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A REEXAMINATION OF THE COEUR D'ALENE RIVER, IDAHO, 1971
Description:
The Environmental Protection Agency has periodically examined the quality of the Coeur dAlene River, Idaho (17010301, 17010303) to determine the effects of mine and mill wastes. This examination was conducted on September 22 and 23, 1971 as a supplement to the examination and report of May 1970. In the 1971 survey, samples were collected in the Coeur dAlene River and its tributaries above and below all major mine and mill discharges. Samples of the wastes from the various mines and mills were also collected for analyses. The quantity of metals being discharged and the quantities being carried by the streams at various monitoring stations have been calculated from streamflow data supplied by the USGS or from flows measured by current meter. The data is presented for each mining area in downstream order, starting with the Lucky Friday mine and mill at Mullan to the Bunker Hill operations at Kellogg. The Bunker Hill operations at Kellogg and Smelterville were the largest source of metal discharge to the Coeur dAlene River. Ground water percolating through old tailings in the Canyon, Ninemile and Coeur dAlene valleys dissolved substantial quantities of zinc and had a major effect on water quality in the Coeur dAlene River Basin. Raw sewage discharged to the South Fork and its tributaries appears to be a very serious public health problem. The diversion of mercury laden waste streams at the Bunker Hill Zinc Plant to the Central Impoundment Area has been effective in removing most of the mercury from the Bunker Hill effluent. Sceva, J.E. 1971. Environmental Protection Agency, Region X, Seattle, WA. 43 pp.