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Principal Locations of Metal Loading from Flood-Plain Tailings, Lower Silver Creek, Utah, April 2004

Scientific Investigations Report 2007-5248
Prepared in cooperation with Utah Department of Environmental Quality, Division of Water Quality
By: , , and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20075248

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Abstract

Because of the historical deposition of mill tailings in flood plains, the process of determining total maximum daily loads for streams in an area like the Park City mining district of Utah is complicated. Understanding the locations of metal loading to Silver Creek and the relative importance of these locations is necessary to make science-based decisions. Application of tracer-injection and synoptic-sampling techniques provided a means to quantify and rank the many possible source areas. A mass-loading study was conducted along a 10,000-meter reach of Silver Creek, Utah, in April 2004. Mass-loading profiles based on spatially detailed discharge and chemical data indicated five principal locations of metal loading. These five locations contributed more than 60 percent of the cadmium and zinc loads to Silver Creek along the study reach and can be considered locations where remediation efforts could have the greatest effect upon improvement of water quality in Silver Creek.

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Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Principal locations of metal loading from flood-plain tailings, Lower Silver Creek, Utah, April 2004
Series title Scientific Investigations Report
Series number 2007-5248
DOI 10.3133/sir20075248
Year Published 2007
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Colorado Water Science Center, Toxic Substances Hydrology Program, Utah Water Science Center
Description vi, 34 p.
Time Range Start 2004-04-01
Time Range End 2004-04-30
Country United States
State Utah
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