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Joe A. Moreland

Publications and source records attributed to Joe A. Moreland.

17 recordsLinked to original sources
USGS1995

Quality-assurance plan for water-resources activities of the U.S. Geological Survey in Montana--1995

As the Nation's principal earth-science information agency, the U.S. Geological Survey has developed a worldwide reputation for collecting accurate data and producing factual, impartial interpretive reports. To ensure continued confidence in the pro- ducts, the Water Resources Division of the U.S. Geological Survey has implemented a policy that all scientific work will be performed in accordance with a centrally managed quality-assurance program. The formal policy for quality assurance within the Montana District was established and documented in USGS Open-File Report 91-194. This report has been revised to reflect changes in personnel and organi- zational structure that have occurred since 1991. Quality assurance is formalized by describing organization and operational responsibilities, the quality-assurance policy, and the quality- assurance responsibilities for performing District functions. The District conducts its work through offices in Helena, Billings, Kalispell, and Fort Peck. Data-collection programs and interpretive studies are conducted by three operating sections and four support units. Discipline specialists provide technical advice and assistance. Management advisors provide guidance on various personnel issues and support functions.

Montana↗
USGS1993

Drought

No abstract available.

Open-File Report↗
USGS1991

Quality-assurance plan for water-resources activities of the U. S. Geological Survey in Montana--1991

As the Nation's principal earth-science information agency, the U.S. Geological Survey has developed a worldwide reputation for collecting accurate data and producing factual, impartial interpretive reports. To ensure continued confidence in the pro- ducts, the Water Resources Division of the U.S. Geological Survey has implemented a policy that all scientific work will be performed in accordance with a centrally managed quality-assurance program. The formal policy for quality assurance within the Montana District was established and documented in USGS Open-File Report 91-194. This report has been revised to reflect changes in personnel and organi- zational structure that have occurred since 1991. Quality assurance is formalized by describing organization and operational responsibilities, the quality-assurance policy, and the quality- assurance responsibilities for performing District functions. The District conducts its work through offices in Helena, Billings, Kalispell, and Fort Peck. Data-collection programs and interpretive studies are conducted by three operating sections and four support units. Discipline specialists provide technical advice and assistance. Management advisors provide guidance on various personnel issues and support functions.

Open-File Report↗
USGS1982

Appraisal of ground-water quality near wastewater-treatment facilities, Glacier National Park, Montana

Water-level and water-quality data were collected from monitoring wells at wastewater-treatment facilities in Glacier National Park. Five additional shallow observation wells were installed at the Glacier Park Headquarters facility to monitor water quality in the shallow ground-water system. Water-level, water-quality, and geologic information indicate that some of the initial monitoring wells are not ideally located to sample ground water most likely to be affected by waste disposal at the sites. Small differences in chemical characteristics between samples from monitor wells indicate that effluent may be affecting ground-water quality but that impacts are not significant. Future monitoring of ground-water quality could be limited to selected wells most likely to be impacted by percolating effluent. Laboratory analyses for common ions could detect future impacts.

Montana↗
USGS1979

Hydrologic data from selected wells in the Helena Valley, Lewis and Clark County, Montana

Hydrologic data were collected during 1978-79 to aid in evaluating the hydrologic conditions in shallow aquifers beneath the Helena Valley, Montana. The locations of 52 shallow test wells augered during the study are shown on a map at a scale of 1:48,000. Periodic water-level measurements and water-quality analyses for the test holes are listed in tables. Water temperature, specific conductance, and nitrate concentration are given for water samples collected from 98 domestic wells, and chemical analyses are included for 11 domestic and irrigation wells. In addition, water-level drawdown and recovery data are plotted on graphs for five pumped wells and three observation wells. (Kosco-USGS)

Open-File Report↗
USGS1977

Ground water-surface water relations in the Silver Creek area, Blaine County, Idaho

The relations between ground water and surface water were studied by the U.S. Geological Survey in the Silver Creek area, Blaine County, Idaho, as part of a comprehensive investigation of the area's water resources. Ground-water withdrawals calculated for 1975 totaled about 16,000 acre-feet (2.0 x10 7 cubic meters) of pumped ground water and 12,000 acre-feet (1.5x10 7 cubic meters) of ground water extracted through flowing wells. The ground water is contained in alluvial and basalt aquifers comprised of gravel, sand, and basalt interbedded with fine-grained silt and clay. Nineteen shallow test holes were drilled and cased to define the extent and effectiveness of confining layers in the southern part of the valley. Water-level fluctuations monitored in about 75 wells showed seasonal variations of 40 feet (12 meters) in the northern part of the area and less than 5 feet (1.5 meters) in some wells in the southern part of the area. Numerous stream-discharge measurements were made to define areal and temporal distribution of groundwater discharge. Most of the flow in Silver Creek rises from springs discharging from the shallow aquifer near the edge of the confining beds. Only a small amount of discharge to the creek is attributable to upward movement of water through the confining beds. Discharge from the artesian aquifer near Stanton Crossing may contribute a significant portion of the spring flow which feeds the Big Wood River. Seasonal fluctuations in spring discharges are directly related to fluctuations in ground-water levels. Although losses from Silver Creek downstream from the confining beds were documented during various times of the year, losses were relatively small. A deposit of fine-grained sediments near Picabo effectively perches Silver Creek above the deep basalt aquifer.

Idaho↗
USGS1976

Effects of drain wells on the ground-water quality of the western Snake Plain Aquifer, Idaho

Approximately 3,100 drain wells injects irrigation waste water, urban runoff, septic-tank effluent, and industrial waste water into the Snake Plain aquifer in Minidoka, Gooding, Jerome, and Lincoln Counties, Idaho. About 29,000 acre-feet of irrigation waste water, 100 acre-feet of urban runoff, 400 acre-feet of septic-tank effluent, and 1,000 acre-feet of industrial waste water are injected annually. The quality of irrigation waste water is highly variable, depending upon its source, method and rate of application, amount of fertilizer added, and other factors. The quality of urban runoff water is generally much better than irrigation waste water. Septic-tank effluent is relatively high in nutrient concentrations. Chloride concentrations also are high, and bacterial concentrations are exceedingly high. The only industrial waste water sampled during this study had been used for cooling. No chemical changes were noted, but temperature was significantly increased. The data indicate that drain-well inflow does move appreciable distances through the aquifer and can be detected in downgradient wells. (Woodard-USGS)

Open-File Report↗
USGS1976

Digital-model analysis of the effects of water-use alternatives on spring discharges Gooding and Jerome Counties, Idaho

Springs discharging from the Snake Plain aquifer contribute approximately 6,000 cubic feet per second (170 cubic metres per second) to flow in the Snake River between Milner and King Hill. Before irrigation began on the Snake River Plain north and east of the springs, total spring discharge was about 4,200 cubic feet per second (120 cubic meters per second). Increasing amounts of irrigated acreage from the early 1900's to the mid-1940's contributed more irrigation-return water to the aquifer resulting in increased discharge at the springs. Maximum discharge of about 6,800 cubic feet per second (190 cubic metres per second) occurred during the late 1940's and early 1950's. Increased use of pumped ground water for irrigation and changing irrigation practices have since resulted in a decline in spring discharge.

Idaho↗
USGS1975

Evaluation of recharge potential near Indio, California

The U.S. Geological Survey evaluated the feasibility of utilizing 8,000 acre-feet (9.9 cubic hectometres) of sewage effluent per year to recharge the ground water in a 25-square mile (65-square kilometre) area northwest of Indio, Calif. The depth to water in the area studied ranged from about 50 feet (15 metres) to more than 200 feet (61 metres). Dissolved-solids concentrations greater than 500 milligrams per litre exist in the shallow aquifers in the eastern and southern parts of the study area. The permeability of the shallow sediments ranges from 15 to 50 feet per day (5 to 15 metres per day). The eastern part of the area is underlain by fine-grained sediments that effectively separate the deep and shallow aquifers and would not be conducive to artificial recharge. In the western part of the area, sediments in the upper 100 feet (30 metres) are primarily sand. Considering all but economic factors, the most hydrologically favorable area for recharge is west of Washington Street and north of the Whitewater River. Using three spreading pits on a rotating basis and assuming long-term infiltration rates of 2 feet per day (0.6 metre per day), an area of 33 acres (13 hectares) would be required to infiltrate 8,000 acre-feet (9.9 cubic hectometres) per year. At the recharge site, a water-level rise of about 36 feet (11 metres) due to recharge is expected.

California↗
USGS1974

Hydrologic- and salt-balance investigations utilizing digital models Lower San Luis Rey River area, San Diego County, California

The Joint Administration Committee of the Santa Margarita and San Luis Rey Watershed Planning Agencies was designated as the agency to conduct studies leading to the development of a comprehensive water-quality management plan for the two watersheds. Hydrologic and salt balances for the Pauma, Pala, Bonsall, and Mission ground-water basins in the San Luis Rey River valley needed to develop the plan were difficult to compute because of the lack of data. Hydrologic models constructed and verified for 1958-72 for Pauma and Pala basins and for 1946-72 for Bonsall and Mission basins were beneficial in developing the hydrologic balances. Inflow and outflow to the basins used in model verification were consistent with known physical and hydrologic characteristics of the basins.

California↗
USGS1972

Artificial recharge in the upper Santa Ana Valley, southern California

Artificial recharge has long been an integral part of water-supply management in the upper Santa Ana Valley. About 7,500 acres of unlined channels and 2,590 acres in 60 off-channel recharge facilities are available for water spreading. To estimate potential infiltration rates for the recharge facilities, 63 single-ring infiltrometer tests were conducted at 22 recharge facilities. Tests ranged from 1 to 14 hours and averaged about 14 hours. Measured infiltration rates ranged from about 0.1 foot per day at Patton basin to 106 feet per day at Lynwood basin. Grain-size distribution was determined on 25 soil samples collected at infiltrometer test sites. Regression analysis showed a direct relation between the logarithm of the infiltration rate and the logarithm of the 20th percentile particle diameter, corresponding to 20 percent finer on the grain-size graph. Regression analysis also showed an inverse relation between the logarithm of the infiltration rate and the logarithm of the sorting coefficient. Test sites were grouped into two geologic units--younger alluvium and older alluvium. Logarithmic plots of infiltration rates versus the ratio D20/30 yielded straight-line plots for both geologic units. Silt clogging greatly affects infiltration rates. Some clogging was observed in nearly all facilities, and significant reduction of infiltration rates was measured in seven basins. Drillers' logs, supplemented with data from 11 test holes augered during the investigation, were used to delineate low permeability horizons that might retard downward movement of recharged water. Low permeability zones were found within the upper 50 feet at five basins. Unused storage capacity in underlying ground-water basins ranges from large in Chino basin to minimal in Oak Glen subbasin. Recharge operations in Bunker Hill, Lytle, Etiwanda, and Claremont Heights basins should be carefully monitored to guard against overfilling the aquifers. Recharge capacity, which is the volume rate (cubic feet per second) of water that can be recharged for extended periods at a given site, was estimated for all unlined channels and off-channel recharge facilities. Recharge capacity of all off-channel facilities was estimated to be more than 3,200 cfs (cubic feet per second). Total recharge capacity for major stream systems seems to be adequate to handle floods of 5-year recurrence intervals, and most systems have sufficient capacity to handle 10-year floods. Potential recharge rate, which is the infiltration rate (feet per day) that can be maintained over extended periods under normal operating conditions, was delineated throughout the study area on the basis of controlling geologic and hydrologic factors. Estimated recharge rates range from less than 1 foot per day in areas underlain by older alluvium to 4 feet per day in areas underlain by coarse-grained younger alluvium.

California↗
USGS1970

Artificial recharge, Yucaipa, California

The Yucaipa area is a small alluvial-filled basin bordered on three sides by crystalline bedrock. Several faults that transect the alluvial deposits retard the flow of ground water and divide the area into seven separate ground-water subbasins. Each of the subbasins was evaluated as a potential recharge site, and Wilson Creek subbasin was selected as the most favorable. The study indicates that artificial recharge of 6,000 acre-feet per year should be possible through surface spreading in Wilson Creek subbasin. The test drilling and infiltration test conducted at the Yucaipa damsite indicate that material underlying the site is highly permeable and readily transmits water. An unlined reservoir at this site would initially lose a considerable quantity of water through infiltration and would be difficult, if not impossible, to fill.

California↗
USGS1969

A study of deep aquifers underlying coastal Orange County, California

Deep untapped aquifers of late Pliocene age, which contain water having 1,000 to 2,000 milligrams per liter of dissolved solids, underlie most of the coastal part of Orange County. Inland from the Newport-Inglewood structural zone, the depth to the base of aquifers containing fresh water ranges from 1,000 to 2,500 feet below mean sea level. The aquifers are composed of fine to medium sand with locally occurring beds of coarse sand and gravel. Permeability generally ranges from less than 50 gallons per day per square foot to 300 gallons per day per square foot. Pressure head increases with depth of the aquifer to as much as 40 feet above land surface near the base of fresh water. The water is of the sodium bicarbonate type, increasing in salinity with depth. Organic material imparts an amber color to the water, which becomes more distinct with depth. A test well, drilled to 926 feet and perforated from 784 to 884 feet, yielded 1,950 gallons per minute with about 90 feet of drawdown. The water is of the sodium bicarbonate type with dissolved solids of 225 mg/1. Additional studies are needed to evaluate the possibilities of subsidence due to pumping from the deep aquifers, to determine the vertical and horizontal permeabilities of confining beds, and to monitor the changes in water quality and water level.

California↗