Previous Studies

Periodic water-quality data were collected during the late 1980s through 1996 at sites SW-2 (site 7,120) and SW-5 (downstream from the end of the study reach) (fig. 1) (Miller and others, 1997; Nimmo and others, 1998; and URS Operating Services, Inc., 1998). Generally, metal concentrations in water from Miller Creek were low to slightly elevated with respect to Montana water-quality standards. During low flow, dissolved copper concentrations ranged from 2 to 10 µg/L and zinc concentrations ranged from 1 to 30 µg/L. During periods of higher streamflows (spring sampling periods), Nimmo and others (1998) determined that dissolved copper concentrations ranged from 8 to 11 µg/L and were slightly higher than concentrations during low-flow periods.

Previous: Description of Study Area

Next: Acknowledgements

Home page for USGS Water Resources Investigations Report 02-4148