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I-The primary constituent of concern for the EHD after the introduction of wastewater to the soil <br />environment is nitrate-nitrogen. The behavior of nitrogen in the vadose and plreatic zones of the soil <br />environment are extremely complex, variable and very difficult to predict. <br />On a mass balance basis, the three species of nitrogen (NO3-N, NH4-N and Org-N) demonstrate <br />decreasing concentrations with increasing depth in the soil tested from under the leachline. For <br />example, NO3-N concentrations decreased 80%, from 5 ppm at the 5' depth to 1 ppm at the 14' depth <br />under the leachline. This decrease may be primarily attributable to denitrification. The TKN <br />concentration decreased 62%, from 232 ppm at the 5' depth to 88 ppm at the 14' depth under the <br />leachline. <br />The virgin soil indicated variability in nitrogen concentrations with increasing depth, specifically <br />NI-14-N and Org-N. There was a decrease in NH4-N and an increase in Org-N concentrations at the 9' <br />depth, in comparison to the 5' depth. At the 14' depth, the NH4-N increased, but the Org-N was <br />below detectable levels (BDL). <br />The virgin soils also demonstrate similar denitrification potential as the soil under the leachline. The <br />NO3-N concentration at the 5' depth was actually 1 ppm higher than under the leachline at 6 ppm, and <br />decreased to 2 ppm at the 14' depth; a 67% decrease in NO3-N concentration. <br />As referenced, the subsurface soils are extremely tight and compact, and become more so with <br />increasing depth. Reviewing the magnesium percentage of the Cation Saturation, a very high <br />percentage and concentration of magnesium is noted. This high magnesium percentage is binding <br />the high sand percentages and creating this tight soil. And although there is comparatively low clay <br />content in the soils creating a Sandy Loam soil throughout the profile, this high mag content is most <br />likely causing greater anaerobic environments with increasing depth, thus promoting denitrification of <br />nitrate produced from nitrified ammonium. The TKN concentration decrease may be attributable to <br />Org-N ammonification and microbial assimilation of NH4-N. <br />The results of the soil testing below in Table 2, compare soil samples from under the leachline (LL) <br />and under virgin soil (VS), for each sampled depth (5', 9' and 14'). <br />Page -4- <br />Chesney Consulting