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rI. INTRODUCTION This report contains the results of the Nitrate Loading Study and Soil Suitability Study conducted by Valley Ag Research for the existing Quaresma Dairy Facility. The subject dairy is located 5 miles south of the City of Manteca, at 26290 South Union Road. The facility is currently milking 1,200 Holstein cows with associated support stock. It is proposed to increase the facility to a maximum of 2,000 Holstein milk cows and 1,450 animal units support stock. The actual dairy facility is situated on 160 acres with the dairy facility occupying 20 of those acres. Surrounding cropland acreage under control of the Quaresma's that will accept liquid nutrients produced by the facility is 510 acres. The purpose of this investigation was threefold: 1.) To quantify and assess the current and future potential nitrate-nitrogen impact to the soil and groundwater underlying the dairy facility and cropland. Future nitrate-nitrogen impact is based upon the proposed expansion of the facility, 2.) To determine if the new septic system which will serve the new ALaly barn will function properly, and 3.) This document also serves as a directive toward best management practices of the nutrients(solids and liquids) and a summary of improvements made to support the rescission of Cease and Desist Order 98-720. In March of 1998, there was an accidental release of manured water after one of the heaviest rainfall events in this area in recorded history. The California Regional Water Quality Control Board issued a Cease and Desist order pertaining to this release which has been handled by the Law Finn of Herum, Crabtree, et al. Our investigation demonstrates that the animal wastes produced at the subject dairy can be applied to cropland under direct control of the Quaresma Dairy, and provide nutrients, primarily nitrogen in a timely manner to meet crop N requirements. This study is in compliance with the requirements of Section 9-1110 item (c) and Section 9-1105.2(d) of the San Joaquin Community Development Title. The proposed on-site sewage disposal system as described herein complies with the Sewage Standards of San Joaquin County. The system design capacity was determined from the EPA Design Manual for On-Site Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Systems and US Department of Health Education and Welfare Manual of Septic Tank Practice. The San Joaquin County Environmental Health Department considers nitrate contamination a serious threat to the surface and groundwaters of the County. High nitrate concentrations in drinking water can have deleterious effect on infants and fetuses, and may also induce abortion in cattle. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)has determined 10 mg per liter of nitrate-nitrogen(NO3 N), equivalent to 45 mg per liter nitrate (NO3) in drinking water to be the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL). By conducting these types of investigations, the County is better able to locate, quantify and monitor the potential for nitrate impact and impose prevention and/or mitigation measures. Future investigations of this type may include LLanalyses, sive nutrient and irrigation water management plans for all new and/or existing imal facilities. h of the subject facility included historical agricultural considerations, soil testing and roundwater analyses, and manure and wastewater analytical data found in the terature. By examining the chemical and physical properties of the soil and water, the f nitrate accumulation can be adequately assessed. 1 Na(!ey Ag Research