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The attached A&L Laboratory Soil Analysis Report (Appendix B) illustrates the chemical <br />analytical results and the textural analysis (sand, silt and clay percentages) of the soil samples <br />which quantifying several constituents that influence nitrate loading from this project. <br />The primary parameters for nitrate loading assessment are the organic matter, clay content, pH, <br />cation exchange capacity (CEC), and the nitrate-nitrogen fractions of the soil. <br />The organic matter in the two samples is low, which is typical for San Joaquin Valley soils. The <br />20-24" depth soils are a clay loam with 38.1% clay content, but decreases to 25.6% clay at the <br />42-48" soils. The sand content increases from 33.8% to 55.0%. This increase in sand content <br />can create anaerobic conditions in the sandier stratum, thus leading to denitrification of the <br />ammonium that has nitrified. The CEC concentration is relatively high for both samples due to <br />the clay content. The pH of the soil is acidic at the shallower depth but dramatically becomes <br />alkaline at the deeper depth. Alkalinity can cause a decrease in Nitrobacter activity, thus <br />inhibiting the second step of the nitrification process although alkalinity generally increases the <br />rate of nitrification. <br />In addition, the observed alkalinity is sufficient to influence ammonium stability. Ammonia may <br />be preferentially created, thus impeding nitrification of ammonium to nitrate. It has been <br />observed on other projects that significant denitrification occurs directly above a hardpan strata <br />composed of a sandier material, potentially due to anaerobic conditions, thus promoting <br />denitrification. The nitrate nitrogen concentration from the two samples is very low at 1 ppm, <br />signifying a high degree of denitrification potential. <br />Section B: A filter bed effluent disposal structure is the only structure that can be installed for <br />this project due to replacement area and well setback requirements. In addition, a 2,000 gallon <br />septic tank has been specified instead of a required 1,200 gallon tank. Effluent from this tank <br />will gravity to the distribution box (D-box). From the D-box, effluent will equally transfer under <br />gravity through three laser-leveled perforated leachlines, with the leachlines connected together <br />with perforated pipe at the ends to force equal effluent distribution. A sump structure at the east <br />end of the filter bed will provide additional infiltrative area. <br />A 12"-18" soil cover over the filter bed will allow oxygen intrusion and root structures from <br />grass vegetation over the filter bed to manage nitrate loading through nitrification/denitrification <br />and evapotranspiration. <br />Section C: The rainfall recharge factor used in the Hantzsche-Finnemore equation for the <br />AdvancedGeo report was specified by CIMIS data. Water balance documentation from Norman <br />Hantzsche (one of the authors of the nitrate loading equation) found in Appendix C, illustrates <br />his water balance analysis of Net Rainfall Recharge (NRR). The data presented indicates an <br />NRR of 8.82" for the Stockton area, and is therefore applicable for this project. <br />Page -2- <br />Chesney Consulting