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GROUND-WATER FLOW AND WATER-ROCK INTERACTIONS INFLUENCING MERCURY FATE AND TRANSPORT AT THE SULPHUR BANK MERCURY MINE SUPERFUND SITE, CLEARLAKE, CA
Citation:
Jewett*, D G. GROUND-WATER FLOW AND WATER-ROCK INTERACTIONS INFLUENCING MERCURY FATE AND TRANSPORT AT THE SULPHUR BANK MERCURY MINE SUPERFUND SITE, CLEARLAKE, CA. Presented at Inv. to Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, NC, 02/06/2002.
Description:
The U.S. EPA has been conducting a variety of investigations to better understand mercury fate and transport at the Sulphur Bank Mercury Mine (SBMM) Superfund Site, Clear Lake, California. This presentation discusses site characterization activities, in particular, those focusing on the subsurface environmental setting (hydrogeology and geochemistry) at the SBMM site. Following a discussion of pertinent background information, ground-water flow and water quality data are presented to support the conceptual site model for mercury release to the surrounding ecosystem via a subsurface pathway. Estimates of ground-water discharge and mercury loading to Clear Lake are presented. Data are evaluated in the context of water-rock interactions that influence mercury dissolution and mobility. The results of these studies will assist the U.S. EPA in designing a remedial action plan that minimizes the release of mercury and protects human health and the environment.