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SSS§ 5.2, NLS§ 1.1, 1.2. As the noted on the A&L Laboratory Soil Analysis Reports, chemical <br /> analyses of the two soil samples from the 42-inch depth and the 25-foot depths quantify several 5 } <br /> constituents that will influence nitrate loading from this project. The important parameters for <br /> nitrate loading assessment are the organic matter, pH, cation exchange capacity(CEC), clay content <br /> percentage, along with nitrate-nitrogen content. <br /> As noted, the nitrate-nitrogen content is low at 42 inches and very low at 25 feet deep, with the <br /> concentrations being 7 ppm and 4 ppm, respectively. Organic matter in the soil is low in both soil <br /> samples, and also decreases with depth. These two analyses suggests a very low potential for future <br /> 1 nitrate-nitrogen loading from indigenous nitrogen soil content. It also suggests a medium <br /> denitrification potential since the nitrogen concentrations are decreasing with depth. Since septic <br /> effluent is composed predominately of ammonium (NH4), the pH, along with the CEC, are <br /> significant influences on ammonium molecules. The pH of the soil is near neutral which may inhibit <br /> ammonium fon-nation and therefore stability, thus being detrimental to nitrification. The CEC <br /> measures the ability of the soil to theoretically trap and hold ammonium molecules. Cation <br /> Exchange Capacities of the soil samples are medium due to the clay and silt contents. This suggests <br /> there is a medium potential for the retention of ammonium molecules for microbial uptake, and <br /> suppression of nitrification. <br /> SSS§ 5.3 Table 1 below summarizes the subsurface soil characteristics encountered from the 42" <br /> and 25 foot depths: <br /> TABLE 1 <br /> SOIL PROFILE CHARACTERISTICS AND <br /> ANALYTICAL TEST RESULTS <br /> SAMPLE LOCATION, SAND,SILT AND USDA SOIL SOIL NITROGEN pH AND <br /> SAMPLE DEPTH AND CLAY CLASSIFICATION CONTENT CATION EXCHANGE <br /> (SAMPLE NUMBER) PERCENTAGES CAPACITY <br /> DISPOSAL FIELD 41%, 26%. 33% Clay Loam 7 ppm NO;-N 6.6 1 1.1 megll00g ; .h <br /> 42' ,,, — <br /> DISPOSAL FIELD 57%,, 22%, 21%, Sandy Clay Loam 4 ppm NO,-N 7.4 12.0 meq/100g <br /> 25 FF DF.PTI I <br /> C. PERCOLATION TEST RF,SULTS <br /> SSS§ 5.2, 6.2, 6.3. To assess and quantify the permeability of the leachfield area, percolation tests 1. <br /> were conducted, as depicted on the Site Plan found in Appendix C. The subsurface soil investigation j <br /> and testing began on February 15, 2008 by hand-drilling a 36-inch pert test boring and a 42-inch test <br /> boring. Since a thin hardpan strata was encountered at the 36 inch depth, the 42 inch boring was <br /> drilled. The sidewalls of the shallow borings were scored with a pry-bar. This is a critical procedure <br /> and "opens"potentially smeared surfaces. As referenced, a 25 foot depth test depth was drilled with l <br /> a truck mounted drill rig but not tested because the entire soil profile was saturated from this winter's <br /> rains. <br /> 3 <br /> Chesney Consulting <br />