WSP06933

• File Number: 8272.500
• Description: Colorado River Basin Salinity Control - Colo Dept of Public Health - WQCC and WQCD
• Basin: Colorado Mainstem
• Water Division: 5
• Date: 11/1/1989
• Author: WQCD
• Title: Colorado Nonpoint Assessment Report - November 1989
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

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. the Argo Tunnel a fishery containing a suppressed trout populations is
present. Below the Argo Tunnel only a reduced population of brook trout
survive 'in heavily mineralized water. Below the confluence of the North Fork

with Clear Creek, the'biomass and numb~rs of trout ar~ further reduced to the

point of being nearly nonexistent.

North Clear Creek carries drainage from the Fairfield, Central, Russell',

Blackhawk, Hawkeye, and Illinois mining districts, which accounts for the

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variety of metals pres~nt. Manganese, cadmium, lead, zinc, copper, and

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iron exceed the basic standards for aquatic life in the North Fork. Russell

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Gulch, a tributary of North Fork, is perhaps the most severely impacted stream

in the South Platte River basin. High levels of manganese, cadmium, zinc,

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copper, mercury, and lead in this reach of North Clear Creek are acutely toxic

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to aquatic life. Upstream of the mining area reproducing trout population are

found. The Central City portion of the above mentioned CERCLA site drains to

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the North Fork, contributing much of th~ metals impact. ACid drainage from

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abandoned mines and tailings comprises the Central City CERCLA site. From the

confluence of the North Fork, to. the Croke Canal in Golden, Clear Creek

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remains severely impact~d, with copper, lead, zinc, and cadmium exceeding the

aquatic life values. Downstream of 'the, Croke Canal, sediments increase as the

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effects of urban runoff are felt in Clear Creek.

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