Water resources and potential effects of surface coal mining in the area of the Woodson Preference Right Lease application, Montana

Book · Thu Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1987

OSTI ID:6672512

Cannon, M R

A hydrologic study has been conducted in the area to describe the water resources and to evaluate potential effects of coal mining on the water resources. Geohydrologic data collected from wells and springs indicate that several aquifers exist in the area. Chemical analyses of groundwater indicate a range in dissolved solids concentration of 240-2,280 mg/L. Water sampled from a small perennial reach of the Middle Fork had a dissolved solids concentration of 700 mg/L. Mining of the Pust coal bed would destroy one spring and four stock wells, dewater areas of the Pust coal and sandstone aquifers, and probably lower water levels in seven stock and domestic wells. Mining in the valley of Middle Fork Burns Creek would intercept streamflow and alter flow characteristics of a small perennial reach of stream. Leaching of soluble minerals from mine spoils may cause a long-term degradation of the quality of water in the spoils and in aquifers downgradient from the spoils. Some of the effects on local water supplies could be mitigated by development of new wells in deeper sandstones of the Tongue River Member. Effects of mining on water resources would be minimized if only areas of dry coal were mined. 21 refs., 4 figs., 3 tabs.

• OSTI ID: 6672512
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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