Donald B. Kowalewsky ENVIRONMENTAL & ENGINEERING GEOLOGY October 17, 1994 Job #93C589F 1.001 CITY OF CALABASAS 26135 MUREAU ROAD SUITE 200 CALABASAS CA 91302 Attention: Mr. Dale Lipp, City Engineer SUBJECT: IN-GRADING MEMO - SEWAGE COMPONENT IN GROUNDWATER; VALDEZ ROAD LANDSLIDE REPAIR - PHASE II GRADING, VALDEZ ROAD LANDSLIDE, CITY OF CALABASAS, CALIFORNIA As discussed in earlier reports, selected samples of groundwater encountered during Phase II grading operations have been analyzed for E-Coli to determine if they present a health hazard to personnel involved in the grading, Samples were obtained where flow was sufficient to allow collection of a free water sample and the excavation remained open long enough to coordinate sampling with laboratory personnel, Most samples have returned values of <2.2 (essential non-detection). However, two recent samples returned values of > 16 which indicates contamination; sewage being the most likely source, ‘These recent samples were collected from free water at or near the surface at the locations indicated on the attached map. These flows are located within a few feet of the extensive gravel blanket installed below the Phase I grading and could lead to contaminated subdrain flow being discharged to the creek in Old Topanga Canyon. As noted above, it was not possible to sample and test all groundwater discharges encountered during the grading operations, Other sources of contamination may be present as well. We recommend that the City of Calabasas require verification of proper performance of all septic systems located in the Valdez Road area, In particular, those systems located in the vicinity of the indicated sample locations should be reviewed. In view of both the health and site stability issues, we strongly recommend that efforts be made to convert all septic systems in the neighborhood from subsurface disposal of effluent to those which utilize evapo-transpiration. QM BLL Christopher J. Sexton Donald B. Kowalewsky Certified Engineering Geologist 1441 Certified Engineering GeSlogist 1025 27101 Old Chimney Road Malibu, California 90265 Fax: (810) 457-2456 (310) 457-4721