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Alabama
Subcontractors for the Savannah River Laboratory (SRL) collected at least 4,499 stream-sediment, 1,486 surface-water, and 6,204 ground-water samples within 53 counties from the northern two-thirds of Alabama as part of the NURE Hydrogeochemical and Stream Sediment Reconnaissance (HSSR) program. The sediment samples were collected during June - December, 1976 and March 1978 - January 1979, and water samples were collected during January - September, 1977 and December 1977 - March 1979. Sample coverage included portions of the Andalusia, Atlanta, Birmingham, Blytheville, Dothan, Gadsden, Hattiesburg, Meridian, Montgomery, Phenix City, Rome, Tupelo, and West Point 1:250,000-scale quadrangles. (A total of 517 stream-sediment and 550 ground-water samples were collected within the Phenix City quadrangle.) These samples were sent to SRL for analysis of uranium and additional elements (16 in sediments and 9 in waters). SRL was able to analyze 4,489 sediments and 7,677 waters from Alabama; this includes 516 sediment and 545 water samples from the Phenix City quadrangle. The analytical and site location data for all Alabama samples were released in the Alabama and Georgia Data Report [GJBX-403(81)].

SRL sent 1,476 sediment samples from Alabama to an unnamed contract laboratory for "Supplemental Analyses." Supplemental analytical determinations for up to 23 elements were reported for 1,471 of these samples in the Alabama and Georgia Data Report [GJBX-403(81)]. The digital data file accompanying this report includes Supplemental Analyses for 280 Alabama sediment samples within the Phenix City quadrangle.

Georgia
Subcontractors for the Savannah River Laboratory (SRL) collected at least 6,092 stream-sediment, 14 surface-water, and 5,990 ground-water samples within 142 counties from the northern two-thirds of Georgia as part of the NURE Hydrogeochemical and Stream Sediment Reconnaissance (HSSR) program. The sediment samples were collected during June - December 1976, April 1977, and April - September 1978, and water samples were collected during January - December 1977 and March - November 1978. Sample coverage included portions of the Athens, Atlanta, Augusta, Brunswick, Dothan, Greenville, Macon, Phenix City, Rome, Savannah, Valdosta, and Waycross 1:250,000-scale quadrangles. (A total of 663 stream-sediment and 408 ground-water samples were collected within the Phenix City quadrangle.) These samples were sent to SRL for analysis of uranium and additional elements (16 in sediments and 9 in waters). SRL was able to analyze 5,958 sediments and 5,989 waters from Georgia; this includes 641 sediment and 404 water samples from the Phenix City quadrangle. The analytical and site location data for all Georgia samples were released in the Alabama and Georgia Data Report [GJBX-403(81)].

SRL sent 2,956 sediment samples from Georgia to an unnamed contract laboratory for "Supplemental Analyses." Supplemental analytical determinations for up to 23 elements were reported for 2,951 of these samples in the Alabama and Georgia Data Report [GJBX-403(81)]. The digital data file accompanying this report includes Supplemental Analyses for 63 Georgia sediment samples within the Phenix City quadrangle.

SRL: Phenix City Quadrangle
Occasionally, SRL released abbreviated reports for quadrangles under their responsibility. These reports include data for neutron activation analyses done at SRL. SRL released an abbreviated report for the Phenix City Quadrangle [GJBX-316(81)]. Data tables with analyses are included on microfiche accompanying this report. There is no separate digital data file that accompanies this report. The data found in this report appear to be the same data as that found in the Alabama and Georgia Data Report [GJBX-403(81)] although minor differences may occur.

Gold Analyses
Data for gold analyses of sediments by SRL neutron activation were released in the GJBX-135(82) summary report. The introduction of that report states:

"This report contains previously unreported neutron-activation analyses of gold in sediment samples determined at SRL. These data were not included in the standard SRL NURE data reports because the gold spectrum was not measured in the original analytical procedure and the report format was designed without the gold analyses being included. Gold analyses became available as the analytical procedure was refined, but the report format was not modified to incorporate these data."

Only those sediment samples that had detectable concentrations of gold by neutron activation analysis were given in the GJBX-135(82) report. Sediment samples with concentrations below detection limits were not reported and can only be ascertained by identifying which samples were actually analyzed by neutron activation at SRL.

Summary Tables
Because of the various laboratories and analytical methods used, some SRL samples may have been analyzed once, twice, or not at all. The following table summarizes the analysis of Phenix City quadrangle samples.

The following is a list of all sample types collected and reported for NURE studies in the Phenix City quadrangle.

These Phenix City quadrangle samples were analyzed by one or more of the following methods:

Sediment Samples

• SR1: Savannah River Neutron Activation Analysis - Neutron Counting of sediments for U.
• SR2: Savannah River Neutron Activation Analysis of sediments for Al, Ce, Dy, Eu, Fe, Hf, La, Lu, Mn, Na, Sc, Sm, Th, Ti, V, and Yb. (Note: Au values were reported later for this method.)
• SR3-AA: Savannah River (Supplemental Analysis by contract Laboratory) Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy Analysis of sediments for Ag, Ba, Be, Co, Cr, Cu, Mg, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sn, Sr, Y, and Zn.
• SR3-CA: Savannah River (Supplemental Analysis by contract Laboratory) Colorimetric Analysis of sediments for Nb, P, and W.
• SR3-FE: Savannah River (Supplemental Analysis by contract Laboratory) Flame Emission Analysis of sediments for K and Li.
• SR3-XU: Savannah River (Supplemental Analysis by contract Laboratory) Analysis of sediments for hot acid extractable U. (Exact method undetermined)
• SR3-XX: Savannah River (Supplemental Analysis by contract Laboratory) Analysis of sediments for As, Se, and Ca. (Exact method undetermined)

Water Samples

• SR4: Savannah River Neutron Activation Analysis - Neutron Counting of waters for U.
• SR5: Savannah River Neutron Activation Analysis of waters for Al, Br, Cl, Dy, F, Mn, Na, and V. (Note: Mg may also be reported by this method.)

Discussion of the Reformatting Process for Phenix City Quadrangle

Sediment Records
The Phenix City quadrangle sediment data consist of records from the Alabama and Georgia portions of the Alabama and Georgia [GJBX-403(81)] Data Report combined with Supplemental Analyses from the Alabama and Georgia [GJBX-403(81)] Data Report. Site descriptive information and coordinates were compared for all corresponding records. The following problems were found and addressed during the comparison and reformatting stages for the Phenix City quadrangle sediment data:

1. One sediment Supplemental Analysis record was found that did not have a matching SRL analysis record. The SRLID value (ALTP-26S1) is erroneous. Although this value is similar to ALTP026S1, the correspondence could not be confirmed. This record was retained in the final digital data file and noted in the REFORMAT comment field. Because no coordinates were associated with this SRLID value, the record for this sample cannot be retrieved on a geographical basis.
2. During reformatting, contamination codes for "residential" and "recreation" were found to be missing from each State's CONTAMC field. The presence of one of these two codes was indicated only by a "." (period). The missing codes were assigned a value of "unknown" in the CONTAMC field within the final sediment data file.
3. Unlikely sample collection dates were found for three samples. These dates were removed from the SAMPDAT field. For each record, the original SAMPDAT value and the most likely correct value was added as a comment to the REFORMAT field.
4. One stream-sediment sample was identified with a SRLID in the 300's. This sample was missing latitude and longitude coordinates. Evidence from original sample site field notes strongly suggests that this is a duplicate sample collected later from a previously sampled 000's series site (i.e. SRLID site number ABCD318S1 is the same location as ABCD018S1). The coordinates from the original 000's series site was added to the matching 300's record and this change was noted in the REFORMAT and COORDPRB comment fields.
5. The original latitude-longitude site coordinates for several stream-sediment samples collected in Chattahoochee, Lamar, and Muscogee Counties, Georgia plotted outside of the county borders. To determine the correct sample coordinates, the original field collection maps for these counties were obtained and re-digitized. The newly re-digitized coordinates were added to the file. The original coordinates were recorded in the COORDPRB comment field. When the newly re-digitized coordinates were not significantly different, that confirmation of the site location was also noted in the COORDPRB comment field.
6. An analysis of latitude-longitude site coordinates identified several stream-sediment samples that were missing coordinates, did not plot within expected state, county, or map boundaries, or had differing coordinates in corresponding records. To correct or confirm sample coordinates, the original field collection maps for Bullock County, Alabama; and Chattahoochee, Crawford, Harris, Lamar, Meriwether, Monroe, Muscogee, Talbot, Troup, and Taylor Counties, Georgia were obtained and re-digitized. The newly re-digitized coordinates were added to the database and the coordinates from the original file(s) were recorded in the COORDPRB comment field. When the newly re-digitized coordinates were not significantly different, that confirmation of the site location was also noted in the COORDPRB comment field.
7. After re-digitizing, one stream-sediment sample from Bullock County, Alabama originally located in the Phenix City quadrangle now plots in the adjacent Dothan quadrangle.
8. After re-digitizing, one stream-sediment sample from Crawford County, Georgia originally located in the Phenix City quadrangle now plots in the adjacent Macon quadrangle.
9. After re-digitizing, one stream-sediment sample from Meriwether County, Georgia originally located in the Phenix City quadrangle now plots in the adjacent Atlanta quadrangle.
10. After re-digitizing, three stream-sediment samples from Troup County, Georgia originally located in the Phenix City quadrangle now plot in the adjacent Atlanta quadrangle.
11. The latitude and longitude coordinates for 7 Phenix City quadrangle sediment samples collected within Chambers (2 samples), Lee(2), and Tallapoosa(3) Counties, Alabama were not found in the data or on field maps during the reformatting process. The records for these 7 samples cannot be retrieved on a geographical basis.
12. Gold concentrations from the GJBX-135(82) report were added to the appropriate sediment records. A value of -0.01 (<0.01 ppm Au) was added to all other sediment samples determined to have been analyzed by SRL neutron activation. This value was chosen because 0.01 is the lowest reported gold concentration in the entire report.

Water Records
The Phenix City quadrangle water data consist of reformatted records from the Alabama and Georgia portions of the Alabama and Georgia [GJBX-403(81)] Data Report. The following problems were found and addressed during the comparison and reformatting stages for the Phenix City quadrangle water data:

1. In the Alabama and Georgia [GJBX-403(81)] Data Report, 29 Phenix City water samples were found with a state-county designation of GASV in the SRLID field. No county code of SV was listed for Georgia in the report. These records contained minimal site description data but did not contain latitude-longitude coordinates or analytical values. Another 29 records were found for Sumter County (GASU). These records contained the exact same site description data found in corresponding GASV records plus coordinates and analytical data. Therefore, the 29 GASV water sample records were deleted from the database and were not included in any sample counts given for this quadrangle.
2. One ground-water sample was collected at a longitude of exactly 84°W, the dividing line between the Phenix City quadrangle and the Macon quadrangle. The data record for this sample was assigned to the Macon quadrangle.
3. Unlikely sample collection dates were found for two samples. These dates were removed from the SAMPDAT field. For each record, the original SAMPDAT value and the most likely correct value was added as a comment to the REFORMAT field.
4. Six ground-water samples were identified with a SRLID in the 800's. All of these samples were missing latitude and longitude coordinates. Evidence from original sample site field notes strongly suggests that these are duplicate samples collected later from a previously sampled 500's series site (i.e. SRLID site number ABCD818R is the same location as ABCD518R). The coordinates from the original 500's series sites were added to the matching 800's records and this change was noted in the REFORMAT and COORDPRB comment fields.
5. An analysis of latitude-longitude site coordinates identified several ground-water samples that were missing coordinates, did not plot within expected state, county, or map boundaries, or had differing coordinates in corresponding records. To correct or confirm sample coordinates, the original field collection maps for Bullock and Tallapoosa Counties, Alabama; and Meriwether, Talbot, Taylor, and Upson Counties, Georgia were obtained and re-digitized. The newly re-digitized coordinates were added to the database and the coordinates from the original file(s) were recorded in the COORDPRB comment field. When the newly re-digitized coordinates were not significantly different, that confirmation of the site location was also noted in the COORDPRB comment field.
6. After re-digitizing, one well water sample from Tallapoosa County, Alabama originally located in the Phenix City quadrangle now plots in the adjacent Atlanta quadrangle.
7. The latitude and longitude coordinates for 2 Phenix City quadrangle water samples collected within Lee (1 sample) County, Alabama; and Macon(1) County, Georgia were not found in the data or on field maps during the reformatting process. The records for these 2 samples cannot be retrieved on a geographical basis.

Download The Data

The NURE HSSR data are now available online in two databases: The sediment database (also includes data for soils and some rocks) at http://tin.er.usgs.gov/nure/sediment/ and the water database at http://tin.er.usgs.gov/nure/water/. From these two web sites, NURE HSSR data can be selected, examined, summarized, and downloaded by political boundaries (State and County), by quadrangle (1:250,000-scale, 1:100,000-scale, and 1:63,360-scale for Alaska or 1:24,000-scale for the Lower 48 States), and by hydrologic unit (drainage region, subregion, river basin, or sub-basin). Selected data can be downloaded as a dBase file, a shapefile, an HTML table, or ASCII text (tab- or comma-delimited).

Phenix City Quadrangle Sediment Data - 1,172 records
Phenix City Quadrangle Water Data - 956 records

Notes for Data Users

In the eastern United States, SRL collected samples primarily by county. Often, not all counties within a quadrangle were completely sampled. Sample coverage in the Phenix City quadrangle is complete and includes samples from Barbour, Bullock, Chambers, Elmore, Lee, Macon, Montgomery, Pike, Russell, and Tallapoosa Counties in Alabama; and Chattahoochie, Crawford, Harris, Lamar, Macon, Marion, Meriwether, Monroe, Muscogee, Pike, Schley, Sumpter, Stewart, Talbot, Troup, Taylor, Upson, and Webster Counties in Georgia. The laboratory and analytical methods used also may vary by county such that adjacent counties often have very different analytical coverages.

Twenty-two sediment and nine water samples within the Phenix City quadrangle were not analyzed by any of the various laboratories. The following table summarizes the locations of those unanalyzed samples.

Other NURE Geochemical Data for the Phenix City Quadrangle

Crystalline Rock Areas of Southeastern United States
A study of the Crystalline Rock Areas of Southeastern United States [GJBX-9(76)] was undertaken as part of a series of orientation studies conducted by SRL in the Eastern States. In 1975, SRL collected stream-sediment, suspended sediment, ground-water, and stream-water samples from Lamar County Area in Georgia (Athens, Atlanta, Macon and Phenix City quadrangles), Oconee County Area in South Carolina (Greenville and Knoxville quadrangles), and the Brush Creek and North Harper Areas in North Carolina (Charlotte, Johnson City, Knoxville, and Winston-Salem quadrangles). These four areas were selected for orientation studies to aid in the design of the geochemical reconnaissance program for uranium being conducted in the eastern United Sates by SRL. Water samples were analyzed by Neutron Activation for uranium. Sediment samples were analyzed for uranium by Neutron Activation and for Ag, Ba, Be, Co, Cr, Cu, La, Nb, Ni, Pb, V, and Zn by semi-quantitative emission spectroscopy. Data tables of analytical results are included within the report. No digital data files were available for reformatting.

Alabama Valley and Ridge and Upper Coastal Plain Orientation Studies
To ensure that the SRL HSSR program had a sound technical basis, SRL conducted several orientation studies in various geologic and geographic settings. As part of this orientation program, SRL conducted two orientation studies in the Alabama Valley and Ridge and in the Upper Coastal Plain of central Alabama [GJBX-46(76)]. A total of 70 stream-sediment samples were collected in the Coosa synclinorium near Birmingham (Birmingham quadrangle), and 104 ground-water samples were collected from the Upper Coastal Plain from Clanton to Phenix City (Birmingham, Montgomery, and Phenix City quadrangles). These samples were analyzed for their uranium content. Data tables with analyses are found within the report.

Geology and Mineral Resources Study
A report on the geology and mineral resources of the Johnson City quadrangle was prepared for the Savannah River Laboratory [GJBX-33(82)]. No geochemical data accompany this report.

Phenix City Quadrangle NURE Bibliography

• Bennett, C.B., 1981, Phenix City 1° x 2° NTMS Area, Georgia and Alabama; data report (abbreviated): E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Co., Savannah River Laboratory, Aiken, S.C., SRL Internal Doc. DPST-81-146-18, U.S. Department of Energy, Grand Junction, Colo., GJBX-316(81), 18 p.
• Fay, W.M., and Cook, J.R., 1982, Gold analyses by neutron activation from SRL NURE samples: E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Co., Savannah River Laboratory, Aiken, S.C., SRL Internal Doc. DPST-81-141-38, U.S. Department of Energy, Grand Junction, Colo., GJBX-135(82), 45 p.
• Fay, W.M., Sargent, K.A., and Cook, J.R., 1981, Data report: Alabama and Georgia: E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Co., Savannah River Laboratory, Aiken, S.C., SRL Internal Doc. DPST-81-146-21, U.S. Department of Energy, Grand Junction, Colo., GJBX-403(82), 34 p.
• Karfunkel, B.S., compiler, 1981, Geology and mineral resources of the Johnson City, Phenix City, and Rome 1° x 2° NTMS quadrangles: E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Co., Savannah River Laboratory, Aiken, S.C., SRL Internal Doc. DPST-81-141-10, U.S. Department of Energy, Grand Junction, Colo., GJBX-33(82), 81 p.
• Price, Van, 1981, Raw data from orientation studies in crystalline rock areas of southeastern United States: E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Co., Savannah River Laboratory, Aiken, S.C., SRL Internal Doc. DPST-76-141-1, U.S. Department of Energy, Grand Junction, Colo., GJBX-9(76), 219 p.
• Price, Van, and Ferguson, R.B., 1976, Savannah River Laboratory Hydrogeochemical and Stream Sediment Reconnaissance: Raw Data Release II - Orientation Studies in Alabama: E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Co., Savannah River Laboratory, Aiken, S.C., SRL Internal Doc. DPST-76-141-2, U.S. Department of Energy, Grand Junction, Colo., GJBX-46(76), 80 p.

Links Within Open-File Report 97-492

Back to Alabama NURE data
Back to Georgia NURE data
Frequently Asked Questions Concerning NURE Data
Home Page: USGS National Geochemical Database - NURE HSSR data

Page written by Bryan G. Moravec and Steven M. Smith.
Contact: Steven M. Smith (smsmith@usgs.gov)
Version 1.30: September 11, 2001
Version 1.41: February 23, 2006

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U.S. Department of the Interior | U.S. Geological Survey URL: https://pubsdata.usgs.gov/pubs/of/1997/ofr-97-0492/quad/q_phenxc.htm Questions or Assistance: USGS Web Contact Page Last Modified: Wed Dec 7 16:14 EDT 2016