Results of NURE Detailed Sampling in the Midnite Mine Area, Washington. National Uranium Resource Evaluation Program

摘要

This abbreviated data report presents results of ground and surface water and stream sediment reconnaissance in the Midnite Mine study area in eastern Washington, primarily in the Turtle Lake 15' quadrangle. Sediment samples were taken at 697 sites. Surface water samples were taken at 16 of these sites. Ground water samples were collected at 108 sites. Botanical samples were taken at 812 sites. Neutron activation analysis (NAA) results are given for uranium and 16 other elements in sediment samples, and for uranium and 9 other elements in water samples. Mass spectrometry results are given for helium in ground water. Botanical samples were analyzed for uranium by laser induced fluorescence spectroscopy and for seven elements (Ag, Be, Co, Cu, Li, Mg, and Mo) by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Field measurements and observations are reported for each site. Analytical data and field measurements are presented in tables and maps. Elemental uranium in sediments from the Midnite Mine study area ranges from a low of 1.4 part per million (ppM) to a maximum of 207.9 ppM. The log mean uranium concentration for these same samples is 0.57 ppM and the log standard deviation is 0.27. The area around the Midnite Mine has high uranium concentrations in sediment samples. High scintillometer readings (> 500 cps) occur in many places in the Long Lake Granite. Botanical samples were high in uranium and molybdenum in the vicinity of the Midnite Mine. This report is issued in draft form, without detailed technical and copy editing. This was done to make the report available to the public before the end of the NURE program.