Ballona Wetlands

GENERAL

Source

Site Ballona Wetlands

Map Venice, USGS 7.5' quadrangle

Location Ballona Wetlands are located at the western edge of the Los Angeles Metropolitan area. To the south of the wetlands are the Westchester and Playa del Rey bluffs, to the northwest is Marina del Rey and to the north lie the towns of Vista del Mar and Culver City.

Contacts City of Los Angeles Planning Department; 213-580-1323

Maquire Thomas Partners; 310-474-5644

Friends of Ballona Wetlands; 310-821-7695

Approximate Wetland Habitat Acreage 192 acres at four sites, divided by the Ballona Creek Channel and several roadways.
2, 5

Approximate Historic Acreage 2,120 acres as a part of the greater Ballona Gap marsh complex.
6

Ownership Owner Acres Source

Private 1,087 2

LAND USE

Source

Land Use Designation The City of Los Angeles Land Use Plan (1990), the Playa Vista Specific Plan, and the Playa Vista Master Plan designate this area as Planned Unit Development.
2, 3

Onsite Use Area A is northwest of Ballona Channel and is undeveloped with the exception of a parking area along the western boundary and a drainage channel along the northern boundary. Area B is south of Ballona Channel and contains the largest area of remnant wetlands, with gas and oil wells along the base of the bluffs to the east and fallow agricultural lands to the north. Area C is to the west of A and contains baseball fields and associated minor structures with more than half of the remaining area being undeveloped. Area D is west of B and contains a private airfield, industrial buildings, underground utility lines, and a drainage channel below the bluffs to the east.
2

Historic Use During the late 1800's the wetland area was used by several hunting lodges and resorts. Rail lines were constructed through the marsh in the 1880's and roadways were built in 1900 and 1910. Oil and gas exploration and production began in the 1930's and in 1934 Ballona Creek was channelized to the ocean. The wetland acreage was greatly reduced with the construction of Marina del Rey in the 1960's.
6

Adjacent Use The wetlands are completely surrounded by the highly urbanized metropolitan area of Los Angeles .
6

Adjacent Historic Use From the middle of the 1800's farming began replacing cattle ranching. Urban development began in the early 1900's catering to recreational activities in the area of Venice Beach. By 1924 the area to the west and northwest had become a densely developed part of the greater metropolitan Los Angeles area.
6

HYDROLOGY

Source

Tidal Influence Ballona Creek is channelized for its entire length through the wetland. Culverts with flap gates allow only limited amounts of sea water into the marsh via Ballona Creek. Area B receives the greatest amount of tidal water, but tidal range rarely exceeds one meter. Although the drainage ditch on the northern border of area A is connected by culvert to Marina del Rey, there is no tidal exchange because the bank height and the elevation of surrounding lands are above high tide ranges.
7

Watershed Area 130 square miles
8

Tributaries and Flow Tributary Flow Source

Ballona Creek Channel (culverts allow only limited flow into the wetland areas) In 1995 the US Army Corps of Engineers calculated the mean daily flow to be 42 cfs. 7a, 11

Dams None.
8

Other Sources The wetlands in Area B receive the majority of water input from the following storm drain ditches: Centinela Ditch, Jefferson Storm Drain and Lincoln Boulevard Storm Drain. Additionally, surface water reaches all segments of the wetlands from various point (extracted ground water) and non-point discharges from developed land uses surrounding the site.
1, 2, 7

WATER QUALITY

Source

General Ballona Wetland is identified in the Regional Water Quality Control Board's 303(d) List as impaired: criteria and standards are not met for: TIS(As), habitat alteration, exotic vegetation, reduced tidal flushing, hydromodification and trash. Designated Beneficial Uses are: NAV, REC1, REC2, COMM, EST, MAR, WILD, RARE, and SHELL.
8, 9

Dissolved Oxygen (DO) 1990/91 - DO of surface water was sampled quarterly from six stations in Area B. Readings were never less than 5.5 mg/l, but it was noted that the DO probably went to <2mg/l before dawn. Time of day for sampling not specified. Temperatures ranged from a high of 26 degrees C to a low of 12.5 degrees C in the fall, 12.5 to16 degrees C in the winter and 16 to 26 degrees C in the spring.
7f

Water Salinity 1990 - surface samples taken monthly from April through December in Area B; four sites near the channel culvert inlets averaged 35 ppt, and two sites distant from the channel inlets had average readings of near 0 ppt.
7a

Sedimentation Sediment load in the Ballona Channel adjacent to the wetland is estimated at 46,000 cy annually. Only a small fraction of this sediment reaches the wetland area through the river levee culvert system.
10

SOIL

Source

Soil Alluvial deposits are approximately 100 feet thick, with the upper 20-30 feet consisting of soft silty clay and clay with layers of silt and sand. Upper soils in Area A are dredge materials from construction of Ballona Channel and Marina del Rey.
10

Habitat Acres Vegetation

Tidal salt marsh 39 1991 - dominated by picklewed, also present are salt grass, frankenia, fleshy jaumea, saltbush, and many non-native species. Ac 2 Plants 7b, 6

Non-tidal marsh 66 1991 - dominated by pickleweed; also present are salt grass, Australian saltbush*, wildoats*, ripgut grass*, and foxtail chess*. Ac 2 Plants 7b, 6

Vegetated flats 48 1991 - predominantly pickleweed, saltgrass, five horn smotherweed, and slender-leaf ice plant*. Ac 2 Plants 7b, 6

Non-vegetated flats 24 1991- mostly barren. Ac 2 Plants 7b

Freshwater/ riparian 15 1991 - tule, cattail, willows, cottonwood, threesquare, umbrella sedge, and numerous non-native species. Ac 5 Plants 7b

ANIMAL USE

Source

Birds 1990/91 - bimonthly surveys April through March for all areas; 80 species observed of which 20 were water associated, including two special status species. Seven pairs of Belding's Savannah sparrow# were confirmed nesting in Area B. 1994/95 - fall and spring surveys from the western end of the area identified three additional species of special concern.
7h, 12

Fish 1990/91 - quarterly surveys in areas B & D April through March; a total of six stations in the channels with four stations in area B and two in area D. Channel seines dominated by mosquitofish*, with California killifish, longjaw mudsuckers, topsmelt and striped mullet making up the next largest group of species. Sailfin molly* was also identified in area B. 1990/91 - quarterly sampling with otter trawls in Marina del Rey and Ballona Channel identified 29 species which may provide a source of individuals to Area B. Most common were queenfish, northern anchovy, cheekspot goby and white croaker.
7e & f

Benthic Invertebrates 1990/91 - quarterly surveys from the channels near the tidal gates in Area B identified thirty species representing four phyla. Dominant invertebrates identified were California horn snail, bent-nose clam, razor clam, California paper snail, striped shore crab and numerous polychaete species
7d

Insect 1990/91 - 26 species were observed along ground transects, and 90 species were collected in pitfall traps. Major taxonomic groups included: insects, spiders and mites, isopods, millipedes and centipedes. Three special status species: globose dune beetle+, Dorothy's El Segundo dune weevil+, and saltmarsh skipper+ were recorded.
7c

Other Wildlife 1990/91 - March through April; 12 species were identified during 1,000 trapnights including the Southern California salt marsh shrew+, and the eastern red fox*. During the same period six amphibians and 3 reptile species were identified through ground surveys and trapping
7i

Special Status Species 1990/91 - birds: Belding's Savannah sparrow#, osprey, Cooper's Hawk; mammals: Southern California salt marsh shrew; insects: globose dune beetle, Dorothy's El Segundo dune weevil, and salt marsh skipper. 1994/95 - birds: elegant tern, California least tern and double-crested cormorant
7

OUTLOOK

Source

Enhancement Status The developers of Playa Vista propose to restore and consolidate approximately 260 acres of habitat as part of the 1,089 acre development. The proposed project includes restoration /enhancement of 190 acres of salt marsh, 36 acres of uplands habitat including a dune area on the southern edge of Area B, and 34 acres of freshwater marsh and associated riparian habitat. The preliminary design for the project includes installation of new tidal culverts through the Ballona Creek Channel levee, excavation of tidal channels to increase tidal circulation, excavation and berming for freshwater ponds, relocation of Centinela Creek, and implementation of a monitoring plan.
2, 3, 4

Watershed Management Not specified.

Pressure The wetlands continue to degrade with a loss of native vegetation and wildlife due to inadequate tidal flushing. Point and non-point urban pollution continues to enter the wetlands. The proposed Playa Vista development plan for approximately 6 million square feet of residential, office and commerical space in adjacent areas may disrupt wildlife. Mitigation for a proposed marina, a part of the proposed Phase I Playa Vista development in Area A, may not replace like kind habitat.
1, 2

SOURCES

1 California Department of Fish and Game. 1982. Determination of the status of the Ballona Wetlands. 27 pp. This report represents the Department's determinations regarding Ballona Wetlands pursuant to Coastal Act Section 3041(b) and includes the following sections: summary of major findings, extent of historical wetlands within the study area, present status, designation of wetlands acreage, criteria and definitions used to determine wetlands, identification of degraded wetlands, Department objectives for restoration of wetlands within the study area, and feasibility of restoring and enhancing wetlands within the study area.

2 City of Los Angeles. 1992. Draft program environmental impact report: master plan project for Playa Vista. ~1000 pp. composed of nine sections. This document is the Draft Environmental Impact Report for the entire 1,087-acre development proposal at Ballona Wetlands, known as the Playa Vista Master Plan project. The proposed development's potential impacts on: earth, air, plant and animal life, noise, land use, risk of upset, population, transportation, public services, energy conservation, light/glare, service systems, aesthetics/view, and cultural resources are evaluated in this EIR. The seperately bound Technical Appendix J provides specific information on the biotic community of the wetlands (see Source #7).

3 City of Los Angeles Department of City Planning. 1995. Notice of preparation: joint environmental impact statement/environmental impact report (Master Plan for Playa Vista). 40 pp. The purpose of this notice was to solicit guidance as to the scope and content of the proposed EIS/EIR. The Notice contains an outline of each section for the proposed EIS/EIR. Attachment A contains a detailed description of the proposed project, and a comparison of the previously established zoning with the proposed land uses for the Playa Vista development.

4 Save Ballona Wetlands. 1995. Ballona Wetlands restoration goals and objectives. 16pp. This document describes conceptual alternatives for the restoration of Ballona Wetlands. The alternatives were prepared using the Restoration Goals and Objectives adopted by the Ballona Wetlands Committee. The preferred alternative is described in detail and illustrations of this alternative are provided. This Alternatives Plan was adopted in 1990 by the Friends of Ballona Wetlands, the League of Coastal Protection, the City of Los Angeles, Maguire Thomas Partners and the State Lands Commission.

5 Entrix, Inc. for the California Coastal Commission. 1992. Identification of wetlands subject to jurisdiction pursuant to the California Coastal Act Playa Vista: Area A. 15 pp. plus appendices. The purpose of this study was to determine the extent of wetlands in Area A that would be subject to California Coastal Commission jurisdiction pursuant to the California Coastal Act using procedures acceptable to the California Department of Fish and Game. The results of the study find that 22.49 acres are subject to jurisdiction. A general description of the four wetland types and a list of plant species observed during the field surveys are provided.

6 Schreiber, R. W. ed. Los Angeles County Natural History Museum Foundation. 1981. The biota of the Ballona region, Los Angeles County (Supplement I of Marina del Rey / Ballona Local Coastal Plan). 400 pp. This study reports on the flora and fauna of the Ballona region using original survey data. A summary of the history, present status and past biotic surveys is included in the introduction. Species lists are provided for the vegetation, insects, marine mollusks, estuarine fish community, mammals, herpetofauna and birds. The habitat areas described are Areas A and B of Playa Vista Master Plan.

7 City of Los Angeles. 1992. Draft environmental impact report for first phase project for Playa Vista; master plan project for Playa Vista: Technical Appendices. Vol. X, Appendix J: Biotic Resources. ~500 pp. This technical appendix contains reports of orignal research on the biotic community at Ballona Wetlands. Reseach reported on was done as baseline data for the Playa Vista development. The following titles are included:

a Boland, J. M. and J. B. Zedler, "The functioning of Ballona Wetland in relation to tidal flushing; Part 1 - before tidal restoration," January 1991. (Surveys cover macroalgae, benthic invertebrates, fish and birds.)

b Henrickson, J., "Botanical resources of Playa Vista (draft)," May 1991.

c Mattoni, R., "Biological assessment of the Greater Ballona Wetlands Region: terrestrial arthropod species," April 1991.

d Carter, C. R., "Ballona Wetlands/Playa Vista Development: non-insect invertebrate survey," April 1991.

e Allen, L. G., "Fish populations inhabiting lower Marina del Rey Harbor and Ballona Channel from July 1990 to April 1991," April 1991.

f Soltz, D. J., "Fish survey of Ballona Wetlands: areas B and D of the Playa Vista Project," June 1991.

g Corey, K., and B. W. Massey, "A population and banding study of the Belding's Savannah Sparrow at Ballona Wetlands, 1989-1990," November 1990.

h Corey, K. C., "Bird survey of Ballona Wetlands, Playa del Rey, California, 1990-1991," April 1990.

i Frank Hovore and Associates, "Ballona Wetlands/Playa Vista Development, Draft Environmental Impact Report; biota: amphibians, reptiles and mammals," April 1991.

8 California Regional Water Quality Control Board, Los Angeles Region. 1994. Water quality control plan Los Angeles Region (4). 187 pp., plus appendices. The Los Angeles Regional Board's Basin Plan is designed to preserve and enhance the water quality and protect the beneficial uses of all regional waters. The plan designates beneficial uses and associated water quality objectives for inland surface waters, ground waters, coastal waters, and wetlands for the Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. It includes a discussion of applicable policies and statutory requirements and identifies measures for achieving water quality objectives. It also describes ongoing monitoring and assessment programs.

9 Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board. 1996. Water Quality Assessment and Documentation. 106 pp. A list of waterbodies in the Los Angeles and Ventura County coastal watersheds that do not or are not expected to attain water quality standards after application of required technology-based controls. It includes a description of the methods and criteria used in the assessment. 303(d) lists are prepared as part of the Water Quality Assessment of the State's major waterbodies, and meet a requirement of Section 303(d) of the federal Clean Water Act.

10 Wany, Guang-yu; LA Regional Water Quality Control Board. November 1996. Personal communication: information from US Army Corps of Engineers - Marina del Ray and Ballona Creek Reconnaissance Report, 1995.

11 Engle, J. M., K. D. Lafferty, J. E. Dugan, D. L. Martin, N. Mode, R. F. Ambrose, and P. T. Raimondi. 1995. Second year study plan for inventory of coastal ecological resources of the Northern Channel Islands and Ventura/Los Angeles Counties. Prepared for the California Coastal Commission. 45 pp. A report on the progress and proposed plans for the second year of a monitoring program surveying selected rocky intertidal, soft bottom subtidal, sandy beach, and wetland areas of coastal Ventura and Los Angeles Counties, and the Northern Channel Islands. The discussion emphasizes program design and methods with some analysis of first year results. The LA/Ventura portion focuses on wetlands, with fish, invertebrate, and bird surveys planned for: Ventura and Santa Clara River estuaries, Ormond Beach, Mugu Lagoon, Malibu Lagoon and Ballona wetlands. Other habitats will be characterized by samples at 20-30 additional sites. The study is being undertaken to enable an assessment of impacts in the event of an oil spill.

Webmaster: wetlands@resources.ca.gov

GENERAL			Source
Site	Ballona Wetlands
Map	Venice, USGS 7.5' quadrangle
Location	Ballona Wetlands are located at the western edge of the Los Angeles Metropolitan area. To the south of the wetlands are the Westchester and Playa del Rey bluffs, to the northwest is Marina del Rey and to the north lie the towns of Vista del Mar and Culver City.
Contacts	City of Los Angeles Planning Department; 213-580-1323
	Maquire Thomas Partners; 310-474-5644
	Friends of Ballona Wetlands; 310-821-7695
Approximate Wetland Habitat Acreage	192 acres at four sites, divided by the Ballona Creek Channel and several roadways.		2, 5
Approximate Historic Acreage	2,120 acres as a part of the greater Ballona Gap marsh complex.		6
Ownership	Owner	Acres	Source
	Private	1,087	2


LAND USE			Source
Land Use Designation	The City of Los Angeles Land Use Plan (1990), the Playa Vista Specific Plan, and the Playa Vista Master Plan designate this area as Planned Unit Development.		2, 3
Onsite Use	Area A is northwest of Ballona Channel and is undeveloped with the exception of a parking area along the western boundary and a drainage channel along the northern boundary. Area B is south of Ballona Channel and contains the largest area of remnant wetlands, with gas and oil wells along the base of the bluffs to the east and fallow agricultural lands to the north. Area C is to the west of A and contains baseball fields and associated minor structures with more than half of the remaining area being undeveloped. Area D is west of B and contains a private airfield, industrial buildings, underground utility lines, and a drainage channel below the bluffs to the east.		2
Historic Use	During the late 1800's the wetland area was used by several hunting lodges and resorts. Rail lines were constructed through the marsh in the 1880's and roadways were built in 1900 and 1910. Oil and gas exploration and production began in the 1930's and in 1934 Ballona Creek was channelized to the ocean. The wetland acreage was greatly reduced with the construction of Marina del Rey in the 1960's.		6
Adjacent Use	The wetlands are completely surrounded by the highly urbanized metropolitan area of Los Angeles .		6
Adjacent Historic Use	From the middle of the 1800's farming began replacing cattle ranching. Urban development began in the early 1900's catering to recreational activities in the area of Venice Beach. By 1924 the area to the west and northwest had become a densely developed part of the greater metropolitan Los Angeles area.		6


HYDROLOGY			Source
Tidal Influence	Ballona Creek is channelized for its entire length through the wetland. Culverts with flap gates allow only limited amounts of sea water into the marsh via Ballona Creek. Area B receives the greatest amount of tidal water, but tidal range rarely exceeds one meter. Although the drainage ditch on the northern border of area A is connected by culvert to Marina del Rey, there is no tidal exchange because the bank height and the elevation of surrounding lands are above high tide ranges.		7
Watershed Area	130 square miles		8
Tributaries and Flow	Tributary	Flow	Source
	Ballona Creek Channel (culverts allow only limited flow into the wetland areas)	In 1995 the US Army Corps of Engineers calculated the mean daily flow to be 42 cfs.	7a, 11
Dams	None.		8
Other Sources	The wetlands in Area B receive the majority of water input from the following storm drain ditches: Centinela Ditch, Jefferson Storm Drain and Lincoln Boulevard Storm Drain. Additionally, surface water reaches all segments of the wetlands from various point (extracted ground water) and non-point discharges from developed land uses surrounding the site.		1, 2, 7


WATER QUALITY			Source
General	Ballona Wetland is identified in the Regional Water Quality Control Board's 303(d) List as impaired: criteria and standards are not met for: TIS(As), habitat alteration, exotic vegetation, reduced tidal flushing, hydromodification and trash. Designated Beneficial Uses are: NAV, REC1, REC2, COMM, EST, MAR, WILD, RARE, and SHELL.		8, 9
Dissolved Oxygen (DO)	1990/91 - DO of surface water was sampled quarterly from six stations in Area B. Readings were never less than 5.5 mg/l, but it was noted that the DO probably went to <2mg/l before dawn. Time of day for sampling not specified. Temperatures ranged from a high of 26 degrees C to a low of 12.5 degrees C in the fall, 12.5 to16 degrees C in the winter and 16 to 26 degrees C in the spring.		7f
Water Salinity	1990 - surface samples taken monthly from April through December in Area B; four sites near the channel culvert inlets averaged 35 ppt, and two sites distant from the channel inlets had average readings of near 0 ppt.		7a
Sedimentation	Sediment load in the Ballona Channel adjacent to the wetland is estimated at 46,000 cy annually. Only a small fraction of this sediment reaches the wetland area through the river levee culvert system.		10


SOIL			Source
Soil	Alluvial deposits are approximately 100 feet thick, with the upper 20-30 feet consisting of soft silty clay and clay with layers of silt and sand. Upper soils in Area A are dredge materials from construction of Ballona Channel and Marina del Rey.		10
Habitat	Acres	Vegetation
Tidal salt marsh	39	1991 - dominated by picklewed, also present are salt grass, frankenia, fleshy jaumea, saltbush, and many non-native species.	Ac 2 Plants 7b, 6
Non-tidal marsh	66	1991 - dominated by pickleweed; also present are salt grass, Australian saltbush, wildoats, ripgut grass, and foxtail chess.	Ac 2 Plants 7b, 6
Vegetated flats	48	1991 - predominantly pickleweed, saltgrass, five horn smotherweed, and slender-leaf ice plant*.	Ac 2 Plants 7b, 6
Non-vegetated flats	24	1991- mostly barren.	Ac 2 Plants 7b
Freshwater/ riparian	15	1991 - tule, cattail, willows, cottonwood, threesquare, umbrella sedge, and numerous non-native species.	Ac 5 Plants 7b


ANIMAL USE			Source
Birds	1990/91 - bimonthly surveys April through March for all areas; 80 species observed of which 20 were water associated, including two special status species. Seven pairs of Belding's Savannah sparrow# were confirmed nesting in Area B. 1994/95 - fall and spring surveys from the western end of the area identified three additional species of special concern.		7h, 12
Fish	1990/91 - quarterly surveys in areas B & D April through March; a total of six stations in the channels with four stations in area B and two in area D. Channel seines dominated by mosquitofish, with California killifish, longjaw mudsuckers, topsmelt and striped mullet making up the next largest group of species. Sailfin molly was also identified in area B. 1990/91 - quarterly sampling with otter trawls in Marina del Rey and Ballona Channel identified 29 species which may provide a source of individuals to Area B. Most common were queenfish, northern anchovy, cheekspot goby and white croaker.		7e & f
Benthic Invertebrates	1990/91 - quarterly surveys from the channels near the tidal gates in Area B identified thirty species representing four phyla. Dominant invertebrates identified were California horn snail, bent-nose clam, razor clam, California paper snail, striped shore crab and numerous polychaete species		7d
Insect	1990/91 - 26 species were observed along ground transects, and 90 species were collected in pitfall traps. Major taxonomic groups included: insects, spiders and mites, isopods, millipedes and centipedes. Three special status species: globose dune beetle+, Dorothy's El Segundo dune weevil+, and saltmarsh skipper+ were recorded.		7c
Other Wildlife	1990/91 - March through April; 12 species were identified during 1,000 trapnights including the Southern California salt marsh shrew+, and the eastern red fox*. During the same period six amphibians and 3 reptile species were identified through ground surveys and trapping		7i
Special Status Species	1990/91 - birds: Belding's Savannah sparrow#, osprey, Cooper's Hawk; mammals: Southern California salt marsh shrew; insects: globose dune beetle, Dorothy's El Segundo dune weevil, and salt marsh skipper. 1994/95 - birds: elegant tern, California least tern and double-crested cormorant		7


OUTLOOK			Source
Enhancement Status	The developers of Playa Vista propose to restore and consolidate approximately 260 acres of habitat as part of the 1,089 acre development. The proposed project includes restoration /enhancement of 190 acres of salt marsh, 36 acres of uplands habitat including a dune area on the southern edge of Area B, and 34 acres of freshwater marsh and associated riparian habitat. The preliminary design for the project includes installation of new tidal culverts through the Ballona Creek Channel levee, excavation of tidal channels to increase tidal circulation, excavation and berming for freshwater ponds, relocation of Centinela Creek, and implementation of a monitoring plan.		2, 3, 4
Watershed Management	Not specified.
Pressure	The wetlands continue to degrade with a loss of native vegetation and wildlife due to inadequate tidal flushing. Point and non-point urban pollution continues to enter the wetlands. The proposed Playa Vista development plan for approximately 6 million square feet of residential, office and commerical space in adjacent areas may disrupt wildlife. Mitigation for a proposed marina, a part of the proposed Phase I Playa Vista development in Area A, may not replace like kind habitat.		1, 2


SOURCES
1	California Department of Fish and Game. 1982. Determination of the status of the Ballona Wetlands. 27 pp. This report represents the Department's determinations regarding Ballona Wetlands pursuant to Coastal Act Section 3041(b) and includes the following sections: summary of major findings, extent of historical wetlands within the study area, present status, designation of wetlands acreage, criteria and definitions used to determine wetlands, identification of degraded wetlands, Department objectives for restoration of wetlands within the study area, and feasibility of restoring and enhancing wetlands within the study area.
2	City of Los Angeles. 1992. Draft program environmental impact report: master plan project for Playa Vista. ~1000 pp. composed of nine sections. This document is the Draft Environmental Impact Report for the entire 1,087-acre development proposal at Ballona Wetlands, known as the Playa Vista Master Plan project. The proposed development's potential impacts on: earth, air, plant and animal life, noise, land use, risk of upset, population, transportation, public services, energy conservation, light/glare, service systems, aesthetics/view, and cultural resources are evaluated in this EIR. The seperately bound Technical Appendix J provides specific information on the biotic community of the wetlands (see Source #7).
3	City of Los Angeles Department of City Planning. 1995. Notice of preparation: joint environmental impact statement/environmental impact report (Master Plan for Playa Vista). 40 pp. The purpose of this notice was to solicit guidance as to the scope and content of the proposed EIS/EIR. The Notice contains an outline of each section for the proposed EIS/EIR. Attachment A contains a detailed description of the proposed project, and a comparison of the previously established zoning with the proposed land uses for the Playa Vista development.
4	Save Ballona Wetlands. 1995. Ballona Wetlands restoration goals and objectives. 16pp. This document describes conceptual alternatives for the restoration of Ballona Wetlands. The alternatives were prepared using the Restoration Goals and Objectives adopted by the Ballona Wetlands Committee. The preferred alternative is described in detail and illustrations of this alternative are provided. This Alternatives Plan was adopted in 1990 by the Friends of Ballona Wetlands, the League of Coastal Protection, the City of Los Angeles, Maguire Thomas Partners and the State Lands Commission.
5	Entrix, Inc. for the California Coastal Commission. 1992. Identification of wetlands subject to jurisdiction pursuant to the California Coastal Act Playa Vista: Area A. 15 pp. plus appendices. The purpose of this study was to determine the extent of wetlands in Area A that would be subject to California Coastal Commission jurisdiction pursuant to the California Coastal Act using procedures acceptable to the California Department of Fish and Game. The results of the study find that 22.49 acres are subject to jurisdiction. A general description of the four wetland types and a list of plant species observed during the field surveys are provided.
6	Schreiber, R. W. ed. Los Angeles County Natural History Museum Foundation. 1981. The biota of the Ballona region, Los Angeles County (Supplement I of Marina del Rey / Ballona Local Coastal Plan). 400 pp. This study reports on the flora and fauna of the Ballona region using original survey data. A summary of the history, present status and past biotic surveys is included in the introduction. Species lists are provided for the vegetation, insects, marine mollusks, estuarine fish community, mammals, herpetofauna and birds. The habitat areas described are Areas A and B of Playa Vista Master Plan.
7	City of Los Angeles. 1992. Draft environmental impact report for first phase project for Playa Vista; master plan project for Playa Vista: Technical Appendices. Vol. X, Appendix J: Biotic Resources. ~500 pp. This technical appendix contains reports of orignal research on the biotic community at Ballona Wetlands. Reseach reported on was done as baseline data for the Playa Vista development. The following titles are included:
a	Boland, J. M. and J. B. Zedler, "The functioning of Ballona Wetland in relation to tidal flushing; Part 1 - before tidal restoration," January 1991. (Surveys cover macroalgae, benthic invertebrates, fish and birds.)
b	Henrickson, J., "Botanical resources of Playa Vista (draft)," May 1991.
c	Mattoni, R., "Biological assessment of the Greater Ballona Wetlands Region: terrestrial arthropod species," April 1991.
d	Carter, C. R., "Ballona Wetlands/Playa Vista Development: non-insect invertebrate survey," April 1991.
e	Allen, L. G., "Fish populations inhabiting lower Marina del Rey Harbor and Ballona Channel from July 1990 to April 1991," April 1991.
f	Soltz, D. J., "Fish survey of Ballona Wetlands: areas B and D of the Playa Vista Project," June 1991.
g	Corey, K., and B. W. Massey, "A population and banding study of the Belding's Savannah Sparrow at Ballona Wetlands, 1989-1990," November 1990.
h	Corey, K. C., "Bird survey of Ballona Wetlands, Playa del Rey, California, 1990-1991," April 1990.
i	Frank Hovore and Associates, "Ballona Wetlands/Playa Vista Development, Draft Environmental Impact Report; biota: amphibians, reptiles and mammals," April 1991.
8	California Regional Water Quality Control Board, Los Angeles Region. 1994. Water quality control plan Los Angeles Region (4). 187 pp., plus appendices. The Los Angeles Regional Board's Basin Plan is designed to preserve and enhance the water quality and protect the beneficial uses of all regional waters. The plan designates beneficial uses and associated water quality objectives for inland surface waters, ground waters, coastal waters, and wetlands for the Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. It includes a discussion of applicable policies and statutory requirements and identifies measures for achieving water quality objectives. It also describes ongoing monitoring and assessment programs.
9	Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board. 1996. Water Quality Assessment and Documentation. 106 pp. A list of waterbodies in the Los Angeles and Ventura County coastal watersheds that do not or are not expected to attain water quality standards after application of required technology-based controls. It includes a description of the methods and criteria used in the assessment. 303(d) lists are prepared as part of the Water Quality Assessment of the State's major waterbodies, and meet a requirement of Section 303(d) of the federal Clean Water Act.
10	Wany, Guang-yu; LA Regional Water Quality Control Board. November 1996. Personal communication: information from US Army Corps of Engineers - Marina del Ray and Ballona Creek Reconnaissance Report, 1995.
11	Engle, J. M., K. D. Lafferty, J. E. Dugan, D. L. Martin, N. Mode, R. F. Ambrose, and P. T. Raimondi. 1995. Second year study plan for inventory of coastal ecological resources of the Northern Channel Islands and Ventura/Los Angeles Counties. Prepared for the California Coastal Commission. 45 pp. A report on the progress and proposed plans for the second year of a monitoring program surveying selected rocky intertidal, soft bottom subtidal, sandy beach, and wetland areas of coastal Ventura and Los Angeles Counties, and the Northern Channel Islands. The discussion emphasizes program design and methods with some analysis of first year results. The LA/Ventura portion focuses on wetlands, with fish, invertebrate, and bird surveys planned for: Ventura and Santa Clara River estuaries, Ormond Beach, Mugu Lagoon, Malibu Lagoon and Ballona wetlands. Other habitats will be characterized by samples at 20-30 additional sites. The study is being undertaken to enable an assessment of impacts in the event of an oil spill.