Are historical or active mining sites affecting the quality of surface water?
(More information…) • Concentrations of sulfate and some trace elements in water from streams in areas of active or historical lead-zinc mining tend to be higher than in areas where mining has not occurred. These trace element concentrations decrease with increasing distance downstream from the mining activity. Concentrations usually did not exceed Federal standards or criteria for the protection of drinking water, human health, or aquatic life. • Concentrations of lead and zinc in bed sediment and fish or clam tissue are substantially higher at sites with mining activities (historical or active) in the basin. Concentrations are high enough to suggest potential adverse biological effects. The State of Missouri has issued a fish consumption advisory for some streams. Are naturally occurring radionuclides present in ground-water supplies? (More information…) • Radium (a product formed by the radioactive decay of uranium) is present in the confined part of the Ozark aquifer. However,
