An evaluation of problems arising from acid mine drainage in the vicinity of Shasta Lake, Shasta County, California
Water-Resources Investigations Report
78-32
By: Richard H. Fuller, J. M. Shay, R. F. Ferreira, and R.J. Hoffman
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Abstract
Streams draining the mined areas of massive sulfide ore deposits in the Shasta Mining Districts of northern California are generally acidic and contain large concentrations of dissolved metals, including iron, copper, and zinc. The streams, including Flat, Little Backbone, Spring, West Squaw, Horse, and Zinc Creeks, discharge into Shasta Reservoir and the Sacramento River and have caused numerous fish kills. The sources of pollution are discharge from underground mines, streams that flow into open pits, and streams that flow through pyritic mine dumps where the oxidation of pyrite and other sulfide minerals results in the production of acid and the mobilization of metals. Suggested methods of treatment include the use of air and hydraulic seals in the mines, lime neutralization of mine effluent, channeling of runoff and mine effluent away from mine and tailing areas, and the grading and sealing of mine dumps. A comprehensive preabatement and postabatement program is recommended to evaluate the effects of any treatment method used. (Woodard-USGS)
Suggested Citation
Fuller, R.H., Shay, J.M., Ferreira, R.F., Hoffman, R., 1978, An evaluation of problems arising from acid mine drainage in the vicinity of Shasta Lake, Shasta County, California: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 78-32, iv, 39 p. :ill., maps ;27 cm., https://doi.org/10.3133/wri7832.
| Publication type | Report |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | USGS Numbered Series |
| Title | An evaluation of problems arising from acid mine drainage in the vicinity of Shasta Lake, Shasta County, California |
| Series title | Water-Resources Investigations Report |
| Series number | 78-32 |
| DOI | 10.3133/wri7832 |
| Year Published | 1978 |
| Language | ENGLISH |
| Publisher | U.S. Geological Survey, Water Resources Division, |
| Description | iv, 39 p. :ill., maps ;27 cm. |