Dames & Moore, 1999 - USDA Forest Service

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The data collected at CC-Dl during May 1998 indicated similar trends detected in May 1997. Cadmium.
copper, manganese, and zinc concentrations were greater than concentrations at CC-1. Concentrations of
cadmium, copper, manganese, and zinc in 1998 were above 1997. Iron decreased from 230 pg/L in May
1997 to not detected (< 20 pa) in May 1998.
Historic data for the Copper Creek diversion is'lirnited to two samples collected by the USGS in 1994 and
1996; however, this data generally hdicates that metals were not detected and provides little comparative
information (Table 5.3-33).
The Copper Creek diversion is primarily used to supply water to the sauna used by residents and guests of
Holden Village. The water quality is included in the human health risk discussion in Section 7.0.
5.3.6 Copper Creek
Samples were collected at two locations, CC-1 and CC-2, within Copper Creek (Figure 5.3-2). Station CC-
1 is located upstream and outside of the mine influence. Station CC-2 is located in Copper Creek prior to
the confluence with Railroad Creek. The data is discussed below. The data collected at CC- I was included
in the area background surface water quality assessment previously discussed (Section 5.3.1).
5.3.6.1 Historical Data
Water samples were collected at CC-1 and CC-2 during 1982 to 1983 (USFS 1983). The samples were
analyzed for total metals and conventional parameters. Specific conductivity, pH, and temperature were
measured in the field. Samples were collected by the USGS in 1994, 1995, and in the spring i d fall of
1996. Two samples were collected at a location near CC-2 by Ecology in June and September 1996. The
samples were analyzed for total recoverable and dissolved metals, conventional parameters, and field
parameters. The analytical parameters were not consistent between sampling events. Sample data are
summarized in Table 5.3-35.
The 1982/1983 data were not compared to WQC or RI data due to the limited list of metals reported,
detection limit differences, and unavailability of hardness values for criteria correction.
The data collected by the USGS from 1994 through 1996 was not compared to WQC due to unavailable
hardness values. Calcium and magnesium were available; however, in several instances the results are
noted as not detected at high detection limits precluding hardness calculations. The data indicated that metal
concentrations for CC-1 and CC-2 were relatively similar and did not tend to fluctuate with seasonal
variations. Specific conductivity was generally low (20 to 40 ps); however, a 50% increase at both stations
occurred in July 1995 (80 ps, 100 ps). The USGS data were compared to appropriate RI data. Where
metals were detected, the data were relatively consistent. Field parameters were relatively consistent
between historical and RI data.
The data collected by Ecology was compared to WQC. Dissolved cadmium, copper, lead, and zinc
concentrations did not exceed WQC. In general, the data from the two sampling events indicated that
concentrations at this location do not fluctuate with seasonal differences. An increase in dissolved copper
(1.2 pgL) in September 1996 appears to be anomalous as the total result was lower (0.23 pa). Field
5-35
17693405-019Wuly 28. 1999;11:09 Ah4;DRAFT FINAL RI REPORT