Scientific Investigations Report 2007-5265
 
Abstract
Ground- and surface-water samples were collected in the vicinity of the Standard Mine in west-central Colorado in order to characterize the local ground-water flow system, determine metal concentrations in local ground water, and better understand factors controlling the discharge of metal-rich waters from the mine. Samples were analyzed for major ions and trace elements, stable isotopes of hydrogen (2H/1H) and oxygen (18O/16O), strontium isotopes, and tritium and dissolved noble gases (including helium isotopes) for tritium/helium-3 age dating. The Standard fault itself is probably the main pathway of ground-water flow from the shallow subsurface to the mine workings. Tracer data suggest that ground water entering into and discharging from the Standard Mine was largely composed of water <1 yr old. Sulfide-rich mineralized rock is the primary control on dissolved metal concentrations and pH in ground water in the Standard Mine vicinity. The lowest pH and highest metal concentrations typically are found in discharge from waste-rock piles. Metal concentrations in Elk Creek waters commonly exceeded water quality standards for zinc, lead, cadmium, copper, and manganese. Metal concentrations in samples collected from underground workings in the Standard Mine were generally higher than in samples collected at aboveground sites located outside of sulfide-rich areas. |
Version 1.0 Posted May 2008 |
Manning, A.H., Verplanck, P.L., Mast, M.A., and Wanty, R.B., 2008, Hydrogeochemical investigation of the Standard Mine vicinity, upper Elk Creek Basin, Colorado: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2007–5265, 130 p.
Abstract
Introduction
Site Description
Location and Climate
Geology
Mining Activities
Previous Hydrogeologic Studies
Acknowledgments
Methods
Study Approach
Description of Methods
Major Ion and Trace Element Chemistry
Strontium Isotopes
Deuterium and Oxygen-18
Ground-Water Age Dating
Sample Collection and Analysis
Major Ion and Trace Element Chemistry
Strontium Isotopes
Deuterium and Oxygen-18
Tritium
Dissolved Gases
Carbon Isotopes
Quality Assurance and Quality Control
Results
Survey of Ground-Water Discharge Locations and Sample Site Selection
Underground Observations and Sample Site Selection
Field Parameters
Task 1
Task 2
Task 3
Major Ion and Trace Element Chemistry
Task 1
Task 2
Task 3
Strontium Isotopes
Deuterium and Oxygen-18
Task 1
Task 3
Tritium and Noble Gases
Task 2
Task 3
Carbon-14
Discussion
Distribution of Ground-Water Discharge and Potential Geologic Controls on Flow
Ground-Water Residence Times
Controls on Ground-Water Chemistry
Controls on Metal Concentrations
Controls on Major Ion Chemistry
Controls on Standard Mine Water Chemistry
Controls on Elk Creek Water Chemistry
Conclusions
References
Appendix 1. Sampling and Analysis Plan
Appendix 2. Sampling Information and Field Parameters
Appendix 3. Concentrations of Major Ions and Selected Metals
Appendix 4. Results of ICP–MS Analyses
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U.S. Department of the Interior | U.S. Geological Survey
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Last modified: Thursday, 01-Dec-2016 20:02:00 EST
