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Dames & Moore, 1999 - USDA Forest Service

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augment the existing hydrologic information for the Site. The hydrologic database also provided a means<br />

to evaluate conditions in Railroad Creek in the vicinity of the Site as they relate to the regional hydrologic<br />

setting. The overall objective of the hydrologic investigation was to collect sufficient surface water<br />

quality and streamflow data, watershed and geomorphologic information to characterize and identify:<br />

. Background water quality conditions upstream of the Site<br />

Potential compounds of concern in Railroad Creek<br />

Seasonal variability of flow and water quality in Railroad Creek along and downstream<br />

of the Site<br />

Flow and water quality relationships in Railroad Creek along and downstream of the Site<br />

Interaction between groundwater and surface water on the Site<br />

Sediment conditions and potential for channel erosion in Railroad Creek on the Site<br />

Possible water quality and streamflow trends in Railroad Creek that are related to the<br />

mine<br />

The hydrologic investigation included the following elements:<br />

Streamflow surveys<br />

Water Quality Sampling<br />

Geomorphologic Surveys<br />

Water Balance, Watershed Evaluation and Hydrogeologic Synthesis<br />

Hydrologic Analysis and Synthesis<br />

Referring to Figures 3.2-1 and 3.2-2, the nomenclature for the surface water sampling locations in<br />

Railroad Creek utilized a system initially developed by the USFS. The sampling station upstream of the<br />

Site was initially established by the USFS as RC-I (Railroad Creek station 1). The sampling station<br />

immediately downstream of the Site was designated RC-2, and the station near the mouth of Railroad<br />

Creek at Lucerne was noted as RC-3. However, subsequent stations were added during the RI as the need<br />

arose for additional data, resulting in a total of I1 Railroad Creek stations (RC-1 through RC-I I).<br />

Consequently, the nomenclature of the stations is not in numerical order from upstream to downstream.<br />

The need to compare the RI data with historical data precluded the ability to renumber the stations. It<br />

should be noted that water quality samples were not collected at station RC-9; this station was used for<br />

the aquatic habitat survey only.<br />

In addition to the Railroad Creek sampling stations, surface water quality stations were also established<br />

on the 1500-level main portal drainage, the Copper Creek diversion, Copper Creek, Tenmile Creek, Big<br />

Creek and Holden Creek in order to assess potential loading sources, upstream water quality, and<br />

tributary water quality. Water quality and streamflow data were also collected from three reference<br />

streams located outside of the Railroad Creek watershed (Bridge Creek, South Fork Agnes Creek, and<br />

Company Creek).<br />

G:\wpd.la\00S\rrpons\h0ldm-ZLiu-O~d~:<br />

17693-005-019Uuly 19. <strong>1999</strong>;2:57 PM;DRAn FMAL RI REPORT

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