Quantification of Metal Loading in Fisher Creek by Tracer Injection and Synoptic211 Sampling, Park County, Montana, August 1997

摘要

Acid mine drainage from abandoned and inactive mines affects the water quality of211u001ethe upper reaches of Fisher Creek, Montana. A sodium chloride tracer was added to 211u001ethe stream for 29.5 hours to provide a hydrologic context for synoptic sampling 211u001eof metal chemistry in the stream and its inflows. The detailed profile of stream 211u001edischarge obtained from the sampling helped to indicate those areas of Fisher 211u001eCreek where most of the metal loading occurred. Inflows to the stream can be 211u001edivided between visible surface inflows, which were sampled, and subsurface 211u001einflows, which were not sampled, but the effects of both types of inflows on the 211u001estream load were quantified. Substantial loads were attributed to both sources. 211u001eThese results indicate that treatment of large visible inflows, particularly the 211u001eGlengary adit, could still leave metal concentrations in Fisher Creek at levels 211u001ethat may adversely affect aquatic life.