Laserfiche WebLink
extensively in areas of high water table or high clay content soils; however, they are <br /> comparatively expensive to install. The second option is to eventually increase the size of the <br /> sumps. Whatever option is chosen, we recommend that funding be earmarked for the <br /> potentiality of on-site septic system modifications or replacement. <br /> III. NITRATE LOADING STUDY FINDINGS <br /> INTRODUCTION <br /> The initial investigative factors of any nitrate source identification procedure involve the <br /> assessment of the site to inventory and identify all potential sources of contamination. Although <br /> this study encompasses the Douma Dairy Facility, nitrate impact to the underlying groundwater <br /> basin has occurred from the various sources of surrounding agricultural production. The <br /> collection of data concerning the atmospheric, surface and subsurface hydrology of the project is <br /> important. In addition, initial chemical analyses of soil and groundwater is important to interpret <br /> evidence of nitrate contamination and to assess the total nitrate loading of the subject facility. <br /> This Nitrate Loading Study identifies all on-site sources of nitrate impact which is a portion or <br /> percentage of the total nitrate amount. The nitrate loading potential of the subject facility <br /> originates from primarily six sources, listed in least-to-greatest potential: 1.) Liquor runoff from <br /> silage and other types of feed, 2.) On-site septic systems, 3.) The corral areas, particularly the <br /> open corrals, 4.) Wastewater holding ponds, 5.) Manure storage area from the mechanical <br /> separator and 6.) Manure and wastewater application to the facility cropland, combining with <br /> existing soil organic matter degradation. <br /> It is important to recognize that source loading analysis should not be to determine the precise <br /> amount of NO3 originating from each of these sources, since this cannot be done accurately. <br /> Rather, the loading analysis should be to estimate the maximum amount of NO3 coming from <br /> each source so that sources deemed insignificant can be eliminated from further consideration. <br /> Each of these sources and their potential nitrate nitrogen concentration will be discussed in the <br /> next Section. <br /> 4 <br />