Integrated investigations of environmental effects of historical mining in the Animas River Watershed, San Juan County, Colorado

This publication comprises a Volume Contents of chapters (listed below) and a CD-ROM of data (contents shown in column at right).

The Animas River watershed in southwest Colorado is one of many watersheds in the western United States where historical mining has left a legacy of acid mine drainage and elevated concentrations of potentially toxic trace elements in surface streams. U.S. Geological Survey scientists have completed a major assessment of the environmental effects of historical mining in the Animas River watershed focusing on the area upstream of Silverton, Colo.?the Mineral Creek, Cement Creek, and upper Animas River basins. The study demonstrated how the watershed approach can be used to assess and rank mining-affected sites for possible cleanup. The study was conducted in collaboration with State and Federal land-management agencies and regional stakeholders groups.

This book is available for purchase at Information Services, U.S. Geological Survey (1-888-ASK-USGS).