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INTRODUCTION <br />Biomonitoring provides an effective method for testing the tonicity of effluents <br />from municipal and industrial discharges. Among the advantages of biomonitoring <br />is the ability to test complex effluents containing a broad range of contaminants. The <br />biomonitoring methods generate data that cannot be obtained solely from chemical <br />analyses. At the same time, chemical analyses often go hand ,in hand with the <br />biomonitoring tests. <br />Because of the value of biomonitoring, states in EPA Region VIII are required to <br />use whole effluent toxicity testing as a means to evaluate industrial and municipal <br />discharges through the NPDES permit process. <br />\Nestern Fuels conducts biomonitoring tests on the New Horizon Mine, Nucla <br />discharges using Ceriodaphnia dubia and fathead minnows (Pimephales prome/as). <br />The present report describes acute tests conducted on this site during June, 1995. <br />MATERIALS AND METHODS <br />Sample Collection and Handling <br />A grab sample of the 007 discharge from New Horizon Mine was collected in 1- <br />gallon plastic containers on June 5, 1995. The sample was delivered chilled to the <br />laboratory via an overnight express service, after which it was refrigerated at 4 °C until <br />testing. A chain of custody form showing collection and lab arrival times is included <br />in Appendix 1. <br />Calamity Draw receiving vrater was collected at the same time as the discharge <br />water. This water accompanied the discharge sample to the lab and was used as the <br />dilution water and control for the test. <br />Dilution Water <br />Calamity Draw receiving water was used as the source of dilution water and a <br />control for the test. An additional laboratory reconstituted water control was run to <br />monitor receiving water toxicity. <br />Source and Acclimation of Test Organisms <br />Ceriodaphnia dubia used in the tests came from in-house cultures. These <br />animals were less than 24 hours old at the start of the test. Fathead minnows, <br />Pimephales prome/as, were also from in-house cultures and were twelve days old at <br />the start of the test. All in-house organisms used in the lab are tested against a <br />reference toxicant at least monthly to determine overall health. <br />Quality Control/Quality Assurance <br />Various QA/OC procedures were utilized by The SeaCrest Group in conducting <br />the biomonitoring tests. These included the use of chain of custody forms to <br />document sample receipt and times as well as to insure sample integrity. Analytical <br />