ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
OFFICE OF ENFORCEMENT
REPORT ON
POLLUTION AFFECTING WATER QUALITY
OF THE CHEYENNE RIVER SYSTEM
WESTERN SOUTH DAKOTA
DIVISION OF FIELD INVESTIGATIONS - DENVER CENTER
DENVER, COLORADO
AND
REGION VII
KANSAS CITY, MO.
REGION VIM
DENVER,COLO
'CLEA1
SEPTEMBER 1971
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/•j:DE?"DU''i TO PEPOPT 0*1 FTLLUTIO'.! V^
'i^Tur; Q'j.\LT':y o^ Tin c:-CYi;i~i;2 nr^p.
^E":.' SOUTH DAKOTA
On
2, end of last paragraph, ace? — The cooperation
and support of various Federal, State and private agencies is
gratefully ac.rno'. 'leaned.
I?.-vn ?, c.th lins fror bottom, change 2.5 to 2.35.
f- , otli line afto>- "T^.ito-'ood Cree!:" imert —
T".e suspended solids discharge is approximately 37T tiiM-33 greater
': ' ...: ]r,-. -'••-• -•-. ;:^aer the applicable '-'ater quality criteria,
at a stroanflo'-/ of 30 cfs.
Parfq 1^, line 7 after "r.ercury" insert — vit>. concentrations
aT ':ig'i as 12" nicro"raris ->or liter.
^a-^c- 15, lire 11 after "agr^e.1" add — anO discoritinuec1 use
ov n^.rcurv amalgamation : 'i D---.c^n"-or l"'7n.
^acc If-, 3c line fro-1 '•••otto,i ci^ter "ci~h ".amble's" ad<; —
or 3.1 7o::-7'=;rt of tl^a ar.alyr.c -; .
13arre 1~, Ir! line fro:- bo t ton after " ^ia'i r3-in~>l<=:r;" add —
or 1.".2 r>~rc-?r.t o^ tie anslycc-;.
Pa-'i7' .1°, ?:' li-'.e fro'i tl-.^ '~otto~s, cl-aige to re?.d — !;".ovn
co in1 .V it t'.ir. .-t'.id" area ":VT; : say :^.ot :."^ ' arnful to ir^ect ?.nrvr~. .
"F.^-=' °-i , at to;-, ?.:"d — I'lk :.r^'.. ]-ead'? in t':-..i :il?c-:: "ill-
5 *7"o t",v; "l-.'.T- -1']--.:'. -o1*-': o/" "'.••:i~':';\ ^it". ^.TO'1" tji'-n ^-oirt to
ron'-" , ~1:. Cre;:!. filn--;; ov^r d yo--.tr; of narine r-.:aleo. A '.-p.te
ra'""!"1 -^olljct •'.? '"'irin1" ~.i '>e eontsire^ Z.^/ty/l. of ^icrcurv, or
? load of 1.2 l!^3/."g--. '."J1-. \/-C-«R 'c -e "lin'-.e.^t concentration ol
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mercury observe'! in an" ^tr^avi not influenced Ly HO~IG stake c'ic-
c.-argos, and rcsulto'l fron leach: re o* mercury ndherinr to sus
FeciJnBr..: '•nrticles. Suh.'j^-^usnc *7atcr •: apples col. Teeter! 'luring
-.Tu.ly cM:" not contain tV-ecta'rlc ncrcury. The hent'ios co~Trmrity
of !Tlk Creel: reflected tlic influence o^r clor.iestic '-'ante or -icjri-
cult-jral '-"Iraisia^G =n^ i'ltcir"1:; t'-.^n floT:s; hoTTsvorf t'.i-s flss'.i of
•*:."' TII col lict ^^. fro:'i iz'.~.iri "b3.'/7-iC!" c^rtair.'^c! orly '"I."1? Tori of r"?rcur".
p^rrri •>7/ ^rx lir.o ^rr.'i l.o^tor., c'largc "1.5 riicrorrrar.ic par liter"
t.o "1.4 micrc'YJraro n-sr IJi^r."
^ar-ci /?.'^f j-c"1 p-u-r.grap.., C-ti: lino after "ar^enopyritc" insert
^ an 'ijliit
r.r^dl-., according to applicable .strrcin 3trnd.-\rc"n, should }-(> la?3
t\an ^0 ng/1 . '^''.irs imlicatp"; that tlis na::i'Tjn a 1 lovable loacl of
^ui'p^ndi'l ro]?.^.? i1-. '.'•'itovoo:'1 ?ri-.s]- fron all nr.tural and artificial
irputs can b^. :^o rrrcat^r t'l-in 7.T tore, ^rr <"^a'' at a flov of 3^
cu'iic f-jst :?3r sc-con'1. . 'Jl-.ersforc, the c"5rc':arge of Ilcn^stal.e
r'inii'."7 Con^?ny ?f f lui.!it i^ approxinatcly 3^5 tins" groatar than
tl\c naxi^u-1 p-irriittr-r ?,ol;r?s loao j n ",Thite':oo-."! Crc-a:: at T) of 3.
r_"o nc>?t oxiotirg S7a"'.~":ar-'l.t;f t!-.cr-2 nu.-t he a reduction of at l2a.~t
^^ .1 pnrcert o* thn present ^olicT ui^c'iarga fro": t'l-i l"o:r.O3ta!:e
"rluri.-g thi^ r;tudp" and suh^tit
"in tl.:i Cho""anne "1iv3i" sy."t.'?r'' ov.tr.jcT^ of ^-"i!?3 !'37c
Pagn 30, after .•5= cone pc.r?.."rrp'i, insert nev oaracrrapli —
?. nincral of b]"2 ar^hi'-olo ^r^up vas co^non at all • •;. / ':.-_•'.•.•.
• • •'::::-' - ~ -he "Ion-3£ta!:o c": ^c.'.argc, Tut '•a'? not ^ounci at tho^e
statiom u^rtrea"! of t"".e ilo^^^ta1"^ ci^ci-ar^e.^. It -;a7! conpon
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in the deposits of buried tailing". The anp'nVvole "an also
observed in sei'incnt frnr. tiio O.eynnno ^.ivpr arn of On'ia ^s^
Optical ?r.ip.Gra1oi7v toci'.r.i'yao" '.'ero ubilizocl to detcrnins that
the a'nplTiholc \\-n t!i«2 mineral cu~n;ir.c*tnnitG, -.Mic>. ir, reported to
lie a najor constituent o1: the Ltona'stake ore.
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
OFFICE OF ENFORCEMENT
Report on
POLLUTION, AFFECTING WATER QUALITY
OF
THE CHEYENNE RIVER SYSTEM
WESTERN SOUTH DAKOTA
Division of Field Investigations - Denver Center
Denver, Colorado
Region VII Region VIII
Kansas City, Missouri Denver, Colorado
September 1971
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Title Page
LIST OF FIGURES iii
LIST OF TABLES iii
I INTRODUCTION 1
II SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS 3
III RECOMMENDATIONS 6
IV DESCRIPTION OF AREA 8
A. PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION 8
B. CLIMATE 8
C. GEOLOGY 8
D. HYDROLOGY 9
V WASTE SOURCES 11
VI WATER QUALITY AND RELATED FACTORS 13
A. APPLICABLE STANDARDS 13
B. PREVIOUS STUDIES 14
C. RECENT EVALUATIONS 18
Cheyenne River Drainage 20
Belle Fourche River Drainage 21
Lower Cheyenne River Drainage 28
D. TAILINGS DEPOSITS 30
VII WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ALTERNATIVES 34
REFERENCES 37
APPENDICES
A April 23, 1971, Letter from 38
Richard F. Kneip, Governor of
the State of South Dakota, to
William D. Ruckelshaus, Adminis-
trator, Environmental Protection
Agency
B Applicable Water Quality Standards 42
- Excerpts from "Water Quality
Standards for the Surface Waters of
South Dakota, February 1967"
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TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued)
Section Title
WATER QUALITY DATA WESTERN 49
SOUTH DAKOTA 1959
Source: Report on Water Pollution
Studies Gold Run Creek-Whitewood Creek-
Belle Fourche River-Cheyenne River 1960
South Dakota State Department of Health,
Division of Sanitary Engineering,
Pierre, South Dakota.
MERCURY CONCENTRATIONS IN FISH SAMPLES 55
COLLECTED IN SOUTH DAKOTA IN 1970
RESULTS OF RECENT EPA SURVEYS IN 61
WESTERN SOUTH DAKOTA
SURVEY METHODOLOGY 85
ii
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LIST OF FIGURES
Figure No. Title
1 Location Map Showing Sampling Stations,
Western South Dakota
Page
Inside
Back Cover
Crow Creek Diversion
Follows
Page 36
LIST OF TABLES
Table No. Title Page
VI-1 Mercury Concentrations in South Dakota 16
Water Samples Collected During 1970
VI-2 Mercury and Cyanide Concentrations in 17
Stream Samples from Lead-Deadwood, S.D.,
June, 1971
C-l Water Pollution Analysis (1959) - 50
Gold Run Creek - Station GR-0
C-2 Water Pollution Analysis (1959) - 51
Gold Run Creek - Station GR-1
C-3 Water Pollution Analysis (1959) - 52
Whitewood Creek - Stations WC-7, 9,
& 10
C-4 Water Pollution Analysis (1959) - 53
Belle Fourche River - Stations BF-1,
2, & 4
C-5 Water Pollution Analysis (1959) - 54
Cheyenne River Stations CR-1 & 2
D-l Mercury in South Dakota Fish Samples 56
Collected During 1970 (in parts per
million)
111
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LIST OF TABLES (continued)
Table No. Title Page
E-l Distribution of Benthic Animals - 62
Cheyenne and Belle Fourche Rivers,
and Tributaries - May, June, and
July 1971
E-2 Arsenic and Mercury Concentrations in 65
Stream Sediment Samples from Western
South Dakota
E-3 Results of Laboratory Analysis of Stream 66
Samples Collected in Western South
Dakota During 1971
E-4 Mercury Concentrations in Fish Flesh - 69
Belle Fourche and Cheyenne River Systems -
May, June, and July 1971
(parts per million)
E-5 Mercury Concentrations in Fish Flesh 72
Oahe Reservoir, South Dakota - 1970-71
E-6 Mercury Concentrations in Bottom Muds 80
Oahe Reservoir, South Dakota
April - June, 1971
E-7 Mercury Concentrations in'Water (yg/1) 81
Oahe Reservoir, South Dakota
June, 1971
E-8 Logs of Core Holes Along Belle Fourche 82
River
E-9 Mercury and Arsenic Concentrations in 84
Western South Dakota Ground-Water Samples
Downstream from Homes take Effluents
IV
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I. INTRODUCTION
During the summer of 1970, the U. S. Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) analyzed fish from the Cheyenne River Arm of Oahe Reservoir, and
other areas throughout western South Dakota. They found that mercury in
the flesh of many fish in the Cheyenne Arm exceeded the FDA guideline of
0.5 parts per million (ppm). Fish from other areas, notably Angostura
and Belle Fourche Reservoirs, contained some mercury, but generally at
levels less than the FDA guideline.
Since the latter part of the nineteenth century, mercury had been used
for gold recovery at the Homes take Mining Company Lead-Deadwood mill.
Examination of published and unpublished information also led to the belief
that other mining activities in the Black Hills previously had discharged
mercury. Various State and Federal authorities have speculated that
natural deposits of mercury minerals in the Black Hills and in marine
shales throughout western South Dakota may cause mercury pollution.
Sampling in 1970 by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) revealed
that Homes take Mining Company was discharging from twelve to forty pounds
per day of mercury in their tailings slurry releases to Whitewood Creek,
a tributary of the Cheyenne River system. The company discontinued the
use of mercury in December 1970. Subsequent sampling revealed that the
company was discharging cyanide, arsenic, and other toxic materials, together
with vast quantities of suspended solids.
The Governor of South Dakota, by letter of April 23, 1971 (Arpendix A)
under Section 10(d)(l) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, renuested
that the Administrator of the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency call a
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conference of State and Federal agencies, to consider the occurrence, dis-
tribution, and significance of cyanide, mercury, and other metals pollution
in western South Dakota.
This report presents the results of technical studies conducted in the
Cheyenne River system by the Division of Field Investigations - Denver
Center (DFI-DC), Office of Enforcement, KPA.
Objectives of these studies were:
1. To investigate the effects of natural mercury deposits throughout
the Cheyenne Uiver svptem In western South Dakota.
2. To determine the location and extent of reservoirs of mercury ,ind
other toxic materials due to previous mininp, activity, and measure
the effect of the toxic substances on surface water, ground water,
and biota.
3. To document and characterize the discharge of tailings solids and
various dissolved toxic pollutants fron the llo'icsta're ilining
Company Deadwood-Lecul nill.
4. To ascertain the movement and fnte of these pollutants in the
hydrolojic environment, and the effect of these pollutants on
the biota.
To meet these objectives, data gathered by State and Federal agencies,
universities, and companies were utilized. Special studies of biota, surface
streams, ground vater and sediment were also conducted.
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II. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS
1. Streams draining areas of placer mining and mineral deposits in the
Black Hills do not contain significant concentrations of mercury or
arsenic during normal runoff. Certain of the streams examined con-
tained high concentrations of mercury during infrequent periods of
high runoff. Fish in these streams contain mercury at concentrations
less than the FDA guideline of 0.5 ppm. Streams draining areas of
marine shale contain detectable quantities of mercury during infre-
quent periods of high runoff, but do not contain detectable mercury
during normal stream flow. Fish in these streams contain mercury at
levels generally less than the FDA guideline of 0.5 ppm.
2. The benthos communities of Spearfish Creek, Redwater River, Belle
Fourche River at Fruitdale, Cheyenne River at Wasta and French,
Battle, Rapid and Elk Creeks were not damaged by siltation or toxic
materials. The flesh of fish collected from all of these stream
reaches, with the exception of Redwater River, contained mercury at
concentrations less than the FDA guideline. Redwater River carp
contained mercury in excess of FDA standards.
3. Although Homestake Mining Company discontinued the use of mercury in
their milling process in December, 1970, the plant effluents still
contain approximately 2.5 pounds per day of mercury. This results
from the leaching of mercury contained in the ore fed to the Homestake
mill. A major portion of the discharged mercury is adsorbed by sediment
in Whitewood Creek. From 0.1 to 0.5 pounds per day of mercury is
transported into the Belle Fourche River during periods of low flow.
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Larger amounts are transported during high stream flows.
4. Analyses of effluents discharged during June, 1971, showed the Homestake
Mining Company to be adding daily loads of 312 pounds of cyanide, 240
pounds of zinc, 72 pounds of copper, and 2735 tons of suspended solids
to Whitewood Creek. The tailings solids include a load of 9.5 tons
per day of arsenic in the form of arsenopyrite, an arsenic-iron sulfide.
The arsenopyrite is oxidized, resulting in arsenic concentrations
in the Cheyenne River which are four times greater than the U. S.
Public Health Service water-supply criterion.
5. Whitewood and Deadwood Creeks, upstream from the Homestake discharges,
contain high levels of mercury during runoff periods, but lower levels
at other times. Flesh of fish from these streams does not contain detec-
table mercury concentrations. Deadwood and City Creeks, as well as
Whitewood Creek upstream from Gold Run, were inhabited by diverse
communities of aquatic organisms, including a predominance of forms
sensitive to pollution. Whitewood Creek from Gold Run downstream to
the mouth was severely damaged by discharges from Homestake Mining
Company. No aquatic organisms were found in this stream reach. Con-
centrations of cyanide, arsenic, mercury, and suspended solids were
each sufficiently high, independently or in concert, to damage the
biota of Whitewood Creek. Damage extended into the Belle Fourche River
downstream from the mouth of Whitewood Creek. Siltation and high
arsenic concentrations in the Belle Fourche reduced the numbers and
variety of benthos. Fish from this reach of the river contained high
mercury concentrations.
6. Previously-discharged Homestake tailings solids have been deposited
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along Whitewood Creek and the Belle Fourche and Cheyenne Rivers. These
solids are eroded and leached during high stream flows. Buried deposits
of tailings solids occur in abandoned river meanders, chiefly along the
Belle Fourche River. Leaching of mercury from such deposits contaminates
ground water, as well as surface streams. The ground water is used as
a supply for domestic wells. Large quantities of mercury are con-
tained in the buried tailings, and may be leached by ground water. After
cessation of the discharge of solids from Homes take, the deposits will
be eroded by surface streams as the streams adjust to a new hydrologic
regime. Research is currently underway to develop methods of recover-
ing mercury from sediments. The buried tailings also contain large
quantities of arsenopyrite which may be leached to surface streams or
ground water.
7. Deposits of Homestake Mining Company tailings occur in the Cheyenne
River Arm of Oahe Reservoir. Mercury from these deposits contaminates
the flesh of fish in the Cheyenne River Arm of Oahe Reservoir at levels
t
often exceeding the FDA guideline.
8. Plans are underway for construction by the Lead-Deadwood Sanitary Dis-
trict of a tailings pond-sewage lagoon which will treat raw sewage from
Lead and Deadwood as well as the Homes take Mining Company effluents.
The facility is scheduled for completion in November 1973.
9. Interim tailings-pond sites are available which would result in a re-
duction of about 80 percent of the pollution carried by Whitewood Creek,
pending completion of the Sanitary District facilities.
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III. RECOMMENDATIONS
It is recommended that:
1. The Lead-Deadwood Sanitary District proposed treatment facility at
Centennial Valley, for domestic sewage and Homestake tailings, be con-
structed and in operation by November 1973. Progress schedules as
specified by the Refuse Act Permit Application are to be met.
2. Pending completion of the Sanitary District facility, Homestake
Mining Company construct and operate an interim tailings pond, to
control the continuing mercury pollution from Homestake, and substan-
tially reduce the cyanide, arsenic, and tailings solids in Whitewood
Creek. If the interim facility is not completed and operating by
July 1, 1972, Homestake be cited under the provisions of the Rivers and
Harbors Act of 1899, for discharging toxic materials and solids to the
Cheyenne River system.
3. The location and composition of buried tailings materials along
Whitewood Creek, the Belle Fourche River, and the Cheyenne River be
carefully ascertained and fully documented. Toxic materials be recov-
ered as the technology becomes available. Pending the development of
recovery techniques, the deposits be contained to prevent their re-
entry into the hydrologic system.
A. Arsenic concentrations in wells drawing water from alluvium downstream
of the Homestake discharges be determined, to ascertain whether these
sources are acceptable for domestic or agricultural water supply uses.
5. The South Dakota Department of Game, Fish, and Parks assure that the
excessive concentrations of mercury in fish of the Cheyenne River
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system are known to the public, such notification to include recom-
mendations of non-consumption of fish. Commercial fishing in the
Cheyenne Arm of Oahe Reservoir should be prohibited.
6. A complete Inventory of the location and composition of abandoned
tailings piles in the area north and vest of Lead be conducted by the
State of South Dakota. The State take appropriate measures to assure
that adverse effects on water quality and aquatic life resulting from
residual toxic materials contained in these tailings shall not occur.
The State assure that the tailings are controlled in accordance with
the best available technology.
7. Water quality standards be established for Whitewood Creek and Deadwood
Creek, including an implementation plan for abatement of existing pol-
lution.
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IV. DESCRIPTION OF AREA
A. PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION
The Black Hills are the dominant physical feature of western
South Dakota, extending for approximately 50 miles in the north-
south direction and approximately 30 miles in the east-west direc-
tion. The mountain crests have an average elevation of approximately
6,000 feet, with isolated peaks exceeding 7,000 feet. Headwaters of
most major western South Dakota streams rise in the Black Hills.
B. CLIMATE
Precipitation throughout western South Dakota is closely related
to elevation. The high areas of the Black Hills receive an annual
precipitation of more than 20 inches per year while the plains areas
receive less than 15 inches per year. Precipitation occurs both in
the form of winter snows and early summer thunder storms. Lake
evaporation is approximately 40 inches per year.
C. GEOLOGY
The Black Hills uplift is the dominant geologic feature of western
South Dakota. The elliptical dome has influenced the outcrop and dip
of strata in an area approximately 125 by 60 miles. Crystalline rocks
of pre-Cambrian age are exposed in the central portion of the Black
Hills. These rocks are more resistant to erosion than surrounding
rocks. This results in higher elevations, and hence greater rainfall
and runoff than from surrounding plains areas. The prr.-Cambrian rocks
have been extensively fractured and mineralized by subsequent intrusions.
The mineralization includes arsenopyrite, an iron-arsenic sulfide: and
cinnabar, mercuric sulfide.
8
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Younger sedimentary strata dip radially away from the uplift, with
formation outcrops in the form of concentric bands around the Black
Hills, and are progressively younger with increasing distance from
the dome. The sediments consist of limestones, sandstones, and shales.
Some of the limestones and sandstones are regionally important aquifers.
Several of the limestones contain solution cavities, which permit
uninhibited movement of water.
Outside the Black Hills region, western South Dakota is under-
lain by Cretaceous and Tertiary shales, largely flat-lying. These
were deposited under marine and lacustrine conditions, and contain
numerous soluble salts. Such shales were suspected by South Dakota
officials as sources of natural mercury pollution.
D. HYDROLOGY
Most of western South Dakota is drained by the Cheyenne River and
its tributaries, the chief of which is the Belle Fourche River. Both
of these streams head in northeastern Wyoming, in an area of Tertiary
shales and sandstones. They then flow around the Black Hills uplift,
with the Cheyenne River passing to the south and the Belle Fourche
River skirting the north end. Several streams drain from the Black
Hills to join the rivers on the uplift margin. The drainage pattern
of western South Dakota, shown in Figure 1 at the back of this report,
is thus greatly modified by the more-resistant rocks exposed in the
Black Hills.
Spring, French, Rapid, and Battle Creeks drain the southern Black
Hills, in the vicinity of Custer, Hill City, and Silver City. Much of
the early mining took place in this region, with resultant disruption
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of the stream beds. Available information indicates that mercury was
not widely used in this early mining.
Whitewood and Deadwood Creeks join in Deadwood at a p°int approxi-
mately 30 miles upstream of the confluence with the Belle Fourche
River. The natural flow in both streams is minor except during runoff
periods. The flow is augmented by the waste discharge fron the
Homestake sand dans and sline p]ant, and by the raw sewage discharge
from Lead and Deadwood.
Ground water is available in western South Dakota from two sources:
alluvium in bedrock, valleys cut by surface streams, and consolidated
aquifers which dip radially away from the Black Hills. The alluvial
valleys are locally important as a source of supply for ranches along
the streams, and are recharged by surface stream flow. The consoli-
dated aquifers, sandstones and limestones, are regionally important
as sources of supply, although the water is highly mineralized at
points remote from outcrops of the various aquifers.
10
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V. WASTE SOURCES
Mining of placer and lode <»old deposits has occurred over much of the
Black Hills region. In his letter requesting the western South Dakota
pollution conference, Governor Kneip voiced concern over pollution result-
ing from past mining activities. Such pollution could include participates
eroded from old tailings piles, acids and metals from sulfide oxidation,
and mercury from placer dredging and hard-rock milling.
Several inactive mill tailings piles, located west of Lead, were ob-
served to be eroding during surface runoff events. Such runoff carries
mineral-laden sediment into the water courses, for subsequent leaching, and
could be a source of water-quality degradation.
Prior to the end of 1970, all gold recovery from lode mines in the
Lead-Deadwood area involved use of mercury for gold amalgamation. First
milling was by use of an arrastra, followed by the advent of stamp mills.
The Homestake Mining Company batch process was developed around the turn
of the century. In it, amalgamation plates were used to recover large gold
particles. The ground rock was then separated into sand and slime fractions,
for subsequent cyanide leaching to recover fine gold particles. After the
gold was leached from the ore, the spent rock was sluiced from the plant.
Formerly, all the solids were discharged into Whitewood Creek. In recent
years, Honestake Mining Company has returned approximately 80 percent of the
sand fraction to the mine, to prevent subsidence. Due to the bulking effect
which results during grinding of the ore, all the ground rock cannot be
replaced in the mined spaces. Therefore, the remaining 20 percent of the
sand fraction, and all the slime fraction, is sluiced directly into White-
11
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wood Creek. Under present production levels, this results in a 2,735 ton
per day discharge of suspended solids to Whitewood Creek. This material
consists of finely-ground particles containing arsenopyrite, an arsenic-iron
sulfide, and other sulfide mineral?. The water solution used in sluicing
the solids from the plant contains residual cyanide used in ore leaching.
The liquid and solid material contained mercury lost from the amalgamation
plates.
After mercury was recognized as a serious pollutant, officials of
Homes take Mining Company agreed to discontinue use of amalgamation as a
gold-recovery method, and to rely on the use of cyanide leaching for all
gold recovery. This change was achieved early in 1971. Currently, the
sand and slime fractions are treated in a series of cyanide washes and
rinses, with gold recovery achieved by zinc-dust precipitation. Barren
rock and cyanide are still sluiced directly into Whitewood Creek, and
affect water quality in the Belle Fourche and Cheyenne Rivers.
Deposits of previously-discharged tailings solids buried in active
streams and abandoned meanders constitute a continuing source of toxic
materials to surface streams of western South Dakota, and may pollute
nearby ground water.
The towns of Lead and Deadx/ooc! have only rudipientary sewaae-treatment
facilities. Collection systems are old, and carry storm runoff, infiltration,
and sanitary sewage. Most of the sewage from Lead and Deadwood is discharged
directly to Whitewood Creek, with no treatment.
12
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VI. WATER QUALITY AND RELATED FACTORS
A. APPLICABLE STANDARDS
Water quality standards for surface waters of South Dakota were
adopted by the South Dakota Committee on Water Pollution, February 16,
1967, and were subsequently approved by the Secretary of the Interior.
The standards, under general requirements, specify that no sewage
or industrial waste shall be discharged which produces, among other
effects, material discoloration, sludge deposits, or other offensive
effects. The general provisions also prohibit the discharge of toxic
materials which harm aquatic life.
The standards specify that the Belle Fourche and Cheyenne Rivers
are for warm water semi-permanent fishery, limited contact recreation,
wildlife propagation and stock watering, and irrigation. Numerical
limits for several important constituents which apply for such uses
are:
Cyanide, less than 0.02 mg/1
Iron, less than 0.2 mg/1
pH, 6.3 to 9.0
Suspended solids, less than 90 mg/1
Turbidity, less than 100 Jackson Turbidity Units
No numerical standards have been established for Whitewood Creek.
Portions of the applicable stream standards are reproduced in
Appendix B.
13
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B. PREVIOUS STUDIES
The first known cognizance of pollution from the Homestake opera-
tion is contained in ''South Dakota, A Guide to the State",— a WPA
authors project book. In this publication, it is stated that "White-
wood Creek, once a crystal-clear Gambling mountain stream, now a dirty
leaden color, literally a flow of liquid mud, caused by the tailings
from the Homestake Mine at Lead, flows through the center of Deadwood.
Livestock will drink the water along the lower reaches; but no animal
life is possible in it."
An early study of the waste loads discharged by Homestake, and
their effects on receiving streams, was carried out in June and July
1959, by the South Dakota Department of health, with assistance from
2 3/
the U.S. Public Health Service. In two reports—*— , published in
1960, the State Department of Health reported a discharge of 2400
tons per day of tailings solids and 133 pounds per day of cyanide to
Whitewood Creek. One of these disclosed that the waste destroyed all
life in Whitewood Creek and the first several miles of the Belle
Fourche River downstream from the mouth of Whitewood Creek. Tables of
stream data generated by the 1959 survey are reproduced from the 1960
reports in Appendix C. The data show that concentrations of cyanide
in Whitewood Creek below the Homestake discharges ranged to over
2.10 mg/1. Cyanide was detectable in the Belle Fourche and Cheyenne
Rivers, below the Whitewood Creek inflow.
A settling-tank study conducted in conjunction with the 1959
survey indicated that significant water quality improvement could be
14
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achieved by installation of a tailings pond. Accordingly, in the
"Report on Gold Recovery Wastes," the State recommended that "Pro-
gramming be initiated to exclude solids from the receiving stream."
By August 1970, no progress had been made in the Homestake waste-
treatment practices and the tailings solids were still being discharged
to Whitewood Creek. The discharges were found to contain significant
quantities of mercury. Table 1 contains mercury data collected
during the various stream sampling periods in 1970.
Following the discovery of high mercury levels in the streams,
Homestake Mining Company was requested to discontinue use of mercury
in its amalgamators. Homestake officials agreed, and removed all
mercury from the milling cycle by January 1971. Samples were col-
lected downstream of the Homestake Mill shortly after amalgamation was
discontinued. High levels of mercury in the effluent Indicated the
presence of residual mercury in the milling equipment. The data
contained in Table 2 show the continued presence of mercury in Whitewood
Creek downstream of the Homestake discharges. Cyanide concentrations
In Whitewood Creek were at levels considered harmful to fish— .
Flesh of fish from the Cheyenne River Arm of Oahe Reservoir was
found to contain mercury at levels greater than the FDA guideline of
0.5 parts per million. Results of fish sampling throughout South
Dakota during 1970 are summarized by South Dakota agencies (Appendix D).
Only two fish samples from the areas not influenced by Homestake dis-
charges exceed the FDA guideline of 0.5 ppm. Seven fish samples from
the area influenced by Homestake discharges exceeded the FDA guideline.
15
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TABLE 1
Mercury Concentrations in South Dakota Water Samples
Collected During 1970
Location
1970
Date
Mercury Concentration
(ug/1)
Whitewood Creek above Gold Run
Deadwood Creek above its mouth
Whitewood Creek at Deadwood
Whitewood Creek one mile above
its mouth
Belle Fourche River above
Whitewood Creek
Belle Fourche River at Route 79
Bridge
Belle Fourche River at Route 34
Bridge
Belle Fourche River southeast of
Hereford
Belle Fourche River at Elm Springs
Cheyenne River at Route 34 Bridge
Cheyenne River at Route 63 Bridge
7/14
8/13
11/14
8/13
8/13-14 Comp.
8/14-15 Comp.
11/3-4 Conr.
11/4 Comp.
8/12
11/4
7/16
8/12
8/12
8/12
8/12
8/12
8/12
8/12
100
Interference
68
80
96
124
16.5
3.0
3.0
2.6
1.8
1.1
16
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TABLE 2
Mercury and Cyanide Concentrations in
Stream Samples from Lead-Deadwood, S. D.
January, 1971
Mercury Free CN Total CN
Location Pg/1 mg/1
Combined Discharges - Whitewood Creek
at Rodeo Campground - Deadwood,
South Dakota (Flow 13.2 cfs)
Composite January 21, 1971
(1230 to 2300 hours) 12. * *
Composite January 22, 1971
(0001 to 1100 hours) 29.±7 2.6 3.65
South Dakota on Crook Mountain Road 39. 1.4 3.15
Whitewood Creek at Lawrence - Meade
County Line * 1.0 1.25
Whitewood Creek at Bridge near
Confluence with Belle Fourche
River 33. 0.5 1.15
No analyses run
17
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C. RECENT EVALUATIONS
Water samples were collected by EPA from streams in the Lead-
Deadvood area during March and May, 1971, for mercury and cyanide
analysis. Sampling of bottom sediments and core drilling of buried
tailings deposits was accomplishes during May. A major water quality
and biological survey of western South Dakota streams was conducted
during May, June and July, 1971. The May and June sampling was done
during abnormally high stream flows and frequent rains, while the
July sampling period was during a period of normal climatic conditions.
Biological and water quality findings are summarized in Appendix E.
Survey methodology is discussed in Appendix F. Sampling locations
are shown in Figure 1 at the back of this report.
The pollutants discharged to the streams investigated during this
survey may be separated into three categories, toxic material, inorganic
sediment and organic wastes. The following discussion of toxicity is
taken from McKee and Wolfe— , and from "The Study Group on Mercury
Hazards"— . Toxic materials include such pollutants as cyanide,
arsenic, and mercury. Cyanide toxicity is affected by pH, dissolved
oxygen, temperature, and minerals in solution. Game fish cannot
tolerate 0.2 mg/1 of cyanide for 96 hours and 1.0 mg/1 will inhibit
organisms that exert biochemical oxygen demand. Invertebrate organisms
can tolerate no more than about 4.0 mg/1 of cyanide in water. Arsenic
in water is toxic in the range of 2 to 3 mg/1 to some of the fish
known to inhabit the study area and may be harmful to insect larvae
4/
at 20 mg/1— . The toxicity of mercury to aquatic biota depends upon
18
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its chemical state. Elemental mercury is relatively insoluble in
water; therefore, aquatic organisms usually are not exposed to it
in high concentrations. However, elemental mercury is readily
methylated by microorganisms, and becomes quite water soluble. Methy-
lated mercury compounds are readily taken up by aquatic organisms,
and may be toxic or accumulative in the organisms. Thus, fish,
exposed to minute mercury concentrations may accumulate it in their
tissues to levels hazardous for human consumption. Mercury concentra-
tions from A to 20 ug/1 may be harmful to fish, while approximately
40 ug/1 is harmful to invertebrates. The U. S. Food and Drug Adminis-
tration recommends that fish containing 0.5 ppm mercury not be eaten.
The second category of pollutants is solid matter suspended in
the water, primarily finely-ground and extremely dense mill tailings.
These solids settle on stream bottoms, destroy habitats and smother
aquatic organisms. The pollutional effect is deletion of organisms,
and the result is difficult to distinguish from toxic effects.
The third category of pollutants, domestic and agricultural
wastes, produce water quality conditions which tend to favor the
growth of pollution tolerant organisms, to the exclusion of sensitive
forms. The benthos often consist of sludgeworms, midge larvae,
leeches, and snails rather than stonefly and mayfly nymphs. Fish
populations are often represented by carp and suckers rather than
game fish.
The following sections discuss by stream the water quality and
biological conditions observed during the recent surveys.
19
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Cheyenne River Drainage
A water sample collected from the Cheyenne River at Wasta, S.D.
(Station 4235) during high runoff contained 0.4 ug/1 of mercury, or
4.5 pounds of mercury per day. The sample did not contain detectable
arsenic or significant quantities o: other toxic metals. Mercury was
not detected in samples collected in July, during normal streamflow.
The mercury load in the June sampling resulted from leaching of
mercury-bearing suspended sediment. A bottom sediment sample from
the site contained only 0.04 ppm of mercury. This indicates that
high mercury concentrations in the stream are not concommitant with
normal stream flow.
Battle Creek (Station 4040) drains an area of previous mining
activity, upstream of Hayward. A water sample from the creek contained
0.3 ug/1 of mercury, or 0.07 pounds per day. Rapid Creek also drains
an area of previous mining activity. A water sample collected from
Rapid Creek below Pactola Dam (Station 4115) contained 0.2 gg/1 of
mercury, or 0.14 pounds per day. These findings indicate that previous
mining sites are not significant mercury pollution sources.
Boxelder Creek heads in the Black Hills, flows by Ellsworth Air
Force Base, and drains a large Cretaceous shale area. A water sample
collected at Owanka (Station 4200.5) contained 0.6 yg/1 mercury or
0.05 pounds per day of mercury. This concentration apparently resulted
from leaching of shale washed into the stream during previous rainfalls.
No detectable arsenic was found in the sample. Sediment from this
station contained only 0.02 ppm of mercury, which indicates that
mercury is not normally present in significant quantities in the stream.
20
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The levels of mercury contained in the above streams during periods
of runoff do not cause high mercury concentrations in resident fish.
Fish collected from Angostura Reservoir (Station A010), the Cheyenne
River at Wasta (4235), and from tributaries, Including French Creek
(4025.5), Battle Creek (4060), Rapid Creek (4130), and Elk Creek
(4255), all contained mercury concentrations less than half the FDA
guideline. The biotic communities of each of these streams, except
Rapid Creek, reflected the presence of organic wastes. No adverse
effects of siltation or toxic substances were detected in any of the
streams in this portion of the Cheyenne River drainage.
Nutrients made the Cheyenne River at Wasta and its upstream
tributaries extremely fertile. This over-enrichment affected the
aquatic life community. Benthos samples collected near Wasta contained
high densities (764 per square foot) and low variety (10 kinds) of
organisms. This reflected the presence of organic wastes and the
absence of siltation or toxic materials.
Belle Fourche River Drainage
The farthest upstream station in the Belle Fourche River drainage
system was located on Spearfish Creek downstream from Bridal Veil Falls,
near Maurice (Station 4314.7). Here, the benthos consisted mostly of
pollution-sensitive mayflies, caddisflies, and stoneflies, with large
numbers of black fly larvae of intermediate tolerance, indicating little
or no pollution. Two unfiltered water samples from this station, col-
lected during a rainstorm, contained 0.5 and 2.3 yg/1 of mercury. The
wide variation in results indicates that the mercury was attached to
21
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sediment being washed into the stream, possibly from tailings piles
located upstream along tributaries to Spearfish Creek. Brook trout
and brown trout collected from this stream contained no detectable
mercury, indicating that high mercury concentrations occur infrequently
in Spearfish Creek.
The Redwater River (Station 4329.5), which receives drainage from
Spearfish Creek, drains into the Belle Fourche River near Belle Fourche,
South Dakota. The diversity of pollution-sensitive benthos indicated
minimal damage from siltation or toxic materials. Trout collected
here did not contain detectable mercury concentrations and the flesh
of white suckers and creek chubs had mercury concentrations of less
than 0.20 ppm. However, northern redhorse suckers collected from the
Redwater River had moderate mercury concentrations in their flesh,
averaging 0.29 ppm; and carp had unacceptably high mercury concentra-
tions in their flesh, averaging 0.58 ppm. Apparently these fish
migrated into the Redwater River from contaminated waters downstream.
Belle Fourche Reservoir (Station 4350) receives water diverted
from the Belle Fourche River below the Redwater River confluence.
Fish collected from this reservoir all contained mercury concentrations
less than one-half the maximum limit recommended by FDA.
A water sample collected from the Belle Fourche River near
Fruitdale (Station 4360), during the June period of high runoff, con-
tained 0.4 yg/1 of mercury. In subsequent samples, collected during
normal streamflow, mercury was not detected. No arsenic was detected
in the stream, even during periods of high streamflow. The Belle
22
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Fourche River at this location (Station 4360) was biologically fertile,
but not polluted. Benthos in this reach consisted of a variety (17
kinds) of primarily pollution-sensitive organisms, including burrowing
mayflies, and low numbers of intermediate and tolerant forms. All
fish collected from this river reach contained mercury concentrations
less than 0.5 ppm. The highest mercury concentration detected was
0.29 ppm in one fish, a goldeye.
Whitewood Creek at the U. S. 85 bridge at Pluma (Station 4361)
generally contained low levels of mercury. One sample, collected
June 9, during a rainstorm, contained 1.7 ug/1 of mercury, apparently
the result of leaching from sediment washed into the stream. Arsenic
was present in relatively low levels of 12 to 13 ug/1. Other metals
were present as the result of the known mineralization in rocks upstream
of this station. A sediment concentration of 0.54 ppm mercury is
consistent with the mineralized nature of the drainage basin. The
stream supported the greatest variety of benthic organisms encountered
during the survey (26 kinds), including five stonefly genera, four
mayfly and caddisfly genera, and many other forms in moderately high
numbers. Fish collected from this reach (brook trout, white suckers,
and longnose dace) did not contain detectable mercury concentrations.
Deadwood Creek above Deadwood (Station 4361.3) generally con-
tained low levels of mercury. One sample, collected June 9, during
a rainstorm, contained 1.5 ug/1 of mercury, similar to levels in
Whitewood Creek on the same day. These high levels result from erosion
of sediment from the known mineralized area. During the three days
23
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of sampling in June, 1971, the stream carried an average mercury load
of 0.04 pounds per day. Sediment contained 0.12 ppm mercury. Arsenic
x
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contained in the Homes take Gold Mill effluent — all were damaging.
The Homestake Mining Company slime plant effluent is discharged
into Whitewood Creek immediately upstream from Deadwood Creek. Mercury
in this effluent ranged to concentrations as high as 57 yg/1, as the
result of leaching of mercury from the ore fed to the mill. No mercury
was used in the process at the time. Cyanide, used in the leaching pro-
cess, was escaping in the sluiced waste, at concentrations of from
3.8 to 9.9 mg/1. Arsenic was abundant in the effluent samples, with
concentrations ranging to 1,000 pg/1.
Whitewood Creek, at the Deaduood Rodeo Grounds (Station 4361.5)
was in marked contrast to tnc quality of the stream upstream from Gold
Run, and to Deadwood and City Creeks. The creek was a leaden-gray
stream of sand and slimes, resulting from the discharge in the two
Homes take effluents of 2,735 tons per day of suspended solids, contain-
ing 9.5 tons per day of arsenic in the form of arsenopyrite. ?lercury
concentrations ranged from 2.1 to 8.0 yg/1, for an average mercury load
during the June sampling of 2.5 pounds per day. Tributary flow added
0.15 pounds per day of this total load, with the remainder contributed
by the leaching of mercury contained in the ore fed to the Homes take
Mill. Additional mercury remains attached to the sediment discharged
to the stream, but is available for leaching during high stages and
for methylation and uptake by downstream biota. Cyanide concentrations
in Whitewood Creek at the Deadwood Rodeo Grounds ranged from 0.50 to
1.1 mg/1, for an average load of 312 pounds per day during the June
25
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sampling. All the cyanide was from the Honestal:e mill. Arsenic was
i
present in the water at concentrations of from 230 to 1700 ug/1.
The stream carried a load of 72 pounds per day of copper and
241 pounds per day of zinc on June 10, 1971. Of this, less than
0.6 pounds per day of copper and 4 pc • ids per day of zinc were con-
tributed by tributary inflow. The remainder was from the Homestake
effluents. No aquatic organisms inhabited this station, as the result
of the high concentrations of cyanide, mercury, arsenic, and suspended
solids.
Stream sediment contained 0.1S prim of mercury, which is approxi-
mately one-third of the concentration of 0.57 ppn of mercury in the
ore fed to the Homestake Mill. The remainder of the mercury is leached
from the ore during the milling process.
Water-quality conditions in Khitewood Creek at downstream stations
(Stations 4361.6 and 4361.7) did not improve materially. Mercury con-
centrations remained hifth, although the load decreased as the result
of adsorption on the tailings solids. Arsenic concentrations increased
downstream to a ranee of 1270 to 1900 iJg/1 at the mouth. Cyanide
concentrations were 0.58 TOR/I downstream fron '.Jhite'.'ood, and 0.16
mg/1 at the mouth, near Vale. Conner, iron, and zinc were present.
The stream supported no aouatic life downstream from t;ie Honestake
discharges. The destruction of all life in this streat" is directly
attributable to the high concentrations of cyanide, mercury, arsenic,
and suspended solids resulting fron; t/ic t"c iloresLahe discharges.
-------
Horse Creek (Station 4368) and Bear Butte Creek (Station 4375)
are the major tributaries to the Belle Fourche River in the vicinity
of the mouth of Whitewood Creek. Water samples collected from these
two streams during June contained lou mercury concentrations, apparently
as the result of leaching of decomposed shale washed into the stream.
Neither sample contained detectable arsenic concentrations. Samples
collected during July, at normal streanflow, did not contain detectable
mercury concentrations.
The effects of the Whitewood Creek inflow were evident in the
Belle Fourche River at Station 4370. Suspended sedinent, resembling
Homestake tailings, was clearly visible in the water, with a large
amount of settled solids covering the stream bottom. ?4ercury concen-
trations in the stream during June were 0.6 yg/1, or 3.0 pounds per
day. The arsenic concentration was approximately 0.5 mg/1. Arsenic
levels were sufficiently high to be a source of chronic toxicity to
aquatic organisms. The cyanide concentration was less than the detection
limit of 0.02 mg/1. Suspended solids settled on the river bottom, destroy-
ing habitat. The benthos in this reach consisted of little variety (6
kinds) of organisms in a very low density of only 30 per square foot.
The flesh of fish collected from this reach contained moderate-to-high
concentrations of mercury, some of them bordering on 0.5 ppm.
Water samples were collected from the Belle Fourche River north
of Elm Springs, Station 4380. As previously noted, the June sampling
was conducted during a period of high, but declining, stream stages.
Flow time between the Stations 4370 and 4380 was estimated at one day.
27
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As a result, the net flow measured at the downstream station was much
larger than the flow at the upstream station. This higher flow was
responsible for the resuspension of previously-deposited Homestake
tailings solids. A portion of the metals concentration contained in
these tailings solids was leached int> the stream, resulting in an
increase, in metals load in the downstream direction. The June samples
at Station 4380 contained 2.8 ug/1 of mercury, or 19.7 pounds per day,
in contrast to the load of 3.0 pounds per day at the upstream station,
Station 4370. This instream increase in mercury load, attributable
to the resuspension of tailings, indicated the importance of removing
mercury-laden tailinr.s solids from the strearobed and banks. Otherwise,
the material will continue to be a source of mercury for years. The
zinc concentration at Station 4380, north of Elm Springs, was double
that at Station 4370. and also resulted from resuspension of the
previouslv-deposi ted Hompst.ike tailings solids.
Lower Cheyenne River Drainage
Water samples collrcted in June from the Cheyenne River downstream
from Belle Fourche River contained O.G iv./l of mercurv, or 15.1 pounds
per day. Arsenic level? were npproxirately 0.2 n'j>/.1 , or four times
the level which constitutes grounds for reicctior. as n domestic water
supply. Thus, tne iior.estike dischnrp.es render the entire stream
unsuitable as a source of domestic water supply. Samples collected
during July, during normal streamflow, did not contain detectable
mercury in solution. A moderate degree of siltation had occurred in
the Cheyenne River at Station 4385, near Plainview. Here, the benthic
28
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types were similar to those at Wasta, but the density of organisms
decreased by 75 percent. Some of the fish collected at Station 4385
were heavily contaminated with mercury. Sauger flesh had a mercury
concentration of 0.82 ppm, the highest encountered during this study.
Carp and channel catfish were also contaminated by high mercury con-
centrations .
A sediment sample from Station 4385 contained 0.83 ppm of mercury.
This concentration reflects the previous use of mercury in the Home-
stake amalgamators and is indicative of the deposition and resuspen-
sion which occurs in the travel of tailings from Lead-Deadwood to Oahe
Reservoir.
Samples of fish collected from the Cheyenne Arm of Oahe Reservoir
by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and analyzed by EPA personnel
generally contained high mercury concentrations, many of which exceeded
the guideline. Results of this sampling are reproduced in Appendix E,
Table E-5. Mercury concentrations exceeding 0.5 ppm, were detected
in the flesh of northern pike, walleye, sauger, white bass, black
crappie, channel catfish, freshwater drum, shovelnose sturgeon, carp-
sucker, carp, and bigmouth buffalo. Mercury concentrations in fish
flesh were highest in the upper Cheyenne Arm of Oahe Reservoir, near
the River mouth, with over 25 percent of all samples exceeding the
guideline. Mercury concentrations in fish flesh generally decreased
with distance from the River mouth. Mercury was not detected in
water samples collected from the Cheyenne Arm, but bottom muds con-
tained excessive mercury. The mercury concentrations in muds were
29
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highest in the upper Cheyenne Arm near the Cheyenne River mouth, with
generally decreasing concentrations toward the main reservoir body.
The levels were highest in mid-channel and lower near shore. This
indicates that mercury-laden sediment continues to be transported into
Oahe Reservoir by high streamflow in :\e Cheyenne River. The sediment
then deposits in Oahe Reservoir and contaminates fish.
D. TAILINGS DEPOSITS
Calculations indicate that at least 65 million tons of tailings
solids have been discharged by the Homestake Mining Company during
the history of the Company's Deadwood-Lead operation. At least nine
million tons of tailings have been discharged since the completion of
Oahe Reservoir. The discharge of this sediment has completely changed
the hydrologic regime of the Whitewood Creek-Belle Fourche River-
Cheyenne River system. Much of the material was deposited along the
various streams, especially the lower reaches of Whitewood Creek and
the Belle Fourche River in the first few miles below the mouth of
Whitewood Creek.
A limited amount of core drilling was performed, to verify the
presence of deposits of previously-discharged Homestake tailings. In
one case, drilling in an abandoned stream meander seven miles east
of Vale, disclosed that old Homestake tailings had been deposited,
causing the stream to change its course. The meander contained up to
nine feet of tailings at the holes drilled, for an estimated total
volume of 30,000 cubic yards of tailings deposits. Assay of the
buried material indicated that this deposit contains approximately
30
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200 pounds of mercury. Several other abandoned meanders were observed
In the same area. Representative logs of drill holes in the tailings
deposits, with the concentrations of mercury in the material, are
presented in Appendix E, Table E-8.
In lower reaches of Whitewood Creek, the flood plain is underlain
by up to 10 feet of material which appears to be stamp-mill tailings,
deposited during the early milling days in the Lead area. A sample
was found to contain 1.2 ppm of mercury. If this is representative,
each cubic yard would contain 1.8 grams of mercury. At the bridge
downstream from Crow Creek, these deposits extend for at least one-
quarter of a mile along the stream, with an average width of 100 yards.
This section may contain 290 pounds of mercury.
Ground-water samples were collected from auger holes in the tail-
ings deposits, and from nearby wells drawing water from the alluvium.
Solids samples were collected from the auger holes, at various depths.
Solids assay results are shown in Appendix E, Table E-8. Ground-water
quality data are shown in Appendix E, Table E-9. The buried tailings
solids contain mercury in concentrations of from two to four parts per
million by weight. Those solids beneath the water table generally
contain less mercury than those above the water table, indicating a
leaching of mercury by ground water has occurred and is continuing.
This conclusion is supported by data on mercury concentrations in the
ground water. A sample of ground water from the tailings deposit
contained 34 yg/1 of mercury, nearly seven times the recommended PHS
limit of 5 ug/1 for drinking water. A sample of ground water from
31
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alluvium underlying the tailings solids contained 1.8 yg/1, which is
more than background mercury levels of 0.2 to 0.3 yg/1. Water samples
from some wells along the stream contain mercury at levels exceeding
background concentrations, but less than 5 yg/1. These concentrations
correlate with distance from the s »^am and buried tailings deposits.
Samples from four domestic water supply wells, which draw water
from the alluvium along the streams, were analyzed for arsenic. No
arsenic was detected, indicating that arsenopyrite in the burled tail-
ings is not being leached to the ground water.
While the concentrations of mercury in the ground water are
generally less than the proposed PHS standard, they do indicate a con-
tinuing degradation of quality as a result of the buried tailings
solids. Ground-water conditions are such that mercury from these
deposits will continue to enter the surface streams via ground-water
inflow.
The deposits of buried tailings solids are of importance to future
water quality. The rivers are eroding the deposited material. Thus,
the deposits will gradually be moved downstream to Oahe Reservoir.
This effect will be accelerated once discharge of solids from Homestake
has ceased. At that time the affected streams will initiate a period
of downcutting, to adjust to a new set of hydrologic conditions. The
buried tailings deposits will continue to be a source of sediment and
metals pollution, unless they are removed or stabilized.
Additional information is required on the location, extent, and
composition of the buried deposits. The needed information can be
32
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secured by a combination of remote-sensing technology and an exploratory
drilling program.
Presently research is in progress to develop techninues for
recovery of mercury from sediments. If the techniques prove feasible,
they should be employed to recover the mercury contained in the buried
tailings deposits. If the technicmes are infeasible the deposits
should be stabilized, pending later technical developments.
33
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VII. WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ALTERNATIVES
A Sanitary District has been formed to abate pollution from the dis-
charge of sewage from the towns of Lead and Deadwood, and the Homestake
Mining Company discharges. A system has been designed to collect the
Homestake wastes and the sewage, and transport it via pipeline to a large
tailings pond-oxidation lagoon to be constructed in Centennial Valley.
An application for a construction grant was submitted to the Environmental
Protection Agency on April 8, 1971. The schedule of construction calls for
completion of the facility by November 1973.
There has been much local opposition to the project, on the basis of
damage to scenic values and ground-water resources. The project will
visually degrade the valley site. However, the overall environmental
impact will be less than the existing situation, for miles of stream are
rendered gray and lifeless and a health hazard exists. The planned facility
should not damage the ground-water resource. The proposed Sanitary District
project will be a marked improvement over the existing situation.
The present health hazard resulting from toxic materials in the
Homestake effluent must be abated. Personnel of Homestake Mining Company
and EPA investigated alternative techniques which could be utilized for an
interim pollution-control measure. Primary considerations in the selection
of interim control measures were rapidity of construction and control of
sediment discharge.
Whitewood Creek flow is highly variable, with known discharges in
excess of 5,000 cfs. During 8 months of the year the flow is less than
30 cfs, and consists largely of sewage from Lead and Deadwood and of
34
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Homestake Mining Company tailings slurries. Substantial water-quality
improvement would result from construction of a system to divert and
impound the Whitewood Creek flow, especially when such flow is less than
or equal to 30 cfs. Higher flows could continue downstream with relatively
little effect.
A suitable diversion site is available on Whitewood Creek downstream
from the town of Whitewood. Crow Creek, a small intermittent stream, almost
intersects Whitewood Creek before turning and flowing parallel to Whitewood
Creek (Figure 2). A small diversion canal could be constructed through the
intervening ridge, and a simple diversion dam constructed across Whitewood
Creek. ' Flows less than 30 cfs would then be diverted to Crow Creek and the
tailings solids settled in an impoundment. Clarified water would overflow the
impoundment, continue down Crow Creek, and rejoin Whitewood Creek. Flows in
excess of 30 cfs would overflow this diversion dam and travel down Wnitewood
Creek. The proposed project would remove approximately 80 percent of the
pollutants carried by Whitewood Creek currently. The project, as envisioned,
would be of simple construction and could be completed in a short time.
Following completion of a permanent treatment facility it will be necessary
to stabilize the impounded tailings in the temporary facility, to prevent
erosion to Lower Crow Creek and the downstream waterways.
Homestake Mining Company reports encountering inflated land prices in
their discussions with land owners in the Crow Creek area. Because the
Company does not have the right of condemnation, the practice of asking
inflated prices for land in the project area threatens the establishment
of the interim tailings pond which will significantly reduce the existing
health hazard caused by Homestake's discharge. The Crow Creek diversion
35
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and tailings pond is a necessary and technically feasible interim-control
measure pending the completion of the Sanitary District facilities.
-------
22
23
27
DIVERSION CANAL
Figure 2. Crow Creek Diversion
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REFERENCES
1. Reese, M. Lisle, 1952, "South Dakota, A Guide to the State",
Hastings House, Inc., New York, p. 107.
2. South Dakota State Department of Health, Division of Sanitary
Engineering, 1960, "Report on Water Pollution Studies, Gold Run
Creek - Whitewood Creek - Belle Fourche River - Cheyenne River",
Pierre, South Dakota.
3. South Dakota State Department of Health, Division of Sanitary
Engineering, 1960, "Report on Gold Recovery Wastes, Homes take
Mining Co.", Pierre, South Dakota.
4. McKee, J. E. and H. W. Wolf (eds), 1963, "Water Quality Criteria,
2nd Edition", the Resources Agency of California, State Water
Quality Control Board, Sacramento, California, Pub. No. 3-A,
550 pp.
5. Study Group on Mercury Hazards, 1971, "Hazards of Mercury, Special
Report to the Secretary's Pesticide Advisory Committee", Depart-
ment of Health, Education, and Welfare, November, 1970; Environ-
mental Research 4(1), 1-69.
37
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APPENDIX A
April 23, 1971, Letter from Richard F. Kneip,
Governor of the State of South Dakota
to
William D. Ruckelshaus, Administrator,
Environmental Protection Agency
38
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STATE OF SOUTH DAKOTA
RICHARD F KNEIP EXECUTIVE OFFICE
GOVERNOR
PIERRE
57501
April 23, 1971
William D. Ruckelshaus, Administrator
Environmental Protection Agency
Washington, .D.C. 20460
Dear Mr. Ruckelshaus:
As you know, testing over the past year has revealed a potential
mercury problem in western South Dakota. The problem stems from
naturally-occurring mercury and from previous industrial discharges.
Industrial discharges of mercury began about 1876 when prospectors
began using the metal for amalgamation of gold in placer mining
operations on a number of Black Hills streams. How much mercury
was discharged to the various streams by the early operators is not
known; however, geologists of the South Dakota School of Mines and
Technology report seeing free mercury in the sediments of several
streams.
s
Though mercury is no longer being used in gold recovery operations,
undetermined amounts of the metal remain in the sediments of Black*
Hills streams, particularly in the Whitewood Creek-Belle Fourche
River-Cheyenne River system. Also, naturally-occurring mercury has
been found in all of the other major streams of western South Dakota,
seemingly associated with shale formations; no industrial discharges
are known which could account for the mercury found in these streams.
Further, the occurrence of mercury in fish from an impoundment of the
Cheyenne River far upstream from the confluence of the Belle Fourche
River indicates a natural source of mercury or perhaps mercury con-
tamination from the uranium-processing operation at Edgemont.
As noted above, discharges of mercury from gold-recovery operations
have been eliminated; and, to the best of our knowledge, there are no
other significant discharges of mercury in the State. There remains,
39
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Mr. Kuckclshaus
April 23, 1971
1'iigc 2
however, the mercury in Black Hills stream sediments as well as the
naturally-occurring mercury elsewhere. Also, there is some question
as Co the significance of the cyanides that have been used for many
years to supplement mercury amalgamation in gold recovery and are
now used for all gold recovery.
Now, present evidence docs not indicate that fish populations and
other aquatic life are directly affected by the mercury nor is there
any evidence that wildlife and domestic animals are suffering from
mercury toxicity. More testing and study may be needed to substantiate
these conclusions, however.
In our opinion, then, the crux of the problem in South Dakota, if there
is a problem, is whether or not the levels of mercury thus far observed
in fish flesh and in our waters have affected or may affect the health
of South Dakotans and others who catch and eat the fish and use the
vaster from the Cheyenne\ River system, including the Cheyenne Arm of
0;ilic reservoir, and the other streams and impoundments of western
South Dakota. As you know, the interim guideline level of mercury in
fir.h flesh established by the Food and Drug Administration has not
been substantiated by clinical evidence and is subject to some contro-
versy in the medical profession and other scientific circles.
Therefore, as provided in Section 10(d)(l) of the Federal Water Pollu-
tion Control Act, I am requesting that you call a conference of repre-
s-rniat ives'of South Dakota State agencies having direct interest and
i <-'5'onsibi liti.es in the matter and representatives of such Federal
-.li.cicr. as have direct interest and responsibilities provided that
i IrrtM one of the Federal conferees represents the Department of
-i!i:., !.«!iii-.-itjo:i mid Welfare, and further provided that the con-fcrces
i is--ii ily .icltlic.ss themselves to the problem of actual'or potential
:-:vury toAicity to humans, and to methods of control if such health
.--i.-.-.nJ:. are dn.ionst rat cd, and secondarily to the significance of the
4?:«jiiuc discharges. The occurrence, distribution, and significance
oi l.c.-ivy net ills other than mercury may concern the conferees as well.
In u-;,-..ird to St;itc agency representatives, I am requesting that the
t»i lowin;; persons be appointed as conferees:
40
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Mr. Ruckelshaus
April 23, 1971
I'agc 3
Dr. Robert H. Hayes, State Health Officer,
State Department of Health;
Robert A. Hodgins, Director
Department of Game, Rish § Parks; and
Joseph W. Grimes, Chief Engineer,
Water Resources Commission; and member,
South Dakota Committee on Water Pollution
1 urge your favorable consideration of this request.
Sinccrc-lv,
>: KHAKI) P. KNl-IP
(.UVi.KNOIl
VI K/snl
cc: |)r. Robert H. Hayes
Robert A. Hodgins
Joseph W. Grimes
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APPENDIX B
APPLICABLE WATER QUALITY STANDARDS
Excerpts from "Water Quality
Standards for the Surface Waters
of South Dakota, February 1967"
42
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CHAPTER II. - WATER QUALITY CRITERIA FOR SURFACE WATERS
Section II - Conditions Applying To All Surface Waters
1. Visible Pollutants. No raw or treated sewage, garbage, indus-
trial wastes or agricultural wastes shall be discharged into
any waters of the State which produce floating solids, scum,
oil slicks, material discoloration, undesirable odors, visible
gassing, sludge deposits, slimes, fungus growths or other offens-
ive effects.
2. Toxic Materials. No materials shall be discharged to any surface
water or watercourse in the State which produce concentrations
of chemicals toxic to humans, animals or the most sensitive stage
or form of aquatic life greater than 0.1 times the acute (96 hour)
median lethal dose for short residual compounds or 0.01 times the
acute median lethal dose for accumulative substances or substances
exhibiting a residual life exceeding 30 days in the receiving
waters.
Acute median lethal concentrations shall be based on the results
of the most recent research results for the material being studied
or, in case of disagreement, by bioassay tests simulating actual
stream conditions run in accordance with procedures outlined in
"Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater -
1965" published by the American Public Health Association and
using test animals or organisms specified by the Committee.
Concentrations specified for toxic materials shall be based on
daily averages, but the concentrations shall not exceed 125% of
the value specified at any time or in any section of the receiv-
ing water.
These provisions shall not apply to those toxic materials for
which specific limits are specified in the criteria for given
beneficial uses.
3. Radioactive Materials. Radioactive materials shall not be per-
mitted in the waters of the State unless these materials are
1 readily soluble or dispersible in water and in quantities deter-
mined by the Committee to be in accord with criteria of the South
Dakota State Department of Health or other appropriate State or
Federal Agency.
4. Taste and Odor Producing Chemicals. No materials shall be dis-
charged which will result in concentrations in the receiving
water sufficient to impart objectionable tastes and odors to
edible aquatic life.
43
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5. Acids and Alkalis. With the exception of those watercourses
in the Intermittent Stream category, no materials shall be
discharged from any one source which shall affect the pH of
the receiving waters by more than 1.0 unit within the limits
specified herein.
CATEGORY NUMBER 2 - FISH LIFE PROPAGA1 F-.N
Description: All waters in this category shall be such that they
will provide a satisfactory environment for the class of fish de-
scribed and for all other aquatic life essential to the maintenance
and propagation of fish life. There shall be separate quality cri-
teria for each of the following five sub-categories:
a. Cold water permanent
Cold water marginal
Warm water permanent
Warm water semi-permanent
All lakes, streams and reservoirs
in this category shall be capable
of supporting a good permanent
trout fishery from natural repro-
ductions or fingerling stockings.
All lakes, streams and reservoirs
in this category shall be suitable
for supporting stockings of catch-
able size trout during portions of
the year but due to low flows,
siltation and warm temperatures
will not support a permanent cold
water fish population.
Lakes, streams and reservoirs in
this category shall be suitable
for permanent maintenance of warm
water fish including walleyes,
black bass or blue gills.
Lakes, streams and reservoirs in
this category shall be suitable
for a quality warm water fishery
but may suffer occasional fish
kills because of critical natural
conditions. Principal species
managed in these waters will in-
clude walleyes, perch, northern
pike or channel catfish.
44
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e. Warm water marginal
Lakes, streams and reservoirs
in this category shall be suit-
able for supporting more toler-
ant species of fish with frequent
stocking and intensive management.
Principal species managed in these
lakes include perch, northern pike
or bullheads.
Criteria:
Criteria for each of the described sub-categories are presented
in tabular form on the following page.
45
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Criteria; (Fish Life Propagation-continued)
Parameter
Chlorides
Cyanides
Dissolved Oxygen
(greater than)
Hydrogen Sulfide
Iron (total)
pH*
Suspended solids
Temperature
(degrees F)
Turbidity**
a
100
0.02
6.0
0.3
0.2
6.6-8.6
30
68
25
Sub-Categories Frequency
b c d e Code
0.03
5.0
0.5
0.2
6.5-8.8
90
75
50
0.02
4.0
0.5
0.2
6.5-8.8
90
85
-
50
0.02 0.05
4.0 2.0
1.0 1.0
0.2
6.3-9.0 6.0-9.3
90 150
90 93
100
c
a
a
a
b
a
c
a
c
Note: All values in mg/1 unless indicated otherwise. The frequency code shown
applies to all sub-categories.
* in pH units.
** Jackson Candle units.
Pesticides, herbicides and related compounds shall be treated as toxic
materials and taste and odor producing chemicals and controlled under the
provisions of Chapter II, Section II, subsection 2 and 4.
Temperatures shall not be affected by more than 4°F. in sub-categories
a, b and c, and 8°F. in sub-categories d and e.
46
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CATEGORY NUMBER 3 - RECREATION
Definitions: Water in this category shall be suitable for swimming,
water skiing, skin diving, fishing, boating, sailing, picnicking and
other water related types of recreation. There shall be separate
quality criteria for each of the following two sub-categories:
a. Immersion Sports which would include swimming, water skiing,
skin diving and other water sports.
b. Limited Contact Recreation which would include fishing,
boating, sailing, picnicking and other water related rec-
reation.
General: The criteria for recreation will normally apply only during
the summer recreation season. However, if the receiving waters are used
extensively for winter recreation, the criteria for limited contact
recreation shall apply during the winter months.
Criteria;
Parameter
a. Immersion Sports
Coliform Organisms
Dissolved Oxygen
b. Limited Contact Recreation
Coliform Organisms
Dissolved Oxygen
Limit
Not to exceed a MPN or
MF of 1000/100 ml as a
monthly average; nor to
exceed this value in
more than 207. of the
samples examined in any
one month; nor to exceed
2,400/100 ml on any one
day during the recreation
season.
Greater than 2 mg/1
Not to exceed a MPN or
MF of 5000/100 ml as a
monthly average; nor to
exceed this value in more
than 2070 of the samples
examined in any one month;
nor to exceed 10,000/100 ml
on any one day during the
recreation season.
Greater than 2 mg/1
Frequency
Code
47
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CATEGORY NUMBER 4 - WILDLIFE PROPAGATION AND STOCK WATERING
Definition; Waters in this category shall be satisfactory as habitat
for aquatic and semi-aquatic wild animals and fowl and shall be suit-
able for watering domestic and wild animals and fowl.
General; No pollution shall be permitted to enter waters in this cate-
gory which will produce inhibited growth, physical impairment or injurious
effects on wild or domestic animals and fowl normally inhabiting or using
the water.
Criteria:
Parameter
Alkalinity (Total)
(as CaCOQ)
i o
Total dissolved solids
Electrical conductivity
Nitrates (as N03)
PH
Limit
750 mg/1
Frequency
Code
2,500 mg/1 c
4000 micromhos/cm @ 25° C. c
50 mg/1 b
Greater than 6.0 and less than 9.5 a
48
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APPENDIX C
WATER QUALITY DATA
WESTERN SOUTH DAKOTA
1959
Source: Report on
Water Pollution Studies
Gold Run Creek-Whitewood Creek
Belle Fourche River-Cheyenne River
1960
South Dakota State Department of Health
Division of Sanitary Engineering
Pierre, South Dakota
49
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WATER POLLUTION ANALYSIS (1959) - GOLD RUN CREEK
STATION GR-0
Table C-l
Sampling
Station
GR-0^
GR-0
GR-0
GR-0
Collection
Date
6/23 *
6/25 **
7/6 ***
7/6 ***
Average Values
pH
8.6
8.6
Temp.
°C.
17
17
D
ppm
6.4
6.5
6.5
0.
% Sat.
66
67
66.5
BOD
80
45
63
M.P.N.
11,000,000
24,000,000
CN
0
0.63
2.53
1.05
so3
0
0
S°4
379
193
286
Solids
Suspended
112
530
321
Total
1,000
883
942
Oi
o
Results in ppm for D.O., BOD, CN, SO., SO,, Solids
* 3 hr. composite
** 4 hr. composite
*** grab samples (Homestake by-passing sand dams)
Samples for BOD, CN, SO,, and solids composited,
if not, otherwise indicated.
J7 Gold Run @ Lead Sewage Outfall
Table reproduced from South Dakota report.
Note: Abbreviations for all Tables Nos. 1,2,3,4,5,6
D.O.
ppm
BOD
MPN
CN
SO,
SO,
>at.
Dissolved Oxygen
parts per million
Biochemical Oxygen Demand (5 day)
Host Probable Number of coliform
bacteria per 100 ml.
Cyanide (all complex cyanides total
reported as CN - by titration)
Sulfides
Sulfate
Percent Saturation
-------
WATER POLLUTION ANALYSIS (1959) - GOLD RUN CREEK
STATION GR-1
TABLE C-2
Sampling
Station
GR-1±>
GR-1
GR-1
GR-1
GR-1
GR-1
GR-1
GR-1
GR-1
GR-1
GR-1
GR-1
Collection
Date
6/23 **
6/25 ***
7/7-8
7/10-11
7/11
7/11-12
7/12
7/12-13
7/13
7/14-15
7/15-16
7/16
PH
8.8
8.7
8.6
8.4
11.7
8.7
8.5
8.5
8.5
8.0
8.4
Temp.
°C.
17
17
17
16*
17*
17*
Average Values
D.
ppm
6.6
6.1
6.6
4.7*
5.1*
4.9*
5.7
p.
% Sat.
68
63
68
47*
52*
50*
54
BOD
70
25
55
35
40
45
45
M.P.N.
4,600,000
46,000,000
2,400,000
CN
0.95
2.8
2.3
2.1
9.1
3.6
2.1
0.86
2.9
1.23
0.60
2.60
so3
0
0
0
S°4
384
Solids
Suspended
804
Total
1,482
1,429
1,108
1,382
1,737
1,564
2,630
2,614
1,755
2,324
1,452
1,770
* Average of 3 tests
** 3 hr. composite
*** 4 hr. composite
All other samples 14 hr. composite (BOD, CN, SO,, Solids)
I/ Gold Run One Mile Below Sand Dam
Table reproduced from South Dakota report.
-------
WATER POLLUTION ANALYSIS (1959) - WHITEWOOD CREEK
STATIONS WC-7, 9, & 10
TABLE C-3
Sampling
Station
WC-7i>
WC-7
WC-7
WC-7
WC-7
WC-7
WC-7
WC-7
Collectior
Date
6/23 **
6/25 ***
6/23 **
6/25 **
7/13
7/14-15
7/15-16
7/16
Average Values
WC-9^
WC-9
WC-10^
WC-10
WC-10
WC-10
6/23 ***
6/25 ***
6/23 ***
6/25
7/14 ***
7/16 ***
(1)
PH
8.8
8.7
8.5
8.6
8.5
8.6
8.4
8.6
8.4
8.2
8.0
8.1
7.8
Temp.
°C
17
21
18
22
20*
16*
17*
22*
18
25
25
24*
23*
Average Values
]
ppm
1.7
3.1
1.5*
3.6*
3.2*
3.7*
2.8
5.4*
6.2*
5.9
).0.
% Sat.
18
35
16.3*
36.2*
33*
42*
31
63*
72*
68
BOD
10
100
45
65
60
75
60
40
8
24
M.P.N.
430,000
11,000,000
1,500,000
93,000
CN
1.25
2.10
1.03
1.10
0.69
0.78
1.16
0.69
0.69
0.62
0.66
so3
0
s
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WATER POLLUTION ANALYSIS (1959) - BELLE FOURCHE RIVER
STATIONS BF-1, 2, & 4
TABLE C-4
Sampling
Station
BP-lV
BF-1
BF-1
BF-1
Collection
Date
6/23
6/25
7/14
7/16
Average Values
BF-2*/
BF-2
BF-2
BF-2
6/23
6/25
7/14
7/16 **
Average Values
BF-43/
BF-4
BF-4
BF-4
6/23
6/25
7/13
7/15
Average Values
PH
8.2
8.2
8.1
7.9
8.0
7.8
8.2
8.4
7.9
Temp.
°C
27
31
27*
25*
27
29
25*
24*
20
25
30
29
ppm
10.0
12.3
6.7*
7.9*
9.3
1.3
2.0
2.4*
3.7*
2.3
6.9
6.0
6.9
6.8
6.7
BF-1 and BF-2 (4 hr. composites) (BOD, CN
BF-4 - grab samples
% Sat.
125
164
83*
94*
107
16
26
28*
43*
31
75
72
90
88
81
BOD
7
6
5
5
6.0
17
30
8
18
2
4
3
4
3.0
M.P.N.
300
1,500
93
93
460,000
1,500,000
93,000
93,000
4,300
9,300
36
2,400
SO,, and Solids) *
a **
CN
0.36
0.5
0.4:
so3 '
0
0
0
S°4
Solids
Suspended
692
358
521
10,650
8,980
9,815
537
636
586
Total
2,425
2,063
2,244
19,534
3,548
11,541
2,120
2,179
2.150
Average of 2 tests
Stream flow higher due to rain shower
if Belle Fourche River South of Nisland
2J Belle Fourche River @ Route 79 Bridge
37 Belle Fourche River North of Elm Springs
Table reproduced from South Dakota report,
-------
WATER POLLUTION ANALYSIS (1959) - CHEYENNE RIVER
STATION CR-1 & 2
TABLE C-5
Sampling
Station
CR-li/
CR-1
CR-1
CR-1
Collection
Date*
6/23
6/25
7/13
7/15
Average Values
CR-2*/
CR-2
CR-2
CR-2
6/23
6/25
7/13
7/15
Average Values
pH
8.2
8.2
8.2
8.4
8.2
8.2
Temp
°C
18
22
29
26
21
17
30
30
D.O.
ppm
7.9
7.0
4.8
7.2
6.7
7.5
7.0
7.3
6.9
7.2
% Sat.
83
79
62
88
78
84
72
96
90
86
BOD
1.0
6.0
3.0
2:0
3.0
3.0
5.0
3.0
4.0
M.P.N.
430
24,000
9,300
2,300
4,300
9,300
3,900
4,300
CN
0.04
0.04
so3
0
S°4
Solids
Suspended
532
10,978
5,755
1,370
352
861
Total
2,040
1,825
1,935
7,246
1,950
4,600
V/i
I/ Cheyenne River @ Wasta
21 Cheyenne River (? Route 24 Bridge
Table reproduced from South Dakota report.
-------
APPENDIX D
MERCURY CONCENTRATIONS IN FISH SAMPLES
COLLECTED IN SOUTH DAKOTA IN 1970
Source:
South Dakota Department of Game, Fish, and Parks
South Dakota Department of Health
55
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Table D-l
Mercury in South Dakota Fish Samples Collected During 1970 *
(in parts per million)
LAKES & RESERVOIRS;
Big. S_tone_ L., Roberts Co., 06-18-70 -
Carp trace
White bass 0.12
Perch 0.06
Buffalo L., Marshall Co., 04-29-70 -
Northern pike 0.08
Sucker 0.03
Bullhead 0.06
Perch 0.02
Walleye 0.03
Clear_ L., Deuel Co., 04-29-70 -
Northern pike 0.07
Sucker 0.03
Bullhead 0.06
Perch 0.05
No^th WayJjayJL^, Day Co., 04-29-70 -
Northern pike 0.11
Carp 0.03
Sucker 0.04
Walleye 0.11
Red !ron_L._, Marshall Co., 04-29-70 -
Northern pike 0.03
Sucker 0.02
Bullhead 0.06
Crappie 0.03
Perch 0.03
Res_eryoir_ £f_Grand_RJ_, 10-14-70 (Analyses by Dow Chemical Co.) -
Catfish (2 fish) 0.26
Walleye (2 fish) 0.26
* Food & Drug Adm. analyses except as noted. FDA rejection level for fish
flesh is 0.5 parts per million.
Dow Chemical Co. analyses provided by Homes take Mining Co.
Table prepared by South Dakota Department of Game, Fish & Parks, and South
Dakota Department of Health, reproduced as provided.
56
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Table D-l (cont'd)
Mercury in South Dakota Fish Samples Collected During 1970
(in parts per million)
LAKES & RESERVOIRS (cont'd):
L._Tr_averse_, Roberts Co., 06-23-70 -
Bullhead 0.04
White bass 0.06
Crappie 0.07
MISSOURI IMPOUNDMENTS (other than Oahe) :
j
G_ar_rison_Reservqiri 10-13-70 (Analyses by Dow Chemical Co.) -
Northern pike (one fish) 0.51 **
Carp 0.16
Walleye (2 fish) 0.38
L._FraricjLs_Case_ (Ft. Randall Res.), Gregory Co., 08-12-70 -
Carp 0.12
Walleye 0.08
Lewis_ & Clark L. (Gavin's Point Res.), Bon Homme Co., 08-12-70 -
Carp 0.05
Sauger 0.06
Walleye 0.05
OAHE RESERVOIR;
NiDi> 07-7-70 -
Northern pike 0.34
Buffalo 0.23
Walleye 0.30
212_ brid&e_(Whit lock's Crossing), 5-21-70 -
Northern pike 0.12,
White bass 0.08
White crappie 0.10
Black crappie 0.22
Perch 0.09
Sauger 0.13
Walleye 0.17
** Exceeds FDA Guideline
57
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Table D-l (cont'd)
Mercury in South Dakota Fish Samples Collected During 1970
(in parts per million)
OAHE RESERVOIR (cont'd):
AtJJjS... 212. bridg^ 08-7-70 -
Northern pike 0.10
Goldeye 0.16
Channel catfish 0.11
White bass 0.37
Black crappie 0.40
Perch 0.14
Walleye 0.13
Cheyenne _Armi Foster Bay area, 05-21-70 -
Northern pike 0.27
Carp 0.16
Smallmouth buffalo 0.14
Bigmouth buffalo 0.33
Channel catfish 0.14
White bass 0.32
White crappie 0.32
Black crappie 0.35
Sauger 0.27
Walleye 0.20
Cheyenne Arm, Foster Bay area, 08-7-70 -
Northern pike (one fish) 1.12 **
Goldeye 0.19
Channel catfish 0.26
White bass 0.84
Walleye 0.68
Cheye_nne_ArmJ_ Foster Bay area, 10-13-70 -
Northern pike (two 4-lb. fish) 1.16 **
Northern pike (two 1%-lb. fish) 0.23
Carp 0.32
Channel catfish 0.38
White bass 0.54 **
Walleye 0.65 **
** Exceeds FDA Guideline
5ft
-------
Table D-l (cont'd)
Mercury in South Dakota Fish Samples Collected During 1970
(in parts per million)
OAHE RESERVOIR (cont'd):
Cheyenne_ Arm,_Minneconjou Bay area, 10-14-70 -
Northern pike (one 4-lb. fish) 0.32
Goldeye 0.24
Carp (one 3-lb. fish) 0.38
Channel catfish 0.18
White bass 0.38
Walleye 0.38
CHEYENNE RIVER SYSTEM:
An^os^tura Resery£ir_, Fall River Co., 07-29-70 -
Channel catfish 0.08
Black crappie 0.12
Largemouth bass 0.20
Perch 0.10
Walleye (one fish) 0.52 **
S_._F£rk,_Rapid_ Creek, 10-4-70 (Analysis by Dow Chemical Co.)
Trout 0.07
Keyhole. Resery£ii: £f_BeJLl:e_Fourche_Ri, Wyoming 10-20-70 -
(Analyses by Dow Chemical Co.) -
Perch (two fish) 0.18
Walleye 0.18
Belle. Fourche_ R., near Fruitdale, 07-29-70 -
Goldeye 0.38
Carp 0.24
Sucker 0.08
Carpsucker trace
Channel catfish 0.12
Green sunfish 0.06
Largemouth bass 0.40
** Exceeds FDA Guideline
59
-------
Table D-l (cont'd)
Mercury in South Dakota Fish Samples Collected During 1970
(in parts per million)
CHEYENNE RIVER SYSTEM (cont'd):
Belle_ F_ourche_ Reservoir., 10-21-70 (analyses by Dow Chemical Co.)
Carp (one fish) 0.12
Carp (one fish) 0.30
Sucker (one fish) 0.14
S_pearf.Lsh Cre_ek, 10-24-70 (Analysis by Dow Chemical Co.) -
Trout 0.23
£el,le_ Fourche R., at S.D. 34, 07-28-70 -
Goldeye 0.32
Sauger 0.76 **
** Exceeds FDA Guideline
60
-------
APPENDIX E
Results of Recent EPA
Surveys in Western
South Dakota
61
-------
TABLE E-l. Distribution of Benthlc Animals - Cheyenne and Belle Fourche Rivers.
Station No.
Date
Dlptera
Chlronomidae
Dlameslnae
Diamesa
Pentaneurinae
Pentareura
Orthocladlinae
Cricotopus
Eukiefferiella
Psectrocladlus
Chironomlnae
Pseudochironomus
Tanypodlnae
Coelocanypus
Tipulidae
Antocha
Uexatoma
Simuliidae
Simullum
Stratlomylidae
Tabanldae
Muscidae
Tricoptera
Hydropsy chldae
Hydropsyche
Cheuraatopsyche
Brachycentrldae
Brachycentrus
Leptoceridae
Leptocella
5/30
2
2
5
4
12
Q
64
6
2
6/i
22
Q*
Q
Q
Q
2
2
21
16
7/21
6
Q
16
41
160
5/29
•? $
1 5/29
1
9
10
Q
Q
2
1
26
48
5
and Tributaries - May, June, and July 1971
' / / / / / /
5/29 5/29 5/29 5/29 5/29 7/20
21
263 1
35
35
Q
Q 165 2
Q
5
11
4
Q
4
120
10 1
,0
6M I
Q
3
Q
270
6/10 6/7 7/22
Q
Q
87
210
44
Q
3
7/21
253
464
1
23
<§>
7/21
1
1
137
* Q • Collected in qualitative sampling only. Arbitrarily assigned a value of one for counting.
-------
TABLE E-l. Distribution of Bcnthlc Animals - Cheyenne and Belle Fourche Rivers.
.0 _. «
\*> O t9 ^ •
• **V '
Station Ho. ^ #' &' £>
Date 5/30 6/9 7/20 5/29
Lepldostomatidae
Lepldostoma Q
Phryganeidae
Ptilostoois 2
Rhycophilidae Q
Hydroptilidae Q
Plecoptera
Perlodidae
Isoperla 5
Isogenus
Chloroperlidae
Chloroperla Q
Perlidae
Acroneurla 1
Perllnella
Ephemeroptera
Ephemeridae
Potaaanthus 19
Ephoron Q
Heptageniidae
Iron B9
Stenonema 3
Clnygmula
Heptagenla Q
Baetldae 1
Baetls 19 10
Caenls
Tricorythodes 2 3
Ephenerella 7
Paraleptophlebia
Pseudocloeon 27
Neocloeon Q
Isonychia Q
V
/*
5/29
99
Q
Q
35
Q
Q
Q
76
2
97
31
8
and Tributaries - Hay. June, and July 1971
•?>?<;§>«?'?> o ...
?' «?' .jf' «o»"
7/21
3
6
Q
Q
19
7
Q
4
-------
TABLE E-l. Distribution of Bcnthlc Animals - Cheyenne and Belle Fourchc Rivers.
*? " ,§>'
Date 5730 679 7/20
Coleoptera 3 Q
Dystiscidae
Hydaticus
Elmidae
Stenelmis
Dryopidae 2
Cyrinidae
Gyrinus
Odonata
Anisoptera
Erpetogomphus
Hemlptera Q
Lepldoptera
Paragyractis
Oligochaeta 12 2
Enchytraeldae
Lumbricidae
Gastropoda 1
Physa
Hlrudinea
Hydracarina
Amphipoda
Total Number of 271 135 261
Oreanisms/sa. ft.
Total Number of 13 17 17
Kinds
and Tributaries - Kay. June, and July 1971
f £ / $ £$£#•?&*?## £'
/«'/««.' f<4
-------
Table E-2. Arsenic and Mercury Concentrations
in Stream Sediment Samples from
Western South Dakota
Station
Number
4200.5
4235
4255
4361.0
4361.3
4361.5
4361.6
4361.7
4370
4375
4385
Station Location
Boxelder Creek at
Owanka, S.D.
Cheyenne River at
Wasta, S.D.
Elk Creek near
Elm Springs
Whitewood Creek at
U.S. 85 Bridge
Dead wood Creek above
Deadwood, S.D.
Whitewood Creek at
Deadwood Rodeo Gr.
Whitewood Creek below
Whitewood, S.D.
Whitewood Creek near
Vale, S.D.
Belle Fourche River
Sturgis, S.D.
Bear Butte near
Sturgis, S.D.
Cheyenne River near
Date
Sampled
6/10
6/10
/
6/10
5/29
5/29
6/11
6/11
5/26
6/11
6/10
6/11
6/10
6/11
Arsenic Mercury mg/kg
mg/g (Dry weight)
0.0152-0.0211*
0.00823-0.0101
0.0202-0.0206
0.689-0.831
0.618-0.789
2.07-2.20
2.93-4.26
3.73-4.35
1.19-1.29
3.60-3.99
2.23-2.88
0.0174-0.0201
0.698-0.729
<0.02
<0.04
0.04
0.54
0.12
0.18
0.23
0.72
0.10
0.75
1.1
0.06
0.83
Plainview, S.D.
Homestake Mill Feed
3.32-4.01
0.57
* Numbers are range of results for triplicate analysis.
65
-------
TABLE E-3
RESULTS OF LABORATORY ANALYSIS IN STREAMS SAMPLES
COLLECTED IN WESTERN SOUTH DAKOTA DURING 1971
Sta.
No.
4020
4040
4115
4200.5
4235
4255
4314.7
4360
4361.0
Station Location
Fall River at Hot
Springs, S.D.
Battle Creek at Uayward,
S.D.
Rapid Creek below
Pactola Dam
Boxelder Creek at
Owanka, S.D.
Cheyenne River at Wasta,
S.D.
Elk Creek near Elm
Springs, S.D.
Spearfish Creek below
Maurice, S.D.
Belle Fourche River
near Fruitdale, S.D.
Whltewood Creek at U.S.
85 Bridge
1971
Date
7/19
6/12
6/12
6/10
6/10
7/21
7/22
6/10
7/21
7/22
5/30
6/10
7/20
7/21
7/22
3/31
6/8
6/9
6/10
Time
1530
1130
1030
0930
1045
1547
1500
1200
1620
1430
0930
1545
0830
0810
0735
1115
1010
1023
Flow
cfs
18
44
128
15 Eat.
1920
74
76
114
6.3
6.3
511
5.5
4.7
5.7
5.8
35.0
35.0
35.0
Mercury Cyanide Arsenic
ue/1 me/1 IIR/I*
< 0.3
0.3
0.2
0.6 - N.D.
0.4 - N.D.
< 0.3
< 0.3
2.0 - N.D.
< 0.3
< 0.3
0.5-2.3
0.4 <0.02 N.D.
< 0.3
< 0.3
< 0.3
< 0.2 - <1000
< 0.2 <0.02 13-12
1.7 <0.02
0.2 <0.02
Antimony Cadmium
me/1 me/1
-
-
-
<1 0.05
<1 0.00
0.0 <0.05
-
<1 <0.05
1 0.002
<1 0.05
0.0 0.05
Cobalt
me/1
-
-
-
0.0
0.0
0.0
-
0.0
0.007
0.0
0.0
Copper
me/1
-
-
-
0.00
<0.05
<0.05
-
0.00
0.03
0.00
0.00
Iron
me/1
-
-
-
2.1
5.9
15.2
-
3.2
5.3
0.9
1.0
Lead Zinc
me/1 me/1
-
-
-
<0.2 <0.02
<0.2 0.03
<0.2 0.08
-
<0.2 <0.02
0.56 0.08
<0.2 <0.02
0.0 0.02
-------
TABLE E-3 (Continued)
RESULTS OF LABORATORY ANALYSIS OP STREAM SAMPLES
COLLECTED IN WESTERN SOUTH DAKOTA DURING 1971
Sta.
No.
4361.1
.
4361.2
4361.3
4361.4
4361.5
4361.6
Station Location
Gold Run below Homes take
Sand Dam
Homes take Slime Plant
Effluent
Deadwood Creek above
Deadwood, S.D.
•\
City Creek at Deadwood,
S.D.
Whltewood Creek at
Deadwood Rodeo Grounds
Whltewood Creek below
Whltewood, S.D.
1971
Date
3/30-31
5/5-6
6/8
6/9
6/10
3/30-31
5/5-6
6/8
6/9
6/10
3/31
6/8
6/9
6/10
3/31
6/8
6/9
6/10
3/30-31
5/5-6
6/8
6/9
6/10
6/10
6/11
Time
Comp*
Comp
Comp
Comp
Comp
Comp
Comp
Comp
Comp
Comp
_
0830
1100
0900
-
1010
1255
1045
Comp
Comp
Comp
Comp
Comp
1250
-
now
cfs
9.2
12.9
9.0
10.4
14.5
4.0
4.0
4.0
4.0
4.0
21.2
12.0
11.1
10.1
1.5
2.1
2.0
2.1
31.9
145.4
68.9
66.3
74.3
90.3
73.5
Mercury
ua/1
3.8
4.2
5.6
12.0
2.8
0.8
26.0
22.0
15.2
57.0
< 0.2
0.3
1.4
0.2
< 0.2
1.5
0.2
0.8
8.0
2.1
6.4
5.2
7.6
_
4.0
Cyanide
•a/1
1.1
2.1
1.8
3.6
0.5
9.8
9.9
7.1
7.4
3.8
_
<0.02
<0.02
<0.02
-
<0.02
<0.02
<0.02
1.1
0.50
0.82
0.88
0.79
0.58
-
Arsenic
ue/1*
1000
-
138-143
420-340
-
1000
-
27-ND-17
910-952
-
< 500
8.4-12.0
-
-
< 500
N.D.
_
-
1700
-
970-880
300-230
-
1510-1420
-
Antimony Cadmium
me/1 me/1
2 0.001
-
<1 0.07
<1 0.05
-
2 0.001
-
<1 0.07
-
-
1 0.001
<1 <0.05
-
0.0 0.05
<1 0.001
0.0 0.06
0.0 0.00
-
1 0.003
-
<1 <0.05
-
-
<1 <0.05
-
Cobalt
me/1
0.006
-
0.0
0.1
-
0.006
-
<0.1
-
-
0.007
0.0
-
0.0
0.002
0.0
0.0
-
0.004
-
<0.1
-
-
<0.1
-
Copper
me/1
0.41
-
0.69
0.89
-
0.41
-
0.05
-
-
<0.01
0.00
-
0.00
0.01
<0.05
<0.05
-
0.11
-
0.18
-
-
0.15
-
Iron
me/1
50
-
185
542
-
50
-
437
-
-
0.31
0.5
-
0.4
2.3
1.7
1.8
-
225
-
428
-
-
438
-
Lead
me/1
0.21
-
<0.2
0.3
-
0.21
-
<0.2
-
-
0.65'
<0.2
-
<0.2
0.65
0.0
0.0
0.70
-
<0.2
-
-
<0.2
-
Zinc
me/1
0.57
-
0.49
1.15
-
0.57
-
0.94
-
-
<0.01
1.11
-
<0.02
0.02
<0.02
<0.02
-
0.45
-
0.60
-
-
0.59
-
•Comp - 24-hour composite
-------
TABLE E-3 (Continued)
RESULTS OF LABORATORY ANALYSIS OF STREAM SAMPLES
COLLECTED IN WESTERN SOUTH DAKOTA DURING 1971
Sta.
No.
4361.7
4368
4370
4375
4380
4385
4393
*N.D. -
Station Location
Uhltevood Creek near
Vale, S.D.
Horse Creek near Vale,
S.D.
Belle Fourche River
near Sturgls, S.D.
Bear Butte Creek near
Sturgis, S.D.
Belle Fourche River
near Elm Spring, S.D.
Cheyenne River near
Plalnvlew, S.D.
Cheyenne River at
Cherry Creek, S.D.
None detected. Multiple
1971
Date
6/10
6/11
7/20
7/21
7/22
6/10
7/20
7/21
7/22
6/10
7/20
7/21
7/22
6/10
7/20
7/21
7/22
6/10
7/21
7/22
6/10
7/21
7/22
7/21
7/22
numbers
Time
1350
1105
0915
0850
0815
1510
1510
0917
0845
1610
1615
1020
0945
1630
1605
1008
0930
1300
1650
1400
1440
1357
1305
1300
1230
Flow
cfs
128.5
101.1
20.4
20.4
20.4
157
136
133
138
931
348
507
378
62
22
23
26
1300
307
291
3500
409
415
424
424
Mercury
U8/1
5.6
3.2
1.0
0.6
5.0
0.4
<0.3
<0.3
<0.3
0.6
<0.3
<0.3
<0.3
0.2
<0.3
<0.3
<0.3
2.8
<0.3
<0.3
0.8
<0.3
<0.3
<0.3
<0.3
Cyanide
DK/1
0.16
-
-
-
-
<0.02
_
-
-
<0.02
-
-
-
_
-
-
-
_
.
-
<0.02
-
-
_
-
Arsenic Antimony
UK/1* OK/1
1900-1270 <1
-
- -
-
-
N.D. <1
_
-
-
500-425-450 <1
-
- -
-
N.D. <1
-
-
-
<1
-
-
210-190 0.0
-
-
_ _
-
Cadmium
ma/1
0.00
-
-
-
-
0.00
_
-
-
<0.05
-
_
-
<0.05
-
_
-
<0.05
-
-
<0.05
-
-
_
-
Cobalt Copper
rnu/1 ma/1
<0.1 0.11
_
_
-
-
0.0 <0.05
_ _
-
-
<0.1 0.05
-
_ _
-
0.0 0.00
-
_ _
-
<0.1 0.07
-
-
<0.1 <0.05
-
-
_ _
-
Iron
ma/1
268
_
_
-
-
11.4
_
-
-
31.6
-
—
-
1.1
_
_
-
58.8
-
-
15.7
-
-
_
-
Lead Zinc
ma/1 DK/1
<0.2 0.33
-
_ _
-
-
<0.2 0.05
_ _
-
-
0.3 0.08
-
_ _
-
<0.2 0.02
-
_ _
-
<0.2 0.16
_ _
-
<0.2 0.08
-
-
_ _
-
are results of multiple assay.
-------
TABLE E-4
Mercury Concentrations in Fish Flesh - Belle Fourche
and Cheyenne River Systems - May. June, and July 1971
Station No.
4314.70
4329.50
vo
4350.00
4360.00
6-4361.00
Location
Spearfish Creek
Redwater River
6/9/71
Belle Fourche Reservoir
5/27/71
Belle Fourche River at Fruitdale
6/8/71
Whitewood Creek, 50-100 yards up-
stream from Gold Run
5/29/71
Kind of Fish
Brook Trout
Brown Trout
(fingerling)
Brown Trout
White Sucker
Northern Redhorse
Carp
Creek Chub
Carp
Carpsucker
Yellow Perch
Northern Redhorse
White Sucker
Walleye
Channel Catfish
White Bass
Goldeye
Carp
Smallmouth Bass
White Sucker
Green Sunfish
Northern Redhorse
Black Bullhead
Brook Trout
White Sucker
Longnose Dace
No. of Fish
Analyzed
(Composites)
5
1
1
3
3
2
2
3
1
3
2
2
2
1
6
1
3
1
2
1
1
1
3
1
2
Hg
(ppm)
<0.02
<0.03
<0.04
0.17
0.29
0.58
0.19
<0.04
<0.04
<0.03
0.07
0.13
0.22
<0.03
0.18
0.29
0.04
0.17
<0.03
0.06
0.13
<0.04
<0.04
<0.04
<0.04
-------
TABLE E-4 (Continued)
Mercury Concentrations in Fish Flesh - Belle Fourche
and Cheyenne River Systems - Hay
, June ,
Station No. Location Date
6-4361.10 Gold Run
6-4361.25 Whitewood Creek, 400 yards downstream
from Gold Run
6-4361.30 Deadwood Creek
6-4361.50 Whitewood Creek at Rodeo Campgrounds
6-4361.70 Whitewood Creek near Vale, South Dakota
0 4370.00 Belle Fourche River at Highway 34,
15 miles downstream from Whitewood Creek
4370.00 Belle Fourche River at Bear Butte Creek
confluence (NOTE: Although these fish
were collected from the mouth of Bear
Butte Creek, they are considered Belle
Fourche River fish because the creek
becomes dry during the summer and fall.
However, the period of their residence
in the creek mouth is not known.)
4010.00 Angostura Reservoir
5/29/71
5/29/71
5/29/71
5/29/71
5/29/71
7/20/71
6/8/71
5/26/71
and July 1971
Kind of Fish
No Fish Present
No Fish Present
Brook Trout
No Fish Present
No Fish Present
Car?
Channel Catfish
Creek Chub
Carpsucker
Yellow Perch
Carp
Goldeye
Creek Chub
Northern Redhorse
I 'all eye
Yellow Perch
Carp
Crappie
Channel Catfish
No. of Fish
Analyzed
(Composites)
5
1
1
2
3
1
1
1
6
1
4
6
1
6
4
Hg
(ppm)
<0.04
0.13
0.16
0.39
0.22
0.03
0.42
0.47
0.22
<0.04
0.16
<0.03
0.03
0.14
0.03
-------
TABLE E-4 (Continued)
Mercury Concentrations in Fish Flesh - Belle Fourche
and Cheyenne River Systems - May, June, and July 1971
Station No.
4025.50
4060.00
4130.00
—
4255 .'00
4235.00
4385.00
Location
French Creek
Battle Creek
Rapid Creek
Cleghorn Springs Fish Hatchery ,
Rapid City, South Dakota
Elk Creek
Cheyenne River at Wasta, South Dakota
Cheyenne River at Highway 34, 20 miles
downstream from Belle Fourche confluence
Date
6/10/71
6/10/71
6/7/71
6/8/71
7/22/71
7/21/71
6/9/71
7/21/71
Kind of Fish
Longnose Dace
Carp
Northern Redhorse
White Sucker
White Sucker
Creek Chub
Brown Trout
Brown Trout
Longnose Dace
Channel Catfish
Northern Redhorse
Sauger
Black Bullhead
Sauger
(bid eye
Channel Catfish
Largemouth Bass
Carp
Northern Redhorse
Sauger
No. of Fish
Analyzed
(Composite)
2
1
3
3
6
3
6
6
6
6
5
4
1
3
1
1
1
1
1
2
Hg
(ppm)
<0.04
0.20
<0.02
0.06
0.16
<0.04
<0.02
<0.04
0.05
0.22
0.06
0.20
0.19
0.82
0.17
0.41
0.20
0.41
0.35
0.34
-------
TABLE E-5
Location
Upper Cheyenne
4/27/71
Mercury Concentrations in Fish Flesh
Oahe Reservoir. South Dakota - 1970-71
Kind of Fish
Northern Pike
Walleye
White Bass
Black Crappie
GoIdeye
Channel Catfish
Freshwater Drum
Carp Sucker
Carp
northern Pike
Walleye
White Bass
GoIdeye
Channel Catfish
Freshwater Drum
Northern Redhorse
Carp Sucker
Carp
Bigmouth Buffalo
Northern Pike
Walleye
Sauger
White Bass
Goldeye
Channel Catfish
Freshwater Drum
Northern Redhorse
Carp Sucker
Smallmouth Buffalo
Carp
Bigmouth Buffalo
5/11/71
No. of Fish
Analyzed
(Composites)
5
6
6
3
6
2
2
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
1
6
6
5
1
6
6
6
6
6
6
1
6
1
6
Hg
(ppm)
0.38
0.54
0.39
0.24
0.22
0.73
0.60
0.23
0.35
0.81
0.42
0.43
0.29
0.29
0.47
0.20
0.22
0.35
0.34
1.05
0.56
0.57
0.74
0.31
0.39
0.39
0.11
0.21
0.24
0.43
0.48
-------
TABLE E-5 (Continued)
Location
Foster Bay
5/1/71
5/19/71
Mercury Concentrations in Flah Flesh
Oahe Reservoir. South Dakota - 1970-71
Kind of Fish
Walleye
Sauger
Northern Pike
Walleye
Channel Catfish
Black Bullhead
Northern Pike
Walleye
Sauger
White Bass
Yellow Perch
Go Ideye
Channel Catfish
Black Bullhead
Freshwater Drum
Northern Redhorse
Carp Sucker
Smallmouth Buffalo
Carp
Bigmouth Buffalo
Northern Pike
Walleye
Sauger
White Bass
Yellow Perch
Goldeye
Channel Catfish
Black Bullhead
Northern Redhorse
6/4/71
No. of Fish
Analyzed
(Composites)
2
1
4
4
4
5
2
6
1
5
1
6
6
3
3
2
5
6
6
2
1
6
1
1
1
6
2
1
6
Hg
(ppm)
0.69
0.32
0.56
0.88
0.53
0.14
0.61
0.12
0.32
0.40
0.08
0.18
0.21
0.08
0.35
0.06
0.11
0.10
0.20
0.34
0.23
0.18
0.32
0.04
0.04
0.43
0.13
0.36
0.23
-------
TABLE E-5 (Continued)
Mercury Concentrations in Fish Flesh
Oahe Reservoir. South Dakota - 1970-71
Location
Foster Bay (Continued)
Ruby Creek
Fish Gut Creek
Date
6/4/71
(Continued)
11/24/70
4/23/71
4/29/71
Kind of Fish
Carp Sucker
Carp
Walleye
Sauger
Goldeye
Northern Pike
Walleye
White Bass
Burbot
Yellow Perch
White Crappie
Black Crappie
Goldeye
Channel Catfish
Black Bullhead
Freshwater Drum
Northern Redhorse
Carp Sucker
Carp
Northern Pike
Walleye
White Bass
Yellow Perch
Goldeye
Channel Catfish
Freshwater Drum
Northern Redhorse
Carp Sucker
Carp
No. of Fish
Analyzed
(Composites)
4
1
2
2
4
3
6
6
3
6
2
3
2
2
5
1
1
3
6
6
6
2
2
2
3
1
1
3
6
Hg
(ppm)
0.14
0.21
0.37
0.55
0.23
0.42
0.67
0.50
0.24
0.24
0.42
0.66
0.20
0.34
0.23
0.51
0.09
0.13
0.27
0.24
0.16
0.27
0.21
0.18
0.28
0.51
0.09
0.13
0.27
-------
TABLE E-5 (Continued)
Mercury Concentrations in Fish Flesh
Oahe Reservoir. South Dakota - 1970-71
Location
Fish Gut Creek (Continued)
Oak Creek
4/30/71
Cn
5/14/71
Kind of Fish
Northen Pike
Walleye
Sauger
White Bass
Burbot
White Crappie
Black Crappie
Goldeye
Channel Catfish
Northern Pike
Walleye
Sauger
Yellow Perch
Goldeye
Channel Catfish
Northern Redhorse
Carp Sucker
Sraallmouth Buffalo
Carp
Northern Pike
Walleye
Sauger
Goldeye
Channel Catfish
Shovelnose Sturgeon
Freshwater Drum
Northern Redhorse
Carp Sucker
Smallmouth Buffalo
Carp
Bigmouth Buffalo
No. of Fish
Analyzed
(Composites)
6
6
2
4
1
2
2
1
6
3
6
3
1
7
5
2
1
1
6
2
6
4
1
6
3
1
4
4
2
3
3
Hg
(ppm)
0.51
0.12
0.15
0.23
0.16
0.48
0.60
0.02
0.17
0.11
0.30
0.22
0.15
0.24
0.30
0.07
0.21
0.14
0.24
0.76
0.27
0.32
0.19
0.27
0.18
0.50
0.08
0.16
0.27
0.16
0.33
-------
TABLE E-5 (Continued)
Location
Agency Creek
Mercury Concentrations in Fish Flesh
Oahe Reservoir. South Dakota - 1970-71
Kind of Fish
6/4/71
Whitlock Bay
ft/22/71
Northern Pike
Walleye
Sauger
White Bass
White Crappie
Goldeye
Channel Catfish
Shovelnose Sturgeon
Freshwater Drum
Northern Redhorse
Carp Sucker
Carp
Bigmouth Buffalo
Northern Pike
Walleye
White Bass
Shovelnose Gar
Black Crappie
Goldeye
Channel Catfish
Shovelnose Sturgeon
Northern Redhose
Carp Sucker
Carp
Bigmouth Buffalo
Walleye
Sauger
White Bass
Yellow Perch
No. of Fish
Analyzed
(Composites)
1
6
3
1
1
6
6
5
1
1
2
6
2
1
6
1
2
1
6
6
5
1
5
6
3
2
1
1
1
Hg
(ppm)
0.13
0.21
0.47
0.43
0.42
0.27
0.15
0.59
0.30
0.09
0.58
0.66
0.40
0.30
0.10
0.12
0.34
0.31
0.09
0.42
0.15
0.09
0.10
0.23
0.22
0.11
0.22
0.38
0.67
-------
TABLE E-5 (Continued)
Mercury Concentrations in Fish Flesh
Oahe Reservoir. South Dakota - 1970-71
Location
Whitlock Bay (Continued)
Date
4/22/71
(Continued)
5/18/71
5/25/71
Kind of Fish
Goldeye
Channel Catfish
Shovelnose Sturgeon
Northern Redhorse
Carp Sucker
Carp
Bigmouth Buffalo
Northern Pike
Walleye
Sauger
Burbot
Yellow Perch
Goldeye
Channel Catfish
Shovelnose Sturgeon
White Sucker
Northern Redhorse
Carp Sucker
Carp
Bigmouth Buffalo
Northern Pike
Walleye
White Bass
Channel Catfish
Shovelnose Sturgeon
Carp
No. of Fish
Analyzed
(Composites)
1
2
4
1
2
3
3
2
6
3
1
2
6
5
1
2
6
2
6
1
2
1
1
6
6
1
Hg
(ppm)
0.19
0.48
0.18
0.11
0.16
0.19
0.61
0.55
0.17
0.26
0.30
0.15
0.68
0.19
0.30
0.07
0.10
0.24
0.29
0.45
n.20
0.13
0.28
0.20
0.20
0.20
-------
TABLE E-5 (Continued)
Location
Whitlock Bay (Continued)
oo
Oahe Tailwater
Mercury Concentrations in Fish Flesh
Oahe Reservoir. South Dakota - 1970-71
Date Kind of Fish
6/2/71 Northern Pike
Walleye
Sauger
Shovelnose Gar
Yellow Perch
White Grapple
Go Ideye
Channel Catfish
Stone Catfish
Freshwater Drum
White Sucker
Northern Redhorse
Carp Sucker
Carp
12/1/70 Northern Pike
Walleye
Sauger
White Bass
Burbot
Yellow Perch
Goldeye
Carp Sucker
4/23/71 Walleye
Sauger
Goldeye
Channel Catfish
White Sucker
Northern Redhorse
Carp Sucker
Carp
Bigmouth Buffalo
No. of Fish
Analyzed
(Composites)
1
6
3
6
2
3
6
6
1
1
1
5
2
6
2
6
6
1
3
1
5
6
6
4
6
6
1
3
6
6
6
Hg
(ppm)
0.52
0.16
0.13
0.44
0.14
0.14
0.17
0.22
0.15
0.40
0.19
0.09
0.14
0.17
0.20
0.10
0.17
0.02
0.24
0.04
0.13
0.20
0.16
0.13
0.18
0.29
0.08
0.19
0.15
0.16
0.24
-------
TABLE E-5 (Continued)
Location
Oahe Tailwater (Continued)
vo
Blue Blanket
Pollock,'S. D.
Grand River
Mercury Concentrations in Fish Flesh
Oahe Reservoir. South Dakota - 1970-71
Kind of Fish
Walleye
Sauger
Goldeye
Channel Catfish
Black Bullhead
Blue Sucker
Northern Redhorse
Carp Sucker
Smallmouth Buffalo
Carp
Bipmouth Buffalo
Northern Pike
Northern Pike
Northern Pike
4/9/71
4/7/71
No. of Fish
Analyzed
(Composites)
6
1
1
6
6
4
6
6
5
1
3
6
6
(ppm)
0.10
0.13
0.13
0.13
0.17
0.18
0.05
0.14
0.14
0.11
0.14
0.27
0.25
0.36
-------
TABLE E-6
MERCURY CONCENTRATIONS IN BOTTOM MUDS.
OAHE RESERVOIR, SOUTH DAKOTA. APRIL - JUNE, 1971.
oo
O
Location
Upper Cheyenne
Mlnniconju
Oak Creek
Agency Creek
Whit lock Bay
Date
4/27/71
5/10/71
4/29/71
5/12/71
5/14/71
5/13/71
5/20/71
6/4/71
6/7/71
200 yds
of
South South
Shore Shore
.068
.094
.055 .24
.075 .39
.055
.081
.034
.045
<.03
<.04
.036
.046
.02
.02
.02
.02
.054
.089
400 yds
of
South
Shore
.24
.41
.066
.11
.078
.13
.02
.04
.02
.03
.026
.081
300 yds
of
South
Shore Middle
.28 .30
.49 .48
.24
.39
.20
.35
.066
.11
.069
.12
.10
.17
.03
.06
.02
.03
<.03
<.08
400 yds
of
North
Shore
.33
.62
.070
.12
.26
.50
.16
.30
.02
.03
<.02 '
<.05
200 yds
of
North North
Shore Shore
.32 .056
.53 .076
.18 .038
.31 .057
.037
.052
.051
.078
.049
.068
.12.
.16
.03
.04
.03
.04
<.02
<.04
Upper Figure -
Lower Figure -
Table prepared
ppm wet weight
ppm dry weight
by Region VII, E.P.A.
-------
TABLE E-7
MERCURY CONCENTRATIONS IN WATER (yg/1)
OAHE RESERVOIR, SOUTH DAKOTA. JUNE, 1971
oo
Location
Foster Bay
Fish Gut Creek
Oak Creek
Agency Creek
Whit lock Bay
Shallow Water
1 meter 1 meter
of Mid- of
Date Surface depth Bottom
6/9/71 • <.2 <.2 <.2
6/11/71 <.2 <.2 <.2
6/11/71 <.2 <.2 <.2
6/3/71 <.2 <.2 <.2
6/7/71 <.2 <.2 <.2
Deep Water
1 meter 1 meter
of Mid- of
Surface depth Bottom
<.2 <.2
<.2 <.2 <.2
<.2 <.2 <.2
<.2 <.2 <.2
<.2 <.2 <.2
Table prepared by Region VII, E.P.A.
-------
Table E-8. Logs of Core Holes Along Belle Fourche River
Location
Depth
Description
Transect 1, Along Upstream Side of Road, 1 Mile East of Vale, S.D.
Bank Material
Hole 1, five feet north of
north bank
Hole 2, 35 feet north of
north bank
0-2'
0-1'
Silt, clayey, sandy,
blue-gray, very plastic
(2.2 ppm Hg)
Sand, clayey, iron stained,
mica, angular (0.82 ppm Hg)
Bottom of hole, alluvium,
iron cemented
Sand, iron-stained, angular,
medium
l'-2.75
Sand, medium to coarse,
iron-stained, cemented,
with stringers of gray
clay resembling Homestake
slime
Hole 3, 65 feet north of
north bank
2.75'-3.75'
3.75'-5.0'
0-2.5'
2.5'-4'
4'-5'
Sand, blue-gray, silty,
resembles Homes take sands
(1.9 ppm Hg)
Sand, tan, fine, medium-
rounded, filled with
ground water (ground
water contains 34 Ug/1 Hg)
Sand, iron-stained, angular,
med ium
Sand, medium to coarse, iron-
stained and cemented, an-
gular, with 2" stringer of
blue-gray plastic clay
(3.6 ppm Hg)
.Sand, tan, medium-round,
with shale fragments
82
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Table E-8. Logs of Core Holes Along Belle Fourche River (cont'd)
Location
Depth
Description
Transect 2, County Road 7 Miles East of Vale, S.D.
Bank Material
Hole 1, cut in north bank
of river
0-1.2'
6.51
Silt, clayey, sandy,
blue-gray, plastic
(1.7 ppm Hg)
Sand, cross-bedded,
brown, iron-stained
Sand, very fine, silty,
clayey, plastic, re-
sembling Homes take
tailings (3.5 ppm Hg at 3',
4.5 ppm Hg at 6')
Bottom of hole in clean
stream alluvium
Hole 2, 30 feet north of
north bank
0-1.75'
Topsoil, tan
1.75'-2.0'
Sand, medium, angular,
iron-stained
2.0'-9.0'
Hole 3, 60 feet north of
north bank
9.0
0-21
Sand, clayey, silty,
plastic, blue-gray,
resembling Homes take
tailings (2.6 ppm Hg at 2.2',
2.0 ppm Hg at 5', 1.6 ppm Hg
at 7', and 0.18 ppm Hg at 9')
Bottom of hole in clean,
water-filled alluvium
(ground water contains
1.8 yg/1 Hg
Sand, medium, angular,
iron-stained
2'-3'
Sand, tan, parent material
of area
83
-------
Table E-9
Mercury and Arsenic Concentration in Western South Dakota
Ground-Water Samples Downstream from Homestake Effluents
Mercury Arsenic
Date Sample Source ug/1 yg/1
6/11 Willard Gralapp Well 0.6 <1.0
6/11 Well east of Gralapp Well 0.3 <1.0
6/11 Richter Ranch Well 0.2 <1.0
6/11 Thompson Ranch Deep Well 0.2 <1.0
6/11 Anderson Well on Belle Fourche River 0.4
6/11 Transect 2, Hole 2, Alluvium 1.8
5/27 Transect 1, Hole 2, Tailings 34
-------
APPENDIX F
SURVEY METHODOLOGY
85
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APPENDIX F
SURVEY METHODOLOGY
A. STREAM SAMPLING
A network of stream and biologic stations was designed to evaluate
the pollution effects of natural and unknown sources, as well as the
known pollution from Homestake Mining Company. The network of stations
is shown in Figure 1 at the back of this report.
Where possible, stream sampling was done at existing U. S. Geo-
logical Survey gaging stations. At those locations a continuous record
of stream flow was available. At some locations, especially on White-
wood Creek, no USGS station was available. In these cases a reference
mark was established and stream stage determined at the time of sampling.
Stream flow was gaged, utilizing established stream-flow measurement
techniques. The flow at the time of sampling was determined by use
of rating curves.
Water samples from most of the stream stations were grab samples.
Aliquots were collected from effluent streams on an hourly basis and
composited into a single sample representing the average quality of
the discharges during the day. Samples were collected manually and
by mechanical sample collectors. The samples were fixed with the
proper preservative, and transported to the laboratory for analyses.
Cyanide samples were iced and shipped by air express.
Samples of stream sediment were collected at each of the sampling
stations. Where possible, an effort was made to collect samples of
similar grain size from similar hydraulic zones. Samples were collected
86
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by hand or by dredge and sealed in a clean, sterile bag. They were
examined at the time of colllection by a geological engineer, and
were also examined microscopically at the DF1-DC laboratory.
B. BURIED TAILINGS SAMPLING
Holes were drilled through the various deposits of buried tailings
material, utilizing a six-inch diameter hand auger. Logs of the holes
were prepared at the time of the drilling. As in the case of the
stream sediment samples, samples of the cuttings were sealed in clean
bags. The samples were visually examined at the time of collection,
and microscopically examined at the DFI-DC laboratory. Ground-water
samples were collected from the holes by the use of a Kemmerer sampler.
C. BIOLOGICAL SAMPLING
Bottom dwelling invertebrate animals (benthos) were collected at
each sampling station by means of a Surber sampler. These organisms,
plus qualitative samples collected by use of a No. 30 U.S. Standard
Series sieve, were preserved in 10 percent formalin solution. Benthos
were separated from debris, sorted and identified using standard taxo-
nomic references, and counted. Results of analyses were expressed as
numbers of organisms per square foot of stream bottom. Qualitative
samples were sorted and identified, but not counted; these were
arbitrarily assigned a value of one per square foot.
Fish were collected from Angostura and Belle Fourche Reservoirs
by means of 200-feet long floating gill nets, and by use of fyke nets.
Fish were collected from river and stream stations by use of an elec-
tric shocker. Representative specimens were collected at each station
for mercury analyses.
87
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D. ANALYTICAL PROCEDURES
The water samples for metals analysis were preserved in the field
with 5 ml concentrated HNO./l. Samples for cyanide analysis were
field preserved with NaOH to pH 11, iced, and shipped air express to
Denver; these samples were analyzed within 24 hours. Samples of stream
sediment were sealed in clean, sterile bags at each of the stream
sampling stations.
Samples sent to the DFI-DC Laboratory in Denver were analyzed by
the procedures recommended in the EPA Manual, Methods for Chemical
Analysis of Water and Wastes. 1971. Briefly, these were as follows:
Cyanide analysis - Samples were digested with acid and a catalyst
to convert all cyanides to hydrogen cyanide. The hydrogen cyanide
was distilled and trapped in sodium hydroxide solution. The re-
sulting sodium cyanide concentrations were determined colorimetri-
cally by the pyridine - pyrazalone reaction.
Mercury - Water samples were digested with acid permanganate to
convert any mercury to the mercuric form. Excess permanganate
was removed with hydroxylamine and stannous sulfate was added
to reduce the mercuric ions to elemental mercury. Elemental
mercury concentrations were determined in a closed system by
atomic absorption (Flameless AA procedure).
Fish and stream sediment samples were also analyzed for
mercury by this procedure after initial digestion with con-
centrated tUSO, according to the method of Uthe, et al— .
I/ J. F. Uthe, F. A. J. Armstrong, and M. P. Stainton, J. Fisheries
Research Board of Canada, 27_, 805 (1970).
88
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Total Solids - A known volume of well mixed sample was evaporated
to dryness at 105°C. Total Solids were calculated on the basis
of residue weight.
Suspended Solids - A known volume of well mixed sample was
filtered through a tared gooch crucible. The crucible was dried
at 105°C, cooled, and reweighed. Suspended solids were cal-
culated from the weight gain.
Samples of water and stream sediment were shipped to the South-
east Water Laboratory in Athens, Georgia for arsenic analysis. Since
sulfides in the samples interfered with the normal colormetric proce-
dures, arsenic was determined by neutron activation.
Additional metals analyses were performed by the Midwest Research
Institute, Kansas City, Missouri. Here, nitric acid preserved samples
were tested directly by atomic absorption spectrophotometry.
89
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