NERC-LV-539-26 NERC-LV-539-26
SPRINGS ON THE NEVADA TEST SITE AND THEIR USE BY WILDLIFE
Monitoring Systems Research and Development Division
Environmental Monitoring and Support Laboratory
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Las Vegas, NV 89114
April 1976
This study performed under a Memorandum
of Understanding No. AT(26-l)-539
for the
U.S. ENERGY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION
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or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product or process
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PRICE: PAPER COPY $5.45 MICROFICHE $2.25
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NERC-LV-539-26 NERC-LV-539-26
SPRINGS ON THE NEVADA TEST SITE AND THEIR USE BY WILDLIFE
by
K. R. Giles
Monitoring Systems Research and Development Division
Environmental Monitoring and Support Laboratory
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Las Vegas, NV 89114
April, 1976
This study performed under a Memorandum
of Understanding No. AT(26-l)-539
for the
U.S. ENERGY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION
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Effective June 29, 1975, the National Environmental Research Center-
Las Vegas (NERC-LV) was designated the Environmental Monitoring and
Support Laboratory-Las Vegas (EMSL-LV). This Laboratory is one of
three Environmental Monitoring and Support Laboratories of the
Office of Monitoring and Technical Support in the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency's Office of Research and Development.
ii
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ABSTRACT
During August 1972, natural springs located on the Nevada Test Site were
surveyed to determine the use by wildlife and the effort required for improv-
ing flow. Each spring is described and its use by wildlife noted. Methods of
improving spring flow are suggested. It is believed that minimal effort at
most of the springs would result in a significant improvement of waterflow
with resulting benefits to wildlife.
The intention of the recommendations in this report is to encourage
development of the Nevada Test Site springs and to maintain the wildlife now
at the Site. There is no recommendation to bring in or support wildlife
outside the Nevada Test Site area.
iii
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CONTENTS
Page
Abstract in
List of Figure and Photos v
Introduction 1
Springs on the Nevada Test Site
Cane Spring 3
Tippipah Spring 4
Topopah Spring 5
Green Spring 6
White Rock Spring 7
Captain Jack Spring 8
Oak Spring 9
Tub Spring 11
Sumnary 13
References 14
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LIST OF FIGURE AND PHOTOS
Number Page
1 Location of Springs 2
A Cane Spring—Entrance to tunnel excavated to improve waterflow 3
B Cane Spring—Spring at entrance of tunnel (see arrow) flows
downhill into pond (see bottom arrow) 4
C Tippipah Spring—Entrance to tunnel going into spring 5
D Topopah Spring—View of spring showing path of waterflow
through pipe (see arrow) 6
E Green Spring—Close-up view showing water and vegetation 7
F White Rock Spring—View of springs (see top arrows) and
water tank below (see bottom arrow) 8
G Captain Jack Spring—Water tank at spring 9
H Oak Spring—Small entrance into spring 10
I Oak Spring—Rusted out tanks and pipe near spring 10
J Tub Spring—Entrance to tunnel at spring 11
K Tub Spring—3-inch pipe and tank near spring 12
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INTRODUCTION
The Nevada Test Site encompasses approximately 1,350 square miles of
desert area, ranging from the high flat plateaus to dry lake beds. This
entire area is subject to high winds, sudden temperature changes, and erratic
precipitation. The annual mean precipitation is uncertain at any specific
location because it depends to a large extent on the elevation. (Quiring
1968) An overall annual mean is 9 inches of rain and snow.
During August 1972, a survey was conducted by the Farm and Animal Inves-
tigation Branch, Monitoring Systems Research and Development Division, to
locate, identify, and describe the known springs within the boundaries of the
Nevada Test Site (see figure 1). Periodic examination of these springs over
the past several years and review of published material concerning their use
and flow volume indicate a general reduction in flow volume in these springs.
The purposes of this study were to determine the use by wildlife of each
spring during the hot, dry time of the year, and to determine the manpower
and materials required to improve or reclaim these springs for the continual
support of wildlife.
Although additional springs and other sources of water may exist on the
Nevada Test Site, (U.S. Geological Survey 1971) this survey is concerned only
with those springs which have a past record of use by wildlife.
No extensive tunneling, digging, or major land-removal projects are
planned at the spring sites. The intention is to improve the immediate area
at each site.
More comprehensive information on the historical development of the
Nevada Test Site springs, the use by wildlife, and the hydrology of the area
is available in other publications. (U.S. Geological Survey 1971; Hayward
et al., 1963; Jorgensen and Hayward 1965; Worman 1969)
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_ OAK SPRING
-— — » —
12|1S
TUB SPRING
WHITE ROCK
EXPERIMENTAL FARM
I
CAPTAIN
JACK
SPRING
NTS BEEF HERD
GRAZING AREA
GREEN SPRING OR
RETTMANN SPRING
7!
•
T1PPIPAH
• SPRING
TOPOPAH SPRING
T
BUFFER ZONE
Nuclear Rocket Development
Station
CANE SPRING
O 5OOO 1OOOO
Figure 1. Location of Springs.
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CANE SPRING
Location: East slope of the Skull Mountain, Area 27j Long. 116°06' W.,
Lat. 36°48' N., T. 13 S., R. 52 E., Sec. 26.
Three old, unoccupied buildings and a large willow tree mark the location
of Cane Spring. Water is accessible from a circular dugout in the hillside
and from a deep tunnel excavated to improve waterflow. Trenches from these
sources lead down to a pond overgrown with cattails, aquatic grasses, and other
vegetation (see Photos A and B). Although the spring provides a year-round
flow, during the spring and summer months little water is available for wild-
life because of vegetation utilization and surface evaporation.
In order to assure an adequate year-round supply of water, a small earthen
or concrete dam should be constructed across the entrance of the tunnel. A
PHOTO A. Cane Spring—Entrance to tunnel excavated to improve waterflow
3
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PHOTO B. Cane Spring—Spring at entrance of tunnel (see top arrow) flows down-
hill into pond (see bottom arrow).
plastic pipe could be run from the dam to a small catchment basin that would
allow the overflow of surplus water to preserve the vegetation growth. Ap-
proximately 2 man-days would be required to accomplish restoration. Periodic
surveys show that the spring is presently utilized by feral horses, coyotes,
bobcats, deer, rabbits, and numerous species of birds. (Hayward et al, 1963;
Jorgensen and Hayward 1965)
TIPPIPAH SPRING
Location: Northeast of the Shoshone Mountain, Area 16; Long. 116012' W.,
Lat. 37°03' N., T. 10 S., R. 51 E., Sec. 26.
The remains of two stone buildings and other ranch structures are evidence
of a once abundant supply of water from this spring. At the present time,
there is a small pool 8 to 12 inches in depth at the end of a tunnel reaching
about 30 feet into the hillside (see Photo C). Rock and dirt falling from the
unsupported roof are gradually filling the entrance to this tunnel and may
eventually seal off the spring.
Construction of a small concrete or earthen dam at the tunnel entrance,
with an interconnecting pipe to a concrete trough or pond below the tunnel,
would improve and conserve the water supply and provide water to deer and other
large animals which have been observed in the area. A considerable amount of
debris and earth would have to be removed from the entrance as well as from the
floor of the tunnel. This would require a backhoe or some other type of power
equipment. Approximately 2 to 4 man-days would be required to develop this
spring.
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At present, only coyotes, chukar, rabbits, birds, and smaller animals
can enter the tunnel. (Hayward et al., 1963, Jorgensen and Hayward 1965)
,
PHOTO C. Tippipah Spring--Entrance to tunnel going into spring
TOPOPAH SPRING
Location: Southwest of the foot of the Shoshone Mountain, Area 29;
Long. 116°16' W., Lat. 36°56' N., T. 12 S., R. 51 E., Sec. 5.
This spring is completely covered with dirt and rock which have fallen
from the roof of the tunnel. It is estimated that a large amount of earth
would have to be removed, requiring 2 to 4 man-days. A new pipe and catchment
basin would also have to be installed to replace the existing equipment (see
Photo D). Numerous observations of deer, chukar, rabbits, and other wildlife
in the area indicate it would be beneficial to develop this water source.
(Hayward et al., 1963; Jorgensen and Hayward 1965)
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PHOTO D. Topopah Spring—View of spring showing path of waterflow through
pipe (see arrow)
GREEN SPRING
Location: Area 7; Long. n6°00' W., Lat. 37°05' N., T. 9 S., R. 53 E.
Green Spring is also known locally as Reitmann Spring, although neither
of these names has been officially adopted by the U.S. Geological Survey.
This spring is an open pool containing about 6 gallons of water year-
round (see Photo E). This spring is limited in size and scope because of
natural formation and no artificial structures will improve the site. At the
present time, there is no justification for changes. Continued maintenance,
such as periodic removal of trash and debris, is recommended.
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Coyotes, rabbits, and birds have been observed at this spring and on
rare occasions deer tracks have been seen.
•
*-ir' - ' *J . '•* .' ^* *
\7>:.S"\'- . " .>
.•'„.
PHOTO E. Green Spring—Close-up view showing water and vegetation.
WHITE ROCK SPRING
Location: East of the Rainier Mesa, Area 12; Long. 116 08' W., 37 12' N.,
T. 9 S., R. 52 E., Sec. 4.
This spring consists of two tunnels dug into the rock on either side of a
narrow canyon (see Photo F). Both tunnels have a small concrete dam across the
entrance and provide a fairly abundant year-round water supply which is piped
to a stock tank between the tunnels.
The plastic pipe running from the tunnels is broken and in need of repair
or replacement. Also, both tunnels should be cleaned of cans and other debris.
About 1 man-day would be required to repair and clean this spring. Wildlife
observed in the vicinity includes deer, coyotes, bobcats, rabbits, chukar,
doves, and numerous other small animals and birds. (Hayward et al., 1963;
Jorgensen and Hayward 1965)
7
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PHOTO F. White Rock Spring—View of spring (see top arrows) and water tank
below (see bottom arrow)
CAPTAIN JACK SPRING
Location: Southwest of Area 12 Campsite near the conjunction of Areas 2, 12
and 17; Long. 116°10' W., Lat. 37Q10' N., T. 9 W., R. 52 E., Sec.
19.
This spring is currently in excellent condition. The spring apparently
is being well maintained by Nevada Test Site personnel as shown by the recent
emplacement of a plastic pipe and a small metal tank which improve the spring
site because the water is therefore more accessible to wildlife (see Photo G).
Installation of several steel posts or other reinforcement would prevent the
displacement of the pipe by horses and/or deer. This would require one-half
man-day. For permanency, a concrete trough might also be constructed to
replace the metal drum.
Wildlife observed in the area includes feral horses, deer, rabbits, and
birds. (Hayward et al, 1963; Jorgensen and Hayward 1965)
8
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PHOTO G. Captain Jack Spring—Water tank at spring
OAK SPRING
Location:
Area 15; Long. 116°04' W., Lat. 37°15' N., T. 8 S., R. 53 E.,
Sec 20.
This spring was apparently developed to provide water for mining opera-
tions. There is evidence of a pipeline running to living quarters and a
corral about a mile south of the spring. Because the present opening at the
spring is small (about 1^ feet wide), water is unavailable to any animal
larger than a coyote. The opening to the spring is filled in with dirt and
overgrown with brush (see Photo H). The existing pipe and tank systems are
badly rusted and plugged with dirt (see Photo I). In order to improve this
spring, dirt and brush would have to be removed from the entrance and a new
pipe and tank system installed. It is estimated that this would take a
maximum of 4 man-days.
Wildlife observed in the area consists of deer, coyotes, bobcats, and
numerous species of birds. (Hayward et al., 1963; Jorgensen and Hayward 1965)
9
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PHOTO H. Oak Spring—Small entrance into spring
PHOTO I. Oak Spring—Rusted out tanks and pipe near spring
10
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TUB SPRING
Location: Area 15, Long. 116°02' W., Lat. 37°14' N., T. 8 S., R. 52 E.,
Sec. 13.
Apparently this spring was developed during the operation of a mine
located one mile southwest of the spring. It was also probably used by
ranchers grazing cattle and horses in the area prior to the establishment
of the Nevada Test Site.
The spring consists of a tunnel dug about 30 feet into the hillside
which contains 2 to 3 feet of water year-round (see Photo J). The water is
pooled within the tunnel by a small earthen dam at the entrance. Water is
delivered from the dam via a 3-inch pipe to two small tanks located approxi-
mately 100 feet below the spring (see Photo K).
PHOTO J. Tub Spring—Entrance to tunnel at spring
11
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• .. I'^'
PHOTO K. Tub Spring~3-inch pipe and tank near spring
Because the pipe is apparently partially plugged with dirt, very little
water reaches the tanks, and during the summer months the small amount in the
tanks evaporates quickly. To reclaim this water source, it will be necessary
to clean out the present pipe or replace it with a new pipe. The existing
tanks are adequate for the present time. About 2 man-days would be required
to accomplish this work.
Animals observed at this spring include deer, rabbits, coyotes, bobcats,
chukar, doves, and numerous small animals and birds. (Hayward et al., 1963;
Jorgensen and Hayward 1965)
12
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SUMMARY
A considerable number of wild animals and birds inhabit the Nevada Test
Site, either as full-time residents or for shorter periods as migrants.
Although new open water sources have been developed in support of construction
work and Test Site operations, it is desirable to maintain the existing
springs for continuing use by wildlife. All of these springs are in secluded
locations which afford the wildlife opportunity for watering with minimum
disturbance from people or operations.
This report does not cover all the springs on the Nevada Test Site, but
deals with the most readily accessible and widely known springs. An attempt
will be made at a later date to locate additional springs believed to exist
in remote areas of the Nevada Test Site.
It is estimated that to stimulate or reactivate waterflow from the
natural springs and to produce a more consistent waterflow, a minimal expendi-
ture of .labor and materials would be required. Generally, each of the springs
could be upgraded to produce a year-round water supply by removing the debris
and earth from the springs, constructing an earthen or concrete reservoir and
installing long-lasting pipe connections to new tanks, concrete troughs, or
ponds that are protected from encroaching vegetation and seepage loss.
13
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REFERENCES
Hayward, C. L., M. L. Killpack, and G. L. Richards, "Birds of the Nevada
Test Site." Brigham Young University. Sci. Bull., Bid!. Ser. 3(l):l-27.
1963
Jorgensen, C. D., and C. L. Hayward. "Mammals of the Nevada Test Site."
Brigham Young University. Sci. Bull., Biol. Ser. 6(3):1-81. 1965
Quiring, R. F. ClimatologicaVData Nevada Test Site and Nuclear Rocket
Development Station. ERLTM-ARL-7.U.S. Department of Commerce,
Environmental Science Services Administration Research Laboratories.
August 1968
U.S. Geological Survey. Wells and Springs in California and Nevada Within
100 Miles of the Point 37"15' N., 116"25' H., on the Nevada Test Site.
USGS-474-85.U.S. Department of the Interior, Denver, Colorado.1971
Worman, F. C. V. Archeological Investigations at the U.S. Atomic Energy
Commission's Nevada Test Site and Nuclear Rocket Development Station.
LA-4125.Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory of the University of
California, Los Alamos, New Mexico. August 1969
14
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DISTRIBUTION
1 - 20 Environmental Monitoring and Support Laboratory-Las Vegas
21 Man!on E. Gates, Manager, ERDA/NV, Las Vegas, NV
22 Charles E. Williams, ERDA/NV, Las Vegas, NV
23 Bennie G. DiBona, ERDA/NV, Las Vegas, NV
24 David G. Jackson, ERDA/NV, Las Vegas, NV
25 Arthur J. Whitman, ERDA/NV, Las Vegas, NV
26 Elwood M. Douthett, ERDA/NV, Las Vegas, NV
27 - 28 Ernest D. Campbell, ERDA/NV, Las Vegas, NV
29 - 30 Paul B. Dunaway, ERDA/NV, Las Vegas, NV
31 - 32 Mary G. White, ERDA/NV, Las Vegas, NV
33 Roger Ray, ERDA/NV, Las Vegas, NV
34 Robert W. Taft, ERDA/NV, Las Vegas, NV
35 Leon Silverstrom, ERDA/NV, Las Vegas, NV
36 John 0. Cummings, ERDA/NV, Las Vegas, NV
37 Bruce W. Church, ERDA/NV, Las Vegas, NV
38 - 39 Technical Library, ERDA/NV, Las Vegas, NV
40 Chief, NOB/DNA, ERDA/NV, Las Vegas, NV
41 Martin B. Biles, DOS, ERDA, Washington, DC
42 Tommy F. McCraw, DOS, ERDA, Washington, DC
43 - 44 Major General Joseph K. Bratton, Asst. Gen. Mgr., DMA, ERDA,
Washington, DC
45 Gordon F. Facer, DMA, ERDA, Washington, DC
46 James L. Liverman, Director, DBER, ERDA, Washington, DC
47 Robert L. Watters, DBER, ERDA, Washington, DC
48 John S. Kirby-Smith, DBER, ERDA, Washington, DC
49 L. Joe Deal, DOS, ERDA, Washington, DC
50 Robert W. Wood, DBER, ERDA, Washington, DC
51 Rudolf J. Engelmann, DBER, ERDA, Washington, DC
52 Harold F. Mueller, ARL, NOAA, Las Vegas, NV
53 Gilbert J. Ferber, ARL, NOAA, Silver Spring, MD
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54 Wilson K. Talley, Assistant Administrator for Research and
Development, EPA, Washington, DC
55 William D. Rowe, Deputy Assistant Administrator for Radiation
Programs, EPA, Washington, DC
56 William A. Mills, Dir., Div. of Criteria and Standards, ORP,
EPA, Washington, DC
57 - 58 Floyd L. Gal pin, Dir., Field Operations Div., ORP, EPA,
Washington, DC
59 E. David Harvard, Dir., Div., Technology Assessment, ORP,
EPA, Washington, DC
60 Albert C. Printz, Jr., Director, Office of Technical Analysis,
Washington, DC
61 Library, EPA, Washington, DC
62 Richard L. Blanchard, Chief, Radiochemistry and Nuclear Engineering,
EPA, EMSL-Cincinnati, OH
63 Peter Halpin, Chief, APTIC, EPA, Research Triangle Park, NC
64 Paul DeFalco, Jr., Regional Admin., Region IX, EPA,
San Francisco, CA
65 James K. Channel!, Regional Radiation Representative,
Region IX, EPA, San Francisco, CA
66 Charles R. Porter, Dir., Eastern Environmental Radiation
Facility, EPA, Montgomery, AL
67 K. M. Oswald, Mgr., Health and Safety, ILL, Mercury, NV
68 Bernard W. Shore, ILL, Livermore, CA
69 James E. Carothers, ILL, Livermore, CA
70 Howard W. Tewes, LLL, Livermore, CA
71 Lawrence S. Germain, LLL, Livermore, CA
72 Paul L. Phelps, LLL, Livermore, CA
73 Mortimer L. Mendelsohn, LLL, Livermore, CA
74 J. C. Hopkins, LASL, Los Alamos, NM
75 George E. Tucker, Sandia Laboratories, Albuquerque, NM
76 Harry S. Jordan, LASL, Los Alamos, NM
77 Arden E. Bicker, REECo, Mercury, NV
78 Savino W. Cavender, REECo, Mercury, NV
79 Carter D. Broyles, Sandia Laboratories, Albuquerque, NM
80 Melvin L. Merritt, Sandia Laboratories, Albuquerque, NM
81 Richard S. Davidson, Battelle Memorial Institute, Columbus, OH
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82 Steven V. Kaye, Oak Ridge National Lab., Oak Ridge, TN
83 Leo K. Bustad, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington,
State University, Pullman, WA
84 Leonard A. Sagan, Palo Alto Medical Clinic, Palo Alto, CA
85 Vincent Schultz, Washington State University, Pullman, WA
86 Arthur Wallace, University of California, Los Angeles, CA
87 Wesley E. Niles, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV
88 Robert C. Pendleton, University of Utah, Salt Lake, UT
89 William S. Twenhofel, U.S. Geological Survey, Denver, CO
90 Paul R. Fenske, Desert Research Institute, University of
Nevada, Reno, NV
91 Lloyd P. Smith, President, Desert Research Institute,
University of Nevada, Reno, NV
92 - 118 Technical Information Center, ERDA, Oak Ridge, TN
(for public availability)
119 Verle R. Bohman, University of Nevada, Reno, NV
120 Manager, Desert National Wildlife Range, U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service, Las Vegas, NV
121 Supervisor, Region III, Nevada Fish and Game Department,
Las Vegas, NV
122 Paul Lyons, Nevada Wildlife Research, Division of Archives,
Capitol Building Annex, Carson City, NV
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