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means currently utilized by Mid-Continent Resources. Roads <br /> should also be maintained to provide maximum controlled <br /> drainage. The quality of both Coal and North Thompson Creeks <br /> would benefit from these preventive measures. Another policy <br /> that should be enforced in the future by Mid-Continent Resources <br /> is maintenance of their coal refuse pile. On April 16, 1979 this <br /> pile, which is on the southeast side of the confluence of Coal <br /> and Dutch Creeks, was weakened by heavy snow melt. The retaining <br /> wall gave way and the silt slid into Coal Creek. Samples taken <br /> the evening of the 16th at Stations CR-7, CR-8, and CR-9 had <br /> suspended solids concentrations of 2920 mg/l , 2580 mg/l , and <br /> 2100 mg/1 respectively. This accident should not be taken lightly <br /> since Coal Creek is not the only water affected by it. The aquatic <br /> life in the Crystal River may also be smothered by such a disaster <br /> and every perceivable measure should be taken to prevent -this <br /> from recurring. <br /> An insitu bioassay was run with rainbow trout on Coal Creek <br /> and North Thompson Creek. Rainbow trout two to three inches long <br /> were placed in cages at both stations on North Thompson Creek. <br /> This was done as a control for Coal Creek since fish were known <br /> to survive at both North Thompson Creek Stations. Data from the <br /> six day study is presented in Table 7. Fish were placed in <br /> cages at Coal Creek Station CC- ] , below the confluence of Dutch <br /> Creek, Station CC-2, and Station PC-]. Station PC-1 was also <br /> - 24 - <br />