Precipitation. Average annual rainfall at the site is over 27 in. per year.

Drainage. Natural drainage of the site is provided by the land contours. The sub­terranean water travels toward the river at a velocity of 300 feet per year. The maximum temperature is 75°F with sufficient flow available to prevent exceeding the allowable temperature rise specified by the State.

Ground Water. Ground water in the region collects mostly in the weathered layer of the shale above the bedrock. Adequate ground water for sanitary supply and plant make­up is available within 50 feet below grade. Most wells in the region are drilled to the shale layer.

Geology and Seismology

Soil Profiles and Load Bearing Characteristics. Soil profiles for the site show alluvial soil and rock fill to a depth of 8 feet; Brassfield limestone to a depth of 30 feet; blue weathered shale and fossiliferous Richmond limestone to a depth of 50 feet; and bedrock over a depth of 50 feet. Allowable soil bearing is 6000 psf and rock bearing characteristics are 18,000 psf and 15,000 psf for Brassfield and Richmond strata, respectively. No under­ground cavities exist in the limestone.

Seismology. This is a Zone 1 site, as designated by the Uniform Building Code, based on the observation of three earthquakes of seismic intensities 6-8 on the Rossi-Forel scale in the period 1870-1958, causing minor damage to towns in the surrounding area.