Ballona Lagoon

GENERAL

Source

Site Ballona Lagoon

Map Venice, USGS 7.5' quadrangle

Location Ballona Lagoon is a tidal channel situated in the City of Los Angeles on the Silver Strand Peninsula, adjacent to Marina del Ray Harbor.

Contacts Ballona Lagoon Marine Preserve; 310-306-5078

City of Los Angeles - Planning; 310-570-6357

Approximate Wetland Habitat Acreage 16.3
1, 12

Approximate Historic Acreage 2,120 (as a part of the greater Ballona Gap marsh complex)
11

Ownership Owner Acres Source

Private - Lot C (conservation/open easement dedicated to City of Los Angeles) Approx. 5 9

City of Los Angeles (Lot R) Approx. 11 9

LAND USE

Source

Land Use Designation Designated as conservation and open space by the City of Los Angeles. A public walkway between the lagoon and residences is in private ownership but covered by an easement for public access and habitat preservation.
6

Onsite Use Open water almost entirely surrounded by residential development, except for approximately 2500 feet of the westerly side along Pacific Avenue. There is a public walk along the east side of the lagoon. The lagoon channel is the source of water for the Venice Canals via Grand Cannal.
1

Historic Use Encroachment into the wetland began with development of the Venice Canals in the 1900's, followed by oil and gas production from the 1930's through the 1950's. Residential and commerical development to the north and east are constructed on filled portion of the wetlands.
5

Adjacent Use Highly urbanized areas of residential, commercial and recreational uses. Venice Canals are to the north, the recreational boat harbor of Marina del Ray is to the east, and Pacific Avenue and ocean beaches are to the west.
1

Adjacent Historic Use Venice Canals were developed as recreational and residential areas in the 1900's, a recreational center at Venice Beach was established in the 1920's and Marina del Ray Harbor was created in 1962. Extensive lands to the southwest were in oil and gas production from the 1930's through the 1950's.
5

HYDROLOGY

Source

Tidal Influence The lagoon varies in width from 150 to 250 feet and is approximately 4000 feet long. Tidal waters enter the lagoon at the southern end through three tidal gates (one of which is maintained in the open position) connected to the Marina del Ray entrance channel. The lagoon is connected to the Venice Canals at the northern end by the Grand Canal. The average tidal regime is restricted and ranges from approximately -2 feet to +2.5 feet NGVD
1

Watershed Area 216 acre area of urban run-off.
1

Tributaries and Flow Tributary Flow Source

None

Dams None

Other Sources Urban run-off from storm events and irrigation.
1

WATER QUALITY

Source

General Ballona Lagoon is not included on the 303(d) List. Beneficial uses for Ballona Lagoon/Venice Canals are listed as NAV, REC1, REC2, COMM, EST, MAR, WILD, RARE, SHELL, MIGR, SPWN, and WET. Anecdotal information suggests poor water quality in the lagoon as demonstrated by algal blooms during the summer. Metals (1989) in sediment samples were below EPA critical concentrations; however, lead and cadmium in bivalves exceeded recommended values.
1, 4, 11

Dissolved Oxygen (DO) May 1989 one time sample - dissolved oxygen ranged from 6.4 to 10.8 ppm in hourly sampling from 0800 to 2000 hrs. Temperature ranged from 17.2 to 25.8 degrees C. The depth and method of sampling were not identified.
1

Water Salinity May 1989 one time sample - salinity ranged from 31 to 34 ppt in hourly sampling between 0800 and 2000 hrs. The depth and method of sampling were not identified.
1

Sedimentation The primary source of sediment is attributed to bank failure along the perimeter of the lagoon.
1

SOIL

Source

Soil The particle size of bottom sediments in the lagoon gradually changes from medium sand with some silt at the south end (at the connection to the Marina del Rey channel) to sandy silts mixed with clay at the north end.
1

Habitat Acres Vegetation

Openwater ~14.5 Algae 1

Intertidal ~1.5 1989 - pickleweed, fleshy jaumea, salt grass and alkali heath dominate; numerous non-native species occupy the higher elevations. 1

ANIMAL USE

Source

Birds Biweekly surveys from October 1986 through January 1987 identified 34 water related species including three species of special status. A March and May 1989 survey recorded seven additional species, including one species of special status.
10

Fish 1996 - date and method of survey not provided. Seven species were identified including topsmelt, arrow goby and cheekspot goby.
10

Benthic Invertebrates 1996 - date and method of survey not provided. Seven species were identified including hydroids, bivalves, marine snails and the two-spotted octopus.
10

Insect 1996 - date and method of survey not provided. Identified were seven species of butterflies, 14 species of wasps and bees, and two species of flies.
10

Other Wildlife Not specified.

Special Status Species 1986/87 - California gull, double-crested cormorant and western snowy plover. 1989 - California least tern.
1

OUTLOOK

Source

Enhancement Status In 1993 the City of Los Angeles completed restoration work (bank stabilization and habitat enhancement, and increased tidal circulation) for the Venice Canals, which was also intended to improve the water quality in Ballona Lagoon. In 1995 a pilot project for restoration of native revegetation and bank stabilization was carried out on several parcels along the eastern shore of Ballona Lagoon. A major enhancement program for the lagoon began in the winter of 1997 which includes; dredging at the southern end of the lagoon to create a deep water pool, removing both inactive oil pipelines that cross the lagoon and an abandoned concrete structure from the middle of the lagoon, stabilizing the lagoon banks, replanting the banks with native vegetation, and constructing a visitor's overlook.
1, 6, 9, 12

Watershed Management The City of Los Angeles has instituted an urban non-point run-off management plan.
1

Pressure Final build-out of the last vacant lots around the perimeter of the lagoon and in the vicinity continues, increasing run-off and the possibility of non-point pollution. Continued maintenance will be required to protect the native plants along the bank from being crowded out by non-native species.
1

SOURCES

1 Philip Williams & Associates, Systech Engineering, Wetland Research Associates and Hyden Associates; for Ballona Lagoon Marine Preserve and the California State Coastal Conservancy. 1992. Final Ballona Lagoon enhancement plan. 59 pp. plus appendices. This plan describes the recommended resource enhancement for Ballona Lagoon, which includes: controlling soil erosion into the lagoon, dredging to remove sediment blocking the existing tide gates, removing exotic plants and planting the lagoon bank with native plants, improving public access, and installing interpretative displays for public education. Bird and vegetation data are derived from site surveys, while information on fish and aquatic invertebrates is derived from a previous study. Hydrological data include modeling to predict flow velocities, water surface elevations and bed shear stress resulting from different design alternatives.

2 MEC Analytical Systems, Inc. 1991. Ecological Descriptions and Evaluation of proposed enhancement/restoration for eight southern California wetlands. Final Report. Prepared for Southern California Edison. 300 pp. and appendices. This document describes the characteristics of eight wetland sites in Southern California and provides an assessment of their relative value as candidates for biological enhancement and restoration required as compensatory mitigation. The sites are: Ormond Beach Wetlands, Ballona Creek, Los Cerritos, Anaheim Bay, Huntington Beach Wetlands, Santa Ana River Mouth, San Dieguito River Valley and the Tijuana River Estuary. The assessment is organized into four parts: historical acreage and present ecological condition; proposed enhancements and restorations; evaluations of proposed enhancements and restorations based on biology; and evaluations of proposed restorations and enhancements based on Coastal Commission objectives and standards. Appendix A describes each wetland site in detail. Data from a variety of existing documents are incorporated into the report.

3 Wetlands Research Associates, Inc., for the Port of Los Angeles. 1990. Port of Los Angeles local wetland mitigation program. ~50pp. Prepared for the Port of Los Angeles, this report provides brief descriptions of 13 sites in coastal LA County in terms of their physical attributes, habitat quality, and opportunities and constraints for enhancement. Sites included are: Zuma Beach, Malibu Lagoon, Topanga Canyon, Oxford Flood Control Basin, Venice Canals, Ballona Lagoon, Ballona Wetlands, Del Rey Lagoon, El Segundo Dunes, Madrona Marsh, Sanitary District Wetland, Machado Lake, and Cabrillo Tidal Salt Marsh. In addition, slightly expanded (7-8 pp) evaluations of enhancement opportunities and feasibility are provided for Del Ray Lagoon, Machado Lake, and Zuma Beach.

4 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.

5 City of Los Angeles, Department of Public Works. 1978. Final environmental impact report for the Venice Canals restoration. 63pp., plus appendices. This EIR describes the proposed restoration for the four canals and connecting Grand Canal, at Venice. The project included 'mucking out' accumulated bottom debris, stabilizing and planting the banks, and constructing new public access sidewalks. A brief history of the canals is provided along with a summary of the biotic community. Appendices include data from vegetation, fish and benthic invertebrate surveys, and fecal coliform analysis.

6 California State Coastal Conservancy. 1993. Ballona Lagoon/Venice Canals enhancement program, phase 1 Ballona Lagoon plan implementation. 107 pp. Staff report to the Coastal Conservancy recommending adoption of the 1992 enhancement plan and approval of funding for Phase 1. The report includes a redefinition of tasks and funding sources for Phase I since preparation of the original plan. It also contains a brief history of the site and an overview of the present condition of the lagoon.

7 California State Coastal Conservancy. 1989. Action plan: demonstration project Ballona Lagoon enhancement - workplan. 11 pp. plus appendices. This workplan gives a brief overview of the problems associated with the lagoon's location within a highly developed urban area. The workplan describes the specific objectives of this pilot/demonstration enhancement plan for bank stabilization and establishment of native vegetation. It also contains a list of birds known to use Ballona Lagoon.

8 Wetlands Research Associates, Inc. 1989. Preliminary design report for Ballona Lagoon. 7 pp. plus appendices. This report is primarily a survey of existing conditions. Included in the appendices are both data from historic and current bird surveys, a list of plant species for both terrestrial plants and intertidal salt marsh vegetation at the perimeter of the lagoon, and lists of invertebrates and fishes in the lagoon.

9 California State Coastal Conservancy. May 1996. Staff Recommendations: Ballona Lagoon enhancement plan phase 2 implementation. 88 pp. This staff report recommends Board approval for Phase 2 of the Ballona Lagoon Enhancement Plan. The report provides a review of the enhancement proposals for both Phases 1 and 2 which are both modified by this recommendation. The Final Ballona Enhancement Plan and negative declaration for the project are attached to this staff report.

10 Hechinger, R., Biologist for Ballona Lagoon Marine Preserve. November 8, 1996. Personal communication - unpublished monitoring data.

11 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.

12 Weiss, I., Ballona Lagoon Marine Preserve. September 10, 1996. Personal communication.

13 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. Summaries of the history and present status of the region and of past biotic surveys are included in the introduction. Species lists are provided for the vegetation, insects, marine mollusks community, estuarine fish community, mammals, herpetofauna and birds. The habitat areas described are Areas A and B of the Playa Vista Master Plan.

14 Ambrose, R. F., Environmental Science & Engineering Program, UCLA. January 1997. Personal communication.

Webmaster: wetlands@resources.ca.gov

GENERAL			Source
Site	Ballona Lagoon
Map	Venice, USGS 7.5' quadrangle
Location	Ballona Lagoon is a tidal channel situated in the City of Los Angeles on the Silver Strand Peninsula, adjacent to Marina del Ray Harbor.
Contacts	Ballona Lagoon Marine Preserve; 310-306-5078
	City of Los Angeles - Planning; 310-570-6357
Approximate Wetland Habitat Acreage	16.3		1, 12
Approximate Historic Acreage	2,120 (as a part of the greater Ballona Gap marsh complex)		11
Ownership	Owner	Acres	Source
	Private - Lot C (conservation/open easement dedicated to City of Los Angeles)	Approx. 5	9
	City of Los Angeles (Lot R)	Approx. 11	9


LAND USE			Source
Land Use Designation	Designated as conservation and open space by the City of Los Angeles. A public walkway between the lagoon and residences is in private ownership but covered by an easement for public access and habitat preservation.		6
Onsite Use	Open water almost entirely surrounded by residential development, except for approximately 2500 feet of the westerly side along Pacific Avenue. There is a public walk along the east side of the lagoon. The lagoon channel is the source of water for the Venice Canals via Grand Cannal.		1
Historic Use	Encroachment into the wetland began with development of the Venice Canals in the 1900's, followed by oil and gas production from the 1930's through the 1950's. Residential and commerical development to the north and east are constructed on filled portion of the wetlands.		5
Adjacent Use	Highly urbanized areas of residential, commercial and recreational uses. Venice Canals are to the north, the recreational boat harbor of Marina del Ray is to the east, and Pacific Avenue and ocean beaches are to the west.		1
Adjacent Historic Use	Venice Canals were developed as recreational and residential areas in the 1900's, a recreational center at Venice Beach was established in the 1920's and Marina del Ray Harbor was created in 1962. Extensive lands to the southwest were in oil and gas production from the 1930's through the 1950's.		5


HYDROLOGY			Source
Tidal Influence	The lagoon varies in width from 150 to 250 feet and is approximately 4000 feet long. Tidal waters enter the lagoon at the southern end through three tidal gates (one of which is maintained in the open position) connected to the Marina del Ray entrance channel. The lagoon is connected to the Venice Canals at the northern end by the Grand Canal. The average tidal regime is restricted and ranges from approximately -2 feet to +2.5 feet NGVD		1
Watershed Area	216 acre area of urban run-off.		1
Tributaries and Flow	Tributary	Flow	Source
	None
Dams	None
Other Sources	Urban run-off from storm events and irrigation.		1


WATER QUALITY			Source
General	Ballona Lagoon is not included on the 303(d) List. Beneficial uses for Ballona Lagoon/Venice Canals are listed as NAV, REC1, REC2, COMM, EST, MAR, WILD, RARE, SHELL, MIGR, SPWN, and WET. Anecdotal information suggests poor water quality in the lagoon as demonstrated by algal blooms during the summer. Metals (1989) in sediment samples were below EPA critical concentrations; however, lead and cadmium in bivalves exceeded recommended values.		1, 4, 11
Dissolved Oxygen (DO)	May 1989 one time sample - dissolved oxygen ranged from 6.4 to 10.8 ppm in hourly sampling from 0800 to 2000 hrs. Temperature ranged from 17.2 to 25.8 degrees C. The depth and method of sampling were not identified.		1
Water Salinity	May 1989 one time sample - salinity ranged from 31 to 34 ppt in hourly sampling between 0800 and 2000 hrs. The depth and method of sampling were not identified.		1
Sedimentation	The primary source of sediment is attributed to bank failure along the perimeter of the lagoon.		1


SOIL			Source
Soil	The particle size of bottom sediments in the lagoon gradually changes from medium sand with some silt at the south end (at the connection to the Marina del Rey channel) to sandy silts mixed with clay at the north end.		1
Habitat	Acres	Vegetation
Openwater	~14.5	Algae	1
Intertidal	~1.5	1989 - pickleweed, fleshy jaumea, salt grass and alkali heath dominate; numerous non-native species occupy the higher elevations.	1


ANIMAL USE			Source
Birds	Biweekly surveys from October 1986 through January 1987 identified 34 water related species including three species of special status. A March and May 1989 survey recorded seven additional species, including one species of special status.		10
Fish	1996 - date and method of survey not provided. Seven species were identified including topsmelt, arrow goby and cheekspot goby.		10
Benthic Invertebrates	1996 - date and method of survey not provided. Seven species were identified including hydroids, bivalves, marine snails and the two-spotted octopus.		10
Insect	1996 - date and method of survey not provided. Identified were seven species of butterflies, 14 species of wasps and bees, and two species of flies.		10
Other Wildlife	Not specified.
Special Status Species	1986/87 - California gull, double-crested cormorant and western snowy plover. 1989 - California least tern.		1


OUTLOOK			Source
Enhancement Status	In 1993 the City of Los Angeles completed restoration work (bank stabilization and habitat enhancement, and increased tidal circulation) for the Venice Canals, which was also intended to improve the water quality in Ballona Lagoon. In 1995 a pilot project for restoration of native revegetation and bank stabilization was carried out on several parcels along the eastern shore of Ballona Lagoon. A major enhancement program for the lagoon began in the winter of 1997 which includes; dredging at the southern end of the lagoon to create a deep water pool, removing both inactive oil pipelines that cross the lagoon and an abandoned concrete structure from the middle of the lagoon, stabilizing the lagoon banks, replanting the banks with native vegetation, and constructing a visitor's overlook.		1, 6, 9, 12
Watershed Management	The City of Los Angeles has instituted an urban non-point run-off management plan.		1
Pressure	Final build-out of the last vacant lots around the perimeter of the lagoon and in the vicinity continues, increasing run-off and the possibility of non-point pollution. Continued maintenance will be required to protect the native plants along the bank from being crowded out by non-native species.		1


SOURCES
1	Philip Williams & Associates, Systech Engineering, Wetland Research Associates and Hyden Associates; for Ballona Lagoon Marine Preserve and the California State Coastal Conservancy. 1992. Final Ballona Lagoon enhancement plan. 59 pp. plus appendices. This plan describes the recommended resource enhancement for Ballona Lagoon, which includes: controlling soil erosion into the lagoon, dredging to remove sediment blocking the existing tide gates, removing exotic plants and planting the lagoon bank with native plants, improving public access, and installing interpretative displays for public education. Bird and vegetation data are derived from site surveys, while information on fish and aquatic invertebrates is derived from a previous study. Hydrological data include modeling to predict flow velocities, water surface elevations and bed shear stress resulting from different design alternatives.
2	MEC Analytical Systems, Inc. 1991. Ecological Descriptions and Evaluation of proposed enhancement/restoration for eight southern California wetlands. Final Report. Prepared for Southern California Edison. 300 pp. and appendices. This document describes the characteristics of eight wetland sites in Southern California and provides an assessment of their relative value as candidates for biological enhancement and restoration required as compensatory mitigation. The sites are: Ormond Beach Wetlands, Ballona Creek, Los Cerritos, Anaheim Bay, Huntington Beach Wetlands, Santa Ana River Mouth, San Dieguito River Valley and the Tijuana River Estuary. The assessment is organized into four parts: historical acreage and present ecological condition; proposed enhancements and restorations; evaluations of proposed enhancements and restorations based on biology; and evaluations of proposed restorations and enhancements based on Coastal Commission objectives and standards. Appendix A describes each wetland site in detail. Data from a variety of existing documents are incorporated into the report.
3	Wetlands Research Associates, Inc., for the Port of Los Angeles. 1990. Port of Los Angeles local wetland mitigation program. ~50pp. Prepared for the Port of Los Angeles, this report provides brief descriptions of 13 sites in coastal LA County in terms of their physical attributes, habitat quality, and opportunities and constraints for enhancement. Sites included are: Zuma Beach, Malibu Lagoon, Topanga Canyon, Oxford Flood Control Basin, Venice Canals, Ballona Lagoon, Ballona Wetlands, Del Rey Lagoon, El Segundo Dunes, Madrona Marsh, Sanitary District Wetland, Machado Lake, and Cabrillo Tidal Salt Marsh. In addition, slightly expanded (7-8 pp) evaluations of enhancement opportunities and feasibility are provided for Del Ray Lagoon, Machado Lake, and Zuma Beach.
4	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.
5	City of Los Angeles, Department of Public Works. 1978. Final environmental impact report for the Venice Canals restoration. 63pp., plus appendices. This EIR describes the proposed restoration for the four canals and connecting Grand Canal, at Venice. The project included 'mucking out' accumulated bottom debris, stabilizing and planting the banks, and constructing new public access sidewalks. A brief history of the canals is provided along with a summary of the biotic community. Appendices include data from vegetation, fish and benthic invertebrate surveys, and fecal coliform analysis.
6	California State Coastal Conservancy. 1993. Ballona Lagoon/Venice Canals enhancement program, phase 1 Ballona Lagoon plan implementation. 107 pp. Staff report to the Coastal Conservancy recommending adoption of the 1992 enhancement plan and approval of funding for Phase 1. The report includes a redefinition of tasks and funding sources for Phase I since preparation of the original plan. It also contains a brief history of the site and an overview of the present condition of the lagoon.
7	California State Coastal Conservancy. 1989. Action plan: demonstration project Ballona Lagoon enhancement - workplan. 11 pp. plus appendices. This workplan gives a brief overview of the problems associated with the lagoon's location within a highly developed urban area. The workplan describes the specific objectives of this pilot/demonstration enhancement plan for bank stabilization and establishment of native vegetation. It also contains a list of birds known to use Ballona Lagoon.
8	Wetlands Research Associates, Inc. 1989. Preliminary design report for Ballona Lagoon. 7 pp. plus appendices. This report is primarily a survey of existing conditions. Included in the appendices are both data from historic and current bird surveys, a list of plant species for both terrestrial plants and intertidal salt marsh vegetation at the perimeter of the lagoon, and lists of invertebrates and fishes in the lagoon.
9	California State Coastal Conservancy. May 1996. Staff Recommendations: Ballona Lagoon enhancement plan phase 2 implementation. 88 pp. This staff report recommends Board approval for Phase 2 of the Ballona Lagoon Enhancement Plan. The report provides a review of the enhancement proposals for both Phases 1 and 2 which are both modified by this recommendation. The Final Ballona Enhancement Plan and negative declaration for the project are attached to this staff report.
10	Hechinger, R., Biologist for Ballona Lagoon Marine Preserve. November 8, 1996. Personal communication - unpublished monitoring data.
11	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.
12	Weiss, I., Ballona Lagoon Marine Preserve. September 10, 1996. Personal communication.
13	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. Summaries of the history and present status of the region and of past biotic surveys are included in the introduction. Species lists are provided for the vegetation, insects, marine mollusks community, estuarine fish community, mammals, herpetofauna and birds. The habitat areas described are Areas A and B of the Playa Vista Master Plan.
14	Ambrose, R. F., Environmental Science & Engineering Program, UCLA. January 1997. Personal communication.