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Questa identified certain assumptions used in the Condor analysis that contributed to an <br />overestimation of the nitrate loading impact. These included: (a) use of peak rather than average <br />annual wastewater flow; (b) adjustments (reductions) that should be made in the accounting of <br />actual evapotranspiration (e.g., for paved surfaces, bare soil, and other non -turf landscaping). <br />The Condor analysis also included a low value 35 mg-N/L for septic tank nitrogen concentration, <br />which significantly below the normal concentrations found at schools. Questa also provided <br />information on the use of pressure distribution in the leachfield as a practical means of <br />improving the nitrogen reduction in the leachfield and soil over that achieved by conventional <br />gravity leaching trenches. <br />Revised Design Submittal <br />Based on technical references and methodologies provided through Questa's initial review, MCR <br />modified the leachfield design to incorporate pressure distribution, and prepared revisions to the <br />water balance and nitrate loading calculations. The following documents were provided for <br />Questa's review: <br />• Pressure Distribution Civil Design - Site Plan <br />• Pressure Distribution Design Calculations <br />• Sewer Pump Station Design Calculations <br />• Rainfall Recharge Water Balance Calculations <br />• Updated Nitrate Loading Calculations <br />My review of the drawings and calculations found the pressure distribution design to be <br />appropriate and in accordance with EPA guidelines and common practices in the OWTS <br />industry. <br />The revised water balance calculations incorporated more current rainfall data and adjustments to <br />the evapotranspiration factor based on site specific landscape conditions, which I found <br />reasonable. The calculations give a revised rainfall -recharge ("deep percolation") estimate of <br />8.50 inches per year. This was incorporated in updated nitrate loading calculations along with <br />two other changes - annual wastewater flow volume of 1,940 gpd, and effluent nitrogen <br />concentration of 100 mg-N/L. Calculations of the resultant nitrogen concentration (Nc) were <br />made for (a) standard leachfield design (at 15% denitrification), and (b) mitigated pressure <br />distribution leachfield design (at 50% denitrification), with the following results: <br />• Standard Leachfreld: Nc = 14.98 mg-N/L <br />• Pressure Distribution Leachfreld: Nc = 9.16 mg-N/L <br />I'm in agreement with the assumptions and calculations presented in the revised design <br />submittal. With the proposed change to a pressure distribution leachfield design I believe the <br />groundwater nitrate impacts from the School's OWTS will be adequately mitigated consistent <br />with San Joaquin County Environmental Health Department requirements. <br />