HomeMy WebLinkAbout6801 Panama Lane -Percolation Letter - Winco Panama Ashe (6) 1
Terracon Consultants, Inc. 2817 McGaw Avenue Irvine, California 92614
P [949] 261 0051 F [949] 261 6110
terracon.com
May 29, 2013
WinCo Foods, LLC
650 North Armstrong Place
Boise, Idaho 83704
Attn: Mr. David Van Etten
P: 208.672.2017
E: david.vanetten@wincofoods.com
Re: Proposed Infiltration Basin Summary Letter
Proposed WinCo Foods Store - Bakersfield
Bakersfield, California
Terracon Project No. 60125053
Dear Mr. Van Etten:
As requested by you, we are providing this summary letter regarding our understanding of the
proposed stormwater infiltration pond at the subject site.
Background
Terracon provided a summary letter dated May 21, 2013 that summarized our work related to the
proposed infiltration basin area. As described in that letter, our work consisted of borehole
infiltration tests as well as hydraulic conductivity testing (required by the City). The borehole
infiltration tests resulted in measured rates of 5 inches per hour for sandy silty clay soils and 12
inches per hour for silty sand over silty clay soils. CTA Architects and Engineers (CTA) designed
the infiltration basin and summarized their design method in a letter dated May 22, 2013.
Soil Conditions
Terracon’s borings in the vicinity of the proposed basin show sandy silt clay overlying silty sand,
which in turned overlaid poorly graded sand. As discussed with you, Terracon recommends
extending the proposed basin to the silty sand layer. Borings Perc-3 and Perc-4 (see Terracon’s
addendum report dated May 7, 2013) showed this layer was encountered at a depth of 11 ½ and
10 ½ feet, respectively.
Summary of CTA’s Design
Based on the CTA letter referenced above, we understand the pond was designed by taking a
measured infiltration rate of 5 inches per hour, applying a factor of safety of 4.5, and then using
the result to determine a volumetric infiltration rate. Their letter shows they estimate the pond will
drain in a little less than 7 days using this rate.
Infiltration Basin Summary Letter
Proposed WinCo Foods Store - Bakersfield ■ Bakersfield, California
May 29, 2013 ■ Terracon Project No. 60125053
Responsive ■ Resourceful ■ Reliable 2
Conclusions
As indicated above, Terracon recommends that the basin extend to the silty sand layer to
increase the drainage rate above that within the sandy silty clay layer. A simple calculation using
the infiltration rate and the depth of water within the basin (as previously published by CTA) shows
that the basin will drain in 7 days or less. We note that they used the slower/more conservative
infiltration test result in their calculations and extending the pond to the silty sand layer should
improve infiltration rates.
As previously recommended in our original report, our addendum report, and our summary letter
(May 21, 2013), infiltration testing should be performed after the basin has been excavated to
verify the design infiltration rates.
It should be noted that siltation and vegetation growth along with other factors may affect the
infiltration rates of the infiltration areas. We expect that the infiltration rate of the basin will
decrease over time unless adequate maintenance is performed to remove vegetation, dust,
debris, grease/oil, and fine grained soils. Failure to adequately maintain the basin will result in
slower infiltration times.
General Comments
Terracon’s scope of work related to the proposed basin was limited to field exploration,
performing in-situ infiltration testing, and performing laboratory permeability testing in general
conformance with the requirements of the City of Bakersfield. The design of the proposed basin
was performed solely by CTA based on the results of our tests. Any conclusions in this letter
about the performance of the basin are based on the validity of CTA’s design, which we have
not independently verified. Terracon is not responsible for the design of the basin or any
associated features. Site safety during and after construction is the responsibility of others.
The analysis and recommendations presented in this report are based upon the data obtained
from the borings and tests previously performed for this project. This report does not reflect
variations that may occur between borings, across the site, or due to the modifying effects of
construction or weather. The nature and extent of such variations may not become evident until
during or after construction. If variations appear, we should be immediately notified so that
further evaluation and supplemental recommendations can be provided.
This report has been prepared for the exclusive use of our client for specific application to the
project discussed and has been prepared in accordance with generally accepted geotechnical
engineering practices. No warranties, either express or implied, are intended or made. Site
safety, excavation support, and dewatering requirements are the responsibility of others. In the
event that changes in the nature, design, or location of the project as outlined in this report are
planned, the conclusions and recommendations contained in this report shall not be considered
valid unless Terracon reviews the changes and either verifies or modifies the conclusions of this
report in writing.