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WASTE DISCHARGE REQUIRL_-ENTS ORDER NO. 5-01-055 TRI VALLEY GROWERS PLANT NO.4 STOCKTON, SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY 29. Excessive application of food processing wastewater to land application areas can create objectionable odors, soil conditions that are harmful to crops, and degradation of underlying groundwater by overloading the shallow soil profile and causing pollutants (organic carbon, nitrate, other salts, and metals) to percolate below the root zone. If sufficient information becomes available, this Order may be revised to increase or further reduce loading rates as appropriate. If the Discharger is unable to modify its waste stream or disposal methods such that groundwater quality will not be impacted, then the Board would be required to classify the waste as a designated waste and require full containment under Title 27 of the California Code of Regulations (hereafter Title 27). 30. State regulations pertaining to water quality monitoring for waste management units are found in Title 27, California Code of Regulations (CCR), Section 20380 et seq., (hereafter Title 27). These regulations prescribe procedures for detecting and characterizing the impact of waste constituents on groundwater. While the facility has been found exempt from Title 27, the data analysis methods of Title 27 are appropriate for determining whether the discharge complies with the terms for protection of groundwater specified in this Order. 31. According to Pollution Abatement in the Fruit and Vegetable Industry, published by the United States Environmental Protection Agency(US EPA Publication No. 625/3-77-0007) (hereafter Pollution Abatement), in applying food-processing wastewater to land for biological treatment, the loading of BODS should not exceed 100 lbs/acre- day(average)to prevent development of nuisance conditions. 32. Acidic soil conditions can be detrimental to land treatment system function, and may also cause groundwater degradation. If the buffering capacity of the soil is exceeded and soil pH decreases below 5, naturally occurring metals (including iron and manganese)may dissolve and degrade underlying groundwater. Pollution Abatement recommends that water applied to crops have a pH within 6.4 to 8.4 to protect crops from damage by food processing wastewater. Near-neutral pH is also required to maintain adequate active microbial populations in the soil. 33. Pursuant to California Water Code Section 13263(g), discharge is a privilege, not a right; and issuance of this Order does not create a vested right to continue the discharge. Failure to provide the level of management required to assure best practicable treatment and control; preclude conditions that threaten pollution or nuisance; and protect groundwater quality will be sufficient reason to enforce this Order, modify it, or revoke it and prohibit further discharge. This Order prescribes limits for BOD loading, nutrient loading,water application rates, and pH, but it remains the responsibility of the Discharger to assure that its waste loading practices do not degrade groundwater or create a condition of pollution or nuisance. Acceptable loading rates established in this Order are subject to change if conditions are such that the discharge of wastewater causes, or threatens to cause, pollution or nuisance. 34. Federal regulations for storm water discharges promulgated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency(40 CFR Parts 122, 123, and 124) require specific categories of facilities that discharge storm water associated with industrial activities to obtain NPDES permits. Tri Valley Growers Plant No. 4 is subject to those requirements, and the Discharger is required to obtain coverage under the State Water Resources Control Board's General Permit for Storm Water Discharges Associated with Industrial Activities.