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22�7 <br /> I. INTRODUCTION <br /> Presented herein, are the results of our soil and groundwater studies for the proposed expansion of <br /> the Sant Nirankari Mission of Banta, California. Currently, there is an existing Church building on <br /> the subject property and it is proposed to build a new Mission building and parking area. <br /> This investigation was conducted as a requirement by the San Joaquin County Department of <br /> Environmental Health. San Joaquin County Ordinances, specifically Section 9-1105.21) stipulates <br /> that a Nitrate Loading Study be conducted when the potential for significant nitrogen loading may <br /> take place from a project in unsewered areas. In addition, this report also serves as an update to a <br /> Soil Suitability Study performed in September 1991 by Dwain Tosch, C.E. The Soil Suitability <br /> conditions updated for this investigation were: 1) current depth to groundwater, 2) nitrate <br /> concentration of the on-site domestic well, and 3)percolation testing data after unprecedented rains. <br /> Our investigation includes historical background considerations, on-site soil physical testing and <br /> chemical analyses, groundwater sampling and testing, surface water information, wastewater loading <br /> projections, septic system operational design, and potential nitrate loading for the project. <br /> Nitrates are one of the most problematic and widespread of the vast number of groundwater <br /> contaminants. The concentration of nitrates in groundwater is of primary concern because of the <br /> possible human and animal health effects from excessive nitrate consumption. In human infants, <br /> excess nitrate can cause methemoglobinemia or "blue-baby" syndrome. In ruminants, abortion may <br /> be induced. <br /> It is important to recognize that not only is the issue of nitrate and nitrogen contamination highly <br /> complex within the environment, the method in which nitrate is analyzed and reported can be <br /> equally confusing. Nitrate test results can be expressed as either nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N) or as <br /> nitrate(NO3). The drinking water standard (Maximum Contaminant Level, MCL) in the U.S. is 10 <br /> milligrams per liter (mg/1) for nitrate-nitrogen, or 45 mg/l for nitrate. Drinking water is normally <br /> expressed in terms of nitrate. <br /> In summary, our findings confirm the on-site soils consist of a clay type soil with <br /> uncharacteristically rapid infiltration and percolation capabilities. The groundwater is comparatively <br /> high, which is representative of this locale. <br /> _ 1 <br /> Vaffey Aq?fsearch <br />