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J <br /> I. INTRODUCTION <br /> This report contains the results of the Nitrate Loading and Soil Suitability studies conducted by <br /> Valley Ag Research for the new and operating Douma Dairy Facility. The subject site is located <br /> southeast of the City of Tracy, at 28864 South Kasson Road. The property is zoned AG-40 and <br /> consists of a total of 515 Ac: The actual dairy site= 73 Ac and the farmland= 442 Ac. <br /> The purpose of this investigation was to assess the potential for environmental degradation from <br /> nitrate contamination of the soil and groundwater underlying the project. The San Joaquin <br /> County Environmental Health Department considers nitrate contamination a serious threat to the <br /> surface and groundwaters of the County. In addition, high nitrate concentrations in drinking <br /> water can have severe deleterious effects on infants and fetuses. High nitrate water may also <br /> induce abortion in cattle. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has <br /> determined that 10 mg per liter of N0;N or 45 mg per liter NO3 in drinking water is to be the <br /> Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL). <br /> By conducting these types of investigations, the County is better able to locate and quantify the <br /> potential for nitrate impact and to impose prevention and/or mitigation measures. <br /> Our research of the subject facility included historical agricultural considerations, soil testing <br /> and analyses, groundwater analyses, and manure and wastewater testing. By analyzing the <br /> chemical and physical properties of the soil and water parameters, the potential of nitrate <br /> contamination can be adequately assessed. <br /> The Soil Suitability Study was performed to determine if the subject soil structure is conducive <br /> for the acceptance and management of septic effluent. The soil is probably the most significant <br /> aspect regarding the proper functioning of the on-site septic systems and the prevention of nitrate <br /> contamination to the underlying groundwater. <br /> Due to the high volume production of manure and wastewater from the dairy operation, the <br /> Nitrate Loading Study was performed to adequately assess the ability of the farmland to absorb <br /> the volume of applied nitrogen through proper management practices. Additionally, the dairy <br /> operation itself was also assessed to illustrate the mitigation of nitrate impact. <br /> I <br />