Water quality in an Idaho stream degraded by acid mine waters

William S. Platts; Susan B. Martin; Edward R. J. Primbs

Treesearch

Water quality in an Idaho stream degraded by acid mine waters

Informally Refereed

Authors:

William S. Platts, Susan B. Martin, Edward R. J. Primbs

Year:

1979

Type:

General Technical Report

Station:

Rocky Mountain Research Station

Source:

Gen. Tech. Rep. INT-GTR-67. Ogden, UT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Intermountain Forest and Range Experiment Station. 19 p.

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Download (PDF 3.05 MB): https://research.fs.usda.gov/download/treesearch/65315.pdf

Abstract

Discusses studies made from 1967 through 1977 that show seepage from the no longer operating Blackbird Mine in east central Idaho has resulted in acidic waters high in sediment and heavy metals. Suggests high concentrations of cobalt, copper, iron, manganese, lead, and zinc in the Panther Creek drainage are the probable cause of diminished insect and fish populations in the area. Contends that pollution from the mined area will remain a problem in the drainage until rehabilitative measures are taken.

Keywords

mining, habitat, chinook salmon, Panther Creek, Idaho, heavy metal, acid mine wastes

Citation

Platts, William S.; Martin, Susan B.; Primbs, Edward R. J. 1979. Water quality in an Idaho stream degraded by acid mine waters. Gen. Tech. Rep. INT-GTR-67. Ogden, UT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Intermountain Forest and Range Experiment Station. 19 p.