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PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES <br /> .tom.co <br /> SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY <br /> ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH DIVISION <br /> Karen Furst, M.D., M.P.H., Health Officer <br /> 304 East Weber Avenue, Third Floor • Stockton, CA 95202 <br /> 209/468-3420 <br /> AUGUST 24, 1999 COPY <br /> BROWNS LAKE RANCH F <br /> RON MCMANIS <br /> 6303 BECKWITH RD <br /> MODESTO CA 95358 <br /> RE: MS-98-1 AND UP-98-1 <br /> 18700 E RIVER RD <br /> RIPON CA <br /> San Joaquin County Public Health Services, Environmental Health Division (PHS-EHD) has <br /> recently completed the review of the Soil Suitability Study/Nitrate Loading Report, dated <br /> December 8, 1998, and the addendum to this report, dated January 28, 1999, and has the <br /> following comments for your consideration. <br /> Although the nitrate loading calculations used in the report are for residential uses, PHS-EHD has <br /> determined, through conversation with the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board, <br /> that the waste stream associated with the proposed grape processing use will likely generate only <br /> a minor nitrate component. The use of the current on-site sewage disposal system on the site <br /> was adequately addressed in the report. In consideration of the planned growth of this facility, <br /> future on-site sewage disposal systems must be designed to mitigate any potential threats to <br /> groundwater. Sufficient area at the facility must be reserved for this purpose. <br /> The comments regarding the nitrate level of 150 parts per million (ppm) in the existing on-site well <br /> need further clarification, as several incorrect statements are noted. There are no standards for <br /> private domestic wells or wells that serve water to establishments that do not meet the Federal or <br /> State definition of a "public water system". The State of California Department of Health Services <br /> (DHS) establishes drinking water standards for "public water systems" in the state of California. <br /> The primary drinking water standard or maximum contaminant level (MCL) for nitrate for "public <br /> water systems" is 45 ppm. At this time the operation at this site does not meet the definition of a <br /> "public water system", therefore this standard does not apply. However, should the number of <br /> non-resident individuals exceed 24 for at least 60 days per year, a yearly permit to operate a <br /> "public water system" would be required by PHS-EHD and the quality of water from the on-site <br /> well would have to meet the State MCL. <br /> Apart from the "Public Water System" regulatory requirements, please be advised that DHS has <br /> determined that nitrate poses an acute health concern at certain levels of exposure. Please <br /> reference the enclosed excerpt from the California Code of Regulations Title 22, for more <br /> information regarding health risks associated with nitrate exposure. PHS-EHD recommends that <br /> an alternative source of water be provided to any individual at this facility who may be at risk from <br /> an exposure to nitrate. <br /> A Division of San Joaquin County Health Care Services <br />