Reconnaissance geochemical drainage surveys have located a stream in the southern part of the Long Pond quadrangle in Somerset County, Maine, where the active stream sediment contains as much as 2,500 parts per million (ppm) lead and 7,000 ppm zinc. Although this anomaly has been known for some time, its apparent significance has recently increased. Reappraisal of the anomalous pattern in the light of a large quantity of geochemical data obtained by a regional geochemical mapping program during the past two years has shown that this lead anomaly is by far the strongest one yet found by the Geological Survey in Maine. Galena-and pyrite-bearing quartz veins are present in the drainage basin of this stream, but the exposed veins are not believed to contain enough lead to be the principal cause of the geochemical anomaly. Accordingly, the drainage basin of this stream is believed to be above average in mineral potential.
The anomalous stream, here named Pyrite Creek for convenience, is the northeastern branch of a major tributary to Bean Brook.
Figure 1 presents the data of the detailed geochemical survey along Pyrite Creek, reconnaissance geochemical data in the surrounding area, and the approximate distribution of the major rock types.
