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water aquifer, it is possible that any remaining surface contaminants may be transported <br />to the first saturated zone of the aquifer. <br />Based on the depth to water of 120 to 131 feet, significant nitrate reduction is <br />anticipated. In addition, clay soils like those found on this Site tend to inhibit downward <br />movement of nitrate due to adsorption of the nitrate ions to the soil. <br />Sources of Nitrate <br />Dairies, orchards that require fertilization in sandy soils, and septic systems have been <br />found to be the most significant sources of nitrate in ground water. <br />Two large cattle facilities are located approximately one-quarter mile northwest of the <br />Site. <br />Percolatina Recharae Waters <br />One of the most determinant factors in the Hantzsche and Finnemore equation is the <br />rate of recharge from percolating waters, which mix with the downward -percolating <br />effluent generated by on-site septic systems. In the original Hantzsche and Finnemore <br />paper, "average recharge rate of rainfall" was utilized. <br />Based on San Joaquin County Environmental Health Department policy (personal <br />communication, March 18, 2019), the recharge input for the Hantzsche and Finnemore <br />equation should be derived from average monthly precipitation of rainfall and <br />evapotranspiration rates for the area; the data should be obtained from the California <br />Irrigation Management Information System (CIMIS). Recharge is calculated by first <br />determining whether the average monthly precipitation exceeds average monthly <br />potential evapotranspiration. If so, then the difference is the percolating recharge water <br />into the aquifer. Runoff and stream infiltration drainage are not factored into the <br />calculation. This approach likely under -estimates recharge to the aquifer and, <br />consequently, over-estimates nitrate loading. <br />The Site is located between the CIMIS stations at Staten Island (station 242) and Holt <br />(station 248); taking both stations into account will yield a value more representative of <br />the Site area. Data for the Staten Island station were available for the past five years; <br />based on the calculation shown, the estimated rate of recharge from percolating waters <br />for the Staten Island station is determined to be 9.42 inches (Plate 12). A statistical <br />error of 74 percent is associated with this value. Data from the Holt station were <br />available for 2017 through 2020; based on the calculation shown, the estimated rate of <br />recharge from percolating waters for the Holt station is determined to be 3.05 inches <br />(Plate 13). A statistical error of 69 percent is associated with this value. The two <br />stations are then averaged, for a regional deep percolation value of 6.24 inches. <br />LOGE 2147 Page 10 <br />