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Connecticut
Subcontractors for the Savannah River Laboratory (SRL) collected at least 635 stream-sediment, 656 surface-water, and 798 ground-water samples from Connecticut as part of the NURE Hydrogeochemical and Stream Sediment Reconnaissance (HSSR) program. Samples were collected on a county-by-county basis from the entire state between July and October, 1977 for sediments, and between December 1977 and February 1978 for ground-waters. This area included portions of the Albany, Boston, Hartford, and Providence 1:250,000-scale quadrangles. The samples were sent to SRL for determinations of uranium and additional elements (16 in sediments and 9 in waters) by Neutron Activation Analysis. SRL was able to analyze 634 sediments and 1,453 waters from Connecticut. The analytical and site location data for all Connecticut samples were released in the New England Data Report [GJBX-107(82)]. A total of 555 stream-sediment, 570 surface-water, and 718 ground-water samples were collected within the Connecticut portion of the Hartford quadrangle. SRL was able to analyze all sediment and 1,287 water samples from the Connecticut portion of the Hartford quadrangle.

SRL sent the 635 sediment samples from Connecticut to an unnamed contract laboratory for "Supplemental Analyses." Supplemental analytical determinations for up to 23 elements were reported for 632 of these samples in the New England Data Report [GJBX-107(82)]. The digital data file accompanying this report includes Supplemental Analyses records for 552 Connecticut sediment samples within the Hartford quadrangle.

New York
Subcontractors for the Savannah River Laboratory (SRL) collected at least 5,696 stream-sediment, 5,047 surface-water, and 4,829 ground-water samples from New York as part of the NURE Hydrogeochemical and Stream Sediment Reconnaissance (HSSR) program. Samples were collected on a county-by-county basis from the eastern two-thirds of the state between July 1977 and August 1980. The sampled area included portions of the Albany, Binghamton, Elmira, Glens Falls, Hartford, Kingston, Lake Champlain, Ogdensburg, Rochester, Scranton, and Utica 1:250,000-scale quadrangles. The samples were sent to SRL for determinations of uranium and additional elements (16 in sediments and 9 in waters) by Neutron Activation Analysis. SRL was able to analyze 2,899 sediments and 9,863 waters from New York. The analytical and site location data for all New York samples were released in the Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York Data Report [GJBX-106(82)]. A total of 200 stream-sediment, 200 surface-water, and 250 ground-water samples were collected within the New York state portion of the Hartford quadrangle; of these samples, SRL was able to analyze all of the sediment and water samples.

SRL sent 2,809 sediment samples from New York state to an unnamed contract laboratory for "Supplemental Analyses." Supplemental analytical determinations for up to 23 elements were reported for 2,803 of these samples in the Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York Data Report [GJBX-106(82)]. The digital data file accompanying this report includes Supplemental Analyses for 199 New York state sediment samples from the Hartford quadrangle.

New Jersey
Subcontractors for the Savannah River Laboratory (SRL) collected at least 748 stream-sediment, 378 surface-water, and 1,038 ground-water samples within 21 counties from New Jersey as part of the NURE Hydrogeochemical and Stream Sediment Reconnaissance (HSSR) program. The sediment samples were collected during August - November 1977 and June 1978, and water samples were collected during July - October 1977 and January - February 1978. Sample coverage included portions of the New York, Newark, Salisbury, Scranton, and Wilmington 1:250,000-scale quadrangles. 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 728 sediments and 1,414 waters from New Jersey. The analytical and site location data for all New Jersey samples were released in the Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York Data Report [GJBX-106(82)]. No samples were apparently collected in the small portion of New Jersey that falls within the Hartford quadrangle.

Massachusetts
Subcontractors for the Savannah River Laboratory (SRL) collected at least 1,331 stream-sediment, 1,302 surface-water, and 657 ground-water samples from Massachusetts as part of the NURE Hydrogeochemical and Stream Sediment Reconnaissance (HSSR) program. Samples were collected on a county-by-county basis from the entire state between August 1977 and April 1979 for sediments, and between January and March of 1978 for ground waters. This area included portions of the Albany, Boston, and Providence 1:250,000-scale quadrangles. The samples were sent to SRL for determinations of uranium and additional elements (16 in sediments and 9 in waters) by Neutron Activation Analysis. SRL was able to analyze 1,315 sediments and 1,953 waters from Massachusetts. The analytical and site location data for all Massachusetts samples were released in the New England Data Report [GJBX-107(82)]. No samples were apparently collected in the small portion of Massachusetts that falls within the Hartford quadrangle.

SRL: Hartford Quadrangle
SRL released a separate quadrangle report for the Hartford NTMS quadrangle, which includes data for 748 stream-sediment, 763 surface-water, and 955 ground-water samples. With some differences, these sample data are the same as that for corresponding samples found in the Connecticut and New York State reports. SRL released the analytical data as the Hartford Quadrangle GJBX-94(79) Data Report. The site coding information for this data set is summarized within the text of this report. (Records for 61 samples in this report contained no analytical data.)

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 Hartford quadrangle samples.

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

These Hartford 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 Hartford Quadrangle

Sediment Records
The Hartford quadrangle sediment data consist of reformatted records from the Connecticut portion of the New England Data Report [GJBX-107(82)] and the New York portion of the Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York [GJBX-106(82)] Data Report. These records were compared with corresponding sample records from the Hartford Quadrangle GJBX-94(79) Data Report. The following problems were found and addressed during the comparison and reformatting stages for the Hartford quadrangle sediment data:

1. A record for 1 sediment sample was found only in the SRL Hartford Quadrangle GJBX-94(79) Data Report. This record was added to the final file.
2. Records for 5 sediment samples in the New England Data Report [GJBX-107(82)] or the Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York [GJBX-106(82)] Data Report had no corresponding records in the SRL Hartford Quadrangle GJBX-94(79) Data Report. These records were included in the final file.
3. Hartford quadrangle file records for 8 samples contained no analytical determinations. Analytical data were found for these samples in the corresponding State files and added to the combined records in the final file.
4. The analytical values for many Dy, La, U, and V determinations differed slightly between the Hartford quadrangle files and the Connecticut and New York State files. These variations are apparently due only to differences in rounding versus truncation of reported values or to differences in the number of recorded significant digits. Since the variation was insignificant, only one set of the values was retained for the affected elements.
5. Occasionally, analytical values for Dy, Eu, Lu, Th, or Yb were found in the New England Data Report [GJBX-107(82)] or the Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York [GJBX-106(82)] Data Report that were missing in the corresponding records from the SRL Hartford Quadrangle GJBX-94(79) Data Report. These differences were noted for each affected record in the REFORMAT comment field.
6. Occasionally, analytical values for Ce, Eu, Fe, Hf, Mn, Sc, Sm, Th, Ti, or V were found in the SRL Hartford Quadrangle GJBX-94(79) Data Report but were missing in the corresponding records from the New England Data Report [GJBX-107(82)] or the Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York [GJBX-106(82) Data Report. These values were added and that change was noted for each affected record in the REFORMAT comment field.
7. For 10 sediment samples, the comparison process between the State files and the Quadrangle file revealed major differences for analytical values reported for one or more elements determined by Neutron Activation. It could not be determined whether these alternate values represent a second analytical determination or a different interpretation of the data from the same Neutron Activation Analysis. For these samples, it was necessary to keep a second record containing the alternate analytical values. These records are identified by a comment in the REFORMAT field.
8. During reformatting, contamination codes for "residential" and "recreation" were found to be missing from the CONTAMC field. These codes were not present in the published tables of the New England Data Report [GJBX-107(82)] or the Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York GJBX-106(82) Data Report. However, these missing codes were often found in corresponding records of the SRL Hartford Quadrangle GJBX-94(79) Data Report. When found, these codes were added to the combined records and a comment was added to the REFORMAT field.
9. 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 Hartford, Middlesex, New Haven, New London, Tolland, and Windham Counties, Connecticut; and Dutchess County, New York 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.
10. 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 Hartford quadrangle water data consist primarily of reformatted records from the Hartford Quadrangle GJBX-94(79) Data Report. These records were compared with corresponding sample records from the Connecticut portion of the New England Data Report [GJBX-107(82)] and the New York portion of the Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York [GJBX-106(82)] Data Report. The following problems were found and addressed during the comparison and reformatting stages for the Hartford quadrangle water data:

1. Records for 7 water samples were found only in the SRL Hartford Quadrangle GJBX-94(79) Data Report. These records were included in the final file.
2. Records for 29 water samples in the New England Data Report [GJBX-107(82)] or the Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York [GJBX-106(82)] Data Report had no corresponding records in the SRL Hartford Quadrangle GJBX-94(79) Data Report. These records were added to the final file.
3. The analytical values for many Al, Br, Dy, and Mn determinations differed slightly between the Hartford quadrangle files and the Connecticut and New York state files. These variations are apparently due only to differences in rounding versus truncation of reported values or to differences in the number of recorded significant digits. Since the variation was insignificant, only one set of the values was retained for the affected elements.
4. For 1 record, the analytical value for Mn was found in the Hartford quadrangle file but was missing in the corresponding record from the state file. This difference was noted for the affected record in the REFORMAT comment field.
5. For 1 record, an unlikely pH value of 66 was found in the Hartford quadrangle file but was missing in the corresponding record from the state file. This value was removed from the data and noted in the REFORMAT comment field.
6. Occasionally, analytical values for Mg were found in the State files but were missing in the corresponding records from the Hartford quadrangle files. These value were added and that change was noted for each affected record in the REFORMAT comment field.
7. The sample type code (SAMPTYP) was missing for one sample in the SRL Hartford Quadrangle GJBX-94(79) Data Report. This code was found and added from the corresponding sample record in the Connecticut portion of the New England Data Report [GJBX-107(82)].
8. The original NURE format for surface-water files did not include much information about the character of the sample location. This missing information includes observations taken at each site on the stream width, depth, and flow, water color, surrounding vegetation, local relief, weather, and possible contaminants. This information is given in records for stream-sediment samples that were collected at the same locations. The available site descriptive information for stream-water sites were compared with the corresponding stream-sediment site records. The missing site descriptive data were then added to stream-water records from the corresponding stream-sediment sample records. Sources of data and any problems found are described in the REFORMAT comment field.
9. An analysis of latitude-longitude site coordinates identified several stream-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 Hartford, Middlesex, New Haven, New London, Tolland, and Windham Counties, Connecticut; and Dutchess County, New York 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.
10. 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 Hartford, Litchfield, Middlesex, New Haven, New London, Tolland, and Windham Counties, Connecticut; and Orange, Ulster, and Westchester Counties, New York 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.
11. The latitude and longitude coordinates for 2 water samples collected within Dutchess(1) and Putnam(1) Counties in New York were not found in the data 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).

Hartford Quadrangle Sediment Data - 765 records
Hartford Quadrangle Water Data - 1,736 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 Hartford quadrangle is almost complete and includes samples from Fairfield, Hartford, Litchfield, Middlesex, New Haven, New London, Tolland, and Windham Counties in Connecticut; and Dutchess, Putnam, Orange, Rockland, Ulster, and Westchester Counties in New York. No stream-sediment or stream-water samples were collected in the portions of Orange and Ulster Counties, New York that fall within the Hartford quadrangle. Some of the urban areas also appear to be less densely sampled. The laboratory and analytical methods used also may vary by county such that adjacent counties often have very different analytical coverage.

One Litchfield County, Connecticut water sample collected within the Hartford quadrangle was not analyzed by any of the various laboratories.

The process of re-digitizing sample locations from the original field maps revealed some problems with the accuracy of site coordinates. Some of the original maps were topographic sheets with well-defined latitude and longitude markings: The latitude and longitude coordinate accuracy for the plotted sites on these maps is probably better than +/- 1 second. However some of the original maps were county maps of various derivations. Many of these had no coordinate boundaries, tic marks, or identified map projections. To digitize sites on maps like these, it was necessary to use additional topographic maps to identify the coordinates for several reference points; such as road intersections, bridges, or county and township boundaries. The new reference points were then used to register the map and to confirm the accuracy of digitizing. The coordinate accuracy for known reference points on these maps varied and in some cases was no better than +/- 10 seconds. Within the Hartford quadrangle, the field maps for Orange, Ulster, and Westchester Counties, New York had coordinate accuracy problems.

Other NURE Geochemical Data for the Hartford Quadrangle

None found.

Hartford Quadrangle NURE Bibliography

• Cook, J.R., Fay, W.M., and Sargent, K.A., 1982, Data report: Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York: E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Co., Savannah River Laboratory, Aiken, S.C., SRL Internal Doc. DPST-81-146-26, U.S. Department of Energy, Grand Junction, Colo., GJBX-106(82), 44 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., 1982, Data report: New England: E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Co., Savannah River Laboratory, Aiken, S.C., SRL Internal Doc. DPST-81-146-27, U.S. Department of Energy, Grand Junction, Colo., GJBX-107(82), 35 p.
• Jones, P.L., 1979, Hartford 1° x 2° NTMS area, Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York, data release: E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Co., Savannah River Laboratory, Aiken, S.C., SRL Internal Doc. DPST-79-146-7, U.S. Department of Energy, Grand Junction, Colo., GJBX-94(79), 224 p.

Links Within Open-File Report 97-492

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Home Page: USGS National Geochemical Database - NURE HSSR data

Page written by Steven M. Smith.
Contact: Steven M. Smith (smsmith@usgs.gov)
Version 1.41: February 23, 2006

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