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0 <br /> 4. At the May 19 meeting,French Camp residents expressed concern over the odors and <br /> flies that were present on the Olivera Egg Ranch. <br /> 5. In response to the May 19 meeting, I had a discussion with Ed Olivera, owner of the <br /> Olivera Egg Ranch. I expressed concern regarding the number of birds verses the lagoon size/volume. <br /> There were other issues that were discussed regarding lagoon health, like pH and Salinity <br /> 6. I had multiple conversations with Mr. Ed Olivera regarding the lagoon and possible <br /> steps to increase efficiency of the lagoon to handle the manure and reduce odors. The discussions <br /> included the possibility of dredging the manure lagoon sludge and grit. Mr.Ed Olivera mentioned that <br /> he would like to have the pond dredged in previous conversations as early as the previous routine <br /> inspection on September 29,2008. Mr.Oliver's concerns at that time centered on wanting to increase <br /> to lagoon capacity for wet weather months and wanted to prevent a release of manure from the lagoon. <br /> The more recent conversation regarding lagoon capacity included lagoon excavation as a way to <br /> increase lagoon health. I suggested that some of the layer houses be converted to handle the manure <br /> dry and reduce the amount of manure going into the lagoon as a way to increase lagoon health. Mr. <br /> Olivera indicated that he would like to excavate the pond first and then if necessary make changes to <br /> the houses to reduce the lagoon load. Other factors that affect lagoon health were a part of the <br /> conversation,such as,pH and salinity.The pH of the lagoon was tested using a pH meter and found to <br /> consistent with recommendations found in studies on lagoon health. The salinity of the lagoon at the <br /> Olivera Egg Ranch was above recommended levels found in those same studies.Although there was <br /> concern that the excavation process would increase the odors and flies for a short period of time,the <br /> goal would be to increase lagoon volume and improve the lagoon health, and thereby reducing the <br /> odors. Mr. Olivera indicated that he would like to start as soon as he could find a contractor. <br /> 7. At no point during my discussions with Ed Olivera was there ever any mention of <br /> litigation with Plaintiffs. <br /> 00707962.WPD 2 <br /> DECLARATION OF ROBERT MCCLELLON <br />