SITE INFORMATION AND CORRESPONDENCE_FILE 1

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CENTRAL VALLEY REGIONAL WATER QUALITY CONTROL BOARD INSPECTION REPORT DISCHARGER: J.R. Simplot Company LOCATION & COUNTY: Lathrop, San Joaquin Countti- CONTACT(S): Donna Murphy and Bill Bat::-non INSPECTION DATE: 27 April 2000 INSPECTED BY: Kim A. Schwab, Associate Engineering Geologist ACCOMPANIED BY: n/a OBSERVATIONS AND COMMENTS: Arrived at 1 pm. The weather was warm and dry with gus---v Nvinds. Ms. Donna Murphy, Environmental Specialist and Mr. Bill Baterton and I toured the three Class II surface impoundments and the stormwater pond in a company van. I took still photos of the ponds and sump. 'VN'astewater pond water was choppy due to the high winds. The wind contained suspended solids which could settle in the ponds as sediment. All three Class II ponds were full, but met the freeboard requirement of 2 feet per WDRs Order No. 97- 229, Discharge Specification B.11. We observed water discharging from a large diameter pipe into the largest of the three Class II surface impoundments. Ducks were sitting on the edge of the northeastern pond, as well as in the water. Ms. Murphy stated that the .vastewater was dyed blue to enhance evaporation. We walked down concrete steps to the sump area where potable water piping and wastewater piping daylight from an underground tunnel. i he tunnel extends from the J.R. Simplot process plant, under Howland Road, to the sump area. Thi sump was open to the environment so rainwater could impact the area. There was also a small -- 2-foot square sump, of unknown depth, which contained murky, colored water. A high water/leak detection device was on the concrete flooring which is designed to alert the plant if water rises to a certain level. Piping that carries waste water is made of fiberglass. There was other metal piping which was severely rusted from exposure to the elements. There were no leaks from the piping during this inspection. Plant personnel inspect the ponds and piping every shift. The plant runs 24 hours a day. Furthermore, the plant has a dedicated potable water well installed adjacent to the ponds. One of the surface impoundments had two discharge pipes exposed above the water line. One pipe was dripping liquid into the pond. Mr. Bill Baterton stated the m-o pipes were abandoned and should not be dripping. He stated that he would look into the situation. The unlined stormwater pond, which is south of the large: Class II surface impoundment, had very little water ponded. Ms. Murphy stated that a farmer uses the -,,.•ater for irrigation on adjacent land. The area around the ponds was barren of vegetation; therefore, sand was easily picked up by the gusty wind and suspended particles in the air. Mr. Murphy stated that the County Mosquito Abatement District required that they keep the vegetative growth to a minimum.