Date of Award:

5-2015

Document Type:

Thesis

Degree Name:

Master of Science (MS)

Department:

Geosciences

Department name when degree awarded

Geology

Committee Chair(s)

Thomas E. Lachmar

Committee

Thomas E. Lachmar

Committee

William J. Doucette

Committee

Peter T. Kolesar

Abstract

The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (IDEQ) purchased property encompassing the abandoned Ramshorn mine to develop a state park. Because the abandoned copper-lead-silver mine was a potential hazard to the local creek and sediment, the IDEQ conducted several assessments to identify environmental risks. Between 2003 and 2006, the IDEQ completed a number of basic soil and water investigations in the location of mine waste. The IDEQ received investigation and cleanup funds through the EPA Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) program.

The USFS allocated $10,000 toward a two-year master’s level project to determine a more complete analysis of the metals impact from the abandoned mine. I visited the project site for the extent of one flow season (July to October) to assess the metals concentrations within a creek that flows over the mine waste. Water and sediment samples were collected and analyzed for metals content to isolate the main constituents and source of metals. The loads of metals entering the creek were calculated and used to identify the chemical behavior of the metals. The toxicity of the metals was evaluated from the chemical state and interpreted for human health issues.

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