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ENV1R0NMENfX11ft1F7 ITH DEPARTMENT SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY Unit Supervisors Donna K.Heran,R.E.H.S. Carl Borgman,R.E.H.S. Director 304 East Weber Avenue, Third Floor Mike Huggins,R.E.H.S.,R.D.I. At Olsen,R.E.H.S. Stockton, California 95202-2708 Douglas W. Wilson,R.E.H.S. Program Manager Telephone: (209) 468-3420 Margaret Lagorio,R.E.H.S. Laurie A.Cotulla,R.E.H.S. Fax: (209) 464-0138 Robert McClellon,R.E.H.S. Program Manager Mark Barcellos,R.E.H.S. DAVID & DEBORAH MILLER JAN 2 7 2003 24876 SUTTENFIELD ROAD ACAMPO CA 95220 RE: 24876 Suttenfield Road Acampo, CA In December 2002, San Joaquin County Environmental Health Department (EHD) notified you that the above referenced site had been identified in a report as a drug laboratory where hazardous materials/waste were handled. EHD required you to assess the dwelling and septic system. A sample of the contents of the septic tank was obtained and analyzed. The analytical results showed that disposal of chemicals (acetone, benzene, methyl t-butyl ether, etc.) into the septic system had occurred. San Joaquin County Ordinance Code Section 9- 1110.7 prohibits disposal of solvents and toxics in a septic system. EHD has implemented a Local Agency Groundwater Protection/Underground Injection Control (UIC) Program in accordance with guidelines prepared by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). The primary focus of the program is to protect drinking water by identification and evaluation of subsurface disposal of prohibited substances. The presence of acetone, benzene and methyl t-butyl Other in your septic tank makes it subject to the underground injection control regulations and our local program. Further investigation to determine if the chemicals found in the septic tank flowed into the leach lines and seepage pits of the septic system must be performed to evaluate if there is a threat to drinking water. If chemicals have been released to the leach lines and seepage pits further use (continued disposal of liquids) into the septic system may cause further percolation of the chemicals, increasing the threat of the chemicals contaminating the groundwater. EHD staff discussed this with you and Edward Finucane of High Tech Enterprises in telephone conversations in December 2002. Mr. Finucane was mailed information about the program and provided the web site for the UIC program as well as the electronic mail address of our USEPA contact (who responded to his questions). EHD has anticipated receipt of a work plan from an environmental consultant to perform further investigation after providing the above information.