Abstract.
Airborne geophysical reconnaissance was used to identify potential flow paths for mercury-rich, acidic water entering Clear Lake near the Sulphur Bank Mercury Mine. Airborne magnetic and electromagnetic conductivity surveys were conducted over a 12.3 km2 (4.75 mi2) area that included the Oaks Arm of Clear Lake and the old mine. These surveys identified four magnetic and/or conductive anomalies that may represent groundwater conduits towards or away from the Herman Impoundment. An anomaly that extended from Herman Impoundment through a waste rock dam and into Clear Lake was selected for a more detailed ground electromagnetic conductivity survey. The combined results of the airborne and ground surveys provided a detailed, lateral depiction of conductive zones, the most probable pathways for groundwater flow. These surveys also identified near-surface areas that may contain elevated concentrations of sulfide minerals that weather to produce acid groundwater.
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Hammack, R.W., Sams, J.I., Veloski, G.A. et al. Geophysical Investigation of the Sulphur Bank Mercury Mine Superfund Site, Lake County, California. Mine Water and the Environment 22, 69–79 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10230-003-0003-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10230-003-0003-1