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Home My WebLink About2022-09-08 Avila Ranch Basin A Letter re Water Quality (AlthouseMeade) 1650 Ramada Drive, Suite 180, Paso Robles, CA 93446 (805) 237-9626 • Fax (805) 237-9181 • www.althouseandmeade.com LynneDee Althouse, M.S. • Cell: (805) 459-1660 • lynnedee@althouseandmeade.com September 8, 2022 Dan Garson Director of Land Development Wathen Castanos Homes 735 Tank Farm Rd Suite 100 San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 Phone: 805.595.5440 Mobile: 805.310.2498 Re: Avila Ranch Basin A – Groundwater to Wetland Dear Dan: Basin A water is suitable for discharge to the adjacent wetland. A sump in Basin A is designed to filter ground/surface/stormwater through a bio medium and gravel prior to discharge through the basin weir designed for overflow adjacent to a wetland located at the corner of Vachell Lane and Buckley Road. Standing water in the pond in September 2022 is clean enough to discharge directly to the wier in order to install the pump. If discharge water begins to show turbidity, pumping will stop, and silt sock(s) or equivalent treatment system will be placed between the discharge and the wetland. Biological monitors will check the discharge daily until such time as the sump pump is in full operation and only requires weekly inspections. Laboratory analysis of water recently collected in the stormdrain and from Basin A confirmed that it was not sewage water. Samples were collected July 1 for coliform analysis. Stormdrain sample result for E. coli was 1 MPN/100 ml (most probable number per 100 milliliters) compared to Basin A surface sample result of 249 MPN/100 ml. Positive E. coli from wildlife (e.g., birds) is expected, and this is a relatively low number for a confined water body. On July 5, samples were taken at the same locations and analyzed for Chlorides, Nitrate, and Sodium as those analytes would strong affect vegetative growth and soil structure. The results were very similar for both samples: Chloride 150 and 170 mg/L; Nitrate 1.1 and ND; Total Suspended Solids ND for both; Sodium 87 and 88 mg/L. These results were compared to the farm operator’s well results he provided from November 27, 2017 that contined Chloride at 160 mg/L, Nitrate at 3.5 mg/L, Total Dissolved Solids at 790 mg/L, and Sodium 75 mg/L. Table 1 provides a summary of results. To double-verify no sewage intrusion, we checked for caffeine on July 29, 2022. Caffeine was not detected in the stormdrain or Basin A samples. TABLE 1. SUMMARY OF LABORATORY RESULTS Location Date Analyte Result (Value) Units** Notes A – Stormwater Pipe near Basin A 7/1/2022 E. coli 1 MPN/100 ml Source – Animal feces. See note below 1. B – Basin A Surface Water 7/1/2022 249 MPN/100 ml A – Stormwater Pipe near Basin A 7/5/2022 Chloride (Cl) 150 mg/L Very similar B – Basin A Surface Water 7/5/2022 170 mg/L Agricultural Well (TF#1) 11/27/2017 160 A – Stormwater Pipe near Basin A 7/5/2022 Nitrate (NO3) 1.1 mg/L Very low or ND B – Basin A Surface Water 7/5/2022 ND* mg/L Agricultural Well (TF#1) 11/27/2017 3.5 A – Stormwater Pipe near Basin A 7/5/2022 Total Suspended Solids (TSS) ND mg/L More clear than the Ag well in 2017! B – Basin A Surface Water 7/5/2022 ND mg/L Agricultural Well (TF#1) 11/27/2017 790 Higher than sample water A – Stormwater Pipe near Basin A 7/5/2022 Sodium (Na) 87 mg/L Very similar B – Basin A Surface Water 7/5/2022 88 mg/L Agricultural Well (TF#1) 11/27/2017 75 A – Stormwater Pipe near Basin A 7/29/2022 Caffeine ND mg/L Negative result for potential sewage contributions to stormdrain system. B – Basin A Surface Water 7/29/2022 ND mg/L *ND = Not Detected **Units: MPN = Most Probably Number; mg/L = milligrams per liter. Avila Ranch (A) samples were collected from the large outlet pipe (water source). Avila Ranch (B) samples were collected ~50’ W of (A) in open water. 1 Coliform bacteria make up a large group of bacteria that are found in soils, on plants, and in surface water. Certain coliform bacteria, such as fecal coliform, live in the intestines of humans and animals. Escherichia coli or E. coli. Robert Camacho’s recommendation for Avila Ranch Discharge Modification to Basin A (August 4, 2022) provides a reasonable and prudent manner to discharge groundwater toward the “Corner Wetland” located north of Buckley Road, east of Vachell Lane. This discharge location is consistent with documentation sent to California Department of Fish and Game and to the Regional Water Quality Control Board regarding Phase 1 development and proposed wetland mitigation. Water from Basin A will support wetland vegetation, as planned. Excess water will ultimately migrate to Tank Farm Creek where it will filter through the willow thicket and migrate toward the active channel. This open space area between the Corner Wetland mitigation area and Tank Farm Creek will be planted with native wetland and riparian plants, and maintained in perpetuity as part of the riparian buffer. We expect that the wetland mitigation area will be supported by Basin A water. Wetland functions (e.g., moist, nutrient-rich soil to support wetland plants and animals; natural filtration for groundwater) and values (e.g., breeding habitat for amphibians and food source for songbirds and bats) will benefit from a perennial water source. This habitat will certainly have higher habitat value than the historically farmed wetland condition. We hope that the wetland becomes an aesthetic amenity for pedestrians, cyclists, and animal- watchers to enjoy for years to come. Sincerely, LynneDee Althouse Copy: Robert Camacho, P.E. Attachments: Laboratory Results for Basin and Stormwater Pipe Samples Collected 7/1/2022; 7/5/2022; 7/29/2022. Laboratory Results for Agricultural Well (TF #1) Collected 11/27/2017 provided by Chris Darway, long-time Avila Ranch Farm Operator. Abalone Coast Analytical, Inc.Order #: 22-3152 141 Suburban Road, Suite C-1 San Luis Obispo CA, 93401Date/Time Rec'd: 7/1/22 1409 Phone: 595-1080 Fax: 595-1075Althouse and Meade, IncContact: LynneDee Althouse1602 Spring StreetPhone: 805-237-9626Paso Robles CA, 93446Sampler: Courtney TuskanProject: Avila RanchSample #Sample Description Date / Time Analysis Method Result Units RLCompleted-1Avila Ranch (A) 7/1/22 1328MPN Total ColiformSM 9223 B.1,733.MPN/100mL 107/02/22MPN E-coliIDEXX1.MPN/100mL 107/02/22-2Avila Ranch (B) 7/1/22 1342MPN Total ColiformSM 9223 B.1,733.MPN/100mL 107/02/22MPN E-coliIDEXX249.MPN/100mL 107/02/22 Report Completion date:7/4/22Reviewed:Priyanka Singh, Technical DirectorDefinitions:MPN = Most Probable Number State of California CDPH ELAP 2661RL = Reporting LimitND = Analyte NOT DETECTED at or above MDL Coliform are bacteria that are naturally present in the environment and are used as an indicator that other, potentially-harmful, bacteria may be present.The presence of Fecal coliforms and/or E. coli indicates that the water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes. Microbes in these wastes can cause short-term effects, such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. They may pose a special health risk for infants, young children, some of the elderly, and people with severely compromised immune systems.1 of 1 Certificate of Analysis AFG0353 Main Project - e COC 22-3188Althouse7-5s Sample Description: Avila Ranch (A) Sample ID: AFG0353-01 07/05/2022 - 11:15 Sampled By: Grab Courtney Tuskan Water Sample Date - Time: Matrix: Sample Type: BSK Associates Laboratory Fresno General Chemistry ResultAnalyte RL Prepared Analyzed RL MultUnitsMethod Batch Qual 1.0 mg/LChloride EPA 300.0 07/06/22 07/06/22AFG01981501 0.23 mg/LNitrate as N EPA 300.0 07/06/22 19:44 07/06/22AFG01981.1 1 5.0 mg/LTotal Suspended Solids SM 2540D 07/12/22 07/12/22AFG0736ND1 Metals ResultAnalyte RL Prepared Analyzed RL MultUnitsMethod Batch Qual 1.0 mg/LSodium EPA 200.7 07/07/22 07/12/22AFG0350871 www.BSKAssociates.com The results in this report apply to the samples analyzed in accordance with the chain of custody document. This analytical report must be reproduced in its entirety. AFG0353 FINAL 07182022 1248 Page 3 of 12 Certificate of Analysis AFG0353 Main Project - e COC 22-3188Althouse7-5s Sample Description: Avila Ranch (B) Sample ID: AFG0353-02 07/05/2022 - 11:30 Sampled By: Grab Courtney Tuskan Water Sample Date - Time: Matrix: Sample Type: BSK Associates Laboratory Fresno General Chemistry ResultAnalyte RL Prepared Analyzed RL MultUnitsMethod Batch Qual 1.0 mg/LChloride EPA 300.0 07/06/22 07/06/22AFG01981701 0.23 mg/LNitrate as N EPA 300.0 07/06/22 19:02 07/06/22AFG0198ND1 5.0 mg/LTotal Suspended Solids SM 2540D 07/12/22 07/12/22AFG0736ND1 Metals ResultAnalyte RL Prepared Analyzed RL MultUnitsMethod Batch Qual 1.0 mg/LSodium EPA 200.7 07/07/22 07/12/22AFG0350881 www.BSKAssociates.com The results in this report apply to the samples analyzed in accordance with the chain of custody document. This analytical report must be reproduced in its entirety. AFG0353 FINAL 07182022 1248 Page 4 of 12 [TOC_1]Cover Letter[TOC] Certificate of Analysis FINAL REPORT Report Date: Project: Attn: Client: P.O. #: Fax: Phones: Turnaround Time: Received Date: 8/18/2022 8/5/2022 NormalAFH0316 Billing Code: 1414 Stanislaus Street Fresno, CA 93706 Elaine Phillips BSK Analytical Laboratories - Fresno (559) 497-2888 (559) 485-6935 Work Orders: 2H05025 Dear Elaine Phillips, Enclosed are the results of analyses for samples received 8/05/22 with the Chain-of-Custody document. The samples were received in good condition, at 2.1 C and on ice. All analyses met the method criteria except as noted in the case narrative or in the report with data qualifiers. [TOC_1]Sample Results[TOC]Sample Results 2H05025-01 (Water) Sample: AFH0316-01 Sampled: 07/29/22 10:45 by Client ResultAnalyte MRL Analyzed QualifierUnits Dil Method: EPA 525.2 Prepared: 08/10/22 06:37 Instr: GCMS16 Batch ID: W2H0814 Preparation: EPA 525.2/SPE Analyst: rmr M-030.14 ug/l 08/12/221CaffeineND Surrogate(s) 70-130 08/12/22Conc: 6.911,3-Dimethyl-2-nitrobenzene 102% 50-120 08/12/22Conc: 6.85Perylene-d12 101% 70-130 08/12/22Conc: 7.62Triphenyl phosphate 112% 2H05025-02 (Water) Sample: AFH0316-02 Sampled: 07/29/22 10:55 by Client ResultAnalyte MRL Analyzed QualifierUnits Dil Method: EPA 525.2 Prepared: 08/10/22 06:37 Instr: GCMS16 Batch ID: W2H0814 Preparation: EPA 525.2/SPE Analyst: rmr M-030.12 ug/l 08/12/221CaffeineND Surrogate(s) 70-130 08/12/22Conc: 6.181,3-Dimethyl-2-nitrobenzene 105% 50-120 08/12/22Conc: 6.06Perylene-d12 103% 70-130 08/12/22Conc: 6.68Triphenyl phosphate 113% Page 1 of 32H05025 14859 Clark Avenue,City of Industry CA, 91745 | Phone: (626) 336-2139 | Fax: (626) 336-2634 www.wecklabs.com Page 7 of 11 Certificate of Analysis A7K2726 Main Project - e COC 17-7638 - Talley Farms Sample Description: TF Well #1 Sample ID: A7K2726-01 11/27/17 - 14:10 Sampled By: Grab Nelson Ag-Irrigation Sample Date - Time: Matrix: Sample Type: BSK Associates Laboratory Fresno General Chemistry ResultAnalyte RL Prepared Analyzed RL MultUnitsMethod Batch Qual 15 mg/LAlkalinity as CaCO3 SM 2320B 12/06/17 12/06/17A7158985105 15 mg/LBicarbonate as CaCO3 SM 2320B 12/06/17 12/06/17A7158985105 15 mg/LCarbonate as CaCO3 SM 2320B 12/06/17 12/06/17A715898ND5 15 mg/LHydroxide as CaCO3 SM 2320B 12/06/17 12/06/17A715898ND5 1.0 mg/LChlorideEPA 300.0 11/28/17 11/28/17A7155571601 1.0 umhos/cmConductivity @ 25C SM 2510B 11/28/17 11/28/17A71553614001 0.23 mg/LNitrate as N EPA 300.0 11/28/17 23:39 11/28/17A7155573.5 1 % by VolPercent Sodium 12/05/17 12/05/17A715830201 pH UnitspH (1)SM 4500-H+ B 11/28/17 11/28/17A7155367.8 1 pH Temperature in C 22.6 1.0 mg/LSulfate as SO4 EPA 300.0 11/28/17 11/28/17A715557451 5.0 mg/LTotal Dissolved Solids SM 2540C 11/30/17 12/06/17A7156757901 Metals ResultAnalyte RL Prepared Analyzed RL MultUnitsMethod Batch Qual 0.10 mg/LBoronEPA 200.7 11/29/17 11/30/17A7156230.13 1 0.10 mg/LCalciumEPA 200.7 11/29/17 11/30/17A715623681 0.10 mg/LMagnesiumEPA 200.7 11/29/17 11/30/17A7156231201 2.0 mg/LPotassiumEPA 200.7 11/29/17 11/30/17A715623ND1 1.0 mg/LSodiumEPA 200.7 11/29/17 11/30/17A715623751 A7K2726 FINAL 12082017 1219 Printed: 12/8/2017 www.BSKAssociates.comQA-RP-0001-10 Final.rpt Page 3 of 12