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L INTRODUCTION C This report issues our findings for the Nitrate Loading and Soil Suitability Studies conducted for F the proposed Schenone Specialty Foods Company/Chocoholics chocolate manufacturingand distribution facility to be constructed in Clements, California. The current manufacturing and distribution facility is located at 3675 North Wilcox Way in Stockton. Mr. Ernie Schenone, as owner of Schenone Specialty Foods and the Applicant for this project, has provided the relevant information to complete these studies. The San Joaquin County Department of Environmental Health (EHD)requires these studies under Community Development Title Chapter 9-1105.2 (d)1-5. This report complies with the Development Title Section for a Nitrate Loading Study and Soil Suitability Study. Nitrate Loading and Soil Suitability Studies,are required for projects in unsewered areas, in areas currently impacted with nitrate, or for projects that may potentially impact the underlying groundwater with nitrate. The primary concern with nitrate in drinking water is that high concentrations can cause methemoglobinemia in infants and it can also induce abortion or death in cattle. This disease occurs through a series of complex chemical reactions within the hemoglobin in the blood. Only infants and young children are susceptible. Although this disease is extremely rare, nitrate can also potentially cause other health concerns. Scientific studies suggest that nitrate may produce carcinogenic effects in humans. Nitrate concentrations in water can be expressed two ways: 1.) As the weight of the nitrate molecule, which is one atom of nitrogen and three atoms of oxygen for an atomic weight of 62 units. Or, 2.)Nitrate can be expressed as the amount of the nitrogen atom itself. The ratio of weight of the nitrate molecule (NO3) to the atom (N) is 62/14 or approximately 4.5. The U.S.E.P.A. has established the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) of nitrate in drinking water at 45 mg/1 as nitrate. Due to the ratio described above, the MCL is sometimes reported as 10 mg/I nitrate-nitrogen. To assess and quantify the nitrate loading potential for the project and the five parcels which comprise the project, loading calculations were completed two ways: First, calculations were done for the anticipated wastewater flows, which are based upon provided information. Secondly, loading calculations were done to determine the maximum number of people the project can support on an average daily basis, without exceeding the MCL for nitrate in drinking water. Additionally, data and information were obtained from these studies to show that wastewater flows emanating from the project as proposed, can be managed by the indigenous soils without exceeding the percolative capacity and areal nitrate loading capacity of these soils. This determination is based upon the following investigative results: 1.) The soils were analyzed and tested for their capacity to accept the anticipated wastewater flows. Soil characteristics of the property were assessed for nitrate contributing potential and nitrate mitigation potential. Although the wastewater flows will originate from a commercial food producer, the flows will be more comparable to domestic wastewater (i.e., blackwater and graywater). This is because almost all liquid and solid food and food by-product wastes will be handled as solid wastes and disposed of as such, and not allowed_ into the septic system. i ' 1 Chesney Conrsuking