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Scientific Investigations Report 2011–5006

Prepared in cooperation with the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho and Bonneville Power Administration

Sediment Cores and Chemistry for the Kootenai River White Sturgeon Habitat Restoration Project, Boundary County, Idaho

By Gary J. Barton, Rhonda J. Weakland, Ryan L. Fosness, Stephen E. Cox, and Marshall L. Williams

Abstract

The Kootenai Tribe of Idaho, in cooperation with local, State, Federal, and Canadian agency co-managers and scientists, is assessing the feasibility of a Kootenai River habitat restoration project in Boundary County, Idaho. This project is oriented toward recovery of the endangered Kootenai River white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) population, and simultaneously targets habitat-based recovery of other native river biota. Projects currently (2010) under consideration include modifying the channel and flood plain, installing in-stream structures, and creating wetlands to improve the physical and biological functions of the ecosystem. River restoration is a complex undertaking that requires a thorough understanding of the river. To assist in evaluating the feasibility of this endeavor, the U.S. Geological Survey collected and analyzed the physical and chemical nature of sediment cores collected at 24 locations in the river. Core depths ranged from 4.6 to 15.2 meters; 21 cores reached a depth of 15.2 meters. The sediment was screened for the presence of chemical constituents that could have harmful effects if released during restoration activities. The analysis shows that concentrations of harmful chemical constituents do not exceed guideline limits that were published by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 2006.

First posted April 13, 2012

For additional information contact:
Director, Idaho Water Science Center
U.S. Geological Survey
230 Collins Road
Boise, Idaho 83702
http://id.water.usgs.gov

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Suggested citation:

Barton, G.J., Weakland, R.J., Fosness, R.L., Cox, S.E., and Williams, M.L., 2012, Sediment cores and chemistry for the Kootenai River White Sturgeon Habitat Restoration Project, Boundary County, Idaho: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2011–5006, 36 p.



Contents

Abstract

Introduction

Kootenai River White Sturgeon Spawning Habitat

Methods

Sediment Chemistry of Cores From the Kootenai River

Summary

Acknowledgments

References Cited

Appendix A. Lithologic Strip Logs With Sediment Sampling Depth Interval for Chemical Analysis and Photographs of Sediment Cores

Appendix B. Sediment Core Chemical Analysis Data


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