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Nw = 35 mg N/L. From the value used in the LiveOak Study. <br />d = 45%. From the soil texture test results of 46.3% clay soil at 12 ft below grade referenced above. <br />R = 6.39 in/yr as derived above. <br />Nb = Assumed to be 0.1 ppm NO3-N <br />5.6 in/yr (35 mg N/L) (1 - 0.45)+6.39 in x 0.1 m <br />Nr = (5.6 in/yr + 6.39 ac -ft) <br />Nr = 9.1 ppm as nitrate -nitrogen (NO3-N); 40.3 ppm as nitrate. <br />ONSITE WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEM: <br />OPERATIONAL COMPONENTS AND PARAMETERS <br />The Site Plans found in Appendix B, illustrate the effluent disposal structure to serve the ADU to be <br />a 20 ft x 40 ft = 800 sf filter bed. Per EHD requirements, a filter bed for a two-bedroom structure in <br />this locale should be 880 sf. Therefore, an additional 6 ft x 13.5 ft = 81 sf of filter bed area should <br />be extended at the NEC of the primary filter bed, and the NWC of the 100% replacement area, as <br />illustrated on the Site Plans. <br />CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS <br />The exploratory test boring reveals a clay stratum at the 12 ft depth under the proposed filter bed. <br />This clay content is significant enough to promote denitrification to 45%, as has been observed in <br />many projects throughout San Joaquin County. Percolation testing of this stratum reveals a very <br />slow perc rate of 125 min/in, thus promoting anaerobic conditions and therefore, denitrification. <br />The Net Rainfall Recharge was changed from the value used in the LiveOak Study of 2.67 in/yr to <br />6.39 in/yr and based upon the scientific parameters presented above and accepted by the EHD for <br />project SR0082464/65. <br />Regarding the nitrate mitigation benefits of installing a larger tank, wastewater researchers place the <br />nitrogen reduction occurring in septic tanks at 10% to 20%. From the September 2004 Symposium <br />"University Curriculum Development for Decentralized Wastewater Management - Onsite Nitrogen <br />Removal," Dr. Stuart Oakley of California State University Chico states that "approximately 20% of <br />the total nitrogen generated is removed in the septic tank" (Ref. 4). If Dr. Oakley's premise of an <br />approximate 20% nitrogen removal occurs in septic tanks, then if the tank size is increased a <br />specific percentage from a baseline size, then it is reasonable to assume that the percentage increase <br />in tank size will remove that percentage of nitrogen above the 20% baseline. This nitrogen removal <br />occurs from anaerobic digestion of organic material and scheduled tank pumping. Therefore, <br />increasing the tank size for this project from the required 1,200 gallon to 1,600 gallon is a 33% <br />increase in capacity, thus substantiating a 33% increase above this 20% N reduction: 20% + (20 x <br />0.33) = 27% decrease in nitrogen concentrations by installing a 1,600 gallon tank in lieu of a 1,200 <br />gallon tank. Therefore, it is recommended to install a 1,600 gallon septic tank, which should <br />theoretically lower the nitrate loading from 9.1 ppm NO3-N to 6.6 ppm NO3-N. <br />Page -4- <br />Chesney Consulting <br />