SU0005060 SSNL - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

AMW APN 01 1-160-01/PA5500109 Re: Ltr. Dtd. 6-24-05, EHD, SJC Sec.6.7, EHD Fm.26-02-001 Subject: Discussion of any potential problems predicted and/or the need for an engineered or alternative septic system. A new well is to be placed in service on the SFR site. The water test of the new well for DBCP and Nitrates will be an indicator of the extent of the "dairy operation"problem. Several septic systems are being installed worldwide that purport to present an effluent meeting secondary treatment standards. One system that has been in use for several years is the packed bed filter. (Either textile or specific type of sand medium) Until the test results of the new well are available it is guessing to make any statement defining the Nitrate situation. It is probable the dairy site has created a situation where some shallow wells contain Nitrates above the 45mg/L in an unknown radius of the site. Most of the area affected may be to the west of the site.(downstream).There are few residences in the area. If the assumption, that the chief polluter was the dairy, is correct, then the problem has been removed. The affects linger and may be present for many years. It is probably a stretch to say one new SFR is going to make much of a difference in the Nitrate situation. If 100 homes were proposed in the area it would be a different scenario. Suffice to say systems are now being installed to reduce the level of Nitrates. etc to an acceptable level in single family homes. An article Performance of Packed Bed Filters by Terry Bounds, Eric Ball and Harold Ball is included for your information. A recent seminar by COWA in Chico presented additional information on the favorable results of the packed bed filters. It may be time for SJC to permit/require in certain areas, state of the art systems as the construction of SFR's is not going to stop in the rural areas of the county. (My opinion). Secondary treatment levels of effluent appear available at a cost to the homeowner of probably 2.5 to 3.5 times the,cost of a-atmdard system. The areas new existing dairies are probably in the same situation as the area around the former Simoes Dairy site. SUMMARY Testing of the new well that supports the proposed SFR on a regular basis, say 6 month intervals, WS 44WI N'th high bansam*ed and tested ui-Q=or more of the residences after reverse osmosis equipment is installed. These conditions should be part of the conditions of approval for the new septic system. I.