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C. F. Myette

Publications and source records attributed to C. F. Myette.

9 recordsLinked to original sources
USGS1991

Hydrology, water quality, and simulation of ground-water flow at a taconite-tailings basin near Keewatin, Minnesota

Taconite tailings, a waste product from processing of iron ore, have been deposited in a 2.5-square-mile containment basin near Keewatin, Minnesota, The basin, which is bounded by earthen dikes of compacted drift and clayey bouldery till, contains saturated tailings consisting of chert and other silica-rich particles that range from clay to coarse-sand size. Runoff from the tailings is slight and occurs only after heavy rains and snowmelt. Average discharge from the basin from April 1982 through June 1984 was about 0.6 cubic foot per second. Instantaneous discharge ranged from zero during much of the period to about 140 cubic feet per second following snowmelt in spring 1982. Daily mean discharge from the basin exceeded 20 cubic feet per second on two days during the period of study. Water levels in wells range from 0 to 25 feet below the tailings surface; seasonal fluctuations range from 2 to 8 feet. Ground water flows radially from a mound in the north-central part of the basin under a hydraulic gradient of 4.7 x 10 -3 feet per foot. Vertical flow also is downward to drift deposits beneath the tailings. Vertical gradients range from 7.0 x 10 -3 to 6.0 x 10 -1 feet per foot. Saturated thickness of the tailings ranges from about 1 to 35 feet. Estimated horizontal hydraulic conductivity ranges from about 1 to 500 feet per day. Transmissivities range from about 25 feet squared per day in fine tailings to about 350 feet squared per day in coarse tailings. Ground-water recharge from precipitation was 11.8 inches from October 1982 through September 1983. Ground-water outflow as leakage to the underlying drift deposits was 9.9 inches for the same period. Water collected from wells completed in the tailings and from the drainage ditch at the basin outlet is of a mixed type in which the magnesium concentration only slightly exceeds concentrations of calcium and sodium plus potassium, expressed in milliequivalents, and concentrations of sulfate and bicarbonate, expressed in milliequivalents, are equal. Concentrations of arsenic, fluoride, and nitrite plus nitrate in water from the tailings were notably greater than in water from adjacent aquifers. However, only fluoride, manganese, and nitrite plus nitrate concentrations equalled or exceeded State drinking-water standards. Suspended-sediment concentrations in streamflow ranged from less than 1 milligram per liter during low-flow periods to about 4,600 milligrams per liter following snowmelt in the spring of 1982. Numerical-model simulations of ground-water flow near the vicinity of the tailings basin indicate that, if areal recharge were doubled during spring and fall, water levels in wells could average about 4 feet above 1983 levels during these periods. Model results indicate that water levels in the tailings could possibly remain about 5 feet above 1983 levels at the end of the year. Water levels in the tailings at the outlet of the basin could be about 1 foot above 1983 levels during the spring stress period and could be nearly 1.5 feet above 1983 levels during the fall stress period. Under these hypothetical climatic conditions, ground-water contribution to discharge at the outlet could be about 50 cubic feet per second during spring and about 80 cubic feet per second during fall.

Minnesota↗
USGS1987

Area of influence and zone of contribution to superfund-site wells G and H, Woburn, Massachusetts

Groundwater contamination by chlorinated volatile organic compounds detected by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Quality Engineering in 1979 forced the closing of public supply wells G and H in the City of Woburn, MA. The EPA has ranked the wells G and H site on the National Priorities List as a CERCLA (Superfund) site and currently is conducting a feasibility study to determine a remedial action cleanup plan for the site. A 30-day aquifer test was conducted to determine the hydraulic properties of the stratified drift aquifer in the vicinity of the wells, and to determine the area of influenced and zone of contribution to wells G and H under pumping conditions. The estimated transmissivity of the aquifer in the vicinity of well G was 29,700 sq ft/day, with a storage coefficient of 0.20. The average horizontal hydraulic conductivity in the vicinity of the well ranged from 125 to 350 ft/day. The estimated transmissivity of the aquifer at well H was 17,600 sq ft/day, with a storage coefficient of 0.16. The average horizontal hydraulic conductivity ranges from 130 to 215 ft/day. The area of influence after 30 days of pumping well G at 700 gal/min and well H at 400 gal/min was oblong in shape, and approximately 3000 ft long and 1700 ft wide, as measured at the midpoint between wells G and H. The area of influence of wells G and H described in this report is considered to be a ' snapshot ' representative of the hydrologic and pumping conditions of the 30-day aquifer test. Most of the water pumped by the wells is obtained directly from the part of the aquifer immediately surrounding both wells and from induced infiltration of surface water from the overlying river and wetland. The remaining part of the zone of contribution is that area of the Aberjona River drainage basin up-gradient and outside the area of influence of wells G and H. A small amount of the surface water in the river entering the northern end of the study area, which is derived from groundwater discharge and surface water runoff in the up-gradient drainage area, is induced from the river to the wells under pumping conditions. The size of the area south of wells G and H that contributes water to the wells is variable, dependent on pumping rates and hydrologic conditions. (Author 's abstract)

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗
USGS1986

Hydrogeology of sand-plain aquifers in Carlton, Kanabec, and Pine Counties, east-central Minnesota

Sand-plain aquifers in parts of Carlton, Kanabec, and Pine Counties in east-central Minnesota constitute a major aquifer system. They consist predominantly of fine to medium outwash sand with a combined areal extent of nearly 500 square miles. Saturated thickness in localized areas is as much as 90 feet. Depth to water generally is less than 20 feet. Transmissivities range from about 100 to 25,000 feet squared per day. Yields to properly constructed wells locally may exceed 2,000 gallons per minute. A reconnaissance of sandstone units underlying the outwash indicates that transmissivities of the sandstone aquifers range from 1,850 to 2,200 feet squared per day, and specific capacities range from 9 to 12 gallons per minute per foot of drawdown. Locally, wells may be capable of supplying several hundred gallons per minute. Regionally, the sand-plain and sandstone aquifers are poorly connected hydraulically at all locations tested except in a small localized area near Quamba in Kanabec County. Ground water in the sand-plain aquifers can be classified chemically, based on predominant ions, as a calcium bicarbonate type that is moderately hard. Concentrations of dissolved solids range from 30 to 610 milligrams per liter. Except for locally high concentrations of iron and manganese, the quality of water is within State drinking-water standards and is suitable for most uses. There are no major differences between the quality of water in the sand-plain and sandstone aquifers. Ground-water flow, aquifer response, aquifer development, and drought conditions were simulated for sand-plain aquifers areally extensive enough to be hydrologically significant. Simulation of expanded ground-water development and drought in northern Pine County indicates that regional ground-water levels may be lowered as much as 12 feet and ground-water discharge to streams may be reduced as much as 42 percent. Simulation of expanded development and drought in southern Pine County indicates that regional ground-water levels may be lowered as much as 25 feet and ground-water discharge to streams may be reduced as much as 65 percent. The simulations also indicate that each area, especially the northern Pine County area, will support substantial additional development without dewatering the aquifer or reducing streamflow significantly.

Minnesota↗
USGS1984

Appraisal of water from surficial-outwash aquifers in Todd County and parts of Cass and Morrison counties, central Minnesota

Outwash deposits consisting of medium to very coarse sand constitute a major aquifer in Todd County and in parts of Cass and Morrison Counties. The outwash ranges in thickness from 0 to 150 feet. Depth to water is generally less than 15 feet, and annual water-level fluctuations are less than 5 feet. Aquifer-test results indicate that transmissivities range from 4,600 to 18,500 feet squared per day and storage coefficients range from 0.10 to 0.25. Yields of more than 2,000 gallons per minute can be obtained locally from properly constructed wells. Average annual precipitation is 25.93 inches, and average annual recharge to the aquifer is estimated to be 8 inches. Base-flow measurements of the Long Prairie River between Long Prairie and Motley during October 1978 and October 1979 indicate average net gains of 0.85 and 1.3 cubic feet per second per river mile. The water is a calcium bicarbonate type and is generally suitable for most uses. However, elevated concentrations of selected chemicals in local areas may require treatment of the water for specialized uses. The water is hard to very hard with dissolved-solids concentrations ranging from about 200 to 400 milligrams per liter. Locally, nitrate concentrations are as much as 6.4 milligrams per liter. Residuals of pesticides are present but do not exceed recommended limits as established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for domestic consumption. Results from numerical modeling experiments indicate that, with proper development, the ground-water system can accommodate additional withdrawals. One experiment indicated that reduction in recharge from 8 to 4 inches annually over 4 years, and anticipated increases in pumping from 2.1 million gallons per day (1978 pumpage) to 7.7 million gallons per day, would cause water levels to decline regionally only about 9 feet and ground-water discharge to streams to decline only about 20 percent.

Minnesota↗
USGS1984

Ground-water-quality appraisal of sand-plain aquifers in Hubbard, Morrison, Otter Tail, and Wadena Counties, Minnesota

Water samples were collected periodically from 124 wells completed in sand-plain aquifers in Hubbard, Morrison, Otter Tail, and Wadena Counties, Minnesota, to determine baseline water quality, provide data for evaluation of trends, and to investigate seasonal variations in concentrations of selected chemical constituents during a 3-year study that began in October 1979. Results of the study show that the water is predominantly a calcium bicarbonate type with low to moderate concentrations of dissolved solids (77 to 710 milligrams per liter), and that it generally is suitable chemically for most uses. Concentrations of most constituents are below limits for domestic consumption recommended by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Concentrations of nitrite plus nitrate nitrogen, iron, and manganese in localized areas, however, exceed the recommended limits. Comparison of current data to historical data indicates that concentrations of nitrite plus nitrate nitrogen and chloride have increased in local agricultural areas. Data indicate that concentrations of certain chemical constituents vary seasonally and annually with changes in ground-water levels. This relationship suggests that chemicals infiltrate the land surface and percolate to the water table during major recharge events. Site-specific investigations at the Staples Irrigation Center near Staples, Minnesota, indicate that, in addition to seasonal variation, nitrite plus nitrate nitrogen and chloride concentrations decreased with depth while iron concentrations increased. Although no direct quantifiable relationship between concentration and depth was found, mean nitrite plus nitrate nitrogen and chloride concentrations were both 15 milligrams per liter near the top of the aquifer and were 0.1 and 3.5 milligrams per liter, respectively, near the bottom; mean concentrations of dissolved iron were 460 ug/L near the top of the aquifer and 3840 ug/L near the bottom. Data show that the stratification with depth of nitrite plus nitrate nitrogen, chloride, and iron exists at least several hundred feet from the source area throughout most of the year. Chemical stratification appears to be greatest during periods of little recharge.

Minnesota↗
USGS1984

Appraisal of the surficial aquifers in the Pomme de Terre and Chippewa River Valleys, western Minnesota

The surf icial sands in the Pomme de Terre and Chippewa River valleys in Grant, Pope, Stevens, and Swift Counties have been studied to determine the occurrence, availability, and quality of ground water in these aquifers. In the northern part of the Pomme de Terre and Chippewa River valleys, the aquifers consist of coarse sand and gravel ranging from 0 to 100 feet in thickness; transmissivities range from 0 to 35,000 feet squared per day in narrow, steep-sided erosional valleys. In the north, well yields commonly exceed 1,000 gallons per minute and may be as much as 4,000 gallons per minute locally. Farther south, the deposits are medium to fine grained, range from 0 to 90 feet thick, and reach a maximum width of 10 miles near Benson, Minnesota. Transmissivities range from 0 to 25,000 feet squared per day. Wells may yield as much as 1,500 gallons per minute locally. Southeast of Clontarf, well yields generally do not exceed 500 gallons per minute because the deposits are thinly saturated and fine grained. Ground water in the surf icial aquifer is a mixed calcium magnesium-sulf ate bicarbonate type that is chemically suitable for most uses. Concentrations of most constituents analyzed were below limits recommended by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency for drinking water, but concentrations of manganese, iron, nitrite plus nitrate, and dissolved solids exceed recommended limits locally. Salinity, as indicated by the specific conductance (values ranged from 580 to 1,000 micromhos per centimeter) was in the medium to high range at several locations. An analytical model was used to estimate the effect on streamflow of pumpage from the surficial aquifer in the narrow, 50-mile reach of the Pomme de Terre River valley in Stevens and Grant Counties. The model indicates that the 43 existing wells pumping at maximum potential yields could reduce streamflow by 55 cubic feet per second. Addition of 23 wells also pumping at maximum potential yields could reduce streamflow by 77 cubic feet per second; this rate exceeds low base flow of the Pomme de Terre River. Finite-difference models were used to simulate flow in the surficial aquifer along the Pomme de Terre River near Appleton in Swift County and along the Chippewa River between Cyrus in Pope County and Danvers in Swift County. In the Appleton area/ model analyses indicate that pumping lowered water levels as much as 3 feet from 1973-80 and reduced streamflow by about 14 cubic feet per second. Additional regional water-level declines of 1 to 2 feet/ and up to 4 feet locally near aquifer-till boundaries, can be expected after about 4 years if pumping continues at the 1980 rate and area! recharge from precipitation is near normal. However/ simulation of increased pumping rates and decreased area! recharge during a 3-year drought indicates that water levels may decline as much as 9 feet near aquifer-till boundaries and streamflow may be reduced by about 41 cubic feet per second, which is about 95 percent of the available flow in the Pomme de Terre River at the 55-percent flow duration. Model results also suggest that/ during the first year of a drought/ the combined pumpage from wells operated during 1980 along the Pomme de Terre River in Stevens and Grant Counties and in the Appleton area could reduce streamflow to zero during base flow. Model-computed streamflow deficiencies are 48 and 60 cubic feet per second at the 55- and 70-percent flow duration/ respectively. Under such conditions/ pumping could not be sustained at the rates simulated unless there was sufficient water stored in the stream channel or streamflow was augmented. In the Cyrus-Benson area/ model results indicate that tinder 1980 development and average area! recharge/ dynamic equilibrium would be reached in less than 4 years and additional drawdown would be less than 2 feet. A 3-year drought coupled with increased pumping from irrigation wells operated during 1980 would lower water levels as much as 6 feet and reduce flow in the Chippewa River by about 26 cubic feet per second. At maximum hypothetical development in terms of the number of wells and normal area! recharge/ water levels would be lowered as much as 9 feet and streamflow would be reduced about 12 cubic feet per second. At maximum hypothetical development/ drought conditions and increased pumping would lower water levels as much as 12 feet and reduce flow in the Chippewa River by about 30 cubic feet per second/ which equals about 75 percent of available streamflow at the 70-percent flow duration.

Minnesota↗
USGS1982

Baseline water-quality data for sand-plain aquifers in Hubbard, Morrison, Otter Tail, and Wadena counties, Minnesota

Tapping the surficial sand-plain aquifers in west-central Minnesota has raised the possibility for degradation of water quality. The sand-plain areas are generally overlain by sandy soils that permit rapid infiltration of precipitation and, possibly, of surface contaminants. One hundred twenty-five wells were sampled in Hubbard, Morrison, Otter Tail, and Wadena Counties during 1979-81 to establish regional baseline water quality. The wells were chosen to provide optimum areal coverage based on geology, direction of ground-water flow, and extent of aquifer development. Water from the sand-plain aquifers is of the calcium bicarbonate type. The water is hard to very hard with dissolved solids ranging from about 100 to 700 milligrams per liter. Locally, concentrations of dissolved solids, iron, manganese, and nitrate exceeded limits recommended by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.

Minnesota↗
USGS1980

Hydrologic budget for Eagle Lake near Willmar, Minnesota

Eagle Lake occupies 890 acres of a 9,000-acre watershed in central Minnesota. Because of its proximity to Willmar, many homes and summer cabins have been built around the lake. Presently (1978), the shore is more than 90 percent developed. One effect of this development is accelerated eutrophication, most commonly shown by algae blooms. An annual hydrologic budget for Eagle Lake was prepared for the 1978 water year in support of a nutrient study prepared by the University of Minnesota at Morris. Results show that the amount of water that flowed through Eagle Lake in the 1978 water year was 6,670 acre-feet. Inflow to the lake was 45 percent surface water, 22 percent ground water, and 33 percent precipitation. Outflow was 73 prcent surface water, 25 percent evaporation, and slightly greater than 2 percent net change in lake storage. Estimates for the ground-water component were derived both as a residual in the hydrologic-budget equation and by flow-net analyses. The residual value of 1,450 acre-feet compared favorably with the flow-net value of 1,400 acre-feet.

Minnesota↗