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I. INTRODUCTION This report contains the results of the Nitrate Loading Study and Soil Suitability Study conducted by Valley Ag Research for the new F & C Borba Dairy Facility. The subject dairy is to be located north of the City of Escalon, at the northwest corner of Escalon B_elota-and Dodds Roads. Initially, the facility will milk 550 Holstein cows with associated support stock. These animals will come from the Borba's existing leased dairy on Brennan Road in Escalon. The new facility may eventually support a maximum of 1,000 Holstein milk cows and 1,100 support stock. The actual diary facility is situated on 30 acres with the facility parcel occupying 40 acres. Surrounding cropland acreage which will accept nutrients produced by the facility is 434 acres. The purpose of this investigation was threefold: 1.) To quantify and assess the potential nitrate- nitrogen impact to the soil and groundwater underlying the dairy facility and nutrient application acreage, 2.) To determine if the proposed septic systems which will serve the Borba, and diary workers' residences will function properly and 3.) To investigate the on-site physical soil characteristics and ensure adequate storage capacity for the proposed holding pond. This study is in compliance with the requirements of Section 9-1110 item (c) and Section 9- 1105.2(d) of the San Joaquin Community Development Title. The proposed on-site sewage disposal system as described herein complies with the Sewage Standards of San Joaquin County. The system design capacity was determined from the EPA Design Manual for On-Site Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Systems and US Department of Health Education and Welfare Manual of Septic Tank Practice. The San Joaquin County Environmental Health Department considers nitrate contamination a serious threat to the surface and groundwaters of the County. High nitrate concentrations in drinking water can have deleterious effect on infants and fetuses and may also induce abortion in cattle. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)has determined 10 mg per liter of nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N), equivalent to 45 mg per liter nitrate (NO,) in drinking water to be the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL). By conducting these types of investigations, the County is better able to locate, quantify and monitor the potential for nitrate impact and impose prevention and/or mitigation measures. Future investigations of this type may include comprehensive nutrient and irrigation water management plans for all new and/or existing confined animal facilities. Our research of the subject facility included historical agricultural considerations, soil testing and analyses, groundwater analyses, and manure and wastewater analytical data found in the scientific literature. By examining the chemical and physical properties of the soil and water,the potential of nitrate accumulation can be adequately assessed. The surrounding study area consists mainly of other dairy facilities, irrigated row crop and pasture. There are five dairies of various size in the one-mile radius from the new Borba dairy. Past history of the subject property is irrigated row crop and pasture. This document also serves as a directive towards best management practices of the nutrient/waste materials. Our investigation demonstrates that the animal wastes produced at the subject dairy can be applied to cropland under direct control of the Borba's, providing nutrients, primarily nitrogen in a timely manner to meet crop N requirements. 1 Vaf.(ey Ag Prsearck