Laserfiche WebLink
Concentrations of these other elements once diluted will be <br />affected by biological, chemical and biochemical action, volatili- <br />zation, sedimentation, adsorption and other factors. <br />Based on the dilution factor of 1:64 measured on May 12, 1982. <br />Starkville Gulch could contribute 63 mg/1 of a contaminant and only <br />raise the concentration in Raton Creek by 1 mg/liter. <br />The degree and type of mixing in Raton Creek is not of concern. <br />There are no known uses of the water for at least 2 miles downstream, <br />except for occasional livestock or wildlife watering. Raton Creek <br />is shallow and relatively wide. Lateral mixing should be rapid, <br />allowing quick dissipation of any high concentration waters. Rock <br />areas provide turbulence for mixing. Vertical and longitudinal <br />mixing should also be rapid. <br />Sulfate and chloride ions are conservative pollutants. That <br />• is, their concentration is affected only by dilution and not by <br />other chemical, biological or physical means of alteration. Non- <br />conservatives such as heavy metals are precipitated as insoluble <br />salts and adsorbed on rocks or removed by sedimentation. <br />When the EP toxicity values are compared with the EPA Drinking <br />Water Standards, Table 7, the relative amount of hazards presented <br />by these wastes can be evaluated. The 24 hr test leached less than <br />1/10th the amount allowed by the drinking water standard for arsenic, <br />barium, and silver. These elements present no hazard. Cadmium, <br />lead and selenium all reach the drinking water limit for some <br />samples in 24 hr. Only in one sample each did chromium and mercury <br />exceeded the drinking water limits during the test. These elements <br />would be the most likely to increase in water leaving the area. <br />However, dilution would reduce the concentrations. <br />• spa <br />FISHER, HARDEN 6 FISHER <br />