HomeMy WebLinkAboutCDP 2020-0017; SAREM RESIDENCE; Geotechnical Commentary on Soil Infiltration Characteristics, Proposed Two-Story Residence; 2020-05-28PETRA SOLID AS A ROCK
GEOSCIENCE5"'0
ENGINEERS + GEOLOGISTS + ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTISTS
MR. SCOTT SAREM
5796 Armada Drive, Suite 375
Carlsbad, California 92008
May 28, 2020
J.N. 20-155
Subject: Geotechnical Commentary on Soil Infiltration Characteristics, Proposed Two-Story
Residence, 4005 Skyline Road, City of Carlsbad, San Diego County, California
References: Petra Geosciences, Inc., 2020, Preliminary Geotechnical Evaluation, Proposed Two-Story
Residence, 4005 Skyline Road, APN 207-072-17-00, City of Carlsbad, San Diego County,
California, J.N. 18-308, dated May 11.
Toal Engineering, Inc., 2020, Preliminary Grading Plan for Sarem Residence, 4005
Skyline Road, Carlsbad, Drawing Sheet 1, plot-dated April 27.
Dear Mr. Sarem:
Per your request and to aid in design efforts by Toal Engineering (Toal), Petra Geosciences, Inc. (Petra)
is providing an opinion as to the percolation characteristics of the on-site native soils at the subject site.
Based on the plan prepared by Toal, a bio-retention basin is proposed in the west portion of the lot that will
provide limited infiltration of runoff water with the majority being pumped to storm drain discharge. In
addition, Toal indicated that pervious paving is proposed for areas of the site. This summary letter provides
clarification for questions raised regarding depth to groundwater, United States Department of Agriculture-
Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) soil type, infiltration characteristics and use of pervious
paving.
Groundwater
Our previous report indicated that regional groundwater is not expected to be within 50 feet of the ground
surface along the upper portions of this local elevated terrace (Petra, 2020). To clarify further, groundwater
is not anticipated to be within the upper 50 feet under the site at the lowest portion of the site and 80 feet at
the highest portion of the site.
NRCS Soil Type
The NRCS soil survey website (https://websoilsurvey.sc.egov.usda.gov/App/WebSoilSurvey.aspx)
identifies the onsite soils to consist of the Marina loamy sand ofHydrologic Soil Group "B".
Offices Strategically Positioned Throughout Southern California
RIVERSIDE COUNTY OFFICE
40880 County Center Drive, Suite M, Temecula, CA 92591
T: 951.600.9271
For more information visit us online al www.petra-inc.com
MR. SCOTT SAREM
4005 Skyline Road. I Carlsbad
Infiltration Characteristics
May 28, 2020
J.N. 20-155
Page 2
We understand that the proposed bottom of infiltration is approximately 5 to 6 feet below the proposed
design grades and is to be located between the proposed lower pool patio and the sport court, which is
located about 20 to 30 feet from the property line. Without specific infiltration testing, it is our
understanding from Toal that the City of Carlsbad provides a default value basic analysis infiltration rate
of 0.2 inches per hour. The paralic or terrace deposits characterized by sandstone bedrock are expected to
be exposed at the bottom of the bio-retention basin. It should be assumed that there would be variability of
the infiltration rate, likely due to natural variations in soil density and gradation. The analysis infiltration
value of 0.2 inches per hour is acceptable design value.
Pervious Paving
Pervious paving is considered to be a form of infiltration system. As with some infiltration systems,
localized ponding of water and subsurface groundwater seepage should be anticipated. Geotechnical
engineering practice discourages intentional ponding of water, particularly adjacent to slopes, building
foundations, and settlement-or moisture-sensitive hardscape. Infiltration systems are not recommended
within roughly 8 feet of building foundations or utility trenches. Problems with ground saturation in
structures, such as excessive moisture vapor transmission through interior slabs, may require repairs to
either block or drain excessive moisture.
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call.
Respectfully submitted,
PETRA GEOSCIENCES, INC.
Jim Larwood
Principal Geologist
CEG 1897
JL/GRW/lv
Attachment: Form 1-8
Distribution Addressee (electronic)
Grayson R. Walker
Principal Engineer
GE 871
Mr. Caleb Rios, Toal Engineering (electronic)
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Appendix I: Forms and Checklists
Categorization of Infiltration Feasibility Form I-8
Condition
Part t -Full Infiltration Feasibility Screening Criteria
Would infiltration of the full design volume be feasible from a physical perspective without any undesirable
consequences that cannot be reasonably mitigated?
Criteria Screening Question
Is the estimated reliable infiltration rate below proposed
facility locations greater than 0.5 inches per hour? The response
to this Screening Question shall be based on a comprehensive
evaluation of the factors presented in Appendix C.2 and Appendix
D.
Yes No
No
Provide basis:
The site will be graded such that compacted fill will cover the majority of the area as well as underlain by
relatively impermeable paralic terrace deposits. The compacted fill and paralic terrace deposits possess
little or no void space and therefore the infiltration rate is considered less than 0.5 inches per hour.
Summarize findings of studies; provide reference to studies, calculations, maps, data sources, etc. Provide narrative
discussion of study/ data source applicability.
2
Can infiltration greater than 0.5 inches per hour be allowed
without increasing risk of geotechnical hazards (slope stability,
groundwater mounding, utilities, or other factors) that cannot
be mitigated to an acceptable level? The response to this
Screening Question shall be based on a comprehensive evaluation of
the factors presented in Appendix C.2.
Provide basis:
Infiltration greater than 0.5 inches per hour would result in horizontal infiltration, causing seepage
problems and would be detrimental to the project.
No
Summarize findings of studies; provide reference to studies, calculations, maps, data sources, etc. Provide narrative
discussion of study/ data source applicability.
1-3 February 2016
Appendix I: Forms and Checklists
Criteri
a
3
Form 1-8 Page 2 of 4
Screening Question
Can infiltration greater than 0.5 inches per how: be allowed
without increasing risk of groundwater contamination (shallow
water table, storm water pollutants or other factors) that cannot
be mitigated to an acceptable level? The response to this
Screening Question shall be based on a comprehensive evaluation of
the factors presented in Appendix C.3.
Provide basis:
Yes No
Yes
Summarize findings of studies; provide reference to studies, calculations, maps, data sources, etc. Provide narrative
discussion of study/ data source applicability.
4
Can infiltration greater than 0.5 inches per how: be allowed
without causing potential water balance issues such as change
of seasonality of ephemeral streams or increased discharge of
contaminated groundwater to surface waters? The response to
this Screening Question shall be based on a comprehensive
evaluation of the factors presented in Appendix C.3.
Provide basis:
Yes
Summarize findings of studies; provide reference to studies, calculations, maps, data sources, etc. Provide narrative
discussion of study/ data source applicability.
Part 1
Result
*
If all answers to rows 1 -4 are ''Yes" a full infiltration design is potentially feasible.
The feasibility screening category is Full Infiltration
If any answer from row 1-4 is "No", infiltration may be possible to some extent but
would not generally be feasible or desirable to achieve a "full infiltration" design.
Proceed to Part 2
No
"To be completed using gathered site information and best professional judgment considering the definition of MEP in
the MS4 Permit. Additional testing and/ or studies may be required by the City to substantiate findings.
1-4 February 2016
Appendix I: Forms and Checklists
Form 1-8 Page 3 of 4
Part 2 -Partial Infiltration vs. No Infiltration Feasibility Screening Criteria
Would inf"iltration of water in any appreciable amount be physically feasible without any negative
consequences that cannot be reasonably mitigated?
Criteria
5
Screening Question
Do soil and geologic conditions allow for infiltration in any
appreciable rate or volume? The response to this Screening
Question shall be based on a comprehensive evaluation of the
factors presented in Appendix C.2 and Appendix D.
Yes
Yes
Provide basis:
The site will be graded such that compacted fill will cover the majority of the area as well as be
underlain by relatively impermeable paralic terrace deposits. The compacted fill and paralic
terrace deposits possess little or no void space. Areas at the site could be designed for
infiltration rates less than 0.5 inches per hour.
No
Summarize findings of studies; provide reference to studies, calculations, maps, data sources, etc. Provide narrative
discussion of study/ data source applicability and why it was not feasible to mitigate low infiltration rates.
6
Can Initltration in any appreciable quantity be allowed
without increasing risk of geotechnical hazards (slope
stability, groundwater mounding, utilities, or other factors)
that cannot be mitigated to an acceptable level? The response
to this Screening Question shall be based on a comprehensive
evaluation of the factors presented in Appendix C.2.
Yes
Provide basis:
The site will be graded such that compacted fill will cover the majority of the area as well as
underlain by paralic terrace deposits. The compacted fill and paralic terrace deposits
possess little or no void space. Areas at the site could be designed for inftltration without
increasing risk of geotechnical hazards .
Summarize findings of studies; provide reference to studies, calculations, maps, data sources, etc. Provide narrative
discussion of study/ data source applicability and why it was not feasible to mitigate low infiltration rates.
1-5 February 2016
. . .
Appendix I: Forms and Checklists
Criteria
7
Form I-8 Page 4 of 4
Screening Question
Can Infiltration in any appreciable quantity be allowed
without posing significant risk for groundwater related
concerns (shallow water table, storm water pollutants or other
factors)? The response to this Screening Question shall be based
on a comprehensive evaluation of tbe factors presented in
Appendix C.3.
Provide basis:
Yes No
Yes
Summarize findings of studies; provide reference to studies, calculations, maps, data sources, etc. Provide narrative
discussion of study/data source applicability and why it was not feasible to mitigate low infiltration rates.
8
Can infiltration be allowed without violating downstream
water rights? The response to this Screening Question shall be
based on a comprehensive evaluation of the factors presented in
Appendix C.3.
Provide basis:
Yes
Summarize findings of studies; provide reference to studies, calculations, maps, data sources, etc. Provide narrative
discussion of study/ data source applicability and why it was not feasible to mitigate low infiltration rates.
Part 2
Result*
If all answers from row 5-8 are yes then partial infiltration design is potentially feasible.
The feasibility screening category is Partial Infiltration.
If any answer from row 5-8 is no, then infiltration of any volume is considered to be
infeasible within the drainage area. The feasibility screening category is No Infiltration.
Partial
Infiltration
qo be completed using gathered site information and best professional judgment considering tbe definition of MEP in
tbe MS4 Permit. Additional testing and/or studies may be required by the City to substantiate findings.
1-6 February 2016