Butte groundwater injury assessment report : Clark Fork River Basin NPL sites, Montana

280 Pages·1993·7.9 MB·English

by  Maest, Ann S

S Maestt Ann S
363*7394 Butte
H2bgia groundwater injury
1993 assessment report
STATE DOCUMENTS COLLECTION
MONTANA STATE LIBRARY
1515 E. 6th AVE.
HELENA, MONTANA 59620
BUTTE GROUNDWATER INJURY ASSESSMENT REPORT
CLARK FORK RIVER BASIN NPL SITES, MONTANA
Preparedfor:
STATE OF MONTANA
NATURAL RESOURCE DAMAGE PROGRAM
Prepared by:
Ann S. Maest, Ph.D.
RCG/Hagler, Bailly, Inc.
and
John Metesh
J.
Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology
APRIL 1993
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STATEUBRARV
MONTANA i
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
LIST OF TABLES v
LIST OF FIGURES
vii
LIST OF ACRONYMS x
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
ES-1
INTRODUCTION
1.0 1-1
1.1 SITE DESCRIPTION 1-1
1.1.1 Overview of Operable Units and Features 1-1
1.1.2 Geology of the Study Area 1-4
1.1.3 Hydrogeology of the Study Area 1-10
GROUNDWATER INJURY DETERMINATION
2.0 2-1
SOURCES RELEASING HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES
2.1 2-1
2.1.1 Sources of Groundwater Contamination 2-1
2.1.2 Identity of Hazardous Substances 2-3
2.1.2.1 Hazardous Substances Derived Directly from
Sources 2-3
2.1.2.2 Other Substances Resulting from Release and
Oxidation of Hazardous Substances 2-5
2.1.3 Duration of Release 2-8
2.1.4 Relevant Standards 2-11
2.1.5 Acceptance Criteria 2-13
PATHWAY DETERMINATION
2.2 2-13
2.2.1 Physical and Hydrodynamic Characteristics of the Aquifers
and Unsaturated Zone 2-13
2.2.1.1 Local Geographical Extent of Aquifer and
Confining Units 2-13
2.2.1.2 Depth to Saturated Zone Beneath the Site 2-14
2.2.1.3 Recharge/Discharge Areas and Sources 2-14
2.2.1.4 Direction of Groundwater Flow in Aquifers 2-15
2.2.1.5 Lithology, Mineralogy and Porosity of Rocks or
Sediments Comprising the Aquifers 2-20
2.2.1.6 Transmissivity, Hydraulic Conductivity and
Hydraulic Connection Between Groundwater and
Local Surface Water Resources 2-23
2.2.2 Primary Pathways for Groundwater Contamination 2-24
2.2.2.1 Leaching of Primary and Secondary Source
Materials 2-24
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
2.2.2.2 Transport of Contaminated Water to Groundwater,
Pit Water or Surface Water 2-29
22.2.2.1 Process Waters 2-31
2.2.3 Mobility of Hazardous Substances 2-34
2.2.3.1 Hydrodynamic Considerations 2-34
2.2.3.2 Geochemical Considerations 2-35
2.2.4 Estimated Rate of Transport of Hazardous and Related
Substances in Groundwater 2-38
GROUNDWATER INJURY QUANTIFICATION
3.0 3-1
BASELINE CONDITIONS
3.1. 3-1
3.1.1 Rationale for Selecting Control Sites 3-1
3.1.1.1 Similar Geology 3-1
3.1.1.2 Similar Hydrology 3-2
3.1.1.3 Location Away from Known Sources of Hazardous
Substances and Associated Plumes 3-2
3.1.1.3.1 Bedrock Aquifer 3-3
3.1.1.3.2 Alluvial Aquifer 3-4
3.1.1.4 Groundwater Type 3-4
3.1.1.4.1 Bedrock Aquifer 3-5
3.1.1.4.2 Alluvial Aquifer 3-13
3.1.2 Location and Description of Control Sites 3-16
3.1.2.1 Bedrock Aquifer 3-16
3.1.2.2 Alluvial Aquifer 3-18
3.1.3 Concentrations of Identified Hazardous and Related
Substances 3-19
3.1.3.1 Bedrock Aquifer 3-19
3.1.3.2 Alluvial Aquifer 3-23
3.1.4 Comparison to Concentrations in Uncontaminated
Groundwaters Cited in the Literature 3-23
3.2 EXTENT OF INJURED GROUNDWATER 3-29
3.2.1 Areal Extent of Injured Groundwater 3-29
3.2.1.1 Bedrock Aquifer 3-29
3.2.1.2 Alluvial Aquifer 3-36
3.2.1.2.1 Butte Hill 3-36
3.2.1.2.2 Area I 3-36
3.2.2 Volume of Injured Groundwater 3-56
3.2.2.1 Bedrock Aquifer 3-56
RCG\Hagler, Bailiy, Inc.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
3.2.2.2 Alluvial Aquifer 3-59
3.2.2.2.1 Butte Hill 3-59
3.2.2.2.2 Area I 3-59
3.2.3 Flux or Yield of Injured Groundwater 3-75
3.2.3.1 Yield of Injured Bedrock Aquifer
Groundwater 3-75
3.2.3.2 Flux of Injured Alluvial Aquifer Groundwater 3-76
3.13.11 Butte Hill 3-76
3.13.12 Area 3-76
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RECOVERABILITY
4.0 4-1
POTENTIAL IMMOBILIZATION MECHANISMS
4.1 4-1
POTENTIAL ENLARGEMENT OF PLUME
4.2 4-2
REFERENCES
5.0 5-1
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
ATTACHMENT NRDA
I Testing and Sampling Methods for Bedrock and Alluvial
Aquifer Samples
ATTACHMENT
II Information Used to Calculate Flux of Injured Alluvial
Groundwater in Area I
APPENDIX I Berkeley Pit Water Quality Data
APPENDIX II Bedrock Groundwater Quality Data
A. Butte Mine Hooding
B. Bedrock Monitoring Wells
NRDA
C. Bedrock Monitoring Results
D. Bedrock Aquifer Baseline Water Quality Data
APPENDIX III Alluvial Groundwater Quality Data
A. Area I Phase II RI Data
B. Leach Pads Area Data
C. Leach Pads Area Historic Data
D. Alluvial Aquifer Baseline Water Quality Data
RCG\Hagler, Bailly, Inc. IV
LIST OF TABLES
Table Page
Table ES-1 Median Concentrations of Identified Hazardous Substances in
Bedrock and Alluvial Aquifer Groundwater Control Wells ES-6
Table ES-2 Summary of Areal and Volumetric Extent and Flux of Injured
Groundwater in Area I and Butte Mine Flooding Operable Units . . . ES-8
Table 1-1 Descriptions of Units and Features in Butte Mine Hooding
Operable Unit 1-7
Table 2-1 Sources of Groundwater Contamination and Identity of Hazardous
Substances 2-2
Table 2-2 Primary and Secondary Drinking Water Standards 2-12
Table 2-3 Average Concentrations of Contaminants and Average pH in
Porewater at Ramsey Flats 2-25
Table 2-4 Summary of Water Soluble Metals for Surface (0 to 1 Inch)
Materials; Area I Operable Unit Phase II Remedial Investigation .... 2-26
Table 2-5 Summary of Water Soluble Metals for Subsurface Materials; Area I
Operable Unit Phase II Remedial Investigation 2-27
Table 2-6 Summary of EP Toxicity Laboratory Data for Surface and
Subsurface Materials; Area I Operable Unit Phase II Remedial
Investigation 2-30
Table 2-7 Water Quality Comparison of Berkeley Pit and Inflow Waters 2-32
Table 3-1 Range and Mean Concentrations of Identified Hazardous
Substances in Bedrock Aquifer Groundwater Control Wells 3-20
Table 3-2 Median Concentrations of Identified Hazardous Substances in All
Bedrock Aquifer Groundwater Control Wells 3-22
Table 3-3 Range and Median Concentrations of Identified Hazardous and
Related Substances in Alluvial Aquifer Groundwater Control Wells 3-24
. .
Table 3-4 Mean Values or Major-Ion Composition of Groundwater and
Groundwater-Derived Surface Water in Primarily Igneous Rock
Areas 3-25
Table 3-5 Analyses of Waters High in Dissolved Aluminum and Manganese .... 3-26
Table 3-6 Analyses of Waters Containing Iron 3-27
Table 3-7 Ranges of Compositions of Surface and Shallow Groundwaters in
Contact with Undisturbed Mineral Deposits 3-28
Table 3-8 Mine Projection Map Information Used to Calculate Area and
Volume of Injured Bedrock Groundwater in the Butte Hill Area .... 3-35
RCG\Hagler, Bailly, Inc.
LIST OF TABLES
Table Page
Table 3-9 Information Used to Calculate Area and Volume of Injured Alluvial
Groundwater in the Butte Hill Area 3-40
Table 3-10 Surface Area, Volume and Flux of Injured Alluvial Groundwater
in the Butte Hill Area 3-41
Table 3-11 Surface Area, Volume and Flux of Injured Alluvial Groundwater in
Area I 3-55
Table 3-12 Volume of Injured Groundwater in the Butte Hill Area and Volume
of Water in the Berkeley Pit 3-57
Table 3-13 Mean Flow Data for Area I Surface Waters 3-78
Table 3-14 Summary of Area and Volumetric Extent and Flux of Injured
Groundwater in Area I and Butte Mine Flooding Operable Units .... 3-78
RCG\Hagler, Baffly, Inc.
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure Page
Figure 1-1 Site Map, Butte Area, Montana 1-2
Figure 1-2 Butte Mine Flooding Operable Unit Features 1-3
Figure 1-3 Butte Mine Flooding Operable Unit Process Flows and Units 1-5
Figure 1-4 Map of Connected Underground Mine Workings 1-6
Figure 1-5 Area I Operable Unit Features 1-9
Figure 1-6 Generalized Geologic Map of Butte Area, Montana 1-11
Figure 1-7A Limits of Unconsolidated Material in Lower Area I 1-12
Figure 1-7B Generalized Cross Sections Showing Depth to Bedrock in
Lower Area I 1-13
Figure 1-8 Contour Map of the Top of Weathered Bedrock in the Butte Hill
Area 1-14
Figure 2-1 Extent of Surface Tailings and Mill Waste Deposits from an
August, 1955 Aerial Photograph 2-4
Figure 2-2 Early Reduction Plants in the Butte Area, Montana 2-9
Figure 2-3 Water Level Contour Map and Theoretical Flow Paths for the
Bedrock Aquifer in the Butte Hill Area 2-16
Figure 2-4 Water Level Contour Map for the Alluvial Aquifer in the Butte
Hill Area 2-17
Figure 2-5A Water Level Contour Map for the Alluvial Aquifer in Area I -
Metro Storm Drain Area 2-18
Figure 2-5B Water Level Contour Map for the Alluvial Aquifer in Area I -
Lower Area One 2-18
Figure 2-6 Cross-Section of Water Levels in Alluvial and Bedrock Aquifer in
OU
Butte Mine Flooding 2-19
Figure 2-7 Plan Map at Elevation 4600 Feet Illustrating the General
Distribution of Ore Zones in the Butte Area 2-21
Figure 3-1 Major Cation and Anion Domains for Piper Diagrams 3-6
Figure 3-2 Piper Diagrams for Baseline Bedrock Groundwater Wells in Butte
Mine Flooding Area 3-7
Figure 3-3 Piper Diagrams for Baseline Bedrock Groundwater Wells in
Area 3-8
I
Figure 3-4 Piper Diagrams for Historic Bedrock Groundwater Quality Data 3-9
. .
Figure 3-5 Piper Diagrams for Potential Baseline Alluvial Groundwater Wells 3-10
.
Figure 3-6 Piper Diagrams for Potential Baseline Alluvial Groundwater Wells
(Continued) 3-11
RCG\Hagler, Bailfy, Inc. vii
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure Page
Figure 3-7A Berkeley Pit Water Chemistry, Concentrations vs. Depth
for Dissolved Oxygen and pH 3-30
Figure 3-7B Berkeley Pit Water Chemistry, Concentrations vs. Depth
for Iron, Manganese and Aluminum 3-30
Figure 3-7C Berkeley Pit Water Chemistry, Concentrations vs. Depth
for Eh and Specific Conductance 3-31
Figure 3-7D Berkeley Pit Water Chemistry, Concentrations vs. Depth
for Sulfate and Fluoride 3-31
Figure 3-7E Berkeley Pit Water Chemistry, Concentrations vs. Depth
for Cadmium, Cobalt and Lead 3-32
Figure 3-7F Berkeley Pit Water Chemistry, Concentrations vs. Depth
for Arsenic and Nickel 3-32
Figure 3-7G Berkeley Pit Water Chemistry, Concentrations vs. Depth
for Vanadium and Zirconium 3-33
Figure 3-7H Berkeley Pit Water Chemistry, Concentrations vs. Depth
for Silver, Boron and Molybdenum 3-33
Figure 3-71 Berkeley Pit Water Chemistry, Concentrations vs. Depth
for Copper and Zinc 3-34
Figure 3-8A Areal Extent of Injured Groundwater in the Butte Hill
Alluvial Aquifer: Cadmium 3-37
Figure 3-8B Areal Extent of Injured Groundwater in the Butte Hill
Alluvial Aquifer: Iron 3-38
Figure 3-8C Areal Extent of Injured Groundwater in the Butte Hill
Alluvial Aquifer: Sulfate 3-39
Figure 3-9A Areal Extent of Injured Alluvial Groundwater in Area I
West of Montana Street: Arsenic 3-42
Figure 3-9B Areal Extent of Injured Alluvial Groundwater in Area I
West of Montana Street: Cadmium 3-43
Figure 3-9C Areal Extent of Injured Alluvial Groundwater in Area I
West of Montana Street: Copper 3-44
Figure 3-9D Areal Extent of Injured Alluvial Groundwater in Area I
West of Montana Street: Iron 3-45
Figure 3-9E Areal Extent of Injured Alluvial Groundwater in Area I
West of Montana Street: Lead 3-46
Figure 3-9F Areal Extent of Injured Alluvial Groundwater in Area I
West of Montana Street: Sulfate 3-47
Figure 3-9G Areal Extent of Injured Alluvial Groundwater in Area I
West of Montana Street: Zinc 3-48
RCG\Hagler, Baffly, Inc. viii