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F'FFI. INTRODUCTION <br /> F Presented herein, are the results of our soil and groundwater studies for the proposed 77Ha�ll <br /> of Jehovah's Witnesses. This investigation was conducted as a requirement by the San Joaquin <br /> County Department of Environmental Health. San Joaquin County Ordinances, specifically Section <br /> 9-1105.2D stipulates a Nitrate Loading Study be conducted when the potential for significant <br /> nitrogen loading may occur from a project in unsewered areas. In addition, this report serves as a <br /> Soil Suitability Study, also required by the County Environmental Health Department. The <br /> Suitability Study examines on-site subsurface soils to assess their capacity by percolation testing, <br /> to accept septic eluent and operate properly and efficiently. This information is especially useful <br /> since percolation test data was obtained after unprecedented rains. <br /> `- Our investigations include historical considerations= on-site soil physical testing and chemical <br /> analyses, groundwater sampling and testing, surface water information, wastewater loading <br /> projections, septic system operational design, and potential nitrate loading for the project. <br /> Nitrates are one of the most problematic and widespread of the vast number of groundwater <br /> contaminants. The concentration of nitrates in groundwater is of primary concern because of the <br /> possible human and animal health effects from excessive nitrate consumption. In human infants, <br /> nitrate is reduced or converted to nitrite which can then cause methemoglobinemia or "blue-baby" <br /> syndrome. In ruminants, abortion may be induced. <br /> It is important to recognize that not only is the issue of nitrate contamination highly complex within <br /> the soil and water environments, the method in which nitrate is analyzed and reported can be equally <br /> confusing. Nitrate test results can be expressed as either nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N) or as nitrate <br /> (NO3). The drinking water standard (Maximum Contaminant Level, MCL) in the U.S. is 10 <br /> milligrams per liter (mg/1) for nitrate-nitrogen, or 45 mg/l'for nitrate. Drinking water is normally <br /> expressed in terms of nitrate. <br /> In summary, our findings confirm the on-site soils consist of a clay type soil with <br /> r uncharacteristically rapid infiltration and percolation capabilities at the deeper depths. The <br /> } groundwater is considered deep at approximately 90 feet below grade. Surrounding well analyses <br /> indicates there has been nitrate impact to the underlying groundwater. <br /> 1 <br /> .; 'Vaffey Ag search <br />