&EPA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Environmental Research
Laboratory
Duluth MN 558O4
EPA 600 3-78-098
November 1978
Research and Development
Environmental
Effects of Western
Coal Combustion
Part I
The Fishes of
Rosebud Creek,
Montana
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RESEARCH REPORTING SERIES
Research reports of the Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, have been grouped into nine series. These nine broad cate-
gories were established to facilitate further development and application of en-
vironmental technology. Elimination of traditional grouping was consciously
planned to foster technology transfer and a maximum interface in related fields.
The nine series are:
1. Environmental Health Effects Research
2. Environmental Protection Technology
3. Ecological Research
4. Environmental Monitoring
5. Socioeconomic Environmental Studies
6. Scientific and Technical Assessment Reports (STAR)
7- Interagency Energy-Environment Research and Development
8. "Special" Reports
9. Miscellaneous Reports
This report has been assigned to the ECOLOGICAL RESEARCH series. This series
describes research on the effects of pollution on humans, plant and animal spe-
cies, and materials. Problems are assessed for their long- and short-term influ-
ences. Investigations include formation, transport, and pathway studies to deter-
mine the fate of pollutants and their effects. This work provides the technical basis
for setting standards to minimize undesirable changes in living organisms in the
aquatic, terrestrial, and atmospheric environments.
This document is available to the public through the National Technical Informa-
tion Service, Springfield, Virginia 22161.
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EPA-600/3-78-098
November 1978
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF WESTERN COAL COMBUSTION
Part I - The Fishes of Rosebud Creek, Montana
by
Allen A. Elser and James C. Schreiber
Montana Department of Fish and Game
Miles City, Montana 59301
Grant No. R803950
Project Officer
Donald I. Mount
Environmental Research Laboratory
Duluth, Minnesota 55804
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LABORATORY
OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
DULUTH, MINNESOTA 55804
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DISCLAIMER
This report has been reviewed by the Environmental Research Laboratory,
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and approved for publication. Approval
does not signify that the contents necessarily reflect the views and policies
of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, nor does mention of trade names
or commercial products constitute endorsement or recommendation for use.
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FOREWORD
This report describes the response of fish populations to a coal-fired,
mine-mouth power plant after initial start-up. While no major adverse effects
were found during the study period, additional units coming on line and the
progress of time warrant follow-up surveys in subsequent years.
Donald I. Mount, Ph.D.
Director
Environmental Research Laboratory-Duluth
m
-------
ABSTRACT
Fish populations have been studied during 1975 and 1976 in Rosebud
Creek, a prairie stream which flows through the Fort Union Coal Basin in
southeastern Montana. The objective of this study was to collect fish popu-
lation data to determine any immediate effects, and to act as a yardstick for
assessing possible future effects of accelerated activities of coal mining
and coal combustion in this region.
Fishes were inventoried at nine stations and included 21 species repre-
senting nine families. The species composition and fish distribution were
representative of other streams in this region. Game fishes included
northern pike found throughout the stream, brook trout which occurred in the
headwater areas, and sauger, walleye, channel catfish, and burbot which were
found near the confluence with the Yellowstone River. The most abundant
nongame species were white sucker and shorthead redhorse. Fish species
diversity increased in a downstream direction, and tributaries contained many
of the same fish species as in Rosebud Creek. The seasonal occurrence of
reproductively mature game fishes in the lower region of Rosebud Creek
suggests that it is used for spawning by fishes from the Yellowstone River.
During the study, there was no apparent effect of either coal mining or
coal combustion activities on the distribution of fishes in Rosebud Creek.
iv
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CONTENTS
Foreword iii
Abstract iv
Figures vi
Tables vii
Acknowledgment viii
I Introduction 1
II Conclusions 2
III Recommendations 3
IV Description of the Area 4
V Methods 7
VI Results 9
Physical and Chemical Parameters 9
Species Composition and Distribution 14
Relative Abundance 14
Sport Fishes 20
Northern pike 20
Brook trout 20
Sauger and walleye 20
Channel catfish 24
Burbot 24
Fish Tagging 24
Migrant Fishes 27
VII Discussion 30
References 32
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FIGURES
Number Page
1 Map of Rosebud Creek showing sampling sections,
gauging stations, and thermograph locations 5
2 Longitudinal profile of Rosebud Creek 6
3 Discharge of Rosebud Creek near the mouth, October
1974 to August 1976 10
4 Average monthly flows for Rosebud Creek near its mouth
for 1947-1948, 1952-1953, 1974-1975, and 1975-1976 11
5 Maximum and minimum water temperatures (5-day averages)
at Rosebud Creek; Sections 1, 5, and 8, April-October 1976 .... 13
6 Longitudinal distribution of fishes in Rosebud Creek,
1975-1976 16
7 Fish species diversity in Rosebud Creek, fall 1975 and
1976 22
8 Daily catch of northern pike, white sucker, shorthead
redhorse, and longnose suckers taken in the Rosebud Creek
trap at Section 1, April 6-22, 1976 29
VI
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TABLES
Number Page
1 Channel Measurements from Nine Sections of Rosebud
Creek, 1976 8
2 Rosebud Creek Water Quality and Discharge Data for
October 1974 to September 1975 12
3 Fishes Collected from Rosebud Creek, 1975-1976 15
4 Occurrence of Fishes in the Major Tributaries of
Rosebud Creek, 1976 17
5 Summary of Electrofishing Samples from Rosebud Creek,
Fall 1975 and 1976, Expressed as Numbers of Fish
Collected Per Kilometer 18
6 Summary of Electrofishing Samples from Rosebud Creek,
Spring 1976, Expressed as Numbers of Fish Collected
Per Kilometer 19
7 Fish Species Diversity in Rosebud Creek, 1975-1976 21
8 Average Lengths, Weights, and Ranges of Northern Pike
Captured in Rosebud Creek, 1975-1976 23
9 Average Length and Range Per Age Group of 51 Channel
Catfish from Rosebud Creek, 1976 25
10 Summary of Fish Tagging in Rosebud Creek, 1975-1976 26
11 Comparison of Lengths, Weights, and Sex of Fishes
Captured in a Trap in Rosebud Creek, Section 1, 1976 28
vi 1
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ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The authors wish to extend their appreciation to all who assisted during
this study. R. W. Gregory provided valuable suggestions in the field, and
R. C. McFarland and S. Hinkins assisted with the statistical analysis of the
data. C. J. D. Brown, R. J. Luedtke, G. R. Phillips, R. K. Skogerboe, R. V.
Thurston, and J. V. Ward gave advice during preparation of the manuscript.
A special thanks is extended to the landowners along Rosebud Creek who
graciously allowed our trespass.
This research was funded in part by Montana Department of Fish and Game
and by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Environmental Research
Laboratory-Duluth, Research Grant No. R803950, awarded to Natural Resource
Ecology Laboratory, Colorado State University, and Fisheries Bioassay
Laboratory, Montana State University.
vm
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SECTION I
INTRODUCTION
The fish populations of Rosebud Creek (Bighorn and Rosebud Counties),
Montana, were inventoried between fall 1975 and fall 1976 for species compo-
sition, distribution, and relative abundance. Observations were also made
on some physical and chemical characteristics of the stream. The objective
was to collect fish population data to enable assessment of possible future
impacts of mine-mouth coal combustion power plants now operating in and
planned for this region of Montana.
Rosebud Creek provides water for human and livestock consumption, crop
irrigation, and recreation. Strip mining operations and coal combustion
facilities are currently being expanded in Colstrip, Montana, near Rosebud
Creek. The continued expansion of these coal-energy related activities has
the potential to affect both the quality and quantity of water in Rosebud
Creek.
Coal was first mined at Colstrip in 1924 by the Northwestern Improvement
Company, a mining subsidiary of the Northern Pacific Railway Company. During
1924 to 1947, over 31 million tons were mined. The energy crisis in the
early 70's brought renewed interest in coal and the Colstrip mines became
active again. Projected production by the Western Energy Company at Colstrip
for 1978 is 10.2 million tons, for 1979 it is 11.5 million tons, and for 1980
it is 14.1 million tons.
Two coal-fired power plants began operation at Colstrip in late 1975 and
early 1976. Two additional coal-fired power plants are now in the planning
stage. The mean winter wind direction at Colstrip is southeast toward
Rosebud Creek; consequently, gases and particulates in the power plant plume
are dispersed toward this Creek. Hydrologic flow patterns from the eastern
portion of the coal mines at Colstrip extend in the direction of Rosebud
Creek, which flows within 12 km of the mines. The Creek, therefore, may be
affected by atmospheric fallout from the power plants, and also by subsurface
water quality changes resulting from mining activities at Colstrip.
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SECTION II
CONCLUSIONS
1. No immediate adverse effects on fishes in Rosebud Creek from coal com-
bustion or coal mining activities at Colstrip were apparent. This con-
clusion is based on data collected immediately prior to and during the
first year the Colstrip power plants were in operation.
2. Fish species diversity in Rosebud Creek increased in a downstream direc-
tion. This situation is typical of most healthy streams that originate
in the mountains and flow out onto the plains, and results from gradual
increases in flow, temperature, and nutrient input as the stream runs
its course.
3. Game fishes occurring in Rosebud Creek included brook trout at the head-
waters, northern pike at all but the uppermost stations, and walleye,
sauger, burbot, and channel catfish near the mouth. Abundant nongame
species included mountain sucker at the headwaters, white sucker and
shorthead redhorse throughout, and flathead chub and carp in the lower
reaches.
4. Tag returns from Rosebud Creek fishes and observations on similar
tributaries to the Yellowstone River suggest that Rosebud Creek is
utilized for spawning by certain fishes from the Yellowstone River.
5. The Rosebud Creek fishery is under-utilized, probably due to the low
human population density in the area and the fact that most of the
creek is surrounded by private ranches.
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SECTION III
RECOMMENDATIONS
A water chemistry monitoring program should be reimplemented to detect
physical or chemical changes that may occur in Rosebud Creek as a result
of coal combustion or mining at Col strip.
Fish distribution in Rosebud Creek should be restudied both before and
after the start of operation of the two additional coal combustion power
plants now being planned for construction at Col strip, or sooner if
noticeable changes occur in the characteristics of Rosebud Creek.
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SECTION IV
DESCRIPTION OF THE AREA
Rosebud Creek is a meandering prairie stream flowing north through the
Fort Union coal fields of southeastern Montana (Figure 1). From its head-
waters on the eastern slopes of the Wolf Mountains, it flows about 326 km to
its confluence with the Yellowstone River just upstream from the village of
Rosebud. It drains an area of over 3,100 km2 with an elevation drop of 530 m
from source to mouth (Figure 2).
The headwaters (North and South Forks) rise within the Crow Indian Res-
ervation. Indian Creek, Spring Creek, and Cache Creek are small, clear-
flowing tributaries which enter the upper Rosebud. Its middle reaches wind
through the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation. Muddy Creek and Lame Deer
Creek are the major tributaries in this portion. Long, deep pools are common
here, with riffles poorly defined. The stream broadens in the lower reaches
and pool-riffle periodicity increases (with riffles more abundant). Major
tributaries in this portion are Greenleaf Creek, Cow Creek, and Cottonwood
Creek.
Groundwater is recharged by Rosebud Creek providing subirrigation during
summer. Irrigation is limited primarily to spring flood waters, using
spreader dikes. Riparian vegetation is generally undisturbed, helping hold
the stream within its banks.
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Yellowstone
Iof|> ^Rosebud
Irn'gollon Dorn
1-9 ~ Sampling Section*
T = Thermograph Sites
I-BTo=USGS Water Quality Station*
3 USGS Gauging Station*
Cache_Creek|<
North Fpr
South
10 20
Kilometer*
3O
Figure 1. Map of Rosebud Creek showing sampling sections, gauging stations,
and thermograph locations.
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1300
* MOO
900
o
U
700
Sourct 300
1-9 • Location of Sample Section*
200 100
Creek Distance from Mouth in kilometers
Mouth 0
Figure 2. Longitudinal profile of Rosebud Creek.
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SECTION V
METHODS
Physical conditions, water quality, and fish populations were determined
in nine study sections. All study sections included both pool and riffle
type habitats. Sections were selected partially on the basis of accessibility
and sampling ease. Additional sampling was performed between primary sections
to augment fish distribution data.
Surface discharge and water quality records for Rosebud Creek have been
recorded by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) during selected years.
Discharge was recorded by USGS continuously at two stations 'during 1974-1975
and 1975-1976, and water quality parameters and instantaneous discharge were
measured monthly by USGS during 1974-1975 at four stations. In addition,
thermographs were installed at three locations along the creek as part of
this study. The positions of the thermographs and the USGS sites relative to
the fish sampling stations are shown in Figure 1.
General stream morphology (Table 1) was delineated from measurements
taken in the field as part of this study and from aerial photographs (Agri-
cultural Soil Conservation and Stabilization Service photographs; scale:
12.6 cm per km) taken in 1968. U.S. Geological Survey quadrangle maps (7.5
minute series; scale: 1:2400) were used to determine general physical
characteristics of the creek.
Fish sampling was primarily by electrofishing, utilizing gear with an
output of 0-500 volts variable direct current, from a fiberglass boat as
described by Vincent (1971). A 7.6 m x 1.2 m, 0.63 cm mesh bag seine was
used to sample fish in the lower reaches of the creek. Baited box traps con-
structed of metal rods covered with 1.9 cm tarred nylon netting were placed
along cutbanks. A temporary trap was installed near the mouth of the creek
to monitor migrant fishes. The trap consisted of a wire cloth (2.54 cm mesh)
stretched across the stream with a frame structure for a collecting box.
All fishes were measured to the nearest mm and weighed to the nearest
gram. Floy anchor tags were employed to mark sauger, walleye, northern pike,
and brook trout. A -dangler tag inserted just ventral to the dorsal fin, as
described by Haddix and Estes (1976), was used on channel catfish and burbot.
Fin clips were used to detect tag loss or to mark nongame fishes. Pectoral
spines were collected from channel catfish and were sectioned for aging as
described by Marzolf (1955) and Sneed (1951). The sections were cleared with
glycerin, and annuli were counted with the aid of a binocular microscope. A
translucent ring was considered an annul us when it appeared distinct and
continuous in all areas of the section (Marzolf, 1955).
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TABLE 1. CHANNEL MEASUREMENTS IN NINE SECTIONS OF ROSEBUD CREEK, 1976
oo
Section^/
Parameter
Area (ha)
Length (m)
Average pool depth (m)
Average riffle depth (m)
Average pool width (m)
Average riffle width (m)
Sinuosity^/
Pool -riffle periodity^
Gradient (%)
1
0
926
0
0
9
6
1
6
0
.71
.2
.74
.24
.00
.43
.68
.7
.14
2
0.39
586.4
0.69
0.48
8.08
5.34
1.87
0.12
3
0.
595.
0.
0.
5.
5.
3.
0.
31
9
63
29
37
19
28
09
4
0.43
750.4
0.54
0.28
5.58
5.80
2.86
0.20
5
0.53
842.3
0.58
0.34
6.41
6.19
2.70
5.8
0.10
6
0.53
909.4
0.57
0.32
5.80
5.80
2.05
0.11
7
0.40
820.1
0.62
0.29
4.00
5.67
2.55
0.11
8
0.21
799.1
0.42
0.18
2.32
2.85
2.65
4.2
0.33
9
0.03
213.5
0.36
0.09
2.01
1.22
2.13
0.56
— See Figure 1 for location.
-'Defined as channel length divided by down valley distance.
c/
-'Distance between successive riffles divided by average width, expressed as average widths.
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SECTION VI
RESULTS
PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PARAMETERS
Mean and extreme monthly flows near the mouth of Rosebud Creek (Station
I) during the water years 1974-1975 and 1975-1976 are summarized in Figure 3.
In addition, the mean monthly flows for these two years are compared to those
recorded in years 1947-1948 and 1952-1953 (Figure 4), which were considered
to be representative of more "average" years. The 1974-1975 water year was
characterized by exceptionally high runoff while 1975-1976 was more
representative of the normal.
For a detailed account of the USGS water quality records the reader is
referred to the original reports (U.S. Geological Survey, 1976, 1977). How-
ever, a general trend with respect to the water quality of Rosebud Creek as
it relates to discharge changes and distance downstream should be noted
(Table 2). As discharge increased there was an increase in suspended sedi-
ment concentration resulting in a corresponding increase in turbidity,
especially at the lower two USGS stations. However, specific conductivity
and alkalinity did not evidence any large change or trend between stations.
Conductivity averaged 1123, 1245, 1163, and 1235 ymhos and alkalinity aver-
aged 382, 377, 351, and 336 mg/liter (as CaC03) at Stations I, II, III, and
IV, respectively (Table 2). Both conductivity and alkalinity tended to
decrease as flow increased, presumably due to a dilution effect. The highest
conductivity record was 2060 pmhos at Station I in January 1975 and the
lowest was 310 ymhos at Station IV in March 1975. Alkalinity extremes were
522 mg/liter CaC03 at Station I in January 1975 and 108 at Station IV in
March 1975.
Five-day average maximum and minimum temperatures for April-October 1976
are summarized in Figure 5. Temperatures at all three stations exhibited the
same general trend with peaks in April, June, and July—the July peak being
the yearly maximum. Temperatures declined steadily from July through October,
at which time the minimum values for this time period were recorded. Maximum
temperatures were: Section 8 (Kirby) 22.2°C, Section 5 (McRae) 23.3°C, and
Section 1 (Harstad) 27.0°C.
Average stream depth and width increased in a downstream direction
(Table 2). All of Rosebud Creek is meandering with sinuosities (channel
length/down valley distance) ranging from 1.68 at the mouth to over 2 for the
remainder of the creek (average 1.86).
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ONDJ FMAMJJ ASONDJFMAMJJ A
Figure 3. Discharge of Rosebud Creek near the mouth, October 1974 to August
1976.^ (Hatched bars are the monthly minimum; open bars are the
maximum; cross lines with asterisk are the mean.)
^/Abstracted from U.S. Geological Survey (1976, 1977).
10
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o
UJ
U
O
c
o
2-
ONOJ FMAMJJ A S
Figure 4. Average monthly flows— for Rosebud Creek near its mouth for
1947-1948, 1952-1953, 1974-1975, and 1975-1976.
^/Abstracted from U.S. Geological Survey (1959, 1964, 1976, 1977),
11
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1ASU 2. ROSEBUD CRLL:; «;7SR C.-ALITi A.'.'O SiSCHAKL DATA FOR 3CTOCIR 1974 TO CE'TL"3ER •?;;--'
1974 1975
USGS station Parameter Oct .Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr I'.jy June July ^9 Sept
IV Instantaneous discharge 20 27 20 26 34 233 64 218 217 124 52 36
(atcve Cow Cree1:) (cfs)
Syspended sedin-.ent 58 30 33 39 35 216 274 560 361 4S9 157 77
(mg/0
Turbidity (JTU) 10 20 !0 5 10 60 140 200 110 ISO 66 30
S.E.C. (umhos/cai, 25"C) 1500 1120 1750 1700 1310 310 1020 1000 945 905 930 930
Alkalinity (mg/s. CiCO.) 417 395 497 487 433 103 427 361 373 373 353 351
II! Instantaneous discr.arge 15 31 18 19 42 200 74 253 15: 112 52 3!
(below Cow Creek) (cf;)
Suspended sediment 79 23 30 32 12 123 194 235 259 525 ::4 1=5
(rag/0
Turbidity (JTU) 20 20 1C 7 10 70 100 120 100 200 SO 7
S.E.C. (umhos/cn, 25'C) 1500 1280 1600 I860 1000 400 1400 1900 990 950 1CC3 ICfiC
Alkalinity (mg/; CaC03) 411 391 495 506 37! 115 395 364 367 372 350 365
II Instantaneous discharge 13 29 22 13 42 230 S6 31.' 191 119 54 33
(above irrigation dam) (cfs)
Suspended sediment 100 110 69 79 18 531 584 701 321 513 S25 131
(mg/1)
Turbidity (JTU) 70 60 20 20 20 100 240 260 140 270 iSO 5
S.E.C. (-^mhos/cm, 25°C) 1450 1240 1550 1870 1060 350 1350 1020 1020 950 1000 1100
Alkalinity (mo/i CdC03) 406 377 476 505 254 114 346 317 390 365 335 326
I Instantaneous discharge 13 26 19 15^ 45 247 107 916 195 119 43 31
(mouth) (cfs) 113
Suspend sediment 1160 243 114 118 35 329 347 7240 328 1H60 1-SO 140
(mg/,) 500
Turbidity (JTU) 800 100 40 30 20 200 140 2500 150 600 52 5
300
S.E.C. Umhos/cm, 25"C) 1550 1320 1560 2060 9GO 330 1340 580 1010 960 1C40 1230
850
Alkalinity (iig/i CaCO,) 385 385 162 522 236 109 339 153 383 352 345 365
243
-•''ADitracted from U.S. Geological Survey (197c).
-'station I measured twice during January.
12
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30
O 20
10
STATION I
STATION 3
STATION 8
APRIL
MAY
JUNE
JULY
I ' I ^^ I ^^
AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER
Figure 5. Maximum and minimum water temperatures (5-day averages) at Rosebud Creek; Sections 1, 5, and
8, April-October 1976.
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Pool-riffle periodicity (spacing of successive riffles) was determined
for Sections 1, 5, and 8 (Table 1). Gradient is steeper in the upper reaches
and this is reflected by a lower pool-riffle periodicity. Riffle spacing
increased from 4.2 widths near the headwaters to 6.7 widths at the mouth.
Bottom materials found in Rosebud Creek varied in different locations.
Headwater areas were characterized by riffles of washed rubble and gravel,
and by pools with sandy substrata. Mid-Rosebud Creek substrata consisted
mainly of sand, gravel, and silt. The lowest portion of the creek was unique,
having a substrate of rubble and boulder from Yellowstone alluvium caused by
an increase in gradient as the creek enters the Yellowstone River valley.
SPECIES COMPOSITION AND DISTRIBUTION
Twenty-one species of fishes representing nine families were collected
from Rosebud Creek in the fall of 1975, and in the spring and fall of 1976
(Table 3). Of these, goldeye, emerald shiner, river carpsucker, black bull-
head, white crappie, and walleye were collected only near the mouth.
Longitudinal distribution of the fishes is shown in Figure 6. Although
grouping by sections obscures some variations, it illustrates general fish
distribution. The headwater species, except brook trout, generally ranged
throughout the entire stream. Fathead minnows were collected in the head-
waters and at the mouth, while brook trout were collected only in the head-
waters. Lake chub, longnose dace, and white sucker were present throughout.
Mountain suckers were taken in all sections except Section 2, but probably
range throughout the entire creek. Northern pike and shorthead redhorse were
found in all sections except the headwaters.
A concrete irrigation diversion dam (2 m high) located about 6.4 km
upstream from the mouth may influence fish distribution in the lower Rosebud.
Ten species were found only in the area downstream from this dam. Since
these fishes were collected at times other than spawning season, they were
probably year-round residents of Rosebud Creek.
The five main tributaries of Rosebud Creek were sampled to evaluate fish
species distribution. The flows of these streams average less than 0.054 m3
per second during normal low-flow periods. Six species were found (Table 4)
and their distribution was similar to that of Rosebud Creek proper. White
suckers were present in all tributaries while longnose dace and lake chubs
were found in all but one. Fathead minnows and brook trout were restricted
to Lame Deer Creek and Cache Creek, respectively.
RELATIVE ABUNDANCE
A summary of fall electrofishing samples for 1975 and 1976 is shown in
Table 5. Flathead chubs dominated the samples in Section 1 while white
suckers were slightly dominant in Sections 3, 4, and 6, and markedly dominant
in Sections 8 and 9. In 1975 white suckers constituted nearly 85% of the
total catch at Sections 8 and 9. Spring 1976 sample composition (Table 6)
14
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TABLE 3. FISHES COLLECTED FROM ROSEBUD CREEK, 1975-1976
Family
Generic name
Common name
Hiodontidae
Salmonidae
Esocidae
Cyprinidae
Castostomidae
Ictaluridae
Gadidae
Centrarchidae
Percidae
Hiodon alosoides
Salvelinus fontinalis
Esox Iwsius
Cyprinus oarpio
Hybopsis grac-ilis
Conjesius plwnbeus
Notropts atherincides
Pimephales promelas
Rhiniohthys aataraotae
Carpoides oarpio
Moxostoma maovolepidotwn
Catostomus oatostomus
Catostomus conmevsoni.
Catostomus platyrhynahus
lotalurus melas
letalurus punctatus
Noturus flavus
Lota Iota
Pomoxis annularis
StizostedLon vitreum
Sti.zosted.-lon oanadense
Goldeye
Brook trout
Northern pike
Carp
Flathead chub
Lake chub
Emerald shiner
Fathead minnow
Longnose dace
River carpsucker
Shorthead redhorse
Longnose sucker
White sucker
Mountain sucker
Black bullhead
Channel catfish
Stonecat
Burbot
White crappie
Walleye
Sauger
15
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Figure 6. Longitudinal distribution of fishes in Rosebud Creek, 1975-1976.
Species
Sampling sections—
1 2 3,4 5 6 7 8 9
Brook trout
Fathead minnow
Mountain sucker
Lake chub
Longnose dace
White sucker
Northern pike
Shorthead redhorse
Flathead chub
Stonecat
Carp
Longnose sucker
White crappie
Emerald shiner
River carpsucker
Black bullhead
Walleye
Sauger
Channel catfish
Goldeye
Burbot
Figure 1 for location.
16
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TABLE 4. OCCURRENCE OF FISHES IN THE MAJOR TRIBUTARIES
OF ROSEBUD CREEK, 1976
Species
White sucker
Longnose dace
Lake chub
Mountain sucker
Fathead minnow
Brook trout
Lame Deer Muddy Thompson Cache Indian
Creek Creek Creek Creek Creek
* * * * *
* * * *
* * * *
* * *
*
*
* Denotes presence
17
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TABLE 5. SUMMARY OF ELECTROFISHING SAMPLES FROM ROSEBUD CREEK, FALL 1975 AND 1976, EXPRESSED AS NUMBERS
OF FISH COLLECTED PER KILOMETER
CD
Species
Goldeye
Brook trout
Northern pike
Carp
Flathead chub
Lake chub
Fathead minnow
Longnose dace
Shorthead redhorse
Longnose sucker
White sucker
Mountain sucker
Channel catfish
Stonecat
Burbot
Sauger
Total
1
1975
7
1
13
279
9
6
3
12
1
3
7
10
351
Section^
23456789
1976 1975^ 1976 1975 1976 1975 1976 1975 1976 1975 1976 1975 1976 1975 1976 1975 1976^
5
3 335417 21 5 10 4 10 38
1 9 5 8 11 29 46
17 10 12 27 3 49 34 94
1 3231 24 1 13 56
52
1 24 3 1212 15 19
1 3 7 14 8 25 14 3 15 90 17 2 15 8
2 8 15 45 25 43 24 6 90 181 4 7 313 11 581
11 641 1 8 14
1
142 91 4
2
10
40 40 48 106 52 160 80 77 119 300 31 26 337 63 722
•/
See Figure 1 for location of sections.
Not sampled.
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TABLE 6. SUMMARY OF ELECTROFISHING SAMPLES FROM ROSEBUD CREEK,
SPRING 1976, EXPRESSED AS NUMBERS OF FISH COLLECTED
PER KILOMETER
Species
Gol deye
Brook trout
Northern pike
Carp
Flathead chub
Lake chub
Longnose dace
Shorthead redhorse
Longnose sucker
White sucker
Mountain sucker
Black bullhead
Channel catfish
Stonecat
Burbot
Walleye
Sauger
1
3
6
12
23
3
18
18
5
1
1
3
7
3
1
5
Section
234567 8 9
3
623215
1 2 1
22331
3 10 37
1 9 14
75 5 10 56 10
11 2 13 15 18 1 262 234
1 1 54 37
Total
109 27 13 24 35 26 13 348
322
19
-------
was similar to that of the fall 1975 and 1976. Numbers of fishes collected
in the fall ranged from 26 at Section 7 during 1976 to 722 at Section 9
during 1975. During spring 1976 sampling, the number of fishes sampled per
section ranged from 13 at Section 3 to 348 at Section 8. Species diversity
indices were calculated for the combined samples of fall 1975 and 1976
(Table 7, Figure 7). The diversity index values increased progressively
downstream.
SPORT FISHES
Six species of sport fishes were collected from Rosebud Creek. Of
these, only northern pike was found distributed throughout the drainage.
Brook trout was limited to the upper reaches and sauger, walleye, channel
catfish, and burbot were collected only near the mouth.
These latter four species have been reported to move from the Yellowstone
River to both the Powder River (Rehwinkel et al. , 1976) and the Tongue River
(Elser and McFarland, 1977) during spawning seasons, suggesting that spawning
migrations into Rosebud Creek may also occur.
Northern Pike
Northern pike was the most abundant sport fish found in Rosebud Creek
with a total of 172 from Sections 1 through 8. The greatest concentration
(71 fish) was found near the mouth (Section 1). The mean lengths and weights
of northern pike are shown in Table 8. The larger fish were found near the
mouth, the biggest of which was 870 mm long and weighed 5.00 kg. Fish
taken in Sections 3 through 6 were similar in size, as were those taken in
the upper and lower reaches. Fish collected from the upper and lower sections
were considerably larger than those taken from mid-sections. The best
northern pike habitat generally occurred in areas where slow water was
associated with brushy vegetation.
Brook Trout
Brook trout were collected in the upper reaches of Rosebud Creek,
centering around Cache Creek, a tributary near Kirby. Eight specimens were
collected, with an average length of 276.6 mm (range 229 to 386 mm) and an
average weight of 0.29 kg. The presence of two size groups suggests that
brook trout reproduce in Rosebud Creek.
Sauger and Walleye
A total of 29 sauger were collected. Spawning sauger were not found but
two spent fish were collected during May. Only five walleye were taken,
three of which were sexually mature. Walleye were larger than sauger, aver-
aging 531.6 mm and 1.45 kg compared to 356.7 mm and 0.40 kg for sauger.
Sauger ranged in age from 3 to 6 years (41.3% age 3) while walleye were 5 to
20
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TABLE 7. FISH SPECIES DIVERSITY^/ IN ROSEBUD CREEK,
1975-1976
Station
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
d^/
3.04
2.76
2.38
2.44
2.22
1.48
2.18
1.64
1.44
d mirv^
0.69
0.75
0.51
0.40
0.36
0.15
0.39
0.08
0.13
d max-'
4.32
2.99
2.99
3.17
3.17
3.00
3.17
2.81
2.32
RS/
0.308
0.105
0.250
0.264
0.338
0.532
0.353
0.429
0.400
Eml/
0.293
0.451
0.348
0.326
0.291
0.166
0.290
0.167
0.177
SRfl/
2.75
2.31
2.03
2.11
1.93
1.32
1.90
1.47
1.27
^/
Wilhm and Dorris (1968)
cf (mean diversity) = -z (N-j/N) 1og2 (N-j/N); where Ni = number of
individuals in the ith species, and N = total number of species
d min (minimum diversity) = (1/N) {log2N! - log2[N-(S-l)] !};
where S = number of species
max (maximum diversity) = (1/N) [log2N! - S log2(N/S)l]
(redundancy) . d
(equitability) = d/log2S
(species richness) = d" - d"/log2N
21
-------
ro
IN3
'
in
-------
TABLE 8. AVERAGE LENGTHS, WEIGHTS, AND RANGES OF NORTHERN
PIKE CAPTURED IN ROSEBUD CREEK, 1975-1976
Section
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
No. fish
71
8
6
6
27
18
28
8
Length
Average
444.2
449.7
271.8
327.9
253.3
314.6
441.1
497.7
(mm)
Range
204-870
222-709
230-305
241-602
220-410
193-530
170-832
423-580
Weight (kg)
Average
1.00
0.83
0.15
0.27
0.14
0.25
0.69
0.91
Range
0.04-5.00
0.05-2.36
0.06-0.27
0.08-1.00
0.06-0.46
0.04-0.90
0.03-2.80
0.54-1.40
23
-------
9 years old. The lack of young fishes in the sample suggests that sauger and
walleye move into Rosebud Creek from the Yellowstone River for spawning.
Channel Catfish
A total of 60 channel catfish were collected, all in the lower portion.
Channel catfish move into other tributaries of the lower Yellowstone River
apparently to spawn as water temperatures approach 21°C (Rehwinkel et al. ,
1976; Elser and McFarland, 1977). The catfish collected in the lower Rosebud
were mostly large, averaging 606.7 mm. However, some small fish (181 mm)
were also collected. The average weight of catfish was 2.87 kg with a range
of 0.04 to 6.50 kg.
Ninety-eight percent of 51 catfish examined were older than 4 years,
with a maximum of 14 years (Table 9). One fish was found to. be a yearling.
The predominant age group was 12 years, contributing 23.5% of the total. A
majority of the fish sampled were old, with 72.5% older than 10 years. In
comparison, catfish from the lower Tongue River ranged in age from 1 to 19
years, and had a more uniform age distribution. Only 43.3% were older than
10 years (Elser et al., in press).
Burbot
Burbot are common in the lower Yellowstone River drainage. Spawning is
reported to occur in the winter, probably in January and February. A total
of 42 burbot were collected from lower Rosebud Creek, during spring and
summer 1976. These ranged from 291 to 640 mm in length, averaging 371 mm.
Five male burbot were also captured in January and February 1976. Specimens
collected in winter showed evidence of having recently spawned. Burbot
therefore inhabit lower Rosebud Creek during all seasons.
The size classes of the 42 burbot collected in spring and summer 1976
were very similar to burbot found in the Yellowstone River. These fish
probably ranged in age from 5 to 11 years (Peterman and Haddix, 1975).
FISH TAGGING
A total of 252 game fishes were tagged in Rosebud Creek during this
study (Table 10). Northern pike showed the largest number of returns, and
all northern pike electrofishing returns were from the same section where
originally captured. One northern pike and one sauger were caught by anglers
in the Yellowstone. The northern pike was caught about 1.6 km downstream
from the mouth of Rosebud Creek. It was tagged on April 7, 1976 and reported
to be caught four months later on August 14. The sauger was caught upstream
in the Yellowstone River below the Cartersvilie Diversion near Forsyth,
20.9 km from the mouth of Rosebud Creek. It was tagged on July 13, 1976 and
reported to be caught 10 days later. The movement of these two fishes indi-
cates that there is most probably passage by these two species between the
Yellowstone River and lower Rosebud Creek.
24
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TABLE 9. AVERAGE LENGTH AND RANGE PER AGE GROUP OF
51 CHANNEL CATFISH FROM ROSEBUD CREEK, 1976
Age group
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
Number
1
—
—
2
1
2
3
2
5
9
7
12
7
2
Average length
at capture
(mm)
109
—
—
183
433
484
503
570
603
571
638
654
680
738
Range in length
at capture
(mm)
—
—
—
181-185
—
432-535
425-560
540-600
546-670
490-735
530-745
628-730
540-750
730-745
25
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TABLE 10. SUMMARY OF FISH TAGGING IN ROSEBUD CREEK,
1975-1976
Species
Northern pike
Channel catfish
Burbot
Sauger
Walleye
Brook trout
Total
Number tagged
115
57
42
29
5
4
252
Number
Sampling
6
1
0
0
1
1
9
returned
Angler
1
0
0
1
0
0
2
26
-------
MIGRANT FISHES
A weir-trap with a lead constructed across the entire stream was in-
stalled in Section 1 to monitor fish movement between Rosebud Creek and the
Yellowstone River. The trap was installed on April 6, 1976 and was fished
through April 23, 1976 (excluding April 10). High water prevented use of the
trap after April 23. A total of 303 fishes were captured (average 20.2
fishes per day; range 2-125). Nine species were taken in the trap and five
showed signs of sexual maturity. Ripe or nearly ripe fishes made up about
90% of the total catch. A comparison of lengths, weights, and sex ratios is
shown in Table 11.
Longnose suckers, which migrate in schools, were taken April 7-13, com-
prising 47.2% of the total trap catch. Two migration peaks were evident
(Figure 8). Shorthead redhorse contributed 21.5%, and white suckers 18.8%.
Catch rates for these species were similar throughout the trapping period.
The vivid red color and tubercules on the caudal and anal fins of shorthead
redhorse are evidence of the spawning period (Meyer, 1962).
Northern pike were sampled by electrofishing in Section 1 beginning on
March 31, 1976. This species spawns in the early spring, moving into shallow
weedy areas where they lay their eggs. Spawning migrations by northern pike
into tributaries of lakes and streams are well known and the availability of
suitable wetlands bordering these streams determines the degree of successful
spawning. Nineteen northern pike were taken in the trap and 33 were col-
lected in this reach by other techniques. The catch rate was highest during
the early part of the trapping period (Figure 8). Walleye pike made up only
1.0% (3 fish) of the number of sport species taken.
Migration of fishes into Rosebud Creek appears to be temperature related.
The maximum water temperature recorded was 10.6°C at the time the trap was
installed. The maximum temperature recorded had increased to 13.9°C when the
maximum number of fishes were captured in the trap. Spawning temperatures
were similar to those reported elsewhere ranging from 12.2 to 15.0°C. Over
76% of the total catch was taken from April 6-12, 1976.
Eggs were collected in drift nets on April 11 and 14, and fry were col-
lected in drift nets on June 8, 1976. Eggs were put into aquaria for
hatching, and resulting fry were found to be suckers. It is apparent that
suckers migrating out of the Yellowstone River successfully spawn in Rosebud
Creek.
27
-------
TABLE 11. COMPARISON OF LENGTHS, WEIGHTS, AND SEX OF FISHES CAPTURED IN A TRAP ON
ROSEBUD CREEK, SECTION 1, 1976
ro
oo
Length (mm)
Species
Northern pike
Walleye
Longnose sucker
Shorthead redhorse
White sucker
Channel catfish
Goldeye
Carp
Flathead chub
Number
19
3
143
65
57
2
3
2
9
Percent
6.3
1.0
47.2
21.5
18.8
0.6
0.9
0.6
3.1
Average
592
527
403
435
381
611
316
497
208
Range
262-859
470-622
328-480
330-570
280-430
546-676
295-330
493-500
180-246
Weight (kg)
Average
1.86
1.50
0.83
0.98
0.73
2.34
0.25
1.32
0.08
Range
0.10-4.85
0.95-2.62
0.46-1.51
0.47-1.42
0.25-1.15
1.67-3.02
0.19-0.30
1.29-1.34
0.05-0.12
Male Female Undetermined
96 4
1 2 0
75 61 7
20 32 13
17 35 5
2
3
2
9
Total
303
122
136
45
-------
20-
10-
SHORTHEAD REDHORSE
SUCKER
68 10 12 14 16 18 20 22
APRIL
100-
80-
X
V)
u.
u.
°60-
cc
u
CD
3
40-
20-
i
i
i
j
6
1 LONGNOSE SUCKER
1
i
i
i
i
i
j
1
J
i
i
i
i
i
i
i
i
i
i
1
1 *
/ \
i / \
i i
; \
/I — \ NORTHERN PIKE
8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22
APRIL
Figure 8. Daily catch of northern pike, white sucker, shorthead redhorse,
and longnose suckers taken in the Rosebud Creek trap at Section
1, April 6-22, 1976.
29
-------
SECTION VII
DISCUSSION
Flow regime, physical characteristics, chemical parameters, and stream
morphology of Rosebud Creek were found to be similar to other southeastern
Montana prairie streams. Runoff in Rosebud Creek is usually characterized by
two high-water periods. The first occurs during late winter or early spring
and represents lowland snowmelt runoff, while the second occurs in later
spring and coincides with snowmelt at higher elevations. Flows for 1975
indicate a high-water year, while 1976 is considered about average.
The fishes found in Rosebud Creek and its tributaries are similar to
those found in other eastern Montana streams (Elser and McFarland, 1977). In
general, most species were distributed in one of three ways: i.e., found
only near the mouth, present only in the headwaters, or distributed through-
out. The combination of cooler water and adequate spawning substrate pro-
bably accounts for brook trout inhabiting only the headwaters. Those fishes
found only in the lower Rosebud (white crappie, river carpsucker, channel
catfish, etc.) were likely migrants from the Yellowstone River. Their
upstream movement is most probably limited by a concrete irrigation diversion
dam near the mouth of Rosebud Creek. Other species existing throughout the
creek are obviously tolerant of the entire range of conditions and habitats
existing there.
Diversity index values in Rosebud Creek increased in a downstream direc-
tion, a direct result of increasing numbers of fish species in the lower
reaches. This trend is similar to that reported for the Tongue River (Elser
et ai. , in press).
Interstation comparisons of fish numbers were difficult to make because
sampling conditions between stations varied greatly. However, for a given
station, the numbers of each species sampled probably indicate their relativa
densities. In addition, the abundance or scarcity of certain species at a
given station probably reflects the suitability of habitat for those species
involved. However, samples were not taken frequently enough nor were they of
adequate size to allow a completely quantitative assessment.
The low rate of angler return during the mark and recapture study indi-
cates an under-utilized resource. This is not unexpected because human
population density is very low in this area and Rosebud Creek, for the most
part, flows through privately owned land.
Although observations suggest that Rosebud Creek was utilized for
spawning by some fishes from the Yellowstone River, only the eggs of suckers
30
-------
were actually collected. This leaves unanswered the overall importance of
Rosebud Creek to the Yellowstone River fishery.
Among the primary concerns about energy development are the influences
of water withdrawal, and the effects of coal mining and coal combustion
processes on water quality. The data from this study show no current adverse
effects on Rosebud Creek resulting from these processes; however, it should
be pointed out that this study was conducted during a pre- and
early-operational stage of the coal combustion facilities at Colstrip.
Information on the current fish species composition, distribution, and
abundance in Rosebud Creek is important and necessary in order to detect any
future changes in fish populations resulting from coal mining and energy con-
version. Although no effects on Rosebud Creek of coal-energy development are
apparent at the time of this study, additional studies should be planned so
that any future effects can be detected, and remedial action can be taken if
and where necessary to ensure the continued use of Rosebud Creek for its
historic uses.
31
-------
REFERENCES
Elser, A. A., R. C. McFarland, and D. Schwere. Tongue River fisheries
studies. Task 1: Investigation of aquatic communities. In A study to
evaluate the potential physical, biological, and water use impacts of
water withdrawal and water development on the middle and lower portions
of the Yellowstone River drainage in Montana. Final Report, Project No.
10470022. Old West Regional Commission, Washington, D.C. (In press)
Haddix, M., and C. Estes. 1976. Lower Yellowstone River fishery study.
Final Report, Montana Dep. Fish Game, Helena. 86 p.
Marzolf, R. C. 1955. Use of pectoral spines and vertebrae for determining
age and range of growth of the channel catfish. J. Wildl. Manage.
19(2):243-249.
Meyer, W. H. 1962. Life history of three species of redhorse (Moscostoma) in
the Des Moines River, Iowa. Trans. Am. Fish. Soc. 91(4):412-419.
Peterman, L. A., and M. H. Haddix. 1975. Lower Yellowstone River fishery
study. Progress Report 1, Montana Dep. Fish Game, Helena. 56 p.
Rehwinkel, B. J., M. Gorges, and 0. Wells. 1976. Power River aquatic ecology
project. Annual Report, October 1, 1975-June 30, 1976. Utah Interna-
tional, Inc., San Francisco, Calif. 35 p.
Sneed, K. E. 1951. A method for calculating growth of channel catfish,
latalurus laaustris punctatus. Trans. ,Am. Fish. Soc. 80:174-183.
U.S. Geological Survey. 1959. Compilation of the record of surface waters
of the United States through September 1950. Part 6a. Missouri River
Basin above Sioux City, Iowa. U.S. Geological Survey Water Supply
Paper 1309. 672 p.
U.S. Geological Survey. 1964. Compilation of the record of surface waters of
the United States, October 1950 through September 1960. Part 6a.
Missouri River Basin above Sioux City, Iowa. U.S. Geological Survey
Water Supply Paper 1729. 507 p.
U.S. Geological Survey. 1976. Water resources data for Montana, water year
1975. Water Resources Division, U.S. Geological Survey, Water-Data
Report MT-75-1. 607 p.
32
-------
U.S. Geological Survey. 1977. Water resources data for Montana, water year
1976. Water Resources Division, U.S. Geological Survey, Water Data
Report MT-76-1. 766 p.
Vincent, R. 1971. River electrofishing and fish population estimates. Prog.
Fish-Cult. 33(3):163-169.
Wilhm, J. L., and T. C. Dorris. 1968. Biological parameters for water
quality criteria. BioScience 18:477-481.
33
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TECHNICAL REPORT DATA
(Please read Instructions on the reverse before completing)
REPORT NO.
EPA-600/3-78-098
3. RECIPIENT'S ACCESSION NO.
4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE
Environmental Effects of Western Coal Combustion
Part I - The Fishes of Rosebud Creek, Montana
5. REPORT DATE
November 1978 issuing date
6. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION CODE
. AUTHOR(S)
Allen A. Elser and James C. Schreiber
8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NO.
9. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME AND ADDRESS
Montana Department of Fish and Game
Miles City, Montana 59301
10. PROGRAM ELEMENT NO.
11. CONTRACT/GRANT NO.
R803950
12. SPONSORING AGENCY NAME AND ADDRESS
Environmental Research Laboratory--Duluth,
Office of Research and Development
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Duluth, Minnesota 55804
13. TYPE OF REPORT AND PERIOD COVERED
Final
14. SPONSORING AGENCY CODE
EPA/600/03
15. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES
16. ABSTRACT
Fish populations have been studied during 1975 and 1976 in Rosebud Creek, a
prairie stream which flows through the Fort Union Coal Basin in southeastern Montana.
The objective of this study was to collect fish population data to determine any
immediate effects, and to act as a yardstick for assessing possible future effects of
accelerated activities of coal mining and coal combustion in this region.
Fishes were inventoried at nine stations and included 21 species representing nine
families. The species composition and fish distribution were representative of other
streams in this region. Game fishes included northern pike found throughout the stream
brook trout which occurred in the headwater areas, and sauger, walleye, channel catfish
and burbot which were found near the confluence with the Yellowstone River. The most
abundant nongame species were white sucker and shorthead redhorse. Fish species
diversity increased in a downstream direction, and tributaries contained many of the
same fish species as in Rosebud Creek. The seasonal occurrence of reproductively
mature game fishes in the lower region of Rosebud Creek suggests that it is used for
spawning by fishes from the Yellowstone River.
During the study, there was no apparent effect of either coal mining or coal
combustion activities on the distribution of fishes in Rosebud Creek.
17.
KEY WORDS AND DOCUMENT ANALYSIS
DESCRIPTORS
b.lDENTIFIERS/OPEN ENDED TERMS C. COS AT I Field/Group
Biological surveys
Energy development
Fish populations
Effects pollution
Effects of mining
57H
68D
18. DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT
RELEASE TO PUBLIC
19. SECURITY CLASS (This Report)
UNCLASSIFIED
21. NO. OF PAGES
42
20. SECURITY CLASS (Thispage)
UNCLASSIFIED
22. PRICE
EPA Form 2220-1 (Rev. 4-77) PREVIOUS EDITION is OBSOLETE
34
ft U.S. GOVERKMEHTramie OFFICE.- 1978— 6 57 -060 /15Z7
------- |