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D. GROUNDWATER INFORMATION <br />NLS§ 2.1, SSS§ 4.1. Groundwater depths and elevations throughout San Joaquin Count' are <br />illustrated on maps published by the County Flood Control and Water Conservation District. The <br />1993 Lines of Equal Depth Map indicate the depth to the water table was approximately 35 ft. The <br />1999 Lines of Equal Depth Map illustrates the water table to be approximately 40 ft. These two <br />years are regarded as the highest (shallowest) depths to groundwater on record. The Spring 2018 <br />Lines of Equal Depth Map illustrate an approximate 53 ft depth to the water table revealing a <br />significant drop in elevation due to excessive pumping and limited recharge during serious drought <br />periods. Consequently, sufficient distance exists between the anticipated soil -effluent interface and <br />the highest anticipated depth to groundwater. From the Spring 2018 Lines of Equal Elevation <br />Maps, groundwater directional flow is in a north -northwesterly direction. <br />NLS§ 2.2, 3.1, SSS§ 2.1, 4.2. Properties to the north, south, east and west are currently in <br />agricultural production, commercial/industrial and rural residential. Considering this area was <br />farmed for decades, there is a significant potential for nitrate contamination of the underlying <br />groundwater from nitrogen fertilizer applications and residual organic matter decomposition. <br />However, nitrate testing conducted on the onsite well water indicates the nitrate -nitrogen <br />concentration at low concentrations. It is assumed the depths of the onsite wells are comparatively <br />deep and pumping water from deep aquifers that have not been impacted with nitrate. <br />NLS§ 2.3, SSS§ 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6. Since the winery is classified as a Small Public Water System, a <br />water sample was not obtained from one of the onsite active domestic wells pursuant to EHD <br />requirements. The EHD does require however, a California Drinking Water Watch document, found <br />in the original SSNL Studies. <br />Calculation on the Alkalinity Requirement for Nitrification <br />The nitrate -nitrogen loading calculations are contingent upon the environmental factors required <br />for nitrification to occur. These conditions include soil pore -space oxygen content, soil <br />temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, organic matter, cation exchange capacity, and alkalinity. <br />Alkalinity in wastewater effluent is derived from the water source, in addition to the introduction <br />of wastes. Nitrification consumes approximately 7.1 mg of alkalinity for every mg of arrmonia- <br />nitrogen (NH4 N) oxidized. From the original testing protocol, an approximate deficient value of <br />251 mg/L of additional alkalinity must come from the soil, or other sources, to provide a sufficient <br />concentration for nitrification of the effluent. Of significant importance is the lack of alkalinity in <br />the effluent receiving soils, which are highly acidic. This low pH will unquestionably irr_pede <br />nitrification. However, nitrification may occur at the deeper depths where alkalinity is present. <br />E. SURFACE WATER INFORMATION <br />NLS§ 3.2. To simplify Net Rainfall Recharge (NRR), a water balance document from Norman <br />Hantzsche (one of the authors of the nitrate loading equation) is found in Appendix D. The data <br />illustrates a water balance NRR of 8.82" for the Stockton area, and is therefore applicable for this <br />project. <br />Page -4- <br />Chesney Consulting <br />