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im <br />The nitrogen cycle and the eventual formation of nitrates is highly complex within the soil <br />environment. The subject parcel soils are conducive for two beneficial nitrogen cycle processes, <br />namely fixation of ammonium and denitrification. Fixation of ammonium (NH4) can occur with the <br />adsorption of ammonium molecules onto expanding clay particles, which is the predominate soil <br />texture of the subject parcels. With this adsorption, ammonium becomes "fixed" and is unavailable <br />for biological transformation to nitrate. <br />Denitrification occurs under reduced oxygen supply or anaerobic conditions. This happens when <br />water or effluent fills the soil pores. With a clay soil structure, soil saturation is easily achievable, <br />thus promoting an anaerobic environment. Under these conditions, nitrate -nitrogen serves as an <br />electron acceptor and is reduced to harmless gaseous nitrogen forms. <br />As can be noted, we have opposing and conflicting processes between molecular nitrate <br />denitrification and clogging mat degradation. Denitrification takes place under anaerobic conditions; <br />however, clogging mat degradation is retarded. With the protection measure of an increased <br />leachfield to 12,000 square feet, it is our opinion that the anaerobic conditions that may prevail under <br />the leachlines and seepage pits may promote denitrification, while there may be a sufficient aerobic <br />environment around the leachlines to promote clogging mat degradation. <br />Since the present water table depth is deep, and the surrounding housing is sparse, there should <br />theoretically be little impact to the underlying groundwater from this proposed development. <br />E <br />0 <br />V .1ity &.ftl I�pecfi. <br />