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Page 3 <br />P-6803 <br />2. 1'he absence of a regional of detailed site geologic map with appropriate scales makes it difficult <br />to interpret and review the provided subsurface data in geologic context. As presented, the <br />location map (Figure 1), boring location map (Figure 2) and aenal view of the project site (Figure <br />7) are all shown `not to scale'. The absence of a scale makes interpretation of these maps <br />difficult. Of the maps, the aerial view of the project site is closest to a gcolog~ic map of the <br />property. However, Figure 7 lacks a legend, is not to scale, and does not provide any information <br />on the geologic deposits present on the property. Based on our reconnaissance-level review of the <br />available geologic mapping and field reconnaissance, the site is underlain by deeply weathered <br />Pho-Pleistocene deposits of the Livermore Gravel Formation, locally overlain by clay-rich <br />colluvial deposits (e.g. Dibblee, 1980; Majmundar, 1991; fIelley and Graymer, 1997). <br />3. Our reconnaissance-level mapping of man-made fill on the site suggests that it is more extensive <br />than shown on Figure 7, including minor road fill along the access road. More importantly, our <br />mapping suggests that the existing fill extends entirely beneath the proposed footprint of the Lot 3 <br />residence shown on Figure 7. In addition, our comparison of available vintage topographic maps <br />(1953 USGS 1:24,000 Livermore Quadrangle) with the provided site topographic plan, combined <br />with our field reconnaissance, suggests that the maximum fill thickness is at least 10 feet and may <br />reach up to 12 feet on northwest corner of the property. This estimate is greater than the estimate <br />of up to 8 feet of till provided in Section 3.2 (page 3). "Phis grreater depth is further contirmed by <br />subsurface exploration by Engeo immediately west of the property line on the Hatsushi parcel. <br />4. Based on our examination of regional landslide hazard mapping by Nilsen et al. (1973) and <br />Majmundar (1991), no mapped landslides are present on the property. In addition, Majmundar <br />(1991) shows the property in the least susceptible area for landsliding. Neither maps are cited in <br />the KE report although both cover the site and provide additional geologic information on site <br />conditions and potential hazards. Our review of historic aerial photographs (1949 black and <br />white, USDA series GS-JL aerial photographs 2-58 and 2-59) and field reconnaissance contirms <br />the apparent absence of active landslides. <br />5. During our field reconnaissance, we noted that the margin of the till on the northern portion of the <br />property locally has two failures toward the drainage, including an apparent slump. Localized <br />erosion appears to have cut a Swale into the fill near an old abandoned farm structure. Based on <br />our reconnaissance-level mapping, the existing fill prism extends beneath the entire footprint of <br />the proposed Lot 3 residence. <br />6. "fo evaluate the expansion potential of on-site soils, one Atterberg Limits test was performed by <br />KE and the results indicated the materials were moderately expansive. However, the sample <br />tested may not be representative of the most expansive near-surface materials at the site, <br />particularly because the USGS symbol for the material was "SC" (indicating there was more sand <br />present than clay). Expansion potential results m the geotechnical reports we reviewed for the <br />Hatsushi parcel to the west and the Clara Lane subdivision to the north reported much higher <br />expansion potentials. Due to the high expansion potential m these adjacent areas, the geotechmcal <br />consultants recommended new homes on those properties be supported on either drilled piers or <br />mat-slab foundations. Should highly expansive materials be present on the Vineyard Pass <br />property, the use of footing foundations as recommended by KF, may result in building damage. <br />In addition, any slabs-on-grade placed on highly expansive soils may need a layer of imported, <br />non-expansive materials placed below the slab to yield acceptable performance; no such <br />recommendation exists in the KE report. <br />