Resolving Conflicts Concerning Mining Activities. Visiting officials from the Government of
Suriname met with USGS scientists to discuss mining operations in the U.S. that could serve as
models for development in Suriname. The Government of Suriname was also interested in
resolving conflicts between large mining companies and Indigenous peoples regarding
development of gold deposits. A USGS scientist put the Surinamese officials in contact with
resource specialists in the Bureau of Indian Affairs to help the Surinamese learn about issues
concerning indigenous peoples and resource extraction on Indian lands in the U.S. Through
discussions with the BIA the officials were given examples of problem resolution, contract
development for resource extraction on Indian lands, and public relations. A continuing
relationship among USGS and BIA minerals staffs developed from this meeting.
Contact: Don Bleiwas, 303-236-8747, bleiwas@usgs.gov
Characterization of Water Resources at Keweenaw Bay Indian
Community. The objective of the study is to conduct a water-resources appraisal of Keweenaw Bay Indian Community
Tribal Lands. The study includes information on surface and ground-water quality, and water
levels in wells, lakes, ponds, and wetlands, and from other data-collection sites.
Contact: Jim Nicholas, 517- 887-8903, jrnichol@usgs.gov
Water Resources of Bonifas Creek and Adjacent Wetlands. The Lac Vieux Desert Band of
Lake Superior Chippewa Indians needs water resources information for Bonifas Creek and its
adjacent wetlands near their lands in Watersmeet, Michigan. Of particular interest are the
background water quality of Bonifas Creek and the travel time for water through about 160
acres of wetlands between the Tribal land and the creek. The objective of this study is to
evaluate the water quality of Bonifas Creek and the hydrology of adjacent wetlands.
Contact: Jim Nicholas, 517-887-8903, jrnichol@usgs.gov
Water Resources on the Reservation of the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians. The objective of this cooperative study is to further define the local and regional
ground-water flow system in the northern part of the Bad River Indian Reservation. Information
gathered to characterize the hydrogeologic framework will provide the basis for current and
future site-specific investigations concerned with long-term water-resource and water-quality
trends. The hydrogeologic framework will be characterized by drilling boreholes at three sites,
conducting geophysical surveys, rock core analysis and packer testing of the aquifer at
selected sites and depths. The characterization of the hydrogeologic framework also lays the
foundation for numerical modeling in the future. Water quality will be evaluated at selected
sites and depths.
Contact: Jim Krohelski, 608-821-3850, jtkrohel@usgs.gov
Study of Environmental Contaminants. A copper-zinc sulfide mine is being developed
upstream of Sokaogon Chippewa Community's lands near Crandon, Wisconsin. Fishery
biologists from the USGS' Mid-Continent Ecological Science Center were asked to assist the
Tribe in determining the aquatic baseline conditions. The USGS scientists created a data base
for the Tribe that will be the foundation of a risk assessment and Environmental Impact Analysis
of the environmental impacts of the mine. Assistance to the Tribe will be provided through
September 1999.
Contact: Director, Mid-Continent Ecological Science Center, 970-226-9100,
rey_stendell@usgs.gov
Migratory Needs of Sturgeon. USGS scientists continued research for the Menominee Indian
Tribe of Wisconsin on fish passage needs of two migratory species of sturgeon. Assistance
was provided by the USGS' S. O. Conte Anadromous Fish Laboratory, partially funded by the
Great Lakes Foundation, and supported by the States of Wisconsin and Michigan.
Contact: Steve McCormick, 413-863-9475, ext. 31, mccormick@usgs.gov
Water Resources of Specific Indian Communities. Detailed information of the water
resources of four Indian communities is necessary for the efficient use, management, and
protection of these resources. These studies will evaluate the availability and quality of surface
and ground water for domestic and municipal use. The American Indian communities are Nett
Lake (Bois Forte Band of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe), Prairie Island Dakota Community,
Lower Sioux Mdewakanton, and Upper Sioux Community.
Contact: James Ruhl, 612-783-3252, ruhl@usgs.gov
Hydrogeology of the Grand Portage Indian Reservation. The Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa has identified two critical issues regarding the management, use, and
protection of ground water on their Reservation. Information about the hydrogeology and water
quality of the aquifers on the Reservation currently is limited to a regional-scale description
determined from a reconnaissance-level investigation. Tribal officials need more specific
information about local ground-water conditions in order to better deal with these issues. The
objectives of the project are to determine the general availability and quality of ground water
with special emphasis on designated development areas and to evaluate the potential for
aquifer contamination from on-land waste disposal sites.
Contact: Tom Winterstein, 612-783-3150, twinters@usgs.gov
Long-Term Monitoring on the Spirit Lake Sioux. Rising surface waters have caused significant disruption to living conditions on the lands of the Spirit Lake Tribe. The purpose of this study is to establish a monitoring program that would provide the Spirit Lake Tribe with data that could be used to determine changes in the hydrologic and water-quality conditions on the Reservation. The objectives are to: (1) Develop a long- term program to monitor the water levels and water quality in selected lakes and wetlands on the Reservation, and (2) Develop a long- term program to monitor ground-water levels and water quality in the Spiritwood, Tokio, and Warwick aquifers. Contact: Douglas G. Emerson, 701-250-7402, demerson@usgs.gov
Surface and Ground Water Resources of Lake Traverse
Reservation. The objective of the
study is to collect the necessary hydrologic data to evaluate the surface-and ground-water
resources of the Sisseton Wahpeton Sioux Tribe's Lake Traverse Reservation in South Dakota
and North Dakota and of Roberts County in South Dakota. More specifically, the assessment
will determine the location, depth, and quality, and quantity of water in the study area and the
effects of surface-and ground-water interactions, recharge and, discharge on the hydrologic
system. Additional efforts have recently been initiated to assess water and bed-sediment
chemistry in the Cheyenne and Moreau Rivers.
Contact: Ryan Thompson,605-353-7176 x225, rcthomps@usgs.gov
Quantity and Quality of Water Resources of the lands of the Cheyenne River Sioux
Tribe. Water quality is poor in some areas of the Cheyenne River Reservation. Many residents obtain
drinking water from sources that are not of adequate quality. This study intends to give water
managers better information to improve the quality of drinking water to Cheyenne River
Reservation residents. The project will describe the variability of streamflow within and adjacent
to the Reservation and determine selected aquifer properties. Surface and ground water
qualities will be described and characterized, including their suitability as drinking-water
sources, livestock watering, and irrigation. Project personnel will inventory water use for
selected areas within the Reservation. The study will describe temporal trends in water quality
for the Cheyenne and Moreau Rivers and will develop a generalized hydrologic budget for the
Reservation.
Contact: Allen Heakin, 605-355-4560 x216, ajheakin@usgs.gov
Water Supply and Water-Quality Assessment of the Pine Ridge Indian
Reservation. Drinking water for the 13,200 residents of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation is obtained
primarily from shallow wells. Northwestern parts of the Reservation lack a reliable
drinking-water supply, and water-quality problems exist at scattered locations across the Oglala
Sioux Tribal lands. There is great concern among the leaders of the Oglala Sioux Tribe that
some of the drinking water consumed on the Reservation is adversely affecting human health.
A comprehensive assessment of the supply and quality of Reservation water has been initiated.
Preliminary results of water-quality sampling indicate drinking water does not meet standards in
some public supply wells.
Contact: Allen Heakin, 605-355-4560 x216, ajheakin@usgs.gov
Water Resources of Mellette and Todd Counties, South Dakota. A water-resources
investigation of Mellette and Todd Counties recently was completed. An investigation of
elevated arsenic concentrations in ground water in the Grass Mountain area of the Rosebud
Indian Reservation also was completed. Several proposals have been submitted to the Rosebud Sioux Tribe for additional studies of their lands. The proposals include additional
arsenic studies in other areas of the Reservation, a ground-water flow model, and a well
inventory of abandoned wells in Todd County.
Contact: Janet Carter, 605-355-4560 x215, jmcarter@usgs.gov
Ground-Water Resources Reconnaissance of the Osage Reservation. A cooperative program with the Osage Nation is providing data and information to the Osage from an areal
survey of the quality and availability of ground water in the Reservation. The program is also
comparing data describing ground-water quality to land use.
Contact: Marvin M. Abbott, 405-810-4411, mmabbott@usgs.gov
Mineral Exploration in Montana. A USGS geologist is developing a database of exploration
activities in Montana. Data on non-fuel activities on Indian lands was provided by BIA minerals
specialists.
Contact: Don Bleiwas, 303-236-8747, bleiwas@usgs.gov
Surface-Water Resources of the Blackfeet
Reservation. The surface-water resources of the
Blackfeet Reservation include pristine mountain streams, glacial lakes, and prairie wetlands.
These resources are of considerable cultural and economic importance to the Blackfeet
Tribe.
The high quality surface waters of the Blackfeet lands support diverse populations of fish and
wildlife, are widely used for stock watering and irrigation, and supply drinking water for many
residents. The purpose of this study is to analyze and describe the surface-water resources of
the major river basins of the Blackfeet Reservation.
Contact: Mike Cannon, 406-441-1319, mcannon@usgs.gov
Availability of Ground Water for the Crow Tribe. Recent concerns about water availability
for the Crow Tribe have necessitated a detailed description of the water resources of the Crow
Indian Reservation. Ground water in the alluvial and terrace deposits in the Little Bighorn River
Basin is an important resource of the Crow Reservation. The study, funded by the BIA, and
conducted by the USGS, will describe the general quality of the ground water in the alluvial and
terrace deposits, and the potential availability of ground water from bedrock aquifers. More
specifically, objectives of the project include describing the geometry and hydraulic
characteristics of the alluvial and terrace deposits and the potentiometric surface and general
directions of ground-water flow. The sources of recharge and discharge of the Little Bighorn
River and its hydraulic interactions with other hydrogeologic units, irrigation canals, etc. will also
be parts of the investigation.
Contact: Lori Tuck, 406-441-1319, ltuck@usgs.gov
Water-use on the Blackfeet and Crow Lands. Water-use data are needed to administer
various laws governing water use, appropriation, and allocation. Water-development planning
requires current water use data to evaluate various alternatives for expanded or revised use
patterns. Water-use information was determined for portions of the of the Blackfeet and Crow
Reservations.
Contact: Charles Parrett, 406-441-1319, cparrett@usgs.gov
Research on Zuni Pueblo. In past years, the Zuni Pueblo has participated in the Biological
Resource Division's Gap Analysis Project in New Mexico. In Fiscal Year 1998, scientists from
the USGS' New Mexico Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit met with Zuni
representatives to identify areas of potential joint research in issues related to this continuing
endeavor.
Contact: New Mexico Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, 505-646-6053,
gmaughan@ag.arizona.edu
Selected oil-producing formations on the Jicarilla Apache Reservation. This DOE-funded
study is focusing on evaluating the nature, spatial distribution, structural development, and oil
hydrocarbon production potential of sandstone reservoirs The study is focusing on the
Mesaverde Formation and the El Vado Sandstone Member of the Mancos Shale on Jicarilla
Tribal Lands. The work involves synthesizing existing data and adding new interpretations
based on descriptions and measurements of outcrops and evaluation of a large array of seismic
data. Identification and mapping of these reservoir changes from surface and subsurface data
will give the Tribal Energy Department the tools to assess and properly exploit the reservoirs
within the context of both exploration and secondary or tertiary recovery programs.
Understanding the nature of the heterogeneous geometry of these units will also enable us to
further evaluate the potential for low-contrast, low-resistivity units that could contain by-passed
hydrocarbons and to develop working models that would assist the Tribe to recognize and
evaluate them in future exploration programs. Transfer of digital data and base maps in digital
form to the Tribe are an ongoing component of the study.
Contact: Jennie Ridgley, 303-236-9048, ridgley@usgs.gov
Navajo Surface Water Project. The Navajo Nation and the USGS are collaborating to help
the Navajo Nation's Water Resources Department (NNWRD) improve their water management
practices. The USGS is assisting the NNWRD compute streamflow records from Navajo
streamflow gaging stations by jointly creating a database to compute and store streamflow
data. The USGS is providing training in record computation and is assisting with rating curve
development. The NNWRD and the USGS are working together to provide quality assurance.
Contact: Gregory G. Fisk, 520-556-7225, ggfisk@usgs.gov
Black Mesa Monitoring Program. Two programs are underway near Black Mesa. The first,
the Black Mesa monitoring program, on the lands of the Navajo
Nation, is designed to
document long-term effects of ground-water pumping from the N aquifer by industrial and
municipal users. The N aquifer is the major source of water for the 5,400 square mile Black
Mesa area. The other program is a geochemical analysis of groundwater ages, recharge rates,
and hydrologic conductivity of the N aquifer. The objectives of this interpretive study are to
characterize the water quality of the N aquifer and use geochemistry to develop a conceptual
ground-water flow model. The interpretive study will also determine if leakage is occurring from
the D aquifer. Both the Hopi Tribe and the Navajo Nation will apply these findings to their
individual plans for use of N Aquifer. A long-term hydrological monitoring plan has been
proposed for the N and D aquifers.
Contact: (Monitoring study) Greg Littin, 520-556-7255,
grlittin@usgs.gov ; (Interpretive study): Bill Steinkampf, 520-670-6671 x 269, bs@usgs.gov
Preliminary Assessment of Hydrologic Conditions in Part of the Tohono O'odham Indian
Reservation. The USGS is conducting a preliminary assessment to estimate the quantity of
surface-water flowing in Vamori and San Simon Washes. The assessment includes
construction, testing, and calibration of load-cell scour sensors. The USGS and the Tohono
O'odham Nation are working together to develop a plan for a more intensive study along the
southern border of the Reservation. This study will evaluate the effects of future ground-water
withdrawals and agricultural development on hydrologic conditions within the Reservation.
Contact: Michael C. Carpenter, 520-760-6671x275, mccarp@usgs.gov
Hydrologic Studies in Snake River Basin.
Hydrologic data for streams and associated subbasins within the Salmon and Clearwater River Basins were analyzed to support instream
flow claims made by the Bureau of Indian Affairs on behalf of the Nez Perce
Tribe. These
claims are part of the adjudication of the Snake River Basin by the State of Idaho. The purpose
of the study was to classify subbasins and make estimates of mean annual and mean monthly
discharges for subbasins within the study area. A related study was done concurrently, with the
objective of developing a methodology for estimating flow duration values for subbasins within
the study area. Reports for both these studies have been approved for publication.
Contact: Steve Lipscomb, 208-387-1321, lipscomb@usgs.gov
Fallon Shallow Aquifer Model. Changes in the quantity and location of surface water
deliveries and application are being proposed as part of the Newlands Project near Fallon,
Nevada. A ground-water model, assessing the potential effects of these proposed changes on
ground-water levels and quality, is being completed in cooperation with the Bureau of
Reclamation. Fallon Paiute Shoshone Tribe has land and agricultural interests in this location
and are subject to potential impacts as land-use changes take place in the vicinity.
Contact: Terry Rees, 775-887-7635, tfrees@usgs.gov
Subsurface Flow in Clear Creek Watershed. The Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California
has tribal lands that lie within the Clear Creek Watershed. Understanding the recharge
mechanisms and ground-water flow path in this watershed is important for the Tribe's
quantification of their water resources. The objective of this project was to drill a monitoring
well at a critical area in the watershed to determine the water level. This information is to be
incorporated into the interpretation of the basin-wide flow system.
Contact: Terry Rees, 775-887-7635, tfrees@usgs.gov
Intermittent Recharge. This study is re-evaluating the source and magnitude of ground-water
recharge to Eagle Valley, Nevada, in which lies the State capital (Carson City), the Carson
Community of the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California, and other lands of the Washoe
Tribe. The project is a cooperative effort between the USGS, Carson City, and the Washoe Tribe. To date, project results have included defining the relationships between stream
temperature and water infiltration rates, and revising (increasing) estimates of natural recharge
to the alluvial aquifers. These results have enabled Carson City to better manage infiltration
facilities for ground-water allocation from the State Engineer. Fiscal Year 1998 activities
included data acquisition and interpretation, and the initial draft of a Water Resources
Investigations Report.
Contact: Terry Rees, 775-887-7635, tfrees@usgs.gov
Nevada Basin and Range National Water Quality Assessment. This National Water Quality Assessment project includes the Carson and Truckee River basins in northwestern Nevada and
Las Vegas Valley in southern Nevada. Information on ground-water quality in Las Vegas Valley
is important to the Las Vegas Paiute Tribe, which is developing tourism as an economic base
and depends upon the Las Vegas Valley alluvial aquifers for its water supply. Other
water-quality data for streams and aquifers in the Truckee and Carson basins are of importance
to the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California (Carson River and Lake Tahoe Basins,
described elsewhere in this report) and the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe (lower Truckee River).
Contact: Hugh Bevans, 702-887-7688, hbevans@usgs.gov
Assistance on Salmon Research. The USGS' Oregon Cooperative Research Unit worked
with the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission on a research, monitoring, and evaluation
project titled "Avian Predation on Juvenile Salmonids in the Lower Columbia River." The project
examined the extent of predation on endangered salmon smolts by water birds as well as
efforts to mitigate the predation. Two Inter-Tribal biologists were employed full-time on the
study, and Tribal members were also hired as seasonal technicians.
Contact: Director, Oregon Cooperative Fishery Research Unit, 541-737-1938, lih@ccmail.orst.edu
Habitat Evaluation. Construction of dams by the Bonneville Power Administration on the
Columbia River will affect the habitat of Indian fisheries. At the request of the Pacific Northwest
Power Planning Council, USGS biologists prepared and conducted sessions for Tribes on the
procedures for evaluating impacts of dam construction on fishery habitats. The methodology
developed by the scientists will be used to measure adverse impacts and provide the means for
estimating monetary compensation for affected Tribes. Representatives of the Spokane,
Kalispel, Burns-Paiute, and Nez Perce Tribes, and the Yakama Nation attended as well as the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation and the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla
Indian Reservation.
Contact: Director, Mid-Continent Ecological Science Center, 970-226-9100, rey_stendell@usgs.gov
Water Quality and Quantity for the Morongo Band of Mission Indians. The Morongo Band of Mission Indians uses groundwater as their main water supply. The long-term sustainablility and water quality of the ground-water resources are being determined in a cooperative project between the Morongo Band and the USGS. The Morongo Band collected water-level data that are being evaluated by the USGS to determine the relationships between pumping and draw-down of water in the ground-water reservoir. The USGS is studying the geohydrology and geochemistry of these groundwater reservoirs, with work focusing on Potrero Canyon and the Cabazon Storage Unit. The physical dimensions of the Cabazon storage unit were studied by the USGS using geophysical techniques. A report on the results will be given to the Morongo Band by the end of 1999. Monitoring wells were drilled to gather data on the water quality and hydraulic characteristics of the Cabazon unit. These will be used to gather data over many years. Wells in Portero Canyon and springs in Hathaway and Millard Canyons have been sampled for water quality and other characteristics. This sampling, which will continue in the Cabazon unit in Fiscal Year 1999, will help the USGS determine the source and age of ground water in the area.
Contact: Peter Martin, 619-637-6827, pmmartin@usgs.gov.
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