plant in
Torrance,reaching the ocean via the Los Angeles County Sanitation District's (LACSD)
White Point sewer outfall.Wastewater treatment methods employed during those years
did not contain or capture the DDTs prior to discharge into the ocean.Montrose Chemical
Corporation also dumped DDT-contaminated waste from barges into deep ocean waters
between the Peninsula and Santa Catalina Island.Large quantities of PCBs from
numerous sources throughout the Los Angeles Basin were released into the ocean via the
LACSD and City of Los Angeles wastewaters outfalls and the regional storm drain systems
during this period.The Santa Monica Bay Restoration Foundation (SMBRF)states that
these chemicals entered the ocean's food system,leading to breeding failures in bald
eagles,peregrine falcons,and other seabirds.Chemical levels in some fish have been
detected at such high levels that the State of California has issued warnings and
restrictions to reduce the risk of cancer,liver disease and birth defects.
In March 2001,after over ten years of litigation,the Courts approved a final settlement
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MSRP:Kelp Forest and Subtidal Reef Restoration Projects
November 1,2011
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between the Federal and State governments and the remaining defendants in the
Montrose case.Montrose and other defendants agreed to pay $140.2 million plus interest
to the Federal and State governments.The trustees for the Montrose Settlements
Restoration Program (MSRP)received $63.95 million.$35 million ofthe MSRP funds have
gone to reimburse past damage assessment costs.The remainder of the funds,plus
accumulated interest,is being used to restore the natural resources damaged by the
discharge of DOTs and PCBs.
MSRP Phase I Restoration efforts began in 2005.Phase I Projects include:
•Restore nesting habitats for seabirds on the Channel Islands
•Retore bald eagles to the Channel Islands
•Mqnitor Peregrine Falcons on the Channel Islands
•Restore recreational fishing in Southern California
•Restore 140 acres of wetland habitat to full tidal exchange
Phase I Restoration projects are in various stages of implementation.
DISCUSSION
MSRP trustees now propose the second and final phase of MSRP restoration efforts.The
Phase 2 Restoration Plan (P2RP)contains two fish habitat restoration projects which could
have a direct effect upon sections of the City's coastline:Kelp Forest Restoration and
Subtidal Reef Restoration.
Kelp Forest Restoration
The extensive kelp forests along the Palos Verdes Peninsula shoreline have been
degraded,largely because of the urchin barrens that have formed in these areas.
Urchin barrens are the result of uncontrolled urchin populations caused by the loss of
natural predators.The expanded urchin population overran rocky tidal areas and
prevented kelp plants from anchoring to the sea floor.The P2RP has identified seven
potential restoration sites,six of which are located in the waters off of Rancho Palos
Verdes.The affected coastline sites extend from the City's boundary with Palos Verdes
Estates to Abalone Cove.One goal of the plan is to replace fishing opportunities lost
because of chemical contamination.Fish that live in kelp forests have lower levels of
DDT and PCB contamination in their tissue than in that of fish living on soft-bottom
habitats.By restoring kelp habitat,the MSRP will increase the number of fish known to
be lower in DDT and PCBs.
One of the goals of the MSRP's restoration efforts is to restore lost or diminished fishing
opportunities.However,new regulations associated with the Marine Life Protection Act
are scheduled to go into effect on January 1,2012 that will restrict or halt fishing in
sections of Southern California's coastal waters including areas off the Palos Verdes
Peninsula.These Fish and Game Commission regulations will ban fishing off of Point
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MSRP:Kelp Forest and Subtidal Reef Restoration Projects
November 1,2011
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Vicente,including the recently re-named Pelican Cove (formerly Point Vicente Fishing
Access)and will limit what fish can be taken from the waters adjacent to Abalone Cove
Shoreline Park.Activities such as recreational diving will be enhanced by the eventual
restoration of kelp forests and reefs.
The P2RP proposal calls for the 5MBRF to partner with urchin divers and local non-
profit organizations to perform urchin barren control which would allow for natural kelp
forest re-growth.The 5MBRF estimates that 133 acres of Peninsula-adjacent kelp
beds are still in need of restoration.Divers would access the affected coastline areas
by boat to remove sea urchins in phases over a three-year period.The proposed
budget for Kelp Forest Restoration is $2.5 million.
Subtidal Reef Restoration
Subtidal rocky reefs along the southern shoreline of the Palos Verdes Peninsula have
been degraded by sediment from the active Portuguese Bend Landslide and by the
1999 landslide at Trump National Golf club which covered near-shore reefs.
The P2RP identifies eighty acres of degraded reefs at three potential restoration sites,
two of which are located wholly or partially adjacent to Rancho Palos Verdes;a 56-acre
area off Rancho Palos Verdes Beach below Trump National Golf Club;and a 12-acre
area off Shoreline Park at the boundary with the City of Los Angeles.The P2RP
proposes to build artificial reefs in those areas.According to the P2RP,the
construction of artificial reefs in those areas could "impact various human uses,"
including recreation and navigation.The proposed budget for subtidal reef restoration
is $6.49 million and will take an estimated seven years to complete.
Other P2RP projects include reduction of seabird disturbances on the Channel Islands,
restoration of seabirds to Santa Barbara Island and Scorpion Rock,and the restoration
of Ashy Storm-Petrels on the Channel Islands.
On Wednesday,November 9,2011,the MSRP Trustees will hold a public meeting on
the P2RP at the Point Vicente Interpretive Center from 6-8pm entitled "Restoring
Natural Resources Harmed by DDT and PCBs within the Southern California Marine
Environment."A previous public meeting was held on October 26,2011 in Ventura.
The forty-five day public comment period for the P2RP will end on December 12,2011.
Staff intends to attend the November 9 meeting.
Attached is a draft letter from the City of Rancho Palos Verdes,under the Mayor's
signature,offering support for the MSRP Phase 2 kelp forest and sub-tidal restoration
projects.
FISCAL IMPACT
Approval and submittal of the attached letter of support will have no discernible negative
fiscal impact.
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MSRP:Kelp Forest and Subtidal Reef Restoration Projects
November 1,2011
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ATTACHMENT:
Draft Letter of Support for MSRP Kelp Forest and Subtidal Reef Restoration Projects
MSRP PVIC Public Meeting Flyer
MSRP Phase 1 Restoration Highlights and Phase 2 Proposed Projects
5MBRF Phase 2 Restoration Plan Information Sheet
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November 1,2011
Montrose Settlements Restoration Program
501 W.Ocean Boulevard.Suite 4470
Long Beach,CA 90802
Attenti?n:Jennifer Boyce,Program Manager
Dear Montrose Settlements Restoration Program Trustees:
On behalf of the City Council of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes,I am pleased to
offer our support for the Montrose Settlements Restoration Program's (MSRP)
proposed Phase II Kelp Forest and Subtidal restoration projects.
The damage done to kelp forests and a wide range of bird and fish species by
the release of DOTs and PCBs into the ocean waters off of the Palos Verdes
coastline,combined with damage to subtidal reefs by landslides has had a
profound and devastating effect.
Kelp forests are one of the most diverse and productive ecosystems on the
planet.Giant kelp forests in southern California support more than 716 species
of marine life.Sadly,there are far fewer kelp beds around Los Angeles than
there were 100 years ago.Improvements at wastewater treatment facilities have
allowed some kelp beds to recover,but many other beds around the Palos
Verdes Peninsula have not.Thoughtful,controlled thinning of the over-
abundance of purple sea urchins from these bare rocky areas would allow the
kelp beds to recover.Additionally,the artificial reef restoration project has the
potential to help recover over 65 acres of degraded reefs.
Please accept this letter as formal recognition of the City of Rancho Palos
Verdes'support for the MSRP's Subtidal Reef and Kelp Forest Restoration
Projects.
Sincerely,
Tom Long
Mayor
cc:City Council Members
City Manager
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MONTROSE SETTLEMENTS RESTORATION PROGRAM
PRESENTS
"Restoring Natural Resources Harmed by DDT and PCBs
within the Southern California Marine Environment"
Join Us For Our
Public Meeting
6-8pm
at the
Point Vicente Interpretive Center
31501 Palos Verdes Drive West
Rancho Palos Verdes,CA 90275
(310)377-5370
You WILL LEARN ABOUT:
•Restoration completed during Phase 1 involving:Bald Eagles,Peregrine
Falcons,Seabirds,Fishing,and Fish Habitat
•Proposed Restoration Projects within the Phase 2 Restoration Plan
•How to submit a comment on the Phase 2 Plan
•How to stay connected with MSRP in the future
•The latest news from the Fish Contamination Education Collaborative
www:.montroserestoration.gov
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MSRP Phase 1 restoration projects are in various stages ofimplementation.The foJ/owing
are highlights for each project that was proposed In the Phase 1 Restoration Plan.
cassin's Auklet chick during banding.
(Laurie Harvey,NPS)
Restore Nesting Habitat for Seabirds
on the Channel Islands MSRP is restoring
nesting seabird habitat on the Channel
Islands,specifically on Scorpion and Orlzaba
Rocks,Santa Barbara,Santa Cruz,and San
Nicolas Islands.Seabird restoration projects
include non-native plant and animal removal,
revegetation of native plants,and social
attraction.Since 2007,MSRP planted 20,000+
native plants with help from volunteers,
installed 50+artificial nests,removed feral
cats from San Nicolas Island,and completed
several years of seabird and oceanographic
monitoring surveys among the islands.In
20",biologists discovered nine Cassin's
Auklets seabirds nesting in newly restored
habitat on Santa Barbara Island.Seabird
nesting habitat restoration work will begin on
several Baja California Pacific Islands in 2012.
Restore Bald Eagles to the Channel Islands
MSRP implemented a feasibility study to
determine whether the northern Channel
Islands could support a self-sustaining
population of Bald Eagles.Institute for Wildlife
Studies biologists successfully released 61
eagles on Santa Cruz Island and initiated a
comprehensive monitoring program.The
first natural hatching of a Bald Eagle in 2006
on Santa Cruz Island was a milestone for
the study.Since the first natural hatchling,
biologists have continued to observe a high
nesting success rate among the Channel Island
Bald Eagles with breeding occurring on four
of eight Channel Islands.Approximately 65
eagles live among the Channel Islands and
new pairs are expected to establish breeding
territories across the Channel Islands.
Xantus's Murrelet chicks In nest.
(Darrel Whitworth,CIES)
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Restore Recreational Fishing in Southem
California MSRP is restoring recreational
fishing by providing information to the
public about fish contamination and by
improving access to a diversity of healthy fish
species.MSRp,along with partners,created
several popular outreach products including
a "Common Subsistence and Sport Fish of
Southern California"Identification card with
safe fishing tips and the "What~the Catch?"
comic book,both in three different languages,
which are distributed to the public every year.
Outreach mini-grants awarded to youth fishing
organizations by MSRP are spreading the word
about safe fishing and how to avoid "00 Not
Consume"fish species.In 2012,MSRP hopes to
build artificial reef modules along the Belmont
Pier in Long Beach,Cal1fornia,that will attract
a greater diversity of fish species that are
available for consumption.
Restore Fish Habitat In Southem California
MSRP focused on two major areas of fish
habitat restoration for Phase 1 restoration,
wetlands and Marine Protected Areas (MPA).
Partial funding for Huntington Beach Wetlands
was used to restore Talbert and Brookhurst
Marshes In this complex and opened up
approximately 140 acres of wetland habitat
to full-tidal flow.MSRP funding for Bolsa Chica
Wetlands allowed dredging of the ocean inlet
maintaining full tidal exchange.MPA funding
went to the National Park Service and to the
Partnership for Interdisciplinary Studies of
Coastal Oceans to collect data on the effective
management of these areas.
Monitor Peregrine falcons on the Channel
Islands In 2007,a comprehensive Peregrine
Falcon monitoring effort across all eight of
the Channel Islands was Cl 'TI )l-'1'ec •I.,jC Ir girts
found 25 active territories and 16 pairs
successfully hatched eggs that produced
35 young.One ofthe highlights of the 2007
survey was the documentation of a successful
breeding pair on Santa Barbara Island.This
event was the first documented breeding on
the island in over 50 years!MSRP is planning to
conduct a second monitoring survey in 2013.
Aerial view of Huntington Beach Wetlands
restoration.(Earthcam,NOAA)
Peregrine Falcon chicks in nest after banding.
(Brian Latta,SCPBRGj
Divers working in kelp fore
(David Witting,NO/-
Young girl during youth fishing derl
(Gabrielle Dorf,NO/-
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MSRP projects proposed in the Phase 2 Restoration Plan are described below.
Ashy Storm-Petrel using marine debris
for nest.
(Darrell Whitworth,ClES)
Olver collecting urchins during removal
project.
(David Witting,NOAA)
Restore Subtidal Reef and Kelp Forest
Habitat on the Palos Verdes Shelf MSRP
proposes to restore critical fish habitat on
the Palos Verdes Shelf.Kelp forests and rocky
reefs are known to produce more fish than
other habitat types and fish that have lower
levels of DDT and PCB concentrations in their
tissues.MSRP is propsing to build artificial reef
modules in areas that have been impacted by
sediment erosion along the coast.Kelp forests
in this area have been impacted by the loss of
urchin predators which resulted In an increase
in urchins essentially wiping out kelp forests.
For this project MSRP would partner with
commercial urchin divers and local non-profit
organizations to perform urchin barren control
allowing for natural kelp recruitment and
growth.
Monitor Bald Eagles on the Channel Islands
MSRP proposes to monitor Bald Eagles on
the Channel Islands to determine if a self-
sustaining population is feasible.The proposed
monitoring program would continue to
focus on breeding activities,investigation of
diet,survival and contaminant analysis.The
program would shift from extensive year-
round monitoring to a more directed focus of
understanding the eagle's annual population
status.
Monitor the Recovery of Peregrine Falcons
on the Channel Islands MSRP proposes
to conduct two additional comprehensive
monitoring efforts on the Channel Islands
.during Phase 2.Biologists would monitor
active Peregrine Falcon territories to determine
their reproductIve success and levels of DDT
and PCBs will be measured from egg and
blood samples.
Restore Seabirds to Santa Barbara Island
and Scorpion Rock MSRP proposes to
continue and expand the restoration work on
Santa Barbara Island and Scorpion Rock.On
Santa Barbara Island,biologists would expand
existing restoration sites and add new sites.
Ifthls project moved forward,MSRP would
continue removal of non-native vegetation
and planting of native plants on Scorpion
Rock until native plants can fully establish
and outcompete non-native plants.Biologists
would also install nest boxes and social
attraction devices on Santa Barbara Island and
continue monitoring of seabirds at both areas.
Restore Ashy Storm-Petrels on the Channel
Islands MSRP identified projects on Anacapa
and Santa Cruz Islands In Phase 1 but was
unable to complete this work.Ifthis project
moved forward,biologists would continue
to work on these projects In Phase 2 but
also may expand to include restoration
projects throughout the Channel Islands
as appropriate.MSRP proposes to improve
nesting habitat,Install social attraction
devices,install artificial nesting boxes,perform
annual monitoring at nest sites,and perform
contaminant analysis.
Reduce Seabird Disturbance on the Channel
Islands This proposed project will build upon
on-going seabird disturbance reduction
efforts that have been developed by other
groups.Primarily this project would focus
on developing and enforcing appropriate
seabird colony protective measures,educating
the public and specific user groups about
protective measures,and evaluating program
effectiveness for integration into statewide
seabird management programs.
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MSRP PHASE II RESTORATION PLAN
Meeting Dates October 26 (Ventura)and November 9,2011 (Rancho Palos Verdes)
Email Scott Valor (svalor@santamonicabay.org)for details
The federal government will soon be accepting comments on the Montrose Settlements
Restoration Program (MSRP)plan to restore lost fishing opportunity in and around the Palos
Verdes Shelf.The plan includes $2.4 million for the Santa Monica Bay Restoration Foundation
(SMBRF)to restore 60 acres of rocky subtidal habitat.
As a member of the 5MBRC Governing Board,we hope you will write a letter supporting the
5MBRF project as part of the overall MSRP restoration plan.
BACKGROUND
What is the MSRP?
The MSRP was formed by several federal and state
agencies to oversee restoration activities funded by a
settlement agreement between these agencies and several
chemical companies in the Los Angeles area.
What was the settlement about?
Between the 1940s and 1970s chemical companies,
including the Montrose Chemical Corporation,disposed
nearly 2000 metric tons of DDT and PCBs through the Los
Angeles County Sanitation Districts wastewater outfall.
These chemicals have been incorporated into the ocean
food web causing breeding failures in bald eagles,
peregrine falcons and other seabirds.These chemicals are
now found in some fish at levels so high the state has
issued restrictions and warnings to reduce the human
health risk of cancer,liver disease,and birth defects.
What is the 5MBRF's rocky subtidal restoration project?
The Palos Verdes Peninsula historically supported hundreds of
acres of large,productive,and stable kelp beds.Some kelp beds
have recovered due to restoration in the early 1970's and
improvements in wastewater treatment (decreased turbidity).
However,133 acres of former beds are still bare due to the
development of extensive and persistent urchin barrens.
5MBRF plans to partner with the Santa Monica Baykeeper and
local commercial urchin divers to restore these kelp beds.Sites
already restored by Baykeeper now have persistent kelp forests
that support abundant and diverse marine life.Kelp Forest Urchin Barren
Why should MSRP fund 5MBRF's kelp restoration?
The contaminated sediments on the Palos Verdes shelf represent lost fish habitat services.
5MBRF's project will restore critical fish habitat to compensate for these lost services.
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