SU0011280_SSNL - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

• Soil Suitability/ Nitrate Loading Study lferracon Sun Valley Express Truck Center■ Acampo, California August 14, 2017 ■ Terracon Project No. NA177026 The shallow soils between 0 to 3.5 feet bgs at boring P2 did not demonstrate a satisfactory percolation rate for a standard septic system per EHD requirements; however, the 25 feet deep boring P1 did demonstrate a satisfactory percolation rate. Based on the percolation tests results, the cemented soils are impeding the vertical infiltration of water during the testing, therefore, a 25.0 feet deep septic pit should be installed at the end of the leach lines. 1.6.8 Discussion of Septic System Sizing In general, septic system construction should follow the San Joaquin County On-Site Wastewater • Disposal Standards where applicable. The foregoing investigation and percolation test results indicate the site consists of surface silts and underlying cemented soils. For this reason, seepage pits should be installed at the end of the leach lines as primary absorption. 2.0 NITRATE LOADING STUDY Because of concern regarding nitrate leaching into groundwater from septic systems, a_nitrate loading analysis is required by the EHD for the proposed development to determine the potential concentration of percolating effluent and rain fall over the long term. Where percolating effluent leaches into the ground, groundwater quality may be impacted to some degree should the effluent reach groundwater. The method utilized for the nitrate loading analysis is based on a simple mass balance formula, discussed in a published article by Hantzsche and Finnemore (1992), which provides a convenient and simplified method to estimate long-term groundwater nitrate impacts on an area- wide basis. Hantzsche and Finnemore found that over a long period of time, water quality in the upper saturated groundwater zone closely approximates the quality of percolating recharge waters. They believe that their method is a good planning tool and provides useful information to planners • and local officials but with some real limitations. In their article published in Ground Water, Hantzsche and Finnemore mention that "...the equation ignores dispersion, lateral flow, and mixing with groundwater flow from up-gradient areas. These processes would generally contribute to additional reduction of nitrate-nitrogen concentrations in groundwater to the extent that the nitrate-nitrogen concentration of groundwater flow from up-gradient areas is lower." The Hantzsche and Finnemore approach is "...a conservative (worst case)first approximation of groundwater nitrate-nitrogen concentration resulting from the combined effect of on-site sewage disposal systems and precipitation. This (the equation and approach) is for estimation of long- term effect(i.e., over years)on groundwater quality, and is not intended for prediction of seasonal changes" (Hantzsche and Finnemore, 1992). f Responsive: Resourceful Reliable 11