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This aerobic environment should promote nitrification. As the oxygen is consumed in the first tank, F- flowing into the second tank should be predominately anaerobic. Under these conditions, denitrification should occur in the second tank. The following data was obtained from Winneberger (See References)which substantiates the process of denitrification within septic tanks: Argon is an inert gas found in the atmosphere in proportions of 84 parts of nitrogen to 1 part argon. When each of those gases come to equilibrium in water of less than one atmosphere, they exists in a ratio of approximately 37 parts of nitrogen to one part argon. Analytical data obtained from septic tank effluent should also correlate with this ratio unless gaseous nitrogen(NZ) was liberated or consumed by microbes. Calculations of nitrogen:argon ratios obtained from the analyses of seven different effluents indicate ratios of 100, 60, 43, 50, 60, 54 and 41. All of these values exceeded the expected nitrogen:argon ratio of 37 and indicate nitrogen liberation. This data supports the theory that denitrification occurs within septic tanks and by using two tanks in series, encourages denitrification. Nitrate loading can also occur from lawns/landscaping/gardens, which is estimated to be 20% and could be significantly higher. If the project is approved, buyers of the new homes should use "slow- release"nitrogen fertilizers to reduce nitrate loading from lawns and landscaping. Deciduous and evergreen plants may be planted near the leachfield to uptake ammonium and nitrate ions. Caution must he applied to prevent serious root infiltration into the leachlines/chambers. Installing Infiltrator Chambers with seepage pits at the ends of the chambers, along with two septic tanks, will theoretically provide a triple nitrate mitigation system of evaportranspiration, denitrification and clay soil adsorption. 12 Chesney Consulting