Plant Community Development within the F- and H-Area Tree-Kill Zones - Changes form 1994 to 2000
The F- and H-Area Seepage Basins received liquid waste from the F and H chemical separation facilities from 1955 through 1988. Tree mortality in seepline-fed wetlands downslope from the basins was observed in the late 1970's, and investigations were conducted to determine the cause and source of the impacts (Loehle and Gladden, 1988; Mackey, 1988; Haselow et al., 1990; LeBlanc and Loehle, 1990; Greenwood et al., 1990). Analysis of the soil and water in the tree-kill zones demonstrated a strong chemical linkage with the F- and H-Area Seepage Basins (Killian et al., 1987a, 1987b). Although no single cause of the mortality was determined, it was believed to be the result of interactions of alterations in the hydrology and erosional deposition, along with lowering of pH and increased conductivity, sodium, aluminum, and nitrogen compounds (Looney et al, 1988). A mild drought during the growing season may also have increased the concentration of the chemical contaminants in the soil matrix.
- Research Organization:
- Savannah River Site (SRS), Aiken, SC (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- US Department of Energy (US)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC09-96SR18500
- OSTI ID:
- 773115
- Report Number(s):
- WSRC-TR-2000-00346; TRN: AH200101%%94
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: PBD: 15 Dec 2000
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Current vegetation characteristics within tree-kill zones of F- and H-Areas
Vegetation survey of Four Mile Creek wetlands. [Savannah River Plant]