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Questa identified certain assumptions used in the Condor analysis that contributed to an <br /> overestimation of the nitrate loading impact. These included: (a)use of peak rather than average <br /> annual wastewater flow; (b) adjustments(reductions)that should be made in the accounting of <br /> actual evapotranspiration (e.g., for paved surfaces, bare soil, and other non-turf landscaping). <br /> The Condor analysis also included a low value 35 mg-N/L for septic tank nitrogen concentration, <br /> which significantly below the normal concentrations found at schools. Questa also provided <br /> information on the use of pressure distribution in the leachfield as a practical means of <br /> improving the nitrogen reduction in the leachfield and soil over that achieved by conventional <br /> gravity leaching trenches. <br /> Revised Design Submittal <br /> Based on technical references and methodologies provided through Questa's initial review,MCR <br /> modified the leachfield design to incorporate pressure distribution, and prepared revisions to the <br /> water balance and nitrate loading calculations. The following documents were provided for <br /> Questa's review: <br /> • Pressure Distribution Civil Design- Site Plan <br /> • Pressure Distribution Design Calculations <br /> • Sewer Pump Station Design Calculations <br /> • Rainfall Recharge Water Balance Calculations <br /> • Updated Nitrate Loading Calculations <br /> My review of the drawings and calculations found the pressure distribution design to be <br /> appropriate and in accordance with EPA guidelines and common practices in the OWTS <br /> industry. <br /> The revised water balance calculations incorporated more current rainfall data and adjustments to <br /> the evapotranspiration factor based on site specific landscape conditions,which I found <br /> reasonable.The calculations give a revised rainfall-recharge ("deep percolation") estimate of <br /> 8.50 inches per year. This was incorporated in updated nitrate loading calculations along with <br /> two other changes - annual wastewater flow volume of 1,940 gpd,and effluent nitrogen <br /> concentration of 100 mg-N/L. Calculations of the resultant nitrogen concentration(Nc)were <br /> made for(a) standard leachfield design(at 15% denitrification), and (b)mitigated pressure <br /> distribution leachfield design(at 50%denitrification),with the following results: <br /> • Standard Leachfield: Nc= 14.98 mg-N/L <br /> • Pressure Distribution Leachfield: Nc= 9.16 mg-N/L <br /> I'm in agreement with the assumptions and calculations presented in the revised design <br /> submittal. With the proposed change to a pressure distribution leachfield design I believe the <br /> groundwater nitrate impacts from the School's OWTS will be adequately mitigated consistent <br /> with San Joaquin County Environmental Health Department requirements. <br /> 2 <br />