Evaluation of the chemical, physical, and biological conditions of the Alamosa River and associated tributaries
- Environmental Protection Agency, Denver, CO (United States); and others
This study focused on the Summitville Mine Site, an abandoned cyanide heap-leach facility that discharges into the upper Alamosa River by way of the Wightman Fork, some five miles upstream from its confluence with the Alamosa River. Environmental data have been collected from the Alamosa River from its headwaters in the Rocky Mountains to its confluence with the Rio Grande River, Colorado. To date, environmental data have been collected in 1991, 1993, and July and September 1994. Water column and sediment chemistry, flow estimates and toxicity test data from more comprehensive environmental sampling events in July and September 1994 were used, in conjunction with other environmental data including in-stream biological data and physical habitat, to determine what impact, if any, the Summitville Superfund site was having on the aquatic life resources within the Alamosa River drainage, Comparisons of macroinvertebrate samples collected in July and September revealed difficulties relating impacts that occurred earlier in the summer, when heavy metal concentrations in the water column were high, to impacts that were noted in the fall, when heavy metal concentrations were lower. The macroinvertebrate community was reduced in numbers in the fall. However, water column chemistry and toxicity testing indicated improved conditions, when compared to the July sampling results. Possible reasons for the differences will be examined and suggestions will be made concerning additional sampling that might provide answers to the differences observed.
- OSTI ID:
- 367514
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-9511137-; ISBN 1-880611-03-1; TRN: IM9640%%260
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: 2. Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC) world conference, Vancouver (Canada), 5-9 Nov 1995; Other Information: PBD: 1995; Related Information: Is Part Of Second SETAC world congress (16. annual meeting): Abstract book. Global environmental protection: Science, politics, and common sense; PB: 378 p.
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Snake River Fall Chinook Salmon Life History Investigations, Annual Report 2007.
Effects of acid mine drainage on water, sediment and associated benthic macroinvertebrate communities