Reconnaissance of the effect of landfill leachate on the water quality of Marshall Brook, Southwest Harbor, Hancock County, Maine

Open-File Report 80-1120
Prepared in cooperation with the Water Resources Program, Office of Scientific Studies, National Park Service, North Atlantic Region
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Abstract

A small stream (2.2 square miles drainage area) receiving leachate from a landfill was studied from August through November 1979 to determine the impact of the leachate on water quality. The presence of un-ionized ammonia, considered toxic to some aquatic vertebrates, was indicated in samples taken from sections of the stream affected by leachate. Some dissolved oxygen values did not meet the criteria for the protection of aquatic life. Many other dissolved constituents were present in elevated concentrations in the leachate-influenced reaches of the stream. Flow-data comparisons indicate that streamflow less than that observed will occur approximately 20 percent of the time. Leachate-affected stream conditions may deteriorate further during such low streamflow. Several areas with the potential for large sediment yields are present in the basin.

Study Area

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Reconnaissance of the effect of landfill leachate on the water quality of Marshall Brook, Southwest Harbor, Hancock County, Maine
Series title Open-File Report
Series number 80-1120
DOI 10.3133/ofr801120
Year Published 1980
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Description iv, 13 p.
Country United States
State Maine
County Hancock County
Other Geospatial Marshall Brook
Datum National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929
Scale 62500
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