COMPLIANCE INFO_1993-2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mak Almh 14� --impir mono] The size of the ponds in terms of surface area and volume are conducive to a relatively high degree of manure degradation, and thus odor and fly control. Basic design criteria for facultative/anaerobic ponds determined by the findings of Barth(1985) are a pond surface area of 2.5 fe/layer and a volume of 20 W/layer. The volume of the ponds cannot be determined since the average depth is not known, however, the surface area is approximately 900,000 fe. Therefore, if the ranch was ever at maximum capacity of 600,000 layers, the ponds may theoretically be only marginally efficient. The management of the ponds will become more critical if the layer population increases. Odor and fly breeding, along with environmental pollution are the primary issues. Management of the ponds will be an important factor for their proper operation. The water level must be closely monitored, particularly before the winter rains so that there is sufficient rainwater storage volume. From the soil hydrometer test results, it is found that sufficient clay content and zero percent gravel content exists in the underlying soil strata for compliance with State regulations. This is beneficial for two reasons. First, the high clay content soil on the bottom and sides of the pond help to "seal" the pond by substantially lowering the hydraulic conductivity of the soil, thus alleviating seepage. Secondly, the clay soil creates anaerobic conditions which prevent nitrification and promote denitrification. This may be why the low nitrate concentration of 6 mg/l was measured in the groundwater next to the pond. From maps published by the San Joaquin County Flood Control District, the groundwater directional flow is traveling in an easterly direction as shown on the attached Lines of Equal Elevation Map. The San Joaquin River undoubtedly influences the groundwater table and water quality in the proximity of the ranch. Since high TDS was measured on Briggs Road, which is downgradient, it may be deduced that TDS is being liberated from the pond. However, the high nitrate found in this well is also contributing to the high TDS. There are two issues concerning wastewater seepage from the subject pond. The first is the fact there was probably significant disturbance of the pond's soil and manure "liner" when the manure was recently windrowed. Unfortunately, the possibility of pond seepage from the liner disturbance cannot be quantified over a short period of time. It can only be theoretically assessed over a long period of groundwater quality analyses. 5 � Quality &"t.1 Inspection