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At least 1,261 records · Page 70Linked to original sources
USGS1990

Hydrogeology of a hazardous-waste disposal site near Brentwood, Williamson County, Tennessee

Approximately 44,000 gal of industrial solvent wastes were disposed in pits on a farm near Brentwood, Tennessee, in 1978, and contaminants were reported in the soil and shallow groundwater on the site in 1985. In order for the State to evaluate possible remedial-action alternatives, an 18-month study was conducted to define the hydrogeologic setting of the site and surrounding area. The area is underlain by four hydrogeologic units: (1) an upper aquifer consisting of saturated regolith, Bigby-Cannon Limestone, and weathered Hermitage Formation; (2) the Hermitage confining unit; (3) a lower aquifer consisting of the Carters Limestone; and (4) the Lebanon confining unit. Wells generally are low yielding less than 1 gal/min), although locally the aquifers may yield as much as 80 gal/minute. This lower aquifer is anisotropic, and transmissivity of this aquifer is greatest in a northwest-southeast direction. Recharge to the groundwater system is primarily from precipitation, and estimates of average annual recharge rates range from 6 to 15 inches/year. Discharge from the groundwater system is primarily to the Little Harpeth River and its tributaries. Groundwater flow at the disposal site is mainly to a small topographic depression that drains the site. Geochemical data indicate four distinct water types. These types represent (1) shallow, rapidly circulating groundwater; (2) deeper (> than 100 ft), rapidly circulating groundwater; (3) shallow, slow moving groundwater; and (4) deeper, slow moving groundwater. Results of the numerical model indicate that most flow is in the upper aquifer.

Tennessee↗
USGS1998

Computer programs for describing the recession of ground-water discharge and for estimating mean ground-water recharge and discharge from streamflow records-update

The computer programs included in this report can be used to develop a mathematical expression for recession of ground-water discharge and estimate mean ground-water recharge and discharge. The programs are intended for analysis of the daily streamflow record of a basin where one can reasonably assume that all, or nearly all, ground water discharges to the stream except for that which is lost to riparian evapotranspiration, and where regulation and diversion of flow can be considered to be negligible. The program RECESS determines the master reces-sion curve of streamflow recession during times when all flow can be considered to be ground-water discharge and when the profile of the ground-water-head distribution is nearly stable. The method uses a repetitive interactive procedure for selecting several periods of continuous recession, and it allows for nonlinearity in the relation between time and the logarithm of flow. The program RORA uses the recession-curve displacement method to estimate the recharge for each peak in the streamflow record. The method is based on the change in the total potential ground-water discharge that is caused by an event. Program RORA is applied to a long period of record to obtain an estimate of the mean rate of ground-water recharge. The program PART uses streamflow partitioning to estimate a daily record of base flow under the streamflow record. The method designates base flow to be equal to streamflow on days that fit a requirement of antecedent recession, linearly interpolates base flow for other days, and is applied to a long period of record to obtain an estimate of the mean rate of ground-water discharge. The results of programs RORA and PART correlate well with each other and compare reasonably with results of the corresponding manual method.

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗
USGS1986

Planning report for the Edwards-Trinity Regional Aquifer-System analysis in central Texas, southeast Oklahoma, and southwest Arkansas

The Edwards-Trinity regional aquifer system supplies more than 0.78 million acre-feet per year (700 million gallons per day) of water for central Texas and small adjacent parts of southeast Oklahoma and southwest Arkansas. The system consists of three major aquifers and at least three minor aquifers in predominantly Cretaceous rocks, which together have an areal extent of about 80,000 square miles. The major aquifers are the Edwards-Trinity (Plateau) in west-central Texas, the Edwards (Balcones Fault Zone) in south-central Texas, and the Trinity in north-central Texas, southeast Oklahoma, and southwest Arkansas. Current (1986) and future concerns about the aquifer system involve the ever-increasing demand for water, most of which is associated with rapid population increase. Decreases in or elimination of spring discharges and encroachment of water from downdip salinewater zones into updip freshwater zones are of primary concern in the area underlain by ttie Edwards (Balcones Fault Zone) aquifer. Water-level declines of several hundred feet in the Trinity aquifer are a serious concern in some metropolitan areas. The Edwards-Trinity regional aquifer-system analysis project, begun in October 1985 and scheduled to be completed by October 1991, is one of a series of similar projects being conducted nationwide. The project is intended to define the hydrogeologic framework, and to describe the geochemistry and groundwater flow of the aquifer system in order to provide a better understanding of the system's long-term water-yielding potential. A multidisciplinary approach will be used in which computer-based digital simulation of flow in the system will be the principal method of hydrogeologic investigation.

Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas↗
USGS1995

Salinity in surface water in the Red River of the North basin, northeastern North Dakota

Saline ground-water discharge from bedrock aquifers collects in wetlands that drain into tributaries of the Red River of the North (Red River). The Turtle, Forest, and Park Rivers are the major contributors of salinity to the Red River. These three rivers drain areas of wetlands affected by ground-water discharge from bedrock and by direct evapotranspiration. This report describes the effect of tributaries in northeastern North Dakota on the quality of water in the Red River and examines the possible processes that affect salinity in tributaries and wetlands in the area. Streamflow and specific-conductance measurements were made at the mouths of the three tributaries and at streamflow-gaging stations on the Red River at Grand Forks and at Drayton during the fall and winter of 1992-93. During this low-flow period, the three tributaries accounted for about 1.2 percent of the total Streamflow in the Red River at Drayton, yet contributed an average of 17 percent (at times up to 43 percent) of the dissolved-solids load. Long-term Streamflow records at Grand Forks and at Drayton show that less than 15 percent of the annual Streamflow in the Red River at Drayton occurs during November through February. However, long-term specific-conductance measurements show an increase in dissolved-solids concentrations during this period. In addition, records indicate that there is an average increase in dissolved-solids load in the Red River between Grand Forks and Drayton of 35 percent during November through February. This increase is attributed to inflow from the Turtle, Forest, and Park Rivers. The salinity in the Turtle, Forest, and Park Rivers may be attributed to natural ground-water discharge and flowing wells, leaching of surface sediments, and contributions from wetlands that have large dissolved-solids concentrations because of evapotranspiration.

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗
USGS1986

Sediment accumulation in San Leandro Bay, Alameda County, California, during the 20th century -- A preliminary report

Major changes made in the configuration of San Leandro Bay, Alameda County, California, during the 20th century have caused rapid sedimentation within parts of the Bay. Opening of the Oakland tidal channel and removal of 97% of the marshlands formerly surrounding the Bay have decreased tidal velocities and volumes. Marshland removal has decreased the tidal prism by about 25%. Comparison of bathymetric surveys indicates that sedimentation in the vicinity of the San Leandro Bay channel averaged 0.7 cm/annum between 1856 and 1984. Lead-210 data collected at four shallow water sites east of the San Leandro Bay channel indicated that sedimentation rates have averaged between 0.06 and 0.28 cm/annum. Because bioturbation of bottom sediments cannot be discounted, better definition of this range in sedimentation rates would required measuring the activity of lead-210 on incoming sediments. In addition to sediment deposited in the vicinity of the San Leandro Bay channel and open, shallow areas to the east, 850,740 cu m of sediment was deposited between 1948 and 1983 in an area dredged at the mouth of San Leandro Creek. All available data indicate that between 1 ,213,000 and 1,364,000 cu m of sediment was deposited in San Leandro Bay between 1948 and 1983. Sediment yield data from an adjacent drainage basin, when combined with inventories of lead-210 and cesium-137, indicate that most of the sediment deposited in San Leandro Bay is coming from resuspension of bottom sediments or from erosion of marshes or shorelines of San Leandro or San Francisco Bay.

California↗
USGS1985

Cost-effectiveness of the stream-gaging program in North Carolina

This report documents the results of a study of the cost-effectiveness of the stream-gaging program in North Carolina. Data uses and funding sources are identified for the 146 gaging stations currently operated in North Carolina with a budget of $777,600 (1984). As a result of the study, eleven stations are nominated for discontinuance and five for conversion from recording to partial-record status. Large parts of North Carolina 's Coastal Plain are identified as having sparse streamflow data. This sparsity should be remedied as funds become available. Efforts should also be directed toward defining the efforts of drainage improvements on local hydrology and streamflow characteristics. The average standard error of streamflow records in North Carolina is 18.6 percent. This level of accuracy could be improved without increasing cost by increasing the frequency of field visits and streamflow measurements at stations with high standard errors and reducing the frequency at stations with low standard errors. A minimum budget of $762,000 is required to operate the 146-gage program. A budget less than this does not permit proper service and maintenance of the gages and recorders. At the minimum budget, and with the optimum allocation of field visits, the average standard error is 17.6 percent.

North Carolina↗
USGS1989

Geohydrology and susceptibility of major aquifers to surface contamination in Alabama; area 11

This report delineates and describes the geohydrology and susceptibility of major aquifers to contamination in Butler, Conecuh, Covington, Crenshaw, Escambia, and Monroe Counties, Alabama. The major aquifers are the Pliocene-Miocene, Upper Floridan, Lisbon, Nanafalia-Clayton, and Providence-Ripley. The largest pumping centers in the area are Andalusia and Monroeville, where groundwater use is about 5 and 4 million gal/day, respectively. Estimated maximum withdrawal in 1987 for all uses in the area was about 44 million gal/day. Depressions have developed in the potentiometric surfaces of the Lisbon aquifer near Andalusia and Opp, the Nanafalia-Clayton aquifer near Luverne, Andalusia, Beatrice, and Monroeville, and the Providence-Ripley aquifer at Greenville. Significant declines in the potentiometric surfaces of the other major aquifers are not apparent. Recharge areas for all major aquifers are susceptible to contamination, but the probability of contamination of the Lisbon, Nanafalia-Clayton, and Providence-Ripley aquifers is low because the recharge areas are remote from areas of the withdrawal. The depressions in the recharge area for the Upper Floridan aquifer and the area where the Pliocene-Miocene aquifer is overlain by the gravelly sands of the Citronelle Formation are highly susceptible to contamination from the surface. (USGS)

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗
USGS1996

Hydraulic conductivity of the streambed, east branch Grand Calumet River, northern Lake County, Indiana

Horizontal and vertical hydraulic conductivity of the Streambed were estimated from results of hydraulic tests along four transects across the east branch Grand Calumet River in northern Lake County, Indiana. Tests were done in two types of temporary wells installed in the Streambed 2-inch-diameter wells that had a 1- or 2-foot length of wire-wrapped screen and 3-inch-diameter wells that were open at the ends. When possible, the hydraulic tests included monitoring both falling- and rising-water levels. A total of 47 tests for horizontal hydraulic conductivity and 20 tests for vertical hydraulic conductivity were done. Data collected during the tests were analyzed by use of methods developed by earlier investigators. Horizontal hydraulic conductivity of the streambed was varied and ranged from 1.Ox1O -2 to 1.2x1O +3 feet per day. Compared to the previously reported range of horizontal hydraulic conductivity for the Calumet aquifer, 6.5X10 -1 to 3.6x1O +2 feet per day, results of 24 hydraulic tests in the streambed of the east branch Grand Calumet River were within the reported range, 18 were less than the lowest reported value, and 5 were greater than the highest reported value. Vertical hydraulic conductivity of the streambed was less varied than horizontal hydraulic conductivity and ranged from 3.Ox1O -1 to 7.3x1O +1 feet per day. The ratio between horizontal and vertical hydraulic conductivity calculated for each transect ranged from 1:0.09 to 1:8.5. The hydraulic conductivity of the streambed generally was dependant on the type of sediments in the part of the streambed that was tested. Although most of the streambed contained soft, fine-grained sediments, parts of the streambed also contained fill materials including coal, cinders, and concrete and asphalt rubble. The highest values of horizontal hydraulic conductivity generally were calculated from data collected at locations where the streambed contained fill materials, particularly concrete and asphalt rubble. Horizontal hydraulic conductivities determined for 11 hydraulic tests in predominantly fill materials ranged from 1.2x1O +1 to 1.2x1O +3 feet per day and averaged 5.6x1O +2 feet per day. The lowest values of horizontal hydraulic conductivity were calculated from data collected at locations where the streambed contained fine-grained sediments. Horizontal hydraulic conductivities determined for 36 hydraulic tests in predominantly fine-grained sediments ranged from 1.Ox1O -2 to 2.4x1O +2 feet per day and averaged 1.5x1O +1 feet per day.

Indiana↗
USGS1999

Hydrodynamic measurements in Suisun Bay, California, 1992-93

Sea level, velocity, temperature, and salinity (conductivity and temperature) data collected in Suisun Bay, California, from December 11, 1992, through May 31, 1993, by the U.S. Geological Survey are documented in this report. Sea-level data were collected at four locations and temperature and salinity data were collected at seven locations. Velocity data were collected at three locations using acoustic Doppler current profilers and at four other locations using point velocity meters. Sea-level and velocity data are presented in three forms (1) harmonic analysis results, (2) time-series plots (sea level, current speed, and current direction versus time), and (3) time-series plots of the low-pass filtered data. Temperature and salinity data are presented as plots of raw and low-pass filtered time series. The velocity and salinity data collected during this study document a period when the residual current patterns and salt field were significantly altered by large Delta outflow (three peaks in excess of 2,000 cubic meters per second). Residual current profiles were consistently seaward with magnitudes that fluctuated primarily in concert with Delta outflow and secondarily with the spring-neap tide cycle. The freshwater inputs advected salinity seaward of Suisun Bay for most of this study. Except for a 10-day period at the beginning of the study, dynamically significant salinities (>2) were seaward of Suisun Bay, which resulted in little or no gravitational circulation transport.

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗
USGS1975

Erosion and sediment transport in the Owens River near Bishop, California

Closure of Pleasant Valley Dam in 1954 has almost eliminated the supply of gravel to the 16-mile (25.7-kilometre) study reach of the Owens River. Because of armoring of the channel, scour has been limited to approximately 1 foot (0.3 metre) in the upper 2.3 miles (3.7 kilometres). This report presents information useful in determining long-term erosion effects below Pleasant Valley Dam, in assessing the feasibility of a proposed bypass channel versus retention of the main channel in its present state, and in determining man's influence on river morphology. Bedload transport is dependent on the hydraulics of a section and the availability of material. Ninety-eight percent by weight of the sampled bedload transported between sites 1 and 6 in the study reach was finer than 8 millimetres, although only 6 to 12 percent of the material in the bed available for transport was finer than 8 millimetres. Bank material, a prime source of new material for transport, is predominantly finer than 16 millimetres. Bank erosion is accelerated by wide ranges in flow release. The bank-erosion rates interpreted from aerial photographs indicate average annual erosion rates of 750 tons (680 tonnes) from 1947 to 1967, 1,970 tons (1,790 tonnes) from 1967 to 1968, and 2,020 tons (1,830 tonnes) from 1968 to 1971. These rates are compatible with the water discharge-sediment discharge relation developed from field data collected during 1972-73. Hydraulic geometry of the six sites indicates a shift in the river system regime since 1954. These changes have progressed downstream from the dam to a point between sites 4 and 5. Farther downstream channel changes will occur until the channel stabilizes.

California↗
USGS1981

One-dimensional reservoir-lake temperature and dissolved oxygen model

This report describes and documents a one-dimensional computer model that predicts dissolved-oxygen and temperature profiles in a lake or reservoir. Downstream release dissolved-oxygen concentrations and temperatures also are computed based on a user-specified outflow withdrawal elevation. The model can, therefore, be used to compare top-draw versus bottom-draw outlet configuration effects on downstream dissolved-oxygen and temperature conditions. The dissolved-oxygen and temperature profiles are computed for a conceptual vertical water column located at the deepest point in the lake or reservoir.. The water column is divided into a series of uniform thickness horizontal layers for computation purposes. The model operates on a daily simulation interval, with summary output given for each day and detailed depth profiles printed on user-specified days. Model options allow the simulation of 5-day biochemical oxygen demand, sediment oxygen demand, and the density current effects of inflowing suspended sediment. The model is a modification of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineer's "WESTEX" model number 722-F5-E1011. The user-specified withdrawal elevation, dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, sediment oxygen demand, and suspended sediment simulation capabilities were not present in the earlier "WESTEX" model. The model is capable of simulating a stratified reservoir pool environment. This reservoir-lake model is most applicable to preliminary or reconnaissance studies of a proposed impoundment. Other more complex and accurate models exist to model existing lakes or reservoirs where onsite data can be collected.

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗
USGS1994

Radioactivity in the environment; a case study of the Puerco and Little Colorado River basins, Arizona and New Mexico

This report, written for the nontechnical reader, summarizes the results of a study from 1988-91 of the occurrence and transport of selected radionuclides and other chemical constituents in the Puerco and Little Colorado River basins, Arizona and New Mexico. More than two decades of uranium mining and the 1979 failure of an earthen dam containing mine tailings released high levels of radionuclides and other chemical constituents to the Puerco River, a tributary of the Little Colorado River. Releases caused public concern that ground water and streamflow downstream from mining were contaminated. Study findings show which radioactive elements are present, how these elements are distributed between water and sediment in the environment, how concentrations of radioactive elements vary naturally within basins, and how levels of radioactivity have changed since the end of mining. Although levels of radioactive elements and other trace elements measured in streamflow commonly exceed drinking-water standards, no evidence was found to indicate that the high concentrations were still related to uraniurn mining. Sediment radioactivity was higher at sample sites on streams that drain the eastern part of the Little Colorado River basin than that of samples from the western part. Radioactivity of suspended sediment measured in this study, therefore, represents natural conditions for the streams sampled rather than an effect of mining. Because ground water beneath the Puerco River channel is shallow, the aquifer is vulnerable to contamination. A narrow zone of ground water beneath the Puerco River containing elevated uranium concentrations was identified during the study. The highest concentrations were nearest the mines and in samples collected in the first few feet beneath the streambed. Natuxal radiation levels in a few areas of the underlying sedimentary aquifer not connected to the Puerco River also exceeded water quality standards. Water testing would enable those residents not using public water supplies to determine if their water is safe to use.

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗
USGS1987

A conceptual framework for ground-water solute-transport studies with emphasis on physical mechanisms of solute movement

Analysis of solute transport in groundwater systems involves a complex, multi-discipline study that requires intensive and costly investigation. Groundwater contamination, particularly from point sources, has been growing in importance in recent years. This report examines the physical mechanisms of solute transport, advection and dispersion, and explains how they relate to one another and the scale of study. The approach uses a preliminary analysis prior to collection of new data to focus on the technical problems to be addressed and to direct the initial collection of new data if warranted. The field investigation (collection of new data) progresses in stages that use the new knowledge and understanding gained from the preceding data collection to aid in further data collection as the study proceeds. A major premise of the approach is that the foundation of any analysis is a detailed quantitative definition of: (1) the groundwater flow field in three dimensions, and (2) the distribution of solutes in the contaminant plume in three dimensions at one point in time, or preferably at more than features of the groundwater flow field, and is an important tool for analysis. However, the scale of analysis for solute transport studies is usually much finer than the scale of analysis for groundwater flow alone. Therefore, an increase in detail of the velocity field is needed to provide for accurate calculations of pathlines in three-dimensional heterogeneous groundwater systems. (Lantz-PTT)

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗
USGS2002

Standards for the Analysis and Processing of Surface-Water Data and Information Using Electronic Methods

Surface-water computation methods and procedures are described in this report to provide standards from which a completely automated electronic processing system can be developed. To the greatest extent possible, the traditional U. S. Geological Survey (USGS) methodology and standards for streamflow data collection and analysis have been incorporated into these standards. Although USGS methodology and standards are the basis for this report, the report is applicable to other organizations doing similar work. The proposed electronic processing system allows field measurement data, including data stored on automatic field recording devices and data recorded by the field hydrographer (a person who collects streamflow and other surface-water data) in electronic field notebooks, to be input easily and automatically. A user of the electronic processing system easily can monitor the incoming data and verify and edit the data, if necessary. Input of the computational procedures, rating curves, shift requirements, and other special methods are interactive processes between the user and the electronic processing system, with much of this processing being automatic. Special computation procedures are provided for complex stations such as velocity-index, slope, control structures, and unsteady-flow models, such as the Branch-Network Dynamic Flow Model (BRANCH). Navigation paths are designed to lead the user through the computational steps for each type of gaging station (stage-only, stagedischarge, velocity-index, slope, rate-of-change in stage, reservoir, tide, structure, and hydraulic model stations). The proposed electronic processing system emphasizes the use of interactive graphics to provide good visual tools for unit values editing, rating curve and shift analysis, hydrograph comparisons, data-estimation procedures, data review, and other needs. Documentation, review, finalization, and publication of records are provided for with the electronic processing system, as well as archiving, quality assurance, and quality control.

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗
USGS2001

Ground-water levels and flow directions in glacial sediments and carbonate bedrock near Tremont City, Ohio, October-November 2000

Introduction During summer 2000, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) began an investigation of the Tremont City Landfill Site near Tremont City, Ohio. The site is about 1 mile west of Tremont City, just south of the Clark-Champaign County line. The closed site consists of three main areas: an 8.5-acre barrel fill, a 14-acre waste-transfer area, and a 58-acre landfill. The local hydrogeology is complex, and multiple ground-water-flow directions at the site have been described; however, offsite ground-water levels and flow directions were poorly defined, because they were based on static water levels reported over many years by well drillers. In October 2000, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with the USEPA, measured water levels in residential and onsite monitoring wells to prepare a map of the potentiometric surface so that directions of regional ground-water flow could be better delineated in the vicinity of the site. The topography of the study area (extent of map) is characterized by a nearly level till plain with minor relief along incised streams draining east-southeast to the Mad River. The Tremont City Landfill Site is in an upland area between two east-southeast-trending streams. Storms Creek is about 1 mile north of the site. The southern extent of the landfill is within about 500 feet of Chapman creek. The surficial geology of the study area consists of unconsolidated glacial sediments that overlie Silurian-age Lockport Dolomite. These glacial sediments consist of fine-grained till interbedded with layers of silt, sands, and gravels. Sand and gravel layers are commonly found just above the bedrock surface. Onsite monitoring wells have been installed into several thin, permeable zones in the glacial sediments. Most residential wells in the area produce sufficient water for residential use (as much as 100 gallons per minute), from either sand and gravel layers in the glacial sediments or from the carbonate bedrock. The most productive aquifer in the area is the highly permeable glacial outwash in the buried bedrock valley beneath the Mad River. These outwash sands and gravels can yield more than 1,000 gallons per minute. If weathered, the Lockport Dolomite can be a productive source of water near the top of the unit.

Ohio↗
USGS1996

Occurrence and concentrations of volatile organic compounds in shallow ground water in the Lower Susquehanna River Basin, Pennsylvania and Maryland

This report presents the results of a regional assessment of volatile organic compounds (VOC's) in ground water from six sampling areas within the Lower Susquehanna River Basin. The sampling areas, selected to represent aquifers where ground water is used as a drinking water supply, include four areas underlain by limestone, one area underlain by crystalline bedrock, and one area underlain by interbedded sandstone and shale. The land use is rural in five areas and urban in one area. Samples were collected in 1993-95 from 118 wells ranging from 30 to 226 feet deep. Analyses for 60 VOC's at detection levels ranging from 0.05 to 0.2 mg/L (micrograms per liter) reveal the presence of 24 compounds. The compounds were present in water from 32 of the 118 wells. Methyl tert-butyl ether was the most commonly detected compound. Concentrations of methyl tert-butyl ether, found in 16 of the 118 wells, ranged from 0.11 to 51 mg/L. Chloroform was the second most commonly detected compound. The highest concentration detected in a water sample was 61 mg/L of chloroform. None of the detections in samples from wells used as drinking water supplies exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Levels or Lifetime Health Advisory Levels established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. However, the 51 mg/L of methyl tert-butyl ether, detected in water from a monitoring well, is in the 20 to 200 mg/L range proposed for a Lifetime Health Advisory Level. The occurrence of VOC's in limestone aquifers in the Great Valley near Harrisburg, Pa., is influenced by land use. VOC's occur more frequently in the urban area than in the agricultural area. Within the urban area, analyses of samples from wells, springs, and a spring-fed stream show contaminated ground water discharging from springs and flowing into the stream.

Maryland, Pennsylvania↗
USGS1996

Techniques to estimate generalized skew coefficients of annual peak streamflow for natural basins in Texas

This report presents two techniques to estimate generalized skew coefficients used for log-Pearson Type III peak-streamflow frequency analysis of natural basins in Texas. A natural basin has less than 10 percent impervious cover, and less than 10 percent of its drainage area is controlled by reservoirs. The estimation of generalized skew coefficients is based on annual peak and historical peak streamflow for all U.S. Geological Survey streamflow-gaging stations having at least 20 years of annual peak-streamflow record from natural basins in Texas. Station skew coefficients calculated for each of 255 Texas stations were used to estimate generalized skew coefficients for Texas. One technique to estimate generalized skew coefficients involved the use of regression equations developed for each of eight regions in Texas, and the other involved development of a statewide map of generalized skew coefficients. The weighted mean of the weighted mean standard errors of the regression equations for the eight regions is 0.36 log 10 skew units, and the weighted mean standard error of the map is 0.35 log 10 skew units. The technique based on the map is preferred for estimating generalized skew coefficients because of its smooth transition from one region of the State to another.

Texas↗
USGS2003

Effects of abandoned coal-mine drainage on streamflow and water quality in the Shamokin Creek Basin, Northumberland and Columbia Counties, Pennsylvania, 1999-2001

This report assesses the contaminant loading, effects to receiving streams, and possible remedial alternatives for abandoned mine drainage (AMD) within the upper Shamokin Creek Basin in east-central Pennsylvania. The upper Shamokin Creek Basin encompasses an area of 54 square miles (140 square kilometers) within the Western Middle Anthracite Field, including and upstream of the city of Shamokin. Elevated concentrations of acidity, metals, and sulfate in the AMD from flooded underground anthracite coal mines and (or) unreclaimed culm (waste rock) piles degrade the aquatic ecosystem and water quality of Shamokin Creek to its mouth and along many of its tributaries within the upper basin. Despite dilution by unpolluted streams that more than doubles the streamflow of Shamokin Creek in the lower basin, AMD contamination and ecological impairment persist to its mouth on the Susquehanna River at Sunbury, 20 miles (32 kilometers) downstream from the mined area. Aquatic ecological surveys were conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) in cooperation with Bucknell University (BU) and the Northumberland County Conservation District (NCCD) at six stream sites in October 1999 and repeated in 2000 and 2001 on Shamokin Creek below Shamokin and at Sunbury. In 1999, fish were absent from Quaker Run and Shamokin Creek upstream of its confluence with Carbon Run; however, creek chub ( Semotilus atromaculatus ) were present within three sampled reaches of Carbon Run. During 1999, 2000, and 2001, six or more species of fish were identified in Shamokin Creek below Shamokin and at Sunbury despite ph as low as 4.2 at Sunbury and elevated concentrations of dissolved iron and iron-encrusted streambeds at these sites. Data on the flow rate and chemistry for 46 AMD sources and 22 stream sites throughout the upper basin plus 1 stream site at Sunbury were collected by the USGS with assistance from BU and the Shamokin Creek Restoration Alliance (SCRA) during low base-flow conditions in August 1999 and high baseflow conditions in March 2000. The water-quality data were used to determine priority ranks of the AMD sources on the basis of loadings of iron, manganese, and aluminum and to identify possible remedial alternatives, including passive-treatment options, for consideration by water-resource managers. The ranking sequence for the top AMD sources based on the high base-flow data generally matched that based on the low base-flow data. The contaminant loadings generally increased with flow, and 10 previously identified intermittent AMD sources were not discharging during the low base-flow sampling period. The top 3 AMD sources (SR19, SR12, and SR49) on the basis of dissolved metals loading in March 2000 accounted for more than 50 percent of the metals loading to Shamokin Creek, whereas the top 15 AMD sources accounted for more than 98 percent of the metals loading. When sampled in March 2000, these AMD sources had flow rates ranging from 0.7 to 19 cubic feet per second (1,138 to 32,285 liters per minute) and pH from 3.5 to 6.4 standard units. Only 1 of the top 15 AMD sources (SR21) was net alkaline (alkalinity > acidity); the others were net acidic and will require additional alkalinity to facilitate metals removal and maintain near-neutral pH. For the top 15 AMD sources, dissolved iron was the principal source of acidity and metals loading; concentrations of iron ranged from 3.7 to 57 milligrams per liter. Dissolved manganese ranged from 1.8 to 7.1 milligrams per liter. Dissolved aluminum exceeded 3.8 milligrams per liter at six of the sites but was less than 0.2 milligram per liter at six others. Alkalinity can be acquired by the dissolution of limestone and (or) bacterial sulfate reduction within various passive-treatment systems including anoxic or oxic limestone drains, limestone- lined channels, or compost wetlands. Subsequently, the gradual oxidation and consequent precipitation of iron and manganese can be accommodated within settling ponds or aerobic wetlands. Assuming an iron removal rate of 180 pounds per acre per day (20 grams per square meter per day), constructed treatment wetlands at the top 15 AMD sites would require a minimum area ranging from 0.1 to 17.8 acres (405 to 71,670 square meters). Implementation of passive treatment would not be feasible at most of the top 15 and many lower priority AMD sites considering the proximity of many discharges to streams, roads, or railroads, and the limited availability or access to land at the discharge location. The reduction of infiltration and removal of culm waste and (or) the relocation of the discharge to nearby areas could decrease the AMD quantities and facilitate treatment at some of the priority AMD sites.

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗