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anticipated groundwater for proposed landfill expansion. This evaluation included groundwater elevation data from several wells dating back to 1949. However, review of the data indicated a clear pattern of decreasing groundwater elevations from 1949 to about 1974, likely associated with heavy pumping of the regional aquifer. Since about 1974, groundwater elevations generally have been more consistent, though exhibiting a cyclic pattern of higher elevations in the spring and lower elevations in the fall. Comparison of the highest measured groundwater elevations with area precipitation records identified the highest post-1974 groundwater elevations in spring 1984. These data follow the 1982/1983 winter and the highest recorded annual precipitation since 1974 of 26.65 inches, or approximately double the mean annual precipitation. 2.7.2 LOCAL AQUIFERS The project area is underlain by sediments of the Victor formation, which consists of over 100 feet of clay, silt, and fine to coarse sand. Groundwater within the Victor formation is generally unconfined. In addition, perched water of limited extent has also been encountered with the Victor Formation. Near the Forward Landfill, groundwater levels have dropped more than 50 feet from levels measured in the 1940s and 1950s due to agricultural pumping demand, population growth and drought (GLA, 2007). Recent data indicate that groundwater elevations have been relatively static, fluctuating most significantly following infrequent above average rainy seasons as occurred following the 1972/1973, 1982/1983, and 1997/1998 winters. The groundwater level also fluctuates seasonally by approximately 5 to 10 feet due to a distinct rainy season and dry season. During the rainy season infiltration raises the water table and during the dry season drawdown by water well users lowers the water table. GLA's 2007 evaluation concluded that based on groundwater elevations measured in 1984; the highest anticipated groundwater elevation is minus 2 feet MSL within the proposed expansion area along the south and west sides of FL, and minus 6 feet MSL in the northeastern corner of FL. Forward Landfill-Project Description 2-10 BRYAN A.STIRRAT&ASSOCIATES J:\Allied\Forward\2007.0018 Lateral Expansion\Reports\Proj Descrip\021308 Final Proj Des\Sec 2.doc:2/13/2008)