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rrA well log for a domestic well on the property south of the subject property illustrates vaned <br /> geological strata of clay and sand down to a depth of 145 feet,with a clay layer from 17 to 30 feet. A <br /> well log for the on-site Monitoring Well also illustrates a clay layer existing from 19 to 25 feet. <br /> Groundwater research in the scientific literature suggests there maybe significant denitrification <br /> potential within aquifers or saturated zones composed of a fine (vs. a coarse) soil fraction. <br /> SSS§ 2.1 Since the property was part of the former Hayres Chicken Ranch, and since surrounding <br /> properties have been intensely farmed for several decades, the probability for nitrate contamination <br /> in the underlying groundwater is significant. This was evidenced by the ELF water table analysis. <br /> However, nitrate was inexplicably nonexistent in the WLF. <br /> A potential rise in the water table elevation may be attributed to the cropland surrounding the <br /> property to the south and west. Irrigation recharge can have a significant influence on the underlying <br /> and surrounding water table. The critical issue regarding the groundwater elevation is: 1.) There <br /> must be sufficient distance between the soil/effluent interface and the highest anticipated depth to <br /> groundwater for sufficient treatment of effluent to occur,which is generally accepted to be five feet, <br /> and 2.)The water table cannot encroach upon the septic tanks, which may cause buoyancy. <br /> NLS§2.2,3.1, SSS§ 4.2 As referenced,water table samples were retrieved from the two borings to <br /> groundwater. The tested constituents are illustrated in Table 4. The test results for the ELF show a <br /> high nitrate concentration of 159 ppm. Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)were also high at 1640 ppm. <br /> TDS has a secondary standard of 500 ppm. Total alkalinity was high at 937 ppm. <br /> The test results for the WLF show high an extremely high concentration of TDS at 12,120 ppm. <br /> Concentrations of sodium and particularly chloride were also extremely high, as noted below. <br /> Surprisingly,nitrate was found to be Below Detectable Limits (BDL), or non-existent. The <br /> chemistry for this sample appeared to be so far out of line with what was expected, I had the <br /> laboratory re-run the sample,with the same test results. The saltiness of the water table may be <br /> attributable to saltwater intrusion from the Delta. However, this TDS concentration is so high that <br /> this may be considered implausible. The absence of nitrate is also confounding. It can only be <br /> reasonably assumed that the denitrification potential through the soil column and in the water table, <br /> or top aquifer, must be ideal. <br /> NLS§ 2.3, SSS§ 4.3, 4.4,4.5 As referenced, there is only one known, non-operational well on the <br /> subject property. Consequently, no well water sample was sampled and tested. The new well to be <br /> drilled will be tested for the constituents listed in the Conditions of Approval Item 3c. Well water <br /> with an acceptable nitrate concentration may be unattainable in this location. If the new well is <br /> constructed and subsequently tested to have a nitrate concentration over the MCL for nitrate, reverse <br /> osmosis filters shall be installed to lower a potential nitrate concentration that exceed the MCL to an <br /> acceptable concentration. Additionally, Preston Pipeline Company will supply bottled water for <br /> drinking and in the break room/kitchen area(potential cooking purposes) for employees, customers, <br /> and lessees. <br /> 8 <br /> Chesney Consulting <br />