Animas River downstream from Silverton, Colorado, showing right and left bank areas where streambed sediment sample was collected near USGS stream gage at site A72 (USGS site ID 09359020). Latitude 37.789964, Longitude -107.667394.
Rob Runkel
Rob is a Research Hydrologist with the USGS Colorado Water Science Center in Lakewood, CO.
Rob began his career with the USGS while he was a graduate student in Environmental Engineering at the University of Colorado. Rob's expertise and experience includes the development and application of models to simulate constituent transport, the characterization of small watersheds affected by acid mine drainage, and the use of tracers to quantify constituent transport in surface waters.
Science and Products
Illinois Gulch
Illinois Gulch, near Breckenridge, Colorado, is on the State of Colorado 303(d) list of impaired waters because of elevated concentrations of cadmium and zinc. Cadmium and zinc concentrations exceed chronic aquatic life standards in the upper portion of Illinois Gulch, and pH is circumneutral.
Sediment Sampling at A72
Animas River downstream from Silverton, Colorado, showing right and left bank areas where streambed sediment sample was collected near USGS stream gage at site A72 (USGS site ID 09359020). Latitude 37.789964, Longitude -107.667394.
Baker's Bridge Sediment Sample
Animas River samples at Baker's Bridge/Tall Timber Resort (USGS site ID 09359500). Closeup view showing location of streambed sediment sample collection from right side of left channel where river splits into two channels upstream from the Riverside Resort. Latitude 37.457297, Longitude -107.799803.
Animas River samples at Baker's Bridge/Tall Timber Resort (USGS site ID 09359500). Closeup view showing location of streambed sediment sample collection from right side of left channel where river splits into two channels upstream from the Riverside Resort. Latitude 37.457297, Longitude -107.799803.
Animas River Sample
Animas River downstream from Silverton, Colorado, showing streambed sediment collected from right bank backwater area in scoop, and from left bank cobble area (in jar) near USGS stream gage at site A72 (USGS site ID 09359020). Latitude 37.789964, Longitude -107.667394.
Animas River downstream from Silverton, Colorado, showing streambed sediment collected from right bank backwater area in scoop, and from left bank cobble area (in jar) near USGS stream gage at site A72 (USGS site ID 09359020). Latitude 37.789964, Longitude -107.667394.
Cement Creek Close Up
North Fork Cement Creek showing visual results of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) addition which increases the pH causing precipitation of ferric (orange) and ferrous (green) iron hydroxides. Latitude 37.89517, Longitude -107.64656.
North Fork Cement Creek showing visual results of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) addition which increases the pH causing precipitation of ferric (orange) and ferrous (green) iron hydroxides. Latitude 37.89517, Longitude -107.64656.
Animas River at A72
Animas River downstream from Silverton, Colorado showing cableway for USGS stream gage at site A72 (USGS site ID 09359020). Latitude 37.789964, Longitude -107.667394.
Animas River downstream from Silverton, Colorado showing cableway for USGS stream gage at site A72 (USGS site ID 09359020). Latitude 37.789964, Longitude -107.667394.
Measuring pH
Measuring pH at the outlet of the fourth settling pond downstream from the North Fork Cement Creek. Latitude 37.894451, Longitude -107.64763.
Measuring pH at the outlet of the fourth settling pond downstream from the North Fork Cement Creek. Latitude 37.894451, Longitude -107.64763.
Animas River Downstream
Animas River downstream from Silverton Colorado, looking upstream toward town of Silverton. Confluence of Animas River and Mineral Creek near center of photograph. Confluence of Cement Creek and Animas River near upstream area of the town of Silverton. Photo taken from Highway 550 heading to Durango.
Animas River downstream from Silverton Colorado, looking upstream toward town of Silverton. Confluence of Animas River and Mineral Creek near center of photograph. Confluence of Cement Creek and Animas River near upstream area of the town of Silverton. Photo taken from Highway 550 heading to Durango.
USGS Gage 09358000
USGS stream Gage (USGS site ID 09358000) on Animas River upstream from Silverton and Cement Creek. Latitude 37.811131, Longitude -107.659213.
USGS stream Gage (USGS site ID 09358000) on Animas River upstream from Silverton and Cement Creek. Latitude 37.811131, Longitude -107.659213.
View from Gold King Mine
View from the Gold King Mine showing water flowing toward viewer in culvert that collects water from the draining Gold King mine tunnel and diverts water around the waste pile on which it flows and which falls off to the left of the photo. Latitude 37.894631, Longitude -107.638288.
View from the Gold King Mine showing water flowing toward viewer in culvert that collects water from the draining Gold King mine tunnel and diverts water around the waste pile on which it flows and which falls off to the left of the photo. Latitude 37.894631, Longitude -107.638288.
Water Sample Comparison
Photo showing contrast in clarity between water samples collected at sites A68 (USGS site ID 09358000), Animas River at Silverton, Colorado and upstream from Cement Creek; A72 (USGS site ID 09359020), Animas River downstream from Silverton; and CC48 (USGS site ID 09358550), Cement Creek at mouth.
Photo showing contrast in clarity between water samples collected at sites A68 (USGS site ID 09358000), Animas River at Silverton, Colorado and upstream from Cement Creek; A72 (USGS site ID 09359020), Animas River downstream from Silverton; and CC48 (USGS site ID 09358550), Cement Creek at mouth.
Cement Creek Downstream
Cement Creek downstream from CC48 Gage (USGS site ID 09358550) and upstream from confluence with the Animas River near Silverton. Latitude 37.81975, Longitude -107.6624.
Cement Creek downstream from CC48 Gage (USGS site ID 09358550) and upstream from confluence with the Animas River near Silverton. Latitude 37.81975, Longitude -107.6624.
Cement Creek near CC48
Cement Creek near the mouth at site CC48 (USGS site ID 09358550), location of stream gage whose data allowed calculation of the volume of water released during the Gold King Mine release. Latitude 37.8197222, Longitude -107.663056.
Cement Creek near the mouth at site CC48 (USGS site ID 09358550), location of stream gage whose data allowed calculation of the volume of water released during the Gold King Mine release. Latitude 37.8197222, Longitude -107.663056.
First Pond below Gold King Mine
First of four settling ponds located downstream from North Fork Cement Creek to facilitate settling of solids material after addition of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to the North Fork Cement Creek. Latitude 37.89451, Longitude -107.64763.
First of four settling ponds located downstream from North Fork Cement Creek to facilitate settling of solids material after addition of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to the North Fork Cement Creek. Latitude 37.89451, Longitude -107.64763.
Cement Creek
North Fork Cement Creek just upstream from sodium hydroxide (NaOH) addition (to raise pH), that was conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Looking upstream. Latitude 37.89517, Longitude -107.64656.
North Fork Cement Creek just upstream from sodium hydroxide (NaOH) addition (to raise pH), that was conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Looking upstream. Latitude 37.89517, Longitude -107.64656.
North Fork of Cement Creek
View looking down from the Gold King waste pile showing North Fork Cement Creek downstream from the pond, and the confluence with Cement Creek valley in center, upper, right. Latitude 37.893895, Longitude -107.641154.
View looking down from the Gold King waste pile showing North Fork Cement Creek downstream from the pond, and the confluence with Cement Creek valley in center, upper, right. Latitude 37.893895, Longitude -107.641154.
Gold King Mine Pond Edge
View of pond in North Fork of Cement Creek that receives the water from the Gold King Mine portal and native flow in North Fork Cement Creek, looking upstream, very little to no native flow is visible. Latitude 37.89401, Longitude -107.63821.
View of pond in North Fork of Cement Creek that receives the water from the Gold King Mine portal and native flow in North Fork Cement Creek, looking upstream, very little to no native flow is visible. Latitude 37.89401, Longitude -107.63821.
Minisipper
Photo of submersible Minisipper sampling device used to collect multiple water-quality samples during multiple-day deployment. At several locations downstream from the Gold King Mine following the Gold King Mine release on August 5, 2015.
Photo of submersible Minisipper sampling device used to collect multiple water-quality samples during multiple-day deployment. At several locations downstream from the Gold King Mine following the Gold King Mine release on August 5, 2015.
Minisipper at Durango
Minisipper location at City of Durango water intake structure. Minisipper installed by USGS to collect multiple water-quality samples. Latitude 37.26428, Longitude -107.8812.
Minisipper location at City of Durango water intake structure. Minisipper installed by USGS to collect multiple water-quality samples. Latitude 37.26428, Longitude -107.8812.
Island Streambed Sampling
Island upstream from City of Durango, Colorado's water intake structure where streambed sediments were sampled. Latitude 37.26428, Longitude -107.8812.
Island upstream from City of Durango, Colorado's water intake structure where streambed sediments were sampled. Latitude 37.26428, Longitude -107.8812.
Upper Workings of Pennsylvania Mine in Headwaters of Peru CreeK, CO
Upper workings of the Pennsylvania Mine in the headwaters of Peru Creek, Colorado.
Upper workings of the Pennsylvania Mine in the headwaters of Peru Creek, Colorado.
Science and Products
Illinois Gulch
Illinois Gulch, near Breckenridge, Colorado, is on the State of Colorado 303(d) list of impaired waters because of elevated concentrations of cadmium and zinc. Cadmium and zinc concentrations exceed chronic aquatic life standards in the upper portion of Illinois Gulch, and pH is circumneutral.
Sediment Sampling at A72
Animas River downstream from Silverton, Colorado, showing right and left bank areas where streambed sediment sample was collected near USGS stream gage at site A72 (USGS site ID 09359020). Latitude 37.789964, Longitude -107.667394.
Animas River downstream from Silverton, Colorado, showing right and left bank areas where streambed sediment sample was collected near USGS stream gage at site A72 (USGS site ID 09359020). Latitude 37.789964, Longitude -107.667394.
Baker's Bridge Sediment Sample
Animas River samples at Baker's Bridge/Tall Timber Resort (USGS site ID 09359500). Closeup view showing location of streambed sediment sample collection from right side of left channel where river splits into two channels upstream from the Riverside Resort. Latitude 37.457297, Longitude -107.799803.
Animas River samples at Baker's Bridge/Tall Timber Resort (USGS site ID 09359500). Closeup view showing location of streambed sediment sample collection from right side of left channel where river splits into two channels upstream from the Riverside Resort. Latitude 37.457297, Longitude -107.799803.
Animas River Sample
Animas River downstream from Silverton, Colorado, showing streambed sediment collected from right bank backwater area in scoop, and from left bank cobble area (in jar) near USGS stream gage at site A72 (USGS site ID 09359020). Latitude 37.789964, Longitude -107.667394.
Animas River downstream from Silverton, Colorado, showing streambed sediment collected from right bank backwater area in scoop, and from left bank cobble area (in jar) near USGS stream gage at site A72 (USGS site ID 09359020). Latitude 37.789964, Longitude -107.667394.
Cement Creek Close Up
North Fork Cement Creek showing visual results of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) addition which increases the pH causing precipitation of ferric (orange) and ferrous (green) iron hydroxides. Latitude 37.89517, Longitude -107.64656.
North Fork Cement Creek showing visual results of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) addition which increases the pH causing precipitation of ferric (orange) and ferrous (green) iron hydroxides. Latitude 37.89517, Longitude -107.64656.
Animas River at A72
Animas River downstream from Silverton, Colorado showing cableway for USGS stream gage at site A72 (USGS site ID 09359020). Latitude 37.789964, Longitude -107.667394.
Animas River downstream from Silverton, Colorado showing cableway for USGS stream gage at site A72 (USGS site ID 09359020). Latitude 37.789964, Longitude -107.667394.
Measuring pH
Measuring pH at the outlet of the fourth settling pond downstream from the North Fork Cement Creek. Latitude 37.894451, Longitude -107.64763.
Measuring pH at the outlet of the fourth settling pond downstream from the North Fork Cement Creek. Latitude 37.894451, Longitude -107.64763.
Animas River Downstream
Animas River downstream from Silverton Colorado, looking upstream toward town of Silverton. Confluence of Animas River and Mineral Creek near center of photograph. Confluence of Cement Creek and Animas River near upstream area of the town of Silverton. Photo taken from Highway 550 heading to Durango.
Animas River downstream from Silverton Colorado, looking upstream toward town of Silverton. Confluence of Animas River and Mineral Creek near center of photograph. Confluence of Cement Creek and Animas River near upstream area of the town of Silverton. Photo taken from Highway 550 heading to Durango.
USGS Gage 09358000
USGS stream Gage (USGS site ID 09358000) on Animas River upstream from Silverton and Cement Creek. Latitude 37.811131, Longitude -107.659213.
USGS stream Gage (USGS site ID 09358000) on Animas River upstream from Silverton and Cement Creek. Latitude 37.811131, Longitude -107.659213.
View from Gold King Mine
View from the Gold King Mine showing water flowing toward viewer in culvert that collects water from the draining Gold King mine tunnel and diverts water around the waste pile on which it flows and which falls off to the left of the photo. Latitude 37.894631, Longitude -107.638288.
View from the Gold King Mine showing water flowing toward viewer in culvert that collects water from the draining Gold King mine tunnel and diverts water around the waste pile on which it flows and which falls off to the left of the photo. Latitude 37.894631, Longitude -107.638288.
Water Sample Comparison
Photo showing contrast in clarity between water samples collected at sites A68 (USGS site ID 09358000), Animas River at Silverton, Colorado and upstream from Cement Creek; A72 (USGS site ID 09359020), Animas River downstream from Silverton; and CC48 (USGS site ID 09358550), Cement Creek at mouth.
Photo showing contrast in clarity between water samples collected at sites A68 (USGS site ID 09358000), Animas River at Silverton, Colorado and upstream from Cement Creek; A72 (USGS site ID 09359020), Animas River downstream from Silverton; and CC48 (USGS site ID 09358550), Cement Creek at mouth.
Cement Creek Downstream
Cement Creek downstream from CC48 Gage (USGS site ID 09358550) and upstream from confluence with the Animas River near Silverton. Latitude 37.81975, Longitude -107.6624.
Cement Creek downstream from CC48 Gage (USGS site ID 09358550) and upstream from confluence with the Animas River near Silverton. Latitude 37.81975, Longitude -107.6624.
Cement Creek near CC48
Cement Creek near the mouth at site CC48 (USGS site ID 09358550), location of stream gage whose data allowed calculation of the volume of water released during the Gold King Mine release. Latitude 37.8197222, Longitude -107.663056.
Cement Creek near the mouth at site CC48 (USGS site ID 09358550), location of stream gage whose data allowed calculation of the volume of water released during the Gold King Mine release. Latitude 37.8197222, Longitude -107.663056.
First Pond below Gold King Mine
First of four settling ponds located downstream from North Fork Cement Creek to facilitate settling of solids material after addition of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to the North Fork Cement Creek. Latitude 37.89451, Longitude -107.64763.
First of four settling ponds located downstream from North Fork Cement Creek to facilitate settling of solids material after addition of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to the North Fork Cement Creek. Latitude 37.89451, Longitude -107.64763.
Cement Creek
North Fork Cement Creek just upstream from sodium hydroxide (NaOH) addition (to raise pH), that was conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Looking upstream. Latitude 37.89517, Longitude -107.64656.
North Fork Cement Creek just upstream from sodium hydroxide (NaOH) addition (to raise pH), that was conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Looking upstream. Latitude 37.89517, Longitude -107.64656.
North Fork of Cement Creek
View looking down from the Gold King waste pile showing North Fork Cement Creek downstream from the pond, and the confluence with Cement Creek valley in center, upper, right. Latitude 37.893895, Longitude -107.641154.
View looking down from the Gold King waste pile showing North Fork Cement Creek downstream from the pond, and the confluence with Cement Creek valley in center, upper, right. Latitude 37.893895, Longitude -107.641154.
Gold King Mine Pond Edge
View of pond in North Fork of Cement Creek that receives the water from the Gold King Mine portal and native flow in North Fork Cement Creek, looking upstream, very little to no native flow is visible. Latitude 37.89401, Longitude -107.63821.
View of pond in North Fork of Cement Creek that receives the water from the Gold King Mine portal and native flow in North Fork Cement Creek, looking upstream, very little to no native flow is visible. Latitude 37.89401, Longitude -107.63821.
Minisipper
Photo of submersible Minisipper sampling device used to collect multiple water-quality samples during multiple-day deployment. At several locations downstream from the Gold King Mine following the Gold King Mine release on August 5, 2015.
Photo of submersible Minisipper sampling device used to collect multiple water-quality samples during multiple-day deployment. At several locations downstream from the Gold King Mine following the Gold King Mine release on August 5, 2015.
Minisipper at Durango
Minisipper location at City of Durango water intake structure. Minisipper installed by USGS to collect multiple water-quality samples. Latitude 37.26428, Longitude -107.8812.
Minisipper location at City of Durango water intake structure. Minisipper installed by USGS to collect multiple water-quality samples. Latitude 37.26428, Longitude -107.8812.
Island Streambed Sampling
Island upstream from City of Durango, Colorado's water intake structure where streambed sediments were sampled. Latitude 37.26428, Longitude -107.8812.
Island upstream from City of Durango, Colorado's water intake structure where streambed sediments were sampled. Latitude 37.26428, Longitude -107.8812.
Upper Workings of Pennsylvania Mine in Headwaters of Peru CreeK, CO
Upper workings of the Pennsylvania Mine in the headwaters of Peru Creek, Colorado.
Upper workings of the Pennsylvania Mine in the headwaters of Peru Creek, Colorado.
*Disclaimer: Listing outside positions with professional scientific organizations on this Staff Profile are for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of those professional scientific organizations or their activities by the USGS, Department of the Interior, or U.S. Government