Background hydrologic information in potential lignite mining areas in Mississippi, August 1980

Abstract

The U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with Mississippi Bureau of Geology is conducting a hydrologic data-collection program in the potential lignite-producing areas in Mississippi. During the week of August 25-28, 1980, hydrologic data on channel characteristics were collected at 15 sites on small streams draining potential lignite mining areas in east-central Mississippi. Streamflow measurements were made and water-quality samples were collected at 11 of the 15 sites. Main channel widths at the 15 sampling sites in east-central Mississippi ranged from 126 feet on Sucarnoochee Creek to 15 feet on Houston Creek. Maximum water depth ranged from 7 feet on Pawticfaw Creek and Tallahatta Creek to one-half foot on Okatibbee Creek. The maximum stream discharge measured was 56 cubic feet per second on Pawticfaw Creek. Four sites had no discharge. Specific conductance at sampling sites ranged from 115 micromhos on Ponta Creek to 26 micromhos on Sucarnoochee Creek. The dissolved-oxygen concentration was 5.7 milligrams per liter or higher at all sites. The concentration of suspended sediment was not greater than 38 milligrams per liter at any site. Concentrations of calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, chloride, and sulfate were less than 10 milligrams per liter in all samples, but were highest at site 10 on Ponta Creek. Bottom-material samples commonly contained iron, manganese, and zinc.