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Test results indicate a comparatively high concentration of chloride at 249 ppm. Studies have <br /> found that septic systems contribute chloride to groundwater. Chloride travels as readily, if not <br /> more so, than nitrate in the vadose and phreatic (saturated) zones and can be the first indicator of <br /> septic contamination. The chloride concentrations in most groundwater formations averages 6 <br /> mg/I. The typical concentration of chlorides in untreated domestic wastewater is 50 mg/l, with <br /> the range being 30-100 mg/l. <br /> The nitrate concentration in the sampled well is above the median value of 22.5 ppm NO3, at 35 <br /> ppm nitrate. The Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for nitrate (NO3) in drinking water is 45 <br /> ppm. When interpreted together, the two test results for nitrate and chloride are a more positive <br /> indicator of septic influence than nitrate alone. <br /> The second water sample was retrieved from the aforementioned boring, off the groundwater <br /> table and is denoted as "TOP GW" on the report. As referenced, this top groundwater sample <br /> was analyzed to quantify impact from an existing leachfleld. The chloride (185 ppm), total <br /> dissolved solids (1596 ppm) and especially the nitrate concentrations (86 ppm) indicate impact <br /> from this leachfleld. <br /> E. SURFACE WATER INFORMATION <br /> The surface water retention pond for the existing and future development of the project is located <br /> at the north-center of the project. There should be no impact to impoundment water from any of <br /> the on-site leachfields. The pond is downgradient from the majority of the project and the <br /> addition of runoff water percolating into the top aquifer mixing layer may create a dilution effect. <br /> III. NITRATE LOADING STUDY RESULTS <br /> A. WASTEWATER FLOW PROJECTIONS AND CHARACTERISTICS <br /> To adequately determine nitrate-nitrogen loading from the project, wastewater flows must be <br /> determined as accurately as possible. Loading projections are based on the maximum or total <br /> number of employees and customers who may potentially use the toilet/sink, etc. on a daily basis. <br /> This incorporates an acceptable safety factor. Information for wastewater flow volumes was <br /> supplied by Mr. Pete Navarra and are found in the Appendix. <br /> It is assumed there will be no cooking within kitchen/office areas in any of the commercial <br /> complexes, and consequently no need for garbage disposals. Therefore, there should be no <br /> highly concentrated organic loading. The characteristics of the wastewater flow will be <br /> predominately blackwater from toilets, with a comparatively small volume of graywater from <br /> sinks, showers or other sources of graywater. Additional wastewater constituents may consist of <br /> coffee,juices or other similar type liquids to the system. There should be no industrial or <br /> commercial chemicals, solvents, etc. introduced into any of the septic systems. <br /> 4 <br /> Chesney Consulting <br />