Physical and hydrologic environments of the Mulberry coal reserves in eastern Kansas

Water-Resources Investigations Report 82-4074
By: , and 

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Abstract

Strippable reserves of Mulberry coal underlie an area of approximately 300 square miles of Miami, Linn, and Bourbon Counties of eastern Kansas. Although subject to State reclamation law, current and projected strip mining of this relatively thin coal seam could alter and hydrologic environment of the study area. Drained by the Marais des Cygnes and Little Osage Rivers and their tributaries, this area is characterized by low relief and moderately impermeable soils. Streamflows are poorly sustained by ground-water discharge and fluctuate widely due to climatic extremes and usage of surface-water supplies. Because ground-water supplies are generally unreliable in quantity and quality, surface water is used to meet most water requirements in the study area. Primary used of surface waters are for domestic supplies, maintenance of wildlife and recreational areas, and cooling needs at LaCygne Power Plant. The prevailing chemical type of the natural streamflow is calcium bicarbonate, with concentrations of dissolved solids generally less than 500 milligrams per liter and pH near neutral. Additional streamflow and water-quality data are needed to evaluate the premining characteristics of and the anticipated changes in the hydrologic environment as strip mining proceeds within the study area. A network of data-collection stations and a sampling scheme have been established to acquire this additional information. (USGS)
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Physical and hydrologic environments of the Mulberry coal reserves in eastern Kansas
Series title Water-Resources Investigations Report
Series number 82-4074
DOI 10.3133/wri824074
Edition -
Year Published 1982
Language ENGLISH
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey, WRD,
Description 50 p. :ill., maps ;28 cm.
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