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and provides a baseline for comparison purposes after the application of wastewater. The CEC can be considered medium and indicates the surface soils have an average propensity to retain cations such as ammonium-the precursor to nitrate. In addition to surface soil analyses, soil samples were retrieved from eight foot depths from both the backhoe trench pump-in pit and the backhoe test pit excavated in the area of the holding pond. These two samples were composited and analyzed for nitrate concentration. The subsurface soil nitrate concentration reveals a slightly greater concentration than the surface soil at 11 ppm vs. 8 ppm. This difference in concentrations may be attributed to extremely slow downward permeability of the soil, which is creating a slight accumulation of nitrate. GROUNDWATER ANALYSIS In addition to the groundwater studies done for the Soil Suitability Study, additional analyses were completed to assess the groundwater from a nitrate-nitrogen loading standpoint. Domestic wells to the north, south, east and west of the project were sampled to obtain data on nitrate impact to the underlying groundwater. Considering the area is intensely farmed with rice, row, orchard and dairies, high nitrate concentrations would be expected. However, each well reveals comparatively low concentrations of nitrate as illustrated on the Water Analysis Report. Exact locations of sampling have not been included in this report to protect the privacy of the individual landowners where the wells are located. In addition,the on-site well at 11655 Escalon Belbta,wa's also sampled and tested. A summary of the results is as follows: On-site .................9 ppm nitrate (NO3) East ...................13 ppm nitrate (NO.) West...................16 ppm nitrate (NOD North..................11 ppm nitrate (NO3) South ................ 11 ppm nitrate (NO3) SPECIFIC NITROGEN SOURCE CONSIDERATIONS The investigative factors of any nitrate source identification procedure involves the assessment of the site to inventory and identify all potential nitrate sources. This Study identifies all on-site potential nitrogen sources which contribute a certain percentage of the total amount of nitrate. The nitrate loading potential of the subject facility originates from primarily four sources: 1.) The corral areas - open corrals, covered loafing barns and the freestall barns. 2.) The separation basins and wastewater holding pond, 3.) Septic system impacts and 4.) Solid manure and wastewater applications to cropland. Each of the sources and their potential nitrate nitrogen concentration are discussed below: 5 vaffey Aq P4seareh