Laserfiche WebLink
the sulfates, were high and again can be attributed to the mining <br /> activity. However, these concentrations alone probably do not <br /> pose a serious problem to aquatic life. The suspended solids were <br /> of primary concern since these solids will settle out smothering <br /> aquatic insects, eggs, and periphyton. The fact that fish do not <br /> exist naturally in Coal Creek is evidence of the adverse effects <br /> from the poor Coal Creek water quality. Likewise, the limited <br /> variety and total population of the benthos (Table 4) is further <br /> evidence of the degraded condition of Coal Creek. Kick-net <br /> benthic samples approximately five square feet each were taken <br /> in Coal Creek below Dutch Creek and at Station CC-I . The <br /> sample taken below Dutch Creek had nine species and 29 total <br /> organisms. Station CC-1 had an ever worse population with <br /> only three species present in 26 organisms. Not only are <br /> the streams around the mines degraded, but also the lower <br /> segment of Coal Creek at Station CC-1 which also exhibited <br /> inferior water quality both chemically and biologically. <br /> Unfortunately, any snow melt or rain around the aggravated <br /> earth and roads of the mined -area lead to increased suspended <br /> solids entering the creek. On certain occasions of extremely <br /> high precipitation in the Coal Creek drainage the increased <br /> suspended solids will create a turbidity at the confluence <br /> of the Crystal River which persists to the confluence with <br /> the Roaring Fork River. Re-vegetation of any exposed soil <br /> is one means of reducing the suspended material and is one <br /> - 23 - <br />