Geology topics

Roderick F. Ortiz

Publications and source records attributed to Roderick F. Ortiz.

22 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

USGS2001

Determination of instream metal loads using tracer-injection and synoptic-sampling techniques, Wightman Fork, southwestern Colorado, July 1999

In July 1999, a tracer-injection study was conducted concurrently with synoptic sampling to generate mass-load profiles in Wightman Fork near the Summitville Mine site. The mine site is located in the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado at an elevation of about 3,500 meters above sea level. Metal loads increased substantially along the 2,815-meter study reach along the boundary of the mine site. Spatial determinations of dissolved aluminum, copper, iron, manganese, and zinc loads were used to identify potential source areas to the stream. Overall, four source areas appeared to contribute most of the specific load at the end of the study reach. One source area was along a 60-meter reach downgradient from the toe of the North Waste Dump that generally corresponded to a region of radial faults. Another source area was a short reach that included inputs from the Summitville Water Treatment Facility and the Pump House Fault. In July 1999, seepage from the Summitville Dam Impoundment was a substantial contributor of metal load at the end of the study reach. Finally, the metal load contributed along a 60-meter reach that included Cropsy Creek is considered a substantial source of metal load to Wightman Fork.

Colorado↗

USGS1996

Water-quality data for the Arkansas River Basin, southeastern Colorado, 1990-93

Water-quality data were collected and compiled for 59 surface-water stations in the Arkansas River Basin of Colorado. The purpose of the data collection was to describe selected water-quality characteristics of the Arkansas River from the headwaters downstream to the Colorado-Kansas State line. Data are presented for 19 Arkansas River stations, 31 tributary stations, 2 mine-drainage stations, and 7 transmountain diversion stations. Water-quality data presented in this report include instantaneous discharge; onsite measurements of specific conductance, pH, water temperature, and dissolved oxygen; analytical concentrations of bacteria, dissolved solids, major nutrients, trace elements, pesticides, radiochemicals, and suspended sediment; and quality-assurance data for selected water-quality constituents. Sampling began in April 1990 and continued through March 1993 at the 59 surface-water stations. The basinwide water-quality study was initiated in 1988 by the U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with 14 local agencies and the Bureau of Reclamation.

Colorado↗

USGS1990

Geohydrology and ground-water quality at the Pueblo Depot activity landfill near Pueblo, Colorado

Groundwater samples were collected from the shallow unconfined aquifer at the Pueblo Depot Activity (Colorado) landfill and downstream from the landfill. The Pueblo Depot Activity is a U.S. Department of the Army facility in southeastern Colorado about 15 miles east of Pueblo, Colorado. The land-fill is underlain by upland alluvial terrace deposits that overlie a thick and almost impermeable shale. Saturated thickness of the aquifer generally is from 5 to 10 feet. Groundwater flow at the landfill is to the south-southeast toward the Arkansas River valley. Though not hydraulically connected to the upland terrace deposits, the alluvium underlying the Arkansas River valley may be recharged by groundwater that is discharged from seeps at the contact of the upland terrace deposits and the Pierre Shale. The water is classified as a mixed-cation mixed-anion type water that has concentrations of dissolved solids of 710 to 1,810 mg/L. Dissolved-solids concentrations increase downgradient. Chemical analysis, done to determine possible contamination of the groundwater, indicated that concentrations of trichloroethylene ranged from 5.2 to 2,900 microg/L and of trans-1,2-dichloroethylene ranged from 5 to 720 microg/L. The areal distribution of these volatile organic compounds indicate that there possibly are two sources of contamination of groundwater at the landfill, one upgradient from the landfill and the other within the landfill. Analysis of water samples from wells and seeps offsite and downgradient from the landfill did not indicate either contaminant in groundwater from the alluvial aquifer underlying the Arkansas River valley. (USGS)

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗

USGS1989

Selected hydrologic data for Fountain Creek and Monument Creek basins, east-central Colorado

Selected hydrologic data were collected during 1986, 1987, and 1988 by the U.S. Geological Survey for the Fountain Creek and Monument Creek basins, east-central Colorado. The data were obtained as part of a study to determine the present and projected effects of wastewater discharges on the two creeks. The data, which are available for 129 surface-water sites, include: (1) About 1,100 water quality analyses; (2) about 420 measurements of discharge, (3) characteristics of about 50 dye clouds associated with measurements of traveltime and reaeration , and (4) about 360 measurements of channel geometry. (USGS)

Open-File Report↗