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Feet ~"`~°'"~ <br />Figure 22. SO4/Cl- concentration ratio (mg11).for surface and <br />ground waters in the study area. <br />These analyses have identified and delineated a s-odium <br />chloride brine plume extending from east to west across the <br />entire study area. The source of salt most likely is the Paradox <br />Formation which is located stratigraphically below the Wingate <br />formation-and outcrops-on the eastern-edge of the valley. <br />Springs from this formation could be producing the salt which <br />flows-down gradient and encompasses a large portion of-the study <br />area. <br />Salt composition and concentrations are rarely studied as <br />potential toxics in ecological studies. However,-our finding <br />indicate that salts are the most .problematic minerals in the <br />study area. The lowest SO4/C1' concentration ratios (0.05 shown <br />in Figure 22), and Cat+/Na' concentration ratios (0.1 shown in <br />Figure 20) occur nearest-the gas plant on the eastern side of the <br />valley. Apparently this is where nearly pure NaCI brine is .being <br />discharged to the alluvial valley floor. " <br />• 35 " <br />