thumbnail

Determination of instream metal loads using tracer-injection and synoptic-sampling techniques, Wightman Fork, southwestern Colorado, July 1999

Water-Resources Investigations Report 2001-4167
By:
https://doi.org/10.3133/wri014167

Links

Abstract

In July 1999, a tracer-injection study was conducted concurrently with synoptic sampling to generate mass-load profiles in Wightman Fork near the Summitville Mine site. The mine site is located in the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado at an elevation of about 3,500 meters above sea level. Metal loads increased substantially along the 2,815-meter study reach along the boundary of the mine site. Spatial determinations of dissolved aluminum, copper, iron, manganese, and zinc loads were used to identify potential source areas to the stream. Overall, four source areas appeared to contribute most of the specific load at the end of the study reach. One source area was along a 60-meter reach downgradient from the toe of the North Waste Dump that generally corresponded to a region of radial faults. Another source area was a short reach that included inputs from the Summitville Water Treatment Facility and the Pump House Fault. In July 1999, seepage from the Summitville Dam Impoundment was a substantial contributor of metal load at the end of the study reach. Finally, the metal load contributed along a 60-meter reach that included Cropsy Creek is considered a substantial source of metal load to Wightman Fork.

Study Area

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Determination of instream metal loads using tracer-injection and synoptic-sampling techniques, Wightman Fork, southwestern Colorado, July 1999
Series title Water-Resources Investigations Report
Series number 2001-4167
DOI 10.3133/wri014167
Year Published 2001
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Description iv, 35 p.
Country United States
State Colorado
Other Geospatial Wightman Fork
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details