Chemical data and lead isotopic compositions in stream-sediment samples from the Boulder River watershed, Jefferson County, Montana

Open-File Report 99-575
By: , and 

Links

  • Document: Report (129 KB pdf)
  • Tables:
    • Table 1 (18.9 KB pdf) - Bed-and suspended-sediment sample localities, Boulder River watershed, Montana, 1996–99
    • Table 2 (42.3 KB pdf) - Major and trace-element data from total digestions of bed sediments from the Boulder River watershed, Montana
    • Table 3 (41.9 KB pdf) - Major and trace-element data from total digestions of residues from leach digestions of bed sediments from the Boulder River watershed, Montana
    • Table 4 (11.8 KB pdf) - Major and trace-element data from total digestions of suspended sediments from the Boulder River watershed, Montana, 1997
    • Table 5 (7.98 KB pdf) - Limits of determination for elements determined by ICP-AES using the two different digestions
    • Table 6 (64.7 KB pdf) - Major and trace-element data from total digestions of Standard Reference Materials, Abandoned Mine Lands Project, 1996–1999
    • Table 7 (43.7 KB pdf) - Major and trace-element data from 1 percent H2O2-HCl leach digestions of bed sediments from the Boulder River watershed, Montana
    • Table 8 (33.4 KB pdf) - Major and trace-element data from 1 percent H2O2-HCl leach digestions of Standard Reference Materials, Abandoned Mine Lands Project, 1996–1999
    • Table 9 (24.2 KB pdf) - Statistical summary of major and trace-element data from total digestions of replicate bed sediment samples taken in different years from the Boulder River watershed, Montana
    • Table 10 (16.5 KB pdf) - Lead isotopic data from bed sediments, Boulder River watershed, northern Jefferson County, Montana
  • Download citation as: RIS | Dublin Core

Abstract

Metal-mining related wastes in the Boulder River basin study area in northern Jefferson County, Montana, have been evaluated for their environmental effects as a part of the U.S. Geological Survey Abandoned Mine Lands Project. Many mine and prospect waste dumps, and mill wastes are located in the drainage basins of Basin Creek, Cataract Creek, and High Ore Creek, the three major tributaries to the Boulder River in the study area. Throughout the study area, mine-waste material has been transported into and down streams, where it mixes with and becomes incorporated into the bed sediments. In some locations, waste material was placed by mine operators directly in stream channels, and has been transported downstream forming fluvial tailings deposits along the stream banks. Water quality and aquatic habitat have been affected by acid generation and toxic-metal mobility during snowmelt and storm water runoff events. Colloids formed by the raising of pH downstream from these mine sites sorb metals contributing to the high concentrations observed in both bed and suspended sediments within the watershed. This report presents geochemical data for bed sediments from 67 sites and lead isotope data for 59 sites. Also included are geochemical data for seven suspended-sediment samples, and one smelter slag sample. 

Suggested Citation

Fey, D.L., Unruh, D.M., and Church, S.E., 1999, Chemical data and lead isotopic compositions in stream-sediment samples from the Boulder River watershed, Jefferson County, Montana: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 1999–0575, 144 p., https://pubs.er.usgs.gov/publication/ofr99575.

ISSN: 2331-1258 (online)

Study Area

Table of Contents

  • Introduction
  • Methods of Study
  • Sample Preparation
  • Same Analysis
  • References Cited
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Chemical data and lead isotopic compositions in stream-sediment samples from the Boulder River watershed, Jefferson County, Montana
Series title Open-File Report
Series number 99-575
DOI 10.3133/ofr99575
Year Published 1999
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Abandoned Mine Lands Initiative, Toxic Substances Hydrology Program
Description Report: 7 p.; 10 Tables
Country United States
State Montana
County Jefferson County
Other Geospatial Boulder River watershed
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Additional Online Files (Y/N) Y
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details