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F • Page 13 & 15— increase manure solids to increase water capacity of soils - -What effect does this have on nitrate levels in groundwater? The increased water holding capacity of manure-fertilized soils lessens the rate of leaching. Nitrates will be applied only to the amount of nitrogen required by the plants, so in a properly managed program, nitrates should not reach the groundwater. • Page 16—Nitrate in well water not addressed It is addressed on page 18 of the nitrate study report. • Page 17—8 septic systems There are four septic systems existing on the 76.49 acre dairy facility parcel, and three on an adjoining 15.25 acre parcel. The eighth septic system is at the Heifer ranch, on another parcel. The project adds one septic system for the employee restroom for the new milk barn. The area over which the seven existing and one new septic systems are located comprises about 12.5 acres, or well over an acre per septic system. • Page 18— no permits for soil digs Permits are not required. Soil samples were hand excavated. • Page 18—Agriculture contributing to nitrate levels, yet evidence tries to point to White Slough Facility There are many possible contributors to nitrate levels, including peat soils at the White Slough, surrounding dairies and vineyards, and the White Slough Facility. Since the White Slough Facility has one of the only monitoring well programs in the area, information from that program was included, showing that only one well temporarily went above the 45 ppm limit. • Page 19—Nonconclusive, yet dairy expansion properly monitored will not impact downgradient water. I would say "and", not"yet". The impact of other sources' nitrate contribution to the Lima well test results can't be quantified since there has been no regular monitoring program in the past, and we know that a properly managed manure application program will not impact downgradient nitrate levels, because nitrates will be applied only to the amount of nitrogen required by the plants. Peat soil in theme area produces nitrates. If decomposition occurs under anaerobic conditions, ammonia is produced rather than nitrates. Presence of nitrates in groundwater could indicate that natural aerobic decomposition is taking place and leaching into ground water, or it could indicate overapplication of manure or commercial fertilizers. Liquid fertilizer is typically Ammonium Nitrate, wheras solid fertilizer is typically Ammonium Sulfate. The possibility of upstream overapplication of manure and/or commercial fertilizers requires further research_ and is hevond the scone of this studv