SAN FRANCISCO BAY PROJECT Science-Supported Solutions and Policy Recommendations

Authors: Carolynn Box (5 Gyres) Anna Cummins (5 Gyres)

September 2019 CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 2

1. AN INTRODUCTION TO THE POLLUTION MOVEMENT 4 What are microplastics, , and ? 6

Why are microplastics a potential threat? 8

What are the pathways and sources of microplastics? 10

2. USING SCIENCE TO GUIDE ACTION 13 Development of this report 14

Use of this report 14

3. SAN FRANCISCO BAY MICROPLASTICS PROJECT FINDINGS 15 Rainy weather washes microplastics into Bay waters 15

Sediment in the lower south Bay had more microplastics 16

Prey fish consume 18

High levels of rubbery fragments and other microplastics and microfibers found in 18

Wastewater samples dominated by microfibers 19

Quality control samples reveal microfibers are everywhere 20

Related Bay Area microplastics research 20

4. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SAN FRANCISCO BAY 21 Recommendation #1: Support legislation that reduces single-use and plastic packaging in the Bay Area and statewide 22 Recommendation  #2: Explore green stormwater infrastructure management options to reduce microplastics from entering San Francisco Bay 24  Recommendation #3: Identify and prioritize intervention points for microfibers around filtration 26 Recommendation  #4: Support the development of a San Francisco Bay Microplastics Management Strategy to reduce microplastics 28  Recommendation #5: Encourage textile industry to standardize methods to understand shedding 30 Recommendation  #6: Better identify microplastic sources and pathways in stormwater systems 32 Recommendation #7: Increase collaboration on reduction efforts 34 Recommendation  #8: Support innovation to address microplastic pollution in San Francisco Bay 36 Recommendation  #9: Support microplastic research to monitor impacts in the region over time 38 Recommendation  #10: Educate consumers, including the youth, on ways individuals can reduce microfibers from entering San Francisco Bay 40

References 42

Appendix A 44

Policy Advisory Committee 44

Appendix B 45

Existing policies and innovation in the Bay Area and beyond 45 Local to global: A short summary of policies 46 State-wide policies 48 Local: City and county 49 Regional 50 Global actions 50 Innovation 52

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The development of this report would not have been possible without the guidance and support from the individuals that made up the San Francisco Bay Microplastics Project Policy Committee; insights from our colleagues at the San Francisco Estuary Institute (SFEI), including Meg Sedlak, Rebecca Sutton, Diana Lin and Elizabeth Miller for their insight, and Ruth Askevold, Katie McKnight, and Ellen Plane for design and illustration of the report; Erika Delemarre, 5 Gyres Ambassador and consultant, Rachel Labbé-Bellas, 5 Gyres Science Programs Manager, and Melissa Aguayo, 5 Gyres Advocacy and Education Director, for contributions and advice.

The San Francisco Bay Microplastics Project was primarily funded by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, with additional financial support from the Regional Monitoring Program for Water Quality in San Francisco Bay, Patagonia, the Virginia Wellington Cabot Foundation, East Bay Municipal Utility District, the City of Palo Alto, and iii the Ocean Protection Council. 2 SAN FRANCISCO BAY | MICROPLASTICS recommendations forsolutionstoplasticpollution. to generatescientificallysupportedregionalandstatewidepolicy science andpolicydiscussions.Finally,theprojectwasdesigned Area. Theprojectalsoengagedmultiplestakeholdersinboth was designedtoprovidecriticaldataonmicroplasticsintheBay ecosystem health.TheSanFranciscoBayMicroplasticsProject global attentionasapervasiveandpreventablethreattomarine microplastics (plasticparticleslessthan5mminsize),havegained Plastics inourwaterwaysandtheocean,morespecifically EXECUTIVE SUMMARY San FranciscoBay fromAngelIsland•Photo byShiraBezalel,SFEI Short caption here • Photo by person, organization

SAN FRANCISCO BAY | MICROPLASTICS 3 Surface water sample • Photo by Carolynn Box, 5 Gyres recommendations were identified: were recommendations ing ten youth, on ways individuals can reduce microfibers Educate consumers, including the from entering San Francisco Bay. methods to understand microfiber Encourage textile industry to standardize shedding; and pathways in stormwater systems; Better identify microplastic sources monitor impacts in the region over time; and Support microplastic research to Support innovation to address microplastic pollution in San Francisco Bay; Support innovation to address microplastic around filtration; intervention points for microfibers Identify and prioritize management options to reduce Explore green stormwater infrastructure Francisco Bay; microplastics from entering San Support the development of a San Francisco Bay Microplastics Management of a San Francisco Bay Support the development microplastics; Strategy to reduce efforts; on plastic pollution reduction Increase collaboration Support policies that reduce single-use plastics in the Bay Area and statewide; plastics in the Bay single-use policies that reduce Support 7 8 9 6 4 5 2 3 1 10 • • • • • • • • • • The follow Education Research Infrastructure & Innovation Infrastructure Policy 4 SAN FRANCISCO BAY | MICROPLASTICS 1 https://www.surfrider.org/pages/plastic-bag-bans-fees plasticpiecessmaller andlargerthan5mminsize,respectively 3 2 1 across thecountry,preventing municipalitiesfrompassingbansorfees onplastic the AmericanLegislative ExchangeCouncil(ALEC) These local,state,andfederalpoliciesarenowbeing challengedbyaneffortled More informationaboutplasticpollutionpolicies canbefoundinAppendixA. personal careproductsintheUnitedStates,which wasfullyeffectiveasofJuly2019. the FederalMicrobead-FreeWatersActof2015 banningplasticmicrobeadsinrinse-off microbeads inSanFranciscoBay(Suttonetal.,2016). PresidentBarackObamasigned microplastics intheGreatLakes(Eriksenetal.,2013) andbyastudythatidentified was themostcomprehensive.Thebaninformed bothby5Gyres’researchon added toproductsfortheirabrasivenessandotherpurposes),California’s2015ban to banpersonalcareproductswithmicrobeads(tinyplasticspheresintentionally California hasalsoledeffortstoreducemicroplasticpollution.Whilenotthefirststate statewide legislationaswell. the firsttopassastatewidebanin2014.NewYorkandHawaiihaverecentlypassed ,therearehundredsofcitywideplasticbagbans, and theocean.SanFranciscoimplementedfirstplasticbagbanin2007.Across efforts furtherupstream,aimingtopreventplasticpollutionfromenteringwaterbodies As aresult,communityandenvironmentaladvocacyorganizationshavefocusedtheir (Jambeck etal.,2015). demonstrating thatasignificantamountofmicroplasticsentertheoceanfromland Additional researchhasconfirmedandfurtherdefinedtheissueofplasticpollution, weighing over250,000tons,arefloatingontheoceansurface(Eriksenetal.,2014). macroplastics The 5GyresInstitute(5Gyres)publishedthefirstglobalestimateonmicro-and to addressdisposableplasticsincommunitiesaroundtheworld. that supportamovementtoreduceplasticpollution,andseriesoflegislativeactions Plastic pollutionhasgainedworldwideattentionthroughnumerousscientificefforts include bags,waterbottles,straws,utensils,cups,andmanyformsofplasticpackaging. be usedonlyoncebeforetheyarethrownawayorrecycled.Single-useplasticitems plastics, oftenreferredtoas“disposable”includingplasticitemsintended entire nationsintroducingincreasinglycomprehensivelegislationtoaddresssingle-use corporations makingplasticwastereductioncommitments,andcities,states, Plastic pollutionhasrecentlybecomeanissueofglobalconcern,withmultinational PLASTIC POLLUTION MOVEMENT An introduction to the conservative legislation acrosstheUS) https://www.alec.org/ (industryfundedorganization thatadvancescorporate interestsbydriving 1 intheworld’socean,estimatingthat5.25 trillionpieces ofmicroplastics,

3 to pass“pre-emptionbills” instates 2 withCaliforniabeing

SAN FRANCISCO BAY | MICROPLASTICS 5 king tide • Photo by Shira Bezalel, SFEI Plastic debris near shore, Alameda, during to inform policy change. Provide data and stakeholder dialogue evaluate factors influencing to provide a baseline and Synthesize the results microplastic pollution; materials; and Prepare educational and outreach to measure microplastics across field and laboratory methods Assess and develop types; a variety of sample to collectively evaluate the research and to The project brought together stakeholders identify and discuss solutions. • • • designed to: in an urban estuary. It was evaluate microplastics • their own neighborhoods. concerns in key waste from addressing first comprehensive effort to Bay Microplastics Project is the The San Francisco passing any these states from all cities in country, preventing states across the least 12 takeout plastic bags, bottles, (i.e., single-use containers” that limit “auxiliary ordinances communities will prevent policies these ALEC-sponsored etc.). If enacted, containers, in at active is now legislation pre-emption on bans”, the “ban as Known containers. 6 SAN FRANCISCO BAY | MICROPLASTICS and drying,enteringthe environmentasplasticmicrofibers(Browneet than 50years(Geyeret al., 2017)andeasilyshedduringuse,washing, Synthetic fibershavebeenusedtoproducetextiles andfabricsformore plastic. environment aspollution.Plasticmicrofibersare syntheticandmadeof acrylic) ornatural(e.g.,cotton,wool)material,and endupinthenatural that aresmallerthan5mm,composedofsynthetic (e.g.,polyester, Microfibers referstoanthropogenicfibers(thin or fibrousparticles) • • • • • shape categories,whichcanprovideinsightonsources: Microparticles andmicroplasticscanbeclassifiedintofivedifferent chemical suchasadyepreventedidentificationofpolymertype. spectroscopy duetoresourceconstraints,orbecausethepresenceofa confirmed asplastic,eitherbecausetheywerenotexaminedvia collected fortheSanFranciscoBayMicroplasticstudycouldnotbe are, infact,plastic.Manyofthemicroparticlesextractedfromsamples spectroscopy oranothertechniquehasbeenusedtoverifythatthey For thisreport,microplasticsareasubsetofmicroparticlesforwhich to beplastic. term microparticlesisusedforparticlessmallerthan5mmthatappear Microplastics areplasticparticlessmallerthan5mm.Incontrast,the and microfibers? What aremicroplastics,microparticles, bundle” intheenvironment; well asfishinggearandcigarettefilters;mayformatangled“ Fiber –thinorfibrous,straightparticle;maycomefromtextilesas of foamplasticdebris;and Foam –lightweight,sponge-likeparticle;maycomefrombreakdown of film-likeplasticdebris,suchasbagsandwraps; Film –thinplaneofflimsymaterial;maycomefromthedegradation microbeads intentionallyaddedtoconsumerproducts; from nurdles(pelletizedpre-productionmaterialforplastic)or Sphere orPellet–hard,rounded,sphericalparticle;maycome larger plasticdebris; Fragment –firm,jaggedparticle;maycomefromthedegradationof Surface watersample•PhotobyAliceZhu,UniversityofToronto al., 2011). Plastic microfibers may also be derived from fishing line and cigarette filters, among other products, as they degrade. During this study, stakeholders identified the need for better alignment of plastic microfiber terminology and definitions, particularly in light of existing technical definitions used by the textile industry.

Microplastics, including plastic microfibers, are chemically diverse contaminants made up of a variety of polymers including: (PE), (PP), (PS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET or polyester), acrylic, cellulose acetate, and . Rubber is also considered plastic; in the San Francisco Bay Microplastic study, the rubber category included both natural (isoprene) and synthetic (styrene butadiene) rubbers (Sutton et al., 2019).

Surface water sample • Photo by Alice Zhu, University of Toronto Short caption here • Photo by person, organization

7 8 SAN FRANCISCO BAY | MICROPLASTICS 4 humans, andourecosystems. as a“non-thresholdcontaminant”isreflection ofthepotentialriskstowildlife, and unknowntoxicthresholds. environment aspotentiallyharmfulbecauseof their persistence,difficultyofremoval, Union analysisofmicroplasticsproposesconsidering anyamountreleasedintothe ongoing, andconsiderableuncertaintiesremain, arecentcomprehensiveEuropean While toxicologicalevaluationoftheimpacts microplastic pollutiononwildlifeis concentrated upthefoodchain(Rochmanetal.,2014). (Browne etal.,2011;Teuten2007).Onceingested,thesecontaminantscanbe harmful chemicalsintheocean,includingpolychlorinatedbiphenylsorpesticides or plasticizers.Additionally,theymayprovideasubstratefortheadsorptionofother Microplastics frequentlycontainharmfulchemicaladditivessuchasflameretardants threshold. as eachtypeofmicroplasticmaycausedifferenteffectsandhaveatoxicity composition) alsomakesmicroplastictoxicitydifficulttopredict,orevenstudy, are notwellunderstood.Thediversityofmicroplastics(e.g.,size,shape,andchemical organisms andcanadverselyimpacttheirhealth,althoughtheexactmechanisms smaller particlesandpersistintheenvironment.Microplasticsareingestedbyaquatic Plastics donotbiodegrade,butinsteadbreakdown,fragmentingintosmallerand 2030 (Azoulayetal.,2019). projections indicatethatannualproductionislikelytodouble600milliontonsby (Lebreton etal.,2018).Plasticproductionisonlyexpectedtofurtherincrease.Future detected intheNorthPacificGyrehavedoubledconcentrationlastdecade of plasticareestimatedtoentertheoceaneveryyear(Jambecketal.,2015).Plastics landfills orthenaturalenvironment(Geyeretal.,2017).Globally,fiveto13milliontons of plasticevergeneratedhasbeenrecycled,whereasalmost80%accumulatedin intentionally orunintentionally,andescapeintotheenvironment.Approximately9% With currentplasticsuse,microplasticsarecontinuouslyproduced,whether animals, aswellthefoodweeatandwaterdrink. and saltwater,fromtheseasurfacetooceanfloor.Theyhavebeenfoundin a ubiquitouspollutantandhavebeendetectedgloballyinair,soil,bothfresh marine ecosystemhealth.Theycanbederivedfromanyplasticproduct.are Microplastics havegainedglobalattentionasapervasiveandpreventablethreatto Why aremicroplasticsapotentialthreat? https://ec.europa.eu/research/sam/pdf/topics/microplastic-sam_workshop-012019.pdf 4 Theongoingefforts intheEUtoclassifymicroplastics SAN FRANCISCO BAY | MICROPLASTICS 9 • Photo courtesy of NOAA (Creative Commons) Bottlecaps collected at the Midway Atoll in the North Pacific Gyre • Photo courtesy of NOAA (Creative Commons) Plastic particles collected by a manta net 10 SAN FRANCISCO BAY | MICROPLASTICS microplastics intheSanFranciscoBayArea. stormwater, andairdeposition. Microfibers canentertheBaythroughvariouspathways,includingwastewater, upholstery, towels,etc.)mayalsobesignificantcontributors. microfibers. Forexample,carpetsandotherhouseholdtextiles(bedding,sheets, focused ontheclothingindustry,scienceisn’tclearprimarysourcesof nylon, andcelluloseacetate.Itisimportanttonotethatwhilemuchattentionhas textiles includepolyester(alsoknownaspolyethyleneterephthalateorPET),acrylic, derived fromseveralsources( The majorityofmicroparticlesidentifiedintheprojectweremicrofibersthatcanbe cellulose acetate(cigarettefilters),andrubber(vehicletires). coolers, andpackingmaterials),polyethyleneterephthalate(plasticwaterbottles), tubs andfoodcontainers),polystyrene(expandedtoformafoamusedincoffeecups, use itemsincludepolyethylene(plasticbags,plasticutensils),polypropylene mechanical abrasion(e.g.,causedbywaves).Somecommonplasticpolymersinsingle- environment, wheretheybreakintosmallerpieceswhenexposedtoUVlight,heat,and items. Theseitemscanescapewastemanagementinfrastructureandendupinthe Many microplasticparticlesstartedoutaslargerplasticitems,oftensingle-use microplastics? What arethepathwaysandsourcesof Discarded inSanFranciscoBay•Photo byShiraBezalel,SFEI Table 1 Figure 1 ). Commonplasticpolymersusedinsynthetic identifiesthegeneralpathwaysfor SAN FRANCISCO BAY | MICROPLASTICS 11

ropes, etc.) Potential Sources Potential clothing, bedding Textiles (including baby carpets, upholstery), and towels, products, diapers, wipes, tampons, many more (nurdles, manufacturers industry Plastic textiles), cigarette plastic packaging and disposal, filters, fertilizers, biosolids astroturf, road airborne microplastics, abrasion, many others Textiles (including fibers released by dryer vents and during wear), many more All of the above; marine industry (fishing line, sails, tarps, nets, synthetic Urban dust, wind All of the above Washing machines (institutional, (institutional, Washing machines and residential), commercial, drains household and industrial sewer, (bathroom and kitchen), industrial discharge storm drains, road Industrial discharge, precipitation, runoff, agricultural runoff, road abrasion Potential Pathways Potential (Illustration by Katie McKnight) by (Illustration sediment / fish and other marine species Ocean and bay surface waters / Airborne Stormwater Environmental Compartments Environmental / effluent Wastewater Table 1. Potential Pathways and Sources for Plastic Microfibers to the ocean Microfibers for Plastic and Sources Potential Pathways Table 1. Figure 1. General pathways by which microplastics reach the San Francisco Bay (Sutton et al., 2019). (Sutton Bay the San Francisco reach which microplastics by pathways 1. General Figure

Figure 1. Potential pathways and sources for microplastics in San Francisco Bay. From Sutton et al, 2019 Sutton From Bay. in San Francisco for microplastics and sources pathways 1. Potential Figure 12 SAN FRANCISCO BAY | MICROPLASTICS Sampling usingthemantatrawlinnortherSanFranciscoBay•PhotobyErikaDelemarre from boatsurfacesandincleaningengines metalsurfaces. water purification,abrasivesusedduringairblasting toremovepaint a varietyofindustrialactivities,suchasfluidsused inoilandgasdrilling, polyethylene andpolypropylene.Primarymicroplastics arealsousedin and toothpaste.Commonpolymersusedtomake microbeadsinclude fragments addedtopersonalcareproductssuch asfacial/bodyscrubs Another formofprimarymicroplasticsaremicrobeads, smallpelletsand enter theenvironmentthroughspillageorshippingaccidents. used inplumbingandagriculture.Thesepre-productionplasticscan plastics, oftenintheformofpellets(i.e.,“nurdles”)andplasticpowders original form.These“primarymicroplastics”includepre-production Other microplasticsarereleaseddirectlyintotheenvironmentintheir SAN FRANCISCO BAY | MICROPLASTICS 13 USING SCIENCE TO INFORM INFORM TO SCIENCE USING ACTION

water sampling • Photo by Erika Delemarre Launching during surface supported, regional recommendations for in the Bay Area, generate scientifically in the process. Understanding this issue solutions, and engage multiple stakeholders Project was developed to respond to the scientific The San Francisco Bay Microplastics designed to provide critical research on microplastics needs identified by the RMP, and Microplastics Workgroup, which serves as a forum for 2017). The RMP also supports a and regional and state stakeholders. scientific discussion among experts communities, among others. The RMP has stormwater and wastewater discharger and Monitoring Strategy for San Francisco Bay established a Microplastic Science needs for the Bay (Sutton and Sedlak, outlining the priority scientific information The RMP is an innovative need to manage the Bay effectively. and decision-makers the Regional Water Quality Control Board, and collaborative effort among SFEI, Quality Monitoring Program for Water was provided by the Regional Additional support information that regulators Bay (RMP), which provides scientific in San Francisco partnership on the San Francisco Bay Microplastics Project to generate the science and Project to generate the science San Francisco Bay Microplastics partnership on the solutions in the San Francisco for plastic pollution data to inform recommendations Bay and beyond. Together, 5 Gyres and the San Francisco Estuary Institute (SFEI) have worked in Institute (SFEI) have worked in and the San Francisco Estuary Together, 5 Gyres 2 14 SAN FRANCISCO BAY | MICROPLASTICS to inspireindividualsandcoalitionsaroundthe globe toaddressmicroplastics. generate microplasticpollutionsolutions.Thedocument canalsoserveasaresource engaging regionalstakeholdersinscientificstudies andcollaborativedialogueto policymakers, companies,andscientistscanuse thisdocumentasacasestudyfor individual actionsarealsosummarized.Non-governmental organizations(NGOs), emphasize theimportanceofsourcereduction. Inaddition,innovationsalongwith Many oftherecommendationsthisreportfocusonregionalpolicyeffortsthat Use ofthisreport for complexenvironmentalissues. empowering government,civic,andbusinessleaderstocreatecost-effectivesolutions assess andimprovethehealthofSanFranciscoBay,CaliforniaDeltabeyond, communication throughcollaborativeefforts.SFEIprovidesindependentscienceto SFEI’s missionistoprovidescientificsupportandtoolsfordecision-making SFEI isoneofCalifornia’spremieraquaticandecosystemscienceinstitutes. national campaigns. science toarangeofcommunitiesengagetheminsolutionsthroughlocaland marine plasticpollution.Oneof5Gyres’highestprioritieshasbeendisseminating 300 citizenscientistsonoceanicexpeditionstowitnessandconductresearch of plasticpollution.Since2009,5Gyreshascompleted19expeditions,bringingover 5 Gyreshastenyearsofexpertiseinscientificresearchandengagementontheissue pollution. results, policyrecommendations,andinnovativesolutionstotheissueofplastic in-person meetingsonDecember13,2018andMarch5,2019todiscusspreliminary reduction (SeeTableA-1inAppendixA).ThePolicyAdvisoryCommitteeconvenedtwo advocates selectedtoprovidescience-basedrecommendationsonplasticpollution was madeupofexperts,policymakers,scientists,industryleaders,andenvironmental Microplastics Project,andrelatedpolicydocuments.ThePolicyAdvisoryCommittee Committee, isbasedonexistingscience,sciencegeneratedbytheSanFranciscoBay This report,preparedby5GyreswithinputfromSFEIandtheproject’sPolicyAdvisory Development ofthisreport design, andindividual/consumerbehavior. and innovationsatnumerousinterventionpoints,includingwastetreatment,industry from ascientificperspectiveiscriticaltoinformandsupporteffectivepolicysolutions Short caption here • Photo by person, organization

SAN FRANCISCO BAY | MICROPLASTICS 15 Sample collection in San Francisco Bay • Photo by Carolynn Box, 5 Gyres

FINDINGS FINDINGS MICROPLASTICS PROJECT PROJECT MICROPLASTICS Bay and 11 monitoring sites within the adjacent sites throughout San Francisco Bay, Cordell Bank, and Greater Farallones). National Marine Sanctuaries (Monterey To quantify the levels and composition of microparticles and microplastics in To quantify the levels and composition during wet and dry seasons at 17 monitoring surface water, samples were collected Rainy weather washes microplastics into Bay Rainy weather washes waters al., 2019). knowledge about and components to develop improved multiple scientific in the San Francisco Bay Area. of microparticles and microplastics characterization et the project’s scientific report (Sutton major findings from Below we have highlighted study of microplastic pollution conducted the first comprehensive 5 Gyres and SFEI Sanctuaries. This project supported and adjacent National Marine of a major estuary

San Francisco Bay San Francisco 3 16 SAN FRANCISCO BAY | MICROPLASTICS Measuring microplasticsamples •PhotobyXiaZhu measured intheLowerSouthBay,whichisstronglyinfluencedby The highestconcentrationsofmicroparticlesinsedimentwere Tomales Bay,toevaluateurbaninfluence. from theSanFranciscoBayandaless-urbanreferencesitenearby, urban stormwaterandwastewaterdischarges.Sampleswerecollected conditions, andevaluatespatialdistributionincludingtheinfluenceof Sediment sampleswerecollectedat20sitestoassessbaseline more microplastics Sediment inthelowersouthBayhad anthropogenic dyesmaskingtheunderlyingmaterial. The compositionofmanyfiberscouldnotbedetermineddueto with 87%ofthefragmentsand53%fibersidentifiedasplastic. The dominantshapecategorywasfibers,followedbyfragments, watershed. that wetweathermaymobilizemicroplasticsfromthesurrounding collection methods.Higherabundancesfollowingstormeventssuggests surface waterweresomeofthehighesteverrecordedusingstandard Following rainstorms,levelsofmicroparticlesandmicroplasticsinBay higher intheBaythanmarinesanctuaries. Microparticles wereidentifiedinallsamples,withabundancesgenerally SAN FRANCISCO BAY | MICROPLASTICS 17 of Save the Bay Jellyfish and plastic bag • Photo courtesy and felt like rubber black particles that looked acrylic). Of the fragments, (29% of fragments). dominated the samples 31% were the fibers analyzed with spectroscopy, by fragments. Of acetate, and (most commonly polyester, cellulose confirmed plastic studies worldwide. by other was fibers, followed category in sediment samples The dominant shape observed. the lowest Bay, were among site, Tomales the reference were in Bay sediment concentrations and microplastic investigated of other regions in the majority those reported higher than at Concentrations discharges. stormwater and urban wastewater 18 SAN FRANCISCO BAY | MICROPLASTICS the SanFranciscoBay. estimated combinedannualloadfromallthewastewater treatmentplantssurrounding Watershed SpreadsheetModel(RWSM).Thisestimate is300timesgreaterthanthe adjacent smalltributarieswasestimatedusingthe previouslydevelopedRegional A totalmicroplasticdischargeof7trillionmicroparticles totheBayperyearfrom Friot, 2017;Koleetal.,2017). certainty, butotherstudiesindicatevehicletire wear asalikelysource(Boucherand identified asrubber.Thesourceoftheserubbery particlesarenotknownwith microparticles wereblackfragmentswitharubberytexture,someofwhich fibers (39%)constitutednearlyallmicroparticlessampled.Nearlyhalfthesampled containing between1.3and30microparticlesperliter.Fragments(59%) Microparticles wereidentifiedinurbanstormwaterfromall12smalltributaries, urban landusesandweredistributedacrosstheregion. Sacramento andSanJoaquinRivers).Thesmalltributariesvariedinurbannon- San FranciscoBay(6%oftotalflowtoBay;themajorityisfromlarger (small riversandstreams)comprising11%ofthewatersheddrainageareato This studymeasuredmicroparticlesinurbanstormwaterfrom12smalltributaries stormwater microplastics andmicrofibersfoundin High levelsofrubberyfragmentsandother many otherlocations. counts anddetectionfrequenciesintheBaywerecomparabletoreported microplastics perfishandbetween0.64.5plasticfibersfish.Themicroplastic consumed microplastics,withanestimatedaverageofbetween0.2and0.9non-fiber be identifiedconclusivelyasplastic.ThirtyeightpercentoffishfromtheBayhad common, andwhilemostofthefibersweredyedthereforemanmade,fewcould than fishfromthemoreruralreferencearea,TomalesBay.Fiberswereparticularly Prey fishfromthehighlyurbanizedSanFranciscoBayhadhigherparticlecounts They mayalsobeanindicatorofexposuretolargerpredatorsandhumans. between contaminantconcentrationsinsedimentandseawaterthefoodweb. in preyfish.Preyfishareimportanttoassessbecausetheyrepresentacriticallink sites inthereferencearea(TomalesBay)toevaluatepresenceofmicroplastics Two species(anchovyandtopsmelt)werecollectedfromsixsitesintheBaytwo Prey fishconsumefibers SAN FRANCISCO BAY | MICROPLASTICS 19 Testing microplastic samples • Photo by Krystle Moody Wood treatment) facilities, suggesting that this enhanced treatment may treatment) facilities, suggesting other . reduce microparticles as well as Facilities employing more advanced treatment including dual media Facilities employing more advanced concentrations than other (secondary filtration had lower microparticle shape, and of those that underwent were the second most abundant as plastic, with most being spectroscopy, 54% were identified polyethylene (31%). of dyes and coloring agents, but manufactured due to the presence as plastic or non-plastic. Fragments could not be definitively identified While 19% identified shape of microparticles. the most frequently plastic, another 50% were clearly of the fibers were unmistakably eight facilities, identified in effluent from all Microparticles were per liter. Fibers were of 0.063 microparticles discharging an average liters per day (24 in flow rates from 90 to 630 million distributed, varied variety of secondary and per day), and employed a to 167 million gallons treatments. more advanced the overall over 70% of that represent treatment plants wastewater geographically Bay. The eight facilities were effluent flow to the microfibers Bay Area of eight from the effluent were captured Microparticles Wastewater samples dominated by dominated samples Wastewater 20 SAN FRANCISCO BAY | MICROPLASTICS efficacy andoptimalemploymentwithrespectto microplastics. alternative greenstormwaterinfrastructurelandscapes isnecessarytounderstand beyond capturingandfilteringlegacycontaminants. Furtherresearchonlargerand These resultssuggestedthatraingardensmay provide additionalsocietalbenefits flowing throughtheraingardenindicatedthatit removedover90%ofthematerial. microplastics andotherparticlesinstormwater samplescollectedbeforeandafter one acre)analyzedwaslocatedalongamajorurban transitcorridor.Levelsof analyzed formicroplastics(Gilbreathetal,2019). Thesmallcatchment(approximately through thegardenweresampledovercourseofthreeindividualstormsandthen microplastics instormwater.Influentintothegardenandeffluentafterpercolation During thewetseasonof2016,SFEIevaluatedefficacyraingardensforremoving microparticles inwastewatereffluent. through BayAreawastewatertreatmentplantsandthatfibersmadeupmostofthe et al.,2016).Thisstudyalsofoundthatmicroparticles,includingmicroplastics,passed surface watergreaterthanreportedintheGreatLakesandChesapeakeBay(Sutton A pilotstudyconductedin2015bytheRMPdocumentedlevelsofmicroparticlesBay Related BayAreamicroplasticsresearch environment. Thesefibersmaybetransportedthroughairdeposition. identified, attestingtothepervasivepresenceoffibersinindoorandoutdoor used ontheship);however,inmostinstances,sourceoffiberscouldnotbe fibers intheblankscouldbetracedbacktoaspecificsource(e.g.,orangelifejackets Fibers werewidelydetectedinthefieldandlaboratoryblanks.Insomeinstances, of thesamplesduringanalysis. or transport,whilealaboratoryblankwillhelptoidentifyanypotentialcontamination field blankiscollectedtoseeifsampleshavebeencontaminatedduringsampling laboratory samplingprotocolsincludingcollectionofqualitycontrolblanksamples.A As partoftheSanFranciscoBayMicroplasticstudy,weinstitutedrigorousfieldand everywhere Quality controlsamplesrevealmicrofibersare plastic. approximately 47billionmicroparticlesannually,ofwhich17areestimatedtobe microparticles aredischargedperdaytotheBayintreatedwastewatereffluent,or Assuming similardischargesamongtheremainingfacilities,approximately130million Approximately 91millionmicroparticlesperdayaredischargedbytheeightfacilities. SAN FRANCISCO BAY | MICROPLASTICS 21 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FOR RECOMMENDATIONS BAY FRANCISCO SAN

Pelicans over the Bay at sunset • Photo by Shira Bezalel, SFEI also emphasize innovation, design, and household interventions to reduce regional interventions to reduce regional innovation, design, and household also emphasize microplastic pollution. primarily focus on plastic use or source reduction, with some options for capture of with some options for capture plastic use or source reduction, primarily focus on systems. Recommendations they enter wastewater or stormwater microplastics before pollution, compared to end-of-pipe solutions such as clean-ups and catchment as clean-ups and catchment to end-of-pipe solutions such pollution, compared the by scientific evidence from recommendations are informed systems. The following et al, 2019). These recommendations Microplastics Project (Sutton San Francisco Bay option to prevent plastic is the most efficient and cost-effective Source reduction 4 22 SAN FRANCISCO BAY | MICROPLASTICS plastic packagingintheBayAreaandstatewide Support policiesthatreducesingle-useplasticsand recommendation victories haveimpactedtheamountofplasticentering ourwatersheds. without significantpre-andpost-implementation monitoring,whetherornotthese and havegalvanizedcommunitiescoalitionsintoaction,itisdifficulttodetermine, While theseeffortshaveresultedinnewlegislationandregulation,raisedawareness, bag andexpandedpolystyrenebans. refer to.Modelordinanceshaveprovenusefulinguidingmunicipalandregionalplastic comprehensive ordinancecanactasamodelthatothercommunities policy intheU.S.aimedatreducingsingle-usedisposablefoodware.Berkeley’s Foodware andLitterReductionOrdinance,themostambitiouscomprehensive More recently,onJanuary22,2019,theBerkeleyCityCouncilapprovedDisposable containers. Single-useplasticitembanshavebeeninplaceforthepasttenyears. bags, plasticdrinkingstraws,andexpandedpolystyrene(a.k.a.“Styrofoam”)takeout The BayAreahasmanyordinancesthatlimitsingle-useplasticitems,including • • • Project results Francisco Bay. be fromsingle-useplasticitemsbreakingdownonstreetsandshorelinesaroundSan were whiteorclearhardplastics(47%polyethylene,25%polypropylene)whichcould Most fragmentsinthesurfacewatersampleswerebetween0.5and2mmsize used insingle-useitems,suchasfoodcontainersandpackagingmaterials. between 0.5and2mminsize,whitecolor,consistentwithfoamedpolystyrene Most ofthefoammicroparticlesinsurfacewatersampleswerepolystyrene(53%), and toalesserextentsedimentsamples. plastic items,weredetectedinSanFranciscoBaysurfacewaterandstormwatersamples, Foam, plasticfragments,andfilms,withpotentialsourcesincludingsingle-use #1:

SAN FRANCISCO BAY | MICROPLASTICS 23

innovation / efforts to track efficacy and impacts of Require monitoring alongside policy for potential health impacts; and Alternatives should be analyzed to scale Evaluate existing comprehensive policies and foodware ordinances food service industry and public health Encourage collaboration between of alternative materials that could replace Support and explore innovation and track expanded polystyrene upstream Work with other entities that monitor comprehensive policies based on in the Bay Area should explore Additional cities to countywide, or statewide) more than one municipality, Regional policy (spanning plastics and plastic reduce single-use legislation to statewide Comprehensive regionally. legislation (before and after implementation); more accessible to use reusables. community to make it easier and and define solutions; understand the sources and pathways expanded polystyrene; From Plastic, Clean Water Action, etc.) to better (Surfrider Foundation, Break Free the ordinance passed in Berkeley; and the ordinance passed single-use plastic disposables. eliminate multiple packaging in California; packaging to build educational campaigns to increase the Encourage Bay Area stakeholders work with influencers, young activists, and schools; and popularity of reusable items and (2)  (3)  (1)  science (4)  (3)  (2)  collaboration (1)  (3)  (2)  policy (1)  Suggested actions Suggested 24 SAN FRANCISCO BAY | MICROPLASTICS entering SanFranciscoBay management optionstoreducemicroplasticsfrom Explore greenstormwaterinfrastructure recommendation http://gptracker.sfei.org Annual_Reports1.html 7 https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/sanfranciscobay/water_issues/programs/stormwater/MRP/ https://www.epa.gov/green-infrastructure/what-green-infrastructure 6 5 recorded ontheWaterBoard’swebsite. reports submittedtotheRegionalWaterQuality ControlBoard.Thesereportsare Stormwater programsarealsoresponsibleforreporting theirprogressviaannual infrastructure deploymentandthentrackprogress towardmeetingtheplannedgoals. as mercuryandPCBs.Municipalitiesarerequired tosetgoalsforgreenstormwater the waterthroughsoiloraspeciallypreparedmatrix toremovecontaminantssuch the stormwaterrunofftosmallbasinsthataredesigned tofacilitatepercolationof stormwater infrastructureattenuatetheflowoftoBaybydirecting Water QualityControlBoardasdefinedinmunicipalregionalpermits.Green In theBayArea,greenstormwaterinfrastructurehasbeenrequiredbyRegional garden (over90%removal). microparticles, includingmicroplastics,werealsowell-capturedbythebioretentionrain discharges, asrequiredbywaterqualitypermits(Gilbreathetal,2019).Anthropogenic bioretention asamanagementoptionforreducingflowsandregulatingcontaminant As describedabove,theSFEIstudyofaBayArearaingardensupportsuse (bioretention systems),andtree-wellplanters. filtration ofstormwaterrunoff. hydrologic processesofthelandscapebyincreasingsourceretention,detention,and stormwater managementapproachusedinurbanareasthatutilizesthenatural Green stormwaterinfrastructure,alsoreferredtoas“lowimpactdesign,”isa • • • Project results entering stormwatersystems. A relatedSFEIstudyfoundthatbioretentionraingardensmayreducemicroplasticsfrom streams andstormwatersystemscontributemorethan7trillionmicroplasticsannually. Stormwater measurementscalibratedtoBayArealandusesmodelssuggestthatrivers, small tributariesanalyzedintheproject. Microparticle concentrationsrangedfrom1.3to30microparticlesperliteratthe12 #2:

5 Examplesincludepermeable pavement,raingardens 6 Inaddition, GreenPlan-ITTracker 7 isa SAN FRANCISCO BAY | MICROPLASTICS 25 El Cerrito Rain Garden• Photo by SFEI filtration effectiveness for other types of Assess microparticle and microplastic new green stormwater support existing and encourage Where possible, adjacent to the San Francisco for green stormwater infrastructure Assess locations Bay; and green stormwater infrastructure. the Bay Area. infrastructure in (2)  science (1)  (1)  policy enter the Bay. before they contaminants in intercepting infrastructure actions Suggested stormwater green Bay Area’s of the the effectiveness to determine that helps tool 26 SAN FRANCISCO BAY | MICROPLASTICS microfibers aroundfiltration Identify andprioritizeinterventionpointsfor recommendation • • accountability, andtargetaudiencehavebeenraised: In consideringlegislativeorregulatoryapproaches tofiltration,questionsofcost, efficiency, from26%(CoraBall)to87%(LintLUV-R)(McIlwraithetal.,2019). these devicesinremovingmicrofibersfromeffluent,findingabroadrangeofremoval from goingdownthedrain.Recentstudieshaveevaluatedefficacyofseveral machine pipingthatdrainsintothesink,havehistoricallybeenusedtocontrolparticles microfibers inhouseholdlaundry.Additionally,filtrationsocks,whichattachtowashing Ball, GuppyFriend,Filtrol,LintLUV-Randothers,whicharealldesignedtocapture commercial facilitieshavebeendeveloped.ConsumerfacingdevicesincludetheCora technologies andmanufacturinginnovationsthattargetconsumerhousehold technologies canbeimplementedandscaledquickly?Severalnewfiltration How canmicrofibersberemovedmosteffectivelyfromeffluent,andwhich effective options,severalkeyquestionsemerge. Wash watercanbefilteredatvariousinterventionpoints,andasweassessthemost microfibers towastewatersystems,supportingdiscussionofpotentialinterventions. Several independentstudiesindicatetextilewashingreleaseslargequantitiesof • • Project results or datamightbeuseful to prioritize? laundromats, Target audience:Should policyapproachestargethouseholdwashers,commercial effective? offered toensureproperinstallationandmaintenance toensureproductsare burden fromindividualstomanufacturers?Will there beeducationalprograms devices? Arelocaltaxrebatesorincentiveprograms availabletoshiftthecost Cost: Iftargetingtheresidentialsector,shouldconsumers beaskedtopurchase to thepresenceofdyesandcoloringagents,mayalsobeplastic. 19% of the fibers wereunmistakably plastic, another50% due wereclearlymanufactured Fibers werethemostfrequentlyidentifiedshapeofmicroparticlesinwastewater.While the project,discharginganaverageof0.063microparticlesperliter. Microparticles wereidentifiedineffluent(wastewater)fromalleightfacilitiesassessedby #3: institutional

laundry facilities, or all three? What additional information SAN FRANCISCO BAY | MICROPLASTICS 27 innovation / from responsibility remove filtration mandatory introducing Does Accountability: a design standpoint? problem from to address the sector the manufacturing from carpet, Work with new stakeholder groups (representatives and experts laundry Pilot filtration study comparing commercial laundromats, institutional stakeholders to Work with the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers and filtration systems on commercial laundromats, Explore rebates for installation of to mandate filtration on institutional, commercial Support a pilot study or ordinance facilities, and residential washing machines. potential sources washing machine, dryer, filtration, air quality, etc.) to identify other of microfibers. are built into the understand the feasibility and limitations of filtration systems that washing machine; and state legislation around most effective option; and effectiveness. If effective, pursue residential washing machines. institutional laundry facilities, and with monitoring built in to determine and/or residential washing machines, science (1)  (2)  (1)  collaboration (2)  policy (1)  Suggested actions Fibers that are removed from filtration devices introduction into the local watershed. and disposed of in a local landfill. should be placed in the garbage Treatment facility waste products like biosolids, system attached to a washing machine. can be applied as fertilizer to agricultural lands. which include captured microplastics, microplastics in the environment and potential This results in a redistribution of via the particles that are captured individual facilities. In addition, is challenging for do not disappear, which is also true for any filtration large-scale merit further exploration. technologies, this topic may wastewater treatment end-of-pipe wastewater treatment is important to note that additional Nevertheless, it lower overall concentrations of microparticles than facilities using secondary treatment facilities using secondary treatment of microparticles than lower overall concentrations the removal efficiency of different was not designed to assess only. While this study studies have demonstrated that common treatment technologies remove a large remove treatment technologies that common demonstrated studies have effluent. Project results suggest and microfibers from treated portion of microplastics includes advanced filtration discharge, tertiary treatment that that facilities, employing Wastewater treatment plants already serve as an intervention point, and independent point, and as an intervention already serve treatment plants Wastewater • 28 SAN FRANCISCO BAY | MICROPLASTICS microplastics Microplastics ManagementStrategytoreduce Support thedevelopmentofaSanFranciscoBay recommendation drinking water,whiledefining safelevelsofmicroplasticsforthepublic. Control Boarddevelopandcarryoutstandardized monitoringformicroplasticsin In contrast,arecentstatewidebill(SB1422)requires thattheStateWaterResources to monitororregulatemicroplasticsinwastewater, stormwater,orintheBayitself. need toactivelymanagethiscontaminant.Currently, nosingleagencyismandated The increasinglevelofconcernaboutmicroplastics inSanFranciscoBaysuggeststhe Concern” fortheBay. public awarenessandconcern,theRMPhasreclassified microplasticsasof“Moderate as welltheprojectedincreaseinglobalmanufacture ofplastics,andincreased accumulation ofchemicalsinanorganism),thedifficultyassociatedwiththeirremoval, their persistenceintheenvironment,potentialforbioaccumulation(gradual the EU’srecentproposaltoclassifymicroplasticsasa“non-thresholdcontaminant,” uncertainty astowhethercurrentBaylevelswereariskforwildlife.Considering emerging contaminants,asthelackofecotoxicitythresholdsmeanttherewas “Possible Concern”fortheBaywithinitsTieredRiskFrameworkunregulated, contaminants doesnotyetexist.TheRMPoriginallyclassifiedmicroplasticsasa Francisco Bay;however,aregionalstrategyforthemanagementofthisclass The RMPdevelopedamonitoringandsciencestrategyformicroplasticsinSan et al.,2014). than otherwaterbodiesnearurbanizedregionsoftheU.S.(Eriksenetal.,2013;Yonkos the Bay.Aswithpresentstudy,levelsobservedinthispreviousstudywerehigher emerging concernforoveradecade,andperformedthepilotstudyofmicroplasticsin and protectBaywaterquality.TheRMPhasmonitoredtheforcontaminantsof The RMPprovideswaterqualityregulatorswiththeinformationtheyneedtomanage • Project results reduce microplasticsintheBay. concern” to“moderateconcern.”Currentlythereisnomanagementstrategyinplace microplastics, listedasanemergingcontaminant,shouldbereclassifiedfrom“possible Monitoring ProgramforWaterQualityinSanFranciscoBay(RMP)determinedthat Within thetimeframeofproject,regulatorsandstakeholderswithinRegional #4:

SAN FRANCISCO BAY | MICROPLASTICS 29 innovation / of Environmental Health Hazard Control Board, the Office State Water Resources expected to provide regulatory other entities. This strategy is Assessment, and evidence to move forward with background information and agencies with the solutions. mandated by the State Water and industrial stormwater permits, through municipal Board. Resources Control recently mandated through SB Council (OPC), which was The Ocean Protection in collaboration with the a Statewide Microplastics Strategy 1263 to develop San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC) and the (BCDC) Commission and Development Bay Conservation San Francisco Coastal Commission. California Board, which regulates trash Bay Regional Water Quality Control The San Francisco that lays out priorities and actions to reduce A Microplastics Management Strategy to develop, Explore capacity of regional regulatory agencies best positioned San Francisco Bay Microplastics Project should Results and recommendations from manage, and implement Microplastics Management Strategy. should be developed. microplastics in San Francisco Bay Microplastics Strategy; and be incorporated into the OPC Statewide (1)  collaboration (2)  (1)  Suggested actions policy that OPC is spearheading. incorporate the scientific results and A strategic next step would be to this project into the Statewide Microplastics Strategy recommendations determined by • • • include: pollution of plastic role in regulation play a that agencies regional Other 30 SAN FRANCISCO BAY | MICROPLASTICS understand microfibershedding Encourage textileindustrytostandardizemethods recommendation https://oceanconservancy.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Microfiber-Action-Roadmap.pdf 8 Action Roadmap.” possible solutions.OIAandEOGwerepartofthe developmentofthe“Microfiber landscape oforganizations,researchers,andinstitutions exploringbothimpactsand subgroup focusedonmicrofibersthathascreated aresourcelibrarytomapthe contribution tomicrofiberpollution.TheOIAhas aSustainabilityWorkingGroup main tradeorganizationsfortheoutdoorindustry, recognizetheindustry’spotential The OutdoorIndustryAssociation(OIA)andthe EuropeanOutdoorGroup(EOG),the efforts fromdifferentfields. clarity andalignmentofterminologyislikelytobeanimportantstepincoordinating microfiber thatdifferfromthoseusedbyscientistsstudyingmicroplastics;greater As notedpreviously,thetextileindustryemploystechnicaldefinitionsofterm industry areenteringthediscussions. primarily beenledbytheapparelindustry,thoughwashingmachineandcarpet to textileshaveinitiateddiscussionsonfiberlossormicrofibershedding.Thishas articles; wearoruse;washinganddrying;recyclingdisposal).Severalentitiesrelated loss throughthelifecycleoftextiles(duringproductiontextiles,garments,orother towels, andupholstery)ishighlyinvolvedunderstandstheneedtoquantifyfiber textile industry,includingapparelandfabricmanufacturers(includingcarpeting, quantify microfibers,includingplasticshedbysynthetictextiles.The A significantcollaborativeeffortisunderwaytounderstandhowmonitorand • • • Project results microfibers insurfacewatersampleswerefoundtobepolyester. plastic, withupto53%ofthefibersinsurfacewatersamplesbeingplastic.24% Spectroscopy wascarriedouttodeterminethepercentageofmicrofibersthatwere deposition fromtheair. Microfibers weredetectedinfieldandlaboratoryqualitycontrolsamples,suggesting surface water,wastewater,fish,andsedimentsamples. Microfibers werewidelydetectedinallsamplesandthedominantshapecategory #5: 8

SAN FRANCISCO BAY | MICROPLASTICS 31

9 innovation / support

https://www.astm.org/DATABASE.CART/WORKITEMS/WK62604.htm consensus technical develops and publishes voluntary 140 countries, which systems, and services. A revision wide range of materials, products, standards for a development by their committee that focuses on to an existing standard is under fiber release of fabrics. throughout the world. AATCC has and apparel professionals networking for textile RA 100, Global Sustainability including AATCC Committee a series of committees, for fiber release during is developing a new test method Technology, that laundering. organization across more than is an international standards ASTM International The American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) provides test (AATCC) provides and Colorists of Textile Chemists Association The American and development, educational control materials, development, quality method definitions of microfibers; and Work with stakeholders to standardize sharing among AATCC, OIA, EOG, ASTM, Increase communication and information efforts, regionally and globally; Better communication among existing of these methods in California is Legislation that supports standardization on solutions to microplastics in San Francisco Bay. local entities, and others focusing microfibers. encouraged to bring attention to possible microfiber pathways and sources. 9 industry; and that can explain (2) Identify possible microfiber sources and build a conceptual model partnership with input from stakeholders, including AATCC, OIA, EOG, ASTM, scientists, partnership with input from stakeholders, including AATCC, OIA, on the textile and the environmental community. The standards will push innovation science methods in (1) Help support the development of sheddability standards and (3)  (2)  collaboration (1)  (1)  policy Suggested actions • shed rates: microfiber • Below are additional organizations working on standardizing methods to measure to measure methods on standardizing working organizations are additional Below 32 SAN FRANCISCO BAY | MICROPLASTICS stormwater systems Better identifymicroplasticsourcesandpathwaysin recommendation deposition, etc.).Rubber tireparticleshavebeendocumentedinaquatic environments potential toentertheenvironment throughavarietyofpathways(e.g.,stormwater, air other sources.Astireswear andrubonroadsurfaces,tirewearparticles havethe sediment samples.These rubberyparticlesmaybeassociatedwithvehicle tiresor Additionally, rubberyparticleswereidentifiedin stormwatersamplesaswell inform aregion-specific,targetedapproachtoreducing microplasticpollution. which typesofwatershedsarelikelytodischarge higherlevelsofmicroplasticswill effective solutions.Aconceptualmodelthatcan identifyrelevantfactorsandpredict the stormwatersystem,isneededinordertoadequately identifystrategicandcost- Greater insightsregardingthesourcesofthese microplastics,aswellhowtheyenter previously, anditispossiblethatthiscorrelation isinfactdrivenbyotherfactors. amounts ofmicroparticlepollutionrelatedtoindustriallandusehasnotbeennoted of outdoorurbansourcesmicroplasticstostormwaterislimited.Inparticular,larger potential tobeamajorpathwayforenvironmentalcontamination.Theunderstanding Very fewstudiesofmicroplasticshavebeenconductedonstormwater,despiteits discharge regulations. discharge permitrequirements;however,manyindustriesdonotfacemicroplastics of microparticlestostormwatersystems.Industrialactivitiesareoftensubject roadways. Additionally,industriallanduseareasmaybecontributinghigherlevels myriad factorsincludinglanduse,quantityofimpervioussurfaces,andproximityto are complex,andparticlemovementwithinthewatershedislikelyinfluencedby The potentialsourcesofthemicroparticlesandmicroplasticsfoundinstormwater • • • Project results identified asblackrubberfragments,potentiallyoriginatingfromtirewear. stormwater samples.Nearlyhalfofallmicroparticlesinsampleswere Fragments (59%)andfibers(39%)constitutednearlyallmicroparticlesidentifiedin surrounding theSanFranciscoBay. estimated combinedannualdischargefromallthewastewatertreatmentplants This suggeststhatstormwaterinputofmicroparticlesis300timesgreaterthanthe streams andstormwatersystemscontributemorethan7trillionmicroplasticsannually. Stormwater measurementscalibratedtoBayArealandusesmodelssuggestthatrivers, #6:

SAN FRANCISCO BAY | MICROPLASTICS 33 Stormwater culvert in Berkeley • Photo by Shira Bezalel, SFEI innovation / actions

and impacts of rubber fragments in San Francisco Understand sources, quantities, model of microplastics in stormwater, Support research to develop a conceptual effort to regulate, mitigate, Water Quality Control Board’s Support the Regional of microplastics in stormwater runoff; and attributes on the concentration Bay. which would explore sources of microplastics and transport within the watershed, which would explore sources of influence of land use and other landscape and identify the importance and discharge permits. and monitor microplastics through their discharge permits, including industrial permits, including industrial through their discharge and monitor microplastics (2)  (1)  infrastructure to capture microplastics. (1) Install more green stormwater science collaboration (1)  policy Suggested actions sources and others. The among fields and playgrounds, artificial athletic may include be further health should impacts on wildlife and the of rubber fragments quantities explored. the environment to fragments of rubber sources Additional studies. few previous in a 34 SAN FRANCISCO BAY | MICROPLASTICS efforts Increase collaborationonplasticpollutionreduction recommendation 11 dpbs 10 would bebeneficialtoshareinformationthatcan supporteachother’swork.More A regionalcoalitionthatbringstogetherurbanand oceantrashandmicroplasticefforts macroplastics aretargeted. and pushingforlastingsolutionstotheplasticpollution crisis.Inallcases,micro-and 1,500 groupsiscollaborativelydemandingmassivereductionsinsingle-useplastics As aglobalmovement,BreakFreeFromPlasticMovement, order tofocuspolicyandinnovationeffortsonthetopcontributors(Allenetal.,2017). Report (2017PlasticB.A.N.List)toidentifytrendsinplasticlosttheenvironment conservation organizationscollaboratedontherecentBetterAlternativesNow2.0 scientists workingontrash.Nationally,anumberofstatewideandinternationalocean stakeholder meetingthatoccurredinFall2018,broughttogetherstakeholdersand However wedoseecollaborationondifferentlevels.Locally,theTrashDataDive, of “trash”. are generallyunregulated,andtoosmalltobeincludedwithinthestandarddefinition current lackofcommunicationinsomecitiesmaybeduetothefactthatmicroplastics waste, identifyingsitesofhighconcern,andimplementingmanagementactions.The 2030, hasmotivatedCaliforniancitiestobegindocumentingthepresenceofplastic enforceable stategoalofzerotrashpresentinanyoceanwaters,bays,orriversby and settingwastereductiongoals.California’sTrashPolicy(TrashAmendments),an Many citiesaroundthenationareworkingtoreducetheirplasticwastefootprint • Project results

beneficial. information, andcollaborationonplasticpollution-relatedprojectseffortswouldbe solutions, itbecameclearthatbettercommunicationbetweenstakeholders,sharingof During theproject’sPolicyCommitteemeetings,organizedtodiscussresultsand https://www.breakfreefromplastic.org/ https://www.sfei.org/projects/california-trash-monitoring-methods-project#sthash.nvm6LkNj. #7:

11 acoalitionofmorethan 10 a SAN FRANCISCO BAY | MICROPLASTICS 35 microplastics and is stored and openly trash data sharing for platform a manage and trash all plastic pollution to entity or innovation portal where / agency a data an reporting to allow Develop standardized monitoring methods and terminology/data trends upstream in the Bay Area with available Summarize the macroplastics/trash data in Bay Area; Combine microplastics data with macroplastics/shoreline clean-up with participants at the Trash Data Dive that Share project results and outcomes together urban trash-focused work and ocean Set up a regional coalition that brings meetings that bring together a range of Support additional solution oriented Identify on trash, macroplastics, and open source data collection Mandate standardized, Establish and for apples-to-apples comparisons. data; monitoring protocols; and occured in Fall 2018 in the Bay Area. to share data that can support each other’s work; macro- and microplastics efforts stakeholders; stakeholders. accessible to interested microplastics; and (3)  (2)  (1)  science (4)  (3)  (2)  (1)  collaboration (2)  policy (1)  Suggested actions cross- area to create these would be a key The Bay Area to the ocean. urban areas sector collaborations. in occurring actions connect to better the conversation to be added should groups 36 SAN FRANCISCO BAY | MICROPLASTICS in SanFranciscoBay Support innovationtoaddressmicroplasticpollution recommendation • Project results (1)  collaboration Suggested actions and individualstofundsupportaSanFrancisco Bayfocusedinnovationchallenge. an environmentallyconsciouspublic,theremaybe interestfromlocalcompanies,foundations, The BayAreaisalreadyacenterforinnovation,and withthehighnumberofphilanthropistsand scale theirbusinesses. Alliance, partnerswithtechnologycompaniesto provideguidanceandresourcesneededto and researchapplications.TheOceanSolutionsAccelerator,partofSustainable Partners supportsthedevelopmentofoceantechnologieswithcompellingconservation technological innovationwithoceanconservationefforts.SchmidtMarineTechnology Solutions AcceleratoraretwoexamplesofBayAreaentitiesestablishedtobetterconnect A similartrendisseenintheBayArea.SchmidtMarineTechnologyPartnersandOcean Plastic InnovationChallenge. entities aroundtheworld.Mostrecently,NationalGeographicannouncedtheirOcean products arebeingmade,used,andreused.Similarchallengesdevelopedfrom consumer advocatesandpushesindividualscompaniestorethinkthewayplastic program bringstogetherinnovators,entrepreneurs,industry,scientists,engineers,and Challenge, nowcalledtheThinkBeyondPlasticInnovationCenter.Theinternational One ofthefirstchallengesthatfocusedonplasticpollutionwasThinkBeyondPlastic innovation challengesgearedtowardsfundingnewideastotackletheissueofplasticpollution. pollution movementhasgrown,foundations,nonprofits,andcompanieshavereleased developing newtechnologiestomonitormicroplasticsintheenvironment.Asplastic and reusablesystems,creatingnewalternativematerials,designingbetterproductsto production projectedtoincreaseexponentially.Innovationcanrangefromdesigningrefillable It isclearthatplasticpollutionwillnotbesolvedwithoutinnovation,especiallywith challenge tofindsolutions toplasticandmicroplasticspollutionintheregion. Explore feasibilityandpossible funderstoestablishaBayArea-focused innovation During theproject’sPolicyCommitteemeetings,innovationswereidentifiedasimportant solutions. #8: / innovation

SAN FRANCISCO BAY | MICROPLASTICS 37 Point Isabel Regional Shoreline • Photo by Shira Bezalel, SFEI recommendation #9 Support microplastic research to monitor impacts in the region over time

Project results

• The project identified four critical research needs: a) long-term monitoring to establish trends and to measure the effects of management actions; b) baseline microplastic monitoring in air; c) better understanding the ecological and ecotoxicological impacts of microplastic pollution; and d) understanding of how to phase out harmful chemicals added to plastic products.

The San Francisco Bay Microplastics Project collected baseline data on microplastics throughout San Francisco Bay, with the goal of increasing our understanding of the sources and pathways of microplastic pollution in the region. Long-term monitoring is needed to track trends and evaluate whether microplastics reduction policies are having a positive impact. For example, the Federal Microbead-Free Waters Act, passed in 2015, phased out the sale of products with microbeads by July 1, 2018. The field work conducted during this project, completed prior to this deadline, indicates microbeads are still being discharged to the sewer system. Levels of microbeads observed in wastewater samples collected in years after the ban should therefore be compared to current levels to assess the real world impacts of this policy.

Additionally, field blanks collected during the project suggest that airborne microplastics could be a potential pathway for microplastic contamination in San Francisco Bay. Our field blanks had microfiber contamination, with the highest amount of contamination found in blanks collected alongside the surface water samples. There are few studies of microplastics in air, but growing interest within the scientific community to better understand this pathway.

Results of the fish samples suggest that microparticles are routinely ingested by prey fish, with 99% of the fish sampled having microparticles in their gut (a majority of the particles being fibers). Monitoring additional fish in the region, including sport fish consumed by humans, may be helpful to better understand if there are pathways for

MICROPLASTICS chemicals from the plastic pollution to transfer during consumption and impact human | health. Additionally, tissue sampling may be appropriate to understand if chemicals are transferred to the body of the fish from any plastic pollution inside the fish. Studies have identified that microplastics can negatively impact wildlife in a variety of ways, including physical impacts, but there is uncertainty about adverse effects of these SAN FRANCISCO BAY  SAN FRANCISCO BAY chemicals to aquatic wildlife. 38 SAN FRANCISCO BAY | MICROPLASTICS 39 This raises another opportunity for This raises another 13 which focused on the health risks of plastics and risks of plastics on the health which focused 12 innovation / Study to determine the potential impacts of microplastics and plastic-related with tissue Study to quantify microplastics in fish consumed by humans, along understand existing best practices to limit airborne Work with the textile industry to in the San Francisco Bay Area; Long-term monitoring of microplastics Study to identify pathways and sources of airborne microplastics; research on microplastics in San Francisco Work with local universities to prioritize to evaluate concentrations of airborne Funding for additional research monitoring in the San Francisco Bay Area to Funding for periodic microplastics chemicals to ecological and human health. studies to understand any chemical transfer; and shedding. contamination and ways to reduce Bay; and and future policies; and and terrestrial) and human health impacts of microplastics, and ecological (marine microplastics. Microbead-Free Waters Act and other current evaluate the effectiveness of Federal https://www.unwrappedconference.org/ https://www.foodpackagingforum.org/ 13 12 (4)  (3)  (1)  (2)  science (2)  (1)  collaboration (2)  policy (1)  Suggested actions coming phased out of products that are which chemicals can be research to determine food. in contact with our information More products and packaging. used in about the chemicals information the Food Packaging Forum. can be found in the This June marked food packaging. with plastic on our interaction health based Conference, first Unwrapped access to don’t have easy the US, consumers Currently, in chemicals. food packaging human on microplastics of the effects given to has been attention recent Moreover, 40 SAN FRANCISCO BAY | MICROPLASTICS Francisco Bay individuals canreducemicrofibersfromenteringSan Educate consumers,includingtheyouth,onways recommendation 15 14 pollution. middle andhighschoolstudentsintheircommunities throughthelensofplastic Catch theWaveseducationalcurriculumthatwas designedtoscientificallyengage project, wherepossible.5Gyresplanstoincorporate resultsfromthisprojectinthe included innewenvironmentalcurriculaandeducational materialsthatreferencethis The currenttrendsandresultsrelatedtoplastic microfiberresearchshouldbe • • • including: project hasidentifiedbestpracticestoreducemicrofiberreleaseduringlaundry, and wastewaterengineeringchangesthatcouldstemthereleaseofmicrofibers.The microfibers. wastewater treatmentplantsandtheocean,withagoaltoidentifysourcesfateof Ocean WisePlasticsLabtounderstandmicrofibersinhouseholdlaundryeffluent, Multiple outdoorindustrybrandsareworkingwiththeVancouverAquarium’s • Project results https://catchthewave.blue/ https://www.aquablog.ca/2019/02/27886/ Install afiltrationdeviceorlinttraponwashingmachines. Use afrontloadingwashingmachine;and Less frequentwashing; distribute resultstostudents,teachers,andthepublic. and educationalmaterialsgeneratedbytheprojectshouldbesharedwithpartnersto contamination whilelongertermsolutionsaredeveloped.Additionally,projectresults cost techniquesforproperwashingoftextilescanatleastslowtheratemicroplastic to reducetheamountofmicrofibersthatenterwastewatersystem.Simple,low contamination, thereisstillaroleforpubliceducationonbestmanagementpractices policy change,anddesigninnovationarehigherprioritiesinaddressingmicrofiber While thestakeholdersandpartnersinvolvedinthisprojectagreethatsourcereduction, 15

14 #10: Thestudyaimstolooksmartertextiledesign,laundrybestpractices,

SAN FRANCISCO BAY | MICROPLASTICS 41 Coyote Creek cleanup • Photo courtesy of Save the Bay Coyote Creek cleanup innovation / curriculum, including 5 Gyres’ results into future environmental Incorporate project including researchers at Vancouver share results beyond Bay Area, Collaborate and NGOs, to partners, local by this project generated educational materials Distribute Aquarium. Catch the Wave Curriculum; and Catch the Wave and teachers as an educational resource; and teachers as (3)  (2)  collaboration (1)  Suggested actions Suggested 42 SAN FRANCISCO BAY | MICROPLASTICS Eriksen, M.,Mason,S.,Wilson,Box,C.,Zellers,A.,Edwards,W.,Farley,H., Eriksen, M.,Lebreton,L.C.M.,Carson,H.S.,Thiel,Moore,C.J.,Borerro,J.C.,Galgani, Browne, M.A.,Crump,P.,Niven,S.J.,Teuten,E.,Tonkin,A.,Galloway,T.,Thompson,R., Boucher, J.,Friot,D.,2017.PrimaryMicroplasticsintheOceans:aGlobalEvaluationof Azoulay, D.,Villa,P.,Arellano,Y.,Gordon,M.,Moon,Miller,K.,Thompson,2019. Allen, K.,Cohen,D.,Culver,A.,Cummins,Curtis,S.,Eriksen,M.,Gordon,Howe, References Kole, P.J.,Löhr,A.J.,VanBelleghem,F.,Ragas,A., 2017. WearandTearofTyres:A Jambeck, J.R.,Geyer,R.,Wilcox,C.,Siegler,T.R.,Perryman, M.,Andrady,A.,Narayan,R., Gilbreath etal,2019.Multi-yearwaterqualityperformanceandmassaccumulation Geyer, R.,Jambeck,J.R.,Law,K.L.,2017.Production,use,andfateofallplasticsever of PCBs,mercury,methylmercury,copperandmicroplastics inabioretentionrain made. Sci.Adv.3,e1700782.https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.1700782 marpolbul.2013.10.007 .MarinePollutionBulletin77,177–182.https://doi.org/10.1016/j. Amato, S.,2013.MicroplasticpollutioninthesurfacewatersofLaurentian e111913. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0111913 5 TrillionPlasticPiecesWeighingover250,000TonsAfloatatSea.PLoSONE9, F., Ryan,P.G.,Reisser,J.,2014.PlasticPollutionintheWorld’sOceans:Morethan es201811s Environmental Science&Technology45,9175–9179.https://doi.org/10.1021/ 2011. AccumulationofMicroplasticonShorelinesWorldwide:SourcesandSinks. Sources. Environmental Law. Plastic &Health:TheHiddenCostsofaPlanet.CenterforInternational Foundation, UPSTREAM. Plastic PollutionCoalition,ResponsiblePurchasingNetworkStoryofStuff,Surfrider List 2.0.5Gyres,Algalita,CaliforniansAgainstWaste,CleanProductionAction, Lapis, N.,Prindiville,M.,Thorpe,B.,WIlson,S.,2017.BetterAlternativesNowB.A.N. org/10.3390/ijerph14101265 Stealthy SourceofMicroplastics intheEnvironment.IJERPH14,1265.https://doi. 771. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1260352 Law, K.L.,2015.Plasticwasteinputsfromlandinto theocean.Science347,768– garden. SAN FRANCISCO BAY | MICROPLASTICS 43 Science & in Four Estuarine Rivers in the Chesapeake Bay, U.S.A. Environmental Technology 48, 14195–14202. https://doi.org/10.1021/es5036317 Environ. Sci. Technol. 41, 7759–7764. to Transport Hydrophobic Contaminants. https://doi.org/10.1021/es071737s San Francisco Bay, California, USA. Marine Microplastic contamination in the https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2016.05.077 Pollution Bulletin 109, 230–235. no. 798). San Francisco Estuary Institute, Richmond, Francisco Bay (No. contribution CA. Rochman, C., 2019. Understanding Microplastic Adam Wong, Munno, K., Zhu, X., in the San Francisco Bay Region (No. 950). SFEI. Levels, Pathways, and Transport tissue may be an indicator of plastic diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in fish Polybrominated Science of The Total Environment 476–477, contamination in . 622–633. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.01.058 reduce microfiber emissions from – marketed technologies Capturing microfibers 40–45. https://doi.org/10.1016/j. Bulletin 139, washing machines. marpolbul.2018.12.012 P., Maral, H., Schoeneich- K., Debeljak, Levivier, A., Noble, S., Schwarz, A., Cunsolo, Garbage Great Pacific Evidence that the Reisser, J., 2018. Brambini, R., Argent, R., Rep 8, 4666. https://doi.org/10.1038/ plastic. Sci rapidly accumulating Patch is s41598-018-22939-w 2014. Microplastics Yonkos, L.T., Friedel, E.A., Perez-Reyes, A.C., Ghosal, S., Arthur, C.D., T.S., Thompson, R.C., 2007. Potential for Plastics Teuten, E.L., Rowland, S.J., Galloway, Monitoring and Science Strategy for San Sutton, R., Sedlak, M., 2017. Microplastic Willis-Norton, E., Wren, I.F., Box, C., 2016. Sutton, R., Mason, S.A., Stanek, S.K., C., Franz, A., Gilbreath, A., Holleman, R., Miller, E., Sutton, R., Lin, D., Sedlak, M., Box, H., Cook, A.-M., Teh, S.J., 2014. Lewison, R.L., Eriksen, M., Allen, Rochman, C.M., M.L., Rochman, C.M., 2019. Lin, J., Erdle, L.M., Mallos, N., Diamond, McIlwraith, H.K., S., R., Hajbane, J., Marthouse, B., Aitken, F., Sainte-Rose, Ferrari, Slat, B., L., Lebreton, 44 SAN FRANCISCO BAY | MICROPLASTICS Table CommitteefortheSanFrancisco A-1.Policy Advisory Bay Microplastics Project. Policy AdvisoryCommittee APPENDIX A 29 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Cambria Bartlett/Emily Bartlett Diana Lin Becky Sutton Meg Sedlak Ella McDougall Haley Haggerstone Anna Cummins Carolynn Box Alexander Black Michael Shen Tony Hale Kevin Messner Allison Chan Nirmela Arsem Jacqueline Zipkin Sherry Lippiatt Holly Wyer Chris Sommers Leslie Tamminen Genevieve Abedon Trent Hodges/ShannonWaters Karin North Elissa Foster Nick Lapis/RobertNunez Krystle Wood Sean Bothwell/NatalieCaulk Christopher Lester Chelsea Rochman Miriam Gordon Name City ofPaloAlto,TreatmentPlant Patagonia Californians AgainstWaste Textile Consultant/Materevolve California CoastKeeper San FranciscoDepartmentoftheEnvironment University ofToronto Upstream Affiliation Heirs toOurOceans SFEI SFEI SFEI 5 Gyres 5 Gyres 5 Gyres 5 Gyres Microfiber Solution Schmidt MarineTech SFEI (AHAM) Association ofHomeApplianceManufacturers Save theBay EBMUD (EastBayMunicipalUtilityDistrict) EBDA (EastBayDischargersAuthority) Administration) NOAA (NationalOceanicandAtmospheric Ocean ProtectionCouncil EOA, Inc. Clean Seas/7thGenerationAdvisors Eco Consult/CleanSeas Surfrider Foundation SAN FRANCISCO BAY | MICROPLASTICS 45 Ocean Plan Ban in California; National Microbead Litter Berkeley Single-Use Foodware and single-use Reduction Ordinance (bans several items) Leash the Lid Recycled content requirements, City zero waste goals Examples others LUV-R, Filtrol, Cora Ball, Guppy Bag, Basins California Trash Policy, Trash Catchment Ocean Hang Tag, Certifications (Ex. Surfrider’s discounts for Friendly Restaurant), Customer using reusable items Fees to manufacturer of problem products, Tax on cigarettes and single-use plastics Examples Funding to encourage innovation, including filtration systems, trash catchment tools, new textiles (Fiber weave / types) CA Litter Strategy, CA Microplastics Strategy, CA Examples in Food Service Waste Reduction Ordinance San Francisco (bans expanded polystyrene Plastic Bag Ban disposable food ware); Statewide

Mandates Monitoring and Research Promotion of Innovation Others Suggested Policies Economic Disincentives Structural Requirements Point of Purchase Post Manufacturing Policies Filtration Design / Extended Consumer Responsibility Source Reduction Goals Multi / Comprehensive Bans Preventative / Reduction Policies Single-use Bans Policies to Prevent and Reduce Plastic Pollution Policies to Prevent and Reduce Table B-1. Plastic pollution policy action types and examples. B-1. Plastic Table A summary of for both macro- and microplastics. Note that these solutions are viable and innovation. is presented in Table B-1. policy action types beyond design change, and behavior change, policy action, pollution include education Solutions to plastic Existing policies and innovation in the Bay Area and in the Bay Area and innovation Existing policies APPENDIX B APPENDIX 46 SAN FRANCISCO BAY | MICROPLASTICS 16 Table inCalifornia. B-2.Statewideplasticpollutionreduction efforts California. B-2 presentsstatewidepoliciesthatarerelatedtotheplasticpollutionreductionin significant reductions(75%)insingle-useplasticpackagingby2030(AB1080 Advocates inCaliforniaintroducedamotionFebruary2019thatwouldrequire in 1988)tothemorerecentstatewideplasticbagban2016,firstcountry. cities passingexpandedpolystyreneordinances(e.g.,BerkeleyandManhattanBeach Statewide policyleadershipbeganasearlythemid-1980s,withseveralCalifornian California isleadingthenationinstatewideplasticpollutionreductionefforts. Local toglobal:Ashortsummaryofpolicies Amendments Plan: Trash Ocean California State Agencies Packaging at Food Service On Request Plastic Straws Strategy Microplastics California Strategy Ocean Litter California Beaches State Parksand Cigarette Banat Plastics Single-Use Phase Out ACTION Statewide PlasticPollutionReductionEffortsinCalifornia

http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201920200AB1080 2015 2018 2018 2018 2018 2019 Proposed 2019 Proposed YEAR 2030 distribution ofsingle-useplasticsby SB 54wouldphaseoutthesaleand DETAILS entering waterbodiesby 2030 have zerotrash(5mmandabove) Requires citiesandcountiesto fairgrounds. parks, beaches,collegesand packaging atstatefacilities,including and non-compostablefoodservice SB 1335prohibitsnon-recyclable offer strawsonlyuponrequest. AB 1884requiresrestaurantsto Statewide microplasticsstrategy. OPC isrequiredtodevelopa microplastics reduce plasticpollution,including a comprehensivestatewideplanto SB 1263requiresdevelopmentof state parksandbeaches. cigars andothertobaccoproductsat SB 8willbansmokingcigarettes, to addresstheissue. by setting up a state framework N/A AGENCY ENFORCEMENT Water Board California State Recovery Recycling and of Resources Department Public Health Department of State OPC OPC /NOAA Recreation of Parksand Department 16 ). Table SAN FRANCISCO BAY | MICROPLASTICS 47 OPC CalRecycle ENFORCEMENT AGENCY N/A ENFORCEMENT ENFORCEMENT AGENCY CalRecycle N/A AB 2379 would have required labeling on synthetic textiles that highlighted the potential environmental impacts of microfibers. This is the first statewide bill that focused on plastic microfibers. in the environment. This Strategy supported many of the statewide actions that are now in place. Statewide incentive-based program that requires consumers pay a deposit on bottles of all materials, including plastic beverage bottles DETAILS soap, shampoo and toothpaste, that soap, shampoo and toothpaste, contain plastic microbeads. Two months later, the Microbead-Free Waters Act passed that made this ban span nationally. Strategy, developed in response to the 2007 OPC “Reducing and Preventing ” Resolution, that called for a number of steps to reduce plastic pollution DETAILS (SB 270) plastic bag ban Statewide grocery stores, that prohibits most a pharmacy, retail stores with food marts, and convenience stores, providing single- liquor stores from bags. use plastic carryout microbead ban Statewide plastic the sale (AB 888) which prohibits products, such as of personal care 2018 1986 YEAR PROPOSED 2008 YEAR 2016 2015 Labeling LEGISLATION Microfiber RELATED California Bottle Bill Litter Reduce and Prevent Ocean Strategy to California Plastic California Microbead Ban California California Plastic Bag Ban ACTION Statewide Plastic Pollution Reduction Efforts in California Reduction Plastic Pollution Statewide 48 SAN FRANCISCO BAY | MICROPLASTICS 17 https://sites.google.com/sfei.org/trash/ specific stormwaterpollution reductionplanforapproval.Basedonaquery ofastate pellets andpowders.As partoftheserequirements,eachfacilitymustsubmit asite- permits thatrequiresbestmanagementpractices whenhandlingpre-production program addedspecialrequirementstotheindustrial andmunicipalstormwater microplastic pollutionfoundalongSanFrancisco Bayshorelinesandwetlands.This Control Board’sPre-ProductionPlasticDebrisProgram designedin2007toaddress build uponearlierpolicydecisionsthatcreated the CaliforniaStateWaterResources the billcomplement2018CaliforniaLitterStrategy. Thestatewidestrategywill makes Californiaaleaderinplasticpollutionreduction efforts.Theprovisionsof scientific expertstodevelopaCaliforniaMicroplastics Strategy,anotherstepthat California legislaturerecentlypassedSB1263,whichrequirestheOPCtoworkwith are identifiedaspriorityitemstoaddress. source tosea,includinggoalsthataddressmicroplastics.Microplasticsandmicrofibers Program, isacomprehensivestatewideplanthataddressesplasticpollutionfrom by OPCandNationalOceanicAtmosphericAdministration(NOAA)MarineDebris not includemicroplastics.Therecent2018CaliforniaLitterStrategyhowever,finalized The definitionoftrashbytheCaliforniaStateWaterResourcesControlBoarddoes environment, nomatterthesize. questions. cross-comparability ofresults,andlinkingthesemethodstospecificmanagement of developingalibrarymethodswithknownlevelsprecision,accuracy,and Project (SCCWRP)andSFEItotestmultipletrashmonitoringmethodswithagoal Quality ControlareworkingwiththeSouthernCaliforniaCoastalWaterResearch The CaliforniaOceanProtectionCouncil(OPC)andtheStateRegionalWater high priorityissuethatshouldbefurtherinvestigatedandmanaged. of theOceanPlan,StateWaterBoardstaffidentifiedmicroplasticsandmicrofibersasa single-use plasticitemsbreakingupintosmallerpieces.Intherecenttriennialreviews Trash Amendmentsdonotfocusonmicroplastics,theyareoftengeneratedbylarger control ordinances(e.g.,single-useplasticitemandcomprehensivebans).Thoughthe additional streetsweeping,educationalmaterialsandprograms,localsource systems onstormdrainsorbydevelopingatrashreductionprogramthatmayinclude by 2030.Citiesandcountiescanmeettheserequirementsinstallingfullcapture zero trash,definedas5mmandabove,presentinanyoceanwaters,bays,orrivers (ISWEBE Plan)in2015.Theamendmentsdescribesanenforceablestategoalof Water QualityControlPlanforInlandSurfaceWaters,EnclosedBays,andEstuaries Plan .forOceansWatersofCalifornia(OceanPlan)andPart1TrashProvisionthe The StateWaterBoardadoptedthe“TrashAmendments”toQualityControl State-wide policies 17 Thesetoolswillbevaluableforreducingplasticpollutioninthe

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18 take-out polystyrene on ban inclusive the is part of Francisco

18 http://src.bna.com/FHH must be certified be self-service or on request, and take-out containers and food-ware recyclable. This ban in San containers, and requires the materials to be recyclable or compostable. plastic items such as San Francisco prohibits the distribution of a more inclusive list of Such items are to beverage lid plugs, cocktail sticks, toothpicks, and beverage stirrers. San Francisco Bay. request’ policy, while The cities of Alameda and Oakland have mandated a ‘straws on polystyrene bans ordinances to ban single-use plastic items. Close to half of expanded that drain directly to are located in the Bay Area, many communities with watersheds washing machines at commercial laundry facilities. passing local As described above, many of the communities in the Bay Area are refillable soap and shampoo containers. Santa requiring that hotel owners provide ban that would eliminate the sale of additional Cruz is also discussing a comprehensive exploring options of installing filtration systems on single-use plastic items, along with to lead by passing a local ordinance that prohibits the The City of Santa Cruz continues “travel size” shampoos to customers, instead tourist industry from providing single-use, cities, including San Francisco, are considering must use reusable foodware. Other similar ordinances. takeout food containers must be compostable, by request only; and by 2020, all $.025 fee for disposables, and eat-in dining facilities vendors must charge an additional policies banning single-use plastics at the California has been exploring comprehensive Free Dining and Litter Reduction Ordinance, city and state level. Berkeley’s Disposable utensils, straws, lids, and sleeves to be provided passed in 2019, immediately requires Local: City and county on polystyrene and plastic bags referred to earlier, In addition to the local ordinances the use of microbeads in certain Waters Act of 2015 that banned Microbead-Free personal care applications. use companies to phase out the Ocean. The legislation required the Bay and Pacific this law led to the national products sold in California. Ultimately, of microbeads in containing microbeads, which are personal care products statewide ban targeted to systems and then are discharged drain to wastewater treatment washed down the in microplastics were identified Ban passed in 2015 after The California Microbead The Lakes (Eriksen et al., 2013). (Sutton et al., 2016) and the Great San Francisco Bay inspected sites are randomly products. These plastic that are manufacturing Bay Area cleanup and abatement to issue who have the authority Board officials, by Water needed. orders, if the sites in 31 industrial identified Board Water the dischargers, industrial of database 50 SAN FRANCISCO BAY | MICROPLASTICS 20 pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y 19 including plasticstraws and stirrers,single-usecutlery,somepolystyrene items,and 28 countriestoreduceplasticpollution.Theinitiative banssingle-useplasticproducts, The EuropeanUnionalsorecentlypassedcomprehensive legislationthatwillrequire provide financialincentives,andincludemonitoring withinitiatives. evaluate impacts,engagestakeholders,raisepublic awareness,promotealternatives, problematic plastics,considerbestactionsaccording tosocio-economicstanding, The recommendationsarebroad,butencourage communitiestotargetthemost UNEP alsohasaninteractivemapthathighlights policyeffortsaroundtheworld. recommendations, mainlylookingatactionsgovernments cantaketowardssolutions. from over60countriestoprovideanoverviewofplasticpollution,whilealsooffering called “Single-usePlastics:ARoadmapforSustainability"thatevaluatescasestudies The UnitedNationsEnvironmentProgramme(UNEP)recentlypublishedareport Global actions • • • • • work towardssolutionsonanationallevel,including: and availablesolutionsformicrofiberpollution.Thegroupagreedonfiveactionsto agencies participatedinadaylongworkshoptounderstandthestateofscience than 50representativesfromcompanies,universities,nonprofits,andgovernment and ManagementorganizedaMicrofiberLeadershipSummitinthefallof2017.More The OceanConservancyandUCSantaBarbara’sBrenSchoolofEnvironmentalScience Regional https://www.unenvironment.org/interactive/beat-plastic-pollution/ https://wedocs.unep.org/bitstream/handle/20.500.11822/25496/singleUsePlastic_sustainability. to carryoutthelifecycleassessmentandgeneratescience-basedsolutions. minimize plasticmicrofiberloss.TheMicrofiberRoadmaphasanendgoalof2022 Identifying existingindustrybestpracticesthatcanberapidlyimplementedto a riskassessment(RA)framework;and Assessing therisksofplasticmicrofiberpollutiontohumansandecosystemsusing generating materials; microfibers fromtheproduction,distribution,use,andend-of-lifeofmicrofiber- products andmaterials.Thisincludedquantifyingthesourcesleakagesof Better understandingoflossmicrofibersthroughthelifecyclevarious rates fromtextilesandothermaterials; Establishing consistenttestingmethodologiesformeasuringplasticmicrofibershed “Microfiber Roadmap”thatcallsoutatimelineforcreatingsuchstrategy; in theenvironmentbasedonrobust,peer-reviewedscience.Thisresulteda Developing asharedstrategytounderstandthechallengesofplasticmicrofibers 20

19

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22 Along with 21

practices for reducing fiber release during Educate individuals on the best and fabric softener); washing cycles (e.g., use low temperatures http://oceancleanwash.org/solutions/ http://life-mermaids.eu/en/ 21 22 pollution. while discussion solutions and opportunities to solve microfiber was a meeting discussions, and meetings with the fashion industry. Most interesting of the value chain, with 20 stakeholders in the fashion industry that explored all steps steering committee that product lifecycle and promoting solutions. The group formed a through working includes multiple international NGOs and aims at increasing solutions panel with the fashion industry. Plastic Soup Foundation has hosted workshops, synthetic gathered a broad range of stakeholders to work together to reduce the entire microfiber release by 80% in the coming years by better understanding The Plastic Soup Foundation started an environmental campaign called the Ocean The Plastic Soup Foundation started an environmental campaign Clean Wash Clean Wash to identify steps to address microfiber pollution. Ocean a role in the number of fibers released by textiles yarn twist and fabric density play during washing. From a textile design perspective, the MERMAIDS Project determined strategies to From a textile design perspective, in less fiber release during washing. Fiber length, develop stronger fibers that result 3. Design textiles that shed less; and 4. Explore fabric design innovation. 2. technological filtration systems on the market; Use existing solutions, including 1. entities developed a white paper by multiple Building upon this work, these four microfiber solutions, including: organizations that called out immediate of methods to evaluate fiber release fibers, while also providing a set close to 20 million fabric that using liquid detergent and Additionally, the project suggests (Falco et al., 2018). (possibly by up to 35%). softeners can help reduce fiber release well as assessed detergent compositions to microfiber pollution, as machines as a solution a single load of laundry can release fiber release. The project found that that may reduce through laundering. loss of synthetic clothing fibers understanding the filtration systems on washing Plastic Soup Foundation evaluated multiple partners, a program of the Plastic Soup Union funded MERMAIDS, In 2013, the European that focused on better group located in Amsterdam, Foundation, an environmental beverage requirement for There is also a 25% by 2025. packaging, by mostly food litter will cigarette butt 2025. Additionally, a rate of 90% by be recycled at bottles to 80% by 2030. by 2025, and be reduced by 50% have to no alternatives, with plastics reducing requires and also 2021 buds by cotton plastic 52 SAN FRANCISCO BAY | MICROPLASTICS 24 23 kiosk. using theirVesselthroughoutthedayandreturningataparticipatingcafeorreturn customers. ConsumerssignuptobeginusingVesselsinsteadofpapercoffeecups, Vessel Worksisafreereusablestainlesssteelto-gocupserviceforcafesandtheir and governmentagenciestoreplacesingle-useplasticitemswithdurablereusables. plastics inthefoodandbeverageindustry.ReThinkDisposablesworkswithcompanies two examplesofnewsystemsthatcanbesetupincommunitiestoreducesingle-use designed andtestedbyCleanWaterAction,theVesselWorksProgram, programs toeliminatesingle-useplasticitems.TheReThinkDisposalsProgram, programs thathavetriedtoaddressplasticpollutionbycreatingcommunityreuse In additiontotechnologicalinnovation,therehavebeensomeimpressivecommunity reliable data. useful inidentifyingpollutionhotspotsandfocusingmonitoringeffortstocollect problem. However,technologythatcanmonitorandmodelmicroplasticsareextremely up plasticpollutionmayregionallyuseful,theydonotaddresstherootcauseof to captureandmonitormacro-microplastics.Althoughdevicesdesignedclean Innovation throughoutthescientificcommunityhasbeengrowingwithnewdevices materials toensurefibersarenotreleasedintotheenvironment. filter appropriatelytoensurefiltersworkeffectivelyandproperdisposalofthefiltered small particlesfromtextiles.Concernshavebeenraisedaboutconsumerscleaningthe Washing machinefiltrationsystems,suchasLUV-RandFiltrol,showpromiseatfiltering to washingmachinesfiltermicrofibersandmicroplasticsfrommunicipalwastewater. There havebeenseveralstudiestotesttheeffectivenessoffiltrationsystemsattached San FranciscoBaytoreducemicroplastics. designed overthelastfewyears.TableB-3describessystemsthatmaybeapplicablein Several technologyinventionsandinitiativestoaddressplasticpollutionhavebeen Innovation

https://vesselworks.org/ https://www.cleanwater.org/campaign/rethink-disposable 24 are 23

SAN FRANCISCO BAY | MICROPLASTICS 53 https://www.mantaraysampler. com/ https://www. baltimorewaterfront.com/ healthy-harbor/water-wheel/ https://www.seabinproject.com/ https://thegreatbubblebarrier. com/en/ EXAMPLES http://www. https://filtrol.net/, environmentalenhancements. com/Lint-LUV-R-about-luv-r.html http:// https://coraball.com/, guppyfriend.com/en/ Take back programs, new fabrics new technology called Bubble Barrier. situ automated microplastic sensors. A trash interceptor is a device aimed to collect and remove floating debris, including microplastics, including Mr. Trash Wheel used in the Inner Harbor in Baltimore and Seabin, and more recently a systems, including the Cora Ball systems, including the Cora Ball and Guppy Friend Steps being explored to modify textile design to reduce shedding. Alternative materials are being explored and evaluated. New equipment designed to monitor microplastics more efficiently, such as in DESCRIPTION are systems Several filtration filter out on the market that the water microplastics before system, enters the wastewater Lint LOV-R, and including Filtrol, others the market New tools are on to help reduce microfibers wastewater from entering the Trash Interceptors Microplastic Monitoring Devices Textile Design Tools for Microfiber Catchment Laundry Filtration for Washing Machines Filtration Innovation: Addressing Microplastics Addressing Innovation: TYPE Table B-3. Innovations to prevent, capture, and remove microplastics. and remove capture, prevent, to B-3. Innovations Table