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Each new system must have at least ft50% standby replacement area incorporated into the design of )) the septic system, which-can easily be achieved. All related septic system structures and any new domestic well.rnust-comply with the "distance" requirements from property borders,roads, wells; irrigation.fields, and irrigation ditches. It is important.to recognize that all septic systems have a lifespan,.whi&is dependant on si,vera] factors and is therefore_difficult to determine. Lifespans can be measured in months or years. Septic system failure would_primarily result-from.the advanced formation of a"biomat" or - �` "clogg g in mat" on the wetted soil/effluent interface. This mat is composed mostly of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and-bacterial`producis consisting of a slime of polyuronides and polysaccharides. If the soil/effluent interface is well aerated, a variety of soil microfauna-suchas nematodes.and protozoa may digest the clogging mat-bacteria.. -Since the shallow subsurface soils on the property consist of silty clays, anaerobic conditions may prevail.over time which may decrease.the"expectant life of a new leachfield. The on-site soil;type has a high degree of biological activity which promotes biomat formation.. System lifespan will also be partly dependant upon.the efficiency,of the structures to manage effluent flows, as discussed below regarding moisture content: If-the leachlines are installed high in elevation, or if chambers. are installed, there will'be a greater-opportunity for oxygen intrusion from the atmosphere, thus: theoretically assisting in biomat degradation, along with promoting evapotranspiration. In addition, soilmoisturecontent of the subsurface soils will play an important role in septic system operational capacity. For.example, if heavy rains are experienced in any given winter, subsurface soil moisture content will.increase, thus decreasing permeability. The domestic well and irrigation well each contain the exact concentration of nitrate at 19 ppm, and reveals medium impact presumably from agricultural inputs (nitrogen fertilizers) with a smaller contribution from on-site-and surrounding septic systems. The identical nitrate concentration indicates that each well.is probably drawing from the same aquifer. Well logs for each well were not available. In unsewered areas and/or areas that have been, or currently are in or near agricultural production, it is very highly recommended that bottled water be used for drinking and cooking purposes. Page -8- Chesney Consulting