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qkOLA LAW GROUP, LLPO sF ATTORNEYS AT LAW 405 WEST PINE STREET LODI,CALIFORNIA 95240 TELEPHONE(209) R C IVED FACSIMILE(209)367-7067-70 566 SEP 112009 September 9, 2009 ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT Via E-Mail and Certified Mail—Return Receipt Requested Ms. Charlene Herbst, Unit Chief Mr. Sean Walsh Confined Animal Facilities Unit Confined Animal Facilities Unit CALIFORNIA REGIONAL WATER CALIFORNIA REGIONAL WATER QUALITY CONTROL BOARD— QUALITY CONTROL BOARD— CENTRAL VALLEY REGION CENTRAL VALLEY REGION 11020 Sun Center Drive, Suite 200 11020 Sun Center Drive, Suite 200 Rancho Cordova, CA 95670 Rancho Cordova, CA 95670 RE: Lima Ranch, San Joaquin County California Dear Lady and Gentleman: As reported to you last week, ten domestic wells at residences located in the general vicinity of the Lima Ranch were sampled for nitrate during August 29—31, 2009. Five out of six domestic wells located on property either contiguous to or in close proximity to Lima Ranch operations exceeded the MCL for nitrate, with the sixth domestic well at 35.7 mg/L. Four domestic wells used as "control samples," i.e. in the general vicinity but not proximate to Lima Ranch operations, did not exceed the nitrate MCL. Attached is a Figure that should cause the Regional Board both alam: and embarrassment. The figure depicts recent sampling conducted both on Lima Ranch property and sampling conducted in nearby private domestic/residential wells. Nitrate in excess of the MCL is present in domestic wells forming a near arc around the Lima Ranch. The highest concentrations of off-site nitrate contamination occur down gradient from the Lima Ranch's unlined waste lagoon, whereas the less severe concentrations (still well in excess of the MCL) exist at residences abutting fields where Lima Ranch spreads its manure water. Copies of the supporting data are being forwarded by mail.