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The nitrate-nitrogen concentrations are very low at both test depths of two feet and four feet in comparison to <br /> normal agronomic concentrations. This suggests a low potential for future nitrate-nitrogen loading from <br /> indigenous nitrogen content within the soil. Although the four foot depth is slightly more than three times <br /> the nitrate-nitrogen concentration of the two foot depth concentration,this may be attributable to <br /> denitrification. Since septic effluent is composed predominately of ammonium(NH4),the pH, along with the <br /> CEC, are significant influences on ammonium molecules. The pH of the soil is alkaline which may inhibit <br /> ammonium formation and stability, and may create a propensity for ammonia(NH3)formation. The CEC <br /> measures the ability of the soil to theoretically trap and hold ammonium molecules. Cation Exchange <br /> Capacities of the soil samples are high at the four foot depth. This suggests a greater potential for the <br /> retention of ammonium molecules for microbial uptake,and suppression of nitrification. <br /> §5.3 Table 2 below summarizes the subsurface soil characteristics encountered from the two sample <br /> depths below grade: <br /> TABLE 2 <br /> SOIL PROFILE CHARACTERISTICS AND <br /> ANALYTICAL TEST RESULTS <br /> SAMPLE DEPTHSOIL NITROGEN CATION EXCHANGE PH AND EC SOIL <br /> CONTENT CAPACITY CLASSIFICATION <br /> 2 FT DEPTH 4.0 ppm NON 9.5 meq/100g 7.7 0.71 - Sandy Loam <br /> 4 FT DEPTH 13.0 vvm NO-N 19.5 m /100 7.7 2.88 Sandy Loam <br /> C. PERCOLATION TEST RESULTS <br /> SSS§6.2. To assess the permeability of the on-site soils,two percolation test borings were completed in the <br /> proposed leachfield location as depicted in the Site Plan found in Appendix A. The"EHD Official'perc test <br /> depth at 36 inches below existing grade gives a comparatively detailed observation of subsurface <br /> permeability from approximately 30 to 36 inches in depth. The second test depth at 24 inches was conducted <br /> to measure permeability at the proposed soil-effluent interface. As noted in Table 3 below,both test borings <br /> possess rapid permeability. <br /> SSS§6.3. On May 8,2012,the perc test borings were drilled in the referenced locations. The sidewalls of <br /> the borings were scored with a pry-bar to open potentially smeared sidewalls. Two inches of fine gravel was <br /> placed at the bottom and three-inch perforated PVC pipe was inserted in the two borings. The test borings <br /> were pre-saturated with 12 inches of water at 0900 bra,24 hrs before the start of testing. <br /> SSS§6.4,6.5. On May 9,2012,percolation testing commenced. No standing water was observed after the <br /> 24-hr so od in either test boring. Consequently,EHD Perc Test Procedure#2 was conducted in which <br /> test' was done over afour-hour period to induce maximum soil saturation. The test results indicate a pert <br /> ra at 5.6 utes per inch(min/in) for both test borings,theoretically indicating similar soil structures at the <br /> Ito depths. summary of the perc test results with corresponding application rates in gallons of effluent <br /> act per square foot of soil,per day are found in Table 3: <br /> 3 <br />