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CHARACTERIZATION OF OIL SHALE MINE WATERS, CENTRAL PICEANCE BASIN, COLORADO
Citation:
Kelly, K. AND J. Dederick. CHARACTERIZATION OF OIL SHALE MINE WATERS, CENTRAL PICEANCE BASIN, COLORADO. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/7-84/071 (NTIS PB84211283), 1984.
Description:
A study was conducted to characterize the oil shale mine waters in the Piceance Basin. The study sites were Federal Prototype Lease Tracts C-a and C-b, located in the central portion of the basin. The objective was to collect water quality data in order to characterize the mine waters and to assess the effectiveness of treatment systems located at these facilities. These treatment systems involve in-series retention ponds. The overall conclusion with respect to the effectiveness of the retention pond systems in maintaining or improving water quality is that they appear to make negligible difference unless chemicals are added. The addition of the flocculent during periods of active mining was very effective in reducing the suspended sediment concentrations. In addition, sulfuric acid treatment reduced the pH. Concerning the general water quality, such as the trace elements, cations and anions, and other pertinent constituents, there was not a significant increase or decrease due to the chemical additives. In addition, the effectiveness of the one-pond and two-pond systems are very similiar.