Ground-water-surface water relations in the Flathead River Valley near the proposed Cabin Creek coal mine, British Columbia, Canada

Book · Thu Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1987

OSTI ID:6694229

Moreland, J A; Liebscher, H; Van Voast, W A; Feltis, R D

The area of the proposed Cabin Creek coal mine was studied to obtain information concerning water resources near the international border. Specific interest focused on determining the extent and character of surficial material in the Flathead River valley, identifying gaining and losing reaches of the river and major tributaries, and documenting ambient water quality at selected sites. Measurements of streamflow at 20 sites in the Flathead river valley indicate that water discharges from the alluvial deposits to most of the tributaries and to the river near the proposed mine. Analysis of samples from 18 stream sites and 1 spring site indicates general trends in water quality. In Howell Creek, concentrations of calcium, magnesium, and sulfates increased slightly downstream. Conversely, samples from Sage and Couldrey Creeks indicate downstream increases in concentrations of calcium, magnesium, and alkalinity, but decreases in concentrations of sulfate. Water quality of Cabin Creek was relatively stable through the sampled reach. Decreased concentrations of calcium and alkalinity in the Flathead River reflect the effect of inflow from Couldrey Creek and the groundwater inflow documented by streamflow measurements. 5 refs., 2 figs., 3 tabs.

• OSTI ID: 6694229
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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BRITISH COLUMBIA
CALCIUM
CANADA
COAL MINING
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STREAMS
SULFATES
SULFUR COMPOUNDS
SURFACE WATERS
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WATER POLLUTION
WATER QUALITY