Chemical Constituents in Groundwater from Multiple 

Zones in the Eastern Snake River Plain Aquifer at the 

Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho, 2005–08

Scientific Investigations Report 2010–5116

Prepared in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Energy 

U.S. Department of the Interior

U.S. Geological Survey

DOE/ID-22211

tac10-0433_fig11

0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 0 20 40 60 80 100 125 150 175 200 225

ZONE NUMBER AND DEPTH, IN FEET BELOW LAND SURFACE (DEPTH NOT TO SCALE)

Fluoride

Nitrate

Potassium

MILLIGRAMS PER LITER MILLIGRAMS PER LITER MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

Sodium

Silica

Chloride

Magnesium

Sulfate

Calcium

Bicarbonate

7

(682)

6

(805)

5

(914)

4

(1,000)

3

(1,095)

2

(1,220)

1

(1,269)

Land surface

Water level outside

multiport casing

Water level inside

multiport casing

Pressure probe at

measurement port

Monitoring zone

Inflated packer

bladder
Cover: Cross-section showing components of a multi-packer borehole 

completion, and average concentrations for selected chemical constituents 

from samples collected in 2007–08 from well USGS 103. 
Chemical Constituents in Groundwater from 

Multiple Zones in the Snake River Plain 

Aquifer at the Idaho National Laboratory, 

Idaho, 2005–08

By Roy C. Bartholomay and Brian V. Twining

DOE/ID-22211

Prepared in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Energy

Scientific Investigations Report 2010–5116

U.S. Department of the Interior

U.S. Geological Survey
U.S. Department of the Interior

KEN SALAZAR, Secretary

U.S. Geological Survey

Marcia K. McNutt, Director

U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, Virginia: 2010

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Although this report is in the public domain, permission must be secured from the individual copyright owners to 

reproduce any copyrighted materials contained within this report.

Suggested citation:

Bartholomay, R.C., and Twining, B.V., 2010, Chemical constituents in groundwater from multiple zones in the Eastern 

Snake River Plain Aquifer at the Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho, 2005–08: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific 

Investigations Report 2010-5116, 82 p.
iii

Contents

Abstract ..........................................................................................................................................................1

Introduction ....................................................................................................................................................1

Purpose and Scope ..............................................................................................................................3

Geohydrologic Setting .........................................................................................................................3

Previous Investigations........................................................................................................................8

Methods and Quality Assurance.................................................................................................................9

Multilevel Monitoring System.............................................................................................................9

Sample Collection ..............................................................................................................................10

Analytical Methods.............................................................................................................................10

Guidelines for Interpretation of Analytical Results ......................................................................14

Quality Assurance/Quality Control ..................................................................................................14

Water Chemistry of Recharge to the Eastern Snake River Plain Aquifer...........................................15

Concentrations of Chemical Constituents in Groundwater .................................................................17

Cations, Anions, and Silica................................................................................................................17

Selected Inorganic Constituents......................................................................................................28

Nutrients...............................................................................................................................................31

Total Organic Carbon..........................................................................................................................31

Gross Alpha- and Gross Beta-Particle Radioactivity ...................................................................31

Strontium-90.........................................................................................................................................32

Tritium ..................................................................................................................................................32

Cesium-137...........................................................................................................................................33

Uranium Isotopes................................................................................................................................33

Transuranic Elements ........................................................................................................................34

Stable Isotopes....................................................................................................................................34

Chemical Comparison of Groundwater from Multiple Zones...............................................................35

Summary........................................................................................................................................................38

References Cited..........................................................................................................................................39
iv

Figures

Figure 1. Map showing location of the Idaho National Laboratory and selected 

sites, Idaho ................................................................................. 2

Figure 2. Map showing location of wells at the Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho ............ 4

Figure 3. Map showing distribution of hydrogeologic units at the water table and 

cross section showing borehole depth in relation to model layers and 

hydrogeologic units along section A-A’, Idaho National Laboratory and 

vicinity, Idaho .............................................................................. 6

Figure 4. Schematic representation of components of the WestbayTM Multiport (MP) 

System for multilevel groundwater monitoring .......................................... 10

Figure 5. Trilinear diagram showing major-ion composition of water from well 

Middle 2050A, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho ....................................... 18

Figure 6. Graphs showing concentrations of selected ions and silica in water from 

well Middle 2050A, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho ................................. 19

Figure 7. Trilinear diagram showing major-ion composition of water from well 

Middle 2051, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho.......................................... 20

Figure 8. Trilinear diagram showing major-ion composition of water from well 

Middle 2051 zone 5 and selected Big Lost River sites, Idaho National 

Laboratory, Idaho ........................................................................... 21

Figure 9. Graphs showing concentrations of selected ions and silica in water from 

well Middle 2051, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho .................................... 22

Figure 10. Trilinear diagram showing major-ion composition of water from well 

USGS 103, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho............................................. 23

Figure 11. Graphs showing concentrations of selected ions and silica in water from 

well USGS 103, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho....................................... 24

Figure 12. Trilinear diagram showing major-ion composition of water from well 

USGS 132, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho............................................. 25

Figure 13. Graphs showing concentrations of selected ions and silica in water from 

well USGS 132, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho....................................... 26

Figure 14. Trilinear diagram showing major-ion composition of water from well 

USGS 133, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho............................................. 27

Figure 15. Graphs showing concentrations of selected ions and silica in water from 

well USGS 133, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho....................................... 28

Figure 16. Trilinear diagram showing major-ion composition of water from well 

USGS 134, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho............................................. 29

Figure 17. Graphs showing concentrations of selected ions and silica in water from 

well USGS 134, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho....................................... 30

Figure 18. Graphs showing concentrations of tritium in wells Middle 2050A, 

Middle 2051, USGS 103, USGS 132, USGS 133, and USGS 134, Idaho 

National Laboratory, Idaho ............................................................... 33

Figure 19. Trilinear diagram showing major-ion composition of water from wells 

Middle 2050A, Middle 2051, USGS 103, USGS 132, USGS 133, and USGS 134, 

Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho ......................................................... 36

Figure 20. Trilinear diagram showing major-ion composition from selected sites at and 

near the Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho ............................................. 37
v

Tables

Table 1. Well identifier, port depth, interval sampled, and groundwater model layer 

information from multiple zones in the eastern Snake River Plain aquifer, 

Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho, 2005-08 ............................................. 5

Table 2. Field measurements of pH, specific conductance, water temperature, 

dissolved oxygen, alkalinity, and turbidity, and calculations of dissolved 

solids in water from multiple zones in the eastern Snake River Plain aquifer, 

Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho, 2005–08 ............................................. 11

Table 3. Concentrations of dissolved major cations and silica in water from multiple 

zones in the eastern Snake River Plain aquifer, Idaho National Laboratory, 

Idaho, 2005–08 .............................................................................. 43

Table 4. Concentrations of dissolved major anions in water from multiple zones in 

the eastern Snake River Plain aquifer, Idaho National Laboratory, 

Idaho, 2005–08 .............................................................................. 46

Table 5. Concentrations of selected minor dissolved inorganic constituents in water 

from multiple zones in the eastern Snake River Plain aquifer, Idaho National 

Laboratory, Idaho, 2005–08 ............................................................... 49

Table 6. Concentrations of dissolved nutrients and total organic carbon in water 

from multiple zones in the eastern Snake River Plain aquifer, Idaho National 

Laboratory, Idaho, 2005–08 ............................................................... 64

Table 7. Concentrations of gross alpha-particle radioactivity, gross-beta particle 

radioactivity, strontium-90, tritium, and cesium-137 in water from multiple 

zones in the eastern Snake River Plain aquifer, Idaho National Laboratory, 

Idaho, 2005–08 .............................................................................. 69

Table 8. Concentrations of uranium, plutonium, and americium isotopes in water 

from multiple zones in the eastern Snake River Plain aquifer, Idaho National 

Laboratory, Idaho, 2005–08 ............................................................... 74

Table 9. Concentrations of isotopes of oxygen, hydrogen, and carbon in water from 

multiple zones in the eastern Snake River Plain aquifer, Idaho National 

Laboratory, Idaho, 2005-08.................................................................. 77

Table 10. Chemical concentrations of selected source water that provide recharge 

to the Snake River Plain aquifer, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho .................. 80
vi

Conversion Factors and Datums

Conversion Factors

Inch/Pound to SI

Multiply By To obtain

foot (ft) 0.3048 meter (m)

mile (mi) 1.609 kilometer (km)

square mile (mi2) 259.0 hectare (ha)

gallon (gal) 3.785 liter (L) 

ounce, avoirdupois (oz avdp) 28.35 gram (g)

gallon (gal) 3.785 cubic decimeter (dm3) 

acre-foot per year (acre-ft/yr) 1,233 cubic meter per year (m3/yr)

foot squared per day (ft2/d) 0.09290 meter squared per day (m2/d)

foot per mile (ft/mi) 0.1894 meter per kilometer (m/km)

foot per second (ft/s) 0.3048 meter per second (m/s)

cubic foot per second (ft3/s) 0.02832 cubic meter per second (m3/s)

cubic foot per day (ft3/d) 0.02832 cubic meter per day (m3/d)

gallon per minute (gal/min) 0.06309 liter per second (L/s)

picocurie per liter (pCi/L) 0.037 Becquerel per liter (Bq/L)

attocurie per liter (aCi/L) 3.7×10-8 Becquerel per liter (Bq/L)

foot per day (ft/d) 0.3048 meter per day (m/d)

Temperature in degrees Celsius (°C) may be converted to degrees Fahrenheit (°F) as follows:

°F=(1.8×°C)+32.

Specific conductance is given in microsiemens per centimeter at 25 degrees Celsius (μS/cm at 

25°C).

Concentrations of chemical constituents in water are given either in milligrams per liter (mg/L) 

or micrograms per liter (μg/L).

Datums

Vertical coordinate information is referenced to National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929 

(NGVD 29).

Horizontal coordinate information is referenced to North American Datum of 1927 (NAD 27).

Altitude, as used in this report, refers to distance above the vertical datum.
vii

Acronyms and Abbreviations

BLS below land surface C carbon

DOE Department of Energy E estimate

ESRP Eastern Snake River Plain H hydrogen

INL Idaho National Laboratory

INTEC Idaho Nuclear Technology and Engineering Center

LRL laboratory reporting levels

MDL method detection limit

MP Multiport

NRF Naval Reactors Facility

NWQL National Water Quality Laboratory O oxygen

PVC polyvinyl chloride

QA quality assurance

QC quality control

RESL Radiological and Environmental Sciences Laboratory

RPD relative percent difference

RTC Reactor Technology Complex

RWMC Radioactive Waste Management Complex

SDA Subsurface Disposal Area

TAN Test Area North

USGS U.S. Geological Survey
viii

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Chemical Constituents in Groundwater from Multiple 

Zones in the Eastern Snake River Plain Aquifer at the 

Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho, 2005–08

By Roy C. Bartholomay and Brian V. Twining

Abstract 

From 2005 to 2008, the U.S. Geological Survey’s Idaho 

National Laboratory (INL) Project office, in cooperation 

with the U.S. Department of Energy, collected water-quality 

samples from multiple water-bearing zones in the eastern 

Snake River Plain aquifer. Water samples were collected from 

six monitoring wells completed in about 350–700 feet of 

the upper part of the aquifer, and the samples were analyzed 

for major ions, selected trace elements, nutrients, selected 

radiochemical constituents, and selected stable isotopes. 

Each well was equipped with a multilevel monitoring system 

containing four to seven sampling ports that were each 

isolated by permanent packer systems. The sampling ports 

were installed in aquifer zones that were highly transmissive 

and that represented the water chemistry of the top four to five 

model layers of a steady-state and transient groundwater-flow 

model. The model’s water chemistry and particle-tracking 

simulations are being used to better define movement of 

wastewater constituents in the aquifer. 

The results of the water chemistry analyses indicated 

that, in each of four separate wells, one zone of water differed 

markedly from the other zones in the well. In four wells, 

one zone to as many as five zones contained radiochemical 

constituents that originated from wastewater disposal at 

selected laboratory facilities. The multilevel sampling systems 

are defining the vertical distribution of wastewater constituents 

in the eastern Snake River Plain aquifer and the concentrations 

of wastewater constituents in deeper zones in wells Middle 

2051, USGS 132, and USGS 103 support the concept of 

groundwater flow deepening in the southwestern part of the 

INL.

Introduction 

The Idaho National Laboratory (INL), encompassing 

about 890 mi2 of the eastern Snake River Plain (ESRP) in 

southeastern Idaho (fig. 1), is operated by the U.S. Department 

of Energy (DOE). The INL was established in 1949 for the 

development of peacetime atomic energy applications, nuclear 

safety research, defense programs, environmental research, 

and advanced energy concepts. Wastewater disposal sites at 

Test Area North (TAN), the Naval Reactors Facility (NRF), the 

Reactor Technology Complex (RTC), and the Idaho Nuclear 

Technology and Engineering Center (INTEC) (fig. 1) have 

been principal sources of radioactive- and chemical-waste 

contaminants in water from the ESRP aquifer. These 

wastewater disposal sites have included lined evaporation 

ponds, unlined infiltration ponds and ditches, drain fields, and 

injection wells. Waste materials buried in shallow pits and 

trenches within the Subsurface Disposal Area (SDA) at the 

Radioactive Waste Management Complex (RWMC) also have 

contributed contaminants to the groundwater. 

Prior to 1984, most of the wastewater generated at the 

INTEC, which is located in the southwestern part of the 

INL, was injected directly to the ESRP aquifer through a 

598-foot-deep disposal well. In February 1984, routine use 

of the disposal well was discontinued, and wastewater was 

then discharged to unlined infiltration ponds south of the 

INTEC until 2002 (when the ponds were relocated to about 

2 mi southwest of INTEC). The infiltration ponds allowed the 

wastewater to percolate through about 450 ft of basalt and 

sediment to the aquifer. 

Since 1952, wastewater generated at the RTC has been 

discharged mostly to ponds. Low-level radioactive wastewater 

was discharged to infiltration ponds until 1993; since then it 

has been discharged to evaporation ponds. Nonradioactive 

wastewater was discharged to the aquifer through a disposal 

well from 1964 to 1982, and has been discharged to infiltration 

ponds since 1982 (Davis, 2008). 

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has maintained 

a water-quality monitoring program at the INL since 1949 

to define (1) the quality and availability of water for human 

consumption, (2) the usability of the water for supporting 

construction of facilities and for industrial purposes such as 

cooling systems and diluting concentrated waste streams, 

(3) the location and movement of contaminants in the ESRP 

aquifer, (4) the sources of recharge to the aquifer, (5) an 

early detection network for contaminants moving past the 

INL boundaries, and (6) the processes controlling the origin 

and distribution of contaminants and naturally occurring 

constituents in the aquifer (Ackerman and others, in press).
2 Chemical Constituents in Groundwater from Multiple Zones, Eastern Snake River Plain Aquifer, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho, 2005–08

Figure 1. Location of the Idaho National Laboratory and selected sites, Idaho. 

tac10-0433_fig01

MFC

CFA

INTEC

NRF

RWMC

TAN

RTC

PBF

Surface water site and identifier

Well or spring and identifier

Selected facilities at the Idaho National Laboratory

 Central Facilities Area

 Idaho Nuclear Technology and Engineering Center

 Materials and Fuels Complex

 Naval Reactors Facility

 Power Burst Facility

 Radioactive Waste Management Complex

 Reactor Technology Complex—also Known as Test Reactor Area 

 Test Area North

EXPLANATION

INEL-1

USGS 101

ANP-8

Owen

Boundary of Idaho National Labororatory

Area shown in figure 2

IDAHO

BOISE

EASTERN 

SNAKE RIVER

IDAHO PLAIN

NATIONAL

LABORATORY

Twin

Falls

Pocatello

Idaho

Falls

Base from U.S. Geological Survey digital data, 1:24,000 and 1:100,000

Universal Transverse Mercator projection, Zone 12

Datum is North American Datum of 1927

0

0 10

10

20 KILOMETERS

20 MILES

Mud

Lake

Big

Lost

River

Little

Lost

River

Birch

Creek

Mackay

Reservoir

Camas

Creek

26

93

20

26

33

22

28

20

93

Big 

Southern

Butte

East

Butte Middle

Butte

BITTERROOT

RANGE

LEMHI RANGE

LOST RIVER RANGE

PIONEER MOUNTAINS

TAN

RTC

INTEC

CFA

NRF

RWMC

MFC

PBF

Big Lost River

playas and sinks

Birch Creek 

Sinks

Spreading

Areas

USGS 7

Big Lost River near NRF

Big Lost River 

near Mackay

Big Lost River 

near Moore

Big Lost River 

near Butte City

Big Lost River 

below Arco

Big Lost River at 

Mackay Dam

Big Lost River below 

INEL division

Lidy

Hot

Springs

SPERT 1

SPERT IV

Big Lost River near NRF

EBR-II

USGS

126B

Big Lost River 

near Arco

WS for INEL-1 INEL-1

NRF-2

Condie Hot

Springs

113°00’ 45’

44°00’

45’

43°30’

113°30’ 15’ 30’ 112°15’

Atomic

City

Howe

 Arco City

Arco

Mud

Lake

Terreton

Moore

Butte City

Mackay

Harrell
Introduction 3

Since the inception of the monitoring program, 

a network that once numbered almost 200 wells has 

been sampled for various constituents including tritium, 

strontium-90, cesium-137, plutonium-238, plutonium-239, 

-240 (undivided), americium-241, gross alpha- and gross 

beta-radioactivity, iodine-129, chromium and other trace 

elements, sodium, chloride, sulfate, nitrate, fluoride, volatile 

organic compounds, and total organic carbon (Davis, 2008; 

Bartholomay, 2009). Most of the wells in this network were 

constructed as open-borehole wells, and many of the wells 

are open to the aquifer through their entire depth below the 

water table. This type of construction is good for maximum 

water-production rates, for identifying the time of arrival of 

contaminant plumes, and for delineating the horizontal extent 

of contaminants. However, it is not conducive to identifying 

either the vertical distribution of contaminants or pressure 

and temperature gradients (J.P. Rousseau, USGS, written 

commun., December 2006). 

To acquire water-chemistry data that describe the vertical 

distribution of constituents in the ESRP aquifer, the USGS 

collaborated with an INL contractor in 2005 to develop a 

multilevel monitoring network. The multilevel network allows 

for sampling of discrete zones of water versus sampling 

an open, mixed zone. The multilevel monitoring network 

was expanded by the USGS in 2006 and 2007. In 2005, 

2006, and 2007, wells Middle 2050A, Middle 2051, USGS 

103, USGS 132, USGS 133, and USGS 134 (fig. 2) were 

instrumented with multilevel WestbayTM packer sampling 

systems to acquire water-quality samples and pressure and 

temperature measurements at isolated depths in each of the 

wells. These isolated depths coincide with the vertical location 

of groundwater model layers (table 1, fig. 3) in which particles 

are introduced to simulate groundwater flowpaths (Ackerman 

and others, in press). 

Purpose and Scope

This report presents water-chemistry results from water 

samples collected between 2005 and 2008 from six wells 

equipped with multilevel monitoring systems completed in the 

upper 350–700 ft of the eastern Snake River Plain aquifer at 

the INL. Water chemistry is compared in different zones with 

water-source types throughout the INL. Two wells (Middle 

2050A and Middle 2051), each with five sample ports, were 

instrumented in 2005; two wells (USGS 132 and USGS 134) 

with six and five sample ports, respectively, were instrumented 

in 2006; and two wells (USGS 103 and USGS 133) with 

seven and four sample ports, respectively, were instrumented 

in 2007. The sample ports were installed in zones of the 

aquifer that were highly transmissive of groundwater and that 

represented the water chemistry of the top four to five layers 

of the USGS INL groundwater model for steady-state and 

transient groundwater flow (Ackerman and others, in press).

Water samples that were collected from four wells 

in 2006 were analyzed for dissolved cations and anions; 

trace elements; nutrients; isotopes of oxygen, hydrogen, 

and carbon; dissolved gasses and chlorofluorocarbons; total 

organic carbon; uranium isotopes; tritium; strontium-90; 

plutonium and americium isotopes; and gross alpha, beta, 

and gamma radioactivity. Analyses of dissolved gas and 

chlorofluorocarbon samples indicated possible contamination 

from excess air in the system (Ed Busenberg, USGS oral 

commun., 2006) that probably was introduced during the 

drilling process. As a result, those sample results are not 

reported. A few samples collected in subsequent years still 

indicated probable contamination. Two wells (USGS 103 

and USGS 133) were sampled for the first time in 2007 for 

all constituents sampled for in 2006, except for dissolved 

gases and chlorofluorocarbons. The list of constituents that 

were sampled for in 2007 and 2008 was revised based on 

results from the first round of sampling. For the entire period 

of sampling, eight replicate samples, two blank samples, and 

two samples of drilling water were collected as a measure of 

quality assurance. Iodine-129 was collected from all six wells 

in 2007, and the analysis results were reported in Bartholomay 

(2009). Tritium was sampled at two different detection levels 

in 2008 at all six wells. 

Geohydrologic Setting

The INL is located on the west-central part of the ESRP. 

The ESRP is a northeast-trending structural basin about 

200 mi long and 50–70 mi wide (fig. 1). The basin, bounded 

by faults on the northwest and by downwarping and faulting 

on the southeast, has been filled with basaltic-lava flows 

interbedded with terrestrial sediments. The basaltic rocks 

and sedimentary deposits combine to form the ESRP aquifer, 

which is the primary source of groundwater on the plain. 

The ESRP aquifer is one of the most productive aquifers 

in the United States (U.S. Geological Survey, 1985, p. 193). 

Water in the aquifer generally moves from northeast to 

southwest, and eventually discharges to springs along the 

Snake River downstream of Twin Falls, ID, about 100 mi 

southwest of the INL. Water moves horizontally through basalt 

interflow zones and vertically through joints and interfingering 

edges of interflow zones. Infiltration of surface water, heavy 

pumpage, geologic conditions, and seasonal fluxes of recharge 

and discharge locally affect the movement of groundwater 

(Garabedian, 1986). The ESRP aquifer is recharged principally 

from infiltration of applied irrigation water, infiltration of 

streamflow, groundwater inflow from adjoining mountain 

drainage basins, and infiltration of precipitation. 
4 Chemical Constituents in Groundwater from Multiple Zones, Eastern Snake River Plain Aquifer, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho, 2005–08

Figure 2. Location of wells at the Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho.

tac10-0433_fig02

Idaho National Laboratory Boundary

Multi-level monitoring well, USGS 132 is well identifier

Well, USGS 11 is well identifier

Selected facilities at the Idaho National Laboratory

EBR 1

CFA 2

CFA 1

INTEC

DISPOSAL WELL

TRA 2 TRA 1

CPP 1

SITE 9

USGS 134 SITE 04

USGS 134

USGS 133

USGS 132

USGS 120

USGS 109 USGS 108 USGS 105 USGS 103

USGS 83

USGS 44

USGS 22

HWY 3

USGS 14

USGS 11

ICPP 1798

ICPP 1796 ICPP 1797

ICPP 1795

MIDDLE 2051

TRA DISPOSAL

MIDDLE 2050A

RWMC PRODUCTION

FIRE STATION WELL

BFW

Radioactivewaste ponds

Evaporation ponds

Infiltration ponds

Cold-waste ponds

Big Lost River

Big Southern Butte

Spreading

Areas

113°7'30"W 113°0'0"W 112°52'30"W

43°30'0"N

43°22'30"N

0 2 4 8 KILOMETERS

0 3 6 MILES

EXPLANATION

Radioactive Waste

Management Complex

Idaho Nuclear Technology

and Engineering Center

Reactor Technology

Complex

Central 

Facilities

Area
Introduction 5

Table 1. Well identifier, port depth, interval sampled, and groundwater model layer information from multiple zones 

in the eastern Snake River Plain aquifer, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho, 2005-08.

[Well locations are shown in figure 2. Port depth and interval sampled in feet below land surface. Model layer: See Ackerman and others 

(in press) for more information. Layer 1 represents water from the upper 100 feet of the aquifer; layer 2 represents water from 100 to 

200 feet below the top of the aquifer; layer 3 represents water from 200 to 300 feet below the top of the aquifer; layer 4 represents water 

from 300 to 500 feet below the top of the aquifer; layer 5 represents water from 500 to 800 feet below the top of the aquifer; and layer 6 

represents water from greater than 800 feet below the top of the aquifer; none of the wells reach model layer 6]

Well name Site identifier Port depth Interval sampled Model layer

Middle 2050A

Zone 5 433409112570515 515 464 – 536 1

Zone 4 433409112570512 642 642 – 700 2 and 3

Zone 3 433409112570509 790 787 – 804 4

Zone 2 433409112570506 998 998 – 1,038 5

Zone 1 433409112570503 1,179 1,179 – 1,224 5

Middle 2051

Zone 5 433217113004912 604 564 – 610 1

Zone 4 433217113004909 750 745 – 771 2 and 3

Zone 3 433217113004906 828 828 – 876 3 and 4

Zone 2 433217113004903 1,092 1,092 – 1,128 5

Zone 1 433217113004901 1,142 1,142 – 1,178 5

USGS 103

Zone 7 432714112560723 682 672 – 694 1 and 2

Zone 6 432714112560720 805 770 – 836 2 and 3

Zone 5 432714112560716 914 896 – 925 4

Zone 4 432714112560712 1,000 964 – 1,021 4

Zone 3 432714112560708 1,095 1,071 – 1,107 4 and 5

Zone 2 432714112560704 1,220 1,194 – 1,251 5

Zone 1 432714112560702 1,269 1,269 – 1,291 5

USGS 132

Zone 6 432906113025022 636 623 – 657 1

Zone 5 432906113025018 764 726 – 785 2

Zone 4 432906113025014 826 810 – 861 3

Zone 3 432906113025010 917 910 – 933 4

Zone 2 432906113025006 1,010 984 – 1,041 4

Zone 1 432906113025001 1,172 1,152 – 1,213 5

USGS 133

Zone 4 433605112554312 468 447 – 480 1

Zone 3 433605112554308 568 554 – 590 2

Zone 2 433605112554305 685 684 – 695 3

Zone 1 433605112554301 744 724 – 764 4

USGS 134

Zone 5 433611112595819 578 554 – 588 1

Zone 4 433611112595815 644 638 – 650 2

Zone 3 433611112595811 706 690 – 718 2 and 3

Zone 2 433611112595807 806 782 – 816 3 and 4

Zone 1 433611112595804 1846 846 – 866 4

Zone 1 433611112595803 856 846 – 866 4

1

The port at 856 feet below land surface was damaged in 2007, so samples were collected from the port at 846 feet below land 

surface in 2008.
6 Chemical Constituents in Groundwater from Multiple Zones, Eastern Snake River Plain Aquifer, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho, 2005–08

Figure 3. (A) Distribution of hydrogeologic units at the water table and cross section showing (B) borehole depth in relation 

to model layers and hydrogeologic units along section A-A’, Idaho National Laboratory and vicinity, Idaho.

tac10-0433_fig03a

Mud Lake

Camas

Creek

Lost

River

Little

Lost

Birch

Creek

Mackay

Reservoir

Big

River

Big Lost River

spreading areas

A, B, C, and D

Big Lost River

sinks and playas

1, 2, and 3

Atomic

City

East

Butte

Middle

Butte

Howe

Arco

BITTERROOT

 RANGE

LOST RIVER RANGE

LEMHI RANGE

WHITE KNOB MOUNTAINS

Mud

Lake

Terreton

Big Southern

Butte

IDAHO

BOISE

EASTERN 

SNAKE RIVER PLAIN IDAHO 

NATIONAL

LABORATORY

Twin

Falls

Pocatello

Idaho

Falls

113° 00 ́

113°45 ́

113°30 ́ 112°30 ́ 112° 00 ́

43°

44°

00 ́

44°

15 ́

0 10 20 MILES

0 10 20 KILOMETERS

43°

43°

45’

A.

A A’ Line of hydrogeologic section—See section in figure 3B

 Hydrogeologic units at the water table

Boundary of model area

1—Younger rocks consisting of densely fractured basalt and interbedded 

sediment

2—Younger rocks consisting of massive, less densely fractured basalt and 

interbedded sediment. 

3—Intermediate-age rocks consisting of slightly altered fractured basalt and 

interbedded sediment

Silicic rocks—Includes rhyolite domes Big Southern Butte (A), Middle Butte 

(B), and East Butte (C). Small unnamed dome and Cedar Butte andesite 

not shown

Boundary of Idaho National Laboratory

EXPLANATION

Site facilities

CFA—Central Facilities Area

INTEC—Idaho Nuclear Technology and Engineering 

Center

MFC—Materials and Fuels Complex

NRF—Naval Reactors Facility

RTC—Reactor Technology Complex

RWMC—Radioactive Waste Management Complex

TAN—Test Area North

Well instrumented with multi-level

sampling system

A

A’

TAN

RTC INTEC

NRF

RWMC

CFA

MFC

USGS 103

USGS 132

USGS 134 USGS 133

MIDDLE 2050A

MIDDLE 2051

USGS 132

Base from U.S. Geological Survey digital data, 1:24,000 and 1:100,000

Universal Transverse Mercator projection, Zone 12

Datum is North American Datum of 1927

A

A

B

C

PIONEER MOUNTAINS
Introduction 7

tac10-0433_fig03b

Contact—Approximately located, queried where uncertain

Water table

EXPLANATION

Unsaturated zone

1—Younger rocks consisting of densely fractured basalt and interbedded 

sediment.

2—Younger rocks consisting of massive, less densely fractured basalt and 

interbedded sediment. Queried where uncertain.

3—Intermediate-age rocks consisting of slightly altered fractured basalt 

and sediment.

Older rocks

?

VERTICAL SCALE GREATLY EXAGGERATED

Unsaturated zone

?

?

?

?

?

? Water table

A'

METERS

1,400

1,200

1,300

1,100

1,500

1,600

1,700

800

600

700

500

400

300 

900

1,000

5,000

5,500

FEET

4,000

2,000

1,000

3,000

4,500

2,500

1,500

3,500

A

ALTITUDE, IN FEET ABOVE NATIONAL GEODETIC VERTICAL DATUM OF 1929

Older rocks

Older rocks

USGS 132

MIDDLE 2050A

TAN

INL Boundary

2 1

3

3

0 10 20 MILES

0 10 20 KILOMETERS

Site facilities

Idaho National Laboratory

Radioactive Waste Management Complex

Reactor Technology Complex

Naval Reactors Facility

Test Area North

INL

RWMC

RTC

NRF

USGS 103MIDDLE 2051

USGS 133

RWMC

RTC, USGS 134

NRF

Layer 1 Layer 2 Layer 3

Layer 4

Layer 5

Layer 6

Layer 6 Boundary of model layer and layer number

TAN

Southwest

boundary

Northeast

boundary

Base of aquifer

Well USGS 103 not projected perpendicular to cross-section trace; well depth based on total depth of well.

B.

 Hydrogeologic units

Figure 3.—Continued.

At the INL, depth to water in wells completed in the 

ESRP aquifer ranges from about 200 ft in the northern part 

of the site to more than 900 ft in its southeastern part. A 

significant proportion of the groundwater moves through 

the upper 200–800 ft of basaltic rocks (Mann, 1986, p. 21). 

Ackerman (1991, p. 30) and Bartholomay and others (1997, 

table 3) reported a range of transmissivity of basalt in the 

upper part of the aquifer of 1.1–760,000 ft2/d. The hydraulic 

gradient at the INL ranges from 2 to 10 ft/mi, with an average 

of 4 ft/mi (Davis, 2008, fig. 11). Horizontal flow velocities 

of 2–20 ft/d have been calculated based on the movement of 

various constituents in different areas of the aquifer at the 

INL (Robertson and others, 1974; Mann and Beasley, 1994; 

Cecil and others, 2000; Busenberg and others, 2001). These 

flow rates equate to a travel time of about 70–700 years for 

water beneath the INL to travel to springs that discharge at the 

terminus of the ESRP aquifer. Localized tracer tests at the INL 

have revealed vertical- and horizontal-transport rates as high 

as 60–150 ft/d (Nimmo and others, 2002; Duke and others, 

2007). 
8 Chemical Constituents in Groundwater from Multiple Zones, Eastern Snake River Plain Aquifer, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho, 2005–08

Previous Investigations

Many investigations have evaluated the geology and 

hydrology of the ESRP aquifer at the INL. A comprehensive 

listing of publications by the USGS is available at: http://

id.water.usgs.gov/projects/INL/publication.html.

Some of the previous investigations of water chemistry 

at different depths in the ESRP aquifer at the INL were 

documented in Peckman (1959), Jones (1961), Olmsted 

(1962), Mann (1986), Mann and Cecil (1990), Fromm and 

others (1994), U.S. Department of Energy (2004, 2007, and 

2008), and Bartholomay (2009).

Peckman (1959) discussed the hydrology and 

chemical quality of groundwater in the INTEC area. Nearly 

1,000 samples were collected with a thief sampler from 

different depths in 13 wells, mostly looking at variations in 

chloride concentrations. Rates of movement of groundwater 

from the injection well to the monitoring wells were estimated 

from fluctuations in the chloride concentration of the water. 

Jones (1961) defined five principal aquifers that occur 

locally from 460 to 660 ft below land surface (BLS) near 

the INTEC. Sodium concentrations were determined from 

selected depths from samples collected with a thief sampler. 

Comprehensive chemical analyses were conducted on samples 

collected from aquifers isolated during packer tests and 

by thief samples. These analyses included determinations 

of chromium, strontium, iodine, and other constituents. 

Dissolved–solids concentrations ranged from about 200 to 

500 mg/L, and specific conductance ranged from about 350 

to 880 μS/cm at 25°C. The flow zone (called aquifer D) was 

isolated by packers to test water quality and movement. Data 

indicated that flow from this zone moved primarily to the 

west, and that it did not seem to be influenced by regional 

flow. 

Olmsted (1962) presented results of the chemical and 

physical properties of 148 groundwater samples collected at 

the INL, and defined four major water types for the aquifer at 

the INL. As part of the sample collection, thief samples were 

collected from USGS 7 (fig. 1) from depths of 380, 440, 720, 

780, and 825 ft BLS (Olmsted, 1962, table 1). Concentrations 

of calcium, bicarbonate, and sulfate were much smaller in the 

sample from the 380-ft depth than in samples from the other 

zones. The sulfate concentration in the sample from the 825-ft 

zone was more than double the values from the other zones. 

Olmsted (1962) also evaluated specific conductance variations 

in several wells at the INL at different depths, and noted that, 

in most wells, the specific conductance was lower in the upper 

50 ft of the aquifer than in the deeper zones. Olmsted (1962) 

interpreted the lower specific conductance water as being 

“fresher” water. 

Mann (1986) presented results from water samples 

collected from four different intervals from well INEL-1 

(fig. 1). Water samples were collected from intervals of 

1,511–2,206; 3,559–3,713; 3,559–4,878; and 4,210–10,365 ft 

BLS, and the samples were analyzed for common ions and 

trace elements. An additional sample for comparison was 

collected from well Water Supply (WS) for INEL-1 (fig. 1) 

from the interval of 395–595 ft BLS. The dissolved solids 

and chemical composition of the water changed markedly 

with depth. Dissolved-solid concentrations changed from 

381 mg/L in the 395–595 ft interval to 1,020 mg/L in the 

deepest interval. The water chemistry changed from a 

calcium-magnesium-bicarbonate water in the shallowest 

interval to a sodium-bicarbonate water in the deeper intervals. 

This change in chemistry coincides with the change from 

basaltic rocks in the upper interval to rhyolitic rocks in the 

deeper intervals. 

Mann and Cecil (1990) presented tritium results collected 

with a thief sampler in 1983 from various depths in the 

aquifer from wells USGS 103, USGS 105, and USGS 108 

along the southern boundary of the INL (fig. 2). The tritium 

concentration in one sample collected in July 1983 from 

USGS 103 was 800 ± 200 pCi/L. Tritium concentrations 

in 10 samples collected in October and November 1983 at 

depths from 588 to 750 ft BLS were less than the reporting 

level in all 10 samples. Tritium concentrations in nine water 

samples collected in October and November 1983 at depths 

from 670 to 795 ft BLS in USGS 105 ranged from less than 

the reporting level to 3,400 ± 200 pCi/L; concentrations in 

three of the nine samples exceeded the reporting level. Tritium 

concentrations in 11 water samples collected in October and 

November 1983 at depths from 610 to 755 ft BLS in USGS 

108 were greater than the reporting level in all 11 samples; the 

concentrations ranged from 830 ± 90 to 3,400 ± 200 pCi/L.

Fromm and others (1994) presented results from water 

samples collected from six aquifer intervals isolated by a 

straddle packer system in USGS 44 (fig. 2). Water samples 

were analyzed for common ions, trace elements, nutrients, and 

selected radionuclides. Concentrations of tritium, iodine-129, 

nitrate, and chloride were highest in the deepest sample 

interval (580–600 ft) . 

The U.S. Department of Energy (2004) summarized 

data collected from four wells south of the INTEC (ICPP 

1795–1798, fig. 2). Samples were collected from several 

different zones using an inflatable packer sampling system 

in the aquifer to determine concentrations above, within, 

and beneath the H-I interbed to support results of iodine-129 

contaminant transport modeling. Water samples were analyzed 

for tritium, strontium-90, iodine-129, technecium-99, and 

gross alpha and gross beta radiation. Concentrations of 
Methods and Quality Assurance 9

iodine-129 in the northernmost well, ICPP-1795 (fig. 2), 

increased from 0.34 ± 0.04 pCi/L at a depth of 560 ft BLS to 

0.43 ± 0.07 pCi/L at a depth of 620 ft BLS. Concentrations 

of iodine-129 in three wells farther to the south decreased 

with depth—concentrations in the upper zone ranged from 

0.58 ± 0.1 to 0.88 ± 0.08 pCi/L and concentrations in the 

lower zone ranged from not detected to 0.33 ± 0.05 pCi/L. 

The highest strontium-90 concentration was 8.86 ± 1.18 pCi/L 

from ICPP-1796 at a depth of 485 ft BLS. The highest tritium 

concentration was 11,100 ± 317 pCi/L from ICPP-1795 at a 

depth of 560 ft BLS. The highest technicium-99 concentration 

was 39.4 ± 2.91 pCi/L from ICPP-1797 at a depth of 

472–503 ft BLS. 

The U.S. Department of Energy (2007) presented results 

for INL contractor data collected in 2005 and 2006 from five 

zones each from two wells (Middle 2050A and Middle 2051) 

equipped with WestbayTM multilevel monitoring systems. 

Samples were analyzed for volatile organic compounds, 

metals, anions, and radionuclides. Water from the upper zone 

from Middle 2051 was similar in chemical composition to 

water from well Hwy 3. Water from deeper zones indicated 

some influence of waste disposal at the RTC. Concentrations 

of tritium, chloride, and sulfate in water samples from all five 

zones from Middle 2050A were less than detection limits or 

equal to background concentrations, which was interpreted by 

the authors that waste disposal at the INTEC and the RTC had 

not influenced water from any of the five zones. 

The U.S. Department of Energy (2007) also presented 

results from two packer samples collected from well USGS 

105 at intervals of 676–704 ft and 769–790 ft BLS and from 

well USGS 108 at intervals of 613–627 ft and 657–760 ft BLS 

(fig. 2). Samples were analyzed for common ions and nitrate. 

Concentrations of chloride and sulfate were larger in the 

shallow sample from USGS 105; the authors attributed this to 

migration of water from the RWMC area. Chloride and sulfate 

concentrations in the deeper zone in USGS 105 were similar to 

background concentrations reported by Robertson and others 

(1974). Chloride and sulfate concentrations in both samples 

from USGS 108 were similar to the pumped sample. 

The U.S. Department of Energy (2008) presented 

results for samples collected in 2007 by the INL contractor. 

A WestbayTM Mulitport System was used by the contractor to 

collect samples from three wells: Middle 2050A and Middle 

2051 (five zones each), and USGS 132 (six zones). Samples 

were analyzed for volatile organic compounds, metals, anions, 

and radionuclides. Sulfate and chloride concentrations in 

water from the upper zone were much larger from USGS 

132 than in the other five zones; these concentrations were 

similar to concentrations in samples from other wells south 

of the RWMC that generally indicate a high anion anomaly. 

Concentrations from the other five zones in USGS 132 were 

similar to two intervals sampled from Middle 2051. 

Methods and Quality Assurance

Multilevel Monitoring System

The WestbayTM Multiport (MP) System was selected for 

multilevel groundwater monitoring at the INL. This system 

consists of a series of packers, measurement ports, magnetic 

collars, and variable length sections of casing (fig. 4). The 

multilevel monitoring system works to restore the initial 

pressure and chemical conditions in the borehole prior to 

drilling. The multilevel monitoring system is completely 

enclosed with a bore plug at the bottom and casing sections, 

sealed with o-rings, that run the entire length of the borehole. 

Each casing joint is leakproof tested during installation to 

form a continuous, rigid, sealed system that prohibits water 

from getting in or out. However, if a leak occurs at any joint, 

hydraulic isolation between the groundwater in the formation 

and any water inside the casing is maintained because the 

tubes connect only at the ports (Parker and others, 2006). 

The modular construction and varying lengths of polyvinyl 

chloride (PVC) sections allow ports and, therefore, monitoring 

intervals, to be placed at almost any desired depth within a 

hole, provided that the spacing between each interval is great 

enough to accommodate a sufficient seal.

Two specific MP systems were installed: the MP 38 

and the MP 55. The MP-38 system is best suited for 

boreholes 3–4.5 in. in diameter, because the components are 

slightly smaller in diameter. The MP-38 system was purchased 

for well USGS 134 due to borehole diameter constraints that 

would not allow for the larger MP-55 system. The MP-55 

system uses packers, ports, and casing segments similar to 

those of the MP 38, but they are larger in diameter and are 

thus better suited for 4.5–6 in. diameter boreholes. Another 

advantage of the MP-55 system is the ability to collect water 

samples of greater volume, approximately 2 L per run. MP-55 

systems were installed in five of the six multiport boreholes 

(Middle 2050A, Middle 2051, USGS 103, USGS 132, and 

USGS 133). 

Core material, borehole geophysics, and borehole video 

information were used to identify fractures, dense basalt, 

and sediment interbeds to determine the best locations for 

monitoring zones and packers. Core and lithologic information 

for Middle 2050A, Middle 2051, USGS 132, USGS 133, 

and USGS 134 are described in North Wind, Inc. (2006) 

and Twining and others (2008). The sample ports were 

installed in zones of the aquifer that appeared to have a large 

transmissivity of groundwater and that represented the water 

chemistry of the top four to five layers of the USGS INL 

groundwater model for steady-state and transient groundwater 

flow (Ackerman and others, in press). Multiport packers 

extend about 5 ft, so it was important to find areas of massive 

basalt for placement to prevent vertical flow in the borehole. 

A more detailed description of the installation for each of the 

six wells can be found in North Wind, Inc. (2006) and a draft 

USGS report (Jason Fisher, USGS, written commun., January 

20, 2010).
10 Chemical Constituents in Groundwater from Multiple Zones, Eastern Snake River Plain Aquifer, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho, 2005–08

Sample Collection 

Sample collection by the USGS at the INL generally 

followed guidelines established by the USGS that are 

documented in the USGS National Field Manual (U.S. 

Geological Survey, variously dated), Bartholomay and others 

(2003), and Knobel and others (2008). Water samples were 

collected from six wells each equipped with a dedicated 

WestbayTM Multiport (MP) System. A list of sample port 

depths from a total of 32 sampling zones from the aquifer are 

shown in tables 1–9. 

Samples were collected using pre-cleaned, stainlesssteel thief sampling bottles that were lowered to the zone to 

be sampled, connected to the sampling port, and filled with 

formation water. The stainless-steel bottles were then raised to 

the surface and emptied into a pre-cleaned container; the water 

was then processed to fill appropriate bottles for analyses. 

Field measurements also were taken from the pre-cleaned 

container for pH, specific conductance, water temperature, 

dissolved oxygen, alkalinity, and turbidity (table 2). Sample 

bottles were cleaned between uses in each sample zone by 

washing them in a liquinox solution and rinsing them with 

deionized water.

Field processing of samples differed depending on the 

constituents for which analyses were requested. Samples 

analyzed by the USGS National Water Quality Laboratory 

(NWQL) were placed in containers and preserved in 

accordance with laboratory requirements specified by Timme 

(1995) and Knobel and others (2008, app. A). Containers and 

preservatives used for this study were supplied by the NWQL 

and had undergone a rigorous quality-control procedure (Pritt, 

1989, p. 75) to minimize sample contamination. Samples 

requiring filtration consisted of filtering the water through a 

disposable 0.45-μm filter cartridge that had been pre-rinsed 

with at least 1 L of deionized water. Samples analyzed by 

the Radiological and Environmental Sciences Laboratory 

(RESL) at the INL were placed in containers and preserved in 

accordance with laboratory requirements specified by Bodnar 

and Percival (1982) and Knobel and others (2008, app. A).

Analytical Methods

Analytical methods used by the USGS NWQL for 

selected organic, inorganic, and radionuclide constituents are 

described by Goerlitz and Brown (1972), Thatcher and others 

(1977), Wershaw and others (1987), Fishman and Friedman 

(1989), Faires (1993), Fishman (1993), Rose and Schroeder 

(1995), and McCurdy and others (2008). A discussion of 

procedures used by the DOE RESL for the analysis of 

radionuclides in water is provided by Bodnar and Percival 

(1982), Sill and Sill (1994), and U.S. Department of Energy 

(1995). 

Packer

Measurement Port

Magnetic Collar

PVC Casing

Borehole Wall

PVC Casing

Measurement

Port

Packer

Well Casing

OPEN-HOLE

COMPLETION

MULTI-PACKER BOREHOLE

COMPLETION

Aquifer water table

Figure 4. Components of the WestbayTM Multiport (MP) System for multilevel groundwater monitoring.
Methods and Quality Assurance 11

Table 2. Field measurements of pH, specific conductance, water temperature, dissolved oxygen, alkalinity, and turbidity, and 

calculations of dissolved solids in water from multiple zones in the eastern Snake River Plain aquifer, Idaho National Laboratory, 

Idaho, 2005–08.

[Well locations are shown in figure 2. Port depth in feet below land surface. Units: pH, negative base-10 logarithm of hydrogen ion activity in moles per 

liter; specific conductance, microsiemens per centimeter at 25 degrees Celsius; water temperature, degrees Celsius; dissolved oxygen, milligrams per liter; 

alkalinity, reported as calcium carbonate (CaCO3), in milligrams per liter; turbidity, nephlometric turbidity units. NS, not sampled. E, estimated; NA, not 

analyzed. Remarks: QAW, quality assurance WestbayTM replicate sample. Values for replicates are the same measurement as the primary sample]

Well name Port 

depth Date Time pH Specific conductance

Water 

temperature

Dissolved

oxygen Alkalinity Turbidity

Dissolved 

solids, sum 

(as CaCO3)

Remarks

Middle 2050A

Zone 5 515 09-30-05 0924 7.62 432 11.3 9.84 NS NS NS

09-19-06 1430 7.87 335 11.7 6.88 150 NS 204

09-20-07 1348 7.87 426 13.0 7.19 168 NS 256

08-27-08 1200 7.69 421 11.1 7.60 164 0.5 253

08-27-08 1205 7.69 421 11.1 7.60 164 0.5 255 QAW-11

Zone 4 642 09-30-05 1252 7.47 421 12.3 10.1 NS NS NS

09-19-06 1047 7.94 348 11.2 5.69 146 NS 207

09-20-07 1208 7.79 352 12.8 7.42 144 NS 210

08-26-08 1615 7.70 351 11.6 7.42 149 0.52 211

Zone 3 790 10-14-05 1125 7.41 404 12.9 10.5 NS NS NS

09-20-06 1315 7.85 396 11.5 9.04 168 NS 236

09-20-06 1320 7.85 396 11.5 9.04 168 NS 238 QAW-5

09-20-07 1036 7.70 398 12.6 10.7 164 NS 238

08-26-08 1455 7.66 398 12.8 7.79 170 2.05 236

Zone 2 998 10-07-05 1010 7.57 392 10.9 10.0 NS NS NS

09-18-06 1550 7.82 382 13.0 7.70 160 NS 227

09-19-07 1415 7.67 387 13.3 10.6 158 NS 225

08-26-08 1325 7.55 384 14.0 9.80 164 1.08 223

Zone 1 1,179 10-21-05 1030 7.52 398 11.1 9.87 NS NS NS

09-18-06 1254 7.89 397 12.5 6.66 182 NS 226

09-19-07 1205 7.80 391 13.0 6.25 166 NS 224

08-26-08 1128 7.70 379 15.1 6.74 172 1.83 221

Middle 2051

Zone 5 604 09-27-05 1056 7.54 351 12.1 10.2 NS NS NS

09-11-06 1505 7.73 351 13.3 6.61 154 NS 215

09-12-07 1312 7.66 354 12.5 7.09 151 NS 215

08-25-08 1206 7.47 346 10.5 7.55 154 0.59 214

Zone 4 750 09-27-05 1425 7.55 384 13.0 10.2 NS NS NS

09-13-06 1223 7.82 380 13.0 9.54 158 NS 230

09-13-06 1228 7.82 380 13.0 9.54 158 NS 229 QAW-4

09-12-07 1120 7.89 383 13.2 9.90 152 NS 229

09-12-07 1125 7.89 383 13.2 9.90 152 NS 230 QAW-8

08-25-08 1035 7.61 383 13.1 9.80 154 0.55 229

Zone 3 828 09-28-05 1117 7.43 396 13.1 9.36 NS NS NS

09-12-06 1245 7.90 390 12.7 4.60 164 NS 230

09-12-06 1250 7.90 390 12.7 4.60 164 NS 232 QAW-3

09-11-07 1525 7.89 386 13.8 8.84 162 NS 235

08-21-08 1514 7.73 390 13.4 10.3 158 0.48 229
12 Chemical Constituents in Groundwater from Multiple Zones, Eastern Snake River Plain Aquifer, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho, 2005–08

Well name Port 

depth Date Time pH Specific conductance

Water 

temperature

Dissolved

oxygen Alkalinity Turbidity

Dissolved 

solids, sum 

(as CaCO3)

Remarks

Zone 2 1,092 09-28-05 1520 7.56 361 13.9 10.8 NS NS NS

09-11-06 1139 7.89 362 13.2 8.99 144 NS 217

09-11-07 1346 7.78 363 13.8 9.99 142 NS 220

08-21-08 1330 7.64 366 15.0 9.31 146 0.39 217

Middle 2051—Continued

Zone 1 1,142 09-29-05 1144 7.28 422 13.3 9.80 NS NS NS

09-07-06 1226 7.68 363 13.3 7.50 146 NS 218

09-11-07 1108 7.62 360 13.5 9.45 146 NS 220

08-21-08 1126 7.55 366 15.1 10.7 144 0.75 220

USGS 103

Zone 7 682 10-02-07 1435 7.92 306 13.1 5.74 88 NS 156

08-20-08 1028 8.28 304 13.1 5.47 100 11.5 165 E

Zone 6 805 10-02-07 1235 7.76 338 12.8 13.2 126 NS 211

08-19-08 1615 7.73 342 12.7 12.4 125 6.83 214 E

Zone 5 914 10-01-07 1710 7.71 321 12.8 12.7 126 NS 200

08-19-08 1438 7.68 315 12.6 10.8 125 1.28 196

Zone 4 1,000 10-01-07 1445 7.82 338 12.7 9.58 134 NS 205

08-18-08 1705 7.74 343 12.4 8.90 140 1.17 211 E

Zone 3 1,095 10-01-07 1225 7.81 355 12.6 9.70 138 NS 216

08-18-08 1540 7.72 360 12.4 9.21 140 1.25 215

Zone 2 1,220 09-25-07 1525 7.81 357 13.4 10.8 136 NS 215

08-18-08 1408 7.69 357 12.4 10.2 140 0.78 219

08-18-08 1414 7.69 357 12.4 10.2 140 0.78 220 QAW-10

Zone 1 1,269 09-25-07 1250 7.74 352 13.1 10.5 136 NS 216

08-19-08 1255 7.68 364 12.5 9.96 138 1.46 219

USGS 132

Zone 6 636 09-06-06 1315 8.00 434 13.7 6.59 150 NS 268

09-18-07 1652 7.99 433 12.6 7.00 144 NS 264

08-14-08 1306 7.91 478 11.6 6.94 140 0.47 275 E

08-14-08 1311 7.91 478 11.6 6.94 140 0.47 275 E QAW-9

Zone 5 764 09-05-06 1428 7.95 364 13.9 8.05 146 NS 222

09-18-07 1410 7.85 365 12.9 8.25 142 NS 221

08-13-08 1348 7.88 364 12.3 8.38 144 0.9 220

Zone 4 826 09-05-06 1054 7.99 353 12.6 8.05 140 NS 218

09-18-07 1224 7.98 352 12.8 9.03 138 NS 214

08-13-08 1210 7.80 358 12.4 9.28 140 2.59 214

Table 2. Field measurements of pH, specific conductance, water temperature, dissolved oxygen, alkalinity, and turbidity, and 

calculations of dissolved solids in water from multiple zones in the eastern Snake River Plain aquifer, Idaho National Laboratory, 

Idaho, 2005–08.—Continued

[Well locations are shown in figure 2. Port depth in feet below land surface. Units: pH, negative base-10 logarithm of hydrogen ion activity in moles per 

liter; specific conductance, microsiemens per centimeter at 25 degrees Celsius; water temperature, degrees Celsius; dissolved oxygen, milligrams per liter; 

alkalinity, reported as calcium carbonate (CaCO3), in milligrams per liter; turbidity, nephlometric turbidity units. NS, not sampled. E, estimated; NA, not 

analyzed. Remarks: QAW, quality assurance WestbayTM replicate sample. Values for replicates are the same measurement as the primary sample]
Methods and Quality Assurance 13

Well name Port 

depth Date Time pH Specific conductance

Water 

temperature

Dissolved

oxygen Alkalinity Turbidity

Dissolved 

solids, sum 

(as CaCO3)

Remarks

Zone 3 917 08-31-06 1218 7.90 352 12.8 8.49 144 NS 216

09-18-07 1048 7.94 351 12.4 9.22 144 NS 215

08-13-08 0954 7.73 356 12.2 10.2 136 2.82 211

USGS 132—Continued

Zone 2 1,010 08-30-06 1242 7.94 357 13.4 7.98 172 NS 213

09-17-07 1425 7.95 355 14.0 8.58 144 NS 215

08-12-08 1452 7.91 353 11.8 8.89 136 5.15 213

Zone 1 1,172 08-29-06 1030 7.88 368 13.7 8.70 146 NS 222

09-17-07 1225 7.95 367 13.0 9.38 144 NS 220

08-12-08 1322 7.90 366 10.6 9.49 146 4.6 220 E

USGS 133

Zone 4 468 09-24-07 1700 7.64 339 11.3 5.85 132 NS 202

09-02-08 1425 7.54 338 11.1 7.46 134 0.62 162E

Zone 3 568 09-24-07 1500 7.77 346 11.6 10.9 132 NS 223

09-02-08 1303 7.56 349 11.4 11.1 138 0.45 212 E

Zone 2 685 09-24-07 1255 7.69 407 11.9 11.4 138 NS 221

09-02-08 1139 7.55 367 11.9 11.4 145 0.69 NA

Zone 1 744 09-24-07 1100 7.83 438 11.9 9.75 178 NS 269

09-02-08 1010 7.58 442 14.5 13.8 186 1.35 253 E

USGS 134

Zone 5 578 09-27-06 1614 7.22 337 15.3 8.65 134 NS 227

09-10-07 1232 7.76 317 15.9 9.23 128 NS 197

09-04-08 1038 7.93 313 12.9 10.0 128 10.5 188

Zone 4 644 09-28-06 1652 7.32 381 14.7 6.75 162 NS 252

09-06-07 1428 7.79 405 16.3 8.52 168 NS 256

09-06-07 1433 7.79 405 16.3 8.52 168 NS 258 QAW-7

09-04-08 1304 7.63 392 13.2 8.90 168 0.56 240 E

Zone 3 706 09-27-06 1200 7.66 306 13.6 11.0 128 NS 152

09-05-07 1400 7.83 301 13.8 12.1 124 NS 190

09-03-08 1558 7.98 300 13.6 10.5 129 1.80 187

Zone 2 806 09-26-06 1312 7.06 359 13.8 8.52 140 NS 254

09-05-07 1130 7.6 332 13.8 9.80 132 NS 203

09-03-08 1417 7.82 327 14.2 10.4 136 1.88

Zone 1 856 09-25-06 1510 6.53 458 13.8 8.53 164 NS 420

09-04-07 1435 6.89 500 15.5 8.60 NS NS 420 1846 09-03-08 1236 7.15 371 14.6 10.3 128 2.47 215 E

1

The port at 856 feet below land surface was damaged in 2007, so samples were collected from the port at 846 feet below land surface in 2008.

Table 2. Field measurements of pH, specific conductance, water temperature, dissolved oxygen, alkalinity, and turbidity, and 

calculations of dissolved solids in water from multiple zones in the eastern Snake River Plain aquifer, Idaho National Laboratory, 

Idaho, 2005–08.—Continued

[Well locations are shown in figure 2. Port depth in feet below land surface. Units: pH, negative base-10 logarithm of hydrogen ion activity in moles per 

liter; specific conductance, microsiemens per centimeter at 25 degrees Celsius; water temperature, degrees Celsius; dissolved oxygen, milligrams per liter; 

alkalinity, reported as calcium carbonate (CaCO3), in milligrams per liter; turbidity, nephlometric turbidity units. NS, not sampled. E, estimated; NA, not 

analyzed. Remarks: QAW, quality assurance WestbayTM replicate sample. Values for replicates are the same measurement as the primary sample]
14 Chemical Constituents in Groundwater from Multiple Zones, Eastern Snake River Plain Aquifer, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho, 2005–08

Guidelines for Interpretation of Analytical 

Results 

Concentrations of radionuclides are reported with an 

estimated sample standard deviation, s, that is obtained by 

propagating sources of analytical uncertainty in measurements. 

McCurdy and others (2008) provide details on interpreting 

radiological data used by the USGS. The guidelines for 

interpreting analytical results are based on an extension of a 

method proposed by Currie (1984) and discussed in Davis 

(2008). In this report, radionuclide concentrations less than 

3s are considered to be less than a “reporting level.” The 

reporting level should not be confused with the analytical 

method detection limit (MDL), which is based on laboratory 

procedures. 

Concentrations of inorganic and organic constituents 

are reported with reference to laboratory reporting levels 

(LRLs). Childress and others (1999) provide details about the 

approach used by the USGS regarding detection levels and 

reporting levels. The MDL is the minimum concentration of a 

substance that can be measured and reported with 99-percent 

confidence that the concentration is greater than zero. The 

LRL is the concentration at which the false negative error rate 

is minimized to be no greater than 1 percent of the reported 

results. The LRL generally is equal to twice the yearly 

determined long-term MDL, which is a detection level derived 

by determining the standard deviation of a minimum of 

24 MDL spike-sample measurements over an extended time. 

The long-term MDL controls false-positive error, and it is the 

concentration at which the false-positive risk is minimized to 

be no more than 1 percent of the reported values (Childress 

and others, 1999). These reporting levels may be described 

as preliminary for a developmental method if the levels have 

been based on a small number of analytical results. These 

levels also may vary from sample to sample for the same 

constituent and the same method if matrix effects or other 

factors arise that interfere with the analysis. Concentrations 

measured between the MDL and the LRL are described as 

estimated values. For most of the constituents in this report, 

reported concentrations generally are greater than the LRL, 

but some concentrations are reported as less than the LRL, and 

some concentrations are reported as estimated (E). 

As a matter of convention, concentrations of stable 

isotopes are reported as relative isotopic ratios (Toran, 1982). 

Knobel and others (1999) describe stable-isotope data in more 

detail. 

Quality Assurance/Quality Control 

The overall quality-assurance (QA) and detailed 

descriptions of internal quality-control (QC) practices used by 

the NWQL are provided by Friedman and Erdmann (1982), 

Jones (1987), and Pritt and Raese (1995). The overall QA 

and detailed descriptions of internal QC practices used by the 

RESL are provided in Bodnar and Percival (1982) and U.S. 

Department of Energy (1995). Water samples were collected in 

accordance with a quality assurance plan for quality-of-water 

activities conducted by personnel assigned to the USGS INL 

project office; the plan was revised in 2008 (Knobel and 

others, 2008). Additional quality assurance was assessed with 

QA/QC replicates, blanks, and samples of water used in the 

drilling and WestbayTM installation process. Eight QA/QC 

replicate samples were collected during 2006–08; two QA/QC 

blanks (QAW-1 and QAW-6) were collected during 2006–08 

and consisted of deionized water obtained from Culligan® 

that was used to fill the riser pipe used in the installation. One 

sample (QAW-2) was Central Facility Area water that was 

used to fill the riser pipe at USGS 132 and for drilling wells 

USGS 103, USGS 132, USGS 133, and USGS 134. One 

sample (QAW-12) was water from USGS 109 (fig. 2) that 

was used for drilling wells USGS 105 and USGS 108 (future 

WestbayTM installation sites). Concentrations in samples 

QAW-1 and QAW-6 were near or less than the reporting 

levels for all constituents that are typical for deionized water. 

The source of water for QAW-2 and QAW-12 is the Snake 

River aquifer, so both of those samples are representative 

of the locations at which the water-chemistry samples were 

collected. 

The statistical equivalency of radiochemical-constituent 

concentrations in sample replicate pairs was determined 

following a method defined by Volk (1969) and described in 

more detail by Williams (1996). In this method, statistical 

equivalence is determined within a specified confidence level. 

A value for the standard deviate, Z, is calculated, and then the 

level of significance of the result is evaluated (evaluation of 

the level of significance assumes that the sample population 

is distributed normally). For this report, concentrations of 

individual constituents in sample pairs (constituent pairs) were 

considered to be equivalent when the results were within two 

standard deviations of each other. At this confidence level 

(95-percent), the level of significance, determined from a 

standard normal probability curve, was 0.05 for a two-tailed 

test, and it corresponded to a Z-value of 1.96.

The equation used to determine Z was adapted from Volk 

(1969):

2 2 ,

( ) ( )

where

is the concentration of a constituent in the

 routine sample,

is the concentration of the same constituent

in the sequential replicate sample,

is the standard deviation of , and

x y

x

x y Z

s s

x

y

s x

− =

+

is the standard deviation of . y s y

(1)
Water Chemistry of Recharge to the Eastern Snake River Plain Aquifer 15

When the population is not distributed normally, which 

is often the case with radiochemical results (L. DeWayne 

Cecil, USGS, written commun., January 4, 2009), or an 

approximation of the standard deviation is used, a Z-value 

less than 1.96 must be considered as a guide when testing for 

equivalence. Constituent concentrations in sample pairs were 

considered to be statistically equivalent when the calculated 

Z-value was less than or equal to 1.96. 

The use of equation 1 is therefore considered to be a 

guide in determining if the results of radionuclide analyses 

of a replicate pair of samples were equivalent. The results 

and reported standard deviations for the analyses of replicate 

pairs and the Z-values are shown in tables 7–9 (at back 

of report). Z-values were less than 1.96 for 73 of the 76 

replicate pairs (96 percent), and can be considered statistically 

equivalent. One replicate pair each for tritium (QAW-10, 

table 7), strontium-90 (QAW-11, table 7, both values below 

the reporting level) and carbon-13 (QAW-4, table 9) were not 

considered equivalent with this statistical test.

If the uncertainty of the result is not readily available, 

which is often the case for most of the inorganic and organic 

constituents, the relative percent difference (RPD) can be 

used to compare equivalency of replicate pairs. The RPD is 

calculated based on the formula:

(( ( 1 2)) / (( 1 2))*100,

where

is the relative percent difference,

is the absolute value,

1is the result for primary environmental sample,

and

2 is the result for field-replicate sample.

RPD ABS X X X X

RPD

ABS

X

X

= − + (2)

A typical data-quality objective for field-replicate 

samples is a maximum RPD of 20 percent (Taylor, 1987). 

RPDs were less than 20 percent using equation 2 for 280 

of the 295 samples (95 percent), and can be considered 

statistically equivalent using this statistical test. One replicate 

pair each for fluoride, cobalt, tungsten, and nitrite; two 

replicate pairs for aluminum and lead; three replicate pairs for 

total organic carbon; and four replicate pairs for copper were 

not in statistical agreement using this test (tables 4–6, at back 

of report). Results from the NWQL Blind Sample Program 

using double-blind, quality-control samples indicated that the 

laboratory had some bias and higher than expected variability 

for copper, total organic carbon, lead, and fluoride at some 

time during the sample periods for these analyses (USGS 

Inorganic Blind Sample Project, accessed July 27, 2009, at: 

http://bqs.usgs.gov/ibsp/qadata.shtml). Results of replicate 

samples generally indicated that the sample collection and 

laboratory procedures used were appropriate for the data 

obtained. 

Water Chemistry of Recharge to the 

Eastern Snake River Plain Aquifer

Several sources recharge water to the ESRP aquifer at 

the INL, and an understanding of the chemical composition of 

these water sources is needed to help validate interpretations 

of groundwater flow based on groundwater model predictions. 

Ackerman and others (2006) characterized the ESRP aquifer 

at the INL as consisting of various amounts of inflow 

from sources including: precipitation recharge; streamflow 

infiltration from the Big Lost River; industrial wastewater 

return; irrigation infiltration; underflow from the Big Lost 

River, Little Lost River, and Birch Creek drainage basins; 

underflow from the ESRP aquifer northeast of the INL; and 

groundwater upwelling from below the base of the ESRP 

aquifer. 

Several studies have described the water chemistry 

at the INL, and table 10 (at back of report) lists chemical 

concentrations from some of the studies for possible source 

waters that eventually recharge the ESRP aquifer following 

dissolution/precipitation reactions that may occur. 

Busenberg and others (2001) analyzed the age and source 

of the young fraction of water in many of the wells that are 

routinely sampled at the INL. The young fraction of water is 

defined as water that was recharged to the aquifer since the 

1940s.

Ackerman and others (2006) estimated that about 

3 percent of the total recharge to the ESRP aquifer at the INL 

could be attributed to precipitation infiltration. Precipitation 

infiltration contributes to the old and young fractions of water, 

as defined by Busenberg and others (2001), in wells sampled 

for this study. Anion and cation concentrations in precipitation 

samples generally are very small; chemical concentrations at 

three different locations in the southwestern part of the INL 

are shown in table 10.

Ackerman and others (2006) estimated that 4 percent 

of the total recharge to the ESRP aquifer at the INL could be 

attributed to the infiltration of Big Lost River surface water. 

Surface-water infiltration contributes to the old and young 

fractions of water, as defined by Busenberg and others (2001), 

in wells sampled for this study. Chemical concentrations of 

the Big Lost River at and near the INL are shown in table 10. 

The concentrations indicate variable chemical input from the 

river depending on the time of year sampled and the location. 

Most flow at the INL probably comes from runoff events 

because flow does not occur on the site except during years 

of high discharge for the river (Davis, 2008, fig. 10), and the 

chemistry of the water probably is best represented by water 

from the Big Lost River downstream of the INEL diversion 

and near the NRF (table 10). 
16 Chemical Constituents in Groundwater from Multiple Zones, Eastern Snake River Plain Aquifer, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho, 2005–08

Ackerman and others (2006) estimated that less than 

1 percent of the total recharge to the ESRP aquifer at the 

INL could be attributed to wastewater return. Of all the 

inflow sources to the system, industrial wastewater return 

is considered to consist completely of a young fraction of 

source water because wastewater disposal did not start at 

the INL until the 1950s. Wastewater chemistry consists 

of the chemistry of the water from the production wells 

to which the wastewater was discharged, along with the 

additive concentrations of sodium, chloride, sulfate, nitrate, 

purgeable organic compounds, tritium, strontium-90, and 

other radionuclides that were discharged during the history of 

wastewater disposal at the INL. The three primary facilities 

that discharged wastewater that probably is affecting the six 

multilevel monitoring wells sampled in this study are the 

NRF, the INTEC, and the RTC. The chemistry of some of the 

production wells at these three facilities is shown in table 10. 

Tritium concentrations in water from the ESRP aquifer that 

have resulted from cosmic-ray interactions and atmospheric 

testing probably are less than 200 pCi/L (Mann and Cecil, 

1990, p. 11), so tritium concentrations greater than 200 pCi/L 

(detection limit used by the RESL lab) probably are a good 

indicator of wastewater disposal. 

Ackerman and others (2006) estimated that 1 percent 

of the total recharge to the ESRP aquifer at the INL could 

be attributed to irrigation infiltration. Irrigation at the INL 

consists mostly of sprinkler irrigation of grassy areas at 

facilities, and the source of the irrigation water is from 

the pumpage of production wells at those facilities. The 

chemistry of some of the production wells is shown in 

table 10. An additional, larger amount of irrigation occurs on 

the agricultural land northeast of the INL near Mud Lake and 

to the northwest near Howe (fig. 1). The primary source of 

this additional irrigation infiltration probably is groundwater 

pumpage from regional northeast underflow, and the Little 

Lost River underflow in the northwest, respectively. 

Ackerman and others (2006) estimated that 16 percent 

of the total recharge to the ESRP aquifer at the INL could 

be attributed to Big Lost River underflow. Big Lost River 

underflow contributes to the old and young fractions of water, 

as defined by Busenberg and others (2001), in wells sampled 

for this study. Carkeet and others (2001) determined that two 

wells farthest downgradient in the Big Lost River system 

could be chemically modeled from upgradient wells, and that 

the water chemistry of both wells could be used to represent 

shallower (Owen well) and deeper (Arco City well) underflow 

water from the Big Lost River system (table 10). 

Ackerman and others (2006) estimated that 10 percent 

of the total recharge to the ESRP aquifer at the INL could be 

attributed to Little Lost River underflow. Little Lost River 

underflow contributes to the old and young fractions of 

water, as defined by Busenberg and others (2001), in wells 

sampled for this study. Swanson and others (2002) indicated 

that several wells in the Little Lost River system were highly 

influenced by agricultural practices. The farthest downgradient 

well that could be modeled from wells upgradient was the 

Harrell well (table 10). Although Swanson and others (2002) 

concluded that more wells were needed to fully characterize 

the natural geochemistry of the Little Lost River system, the 

Harrell well probably best represents the chemistry of the 

underflow from all the wells that have been sampled in the 

Little Lost River basin. 

Ackerman and others (2006) estimated that 5 percent 

of the total recharge to the ESRP aquifer at the INL could be 

attributed to Birch Creek underflow. Birch Creek underflow 

contributes to the old and young fractions of water, as defined 

by Busenberg and others (2001), in wells sampled for this 

study. Swanson and others (2003) indicated that water 

chemistry from well USGS 126B (table 10) best represents the 

chemistry of water recharging the ESRP aquifer as underflow 

from the Birch Creek valley. 

Ackerman and others (2006) estimated that 55 percent 

of the total recharge to the ESRP aquifer at the INL could 

be attributed to underflow from the northeastern part of the 

INL. Most of the underflow consists of old recharge water, 

with only a small fraction of young water in many of the 

wells. Busenberg and others (2001) used water from well 

USGS 101 as being indicative of the regional groundwater. 

Olmsted (1962) classified this underflow as type B water, and 

characterized it as having larger percentages of sodium and 

potassium and smaller percentages of calcium and magnesium 

than water recharged in the western part of the INL. 

Busenberg and others (2001) also noted that concentrations of 

lithium, chloride, boron, fluoride, and dissolved helium were 

larger in the area classified as type B water than most of the 

wells in the western part of the INL. 

Ackerman and others (2006) estimated that 2 percent 

of the total recharge to the ESRP aquifer at the INL could be 

attributed to upwelling from below the aquifer. Mann (1986) 

calculated that the upward vertical movement of water into 

the ESRP aquifer from underlying rock units could be on the 

order of 15,000 acre-ft/yr at the INL. Most, if not all, of the 

upwelling water probably can be considered an old fraction of 

water. Mann (1986) evaluated the water quality of four zones 

of water from INEL-1, a 10,365-ft deep test hole at the INL, 

and noted that the chemical composition changed markedly 

with depth. Mann (1986) also noted that the chemical 

character of the water transitioned from calcium bicarbonate 

to sodium bicarbonate in the interval between 595 and 1,511 ft 

BLS. The sodium-type water at depths greater than 1,511 ft 

BLS (table 10) vertically moves upward in response to high 

hydraulic head (Mann, 1986), so the water chemistry from the 

interval of 1,511 to 2,206 ft BLS, characterized as a highly 

altered and mineralized basalt, may be used to characterize the 

water chemistry of deep upwelling recharge. 
Concentrations of Chemical Constituents in Groundwater 17

Geothermal water that is present throughout the ESRP 

also may be an indicator of the chemistry of upwelling 

water at the base of the aquifer. Robertson and others (1974) 

suggested that possible hot springs beneath the plain on 

buried basin and range faults may contribute thermal water 

to the groundwater. A large dissolved-solids concentration 

(particularly of sodium and chloride); large concentrations 

of constituents, such as fluoride, boron, lithium, and 

ammonia; and a high water temperature may denote a thermal 

contribution (Robertson and others, 1974). McLing and others 

(2002) characterized the deep thermal system as consisting 

of a sodium-potassium-bicarbonate water. The chemistry of 

Lidy and Condie Hot Springs (fig. 1) is variable depending 

on water-sample collection methods and location; and two 

examples of the chemical input from these two geothermal 

systems near the INL are shown in table 10. 

Concentrations of Chemical 

Constituents in Groundwater 

Cations, Anions, and Silica

Water samples were analyzed for concentrations 

of dissolved cations (calcium, magnesium, sodium, and 

potassium), dissolved silica, and dissolved anions (chloride, 

sulfate, and fluoride) by the USGS National Water Quality 

Laboratory (NWQL) (tables 3 and 4). Bicarbonate 

concentrations (table 3) were calculated from field alkalinity 

measurements (table 2) according to Hem (1989, p. 57). 

Well Middle 2050A.—Cation and anion 

concentrations for Middle 2050A indicated a calcium plus 

magnesium‐bicarbonate water chemistry for all five zones

(fig. 5). A water type is considered calcium plus magnesium 

bicarbonate when calcium plus magnesium make up greater 

than 50 percent of the cations (calcium generally predominates 

over magnesium), and bicarbonate makes up greater 

than 50 percent of the anions (Knobel and others, 1998). 

Concentrations of all constituents in samples collected in 2006 

in the zone of water in the upper part of the aquifer (port depth 

515 ft BLS) were anomalously small, except for fluoride; the 

discrepancy could not be resolved. Samples collected from 

zone 5 during the other sample periods indicated that average 

concentrations of the constituents: calcium (54.2 mg/L), 

chloride (15.6 mg/L), and sulfate (25.8 mg/L) were much 

larger than the average concentrations in the other zones, 

except for a larger chloride concentration (14.9 mg/L) and 

a smaller sulfate concentration (11.1 mg/L) in the deepest 

zone (port depth 1,179 ft BLS) (fig. 6, tables 3 and 4). The 

large concentrations of chloride and sulfate in the upper zone 

may be related to wastewater disposal; the concentrations 

in the deepest zone probably are due to natural geochemical 

processes. 

Well Middle 2051.—Cation and anion concentrations 

for Middle 2051 indicated a calcium plus magnesium 

bicarbonate water chemistry for all five zones (fig. 7). Calcium 

concentrations were larger and magnesium, sodium, and 

chloride were smaller in the zone of water in the upper part 

of the aquifer (port depth 604 ft BLS) than in the other four 

zones of water. The water chemistry in this zone is very 

similar to some samples of Big Lost River water (fig. 8), and 

it probably represents mostly local recharge from the Big Lost 

River. Calcium and bicarbonate concentrations were smaller 

and magnesium concentrations were larger in the two deepest 

zones of water (port depths 1,092 and 1,142 ft BLS) than in 

the upper three zones of water (fig. 9, tables 3 and 4). 

Well USGS 103.—Cation and anion concentrations for 

USGS 103 indicated a calcium plus magnesium-bicarbonate 

water chemistry for all seven zones; however, zone 7 is 

enriched with sodium plus potassium, and is depleted 

in calcium when compared to the other zones (fig. 10). 

Concentrations of calcium, silica, and bicarbonate were 

smaller and sodium, chloride, sulfate, and fluoride were larger 

in the zone of water in the upper part of the aquifer (zone 7, 

port depth 678 ft BLS) than in the other six zones of water. 

Average chloride concentrations in zone 5 (port depth 907 ft 

BLS ) were slightly smaller (10.6 mg/L) than in zones 1–4 and 

6 (13.8 mg/L; fig. 11, tables 3 and 4).

Well USGS 132.—Cation and anion concentrations for 

USGS 132 indicated a calcium plus magnesium-bicarbonate 

water chemistry for all six zones, with the upper part of the 

aquifer (zone 6) enriched with sodium plus potassium and 

depleted in calcium as compared with the other five zones 

of water (fig. 12). Concentrations of magnesium, sodium, 

potassium, chloride, and sulfate were larger and calcium was 

smaller in the zone of water in the upper part of the aquifer 

(port depth 636 ft BLS) than the other five zones of water 

(fig. 13, tables 3 and 4). 

Well USGS 133.—Cation and anion concentrations for 

USGS 133 indicated a calcium plus magnesium-bicarbonate 

water chemistry for all four zones (fig. 14). Concentrations 

of all cation constituents in samples collected in 2008 in the 

zone of water in the upper part of the aquifer (port depth 

468 ft) were anomalously small; the discrepancy could not 

be resolved. Concentrations of calcium, magnesium, sodium, 

bicarbonate, chloride, and sulfate were larger and potassium 

and fluoride were smaller in the zone of water in the lower part 

of the aquifer (port depth 744 ft BLS) than in the other three 

zones of water (fig. 15, tables 3 and 4).
18 Chemical Constituents in Groundwater from Multiple Zones, Eastern Snake River Plain Aquifer, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho, 2005–08

tac10-0433_fig05

0%

20%

0%

20%

0%

40%

40%

20%

40%

60%

60%

80%

60%

80%

100%

100%

100%

80%

Magnesium

Calcium

20%

0%

20%

0%

0%

20%

40%

40%

40%

60%

60%

60%

80%

100%

80%

100%

80%

100%

Sulfate

Chloride

Sulfate + Chloride

Calcium + Magnesium

Sodium + Potassium

Bicarbonate

80%

100%

80%

100%

60%

60%

40%

40%

20%

0%

20%

0%

PERCENTAGE OF REACTING VALUES, IN MILLIEQUIVALENTS PER LITER

Well Middle 2050A

EXPLANATION

Zone 5

Zone 4

Zone 3

Zone 2

Zone 1

Figure 5. Major-ion composition of water from well Middle 2050A, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho.
Concentrations of Chemical Constituents in Groundwater 19

tac10-0433_fig06

0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 0 20 40 60 80 100 125 150 175 200 225

ZONE NUMBER AND DEPTH, IN FEET BELOW LAND SURFACE (DEPTH NOT TO SCALE)

Fluoride

Nitrate

Potassium

MILLIGRAMS PER LITER MILLIGRAMS PER LITER MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

Sodium

Silica

Chloride

Magnesium

Sulfate

Calcium

Bicarbonate

Well Middle 2050A

5

(515)

4

(642)

3

(790)

2

(998)

1

(1,179)

Figure 6. Concentrations of selected ions and silica in water from well Middle 2050A, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho.
20 Chemical Constituents in Groundwater from Multiple Zones, Eastern Snake River Plain Aquifer, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho, 2005–08

tac10-0433_fig07

0%

20%

0%

20%

0%

40%

40%

20%

40%

60%

60%

80%

60%

80%

100%

100%

100%

80%

Magnesium

Calcium

20%

0%

20%

0%

0%

20%

40%

40%

40%

60%

60%

60%

80%

100%

80%

100%

80%

100%

Sulfate

Chloride

Sulfate + Chloride

Calcium + Magnesium

Sodium + Potassium

Bicarbonate

80%

100%

80%

100%

60%

60%

40%

40%

20%

0%

20%

0%

PERCENTAGE OF REACTING VALUES, IN MILLIEQUIVALENTS PER LITER

Well Middle 2051

EXPLANATION

Zone 5

Zone 4

Zone 3

Zone 2

Zone 1

Figure 7. Major-ion composition of water from well Middle 2051, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho.
Concentrations of Chemical Constituents in Groundwater 21

tac10-0433_fig08

0%

20%

0%

20%

0%

40%

40%

20%

40%

60%

60%

80%

60%

80%

100%

100%

100%

80%

Magnesium

Calcium

20%

0%

20%

0%

0%

20%

40%

40%

40%

60%

60%

60%

80%

100%

80%

100%

80%

100%

Sulfate

Chloride

Sulfate + Chloride

Calcium + Magnesium

Sodium + Potassium

Bicarbonate

80%

100%

80%

100%

60%

60%

40%

40%

20%

0%

20%

0%

PERCENTAGE OF REACTING VALUES, IN MILLIEQUIVALENTS PER LITER

Well Middle 2051

Big Lost River near Moore

Big Lost River near Arco

Big Lost River downstream of INEL diversion

Big Lost River near Naval Reactors Facility (NRF)

EXPLANATION

Figure 8. Major-ion composition of water from well Middle 2051 zone 5 and selected Big Lost River sites, 

Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho.
22 Chemical Constituents in Groundwater from Multiple Zones, Eastern Snake River Plain Aquifer, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho, 2005–08

tac10-0433_fig09

0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 0 20 40 60 80 100 125 150 175 200 225

ZONE NUMBER AND DEPTH, IN FEET BELOW LAND SURFACE (DEPTH NOT TO SCALE)

Fluoride

Nitrate

Potassium

MILLIGRAMS PER LITER MILLIGRAMS PER LITER MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

Sodium

Silica

Chloride

Magnesium

Sulfate

Calcium

Bicarbonate

 Well Middle 2051

5

(604)

4

(750)

3

(828)

2

(1,092)

1

(1,142)

Figure 9. Concentrations of selected ions and silica in water from well Middle 2051, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho.
Concentrations of Chemical Constituents in Groundwater 23

tac10-0433_fig10

0%

20%

0%

20%

0%

40%

40%

20%

40%

60%

60%

80%

60%

80%

100%

100%

100%

80%

Magnesium

Calcium

20%

0%

20%

0%

0%

20%

40%

40%

40%

60%

60%

60%

80%

100%

80%

100%

80%

100%

Sulfate

Chloride

Sulfate + Chloride

Calcium + Magnesium

Sodium + Potassium

Bicarbonate

80%

100%

80%

100%

60%

60%

40%

40%

20%

0%

20%

0%

PERCENTAGE OF REACTING VALUES, IN MILLIEQUIVALENTS PER LITER

Well USGS 103

EXPLANATION

Zone 7

Zone 6

Zone 5

Zone 4

Zone 3

Zone 2

Zone 1

Figure 10. Major-ion composition of water from well USGS 103, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho.
24 Chemical Constituents in Groundwater from Multiple Zones, Eastern Snake River Plain Aquifer, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho, 2005–08

tac10-0433_fig11

0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 0 20 40 60 80 100 125 150 175 200 225

ZONE NUMBER AND DEPTH, IN FEET BELOW LAND SURFACE (DEPTH NOT TO SCALE)

Fluoride

Nitrate

Potassium

MILLIGRAMS PER LITER MILLIGRAMS PER LITER MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

Sodium

Silica

Chloride

Magnesium

Sulfate

Calcium

Bicarbonate

Well USGS 103

7

(682)

6

(805)

5

(914)

4

(1,000)

3

(1,095)

2

(1,220)

1

(1,269)

Figure 11. Concentrations of selected ions and silica in water from well USGS 103, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho.
Concentrations of Chemical Constituents in Groundwater 25

tac10-0433_fig12

0%

20%

0%

20%

0%

40%

40%

20%

40%

60%

60%

80%

60%

80%

100%

100%

100%

80%

Magnesium

Calcium

20%

0%

20%

0%

0%

20%

40%

40%

40%

60%

60%

60%

80%

100%

80%

100%

80%

100%

Sulfate

Chloride

Sulfate + Chloride

Calcium + Magnesium

Sodium + Potassium

Bicarbonate

80%

100%

80%

100%

60%

60%

40%

40%

20%

0%

20%

0%

PERCENTAGE OF REACTING VALUES, IN MILLIEQUIVALENTS PER LITER

Well USGS 132

EXPLANATION

Zone 6

Zone 5

Zone 4

Zone 3

Zone 2

Zone 1

Figure 12. Major-ion composition of water from well USGS 132, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho.
26 Chemical Constituents in Groundwater from Multiple Zones, Eastern Snake River Plain Aquifer, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho, 2005–08

tac10-0433_fig13

0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 0 20 40 60 80 100 125 150 175 200 225

ZONE NUMBER AND DEPTH, IN FEET BELOW LAND SURFACE (DEPTH NOT TO SCALE)

Fluoride

Nitrate

Potassium

MILLIGRAMS PER LITER MILLIGRAMS PER LITER MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

Sodium

Silica

Chloride

Magnesium

Sulfate

Calcium

Bicarbonate

Well USGS 132

6

(636)

5

(764)

4

(826)

3

(917)

2

(1,010)

1

(1,172)

Figure 13. Concentrations of selected ions and silica in water from well USGS 132, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho.
Concentrations of Chemical Constituents in Groundwater 27

tac10-0433_fig14

0%

20%

0%

20%

0%

40%

40%

20%

40%

60%

60%

80%

60%

80%

100%

100%

100%

80%

Magnesium

Calcium

20%

0%

20%

0%

0%

20%

40%

40%

40%

60%

60%

60%

80%

100%

80%

100%

80%

100%

Sulfate

Chloride

Sulfate + Chloride

Calcium + Magnesium

Sodium + Potassium

Bicarbonate

80%

100%

80%

100%

60%

60%

40%

40%

20%

0%

20%

0%

PERCENTAGE OF REACTING VALUES, IN MILLIEQUIVALENTS PER LITER

Well USGS 133

EXPLANATION

Zone 4

Zone 3

Zone 2

Zone 1

Figure 14. Major-ion composition of water from well USGS 133, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho.
28 Chemical Constituents in Groundwater from Multiple Zones, Eastern Snake River Plain Aquifer, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho, 2005–08

tac10-0433_fig15

0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 0 20 40 60 80 100 125 150 175 200 225

ZONE NUMBER AND DEPTH, IN FEET BELOW LAND SURFACE (DEPTH NOT TO SCALE)

Fluoride

Nitrate

Potassium

MILLIGRAMS PER LITER MILLIGRAMS PER LITER MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

Sodium

Silica

Chloride

Magnesium

Sulfate

Calcium

Bicarbonate

Well USGS 133

4

(468)

3

(568)

2

(685)

1

(744)

Figure 15. Concentrations of selected ions and silica in water from well USGS 133, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho.

Well USGS 134.—Cation and anion concentrations for 

USGS 134 indicated a calcium plus magnesium-bicarbonate 

water chemistry for all five zones (fig. 16). Concentrations 

of all cation constituents in samples collected in 2006 in the 

zone of water in the middle part of the aquifer (zone 3, port 

depth 706 ft BLS) were anomalously small; the discrepancy 

could not be resolved. Concentrations of calcium, magnesium, 

sodium, potassium, and silica were larger in the zone of water 

in the lower part of the aquifer (port depth 856 ft BLS) than 

in the other four zones of water (fig. 17, tables 3 and 4). The 

chemistry varies greatly among the zones, and it does not 

seem to show a consistent pattern even within the same zone 

for some constituents for different sample periods. This well 

had bacterial buildup prior to the WestbayTM installation, and a 

phosphoric-acid solution was used to clean out the well. This 

residual solution probably had some effect on the chemical 

concentrations in this well; therefore, the data should be used 

with caution. 

Selected Inorganic Constituents

Water samples were collected and analyzed for dissolved 

concentrations of aluminum, antimony, arsenic, barium, 

beryllium, bromide, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, copper, 

iron, lead, lithium, manganese, mercury, molybdenum, nickel, 

selenium, silver, strontium, thallium, tungsten, uranium, 

vanadium, and zinc at the NWQL (table 5).

Well Middle 2050A.—Most of the concentrations 

of minor inorganic constituents were similar in all five 

zones in Middle 2050A (table 5). Average concentrations 

of barium and strontium were larger in the upper part of 

the aquifer (zone 5, 71.9 and 265 μg/L, respectively) and 

in the lower part of the aquifer (zone 1, 66.7 and 284 μg/L, 

respectively) than in the other three zones (44.5 and 218 μg/L, 

respectively). Concentrations of chromium and vanadium 

were larger in zone 5 and smaller in zone 1 than in the other 

zones. Concentrations of cobalt, iron, lithium, manganese, 

molybdenum, and tungsten were all larger in zone 1 relative to 

the other four zones.
Concentrations of Chemical Constituents in Groundwater 29

tac10-0433_fig16

0%

20%

0%

20%

0%

40%

40%

20%

40%

60%

60%

80%

60%

80%

100%

100%

100%

80%

Magnesium

Calcium

20%

0%

20%

0%

0%

20%

40%

40%

40%

60%

60%

60%

80%

100%

80%

100%

80%

100%

Sulfate

Chloride

Sulfate + Chloride

Calcium + Magnesium

Sodium + Potassium

Bicarbonate

80%

100%

80%

100%

60%

60%

40%

40%

20%

0%

20%

0%

PERCENTAGE OF REACTING VALUES, IN MILLIEQUIVALENTS PER LITER

Well USGS 134

EXPLANATION

Zone 5

Zone 4

Zone 3

Zone 2

Zone 1

Figure 16. Major-ion composition of water from well USGS 134, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho.
30 Chemical Constituents in Groundwater from Multiple Zones, Eastern Snake River Plain Aquifer, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho, 2005–08

tac10-0433_fig17

0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 0 20 40 60 80 100 125 150 175 200 225

ZONE NUMBER AND DEPTH, IN FEET BELOW LAND SURFACE (DEPTH NOT TO SCALE)

Fluoride

Nitrate

Potassium

MILLIGRAMS PER LITER MILLIGRAMS PER LITER MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

Sodium

Silica

Chloride

Magnesium

Sulfate

Calcium

Bicarbonate

Well USGS 134

5

(578)

4

(644)

3

(706)

2

(806)

1

(856)

Figure 17. Concentrations of selected ions and silica in water from well USGS 134, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho.

Well Middle 2051.—Most of the concentrations of minor 

inorganic constituents were similar in all five zones in Middle 

2051 (table 5). Chromium concentrations were smaller in 

zone 5 than in the other zones. Barium concentrations were 

smaller in zones 1 and 2 relative to the other zones. Strontium 

concentrations were larger in zone 5 than in the other zones. 

Tungsten concentrations were larger in zone 1 than in the other 

zones (table 5). 

Well USGS 103.—Most of the concentrations of minor 

inorganic constituents were similar in all seven zones in USGS 

103 (table 5). Concentrations of antimony, arsenic, chromium, 

selenium, uranium, and vanadium were smaller and barium, 

iron, lithium, manganese, and molybdenum were larger in 

the upper zone in the aquifer (zone 7) than in the other zones 

(table 5). 

Well USGS 132.—Almost all concentrations of minor 

inorganic constituents were similar in all six zones in USGS 

132 (table 5). The concentration of barium in the upper part of 

the aquifer (zone 6) was slightly larger than in the other zones.

Well USGS 133.—Most of the concentrations of minor 

inorganic constituents were similar in all four zones in USGS 

133 (table 5). Zinc concentrations were larger in zone 1 

and the 2008 sample from zone 2 than in the other zones. 

Strontium and vanadium concentrations were larger in zone 3 

than in the other zones. Concentrations of molybdenum were 

larger and concentrations of barium, chromium, and vanadium 

were smaller in zone 4 than in the other zones. 

Well USGS 134.—Some of the minor inorganic 

constituents (arsenic, barium, chromium, manganese, 

molybdenum, nickel, strontium, tungsten, vanadium, and 

zinc; table 5) vary greatly among the zones in USGS 134. 

These constituents do not seem to show a consistent pattern 

even within the same zone for some constituents for different 

sample periods. This well had bacterial buildup prior to the 

installation, so a phosphoric-acid solution was used to clean 

out the well. This residual solution probably has some effect 

on the chemical concentrations in this well; therefore, the data 

should be used with caution. 
Concentrations of Chemical Constituents in Groundwater 31

Nutrients

Water samples were collected and analyzed at the NWQL 

for dissolved concentrations of ammonia as nitrogen, nitrite as 

nitrogen, nitrite plus nitrate as nitrogen, and orthophosphate as 

phosphorus (table 6). 

Well Middle 2050A.—Concentrations of nitrite plus 

nitrate in the sample collected in 2006 in the zone of water 

in the upper part of the aquifer (port depth 515 ft BLS) were 

anomalously small; the discrepancy could not be resolved. 

Concentrations of ammonia as nitrogen were larger in samples 

collected from the deepest zone (port depth 1,179 ft BLS) 

than in the other zones (table 6). Average nitrite plus nitrate as 

nitrogen concentrations were smaller in zone 1 ( <0.006 mg/L) 

and zone 4 (0.328 mg/L) than in the other three zones (average 

of 0.959 mg/L not including the 2006 sample for zone 5) 

(fig. 6). 

Well Middle 2051.—Concentrations of most of the 

nutrients were similar in all five zones in Middle 2051. 

Average nitrite plus nitrate concentrations in the zone of 

water in the upper part of the aquifer (port depth 604 ft BLS) 

were smaller ( 0.364 mg/L) than in the other four zones 

(0.862 mg/L) (fig. 9; table 6). 

Well USGS 103.—Concentrations of most of the 

nutrients were similar in the six deepest zones. Concentrations 

of ammonia were larger and nitrite plus nitrate (fig. 11) and 

orthophosphate were smaller in the zone of water in the upper 

part of the aquifer than in the other six zones (table 6). 

Well USGS 132.—Concentrations of most of the 

nutrients were similar in all six zones in USGS 132 (fig. 13, 

table 6). Average concentrations of nitrite plus nitrate were 

larger (1.1 mg/L) in the zone of water in the upper part of the 

aquifer (port depth 636 ft BLS) than in the other five zones 

(0.696 mg/L) (fig. 13; table 6). 

Well USGS 133.—Concentrations of most of the 

nutrients were similar in all four zones in USGS 133 (fig. 15, 

table 6). Orthophosphate concentrations were smaller in the 

zone of water in the upper part of the aquifer (port depth 

468 ft BLS) than in the other three zones. Nitrite plus nitrate 

concentrations were larger in the deepest zone (port depth 

744 ft BLS) than the other three zones (fig. 15; table 6). 

Well USGS 134.—The nutrient concentrations were 

variable between some of the zones for ammonia and 

orthophosphate. In each zone, ammonia concentrations 

were greater in the 2006 samples than in samples collected 

during the other years. Orthophosphate concentrations were 

extremely large in most samples because a phosphoric-acid 

solution was used to clean bacterial buildup in the well; 

therefore, the data should be used with caution. Nitrite plus 

nitrate concentrations were smaller in the zone 1 (port depths 

846 and 856 ft BLS (table 1)) and zone 3 (port depth 706 ft 

BLS) than in zones 2, 4, and 5 (fig. 17; table 6). 

Total Organic Carbon

Water samples were collected and analyzed at the 

NWQL for concentrations of total organic carbon (table 6). 

Concentrations varied between each zone sampled and 

between each well. Well name and range-zone summary of 

total organic carbon, in milligrams per liter, follows:

Well Range

Middle 2050A 0.234E in zone 2 to 1.96 in zone 1

Middle 2051 <0.4 in zones 4 and 5 to 1.42 in zone 4

USGS 103 <0.4 in zones 2 and 4 to 1.36 in zone 7

USGS 132 0.216E in zone 5 to 0.948 in zone 3

USGS 133 <0.4 mg/L in zones 1, 2, and 3 to 1.41 in zone 2

USGS 134 0.211E in zone 5 to 3.03 in zone 1

Gross Alpha- and Gross Beta-Particle 

Radioactivity

Water samples were collected and analyzed at the 

RESL for concentrations of gross alpha- and gross betaparticle radioactivity (table 7). Gross alpha- and beta-particle 

radioactivity is a measure of the total radioactivity given 

off as alpha and beta particles during the radioactive decay 

process. For convenience, laboratories report the radioactivity 

as if it were given off by one radionuclide. Radioactive decay 

of particles occurs from the decay of the natural elements 

in aquifer materials and the decay of radioactive particles in 

wastewater. In 2008, the RESL increased the sensitivity of the 

analyses for gross alpha- and gross-beta radioactivity, and they 

also switched the radionuclide reported from plutonium-239 

to thorium-230 for gross alpha and from cesium-137 to 

strontium-90/yttrium-90 for gross beta (Guy Backstrom, U.S. 

Department of Energy, written commun., July 8, 2009). The 

minimum detectable activity went from about 1.6 to 1.5 pCi/L 

for gross alpha and from about 6.4 to 3.4 pCi/L for gross 

beta (Guy Backstrom, U.S. Department of Energy, written 

commun., July 7, 2009). The increased sensitivity allowed for 

increased detectable concentrations for the 2008 data.

Concentrations of gross alpha-particle radioactivity for 

all samples collected and analyzed during 2005–07 were 

less than the reporting level; concentrations in four samples 

collected in 2008 were greater than the reporting level. The 

positive results for the four samples may be due to statistical 

fluctuations because the data are close to background or 

they may be due to the increased sensitivity of the analyses. 

Concentrations were less than the reporting level for all but 

one sample collected and analyzed for gross beta-particle 

radioactivity during 2005–07; concentrations were greater than 

the reporting level for most of the samples collected in 2008 

(table 7). 
32 Chemical Constituents in Groundwater from Multiple Zones, Eastern Snake River Plain Aquifer, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho, 2005–08

Strontium-90

Strontium-90 does not occur naturally, with the exception 

of natural reactors, such as Oklo, in which nuclear fission 

reactions have occurred in a uranium-enriched deposit 

(Kuroda, 1982, p. 48–49; Durrance, 1986, p. 90). This 

radionuclide is present in groundwater as a fission product of 

nuclear-weapons tests and as a result of disposal practices in 

the nuclear industry (Orr and others, 1991). Water samples 

were analyzed for concentrations of strontium-90 at the RESL. 

Concentrations were less than the reporting level for all but 

three samples (table 7). In 2005, concentrations were greater 

than the reporting level in samples from two wells in three 

zones, but the concentrations in all zones were less than the 

reporting level in 2006–08. The positive results for the three 

samples collected in 2005 may be due to statistical fluctuations 

because the counting data are fairly close to background (Guy 

Backstrom, U.S. Department of Energy, written commun., 

July 8, 2009). 

Tritium

Tritium, a radioactive isotope of hydrogen, is formed 

in nature by interactions of cosmic rays with gases in the 

upper atmosphere. Tritium also is produced in thermonuclear 

detonations and is a waste product of the nuclear-power 

industry (Orr and others, 1991). Water samples were collected 

and analyzed for concentrations of tritium at the RESL; in 

2008, samples also were analyzed at the NWQL using a lower 

MDL. The MDL for tritium analyzed at the RESL is about 

200 pCi/L, and the MDL for tritium analyzed at the NWQL is 

5.7 pCi/L. 

Well Middle 2050A.—Tritium concentrations in samples 

collected in 2007–08 from the zone of water in the upper part 

of the aquifer (port depth 515 ft BLS) were greater than the 

reporting level of three times the sample standard deviation 

when analyzed at the RESL (table 7). Concentrations were 

less than the reporting level for all other samples and zones 

analyzed by the RESL. Tritium analyzed at the NWQL also 

indicated a larger concentration in the upper zone (fig. 18). 

This zone probably is influenced by wastewater disposal at the 

INL. Tritium analyzed by the NWQL from zone 2 (port depth 

998 ft BLS) was less than the reporting level. Water from this 

zone is all old water that was recharged to the aquifer prior to 

thermonuclear explosions in the atmosphere during the 1960s. 

Well Middle 2051.—Tritium concentrations in the 

upper zone of water (port depth 604 BLS) were less than the 

reporting level in samples analyzed at the RESL (table 7). 

Concentrations were greater than the reporting level for all 

samples from zones 1 through 4 (except for two collected in 

2005); these zones are partially influenced by recharge from 

wastewater disposal. Concentrations were larger in water 

from zones 3 and 4 than in water from zones 1 and 2, and had 

much larger concentrations than in zone 5 (fig. 18, table 7). 

Iodine-129 results reported by Bartholomay (2009) were 

smaller in zones 3 and 4 than in zones 1 and 2. Given that the 

INTEC is considered to be the source of iodine-129 in the 

aquifer, this variability may indicate that zones 3 and 4 are 

influenced more from wastewater originating from the RTC, 

whereas zones 1 and 2 are more influenced by wastewater 

from the INTEC.

Well USGS 103.—Tritium concentrations were smaller 

in the three upper zones of the aquifer than in the four deeper 

zones (fig. 18, table 7). Concentrations were greater than 

the reporting level for water in the four deeper zones; these 

zones are partially influenced by recharge from wastewater 

disposal. The greater concentrations in the deeper zones 

support the conceptual model interpretation that flow at the 

southern boundary of the INL moves downward in the aquifer 

(Ackerman and others, 2006, fig. 24).

Well USGS 132.—Tritium concentrations generally 

were smaller in the upper zone of the aquifer (port depth 

636 ft BLS) than in the five deeper zones (fig. 18, table 7). 

Concentrations were greater than the reporting level for most 

of the water collected from the five deeper zones; these zones 

are partially influenced by recharge from wastewater disposal. 

Well USGS 133.—Tritium concentrations were larger in 

the upper zone (port depth 468 ft BLS) than in the three deeper 

zones (fig. 18, table 7). The small tritium concentrations of 

the three deeper zones indicate that these zones probably 

are influenced mostly by old groundwater with only a small 

fraction of young water. The tritium concentration in the 

upper zone may indicate recharge from mostly young water, 

and the iodine-129 reported in Bartholomay (2009) did 

seem to indicate a wastewater source. However, iodine-129 

in wastewater generally is attributed to disposal at INTEC, 

but this well is upgradient of the INTEC, so more research 

is needed to fully understand the sources of the water in the 

upper zone. 

Well USGS 134.—Tritium concentrations in the 

three deepest zones in the well (zones 1–3) were less than 

the reporting level for RESL data. The NWQL tritium 

concentration in zone 2 water (3 ± 1.8 pCi/L) indicates all old 

water. The concentration in zone 3 indicates mostly all old 

water with a small fraction of young water. The concentrations 

in the upper two zones (zones 4 and 5) are variable among 

sample periods. For example, concentrations were greater 

than the reporting level in the 2006 sample in zone 5 and its 

replicate, which is indicative of wastewater disposal; however, 

subsequent samples indicated only a small amount of tritium 

in this zone (table 7). Tritium concentrations were greater 

than the reporting level in the 2008 sample in zone 4 (port 

depth of 644 ft BLS), which indicates there is some recharge 

from wastewater disposal in this zone; however, the rerun 

concentration from 2006 and the concentration in 2007 were 

less than the reporting level. Particle-tracking simulations 

by Ackerman and others (in press; figs. 38 and 45) indicate 

flow movement from RTC to the west, so RTC is the likely 

wastewater source. 
Concentrations of Chemical Constituents in Groundwater 33

Figure 18. Concentrations of tritium in wells Middle 2050A, Middle 2051, USGS 103, USGS 132, USGS 133, and USGS 134, 

Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho.

tac10-0433_fig18

MIDDLE 2050A

0

200

400

600

800

1,000

1,200

1,4000 100 200 300 400 500 600

TRITIUM, IN PICOCURIES PER LITER

DEPTH, IN FEET BELOW LAND SURFACE

700

USGS 132

0

200

400

600

800

1,000

1,200

1,4000 100 200 300 400 500 600

TRITIUM, IN PICOCURIES PER LITER

DEPTH, IN FEET BELOW LAND SURFACE

700

MIDDLE 2051

0

200

400

600

800

1,000

1,200

1,4000 100 200 300 400 500 600

TRITIUM, IN PICOCURIES PER LITER

DEPTH, IN FEET BELOW LAND SURFACE

700

USGS 133

0

200

400

600

800

1,000

1,200

1,4000 100 200 300 400 500 600

TRITIUM, IN PICOCURIES PER LITER

DEPTH, IN FEET BELOW LAND SURFACE

700

USGS 103

0

200

400

600

800

1,000

1,200

1,4000 100 200 300 400 500 600

TRITIUM, IN PICOCURIES PER LITER

DEPTH, IN FEET BELOW LAND SURFACE

700

USGS 134

0

200

400

600

800

1,000

1,200

1,4000 100 200 300 400 500 600

TRITIUM, IN PICOCURIES PER LITER

DEPTH, IN FEET BELOW LAND SURFACE

700

Cesium-137

Cesium-137 is not naturally occurring; however, it can 

be present in groundwater as a fission product from nuclear 

facilities and weapons tests (Orr and others, 1991). Water 

samples were analyzed for concentrations of cesium-137 at the 

RESL using gamma spectrometry. Cesium-137 concentrations 

in all samples were less than the reporting level (table 7). 

Uranium Isotopes

Uranium is a widely distributed element with three 

naturally occurring radioactive isotopes: uranium-234, 

uranium-235, and uranium-238. Uranium-238 (99.27 percent) 

is the most naturally abundant of the three isotopes. These 

isotopes undergo a complex series of radioactive decay that 

results in their ultimate conversion to stable isotopes of 

lead (Haglund, 1972). Water samples were analyzed from 

four wells (USGS 103, USGS 132, USGS 133, and USGS 

134) for concentrations of uranium-233, -234 (undivided), 

uranium-235, and uranium-238 at the NWQL (table 8). 
34 Chemical Constituents in Groundwater from Multiple Zones, Eastern Snake River Plain Aquifer, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho, 2005–08

Concentrations of uranium-233, -234 (undivided) were greater 

than the reporting level in all but one sample (USGS 134, 

zone 1), and they ranged from 0.043 ± 0.018 pCi/L in USGS 

134 (zone 1) to 1.83 ± 0.097 pCi/L in USGS 132 (zone 6) 

(table 8). Concentrations from four of the zones in USGS 134 

and the concentration in the upper zone (zone 7) in USGS 103 

were much less than concentrations in the other zones. 

Uranium-235 concentrations were less than the reporting 

level in all sample zones from USGS 133 and USGS 134. 

Uranium-235 concentrations were greater than the reporting 

level (table 8) from zones 2 and 4 in USGS 103 and zones 1, 

2, 4, and 6 in USGS 132.

Uranium-238 concentrations were greater than the 

reporting level in all but one sample (USGS 134, zone 1), and 

ranged from 0.021 ± 0.011 to 0.797 ± 0.058 pCi/L (table 8). 

Concentrations from all five zones in USGS 134 and from 

the upper zone (zone 7) in USGS 103 were much less than 

concentrations in the other zones. 

Transuranic Elements 

Some transuranic elements can be produced in nature 

because of the availability of neutrons that can be captured 

by uranium isotopes (Orr and others, 1991, p. 16), but 

concentrations are much less than the detection level used 

for analyses at the RESL. Some transuranic elements also are 

produced as by-products of the nuclear industry (Wampler, 

1972, p. 6-7). Water samples were analyzed for concentrations 

of plutonium-238, plutonium-239, -240 (undivided), and 

americium-241 at the RESL. Concentrations in all samples 

were less than the reporting level (table 8). 

Stable Isotopes

Water samples were analyzed for relative concentrations 

of stable isotopes of hydrogen (H), oxygen (O), and carbon 

(C). Because the absolute measurement of isotopic ratios is 

analytically difficult, relative isotopic ratios are measured 

instead (Toran, 1982). For example, 18O/16O of a sample is 

compared with 18O/16O of a standard: 

18

sample standard

18

18 16

sample

18 16

standard

O ( / 1) 1,000,

where

O is the relative concentration, in units of parts

per thousand (permil),

is the O/ O ratio in the sample, and

is the O/ O ratio in the standa

R R

R

R

δ = − ×

δ

rd.

(3)

δ18O is referred to as delta notation; it is the value 

reported by isotopic laboratories for stable isotope analysis. 

2H/1H, and 13C/12C are defined in a similar manner with the 

respective ratios replacing 18O/16O in Rsample and Rstandard. 

The standard used for determining δ18O and δ2H in water is 

standard mean ocean water as defined by Craig (1961). The 

standard used for determining δ13C in water is the PeeDee 

Belemnite reference standard (Timme, 1995, p. 71). Relative 

concentrations of stable isotopes are shown in table 9. 

Well Middle 2050A.— Average concentrations of δ2H 

and δ18O isotopes were slightly heavier in the upper zone 

(-134.5 and -17.6) and lower zone (-135.4 and -17.8) than in 

the three middle zones (-136.4 and -18.0). δ13C isotopes were 

quite variable among zones, ranging from -8.13 in zone 2 to 

-13.2 in zone 1. 

Well Middle 2051.—Average concentrations of δ 2H 

and δ18O isotopes were heavier in the upper zone (-133.6 

and -17.3) than in the four lower zones (-136.6 and -18.0). 

Concentrations of δ13C isotopes were lighter in the upper zone 

(-10.7) than in the four deeper zones. The heavier δ2H and 

δ18O isotopes, and the lighter δ13C isotopes in the upper zone 

may indicate a greater fraction of young recharge water in this 

zone. The Big Lost River is the most likely source. Busenberg 

and others (2001) found that, as the fraction of young water 

in samples increased, the δ13C isotopic composition became 

lighter, which implied that young water with slightly heavier 

δ18O isotopic ratios recharged the aquifer, and that the young 

water dissolved soil CO2 and then reacted with the aquifer 

minerals and rocks. 

Well USGS 103.—Average concentrations of δ2H and 

δ18O isotopes were slightly heavier in the upper zone (-135.4 

and -17.7) than in the other six zones (-137.1 and -17.9). δ13C 

was relatively consistent among all seven zones (table 9). 

Well USGS 132.—Concentrations of δ2H, δ18O, and 

δ13C were relatively consistent among all six zones (table 9). 

δ2H concentrations ranged from -137.5 to -133.5, but the 

variability in the range was not consistent with any particular 

zone. δ18O ranged from -17.9 to -17.6. δ13C ranged from -9.81 

to -8.73. 

Well USGS 133.—Concentrations of δ2H, δ18O, and 

δ13C were relatively consistent among all four zones (table 9). 

δ2H concentrations ranged from -139.1 to -135.8, but the 

variability in the range was not consistent with any particular 

zone. δ18O ranged from -18.2 to -18.0; δ13C ranged from -8.95 

to -8.58.

Well USGS 134.—Concentrations of δ2H, δ18O, and 

δ13C were relatively consistent among all five zones (table 9). 

δ2H concentrations ranged from -138.6 to -136.2, but the 

variability in the range was not consistent with any particular 

zone. δ18O ranged from -18.2 to -18.0; δ13C ranged from -8.58 

to -7.15. 
Chemical Comparison of Groundwater from Multiple Zones 35

Chemical Comparison of Groundwater 

from Multiple Zones

The hydrochemical facies or trilinear diagrams (figs. 5, 

7, 8, 10, 12, 14, and 16) are based on a data visualization 

technique developed by Piper (1944) that is a useful tool for 

displaying the chemical character of water. Trilinear diagrams 

also can be used to test for simple mixing between two 

end-member solutions. A plot of the hydrochemical facies of 

all wells sampled for this report (fig. 19) indicates that four 

of the zones from four of the wells distinctly differ from the 

other zones of water. Percentages of sulfate compared with 

chloride and bicarbonate were smaller in the lower aquifer 

zone (zone 1) from well Middle 2050A than in all other 

samples. Percentages of calcium compared with magnesium, 

sodium, and potassium were larger and percentages of chloride 

compared with sulfate and bicarbonate were smaller in the 

upper aquifer zone from well Middle 2051 than in all other 

samples. The distribution of these facies compare similarly 

with Big Lost River water (fig. 8). The upper zone of water 

from USGS 103 and from USGS 132 both have much larger 

percentages of sulfate, chloride, and sodium plus potassium, 

and much smaller percentages of calcium and bicarbonate than 

do the other zones of water. 

Other chemical, radiochemical, and isotope species also 

indicate chemical variability among different zones of water. 

In Middle 2050A, minor inorganic constituents vary in zones 1 

and 5 compared with concentrations in the other three zones. 

Nitrite plus nitrate is not present in the deepest zone (zone 1), 

and the concentration in zone 4 is less than those in the other 

three zones (fig. 6). Tritium is present at a concentration that 

probably represents a wastewater source in the upper zone 

(zone 5). The tritium concentration in zone 2 indicates that all 

water in that zone was recharged prior to the 1960s. Deuterium 

and oxygen isotopes are heavier in zones 1 and 5 as compared 

with concentrations in the other three zones. Water in this well 

probably derives from a variable combination of wastewater 

disposal, recharge from the Big Lost River, and a mixture of 

water derived from precipitation and underflow from Big Lost 

River, Little Lost River, and Birch Creek. 

In Middle 2051, some minor inorganic constituents 

(chromium, barium, strontium, and tungsten) are more 

variable in zones 1, 2, and 5 as compared with concentrations 

in the other zones. Nitrite plus nitrate had smaller average 

concentrations in the upper zone (zone 5) as compared 

with concentrations in the other four zones (fig. 9). Tritium 

concentrations were smaller in the upper zone as compared 

with concentrations in the other four zones (fig. 18). δ2H and 

δ18O isotopes are heavier in the upper zone, and δ13C is lighter 

in the upper zone when compared with concentrations in the 

other four zones. Concentrations of calcium and magnesium 

and tritium differed among the upper zone (zone 5), zones 

3 and 4, and zones 1 and 2 (figs. 7 and 18). Sedimentary 

interbeds and large changes in piezometric head (Bartholomay, 

2009, fig. 8) separate zones 2 and 3 from zone 1 and zones 4 

and 5 from zones 2 and 3 in this well, which indicates three 

different water types in this well. The upper zone of water in 

this well probably is influenced more by recent local recharge 

from the Big Lost River than are the other four zones of 

water in this well. The other four zones include a variable 

combination of wastewater disposal (from the INTEC and 

the RTC), recharge from the Big Lost River, and a mixture of 

water derived from precipitation and underflow from Big Lost 

River, Little Lost River, and Birch Creek. 

Minor inorganic constituents were variable in the upper 

zone (zone 7) in USGS 103 as compared with the other six 

zones. Concentrations of ammonia were larger and nitrite 

plus nitrate and orthophosphate were smaller in the upper 

zone than in the other six zones. Tritium concentrations 

were smallest in the upper zone and were smaller in the 

upper three zones than in the deepest four zones (fig. 18). 

Uranium isotope concentrations were smaller in the upper 

zone than in the other zones. δ2H and δ18O isotopes were 

slightly heavier in the upper zone. Percentages of sodium and 

postassium concentrations in the upper zone of water were 

similar to regional underflow in that it has larger percentages 

of sodium and potassium and smaller percentages of calcium 

and magnesium than water from other zones. Fluoride and 

lithium concentrations also are slightly larger in this zone than 

in the other zones, but the lack of silica and the abundance of 

chloride do not support the concept of a regional-underflow 

source. The small tritium concentration in the upper zone 

indicates that the water is mostly old water. The deepest 

four zones include a variable combination of wastewater 

disposal and a mixture of water derived from precipitation and 

underflow from Big Lost River, Little Lost River, and Birch 

Creek. 

In USGS 132, concentrations of barium and nitrate plus 

nitrite in the upper zone were slightly larger than in the other 

five zones. Tritium concentrations were smaller in the upper 

zone than in the other five zones (fig. 18). Water in the upper 

zone of USGS 132 is chemically similar to the upper zone of 

USGS 103 and USGS 120 (fig. 20), which is an open-borehole 

well near USGS 132 that is used to sample the upper 100 ft of 

the aquifer. The higher concentrations of magnesium, sodium, 

and chloride in this zone may be due to a magnesium chloride 

brine suppressant applied to roads in the RWMC area (Roddy, 

2007). A tracer study conducted by Nimmo and others (2002) 

indicated that Big Lost River water from the spreading areas 

also recharges the upper part of the aquifer in the vicinity of 

this well. The other five zones include a variable combination 

of wastewater disposal, recharge from the Big Lost River, and 

a mixture of water derived from precipitation and underflow 

from Big Lost River, Little Lost River, and Birch Creek. 
36 Chemical Constituents in Groundwater from Multiple Zones, Eastern Snake River Plain Aquifer, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho, 2005–08

Figure 19. Major-ion composition of water from wells Middle 2050A, Middle 2051, USGS 103, USGS 132, USGS 133, and USGS 134, 

Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho.

tac10-0433_fig19

0%

20%

0%

20%

0%

40%

40%

20%

40%

60%

60%

80%

60%

80%

100%

100%

100%

80%

Magnesium

Calcium

20%

0%

20%

0%

0%

20%

40%

40%

40%

60%

60%

60%

80%

100%

80%

100%

80%

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Sulfate

Chloride

Sulfate + Chloride

Calcium + Magnesium

Sodium + Potassium

Bicarbonate

80%

100%

80%

100%

60%

60%

40%

40%

20%

0%

20%

0%

PERCENTAGE OF REACTING VALUES, IN MILLIEQUIVALENTS PER LITER

Middle 2050A, Zone 5

Middle 2050A, Zone 4

Middle 2050A, Zone 3

Middle 2050A, Zone 2

Middle 2050A, Zone 1

Middle 2051, Zone 5

Middle 2051, Zone 4

Middle 2051, Zone 3

Middle 2051, Zone 2

Middle 2051, Zone 1

USGS 103, Zone 7

USGS 103, Zone 6

USGS 103, Zone 5

USGS 103, Zone 4

USGS 103, Zone 3

USGS 103, Zone 2

USGS 103, Zone 1

USGS 132, Zone 6

USGS 132, Zone 5

USGS 132, Zone 4

USGS 132, Zone 3

USGS 132, Zone 2

USGS 132, Zone 1

USGS133, Zone 4

USGS 133, Zone 3

USGS 133, Zone 2

USGS 133, Zone 1

USGS 134, Zone 5

USGS 134, Zone 4

USGS 134, Zone 3

USGS 134, Zone 2

USGS 134, Zone 1

EXPLANATION
Chemical Comparison of Groundwater from Multiple Zones 37

tac10-0433_fig20

0%

20%

0%

20%

0%

40%

40%

20%

40%

60%

60%

80%

60%

80%

100%

100%

100%

80%

Magnesium

Calcium

20%

0%

20%

0%

0%

20%

40%

40%

40%

60%

60%

60%

80%

100%

80%

100%

80%

100%

Sulfate

Chloride

Sulfate + Chloride

Calcium + Magnesium

Sodium + Potassium

Bicarbonate

80%

100%

80%

100%

60%

60%

40%

40%

20%

0%

20%

0%

PERCENTAGE OF REACTING VALUES, IN MILLIEQUIVALENTS PER LITER

Average

precipitation

INEL-1

Middle 2051, Zone 5

Big Losr River downstream of INEL diversion

Big Lost River near Naval Reactors Facility (NRF)

Middle 2050A, Zone 1

USGS 103, Zone 7

USGS 132, Zone 6

USGS 101

Average precipitation

USGS 120

USGS 134, Zone 3

TRA-2

CPP-1

Arco City

Owen

Harrell

USGS 126B

NRF-2

USGS 133, Zone 4

INEL-1

Liddy Hot Springs

Middle 2050A, Zone 5

EXPLANATION

Figure 20. Major-ion composition from selected sites at and near the Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho.
38 Chemical Constituents in Groundwater from Multiple Zones, Eastern Snake River Plain Aquifer, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho, 2005–08

Concentrations of minor inorganic constituents varied 

between the upper zone (zone 4) in USGS 133 and the other 

three zones. Concentrations of orthophosphate were smaller 

and tritium was larger in the upper zone (fig. 18) than in the 

other zones. Nitrite plus nitrate concentrations were larger 

in the deepest zone than in the other zones (fig. 15). Tritium 

concentrations in the deepest three zones were small, and the 

water in these zones probably is a mixture of old water derived 

from precipitation and underflow from Big Lost River, Little 

Lost River, and Birch Creek. The upper zone also probably is 

derived mostly from mixtures of precipitation and underflow 

from Big Lost River, Little Lost River, and Birch Creek; it also 

may be influenced by wastewater discharge at the NRF.

In USGS 134, the water chemistry is similar in all five 

zones, and the percentages of magnesium is greater in this 

well relative to the other wells sampled for this study. This 

may indicate a greater influence of underflow from Little Lost 

River and Birch Creek, and a lesser influence of underflow 

from Big Lost River than for the other wells sampled for this 

study. Uranium isotope concentrations are low in this well, 

which may indicate sluggish groundwater flow (Luo and 

others, 2000). Tritium concentrations vary in the upper two 

zones, but some of the concentrations may indicate influence 

of either recharge from wastewater disposal at the RTC or of 

contamination from drill water. 

Tritium concentrations in the upper zone from well 

Middle 2050A, the four deepest zones from well Middle 

2051, the four deepest zones from well USGS 103, the five 

deepest zones from well USGS 132, the upper zone from 

well USGS 133, and the upper two zones from USGS 134 

indicate possible source water from wastewater disposal. The 

concentrations of wastewater constituents in deeper zones in 

wells Middle 2051, USGS 132, and USGS 103 support the 

concept of groundwater flow deepening in the southwestern 

corner of the INL (Ackerman and others, 2006, fig. 24). 

Summary

Radiochemical and chemical wastewater discharged to 

infiltration ponds and disposal wells since the early 1950s at 

the INL has affected the water quality of the eastern Snake 

River Plain aquifer. In 1949, the USGS initiated an ongoing 

monitoring program to determine the horizontal movement of 

selected constituents within the aquifer. In 2005, the USGS, in 

cooperation with DOE, added a multilevel, well-monitoring 

program to begin describing the vertical distribution of these 

chemical constituents. 

 Between 2005 and 2008, water samples were collected 

from four to seven transmissive zones in the upper 350–700 ft 

of the aquifer from six wells: Middle 2050A, Middle 2051, 

USGS 103, USGS 132, USGS 133, and USGS 134. The 

samples were analyzed by the USGS NWQL and/or the 

RESL for the following chemical constituents: dissolved 

cations and anions; trace elements; nutrients; isotopes of 

oxygen, hydrogen, and carbon; total organic carbon; uranium 

isotopes; tritium; strontium-90; plutonium and americium 

isotopes; and gross alpha, beta, and gamma radioactivity. The 

water chemistry of these samples was compared with that 

of recharge sources throughout the INL, and the results will 

be used in the future to determine if model-simulated source 

areas and travel times are consistent with field evidence. 

Eight replicate samples, two blank samples, and two 

samples of drilling water were collected as a measure of 

quality assurance for the entire period of sampling. About 

96 percent of the replicate pairs for radionuclide and isotope 

results were statistically comparable, and about 95 percent of 

the replicate pairs for the inorganic and organic constituents 

were statistically comparable; these results indicate that 

the sample collection and laboratory procedures used were 

appropriate for the data collected. 

The eastern Snake River Plain aquifer is recharged 

from several sources, including precipitation; streamflow 

infiltration from the Big Lost River; industrial wastewater 

return; irrigation infiltration; underflow from the Big Lost 

River, Little Lost River, and Birch Creek drainage basins; 

regional underflow from Snake River Plain aquifer northeast 

of the INL; and groundwater upwelling from below the 

base of the aquifer. The samples collected for this study 

represented variable mixtures of water sources consisting 

of underflow from the Big Lost River, Little Lost River, 

and Birch Creek; Big Lost River surface water; and minor 

contributions from precipitation recharge, wastewater return 

recharge, and irrigation return recharge. The water chemistry 

of one zone from one well compared with regional underflow 

water; however, other samples did not compare with regional 

underflow or with groundwater upwelling from below the base 

of the aquifer. 

The water-chemistry composition of all sampled zones 

is calcium plus magnesium bicarbonate. Four of the zones 

of water from four of the wells distinctly differ from the rest 

of the zones. The lower aquifer zone in well Middle 2050A 

has smaller percentages of sulfate as compared with chloride 

and bicarbonate than do all of the other samples. The upper 

aquifer zone from Middle 2051 has larger percentages of 

calcium as compared to magnesium, sodium, and potassium; 

and it has smaller percentages of chloride as compared to 

sulfate and bicarbonate than do all of the other samples. The 

upper zone of water from USGS 103 and USGS 132 both 

have much larger percentages of sulfate, chloride, and sodium 

plus potassium, and much smaller percentages of calcium and 

bicarbonate than do the other zones of water. All five zones of 

water from USGS 134 have larger percentages of magnesium 

than in the other wells sampled for this study, which may 

indicate a greater influence of underflow from Little Lost 

River and Birch Creek, and less influence of underflow from 

Big Lost River.
References Cited 39

Tritium concentrations in the upper zone from well 

Middle 2050A, the four deepest zones from well Middle 

2051, the four deepest zones from well USGS 103, the five 

deepest zones from well USGS 132, the upper zone from 

well USGS 133, and the upper two zones from USGS 134 

indicate possible source water from wastewater disposal. The 

concentrations of wastewater constituents in deeper zones in 

wells Middle 2051, USGS 132, and USGS 103 support the 

concept of groundwater flow deepening in the southwestern 

corner of the INL. 

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Table 3 43

Table 3. Concentrations of dissolved major cations and silica in water from multiple zones in the eastern Snake River Plain aquifer, 

Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho, 2005–08. 

[Well locations are shown in figure 2. Port depth in feet below land surface. Analytical results in milligrams per liter (mg/L). NA, not applicable. NS, not 

sampled. Remarks: QAW, quality assurance WestbayTM sample. RPD, Relative percent difference in percent. <, less than]

Well name Port 

depth Date

Calcium Magnesium Sodium Potassium Silica

Remarks

mg/L RPD mg/L RPD mg/L RPD mg/L RPD mg/L RPD

Middle 2050A

Zone 5 515 09-30-05 NS NA NS NA 8.44 NA NS NA NS NA

09-19-06 45.6 NA 11.3 NA 6.60 NA 1.90 NA 19.4 NA

09-20-07 54.7 NA 16.6 NA 8.55 NA 2.26 NA 22.9 NA

08-27-08 53.2 NA 16.5 NA 9.39 NA 2.36 NA 21.5 NA

08-27-08 54.5 2.2 16.6 1.2 9.48 0.95 2.43 2.90 21.7 0.93 QAW-11

Zone 4 642 09-30-05 NS NA NS NA 8.06 NA NS NA NS NA

09-19-06 41.5 NA 13.6 NA 9.52 NA 2.32 NA 18.7 NA

09-20-07 43.8 NA 14.1 NA 6.70 NA 2.21 NA 20.4 NA

08-27-08 42.8 NA 14.2 NA 7.17 NA 2.32 NA 19.6 NA

Zone 3 790 10-14-05 NS NA NS NA 7.80 NA NS NA NS NA

09-20-06 47.3 NA 16.8 NA 7.73 NA 1.88 NA 21.4 NA

09-20-06 48.6 2.7 16.9 0.59 7.77 0.52 1.90 1.10 21.6 0.93 QAW-5

09-20-07 47.5 NA 17.5 NA 7.93 NA 1.86 NA 21.6 NA

08-26-08 45.2 NA 17.2 NA 8.61 NA 1.90 NA 20.3 NA

Zone 2 998 10-07-05 NS NA NS NA 7.95 NA NS NA NS NA

09-18-06 43.8 NA 16.7 NA 7.65 NA 1.72 NA 20.7 NA

09-19-07 43.0 NA 16.9 NA 7.82 NA 1.74 NA 19.8 NA

08-26-08 41.4 NA 16.4 NA 7.81 NA 1.71 NA 19.0 NA

Zone 1 1,179 10-21-05 NS NA NS NA 11.6 NA NS NA NS NA

09-18-06 42.0 NA 15.8 NA 12.1 NA 2.40 NA 17.9 NA

09-19-07 41.0 NA 17.0 NA 12.5 NA 2.43 NA 18.8 NA

08-26-08 40.0 NA 17.4 NA 12.4 NA 2.45 NA 18.7 NA

Middle 2051

Zone 5 604 09-27-05 NS NA NS NA 5.85 NA NS NA NS NA

09-11-06 47.4 NA 11.4 NA 5.69 NA 2.31 NA 26.4 NA

09-12-07 47.6 NA 11.1 NA 5.82 NA 2.29 NA 26.0 NA

08-25-08 46.3 NA 11.1 NA 5.68 NA 2.37 NA 24.3 NA

Zone 4 750 09-27-05 NS NA NS NA 8.40 NA NS NA NS NA

09-13-06 44.3 NA 15.8 NA 8.35 NA 2.27 NA 24.5 NA

09-13-06 44.1 0.45 15.8 0 8.22 1.6 2.27 0 24.2 1.2 QAW-4

09-12-07 44.3 NA 15.4 NA 8.21 NA 2.22 NA 23.7 NA

09-12-07 44.9 1.3 15.6 1.3 8.33 1.5 2.26 2.20 23.9 0.8 QAW-8

08-25-08 43.7 NA 15.6 NA 8.28 NA 2.28 NA 22.4 NA

Zone 3 828 09-28-05 NS NA NS NA 8.50 NA NS NA NS NA

09-12-06 43.8 NA 15.6 NA 8.08 NA 2.12 NA 23.1 NA

09-12-06 44.4 1.4 15.7 0.64 8.21 1.60 2.20 3.70 23.5 1.7 QAW-3

09-11-07 46.4 NA 16.5 NA 8.65 NA 2.36 NA 22.2 NA

08-21-08 43.1 NA 15.3 NA 8.35 NA 2.18 NA 21.6 NA

Zone 2 1,092 09-28-05 NS NA NS NA 7.46 NA NS NA NS NA

09-11-06 36.4 NA 17.6 NA 7.27 NA 2.39 NA 26.8 NA

09-11-07 38.0 NA 18.0 NA 7.69 NA 2.51 NA 25.2 NA

08-21-08 35.7 NA 17.1 NA 7.49 NA 2.41 NA 24.2 NA

Zone 1 1,142 09-29-05 NS NA NS NA 9.25 NA NS NA NS NA

09-07-06 37.5 NA 18.4 NA 7.77 NA 2.48 NA 26.5 NA

09-11-07 38.2 NA 17.8 NA 7.81 NA 2.49 NA 25.3 NA

08-21-08 36.8 NA 17.8 NA 7.78 NA 2.52 NA 25.0 NA
44 Chemical Constituents in Groundwater from Multiple Zones, Eastern Snake River Plain Aquifer, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho, 2005–08

Table 3. Concentrations of dissolved major cations and silica in water from multiple zones in the eastern Snake River Plain 

aquifer, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho, 2005–08.—Continued 

[Well locations are shown in figure 2. Port depth in feet below land surface. Analytical results in milligrams per liter (mg/L). NA, not applicable. NS, not 

sampled. Remarks: QAW, quality assurance WestbayTM sample. RPD, Relative percent difference in percent. <, less than]

Well name Port 

depth Date

Calcium Magnesium Sodium Potassium Silica

Remarks

mg/L RPD mg/L RPD mg/L RPD mg/L RPD mg/L RPD

USGS 103

Zone 7 682 10-02-07 20.0 NA 13.3 NA 13.7 NA 2.84 NA 6.09 NA

08-20-08 21.6 NA 14.6 NA 14.7 NA 3.12 NA 6.89 NA

Zone 6 805 10-02-07 33.2 NA 14.3 NA 12.2 NA 2.72 NA 29.6 NA

08-19-08 32.9 NA 14.5 NA 12.9 NA 2.86 NA 30.6 NA

Zone 5 914 10-01-07 32.1 NA 13.7 NA 10.0 NA 2.75 NA 28.5 NA

08-19-08 30.7 NA 13.6 NA 9.3 NA 2.83 NA 29.5 NA

Zone 4 1,000 10-01-07 34.7 NA 14.5 NA 8.1 NA 2.36 NA 26.4 NA

08-18-08 35.6 NA 15.4 NA 8.72 NA 2.58 NA 27.3 NA

Zone 3 1,095 10-01-07 38.7 NA 14.9 NA 8.42 NA 2.40 NA 25.7 NA

08-18-08 37.1 NA 14.9 NA 8.52 NA 2.46 NA 25.2 NA

Zone 2 1,220 09-25-07 38.2 NA 14.8 NA 8.15 NA 2.29 NA 25.8 NA

08-18-08 38.8 NA 15.5 NA 8.9 NA 2.57 NA 26.3 NA

08-18-08 39.1 0.77 15.8 1.9 8.9 0 2.60 1.2 26.6 1.1 QAW-10

Zone 1 1,269 09-25-07 38.6 NA 15.0 NA 8.48 NA 2.32 NA 25.3 NA

08-19-08 38.3 NA 15.4 NA 8.82 NA 2.51 NA 26.4 NA

USGS 132

Zone 6 636 09-06-06 36.6 NA 16.7 NA 29.7 NA 3.73 NA 25.4 NA

09-18-07 34.8 NA 16.7 NA 28.1 NA 3.84 NA 24.0 NA

08-14-08 35.8 NA 18.1 NA 26.1 NA 3.77 NA 24.8 NA

08-14-08 36.2 1.1 18.1 0 26.2 0.38 3.84 1.80 24.6 0.81 QAW-9

Zone 5 764 09-05-06 38.6 NA 15.4 NA 11.1 NA 2.72 NA 25.9 NA

09-18-07 38.6 NA 15.0 NA 10.8 NA 2.68 NA 24.6 NA

08-13-08 38.4 NA 15.4 NA 10.7 NA 2.81 NA 25.7 NA

Zone 4 826 09-05-06 41.3 NA 14.9 NA 9.42 NA 2.57 NA 25.7 NA

09-18-07 39.7 NA 14.0 NA 8.87 NA 2.42 NA 25.5 NA

08-13-08 39.6 NA 14.5 NA 8.85 NA 2.60 NA 25.8 NA

Zone 3 917 08-31-06 39.9 NA 14.3 NA 8.89 NA 2.51 NA 25.4 NA

09-18-07 39.6 NA 14.0 NA 8.90 NA 2.49 NA 25.3 NA

08-13-08 39.3 NA 14.4 NA 8.85 NA 2.56 NA 25.8 NA

Zone 2 1,010 08-30-06 38.7 NA 14.4 NA 8.98 NA 2.49 NA 24.8 NA

09-17-07 39.7 NA 13.9 NA 9.08 NA 2.48 NA 25.3 NA

08-12-08 39.9 NA 14.6 NA 9.15 NA 2.63 NA 25.8 NA

Zone 1 1,172 08-29-06 38.7 NA 14.8 NA 11.4 NA 2.60 NA 24.7 NA

09-17-07 39.5 NA 14.1 NA 11.8 NA 2.60 NA 24.6 NA

08-12-08 38.8 NA 14.7 NA 11.7 NA 2.75 NA 24.9 NA
Table 3 45

Table 3. Concentrations of dissolved major cations and silica in water from multiple zones in the eastern Snake River Plain 

aquifer, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho, 2005–08.—Continued 

[Well locations are shown in figure 2. Port depth in feet below land surface. Analytical results in milligrams per liter (mg/L). NA, not applicable. NS, not 

sampled. Remarks: QAW, quality assurance WestbayTM sample. RPD, Relative percent difference in percent. <, less than]

Well name Port 

depth Date

Calcium Magnesium Sodium Potassium Silica

Remarks

mg/L RPD mg/L RPD mg/L RPD mg/L RPD mg/L RPD

USGS 133

Zone 4 468 09-24-07 43.3 NA 13.8 NA 8.53 NA 2.98 NA 14.4 NA

09-02-08 20.0 NA 6.35 NA 4.65 NA 1.42 NA 10.0 NA

Zone 3 568 09-24-07 45.6 NA 15.1 NA 7.92 NA 2.85 NA 29.5 NA

09-02-08 39.8 NA 13.2 NA 7.60 NA 2.70 NA 24.9 NA

Zone 2 685 09-24-07 45.4 NA 15.5 NA 7.75 NA 2.22 NA 27.0 NA

09-09-08 40.2 NA 13.6 NA 7.09 NA 2.06 NA 23.6 NA

Zone 1 744 09-24-07 57.7 NA 20.7 NA 9.45 NA 1.91 NA 23.1 NA

09-02-08 50.4 NA 17.8 NA 8.97 NA 1.75 NA 19.1 NA

USGS 134

Zone 5 578 09-27-06 31.0 NA 18.2 NA 8.18 NA 2.25 NA 40.3 NA

09-10-07 28.0 NA 17.5 NA 7.89 NA 2.32 NA 29.5 NA

09-04-08 24.8 NA 16 NA 7.23 NA 2.15 NA 27.0 NA

Zone 4 644 09-28-06 39.6 NA 20.5 NA 8.61 NA 2.35 NA 36.4 NA

09-06-07 40.8 NA 21.6 NA 9.16 NA 2.41 NA 31.7 NA

09-06-07 41.2 0.98 21.7 0.46 9.20 0.44 2.37 1.7 31.7 0 QAW-7

09-04-08 36.3 NA 20.1 NA 8.73 NA 2.26 NA 28.2 NA

Zone 3 706 09-27-06 14.2 NA 8.21 NA 3.94 NA 1.13 NA 16.3 NA

09-05-07 27.5 NA 16.6 NA 7.77 NA 2.22 NA 31.1 NA

09-03-08 25.5 NA 15.5 NA 7.73 NA 2.19 NA 28.6 NA

Zone 2 806 09-26-06 38.7 NA 17.6 NA 7.28 NA 2.28 NA 35.0 NA

09-05-07 33.6 NA 16.4 NA 7.74 NA 2.22 NA 26.9 NA

09-03-08 31.9 NA 16.6 NA 8.18 NA 2.38 NA 25.9 NA

Zone 1 856 09-25-06 51.4 NA 25.7 NA 9.21 NA 2.89 NA 74.9 NA

09-04-07 54.1 NA 30.4 NA 11.0 NA 3.35 NA 65.6 NA 1

846 09-03-08 25.2 NA 15.6 NA 7.79 NA 2.57 NA 39.1 NA

QAW-1 NA 08-28-06 <0.02 NA <0.008 NA 0.215 NA <0.16 NA 1.01 NA

QAW-2 NA 10-02-06 78.3 NA 24.8 NA 28.2 NA 4.26 NA 25.5 NA

QAW-6 NA 10-12-07 <0.02 NA <0.014 NA 0.415 NA <0.04 NA 1.29 NA

QAW-12 NA 09-08-08 38.3 NA 15.5 NA 11.8 NA 2.91 NA 24.6 NA

1

The port at 856 feet below land surface was damaged in 2007, so samples were collected from the port at 846 feet below land surface in 2008.
46 Chemical Constituents in Groundwater from Multiple Zones, Eastern Snake River Plain Aquifer, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho, 2005–08

Table 4. Concentrations of dissolved major anions in water from multiple zones in the eastern Snake River Plain aquifer, Idaho 

National Laboratory, Idaho, 2005–08. 

[Well locations are shown in figure 2. Port depth in feet below land surface. Analytical results in milligrams per liter (mg/L). Bicarbonate data were 

calculated from field measurements shown in table 2; alkalinity (as calcium carbonate) was divided by 0.8202 (Hem, 1989, p. 57). NS, not sampled. NA, 

not applicable. Remarks: QAW, quality assurance WestbayTM sample. RPD, Relative percent difference in percent. <, less than]

Well name Port 

depth Date

Chloride Sulfate Bicarbonate Fluoride

Remarks

mg/L RPD mg/L RPD mg/L RPD mg/L RPD

Middle 2050A

Zone 5 515 09-30-05 15.3 NA NS NA NS NA NS NA

09-19-06 5.64 NA 19.6 NA 183 NA 0.217 NA

09-20-07 16.1 NA 25.9 NA 205 NA 0.183 NA

08-27-08 15.5 NA 25.7 NA 200 NA 0.216 NA

08-27-08 15.6 0.64 25.7 0 200 0 0.209 3.30 QAW-11

Zone 4 642 09-30-05 14.7 NA NS NA NS NA NS NA

09-19-06 10.6 NA 18.4 NA 178 NA 0.237 NA

09-20-07 10.9 NA 19.7 NA 176 NA 0.210 NA

08-27-08 11.2 NA 21.4 NA 182 NA 0.235 NA

Zone 3 790 10-14-05 11.7 NA NS NA NS NA NS NA

09-20-06 10.3 NA 21.1 NA 205 NA 0.167 NA

09-20-06 10.3 0 21.1 0 205 0 0.205 20.4 QAW-5

09-20-07 10.7 NA 21.6 NA 200 NA 0.153 NA

08-26-08 10.9 NA 22.1 NA 207 NA 0.184 NA

Zone 2 998 10-07-05 9.97 NA NS NA NS NA NS NA

09-18-06 9.76 NA 20.3 NA 195 NA 0.184 NA

09-19-07 10.2 NA 20.6 NA 193 NA 0.165 NA

08-26-08 10.3 NA 21.6 NA 200 NA 0.158 NA

Zone 1 1,179 10-21-05 15.4 NA NS NA NS NA NS NA

09-18-06 14.6 NA 14.0 NA 222 NA 0.242 NA

09-19-07 14.9 NA 9.87 NA 202 NA 0.249 NA

08-26-08 14.6 NA 9.57 NA 210 NA 0.262 NA

Middle 2051

Zone 5 604 09-27-05 5.67 NA NS NA NS NA NS NA

09-11-06 5.63 NA 20.2 NA 188 NA 0.251 NA

09-12-07 5.68 NA 20.5 NA 184 NA 0.231 NA

08-25-08 5.68 NA 22.0 NA 188 NA 0.245 NA

Zone 4 750 09-27-05 9.89 NA NS NA NS NA NS NA

09-13-06 9.95 NA 25.5 NA 193 NA 0.207 NA

09-13-06 9.94 0.10 25.6 0 193 0 0.212 2.4 QAW-4

09-12-07 10.6 NA 25.6 NA 185 NA 0.209 NA

09-12-07 10.6 0 25.6 0 185 0 0.209 0 QAW-8

08-25-08 10.7 NA 26.1 NA 188 NA 0.207 NA

Zone 3 828 09-28-05 9.94 NA NS NA NS NA NS NA

09-12-06 10.2 NA 26.6 NA 200 NA 0.204 NA

09-12-06 10.2 0 26.6 0 200 0 0.207 1.50 QAW-3

09-11-07 10.5 NA 27.3 NA 198 NA 0.207 NA

08-21-08 11.1 NA 27.1 NA 193 NA 0.197 NA

Zone 2 1,092 09-28-05 11.4 NA NS NA NS NA NS NA

09-11-06 11.2 NA 21.9 NA 176 NA 0.191 NA

09-11-07 11.6 NA 23.1 NA 173 NA 0.185 NA

08-21-08 12.1 NA 23.3 NA 178 NA 0.193 NA

Zone 1 1,142 09-29-05 15.7 NA NS NA NS NA NS NA

09-07-06 10.7 NA 20.6 NA 178 NA 0.161 NA

09-11-07 11.8 NA 22.4 NA 178 NA 0.193 NA

08-21-08 12.1 NA 23.5 NA 176 NA 0.207 NA
Table 4 47

Well name Port 

depth Date

Chloride Sulfate Bicarbonate Fluoride

Remarks

mg/L RPD mg/L RPD mg/L RPD mg/L RPD

USGS 103

Zone 7 682 10-02-07 20.6 NA 26.4 NA 107 NA 0.467 NA

08-20-08 18.4 NA 23.1 NA 122 NA 0.378 NA

Zone 6 805 10-02-07 13.9 NA 21.8 NA 154 NA 0.341 NA

08-19-08 14.3 NA 22.9 NA 152 NA 0.320 NA

Zone 5 914 10-01-07 11.0 NA 19.2 NA 154 NA 0.264 NA

08-19-08 10.2 NA 19.6 NA 152 NA 0.216 NA

Zone 4 1,000 10-01-07 11.8 NA 20.0 NA 163 NA 0.209 NA

08-18-08 12.6 NA 21.4 NA 171 NA 0.216 NA

Zone 3 1,095 10-01-07 13.7 NA 21.4 NA 168 NA 0.220 NA

08-18-08 14.2 NA 22.3 NA 171 NA 0.211 NA

Zone 2 1,220 09-25-07 13.9 NA 20.9 NA 166 NA 0.221 NA

08-18-08 14.1 NA 22.4 NA 171 NA 0.211 NA

08-18-08 14.3 1.4 22.6 0.89 171 0 0.204 3.4 QAW-10

Zone 1 1,269 09-25-07 14.1 NA 21.3 NA 166 NA 0.247 NA

8-19-08 14.3 NA 22.5 NA 168 NA 0.214 NA

USGS 132

Zone 6 636 09-06-06 19.3 NA 40.2 NA 183 NA 0.287 NA

09-18-07 23.2 NA 38.6 NA 176 NA 0.284 NA

08-14-08 35.0 NA 40.8 NA 171 NA 0.279 NA

08-14-08 34.9 0.29 40.9 0.24 171 0 0.281 0.71 QAW-9

Zone 5 764 09-05-06 10.4 NA 25.1 NA 178 NA 0.217 NA

09-18-07 11.0 NA 25.8 NA 173 NA 0.241 NA

08-13-08 11.2 NA 25.9 NA 176 NA 0.262 NA

Zone 4 826 09-05-06 9.50 NA 23.6 NA 171 NA 0.228 NA

09-18-07 10.0 NA 23.5 NA 168 NA 0.251 NA

08-13-08 10.3 NA 24.8 NA 171 NA 0.249 NA

Zone 3 917 08-31-06 9.53 NA 23.9 NA 176 NA 0.249 NA

09-18-07 9.95 NA 23.4 NA 176 NA 0.255 NA

08-13-08 10.2 NA 24.7 NA 166 NA 0.238 NA

Zone 2 1,010 08-30-06 9.52 NA 23.6 NA 210 NA 0.255 NA

09-17-07 10.1 NA 23.6 NA 176 NA 0.248 NA

08-12-08 10.3 NA 24.8 NA 166 NA 0.249 NA

Zone 1 1,172 08-29-06 9.89 NA 24.1 NA 178 NA 0.249 NA

09-17-07 10.3 NA 24.1 NA 176 NA 0.262 NA

08-12-08 10.7 NA 25.4 NA 178 NA 0.247 NA

Table 4. Concentrations of dissolved major anions in water from multiple zones in the eastern Snake River Plain aquifer, Idaho 

National Laboratory, Idaho, 2005–08.—Continued 

[Well locations are shown in figure 2. Port depth in feet below land surface. Analytical results in milligrams per liter (mg/L). Bicarbonate data were 

calculated from field measurements shown in table 2; alkalinity (as calcium carbonate) was divided by 0.8202 (Hem, 1989, p. 57). NS, not sampled. NA, 

not applicable. Remarks: QAW, quality assurance WestbayTM sample. RPD, Relative percent difference in percent. <, less than]
48 Chemical Constituents in Groundwater from Multiple Zones, Eastern Snake River Plain Aquifer, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho, 2005–08

Table 4. Concentrations of dissolved major anions in water from multiple zones in the eastern Snake River Plain aquifer, Idaho 

National Laboratory, Idaho, 2005–08.—Continued 

[Well locations are shown in figure 2. Port depth in feet below land surface. Analytical results in milligrams per liter (mg/L). Bicarbonate data were 

calculated from field measurements shown in table 2; alkalinity (as calcium carbonate) was divided by 0.8202 (Hem, 1989, p. 57). NS, not sampled. NA, 

not applicable. Remarks: QAW, quality assurance WestbayTM sample. RPD, Relative percent difference in percent. <, less than]

Well name Port 

depth Date

Chloride Sulfate Bicarbonate Fluoride

Remarks

mg/L RPD mg/L RPD mg/L RPD mg/L RPD

USGS 133

Zone 4 468 09-24-07 12.5 NA 20.7 NA 161 NA 0.228 NA

09-02-08 13.2 NA 20.8 NA 163 NA 0.224 NA

Zone 3 568 09-24-07 12.3 NA 19.7 NA 161 NA 0.183 NA

09-02-08 12.9 NA 21.0 NA 168 NA 0.195 NA

Zone 2 685 09-24-07 12.1 NA 19.6 NA 168 NA 0.173 NA

09-02-08 12.5 NA 20.5 NA 177 NA 0.194 NA

Zone 1 744 09-24-07 14.0 NA 22.3 NA 217 NA 0.143 NA

09-02-08 13.9 NA 22.1 NA 227 NA 0.132 NA

USGS 134

Zone 5 578 09-27-06 10.6 NA 19.3 NA 163 NA 0.237 NA

09-10-07 9.45 NA 19.6 NA 156 NA 0.207 NA

09-04-08 9.55 NA 20.7 NA 156 NA 0.205 NA

Zone 4 644 09-28-06 11.6 NA 18.7 NA 198 NA 0.185 NA

09-06-07 11.2 NA 19.4 NA 205 NA 0.156 NA

09-06-07 11.2 0.89 19.5 0.51 205 0 0.156 0 QAW-7

09-04-08 10.4 NA 19.7 NA 205 NA 0.136 NA

Zone 3 706 09-27-06 7.16 NA 16.3 NA 156 NA 0.212 NA

09-05-07 7.34 NA 17.3 NA 151 NA 0.219 NA

09-03-08 7.69 NA 18.9 NA 157 NA 0.189 NA

Zone 2 806 09-26-06 8.98 NA 18.5 NA 171 NA 0.162 NA

09-05-07 9.34 NA 19.8 NA 161 NA 0.215 NA

09-03-08 9.75 NA 20.8 NA 166 NA 0.176 NA

Zone 1 856 09-25-06 9.56 NA 19.1 NA 200 NA 0.136 NA

09-04-07 9.25 NA 21.3 NA NS NA 0.125 NA 1

846 09-03-08 7.51 NA 19.1 NA 156 NA 0.129 NA

QAW-1 NA 08-28-06 0.16E NA <0.18 NA 11 NA <0.1 NA

QAW-2 NA 10-02-06 120 NA 46.2 NA 215 NA 0.165 NA

QAW-6 NA 09-12-07 0.328 NA <0.018 NA NS NA <0.1 NA

QAW-12 NA 09-08-08 13.5 NA 26.6 NA 173 NA 0.240 NA

1

The port at 856 feet below land surface was damaged in 2007, so samples were collected from the port at 846 feet below land surface in 2008.
Table 5 49

Well 

name

Port 

depth Date

Aluminum Antimony Arsenic Barium Beryllium

μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD

Middle 2050A

Zone 5 515 09-19-06 3.54 NA 0.13 E NA 1.39 NA 66.9 NA <0.2 NA

09-20-07 5.15 NA 0.104 NA 1.60 NA 72.6 NA <0.2 NA

08-27-08 4.18 NA 0.117 E NA 1.61 NA 73.4 NA <0.2 NA

08-27-08 3.90 6.70 0.122 E 4 1.62 0.62 73.9 0.68 <0.2 0

Zone 4 642 09-19-06 4.78 NA 0.17 E NA 0.800 NA 41.9 NA <0.2 NA

09-20-07 4.02 NA 0.089 NA 0.741 NA 40.7 NA <0.2 NA

08-26-08 3.82 NA 0.108 E NA 0.886 NA 35.1 NA <0.2 NA

Zone 3 790 09-20-06 4.34 NA <0.2 NA 1.39 NA 51.1 NA <0.2 NA

09-20-06 4.33 0.23 <0.2 0 1.45 4.2 51.2 0.2 <0.2 0

09-20-07 3.71 NA 0.074 NA 1.44 NA 49.8 NA <0.2 NA

08-26-08 3.79 NA 0.08 E NA 1.47 NA 45.8 NA <0.2 NA

Zone 2 998 09-18-06 4.12 NA <0.2 NA 1.41 NA 45.8 NA <0.2 NA

09-19-07 6.20 NA 0.072 NA 1.42 NA 42.0 NA <0.2 NA

08-26-08 3.42 NA 0.071 E NA 1.46 NA 41.9 NA <0.2 NA

Zone 1 1,179 09-18-06 4.15 NA <0.2 NA 1.15 NA 74.2 NA <0.2 NA

09-19-07 2.03 NA <0.06 NA 1.25 NA 65.0 NA <0.2 NA

08-26-08 1.94 NA <0.14 NA 1.32 NA 60.8 NA <0.2 NA

Well 

name

Port 

depth Date

Bromide Cadmium Chromium Cobalt Copper

μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD

Middle 2050A—Continued

Zone 5 515 09-19-06 0.019 E NA <0.04 NA 1.59 NA <0.04 NA 0.420 NA

09-20-07 0.026 NA <0.04 NA 7.11 NA 0.024 E NA 2.00 NA

08-27-08 0.034 NA <0.04 NA 8.17 NA 0.028 NA <1 NA

08-27-08 0.035 2.90 <0.04 0 8.23 0.73 0.030 6.90 <1 0

Zone 4 642 09-19-06 0.023 NA 0.03 E NA 1.63 NA 0.050 NA 0.710 NA

09-20-07 0.026 NA <0.04 NA 1.46 NA <0.04 NA 0.45 NA

08-27-08 0.027 NA <0.04 NA 2.89 NA 0.026 NA <1 NA

Zone 3 790 09-20-06 0.031 NA <0.04 NA 4.04 NA 0.02 E NA 0.21 E NA

09-20-06 0.030 3.3 <0.04 0 3.99 1.2 <0.04 NC <0.4 NC

09-20-07 0.025 NA <0.04 NA 3.70 NA 0.022 E NA <0.4 NA

08-26-08 0.029 NA <0.04 NA 4.22 NA 0.029 NA <1 NA

Zone 2 998 09-18-06 0.028 NA 0.080 NA 3.36 NA 0.02 E NA 0.490 NA

09-19-07 0.019 E NA <0.04 NA 3.50 NA 0.053 NA 4.27 NA

08-26-08 0.031 NA <0.04 NA 3.41 NA 0.032 NA <1 NA

Zone 1 1,179 09-18-06 0.040 NA 0.110 NA 0.04 NA 2.36 NA 0.610 NA

09-19-07 0.035 NA 0.054 NA <0.12 NA 2.14 NA <0.4 NA

08-26-08 0.032 NA 0.047 NA <0.12 NA 1.84 NA <1 NA

Table 5. Concentrations of selected minor dissolved inorganic constituents in water from multiple zones in the eastern Snake 

River Plain aquifer, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho, 2005–08.

[Well locations are shown in figure 2. Port depth in feet below land surface. Analytical results in micrograms per liter (μg/L). NS, not sampled; NC, not 

calculated. NA; not applicable. Remarks: QAW, quality assurance WestbayTM sample. RPD; Relative percent difference in percent; <, less than]
50 Chemical Constituents in Groundwater from Multiple Zones, Eastern Snake River Plain Aquifer, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho, 2005–08

Well 

name

Port 

depth Date

Iron Lead Lithium Manganese Mercury

μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD

Middle 2050A—Continued

Zone 5 515 09-19-06 <6 NA 0.04 E NA 1.62 NA 0.390 NA NS NA

09-20-07 <6 NA 0.214 NA 1.32 NA 0.126 E NA NS NA

08-27-08 <8 NA <0.08 NA 1.37 NA 0.131 E NA NS NA

08-27-08 <8 0 <0.08 0 1.34 2.20 0.125 E 4.70 NS NC

Zone 4 642 09-19-06 20.9 NA 0.06 E NA 2.04 NA 1.42 NA NS NA

09-20-07 <6 NA <0.12 NA 1.35 NA 0.891 NA NS NA

08-27-08 <8 NA <0.08 NA 1.47 NA 0.352 NA NS NA

Zone 3 790 09-20-06 3.38 E NA <0.08 NA 2.45 NA 0.730 NA NS NA

09-20-06 3.38 E 0 0.210 NC 2.46 0.4 0.770 5.3 NS NC

09-20-07 <6 NA <0.12 NA 1.90 NA 0.560 NA NS NA

08-26-08 <8 NA <0.08 NA 1.98 NA 0.426 NA NS NA

Zone 2 998 09-18-06 <6 NA 0.05 E NA 3.08 NA 1.67 NA NS NA

09-19-07 <6 NA 0.40 NA 3.00 NA 1.23 NA NS NA

08-26-08 <8 NA <0.08 NA 2.19 NA 0.614 NA NS NA

Zone 1 1,179 09-18-06 25.0 NA 0.100 NA 4.15 NA 476 NA NS NA

09-19-07 20.3 NA <0.12 NA 3.51 NA 460 NA NS NA

08-26-08 16.7 NA <0.08 NA 3.25 NA 365 NA NS NA

Well 

name

Port 

depth Date

Molybdenum Nickel Selenium Silver Strontium

μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD

Middle 2050A—Continued

Zone 5 515 09-19-06 2.47 NA 0.200 NA 1.05 NA <0.20 NA 240 NA

09-20-07 2.00 NA 0.239 NA 1.45 NA <0.1 NA 276 NA

08-27-08 2.01 NA 0.242 NA 1.40 NA <0.1 NA 272 NA

08-27-08 2.01 0 0.235 2.90 1.40 0 <0.1 0 272 0

Zone 4 642 09-19-06 8.21 NA 0.310 NA 0.610 NA <0.20 NA 237 NA

09-20-07 6.44 NA 0.357 NA 0.747 NA <0.1 NA 219 NA

08-27-08 6.03 NA 0.297 NA 0.757 NA <0.1 NA 230 NA

Zone 3 790 09-20-06 1.18 NA 0.190 NA 1.09 NA <0.20 NA 227 NA

09-20-06 1.15 2.6 0.170 11.1 1.13 3.6 <0.20 0 227 0

09-20-07 0.992 NA 0.254 NA 1.23 NA <0.1 NA 211 NA

08-26-08 0.983 NA 0.227 NA 1.15 NA <0.1 NA 211 NA

Zone 2 998 09-18-06 1.50 NA 0.240 NA 0.990 NA <0.20 NA 220 NA

09-19-07 1.09 NA 0.459 NA 1.14 NA <0.1 NA 201 NA

08-26-08 0.994 NA 0.257 NA 1.11 NA <0.1 NA 202 NA

Zone 1 1,179 09-18-06 17.7 NA 1.58 NA <0.08 NA <0.20 NA 306 NA

09-19-07 23.9 NA 1.16 NA <0.08 NA <0.1 NA 273 NA

08-26-08 26.3 NA 1.13 NA <0.04 NA <0.1 NA 273 NA

Table 5. Concentrations of selected minor dissolved inorganic constituents in water from multiple zones in the eastern Snake 

River Plain aquifer, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho, 2005–08.—Continued 

[Well locations are shown in figure 2. Port depth in feet below land surface. Analytical results in micrograms per liter (μg/L). NS, not sampled; NC, not 

calculated. NA; not applicable. Remarks: QAW, quality assurance WestbayTM sample. RPD; Relative percent difference in percent; <, less than]
Table 5 51

Well 

name

Port 

depth Date

Thallium Tungsten Uranium Vanadium Zinc

Remarks

μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD

Middle 2050A—Continued

Zone 5 515 09-19-06 <0.04 NA 0.830 NA 1.94 NA 2.76 NA 5.34 NA

09-20-07 <0.04 NA 0.198 NA 1.93 NA 4.90 NA 6.79 NA

08-27-08 <0.04 NA 0.201 NA 1.79 NA 5.08 NA 2.97 NA

08-27-08 <0.04 0 0.209 3.90 1.79 0 5.10 0.39 2.66 11.0 QAW-11

Zone 4 642 09-19-06 <0.04 NA 27.5 NA 1.5 NA 2.32 NA 13.1 NA

09-20-07 <0.04 NA 23.6 NA 1.57 NA 2.34 NA 14.1 NA

08-27-08 <0.04 NA 23.2 NA 1.75 NA 2.76 NA 8.09 NA

Zone 3 790 09-20-06 <0.04 NA 1.9 NA 1.44 NA 3.69 NA 20.2 NA

09-20-06 <0.04 0 1.83 3.8 1.44 0 3.61 2.2 20.8 2.9 QAW-5

09-20-07 <0.04 NA 1.21 NA 1.41 NA 3.75 NA 13.2 NA

08-26-08 <0.04 NA 0.941 NA 1.39 NA 3.79 NA 5.29 NA

Zone 2 998 09-18-06 <0.04 NA 7.23 NA 1.42 NA 3.43 NA 11.0 NA

09-19-07 <0.04 NA 5.65 NA 1.40 NA 3.50 NA 12.2 NA

08-26-08 <0.04 NA 5.37 NA 1.32 NA 3.33 NA 5.80 NA

Zone 1 1,179 09-18-06 <0.04 NA 359 NA 0.450 NA 0.08 E NA 11.8 NA

09-19-07 <0.04 NA 483 NA 0.480 NA 0.085 NA 19.3 NA

08-26-08 <0.04 NA 452 NA 0.628 NA 0.071 0.071 4.25 NA

Table 5. Concentrations of selected minor dissolved inorganic constituents in water from multiple zones in the eastern Snake 

River Plain aquifer, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho, 2005–08.—Continued 

[Well locations are shown in figure 2. Port depth in feet below land surface. Analytical results in micrograms per liter (μg/L). NS, not sampled; NC, not 

calculated. NA; not applicable. Remarks: QAW, quality assurance WestbayTM sample. RPD; Relative percent difference in percent; <, less than]

Well

name

Port 

depth Date

Aluminum Antimony Arsenic Barium Beryllium

μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD

Middle 2051

Zone 5 604 09-11-06 2.91 NA 0.11 E NA 1.07 NA 48.4 NA <0.2 NA

09-12-07 2.33 NA 0.127 NA 1.04 NA 48.5 NA <0.2 NA

08-25-08 1.93 NA 0.123 E NA 1.04 NA 45.4 NA <0.2 NA

Zone 4 750 09-13-06 5.01 NA <0.2 NA 1.59 NA 55.6 NA <0.2 NA

09-13-06 4.95 1.2 <0.2 0 1.49 6.5 55.2 0.72 <0.2 0

09-12-07 6.09 NA 0.098 NA 1.40 NA 54.8 NA <0.2 NA

09-12-07 6.36 4.3 0.101 3.0 1.42 1.4 55.1 0.55 <0.2 0

08-25-08 5.06 NA 0.094 E NA 1.49 NA 54.3 NA <0.2 NA

Zone 3 828 09-12-06 4.32 NA <0.2 NA 1.41 NA 60.0 NA <0.2 NA

09-12-06 3.87 11.0 <0.2 0 1.52 7.5 60.4 0.66 <0.2 0

09-11-07 4.05 NA 0.100 NA 1.49 NA 57.5 NA <0.2 NA

08-21-08 4.37 NA 0.094 E NA 1.52 NA 57.6 NA <0.2 NA

Zone 2 1,092 09-11-06 6.19 NA <0.2 NA 1.39 NA 38.9 NA <0.2 NA

09-11-07 8.33 NA 0.073 NA 1.37 NA 33.9 NA <0.2 NA

08-21-08 4.97 NA <0.14 NA 1.32 NA 34.2 NA <0.2 NA

Zone 1 1,142 09-07-06 9.61 NA 0.11 E NA 1.41 NA 32.1 NA <0.2 NA

09-11-07 6.90 NA 0.080 NA 1.34 NA 30.8 NA <0.2 NA

08-21-08 8.37 NA <0.14 NA 1.29 NA 33.7 NA <0.2 NA
52 Chemical Constituents in Groundwater from Multiple Zones, Eastern Snake River Plain Aquifer, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho, 2005–08

Well 

name

Port 

depth Date

Bromide Cadmium Chromium Cobalt Copper

μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD

Middle 2051—Continued

Zone 5 604 09-11-06 0.022 NA 0.02 E NA 1.05 NA <0.04 NA 1.58 NA

09-12-07 0.021 NA <0.04 NA 0.935 NA 0.031 E NA 1.02 NA

08-25-08 0.020 E NA <0.04 NA 1.02 NA 0.032 NA <1 NA

Zone 4 750 09-13-06 0.031 NA 0.370 NA 7.68 NA <0.04 NA 0.530 NA

09-13-06 0.031 0 0.380 2.7 7.62 0.78 <0.04 0 0.430 20.8

09-12-07 0.031 NA <0.04 NA 6.65 NA 0.026 E NA 4.30 NA

09-12-07 0.030 3.3 <0.04 0 6.72 1.0 0.021 E 21.3 2.25 62.6

08-25-08 0.030 NA <0.04 NA 7.42 NA 0.032 NA <1 NA

Zone 3 828 09-12-06 0.030 NA 0.370 NA 8.10 NA <0.04 NA 0.670 NA

09-12-06 0.034 12.5 0.390 5.3 8.18 0.98 <0.04 0 0.500 29.1

09-11-07 0.029 NA <0.04 NA 7.56 NA <0.04 NA 0.256 E NA

08-21-08 0.032 NA <0.04 NA 7.90 NA 0.018 E NA <1 NA

Zone 2 1,092 09-11-06 0.034 NA 0.360 NA 7.34 NA <0.04 NA 5.25 NA

09-11-07 0.030 NA <0.04 NA 6.82 NA <0.04 NA 0.258 E NA

08-21-08 0.030 NA <0.04 NA 6.44 NA 0.014 E NA <1 NA

Zone 1 1,142 09-07-06 0.059 NA 0.02 E NA 5.90 NA 0.230 NA 2.51 NA

09-11-07 0.030 NA <0.04 NA 6.13 NA 0.224 NA 4.20 NA

08-21-08 0.031 NA <0.04 NA 6.25 NA 0.154 NA 3.25 NA

Well 

name

Port 

depth Date

Iron Lead Lithium Manganese Mercury

μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD

Middle 2051—Continued

Zone 5 604 09-11-06 <6 NA 0.140 NA 1.23 NA 0.560 NA NS NA

09-12-07 <6 NA 0.092 E NA 1.12 NA 0.229 NA NS NA

08-25-08 <8 NA <0.08 NA 1.59 NA 0.161 E NA NS NA

Zone 4 750 09-13-06 <6 NA <0.08 NA 2.16 NA 0.200 NA NS NA

09-13-06 <6 0 <0.08 0 2.17 0.46 0.200 0 NS NC

09-12-07 <6 NA 0.387 NA 1.53 NA 0.488 NA NS NA

09-12-07 <6 0 0.193 67.6 1.47 4.0 0.402 19.8 NS NC

08-25-08 <8 NA <0.08 NA 1.88 NA 1.76 NA NS NA

Zone 3 828 09-12-06 <6 NA <0.08 NA 2.14 NA 0.220 NA NS NA

09-12-06 <6 0 <0.08 0 2.06 3.8 0.200 9.5 NS NC

09-11-07 3.08 E NA <0.12 NA 1.84 NA 0.895 NA NS NA

08-21-08 <8 NA <0.08 NA 1.90 NA 0.235 NA NS NA

Zone 2 1,092 09-11-06 <6 NA <0.08 NA 2.74 NA 0.270 NA NS NA

09-11-07 <6 NA <0.12 NA 2.49 NA 0.192 E NA NS NA

08-21-08 <8 NA <0.08 NA 2.06 NA 0.257 NA NS NA

Zone 1 1,142 09-07-06 <6 NA 0.150 NA 2.84 NA 1.09 NA NS NA

09-11-07 3.70 E NA 0.199 NA 2.60 NA 0.706 NA NS NA

08-21-08 6.87 E NA <0.08 NA 2.18 NA 1.66 NA NS NA

Table 5. Concentrations of selected minor dissolved inorganic constituents in water from multiple zones in the eastern Snake 

River Plain aquifer, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho, 2005–08.—Continued 

[Well locations are shown in figure 2. Port depth in feet below land surface. Analytical results in micrograms per liter (μg/L). NS, not sampled; NC, not 

calculated. NA; not applicable. Remarks: QAW, quality assurance WestbayTM sample. RPD; Relative percent difference in percent; <, less than]
Table 5 53

Well 

name

Port 

depth Date

Molybdenum Nickel Selenium Silver Strontium

μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD

Middle 2051—Continued

Zone 5 604 09-11-06 2.14 NA 0.380 NA 0.920 NA <0.20 NA 262 NA

09-12-07 2.07 NA 0.242 NA 1.00 NA <0.1 NA 265 NA

08-25-08 1.91 NA 0.242 NA 0.937 NA <0.1 NA 255 NA

Zone 4 750 09-13-06 1.59 NA 0.340 NA 1.08 NA <0.20 NA 254 NA

09-13-06 1.54 3.2 0.290 15.9 1.09 0.92 <0.20 0 253 0.39

09-12-07 1.42 NA 0.291 NA 1.14 NA <0.01 NA 230 NA

09-12-07 1.46 2.8 0.242 18.4 1.19 3.4 <0.1 NC 236 2.6

08-25-08 1.45 NA 0.296 NA 1.17 NA <0.1 NA 235 NA

Zone 3 828 09-12-06 1.49 NA 0.370 NA 1.06 NA <0.20 NA 248 NA

09-12-06 1.47 1.4 0.380 2.7 1.08 1.9 <0.20 0 250 0.80

09-11-07 1.43 NA 0.270 NA 1.23 NA <0.1 NA 237 NA

08-21-08 1.25 NA 0.201 NA 1.15 NA <0.1 NA 229 NA

Zone 2 1,092 09-11-06 1.34 NA 0.510 NA 1.09 NA <0.20 NA 239 NA

09-11-07 1.30 NA 0.178 NA 1.19 NA <0.1 NA 230 NA

08-21-08 1.07 NA 0.165 E NA 1.06 NA <0.1 NA 206 NA

Zone 1 1,142 09-07-06 1.34 NA 1.61 NA 1.19 NA <0.20 NA 237 NA

09-11-07 1.42 NA 1.35 NA 1.19 NA 0.088 E NA 227 NA

08-21-08 1.30 NA 1.13 NA 1.09 NA 0.058 E NA 214 NA

Table 5. Concentrations of selected minor dissolved inorganic constituents in water from multiple zones in the eastern Snake 

River Plain aquifer, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho, 2005–08.—Continued 

[Well locations are shown in figure 2. Port depth in feet below land surface. Analytical results in micrograms per liter (μg/L). NS, not sampled; NC, not 

calculated. NA; not applicable. Remarks: QAW, quality assurance WestbayTM sample. RPD; Relative percent difference in percent; <, less than]

Well 

name

Port 

depth Date

Thallium Tungsten Uranium Vanadium Zinc

Remarks

μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD

Middle 2051—Continued

Zone 5 604 09-11-06 <0.04 NA 5.13 NA 1.84 NA 4.45 NA 7.36 NA

09-12-07 <0.04 NA 5.68 NA 1.74 NA 4.12 NA 6.13 NA

08-25-08 <0.04 NA 5.38 NA 1.69 NA 4.33 NA 2.65 NA

Zone 4 750 09-13-06 <0.04 NA 1.78 NA 1.75 NA 4.76 NA 16.0 NA

09-13-06 <0.04 0 1.79 0.56 1.72 1.7 4.73 0.63 14.8 7.8 QAW-4

09-12-07 <0.04 NA 0.951 NA 1.57 NA 4.21 NA 12.0 NA

09-12-07 <0.04 0 0.955 0.42 1.62 3.1 4.29 1.9 10.2 16 QAW-8

08-25-08 <0.04 NA 0.653 NA 1.59 NA 4.63 NA 30.7 NA

Zone 3 828 09-12-06 <0.04 NA 1.39 NA 1.70 NA 4.29 NA 7.30 NA

09-12-06 <0.04 0 1.39 0 1.72 1.2 4.35 1.4 6.68 8.9 QAW-3

09-11-07 <0.04 NA 0.752 NA 1.62 NA 4.15 NA 19.3 NA

08-21-08 <0.04 NA 0.229 NA 1.56 NA 4.27 NA 4.32 NA

Zone 2 1,092 09-11-06 <0.04 NA 0.880 NA 1.68 NA 5.73 NA 19.2 NA

09-11-07 <0.04 NA 0.572 NA 1.61 NA 5.44 NA 5.38 NA

08-21-08 <0.04 NA 0.414 NA 1.40 NA 4.98 NA 3.58 NA

Zone 1 1,142 09-07-06 <0.04 NA 113 NA 1.53 NA 5.45 NA 13.3 NA

09-11-07 <0.04 NA 85.1 NA 1.56 NA 5.37 NA 13.3 NA

08-21-08 <0.04 NA 59.7 NA 1.44 NA 5.17 NA 19.9 NA
54 Chemical Constituents in Groundwater from Multiple Zones, Eastern Snake River Plain Aquifer, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho, 2005–08

Table 5. Concentrations of selected minor dissolved inorganic constituents in water from multiple zones in the eastern Snake 

River Plain aquifer, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho, 2005–08.—Continued 

[Well locations are shown in figure 2. Port depth in feet below land surface. Analytical results in micrograms per liter (μg/L). NS, not sampled; NC, not 

calculated. NA; not applicable. Remarks: QAW, quality assurance WestbayTM sample. RPD; Relative percent difference in percent; <, less than]

Well 

name

Port 

depth Date

Aluminum Antimony Arsenic Barium Beryllium

μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD

USGS 103

Zone 7 682 10-02-07 1.31 E NA <0.14 NA 0.290 NA 89.6 NA <0.2 NA

08-20-08 1.74 NA <0.14 NA 0.344 NA 49.9 NA <0.2 NA

Zone 6 805 10-02-07 3.98 NA 0.133 E NA 1.66 NA 27.5 NA <0.2 NA

08-19-08 3.90 NA 0.134 E NA 1.85 NA 27.7 NA <0.2 NA

Zone 5 914 10-01-07 2.97 NA 0.135 E NA 1.34 NA 28.4 NA <0.2 NA

08-19-08 4.81 NA 0.121 E NA 1.74 NA 27.6 NA <0.2 NA

Zone 4 1,000 10-01-07 3.53 NA 0.097 E NA 1.69 NA 37.3 NA <0.2 NA

08-18-08 4.27 NA 0.098 E NA 1.72 NA 39.4 NA <0.2 NA

Zone 3 1,095 10-01-07 4.36 NA 0.112 E NA 1.60 NA 41.8 NA <0.2 NA

08-18-08 5.21 NA 0.097 E NA 1.62 NA 40.6 NA <0.2 NA

Zone 2 1,220 09-25-07 8.69 NA 0.096 NA 1.67 NA 41.0 NA <0.2 NA

08-18-08 4.48 NA 0.092 E NA 1.64 NA 40.9 NA <0.2 NA

08-18-08 4.98 10.6 0.101 E 9.3 1.66 1.2 41.4 1.2 <0.2 0

Zone 1 1,269 09-25-07 5.47 NA 0.098 NA 1.53 NA 41.0 NA <0.2 NA

08-19-08 12.4 NA 0.125 E NA 1.70 NA 41.3 NA <0.2 NA

Well 

name

Port 

depth Date

Bromide Cadmium Chromium Cobalt Copper

μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD

USGS 103—Continued

Zone 7 682 10-02-07 0.050 NA 0.021 E NA 0.242 NA 0.039 NA <1 NA

08-20-08 0.043 NA <0.04 NA 0.542 NA 0.021 NA <1 NA

Zone 6 805 10-02-07 0.033 NA <0.04 NA 4.34 NA 0.026 NA <1 NA

08-19-08 0.038 NA <0.04 NA 5.08 NA 0.030 NA 0.762 E NA

Zone 5 914 10-01-07 0.026 NA <0.04 NA 5.08 NA 0.060 NA 3.12 NA

08-19-08 0.022 NA <0.04 NA 5.66 NA 0.029 NA <1 NA

Zone 4 1,000 10-01-07 0.024 NA <0.04 NA 5.67 NA 0.017 E NA <1 NA

08-18-08 0.029 NA <0.04 NA 6.20 NA 0.026 NA <1 NA

Zone 3 1,095 10-01-07 0.030 NA <0.04 NA 5.43 NA 0.038 NA <1 NA

08-18-08 0.029 NA <0.04 NA 5.62 NA 0.030 NA <1 NA

Zone 2 1,220 09-25-07 0.033 NA <0.04 NA 5.84 NA 0.032 E NA 0.270 E NA

08-18-08 0.028 NA <0.04 NA 5.74 NA 0.030 NA <1 NA

08-18-08 0.029 3.5 0.023 E NC 5.86 2.1 0.030 0 <1 0

Zone 1 1,269 09-25-07 0.027 NA <0.04 NA 5.41 NA 0.240 NA 1.45 NA

08-19-08 0.029 NA <0.04 NA 5.90 NA 0.078 NA 0.579 E NA
Table 5 55

Table 5. Concentrations of selected minor dissolved inorganic constituents in water from multiple zones in the eastern Snake 

River Plain aquifer, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho, 2005–08.—Continued 

[Well locations are shown in figure 2. Port depth in feet below land surface. Analytical results in micrograms per liter (μg/L). NS, not sampled; NC, not 

calculated. NA; not applicable. Remarks: QAW, quality assurance WestbayTM sample. RPD; Relative percent difference in percent; <, less than]

Well 

name

Port 

depth Date

Iron Lead Lithium Manganese Mercury

μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD

USGS 103—Continued

Zone 7 682 10-02-07 45.7 NA <0.08 NA 5.14 NA 97.4 NA <0.01 NA

08-20-08 15.3 NA <0.08 NA 6.26 NA 56.6 NA NS NA

Zone 6 805 10-02-07 4.06 E NA <0.08 NA 3.11 NA 2.97 NA <0.01 NA

08-19-08 <8 NA <0.08 NA 4.32 NA 1.29 NA NS NA

Zone 5 914 10-01-07 <8 NA 0.302 NA 2.23 NA 8.72 NA <0.01 NA

08-19-08 <8 NA <0.08 NA 3.92 NA 1.74 NA NS NA

Zone 4 1,000 10-01-07 <8 NA <0.08 NA 1.58 NA 0.171 E NA <0.01 NA

08-18-08 <8 NA <0.08 NA 2.32 NA 0.169 E NA NS NA

Zone 3 1,095 10-01-07 <8 NA <0.08 NA 1.51 NA 0.500 NA <0.01 NA

08-18-08 <8 NA <0.08 NA 2.02 NA 0.252 NA NS NA

Zone 2 1,220 09-25-07 <6 NA <0.12 NA 2.45 NA 0.272 NA <0.01 NA

08-18-08 <8 NA <0.08 NA 2.03 NA 0.351 NA NS NA

08-18-08 <8 0 <0.08 0 2.09 2.9 0.348 0.86 NS NC

Zone 1 1,269 09-25-07 <6 NA 0.111 E NA 1.76 NA 1.27 NA <0.01 NA

08-19-08 5.86 E NA <0.08 NA 2.12 NA 0.455 NA NS NA

Well 

name

Port 

depth Date

Molybdenum Nickel Selenium Silver Strontium

μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD

USGS 103—Continued

Zone 7 682 10-02-07 10.9 NA 0.303 NA 0.378 NA <0.1 NA 202 NA

08-20-08 9.88 NA 0.368 NA 0.366 NA <0.1 NA 148 NA

Zone 6 805 10-02-07 3.61 NA 0.371 NA 1.24 NA <0.1 NA 180 NA

08-19-08 3.15 NA 0.998 NA 1.26 NA <0.1 NA 186 NA

Zone 5 914 10-01-07 3.93 NA 0.718 NA 1.09 NA <0.1 NA 189 NA

08-19-08 2.86 NA 0.403 NA 1.12 NA <0.1 NA 172 NA

Zone 4 1,000 10-01-07 2.06 NA 0.170 E NA 1.02 NA <0.1 NA 180 NA

08-18-08 2.07 NA 0.414 NA 1.16 NA <0.1 NA 193 NA

Zone 3 1,095 10-01-07 2.16 NA 0.259 NA 1.10 NA <0.1 NA 197 NA

08-18-08 1.97 NA 0.337 NA 1.08 NA <0.1 NA 191 NA

Zone 2 1,220 09-25-07 2.14 NA 0.238 NA 1.22 NA <0.1 NA 195 NA

08-18-08 2.12 NA 0.339 NA 1.17 NA <0.1 NA 200 NA

08-18-08 2.08 1.9 0.330 2.7 1.21 3.4 <0.1 0 203 1.5

Zone 1 1,269 09-25-07 1.94 NA 0.635 NA 1.19 NA <0.1 NA 213 NA

08-19-08 2.07 NA 0.657 NA 1.14 NA <0.1 NA 203 NA
56 Chemical Constituents in Groundwater from Multiple Zones, Eastern Snake River Plain Aquifer, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho, 2005–08

Table 5. Concentrations of selected minor dissolved inorganic constituents in water from multiple zones in the eastern Snake 

River Plain aquifer, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho, 2005–08.—Continued 

[Well locations are shown in figure 2. Port depth in feet below land surface. Analytical results in micrograms per liter (μg/L). NS, not sampled; NC, not 

calculated. NA; not applicable. Remarks: QAW, quality assurance WestbayTM sample. RPD; Relative percent difference in percent; <, less than]

Well 

name

Port 

depth Date

Thallium Tungsten Uranium Vandium Zinc

Remarks

μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD

USGS 103—Continued

Zone 7 682 10-02-07 <0.04 NA 0.276 NA 0.319 NA 0.691 NA 2.55 NA

08-20-08 <0.04 NA 0.159 NA 0.352 NA 0.872 NA 6.60 NA

Zone 6 805 10-02-07 <0.04 NA 3.97 NA 1.72 NA 5.86 NA 3.98 NA

08-19-08 <0.04 NA 3.31 NA 1.84 NA 7.01 NA 7.77 NA

Zone 5 914 10-01-07 <0.04 NA 4.56 NA 1.70 NA 5.91 NA 6.09 NA

08-19-08 <0.04 NA 1.54 NA 1.55 NA 8.89 NA 9.3 NA

Zone 4 1,000 10-01-07 <0.04 NA 0.482 NA 1.36 NA 5.19 NA 2.81 NA

08-18-08 <0.04 NA 0.202 NA 1.44 NA 5.60 NA 12.2 NA

Zone 3 1,095 10-01-07 <0.04 NA 1.59 NA 1.49 NA 4.82 NA 8.67 NA

08-18-08 <0.04 NA 0.372 NA 1.39 NA 4.97 NA 6.14 NA

Zone 2 1,220 09-25-07 <0.04 NA 0.280 NA 1.47 NA 5.23 NA 7.35 NA

08-18-08 <0.04 NA 0.236 NA 1.47 NA 5.14 NA 24.4 NA

08-18-08 <0.04 0 0.232 1.7 1.49 0.68 5.24 1.9 24.4 0 QAW-10

Zone 1 1,269 09-25-07 <0.04 NA 2.46 NA 1.35 NA 4.69 NA 5.31 NA

08-19-08 <0.04 NA 1.27 NA 1.50 NA 5.21 NA 8.86 NA

Well 

name

Port 

depth Date

Aluminum Antimony Arsenic Barium Beryllium

μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD

USGS 132

Zone 6 636 09-06-06 4.65 NA 0.12 E NA 2.32 NA 53.6 NA <0.2 NA

09-18-07 4.25 NA 0.116 NA 2.27 NA 49.8 NA <0.2 NA

08-14-08 4.98 NA 0.107 E NA 2.27 NA 52.8 NA <0.2 NA

08-14-08 3.38 38.3 0.116 E 8.1 2.27 0 52.6 0.38 <0.2 0

Zone 5 764 09-05-06 6.19 NA 0.11 E NA 1.76 NA 39.3 NA <0.2 NA

09-18-07 6.47 NA 0.098 NA 1.64 NA 38.5 NA <0.2 NA

08-13-08 5.28 NA 0.112 E NA 1.76 NA 38.5 NA <0.2 NA

Zone 4 826 09-05-06 6.53 NA 0.11 E NA 1.51 NA 37.3 NA <0.2 NA

09-18-07 5.76 NA 0.102 NA 1.54 NA 38.9 NA <0.2 NA

08-13-08 5.53 NA 0.106 E NA 1.48 NA 37.3 NA <0.2 NA

Zone 3 917 08-31-06 5.23 NA 0.13 E NA 1.33 NA 37.6 NA <0.2 NA

09-18-07 5.56 NA 0.103 NA 1.55 NA 37.7 NA <0.2 NA

08-13-08 5.32 NA 0.110 E NA 1.50 NA 36.4 NA <0.2 NA

Zone 2 1,010 08-30-06 4.91 NA 0.12 E NA 1.59 NA 37.6 NA <0.2 NA

09-17-07 5.35 NA 0.114 NA 1.62 NA 39.1 NA <0.2 NA

08-12-08 4.71 NA 0.107 E NA 1.52 NA 38.7 NA <0.2 NA

Zone 1 1,172 08-29-06 4.60 NA 0.10 E NA 1.88 NA 35.9 NA <0.2 NA

09-17-07 4.81 NA 0.105 NA 1.75 NA 36.1 NA <0.2 NA

08-12-08 4.40 NA 0.114 E NA 1.76 NA 35.3 NA <0.2 NA
Table 5 57

Well 

name

Port 

depth Date

Bromide Cadmium Chromium Cobalt Copper

μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD

USGS 132—Continued

Zone 6 636 09-06-06 0.074 NA <0.04 NA 9.56 NA <0.04 NA 2.27 NA

09-18-07 0.078 NA <0.04 NA 10.6 NA 0.034 E NA 0.224 E NA

08-14-08 0.109 NA <0.04 NA 16.6 NA 0.033 NA <1 NA

08-14-08 0.114 4.5 <0.04 0 16.7 0.60 0.034 3.0 <1 0

Zone 5 764 09-05-06 0.032 NA <0.04 NA 8.07 NA <0.04 NA 1.03 NA

09-18-07 0.024 NA <0.04 NA 7.59 NA 0.032 E NA 3.89 NA

08-13-08 0.032 NA <0.04 NA 8.36 NA 0.029 NA <1 NA

Zone 4 826 09-05-06 0.031 NA 0.02 E NA 7.95 NA <0.04 NA 1.14 NA

09-18-07 0.017 E NA <0.04 NA 8.02 NA 0.032 E NA 2.50 NA

08-13-08 0.030 NA <0.04 NA 8.04 NA 0.023 NA <1 NA

Zone 3 917 08-31-06 0.029 NA <0.04 NA 7.63 NA 0.100 NA 3.48 NA

09-18-07 0.032 NA <0.04 NA 8.15 NA 0.046 NA 0.34 E NA

08-13-08 0.034 NA <0.04 NA 8.10 NA 0.027 NA <1 NA

Zone 2 1,010 08-30-06 0.030 NA 0.02 E NA 7.57 NA 0.02 E NA 1.71 NA

09-17-07 0.023 NA 0.156 NA 8.45 NA 0.040 NA 3.15 NA

08-12-08 0.030 NA <0.04 NA 8.27 NA 0.024 NA <1 NA

Zone 1 1,172 08-29-06 0.033 NA 0.02 E NA 7.54 NA <0.04 NA 1.74 NA

09-17-07 0.025 NA <0.04 NA 7.69 NA 0.037 E NA 4.35 NA

08-12-08 0.030 NA <0.04 NA 7.88 NA 0.035 NA <1 NA

Table 5. Concentrations of selected minor dissolved inorganic constituents in water from multiple zones in the eastern Snake 

River Plain aquifer, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho, 2005–08.—Continued 

[Well locations are shown in figure 2. Port depth in feet below land surface. Analytical results in micrograms per liter (μg/L). NS, not sampled; NC, not 

calculated. NA; not applicable. Remarks: QAW, quality assurance WestbayTM sample. RPD; Relative percent difference in percent; <, less than]

Well 

name

Port 

depth Date

Iron Lead Lithium Manganese Mercury

μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD

USGS 132—Continued

Zone 6 636 09-06-06 <6 NA 0.310 NA 2.49 NA 0.31 NA <0.01 NA

09-18-07 <6 NA <0.12 NA 2.54 NA 0.196 E NA NS NA

08-14-08 <8 NA <0.08 NA 2.86 NA 0.113 E NA NS NA

08-14-08 <8 0 <0.08 0 2.90 1.4 0.108 E 4.5 NS NC

Zone 5 764 09-05-06 13.2 NA 0.120 NA 2.16 NA 0.16 E NA <0.01 NA

09-18-07 <6 NA 0.306 NA 2.12 NA <0.2 NA NS NA

08-13-08 <8 NA <0.08 NA 2.16 NA <0.2 NA NS NA

Zone 4 826 09-05-06 <6 NA 0.160 NA 1.95 NA 0.280 NA <0.01 NA

09-18-07 <6 NA 0.137 NA 2.28 NA <0.2 NA NS NA

08-13-08 <8 NA <0.08 NA 1.78 NA 0.237 NA NS NA

Zone 3 917 08-31-06 <6 NA 0.320 NA 2.17 NA 6.34 NA <0.01 NA

09-18-07 <6 NA <0.12 NA 2.28 NA 0.466 NA NS NA

08-13-08 <8 NA <0.08 NA 1.86 NA 0.278 NA NS NA

Zone 2 1,010 08-30-06 4.37 E NA 0.100 NA 2.05 NA 1.53 NA <0.01 NA

09-17-07 <6 NA 0.166 NA 2.17 NA 0.170 E NA NS NA

08-12-08 <8 NA <0.08 NA 1.73 NA 0.565 NA NS NA

Zone 1 1,172 08-29-06 <6 NA 0.110 NA 2.05 NA 0.360 NA <0.01 NA

09-17-07 3.73 E NA 0.265 NA 2.32 NA 0.334 NA NS NA

08-12-08 <8 NA 0.074E NA 1.78 NA 0.637 NA NS NA
58 Chemical Constituents in Groundwater from Multiple Zones, Eastern Snake River Plain Aquifer, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho, 2005–08

Well 

name

Port 

depth Date

Molybdenum Nickel Selenium Silver Strontium

μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD

USGS 132—Continued

Zone 6 636 09-06-06 3.23 NA 0.310 NA 1.49 NA <0.2 NA 234 NA

09-18-07 3.11 NA 0.294 NA 1.59 NA <0.1 NA 224 NA

08-14-08 2.83 NA 0.453 NA 1.94 NA <0.1 NA 240 NA

08-14-08 2.91 2.8 0.489 7.6 1.94 0 <0.1 0 243 1.2

Zone 5 764 09-05-06 2.03 NA 0.220 NA 1.13 NA <0.2 NA 230 NA

09-18-07 1.92 NA 0.318 NA 1.19 NA <0.1 NA 216 NA

08-13-08 2.04 NA 0.384 NA 1.18 NA <0.1 NA 223 NA

Zone 4 826 09-05-06 2.06 NA 0.380 NA 1.06 NA <0.2 NA 236 NA

09-18-07 1.99 NA 0.298 NA 1.13 NA <0.1 NA 220 NA

08-13-08 1.99 NA 0.457 NA 1.10 NA <0.1 NA 222 NA

Zone 3 917 08-31-06 2.25 NA 0.900 NA 1.07 NA <0.2 NA 241 NA

09-18-07 2.08 NA 0.404 NA 1.13 NA <0.1 NA 223 NA

08-13-08 2.10 NA 0.430 NA 1.12 NA <0.1 NA 214 NA

Zone 2 1,010 08-30-06 2.34 NA 1.00 NA 1.12 NA <0.2 NA 240 NA

09-17-07 2.18 NA 0.518 NA 1.14 NA <0.1 NA 224 NA

08-12-08 2.09 NA 0.535 NA 1.14 NA <0.1 NA 218 NA

Zone 1 1,172 08-29-06 2.35 NA 0.410 NA 1.24 NA <0.2 NA 248 NA

09-17-07 2.22 NA 0.369 NA 1.20 NA <0.1 NA 228 NA

08-12-08 2.34 NA 0.640 NA 1.28 NA <0.1 NA 230 NA

Table 5. Concentrations of selected minor dissolved inorganic constituents in water from multiple zones in the eastern Snake 

River Plain aquifer, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho, 2005–08.—Continued 

[Well locations are shown in figure 2. Port depth in feet below land surface. Analytical results in micrograms per liter (μg/L). NS, not sampled; NC, not 

calculated. NA; not applicable. Remarks: QAW, quality assurance WestbayTM sample. RPD; Relative percent difference in percent; <, less than]

Well 

name

Port 

depth Date

Thallium Tungsgen Uranium Vandium Zinc

Remarks

μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD

USGS 132—Continued

Zone 6 636 09-06-06 <0.04 NA 0.280 NA 2.70 NA 7.33 NA 11.7 NA

09-18-07 <0.04 NA 0.381 NA 2.87 NA 7.29 NA 6.11 NA

08-14-08 <0.04 NA 0.305 NA 2.89 NA 7.62 NA 5.01 NA

08-14-08 <0.04 0 0.315 3.2 2.90 0.35 7.58 0.53 4.28 15.7 QAW-9

Zone 5 764 09-05-06 <0.04 NA 0.120 NA 1.91 NA 6.31 NA 6.50 NA

09-18-07 <0.04 NA 0.116 NA 1.85 NA 5.96 NA 8.28 NA

08-13-08 <0.04 NA 0.116 NA 2.07 NA 6.29 NA 3.87 NA

Zone 4 826 09-05-06 <0.04 NA 0.310 NA 1.84 NA 5.64 NA 7.14 NA

09-18-07 <0.04 NA 0.307 NA 1.79 NA 5.60 NA 4.63 NA

08-13-08 <0.04 NA 0.266 NA 1.75 NA 5.53 NA 7.50 NA

Zone 3 917 08-31-06 <0.04 NA 0.840 NA 1.83 NA 4.77 NA 16.3 NA

09-18-07 <0.04 NA 0.752 NA 1.82 NA 5.53 NA 7.75 NA

08-13-08 <0.04 NA 0.738 NA 1.78 NA 5.54 NA 6.06 NA

Zone 2 1,010 08-30-06 <0.04 NA 3.78 NA 1.83 NA 5.15 NA 16.5 NA

09-17-07 <0.04 NA 0.716 NA 1.89 NA 5.85 NA 9.44 NA

08-12-08 <0.04 NA 0.616 NA 1.80 NA 5.71 NA 14.3 NA

Zone 1 1,172 08-29-06 <0.04 NA 0.130 NA 2.24 NA 6.13 NA 6.12 NA

09-17-07 <0.04 NA 0.119 NA 2.20 NA 6.36 NA 11.6 NA

08-12-08 <0.04 NA 0.115 NA 2.31 NA 6.32 NA 8.17 NA
Table 5 59

Table 5. Concentrations of selected minor dissolved inorganic constituents in water from multiple zones in the eastern Snake 

River Plain aquifer, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho, 2005–08.—Continued 

[Well locations are shown in figure 2. Port depth in feet below land surface. Analytical results in micrograms per liter (μg/L). NS, not sampled; NC, not 

calculated. NA; not applicable. Remarks: QAW, quality assurance WestbayTM sample. RPD; Relative percent difference in percent; <, less than]

Well 

name

Port 

depth Date

Aluminum Antimony Arsenic Barium Beryllium

μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD

USGS 133

Zone 4 468 09-24-07 1.59 E NA 0.099 NA 0.110 E NA 45.9 NA <0.2 NA

09-02-08 1.30 E NA 0.089 E NA 0.142 NA 26.2 NA <0.2 NA

Zone 3 568 09-24-07 0.900 E NA 0.11 NA 1.55 NA 69.3 NA <0.2 NA

09-02-08 <1.6 NA 0.123 E NA 1.48 NA 60.8 NA <0.2 NA

Zone 2 685 09-24-07 2.85 NA 0.104 NA 1.37 NA 53.6 NA <0.2 NA

09-09-08 3.41 NA 0.109 E NA 1.6 NA 49.4 NA <0.2 NA

Zone 1 744 09-24-07 1.89 NA 0.072 NA 1.56 NA 68.0 NA <0.2 NA

09-02-08 1.91 NA 0.076 E NA 1.49 NA 58.5 NA <0.2 NA

Well 

name

Port 

depth Date

Bromide Cadmium Chromium Cobalt Copper

μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD

USGS 133—Continued

Zone 4 468 09-24-07 0.028 NA <0.04 NA 0.112 E NA 0.045 NA 0.672 NA

09-02-08 0.024 NA <0.04 NA 0.942 NA 0.018 E NA <1 NA

Zone 3 568 09-24-07 0.036 NA <0.04 NA 5.49 NA 0.021 E NA <0.4 NA

09-02-08 0.031 NA <0.04 NA 4.65 NA 0.02 E NA <1 NA

Zone 2 685 09-24-07 0.032 NA <0.04 NA 5.09 NA 0.111 NA 0.423 NA

09-09-08 0.029 NA 0.022 E NA 5.11 NA 0.097 NA <1 NA

Zone 1 744 09-24-07 0.026 NA <0.04 NA 4.73 NA 0.031 E NA 0.245 E NA

09-02-08 0.033 NA <0.04 NA 4.20 NA 0.033 NA 0.841 E NA

Well 

name

Port 

depth Date

Iron Lead Lithium Manganese Mercury

μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD

USGS 133—Continued

Zone 4 468 09-24-07 <6 NA <0.12 NA 1.8 NA <0.2 NA <0.01 NA

09-02-08 <8 NA <0.08 NA 0.656 E NA 0.111 E NA NS NA

Zone 3 568 09-24-07 <6 NA <0.12 NA 1.85 NA 0.119 E NA <0.01 NA

09-02-08 <8 NA <0.08 NA 0.846 E NA <0.2 NA NS NA

Zone 2 685 09-24-07 <6 NA <0.12 NA 2.28 NA 0.548 NA <0.01 NA

09-09-08 6.83 E NA <0.08 NA 1.74 NA 0.406 NA NS NA

Zone 1 744 09-24-07 <6 NA <0.12 NA 2.58 NA 0.383 NA <0.01 NA

09-02-08 16 NA 0.045 E NA 1.37 NA 0.589 NA NS NA
60 Chemical Constituents in Groundwater from Multiple Zones, Eastern Snake River Plain Aquifer, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho, 2005–08

Table 5. Concentrations of selected minor dissolved inorganic constituents in water from multiple zones in the eastern Snake 

River Plain aquifer, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho, 2005–08.—Continued 

[Well locations are shown in figure 2. Port depth in feet below land surface. Analytical results in micrograms per liter (μg/L). NS, not sampled; NC, not 

calculated. NA; not applicable. Remarks: QAW, quality assurance WestbayTM sample. RPD; Relative percent difference in percent; <, less than]

Well 

name

Port 

depth Date

Molybdenum Nickel Selenium Silver Strontium

μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD

USGS 133—Continued

Zone 4 468 09-24-07 8.17 NA 0.565 NA 0.77 NA <0.1 NA 220 NA

09-02-08 6.61 NA 0.194 E NA 0.509 NA <0.1 NA 116 NA

Zone 3 568 09-24-07 1.46 NA 0.175 NA 1.33 NA <0.1 NA 243 NA

09-02-08 1.47 NA 0.179 E NA 1.28 NA <0.1 NA 266 NA

Zone 2 685 09-24-07 1.66 NA 0.298 NA 1.25 NA <0.1 NA 194 NA

09-09-08 1.49 NA 0.315 NA 1.16 NA <0.1 NA 184 NA

Zone 1 744 09-24-07 0.829 NA 0.288 NA 1.39 NA <0.1 NA 216 NA

09-02-08 0.804 NA 0.432 NA 1.30 NA <0.1 NA 216 NA

Well 

name

Port 

depth Date

Thallium Tungsten Uranium Vandium Zinc

Remarks

μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD

USGS 133—Continued

Zone 4 468 09-24-07 <0.04 NA 1.62 NA 1.32 NA 0.338 NA 1.63 NA

09-02-08 <0.04 NA 3.31 NA 0.876 NA 0.443 NA 2.84 NA

Zone 3 568 09-24-07 <0.04 NA 0.171 NA 2.17 NA 7.64 NA 2.84 NA

09-02-08 <0.04 NA 0.171 NA 2.30 NA 6.82 NA 2.49 NA

Zone 2 685 09-24-07 <0.04 NA 1.25 NA 1.92 NA 3.76 NA 2.13 NA

09-09-08 <0.04 NA 0.774 NA 1.74 NA 4.85 NA 9.11 NA

Zone 1 744 09-24-07 <0.04 NA 0.096 NA 1.53 NA 3.28 NA 7.40 NA

09-02-08 <0.04 NA 0.074 NA 1.49 NA 3.12 NA 6.00 NA

Well 

name

Port 

depth Date

Aluminum Antimony Arsenic Barium Beryllium

μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD

USGS 134

Zone 5 578 09-27-06 2.52 NA 0.25 NA 3.70 NA 5.06 NA <0.2 NA

09-10-07 3.17 NA 0.097 NA 1.91 NA 8.20 NA <0.2 NA

09-04-08 2.54 NA 0.078 E NA 1.71 NA 11.4 NA <0.2 NA

Zone 4 644 09-28-06 1.72 NA 0.260 NA 8.11 NA 7.12 NA <0.2 NA

09-06-07 3.51 NA 0.212 NA 9.08 NA 11.0 NA <0.2 NA

09-06-07 2.76 23.9 0.224 5.5 9.09 0.11 10.8 1.8 <0.2 0

09-04-08 1.68 NA 0.173 NA 7.39 NA 12.5 NA <0.2 NA

Zone 3 706 09-27-06 5.01 NA <0.2 NA 1.32 NA 7.24 NA <0.2 NA

09-05-07 8.56 NA 0.081 NA 1.97 NA 16.7 NA <0.2 NA

09-03-08 3.14 NA 0.076 E NA 1.99 NA 16.2 NA <0.2 NA

Zone 2 806 09-26-06 1.13 E NA 0.15 E NA 6.68 NA 4.89 NA <0.2 NA

09-05-07 2.24 NA 0.087 NA 2.29 NA 13.1 NA <0.2 NA

09-03-08 1.66 NA 0.076 E NA 1.93 NA 17.2 NA <0.2 NA

Zone 1 856 09-25-06 1.36 E NA 0.310 NA 11.6 NA 4.30 NA <0.2 NA

09-04-07 1.12 E NA 0.275 NA 10.6 NA 8.82 NA <0.2 NA 1

846 09-03-08 1.19 E NA 0.150 NA 2.5 NA 7.56 NA <0.2 NA
Table 5 61

Table 5. Concentrations of selected minor dissolved inorganic constituents in water from multiple zones in the eastern Snake 

River Plain aquifer, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho, 2005–08.—Continued 

[Well locations are shown in figure 2. Port depth in feet below land surface. Analytical results in micrograms per liter (μg/L). NS, not sampled; NC, not 

calculated. NA; not applicable. Remarks: QAW, quality assurance WestbayTM sample. RPD; Relative percent difference in percent; <, less than]

Well

name

Port 

depth Date

Bromide Cadmium Chromium Cobalt Copper

μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD

USGS 134—Continued

Zone 5 578 09-27-06 0.032 NA 0.06 NA 3.76 NA 0.420 NA 1.45 NA

09-10-07 0.033 NA <0.04 NA 6.09 NA <0.04 NA 1.38 NA

09-04-08 0.036 NA <0.04 NA 5.92 NA 0.027 NA <1 NA

Zone 4 644 09-28-06 0.032 E NA 0.080 NA 1.43 NA 0.130 NA 1.39 NA

09-06-07 0.026 NA 0.068 NA 2.53 NA 0.057 NA 3.45 NA

09-06-07 0.026 0 0.069 1.5 2.56 1.2 0.059 3.4 2.78 21.5

09-04-08 0.022 NA 0.047 NA 3.86 NA 0.035 NA 0.596 E NA

Zone 3 706 09-27-06 0.022 NA 0.03 E NA 3.01 NA 0.040 NA 4.93 NA

09-05-07 0.026 NA <0.04 NA 6.28 NA 0.029 E NA 0.435 NA

09-03-08 0.023 NA <0.04 NA 5.96 NA 0.025 NA <1 NA

Zone 2 806 09-26-06 0.028 NA 0.05 NA 5.12 NA 0.130 NA 2.09 NA

09-05-07 0.027 NA <0.04 NA 6.55 NA 0.030 E NA 1.12 NA

09-03-08 0.026 NA <0.04 NA 6.11 NA 0.020 E NA <1 NA

Zone 1 856 09-25-06 0.029 NA 0.12 NA 0.34 NA 0.300 NA 6.98 NA

09-04-07 0.027 NA 0.13 NA 1.23 NA 0.176 NA 1.89 NA 1

846 09-03-08 0.020 NA 0.027 E NA 2.98 NA 0.074 NA 0.929 E NA

Well

name

Port 

depth Date

Iron Lead Lithium Manganese Mercury

μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD

USGS 134—Continued

Zone 5 578 09-27-06 <6 NA 0.09 NA 2.95 NA 77.0 NA <0.01 NA

09-10-07 <6 NA 0.092 E NA 2.56 NA 0.891 NA NS NA

09-04-08 <8 NA <0.08 NA 2.03 NA 0.596 NA NS NA

Zone 4 644 09-28-06 <6 NA <0.08 NA 3.33 NA 45.4 NA <0.01 NA

09-06-07 <6 NA 0.135 NA 2.96 NA 11.3 NA NS NA

09-06-07 <6 0 0.093 E 36.8 2.98 0.67 11.4 0.88 NS NC

09-04-08 <8 NA <0.08 NA 2.90 NA 0.607 NA NS NA

Zone 3 706 09-27-06 <6 NA 0.69 NA 1.56 NA 8.26 NA <0.01 NA

09-05-07 3.22 E NA <0.12 NA 2.15 NA 1.72 NA NS NA

09-03-08 <8 NA <0.08 NA 2.32 NA 1.61 NA NS NA

Zone 2 806 09-26-06 <6 NA 0.21 NA 2.50 NA 60.8 NA <0.01 NA

09-05-07 <6 NA 0.060 E NA 2.35 NA 0.755 NA NS NA

09-03-08 <8 NA <0.08 NA 1.86 NA 0.345 NA NS NA

Zone 1 856 09-25-06 <6 NA 0.06 E NA 3.58 NA 122 NA <0.01 NA

09-04-07 4.63 E NA <0.12 NA 3.54 NA 85.5 NA NS NA 1

846 09-03-08 9.61 NA <0.08 NA 2.71 NA 30.6 NA NS NA
62 Chemical Constituents in Groundwater from Multiple Zones, Eastern Snake River Plain Aquifer, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho, 2005–08

Table 5. Concentrations of selected minor dissolved inorganic constituents in water from multiple zones in the eastern Snake 

River Plain aquifer, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho, 2005–08.—Continued 

[Well locations are shown in figure 2. Port depth in feet below land surface. Analytical results in micrograms per liter (μg/L). NS, not sampled; NC, not 

calculated. NA; not applicable. Remarks: QAW, quality assurance WestbayTM sample. RPD; Relative percent difference in percent; <, less than]

Well

name

Port 

depth Date

Molybdenum Nickel Selenium Silver Strontium

μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD

USGS 134—Continued

Zone 5 578 09-27-06 28.6 NA 6.56 NA 0.97 NA <0.20 NA 119 NA

09-10-07 3.33 NA 1.27 NA 1.16 NA <0.1 NA 155 NA

09-04-08 1.68 NA 0.725 NA 1.06 NA <0.1 NA 145 NA

Zone 4 644 09-28-06 36.1 NA 2.6 NA 0.990 NA <0.20 NA 171 NA

09-06-07 30.1 NA 1.63 NA 0.935 NA <0.1 NA 190 NA

09-06-07 30.5 1.3 1.63 0 0.965 3.2 <0.1 0 191 0.52

09-04-08 19.2 NA 0.69 NA 0.926 NA <0.1 NA 174 NA

Zone 3 706 09-27-06 1.57 NA 1.02 NA 0.440 NA <0.20 NA 80.7 NA

09-05-07 1.50 NA 0.458 NA 0.984 NA <0.1 NA 156 NA

09-03-08 1.66 NA 0.39 NA 0.977 NA <0.1 NA 153 NA

Zone 2 806 09-26-06 11.1 NA 2.4 NA 0.97 NA <0.20 NA 156 NA

09-05-07 2.7 NA 0.660 NA 1.11 NA <0.1 NA 168 NA

09-03-08 1.96 NA 0.368 NA 1.13 NA <0.1 NA 182 NA

Zone 1 856 09-25-06 46.0 NA 9.99 NA 1.01 NA <0.20 NA 166 NA

09-04-07 50.8 NA 5.31 NA 1.09 NA <0.1 NA 218 NA 1

846 09-03-08 7.87 NA 9.54 NA 0.88 NA <0.1 NA 131 NA

Well

name

Port 

depth Date

Thallium Tungsten Uranium Vandadium Zinc

Remarks

μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD

USGS 134—Continued

Zone 5 578 09-27-06 <0.04 NA 383 NA 0.39 NA 14.0 NA 5.95 NA

09-10-07 <0.04 NA 44.4 NA 1.08 NA 10.3 NA 5.17 NA

09-04-08 <0.04 NA 9.74 NA 1.07 NA 9.22 NA 4.91 NA

Zone 4 644 09-28-06 <0.04 NA 127 NA 0.310 NA 15.6 NA 12.9 NA

09-06-07 <0.04 NA 181 NA 0.387 NA 16.6 NA 8.00 NA

09-06-07 <0.04 0 168 53.7 0.389 0.52 16.9 1.8 7.22 10.1

09-04-08 <0.04 NA 87.1 NA 0.348 NA 14.6 NA 7.51 NA

Zone 3 706 09-27-06 <0.04 NA 7.35 NA 0.51 NA 5.11 NA 18.8 NA

09-05-07 <0.04 NA 1.56 NA 1.10 NA 10.0 NA 5.21 NA

09-03-08 <0.04 NA 3.44 NA 1.17 NA 9.93 NA 6.14 NA

Zone 2 806 09-26-06 <0.04 NA 2.47 NA 0.18 NA 11.9 NA 8.5 NA

09-05-07 <0.04 NA 0.655 NA 1.03 NA 8.30 NA 5.54 NA

09-03-08 <0.04 NA 0.454 NA 1.29 NA 7.14 NA 5.37 NA

Zone 1 856 09-25-06 <0.04 NA 47.7 NA 0.03 E NA 9.78 NA 10.5 NA

09-04-07 <0.04 NA 99.8 NA 0.024 E NA 12.8 NA 11.0 NA 1

846 09-03-08 <0.04 NA 19.9 NA 0.032 NA 8.12 NA 8.94 NA
Table 5 63

1

The port at 856 feet below land surface was damaged in 2007, so samples were collected from the port at 846 feet below land surface in 2008.

Well

name

Port 

depth Date

Aluminum Antimony Arsenic Barium Beryllium

μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD

QAW-1 NA 08-28-06 <1.6 NA <0.2 NA <0.12 NA <1.0 NA <0.2 NA

QAW-2 NA 10-02-06 1.42 E NA 0.120 NA 0.88 NA 87.9 NA <0.2 NA

QAW-6 NA 09-12-07 <1.6 NA <0.06 NA <0.12 NA <0.4 NA <0.2 NA

QAW-12 NA 09-08-08 8.31 NA 0.102 E NA 1.54 NA 29.4 NA <0.2 NA

Table 5. Concentrations of selected minor dissolved inorganic constituents in water from multiple zones in the eastern Snake 

River Plain aquifer, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho, 2005–08.—Continued 

[Well locations are shown in figure 2. Port depth in feet below land surface. Analytical results in micrograms per liter (μg/L). NS, not sampled; NC, not 

calculated. NA; not applicable. Remarks: QAW, quality assurance WestbayTM sample. RPD; Relative percent difference in percent; <, less than]

Well

name

Port 

depth Date

Bromide Cadmium Chromium Cobalt Copper

μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD

QAW-1 NA 08-28-06 <0.02 NA <0.04 NA 0.05 NA <0.04 NA 2.58 NA

QAW-2 NA 10-02-06 0.128 NA <0.04 NA 8.63 NA 0.03 E NA 62.9 NA

QAW-6 NA 09-12-07 <0.02 NA <0.04 NA <0.12 NA <0.04 NA 1.39 NA

QAW-12 NA 09-08-08 0.041 NA <0.04 NA 6.02 NA 0.04 NA <1 NA

Well

name

Port 

depth Date

Iron Lead Lithium Manganese Mercury

μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD

QAW-1 NA 08-28-06 <6 NA 0.08 NA <0.6 NA <0.2 NA <0.01 NA

QAW-2 NA 10-02-06 7.12 NA 0.910 NA 4.02 NA 1.69 NA <0.01 NA

QAW-6 NA 09-12-07 <6 NA 0.088 E NA <6 NA <0.2 NA NS NA

QAW-12 NA 09-08-08 20.7 NA <0.08 NA 2.51 NA 3.77 NA NS NA

Well

name

Port 

depth Date

Molybdenum Nickel Selenium Silver Strontium

μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD

QAW-1 NA 08-28-06 <0.4 NA 0.04 E NA <0.08 NA <0.20 NA <0.4 NA

QAW-2 NA 10-02-06 1.68 NA 1.15 NA 2.54 NA 0.05 E NA 479 NA

QAW-6 NA 09-12-07 <0.12 NA <0.06 NA <0.08 NA <0.1 NA <0.4 NA

QAW-12 NA 09-08-08 2.75 NA 0.326 NA 1.24 NA <0.1 NA 234 NA

Well

name

Port 

depth Date

Thallium Tungsten Uranium Vandadium Zinc

μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD μg/L RPD

QAW-1 NA 08-28-06 <0.04 NA NA NA <0.04 NA <0.10 NA 1.94 NA

QAW-2 NA 10-02-06 <0.04 NA 0.084 NA 2.36 NA 3.54 NA 31.3 NA

QAW-6 NA 09-12-07 <0.04 NA <0.06 NA <0.04 NA <0.04 NA 0.853 NA

QAW-12 NA 09-08-08 <0.04 NA 0.147 NA 1.99 NA 5.22 NA 2.68 NA
64 Chemical Constituents in Groundwater from Multiple Zones, Eastern Snake River Plain Aquifer, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho, 2005–08 Table 6. Concentrations of dissolved nutrients and total organic carbon in water from multiple zones in the eastern Snake River Plain aquifer, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho, 2005–08. [Well locations are shown in figure 2. Port depth in feet below land surface. Analytical results in milligrams per liter (mg/L). NA, not applicable. NS, not sampled. NC, Not calculated. Remarks: QAW, quality assurance WestbayTM sample. RPD, Relative percent difference. <, less than] Sample identifier Port depth Date Ammonia (as nitrogen) Nitrite (as nitrogen) Nitrite plus nitrate (as nitrogen) Orthophosphate (as phosphorus) Total organic carbon Remarks mg/L RPD mg/L RPD mg/L RPD mg/L RPD mg/L RPD Middle 2050A Zone 5 515 09-19-06 0.006 E NA <0.002 NA 0.513 NA 0.023 NA NS NA 09-20-07 <0.02 NA <0.002 NA 1.02 NA 0.027 NA 0.475 NA 08-27-08 0.012 E NA <0.002 NA 0.965 NA 0.028 NA 0.350 E NA 08-27-08 <0.02 NC <0.002 0 0.960 0.5 0.027 3.60 0.807 79.0 QAW-11 Zone 4 642 09-19-06 0.008 E NA <0.002 NA 0.315 NA 0.013 NA NS NA 09-20-07 <0.02 NA <0.002 NA 0.325 NA 0.015 NA 1.02 NA 08-26-08 <0.02 NA <0.002 NA 0.345 NA 0.020 NA 0.342 E NA Zone 3 790 09-20-06 <0.010 NA <0.002 NA 1.00 NA 0.015 NA NS NA 09-20-06 <0.010 0 <0.002 0 0.998 0.2 0.018 18.2 NS NC QAW-5 09-20-07 <0.02 NA <0.002 NA 0.953 NA 0.017 NA 1.19 NA 08-26-08 <0.02 NA <0.002 NA 0.926 NA 0.022 NA 1.02 NA Zone 2 998 09-18-06 0.008 E NA <0.002 NA 0.963 NA 0.017 NA NS NA 09-19-07 <0.02 NA <0.002 NA 0.917 NA 0.016 NA 0.234 E NA 08-26-08 <0.02 NA <0.002 NA 0.885 NA 0.019 NA 0.382 E NA Zone 1 1,179 09-18-06 0.112 NA <0.002 NA <0.06 NA 0.013 NA NS NA 09-19-07 0.115 NA <0.002 NA <0.06 NA 0.014 NA 1.96 NA 08-26-08 0.114 NA <0.002 NA <0.04 NA 0.016 NA 1.91 NA
Table 6

65

Table 6. Concentrations of dissolved nutrients and total organic carbon in water from multiple zones in the eastern Snake River Plain aquifer, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho, 2005–08.—Continued[Well locations are shown in figure 2. Port depth in feet below land surface. Analytical results in milligrams per liter (mg/L). NA, not applicable. NS, not sampled. NC, Not calculated. Remarks: QAW, quality assurance WestbayTM sample. RPD, Relative percent difference. <, less than]

Sample

identifier Port depth Date

Ammonia 

(as nitrogen)

Nitrite 

(as nitrogen)

Nitrite plus nitrate 

(as nitrogen)

Orthophosphate 

(as phosphorus) Total organic carbon Remarks

mg/L RPD mg/L RPD mg/L RPD mg/L RPD mg/L RPD

Middle 2051Zone 5 604 09-11-06 0.008 E NA <0.002 NA 0.375 NA 0.023 NA NS NA

09-12-07 <0.02 NA 0.002 E NA 0.358 NA 0.024 NA <0.4 NA08-25-08 <0.02 NA <0.002 NA 0.360 NA 0.031 NA 0.406 NA

Zone 4 750 09-13-06 0.009 E NA <0.002 NA 0.879 NA 0.019 NA NS NA

09-13-06 0.010 10.5 <0.002 0 0.881 0.2 0.020 5.1 NS NC QAW-409-12-07 <0.02 NA 0.002 E NA 0.847 NA 0.023 NA <0.4 NA09-12-07 <0.02 0 0.001 E 66.7 0.849 0.2 0.023 0 <0.4 0 QAW-8

08-25-08 <0.02 NA <0.002 NA 0.832 NA 0.024 NA 1.42 NA

Zone 3 828 09-12-06 0.011 NA <0.002 NA 0.892 NA 0.020 NA NS NA

09-12-06 0.012 9 <0.002 0 0.901 1.0 0.019 5.10 NS NC QAW-3

09-11-07 <0.02 NA 0.001 E NA 0.873 NA 0.023 NA 0.283 E NA

08-21-08 <0.02 NA <0.002 NA 0.902 NA 0.024 NA 0.267 E NA

Zone 2 1,092 09-11-06 0.009 E NA <0.002 NA 0.922 NA 0.015 NA NS NA

09-11-07 <0.02 NA 0.002 E NA 0.874 NA 0.018 NA 0.390 E NA

08-21-08 <0.02 NA <0.002 NA 0.910 NA 0.019 NA 0.809 NA

Zone 1 1,142 09-07-06 0.006 E NA <0.002 NA 0.751 NA 0.013 NA NS NA

09-11-07 <0.02 NA 0.002 NA 0.782 NA 0.019 NA 0.243 E NA

08-21-08 <0.02 NA <0.002 NA 0.829 NA 0.018 NA 0.262 E NA
66 Chemical Constituents in Groundwater from Multiple Zones, Eastern Snake River Plain Aquifer, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho, 2005–08 Table 6. Concentrations of dissolved nutrients and total organic carbon in water from multiple zones in the eastern Snake River Plain aquifer, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho, 2005–08.—Continued [Well locations are shown in figure 2. Port depth in feet below land surface. Analytical results in milligrams per liter (mg/L). NA, not applicable. NS, not sampled. NC, Not calculated. Remarks: QAW, quality assurance WestbayTM sample. RPD, Relative percent difference. <, less than] Sample identifier Port depth Date Ammonia (as nitrogen) Nitrite (as nitrogen) Nitrite plus nitrate (as nitrogen) Orthophosphate (as phosphorus) Total organic carbon Remarks mg/L RPD mg/L RPD mg/L RPD mg/L RPD mg/L RPD USGS 103 Zone 7 682 10-02-07 0.107 NA 0.002 NA 0.137 NA 0.003 E NA 0.6 NA 08-20-08 0.038 NA 0.001 E NA 0.142 NA 0.005 E NA 1.36 NA Zone 6 805 10-02-07 <0.02 NA 0.002 NA 0.652 NA 0.016 NA 0.808 NA 08-19-08 <0.02 NA <0.002 NA 0.650 NA 0.020 NA 0.228 E NA Zone 5 914 10-01-07 <0.02 NA 0.005 NA 0.538 NA 0.014 NA 0.473 NA 08-19-08 <0.02 NA 0.002 NA 0.488 NA 0.020 NA 0.25 E NA Zone 4 1,000 10-01-07 <0.02 NA <0.002 NA 0.661 NA 0.013 NA <0.4 NA 08-18-08 <0.02 NA <0.002 NA 0.675 NA 0.018 NA 1.2 NA Zone 3 1,095 10-01-07 <0.02 NA <0.002 NA 0.768 NA 0.016 NA 0.444 NA 08-18-08 <0.02 NA <0.002 NA 0.770 NA 0.019 NA 0.284 E NA Zone 2 1,220 09-25-07 <0.02 NA 0.001 E NA 0.775 NA 0.019 NA 0.495 NA 08-18-08 <0.02 NA <0.002 NA 0.772 NA 0.019 NA <0.4 NA 08-18-08 <0.02 0 <0.002 0 0.769 0.4 0.019 0 <0.4 0 QAW-10 Zone 1 1,269 09-25-07 <0.02 NA 0.002 NA 0.767 NA 0.021 NA 0.452 NA 08-19-08 <0.02 NA <0.002 NA 0.770 NA 0.021 NA 0.883 NA
Table 6

67

Table 6. Concentrations of dissolved nutrients and total organic carbon in water from multiple zones in the eastern Snake River Plain aquifer, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho, 2005–08.—Continued[Well locations are shown in figure 2. Port depth in feet below land surface. Analytical results in milligrams per liter (mg/L). NA, not applicable. NS, not sampled. NC, Not calculated. Remarks: QAW, quality assurance WestbayTM sample. RPD, Relative percent difference. <, less than]

Sample

identifier Port depth Date

Ammonia 

(as nitrogen)

Nitrite 

(as nitrogen)

Nitrite plus nitrate 

(as nitrogen)

Orthophosphate 

(as phosphorus) Total organic carbon Remarks

mg/L RPD mg/L RPD mg/L RPD mg/L RPD mg/L RPD

USGS 132Zone 6 636 09-06-06 0.006 E NA <0.002 NA 0.915 NA 0.020 NA 0.336 E NA

09-18-07 <0.02 NA <0.002 NA 0.985 NA 0.018 NA 0.426 NA08-14-08 <0.02 NA <0.002 NA 1.26 NA 0.023 NA 0.307 E NA08-14-08 <0.02 0 <0.002 0 1.26 0 0.023 0 0.689 76.7 QAW-9

Zone 5 764 09-05-06 0.009 E NA <0.002 NA 0.731 NA 0.018 NA 0.424 NA

09-18-07 <0.02 NA <0.002 NA 0.734 NA 0.019 NA 0.216 E NA08-13-08 <0.02 NA <0.002 NA 0.725 NA 0.025 NA 0.419 NA

Zone 4 826 09-05-06 0.009 E NA <0.002 NA 0.674 NA 0.016 NA 0.218 E NA

09-18-07 <0.02 NA <0.002 NA 0.662 NA 0.018 NA 0.414 NA

08-13-08 <0.02 NA <0.002 NA 0.672 NA 0.023 NA 0.745 NA

Zone 3 917 08-31-06 0.007 E NA <0.002 NA 0.663 NA 0.021 NA 0.948 NA

09-18-07 <0.02 NA <0.002 NA 0.661 NA 0.019 NA 0.242 E NA08-13-08 <0.02 NA <0.002 NA 0.671 NA 0.024 NA 0.550 NA

Zone 2 1,010 08-30-06 0.009 E NA <0.002 NA 0.665 NA 0.018 NA 0.395 E NA

09-17-07 <0.02 NA <0.002 NA 0.676 NA 0.019 NA 0.257 E NA08-12-08 <0.02 NA <0.002 NA 0.682 NA 0.023 NA 0.343 E NA

Zone 1 1,172 08-29-06 0.009 E NA <0.002 NA 0.743 NA 0.018 NA 0.372 E NA

09-17-07 <0.02 NA <0.002 NA 0.733 NA 0.019 NA 0.577 NA08-12-08 <0.02 NA <0.002 NA 0.747 NA 0.024 NA 0.224 E NA

USGS 133Zone 4 468 09-24-07 <0.02 NA <0.002 NA 0.417 NA 0.006 NA 0.334 E NA

09-02-08 <0.02 NA <0.002 NA 0.712 NA 0.007 NA 0.389 E NA

Zone 3 568 09-24-07 <0.02 NA <0.002 NA 0.876 NA 0.026 NA 0.966 NA

09-02-08 <0.02 NA <0.002 NA 0.917 NA 0.023 NA <0.4 NA

Zone 2 685 09-24-07 <0.02 NA 0.001 E NA 0.846 NA 0.021 NA <0.40 NA

09-02-08 <0.02 NA <0.002 NA 0.87 NA 0.018 NA 1.41 NA

Zone 1 744 09-24-07 <0.02 NA <0.002 NA 1.18 NA 0.021 NA 0.396 E NA

09-02-08 <0.02 NA <0.002 NA 1.21 NA 0.018 NA 0.376 E NA
68 Chemical Constituents in Groundwater from Multiple Zones, Eastern Snake River Plain Aquifer, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho, 2005–08 Table 6. Concentrations of dissolved nutrients and total organic carbon in water from multiple zones in the eastern Snake River Plain aquifer, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho, 2005–08.—Continued [Well locations are shown in figure 2. Port depth in feet below land surface. Analytical results in milligrams per liter (mg/L). NA, not applicable. NS, not sampled. NC, Not calculated. Remarks: QAW, quality assurance WestbayTM sample. RPD, Relative percent difference. <, less than] Sample identifier Port depth Date Ammonia (as nitrogen) Nitrite (as nitrogen) Nitrite plus nitrate (as nitrogen) Orthophosphate (as phosphorus) Total organic carbon Remarks mg/L RPD mg/L RPD mg/L RPD mg/L RPD mg/L RPD USGS 134 Zone 5 578 09-27-06 0.024 NA 0.001 E NA 0.562 NA 4.04 NA 0.403 NA 09-10-07 <0.02 NA 0.002 E NA 0.604 NA 0.684 NA 0.211 E NA 09-04-08 <0.02 NA <0.002 NA 0.632 NA 0.217 NA 0.472 NA Zone 4 644 09-28-06 0.020 NA 0.006 NA 0.484 NA 5.01 NA 1.60 NA 09-06-07 <0.02 NA <0.002 NA 0.605 NA 3.43 NA 1.09 NA 09-06-07 <0.02 0 <0.002 0 0.602 0.5 3.41 5.8 1.79 48.6 QAW-7 09-04-08 <0.02 NA <0.002 NA 0.614 NA 2.36 NA 1.75 NA Zone 3 706 09-27-06 0.009 E NA <0.002 NA 0.473 NA 0.948 NA 1.14 NA 09-05-07 <0.02 NA 0.001 E NA 0.462 NA 0.102 NA 1.31 NA 09-03-08 <0.02 NA <0.002 NA 0.478 NA 0.143 NA 1.07 NA Zone 2 806 09-26-06 0.005 E NA <0.002 NA 0.660 NA 11.7 NA 0.365 E NA 09-05-07 <0.02 NA 0.001 E NA 0.659 NA 2.01 NA 0.481 NA 09-03-08 <0.02 NA <0.002 NA 0.673 NA 0.920 NA 0.327 E NA Zone 1 856 09-25-06 0.034 NA <0.002 NA 0.332 NA 39.8 NA 1.93 NA 09-04-07 0.019 E NA 0.001 E NA 0.351 NA 31.2 NA 3.02 NA 1846 09-03-08 <0.02 NA <0.002 NA 0.404 NA 5.77 NA 0.419 NA QAW-1 NA 08-28-06 0.012 NA <0.002 NA <0.06 NA <0.006 NA <0.40 NA QAW-2 NA 10-02-06 0.014 E NA <0.002 NA 3.64 NA 0.013 NA 0.663 NA QAW-6 NA 10-12-07 <0.02 NA 0.001 E NA <0.06 NA 0.003 E NA 0.253 E NA QAW-12 NA 09-08-08 <0.02 NA <0.002 NA 0.671 NA 0.012 NA 0.396 E NA

1The port at 856 feet below land surface was damaged in 2007, so samples were collected from the port at 846 feet below land surface in 2008.
Table 7

69

Table 7. Concentrations of gross alpha-particle radioactivity, gross-beta particle radioactivity, strontium-90, tritium, and cesium-137 in water from multiple zones in the eastern Snake River Plain aquifer, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho, 2005–08.[Well locations are shown in figure 2. Port depth in feet below land surface. Date: (m-d-y) indicates month-day-year. Analytical results and uncertainties in picocuries per liter (pCi/L). Analytical uncertainties are reported as 1 sample standard deviation (s). Concentrations that meet or exceed the reporting level of 3 times the 1s value are shown in boldface type. Z-values associated with QA replicates were calculated using equation 1. NA, not applicable. NS, not sampled. NR, not requested. Remarks: QAW, quality assurance WestbayTM sample. RESL, Radiological and Environmental Sciences Laboaratory. NWQL, National 

Water Quality Laboratory]

Sample 

identifier

Port 

depth Date

Gross alpha-particle 

radioactivity 

Gross beta-particle 

radioactivity Strontium-90 Tritium (RESL) Tritium (NWQL) Cesium-137 Remarks

pCi/L Z-value pCi/L Z-value pCi/L Z-value pCi/L Z-value pCi/L Z-value pCi/L Z-value

Middle 2050A

Zone 5 515 09-30-05 NS NA NS NA 2.9±0.7 NA 30±100 NA NS NA NS NA

09-19-06 0.7±0.7 NA 1.4±2.1 NA 0±0.7 NA 90±50 NA NS NA 16.1±21.1 NA

09-20-07 0.3±0.6 NA 2.1±1.5 NA -0.6±0.7 NA 210±70 NA NS NA -13.5±26.7 NA

08-27-08 3.5±1.3 NA 3.7±0.9 NA -2.6±0.7 NA 220±70 NA 172±5.4 NA 40±30 NA

08-27-08 1.2±1.1 1.4 2.4±0.9 1.0 1±0.7 3.64 360±70 1.41 185±5.7 1.66 20±30 0.47 QAW-11

Zone 4 642 09-30-05 NS NA NS NA 1.8±0.7 NA 140±110 NA NS NA NS NA

09-19-06 0.7±0.7 NA 2±2 NA -0.15±0.72 NA 140±50 NA NS NA -40±40 NA

09-20-07 0.3±0.6 NA 2.5±1.6 NA -0.5±0.7 NA 70±60 NA NS NA -10±30 NA

08-26-08 2.5±1.2 NA 2.9±0.9 NA -2±0.7 NA 140±70 NA 93.8±3.5 NA 20±20 NA

Zone 3 790 10-14-05 NS NA NS NA 1.8±0.7 NA 90±110 NA NS NA NS NA

09-20-06 0.7±0.7 NA 3±2 NA 0.12±0.72 NA 160±60 NA NS NA -14.5±27 NA

09-20-06 0.7±0.7 0 0±2 1.06 0.6±0.7 0.48 70±50 1.15 NS NC -80±40 1.36 QAW-5

09-20-07 0.7±0.7 NA 1.9±1.5 NA 0.3±0.7 NA 40±60 NA NS NA -10.6±31.7 NA

08-26-08 2±1.2 NA 2.3±0.9 NA -2.2±0.7 NA 90±70 NA 60.9±2.9 NA -20±30 NA

Zone 2 998 10-07-05 NS NA NS NA 2.4±0.7 NA -90±100 NA NS NA NS NA

09-18-06 0±0.6 NA 2±2 NA 0.8±0.7 NA 20±50 NA NS NA 0±30 NA

09-19-07 0.7±0.7 NA 2.2±1.6 NA 0.4±0.7 NA -20±60 NA NS NA 13.6±21.6 NA

08-26-08 3.7±1.3 NA 3.2±0.9 NA -0.125±0.743 NA 16.3±64 NA 5.4±1.9 NA 0±30 NA

Zone 1 1,179 10-21-05 NS NA NS NA 1.2±0.7 NA 210±110 NA NS NA NS NA

09-18-06 0.3±0.6 NA 2±2 NA 0.9±0.7 NA 170±60 NA NS NA 30±40 NA

09-19-07 0.7±0.7 NA 1.1±1.5 NA 1.0±0.7 NA 70±60 NA NS NA 30±40 NA

08-26-08 0±1 NA 3.8±0.9 NA 0.145±0.864 NA 130±70 NA 97.6±3.5 NA 17±13 NA
70 Chemical Constituents in Groundwater from Multiple Zones, Eastern Snake River Plain Aquifer, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho, 2005–08 Sample identifier Port depth Date Gross alpha-particle radioactivity Gross beta-particle radioactivity Strontium-90 Tritium (RESL) Tritium (NWQL) Cesium-137 Remarks pCi/L Z-value pCi/L Z-value pCi/L Z-value pCi/L Z-value pCi/L Z-value pCi/L Z-value Middle 2051 Zone 5 604 09-27-05 NS NA NS NA 1.4±0.7 NA -60±100 NA NS NA NS NA 09-11-06 0.7±0.7 NA 3±2 NA -0.1±0.7 NA 60±50 NA NS NA 0±30 NA 09-12-07 0.3±0.6 NA 1.7±1.5 NA 0.1±0.7 NA -50±60 NA NS NA -20±20 NA 08-25-08 1.2±1.1 NA 3.7±0.9 NA 0.7±0.7 NA 50±60 NA 51.7±2.9 NA -14.6±21.5 NA Zone 4 750 09-27-05 NS NA NS NA 2.3±0.7 NA 680±130 NA NS NA NS NA 09-13-06 0.3±0.6 NA 3±2 NA 0.6±0.7 NA 700±100 NA NS NA -20±40 NA 09-13-06 0.7±0.7 0.45 3±2 0 0.3±0.7 0.43 610±90 0.67 NS NC 0±20 0.45 QAW-4 09-12-07 1±0.8 NA 2.5±1.6 NA 0±0.7 NA 450±80 NA NS NA -20±40 NA 09-12-07 0.7±0.7 0.28 2.2±1.6 0.13 -0.15±0.66 0.16 490±90 0.33 NS NC 0±40 0.35 QAW-8 08-25-08 2.9±1.3 NA 3.9±0.9 NA 1.3±0.7 NA 680±80 NA 475±13 NA 30±50 NA Zone 3 828 09-28-05 NS NA NS NA 1.9±0.7 NA 670±130 NA NS NA NS NA 09-12-06 0.7±0.7 NA 2±2 NA -0.2±0.7 NA 660±90 NA NS NA 30±20 NA 09-12-06 0±0.6 0.76 3±2 0.35 0.2±0.7 0.40 780±110 0.84 NS NC -40±40 0.22 QAW-3 09-11-07 0.7±0.7 NA 2.3±1.6 NA 0.12±0.68 NA 610±100 NA NS NA -60±40 NA 08-21-08 4.1±1.4 NA 1.4±0.8 NA 0.4±0.7 NA 630±80 NA 635±19 NA -40±40 NA Zone 2 1,092 09-28-05 NS NA NS NA 0.8±0.7 NA 240±110 NA NS NA NS NA 09-11-06 0.3±0.6 NA 3±2 NA 0.7±0.7 NA 360±70 NA NS NA 0±30 NA 09-11-07 1±0.8 NA 2.3±1.6 NA -1±0.7 NA 230±70 NA NS NA -30±40 NA 08-21-08 3.5±1.3 NA 3.5±0.9 NA 0.7±0.7 NA 470±80 NA 292±8.6 NA 30±50 NA Zone 1 1,142 09-29-05 NS NA NS NA 0.2±0.7 NA -70±100 NA NS NA NS NA 09-07-06 0.3±0.6 NA 2±2 NA 0.8±0.7 NA 320±70 NA NS NA -13.6±33.3 NA 09-11-07 0.3±0.6 NA 1.9±1.5 NA -0.8±0.7 NA 210±70 NA NS NA 30±40 NA 08-21-08 1.8±1.2 NA 4.5±0.9 NA -0.167±0.791 NA 460±80 NA 300±8.9 NA -30±30 NA Table 7. Concentrations of gross alpha-particle radioactivity, gross-beta particle radioactivity, strontium-90, tritium, and cesium-137 in water from multiple zones in the eastern Snake River Plain aquifer, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho, 2005–08. —Continued [Well locations are shown in figure 2. Port depth in feet below land surface. Date: (m-d-y) indicates month-day-year. Analytical results and uncertainties in picocuries per liter (pCi/L). Analytical uncertainties are reported as 1 sample standard deviation (s). Concentrations that meet or exceed the reporting level of 3 times the 1s value are shown in boldface type. Z-values associated with QA replicates were calculated using equation 1. NA, not applicable. NS, not sampled. NR, not requested. Remarks: QAW, quality assurance WestbayTM sample. RESL, Radiological and Environmental Sciences Laboaratory. NWQL, National Water Quality Laboratory]
Table 7

71

Table 7. Concentrations of gross alpha-particle radioactivity, gross-beta particle radioactivity, strontium-90, tritium, and cesium-137 in water from multiple zones in the eastern Snake River Plain aquifer, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho, 2005–08. —Continued [Well locations are shown in figure 2. Port depth in feet below land surface. Date: (m-d-y) indicates month-day-year. Analytical results and uncertainties in picocuries per liter (pCi/L). Analytical uncertainties are reported as 1 sample standard deviation (s). Concentrations that meet or exceed the reporting level of 3 times the 1s value are shown in boldface type. Z-values associated with QA replicates were calculated using equation 1. NA, not applicable. NS, not sampled. NR, not requested. Remarks: QAW, quality assurance WestbayTM sample. RESL, Radiological and Environmental Sciences Laboaratory. NWQL, 

National Water Quality Laboratory]

Sample 

identifier

Port 

depth Date

Gross alpha-particle 

radioactivity 

Gross beta-particle 

radioactivity Strontium-90 Tritium (RESL) Tritium (NWQL) Cesium-137 Remarks

pCi/L Z-value pCi/L Z-value pCi/L Z-value pCi/L Z-value pCi/L Z-value pCi/L Z-value

USGS 103

Zone 7 682 10-02-07 0±0.6 NA 2.5±1.6 NA -0.1±0.7 NA -70±60 NA NS NA 40±40 NA

08-20-08 0±1 NA 2.6±0.9 NA -0.4±0.8 NA -10±60 NA 8±1.9 NA 20±30 NA

Zone 6 805 10-02-07 0.7±0.7 NA 2.7±1.6 NA -0.151±0.682 NA -80±60 NA NS NA -20±30 NA

08-19-08 5.7±1.6 NA 3.3±0.9 NA 0.8±0.7 NA 50±60 NA 16.9±1.9 NA -20±30 NA

Zone 5 914 10-01-07 0.3±0.6 NA 1.2±1.5 NA 0.2±0.7 NA 160±70 NA NS NA -10±40 NA

08-19-08 3.9±1.4 NA 4.5±1 NA 1.1±0.8 NA 90±60 NA 72.4±2.9 NA 0±30 NA

Zone 4 1,000 10-01-07 1±0.8 NA 0.6±1.4 NA 0±0.7 NA 290±70 NA NS NA 20±40 NA

10-01-07 NR NA NR NA NR NA 200±70 NA NR NA NR NA Rerun

08-18-08 2±1.2 NA 4.3±0.9 NA 1.7±0.8 NA 370±70 NA 275±8 NA 50±30 NA

Zone 3 1,095 10-01-07 0.7±0.7 NA 2.4±1.6 NA -0.5±0.7 NA 350±80 NA NS NA -10±20 NA

10-01-07 NR NA NR NA NR NA 460±70 NA NR NA NR NA Rerun

08-18-08 2.9±1.3 NA 2.9±0.9 NA 0±0.7 NA 440±70 NA 434±13 NA 0±40 NA

Zone 2 1,220 09-25-07 0.3±0.6 NA 2.5±1.6 NA 0.3±0.7 NA 380±80 NA NS NA -10±30 NA

09-25-07 NR NA NR NA NR NA 530±70 NA NR NA NR NA Rerun

08-18-08 1±1.1 NA 3.2±0.9 NA 0.5±0.8 NA 320±70 NA 427±12 NA 30±40 NA

08-18-08 1.8±1.2 0.49 5±1 1.34 1.4±0.8 0.8 530±80 1.98 408±12 1.12 0±30 0.60 QAW-10

08-18-08 NR NA NR NA NR NA 320±70 NA NR NA NR NA Rerun

Zone 1 1,269 09-25-07 0.3±0.6 NA 2.0±1.5 NA -0.8±0.7 NA 400±80 NA NS NA -20±30 NA

09-25-07 NR NA NR NA NR NA 370±70 NA NR NA NR NA Rerun

08-19-08 4.3±1.4 NA 4.4±0.9 NA 2±0.7 NA 430±70 NA 405±13 NA 0±20 NA
72 Chemical Constituents in Groundwater from Multiple Zones, Eastern Snake River Plain Aquifer, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho, 2005–08 Table 7. Concentrations of gross alpha-particle radioactivity, gross-beta particle radioactivity, strontium-90, tritium, and cesium-137 in water from multiple zones in the eastern Snake River Plain aquifer, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho, 2005–08. —Continued [Well locations are shown in figure 2. Port depth in feet below land surface. Date: (m-d-y) indicates month-day-year. Analytical results and uncertainties in picocuries per liter (pCi/L). Analytical uncertainties are reported as 1 sample standard deviation (s). Concentrations that meet or exceed the reporting level of 3 times the 1s value are shown in boldface type. Z-values associated with QA replicates were calculated using equation 1. NA, not applicable. NS, not sampled. NR, not requested. Remarks: QAW, quality assurance WestbayTM sample. RESL, Radiological and Environmental Sciences Laboaratory. NWQL, National Water Quality Laboratory] Sample identifier Port depth Date Gross alpha-particle radioactivity Gross beta-particle radioactivity Strontium-90 Tritium (RESL) Tritium (NWQL) Cesium-137 Remarks pCi/L Z-value pCi/L Z-value pCi/L Z-value pCi/L Z-value pCi/L Z-value pCi/L Z-value USGS 132 Zone 6 636 09-06-06 1.0±0.8 NA 4±2 NA -0.5±0.7 NA 120±50 NA NS NA 11±17 NA 09-18-07 0.7±0.7 NA 3.9±1.7 NA -0.1±0.7 NA 14.7±59.6 NA NS NA 12.4±35.1 NA 08-14-08 3.3±1.3 NA 4±0.9 NA 1.5±0.7 NA 190±70 NA 122±4.1 NA -11.3±22.7 NA 08-14-08 2.5±1.2 0.45 6.3±1 1.71 1.5±0.8 0 290±70 1.01 113±3.8 1.61 -14.9±30.4 0.095 QAW-9 Zone 5 764 09-05-06 0±0.6 NA 4±2 NA 0.5±0.7 NA 270±60 NA NS NA 0±20 NA 09-18-07 0.3±0.6 NA 1.2±1.5 NA -0.2±0.7 NA 290±70 NA NS NA -50±40 NA 08-13-08 4.5±1.4 NA 3.9±0.9 NA 0.8±0.7 NA 360±70 NA 252±7.7 NA 10±20 NA Zone 4 826 09-05-06 0.7±0.7 NA 5±2 NA -0.8±0.7 NA 190±60 NA NS NA 40±30 NA 09-18-07 0.7±0.7 NA 1.7±1.5 NA -0.4±0.7 NA 140±60 NA NS NA 0±30 NA 08-13-08 2±1.2 NA 5.3±1.0 NA 1.2±0.7 NA 120±50 NA 256±8 NA 0±30 NA Zone 3 917 08-31-06 0.7±0.7 NA 4±2 NA 0.4±0.7 NA 330±70 NA NS NA 20±40 NA 09-18-07 0.7±0.7 NA 2.4±1.6 NA -1.4±0.7 NA 150±60 NA NS NA -20±20 NA 08-13-08 2.5±1.2 NA 2.5±0.9 NA 1.6±0.7 NA 340±70 NA 269±8.6 NA 16±14 NA Zone 2 1,010 08-30-06 0.7±0.7 NA 4±2 NA 0.2±0.7 NA 300±60 NA NS NA 30±30 NA 09-17-07 0.7±0.7 NA 1.4±1.5 NA 0.2±0.7 NA 210±70 NA NS NA -12.4±24.1 NA 08-12-08 2.2±1.2 NA 13.6±1.4 NA -0.1±0.9 NA 310±70 NA 301±8.9 NA 0±20 NA Zone 1 1,172 08-29-06 0±0.6 NA 3±2 NA 0.5±0.7 NA 270±60 NA NS NA -30±30 NA 09-17-07 0.3±0.6 NA 3.9±1.7 NA -0.1±0.7 NA 310±70 NA NS NA -30±20 NA 08-12-08 2±1.2 NA 1.7±0.8 NA 1.1±0.8 NA 300±70 NA 286±8.6 NA 20±30 NA USGS 133 Zone 4 468 09-24-07 0.7±0.7 NA 1.1±1.5 NA 0.118±0.66 NA 50±60 NA NS NA 0±20 NA 09-02-08 3.3±1.3 NA 3.3±0.9 NA -0.1±0.8 NA 210±70 NA 131±4.1 NA -30±0.30 NA Zone 3 568 09-24-07 1±0.8 NA 3.5±1.6 NA 1±0.7 NA -50±60 NA NS NA 0±20 NA 09-02-08 4.7±1.4 NA 4.9±1 NA 0.5±0.8 NA -10±60 NA 6.9±1.8 NA -10±40 NA Zone 2 685 09-24-07 0.3±0.6 NA 2.4±1.6 NA 0.149±0.667 NA -30±60 NA NS NA 50±40 NA 09-02-08 2±1.2 NA 4.1±0.9 NA 0.9±0.7 NA 40±60 NA 7.9±1.7 NA 0±20 NA Zone 1 744 09-24-07 0.7±0.7 NA 1.2±1.5 NA -0.3±0.7 NA -50±60 NA NS NA 15±38.5 NA
Table 7

73

Table 7. Concentrations of gross alpha-particle radioactivity, gross-beta particle radioactivity, strontium-90, tritium, and cesium-137 in water from multiple zones in the eastern Snake River Plain aquifer, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho, 2005–08. —Continued [Well locations are shown in figure 2. Port depth in feet below land surface. Date: (m-d-y) indicates month-day-year. Analytical results and uncertainties in picocuries per liter (pCi/L). Analytical uncertainties are reported as 1 sample standard deviation (s). Concentrations that meet or exceed the reporting level of 3 times the 1s value are shown in boldface type. Z-values associated with QA replicates were calculated using equation 1. NA, not applicable. NS, not sampled. NR, not requested. Remarks: QAW, quality assurance WestbayTM sample. RESL, Radiological and Environmental Sciences Laboaratory. NWQL, 

National Water Quality Laboratory]

Sample 

identifier

Port 

depth Date

Gross alpha-particle 

radioactivity 

Gross beta-particle 

radioactivity Strontium-90 Tritium (RESL) Tritium (NWQL) Cesium-137 Remarks

pCi/L Z-value pCi/L Z-value pCi/L Z-value pCi/L Z-value pCi/L Z-value pCi/L Z-value

09-02-08 2.2±1.2 NA 2.2±0.9 NA 0.9±0.7 NA 20±60 NA 12.4±2.2 NA 10.4±22.3 NA

USGS 134

Zone 5 578 09-27-06 0±0.6 NA 3±2 NA 0.4±0.7 NA 390±70 NA NS NA 0±30 NA

09-27-06 NR NA NR NA NR NA 340±60 NA NR NA NR NA Rerun

09-10-07 0.7±0.7 NA 1.1±1.5 NA 0.2±0.7 NA -20±60 NA NS NA -30±20 NA

09-04-08 1.6±1.1 NA 4.5±1 NA -0.4±0.8 NA 10±60 NA 17±1.9 NA -20±20 NA

Zone 4 644 09-28-06 NS NA NS NA 0.9±0.7 NA 6,250±670 NA NS NA 10±30 NA

09-28-06 NR NA NR NA NR NA 110±60 NA NR NA NR NA Rerun

09-06-07 0.3±0.6 NA 1.7±1.5 NA 0.4±0.7 NA 180±70 NA NS NA 10±30 NA

09-06-07 0.3±0.6 0 3.7±1.7 0.88 0.121±0.683 0.29 230±70 0.51 NS NC 30±20 0.55 QAW-7

09-04-08 -0.2±0.9 NA 6.7±1 NA -2±0.7 NA 390±70 NA 261±7.3 NA 0±20 NA

Zone 3 706 09-27-06 0.7±0.7 NA 2±2 NA 0.2±0.7 NA 40±50 NA NS NA -60±40 NA

09-05-07 0.3±0.6 NA 2.5±1.6 NA 0.4±0.7 NA -110±60 NA NS NA 16.7±27.6 NA

09-03-08 1.2±1.1 NA 3.7±0.9 NA -0.3±0.8 NA 40±60 NA 9.1±1.7 NA -40±40 NA

Zone 2 806 09-26-06 0.3±0.6 NA 1.62±2.13 NA 0.6±0.7 NA 30±50 NA NS NA 10±20 NA

09-05-07 0.3±0.6 NA 2.8±1.6 NA 0.9±0.7 NA -130±60 NA NS NA -10±30 NA

09-03-08 2±1.2 NA 3.1±0.9 NA -1±0.8 NA 16.3±64 NA 3±1.8 NA -30±40 NA

Zone 1 856 09-25-06 0.3±0.6 NA 7±2 NA 0.8±0.7 NA 80±50 NA NS NA -12.4±25 NA

09-04-07 0.7±0.7 NA 4.1±1.7 NA 1.2±0.7 NA 50±60 NA NS NA 14.9±46 NA

1846 09-03-08 -1.6±0.8 NA 3.8±0.9 NA 0.164±0.796 NA 90±70 NA 88.7±3.2 NA -10±20 NA

QAW-1 NA 08-28-06 0.3±0.6 NA 1±2 NA -0.4±0.7 NA 50±50 NA NS NA -40±40 NA

QAW-2 NA 10-02-06 0.3±0.6 NA 5±2 NA 0.3±0.7 NA 350±70 NA NS NA 15±21.7 NA

QAW-6 NA 09-12-07 0.3±0.6 NA -0.7±1.3 NA 0.2±0.7 NA 0±60 NA NS NA 30±30 NA

QAW-12 NA 09-08-08 1±1.1 NA 3.4±0.9 NA 1.5±0.7 NA 220±70 NA 84.5±3.2 NA 10±30 NA

1The port at 856 feet below land surface was damaged in 2007, so samples were collected from the port at 846 feet below land surface in 2008.
74 Chemical Constituents in Groundwater from Multiple Zones, Eastern Snake River Plain Aquifer, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho, 2005–08 Table 8. Concentrations of uranium, plutonium, and americium isotopes in water from multiple zones in the eastern Snake River Plain aquifer, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho, 2005–08. [Well locations are shown in figure 2. Port depth in feet below land surface. Analytical results and uncertainties in picocuries per liter (pCi/L). Analytical uncertainties are reported as 1 sample standard deviation (s). Concentrations that meet or exceed the reporting level of 3 times the 1s value are shown in boldface type. Z-values associated with QA replicates were calculated using equation 1. NA, not applicable. NC, not calculated. NS, not sampled. NR, not requested. LS, Sample lost. Remarks: QAW, quality assurance WestbayTM sample] Sample identifier Port depth Date Uranium-233,234 (undivided) Uranium-235 Uranium-238 Plutonium-238 Plutonium-239,240 (undivided) Americium-241 Remarks pCi/L Z-value pCi/L Z-value pCi/L Z-value pCi/L Z-value pCi/L Z-value pCi/L Z-value Middle 2050A Zone 5 515 09-19-06 NS NA NS NA NS NA 0.003±0.005 NA 0.006±0.006 NA 0.007±0.011 NA 09-20-07 NS NA NS NA NS NA 0.003±0.005 NA 0±0.004 NA 0.006±0.01 NA Zone 4 642 09-19-06 NS NA NS NA NS NA 0.003±0.003 NA 0.003±0.003 NA 0.006±0.01 NA 09-20-07 NS NA NS NA NS NA -0.003±0.003 NA 0.003±0.005 NA 0±0.009 NA Zone 3 790 09-20-06 NS NA NS NA NS NA 0.006±0.006 NA 0.003±0.005 NA 0.007±0.009 NA 09-20-06 NS NA NS NA NS NA 0.003±0.003 0.45 0.003±0.005 0 0.006±0.009 0.11 QAW-5 09-20-07 NS NA NS NA NS NA -0.003±0.003 NA -0.003±0.003 NA -0.006±0.007 NA Zone 2 998 09-18-06 NS NA NS NA NS NA -0.003±0.003 NA 0.006±0.006 NA 0.009±0.009 NA 09-19-07 NS NA NS NA NS NA 0±0.004 NA 0.005±0.005 NA 0.006±0.009 NA Zone 1 1,179 09-18-06 NS NA NS NA NS NA 0.003±0.003 NA 0.003±0.003 NA 0.007±0.009 NA 09-19-07 NS NA NS NA NS NA -0.003±0.003 NA 0.003±0.003 NA -0.003±0.009 NA Middle 2051 Zone 5 604 09-11-06 NS NA NS NA NS NA 0.003±0.003 NA 0.003±0.006 NA 0.007±0.011 NA 09-12-07 NS NA NS NA NS NA -0.003±0.010 NA 0.003±0.007 NA 0±0.008 NA Zone 4 750 09-13-06 NS NA NS NA NS NA 0.003±0.005 NA 0.003±0.005 NA 0.003±0.008 NA 09-13-06 NS NA NS NA NS NA 0.007±0.007 0.46 0.003±0.006 0 0.006±0.008 0.27 QAW-4 09-12-07 NS NA NS NA NS NA -0.006±0.009 NA 0.003±0.006 NA 0.003±0.008 NA 09-12-07 NS NA NS NA NS NA 0.009±0.011 1.06 0±0.006 0.35 0.006±0.009 0.25 QAW-8 Zone 3 828 09-12-06 NS NA NS NA NS NA 0.003±0.005 NA 0.003±0.003 NA 0.006±0.008 NA 09-12-06 NS NA NS NA NS NA LS NC LS NC LS NC QAW-3 09-11-07 NS NA NS NA NS NA 0.009±0.011 NA -0.003±0.005 NA 0.003±0.010 NA Zone 2 1,092 09-11-06 NS NA NS NA NS NA 0.003±0.005 NA 0.006±0.006 NA 0.006±0.010 NA 09-11-07 NS NA NS NA NS NA -0.003±0.010 NA -0.003±0.005 NA 0.006±0.010 NA Zone 1 1,142 09-07-06 NS NA NS NA NS NA 0.003±0.003 NA 0.003±0.003 NA 0.006±0.008 NA 09-11-07 NS NA NS NA NS NA 0±0.010 NA -0.006±0.004 NA 0±0.008 NA
Table 8

75

Table 8. Concentrations of uranium, plutonium, and americium isotopes in water from multiple zones in the eastern Snake River Plain aquifer, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho, 2005–08.—Continued[Well locations are shown in figure 2. Port depth in feet below land surface. Analytical results and uncertainties in picocuries per liter (pCi/L). Analytical uncertainties are reported as 1 sample standard deviation (s). Concentrations that meet or exceed the reporting level of 3 times the 1s value are shown in boldface type. Z-values associated with QA replicates were calculated using equation 1. NA, not applicable. NC, not calculated. NS, not sampled. NR, not requested. LS, Sample lost. Remarks: QAW, quality assurance WestbayTM sample]

Sample 

identifier

Port 

depth Date 

Uranium-233,234 

(undivided) Uranium-235 Uranium-238 Plutonium-238 Plutonium-239,240 (undivided) Americium-241 Remarks

pCi/L Z-value pCi/L Z-value pCi/L Z-value pCi/L Z-value pCi/L Z-value pCi/L Z-value

USGS 103

Zone 7 682 10-02-07 0.327±0.032 NA 0±0.006 NA 0.157±0.021 NA -0.003±0.003 NA -0.003±0.003 NA -0.003±0.007 NA

08-20-08 NS NA NS NA NS NA -0.003±0.005 NA 0.006±0.008 NA 0.006±0.012 NA

Zone 6 805 10-02-07 1.52±0.084 NA 0.016±0.012 NA 0.594±0.046 NA 0.006±0.006 NA 0±0.004 NA 0.006±0.010 NA

08-19-08 NS NA NS NA NS NA 0.006±0.007 NA 0.003±0.007 NA -0.006±0.011 NA

Zone 5 914 10-01-07 1.32±0.077 NA 0.034±0.013 NA 0.477±0.044 NA -0.006±0.009 NA 0±0.006 NA 0.006±0.009 NA

08-19-08 NS NA NS NA NS NA 0.009±0.008 NA 0.003±0.007 NA 0.003±0.011 NA

Zone 4 1,000 10-01-07 1.18±0.062 NA 0.034±0.010 NA 0.489±0.039 NA -0.003±0.003 NA 0±0.004 NA 0.003±0.009 NA

08-18-08 NS NA NS NA NS NA 0.003±0.007 NA 0.003±0.005 NA 0.003±0.012 NA

Zone 3 1,095 10-01-07 1.19±0.076 NA 0.032±0.014 NA 0.431±0.043 NA -0.003±0.003 NA 0±0.004 NA 0.003±0.009 NA

08-18-08 NS NA NS NA NS NA -0.003±0.005 NA -0.003±0.005 NA 0.003±0.013 NA

Zone 2 1,220 09-25-07 1.26±0.072 NA 0.045±0.015 NA 0.554±0.043 NA 0.003±0.006 NA 0±0.005 NA 0.003±0.009 NA

08-18-08 NS NA NS NA NS NA 0.007±0.008 NA -0.003±0.006 NA 0.006±0.012 NA

08-18-08 NS NA NS NA NS NA -0.003±0.006 1.0 0.003±0.007 0.65 0.009±0.013 0.17 QAW-10

Zone 1 1,269 09-25-07 1.36±0.069 NA 0.025±0.010 NA 0.479±0.039 NA 0±0.005 NA 0±0.005 NA 0.003±0.009 NA

08-19-08 NS NA NS NA NS NA -0.003±0.005 NA -0.003±0.005 NA 0.003±0.012 NA

USGS 132

Zone 6 636 09-06-06 1.83±0.097 NA 0.066±0.017 NA 0.797±0.058 NA 0.003±0.003 NA 0.006±0.006 NA 0.009±0.010 NA

09-18-07 NS NA NS NA NS NA 0.003±0.005 NA 0.003±0.005 NA 0.006±0.010 NA

Zone 5 764 09-05-06 1.40±0.078 NA 0.008±0.008 NA 0.577±0.048 NA -0.003±0.003 NA 0.003±0.005 NA 0.006±0.009 NA

09-18-07 NS NA NS NA NS NA 0±0.004 NA 0.008±0.006 NA 0.003±0.009 NA

Zone 4 826 09-05-06 1.32±0.077 NA 0.042±0.012 NA 0.571±0.047 NA 0.004±0.007 NA 0.004±0.004 NA 0.007±0.010 NA

09-18-07 NS NA NS NA NS NA 0.008±0.011 NA 0.003±0.006 NA 0±0.008 NA

Zone 3 917 08-31-06 1.40±0.078 NA 0.015±0.008 NA 0.582±0.047 NA -0.003±0.003 NA 0.006±0.006 NA 0.003±0.009 NA

09-18-07 NS NA NS NA NS NA 0±0.011 NA 0.003±0.007 NA 0.003±0.009 NA

Zone 2 1,010 08-30-06 1.33±0.053 NA 0.051±0.009 NA 0.660±0.033 NA 0.006±0.006 NA 0.003±0.006 NA 0.010±0.010 NA

09-17-07 NS NA NS NA NS NA 0.006±0.011 NA 0±0.006 NA 0.006±0.009 NA

Zone 1 1,172 08-29-06 1.53±0.063 NA 0.035±0.010 NA 0.772±0.041 NA -0.003±0.003 NA 0.006±0.006 NA 0.009±0.009 NA

09-17-07 NS NA NS NA NS NA 0.006±0.011 NA 0±0.006 NA 0±0.008 NA
76 Chemical Constituents in Groundwater from Multiple Zones, Eastern Snake River Plain Aquifer, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho, 2005–08 Table 8. Concentrations of uranium, plutonium, and americium isotopes in water from multiple zones in the eastern Snake River Plain aquifer, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho, 2005–08.—Continued [Well locations are shown in figure 2. Port depth in feet below land surface. Analytical results and uncertainties in picocuries per liter (pCi/L). Analytical uncertainties are reported as 1 sample standard deviation (s). Concentrations that meet or exceed the reporting level of 3 times the 1s value are shown in boldface type. Z-values associated with QA replicates were calculated using equation 1. NA, not applicable. NC, not calculated. NS, not sampled. NR, not requested. LS, Sample lost. Remarks: QAW, quality assurance WestbayTM sample] Sample identifier Port depth Date Uranium-233,234 (undivided) Uranium-235 Uranium-238 Plutonium-238 Plutonium-239,240 (undivided) Americium-241 Remarks pCi/L Z-value pCi/L Z-value pCi/L Z-value pCi/L Z-value pCi/L Z-value pCi/L Z-value USGS 133 Zone 4 468 09-24-07 0.836±0.054 NA 0.02±0.01 NA 0.394±0.034 NA 0.003±0.005 NA 0.006±0.006 NA 0±0.008 NA 09-02-08 NS NA NS NA NS NA 0.003±0.007 NA 0.003±0.007 NA -0.009±0.01 NA Zone 3 568 09-24-07 1.41±0.074 NA 0.037±0.014 NA 0.719±0.048 NA -0.003±0.003 NA 0.003±0.006 NA 0±0.01 NA 09-02-08 NS NA NS NA NS NA 0.003±0.005 NA -0.006±0.004 NA -0.003±0.012 NA Zone 2 685 09-24-07 1.52±0.08 NA 0.013±0.01 NA 0.657±0.047 NA -0.003±0.003 NA 0.003±0.005 NA 0.006±0.009 NA 09-02-08 NS NA NS NA NS NA -0.006±0.004 NA -0.003±0.005 NA 0.006±0.013 NA Zone 1 744 09-24-07 1.53±0.08 NA 0.033±0.014 NA 0.543±0.042 NA 0.006±0.006 NA 0±0.004 NA 0.003±0.009 NA 09-02-08 NS NA NS NA NS NA -0.006±0.006 NA 0.003±0.007 NA -0.003±0.012 NA USGS 134 Zone 5 578 09-27-06 0.450±0.043 NA 0±0.009 NA 0.145±0.023 NA 0.003±0.003 NA 0.007±0.007 NA 0.003±0.008 NA 09-10-07 NS NA NS NA NS NA -0.006±0.009 NA 0.003±0.007 NA 0.003±0.009 NA Zone 4 644 09-28-06 NS NA NS NA NS NA NS NA NS NA NS NA 09-06-07 0.320±0.031 NA 0.006±0.006 NA 0.151±0.022 NA 0.003±0.005 NA 0.006±0.006 NA -0.003±0.007 NA 09-06-07 NS NA NS NA NS NA -0.003±0.003 1.03 0.003±0.005 0.38 -0.003±0.008 0 QAW-7 Zone 3 706 09-27-06 0.872±0.064 NA 0.024±0.010 NA 0.242±0.033 NA 0.003±0.005 NA 0.003±0.005 NA 0.006±0.010 NA 09-05-07 NS NA NS NA NS NA -0.003±0.003 NA 0.003±0.005 NA 0.003±0.008 NA Zone 2 806 09-26-06 0.225±0.028 NA 0.004±0.004 NA 0.070±0.015 NA -0.003±0.003 NA -0.003±0.003 NA 0.006±0.009 NA 09-05-07 NS NA NS NA NS NA 0.003±0.005 NA 0.003±0.005 NA 0.003±0.009 NA Zone 1 856 09-25-06 0.043±0.018 NA 0±0.008 NA 0.021±0.011 NA 0.003±0.005 NA 0.003±0.005 NA 0.009±0.010 NA 09-04-07 NS NA NS NA NS NA -0.003±0.003 NA -0.003±0.003 NA 0.006±0.009 NA QAW-1 NA 08-28-06 0.017±0.008 NA 0.004±0.006 NA 0.016±0.006 NA -0.003±0.003 NA 0.003±0.005 NA 0.009±0.009 NA QAW-2 NA 10-02-06 0.150±0.079 NA 0.048±0.014 NA 0.766±0.053 NA -0.003±0.003 NA 0.003±0.006 NA 0.009±0.010 NA QAW-6 NA 09-12-07 NS NA NS NA NS NA 0.020±0.030 NA 0.010±0.018 NA 0.003±0.010 NA QAW-12 NA 09-08-08 NS NA NS NA NS NA -0.006±0.004 NA 0.003±0.005 NA -0.009±0.011 NA
Table 9 77

Table 9. Concentrations of isotopes of oxygen, hydrogen, and carbon in water from multiple zones in the eastern Snake River 

Plain aquifer, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho, 2005-08.

[Well locations are shown in figure 2. Port depth in feet below land surface. Analytical results in per mil (parts per thousand relative to a standard). 

Uncertainty of delta 2H and delta 18O is ±1.5 per mil. Uncertainty of delta 13C is ±0.3 per mil. NS, not sampled. Z-values associated with QA replicates 

were calculated using equation 1. NA, not applicable. NC, not calculated. Remarks: QAW, quality assurance WestbayTM sample]

Sample 

identifier Port depth Date

Delta 2

H Delta 18O Delta 13C

Remarks

per mil Z-value per mil Z-value per mil Z-value

Middle 2050A

Zone 5 515 09-19-06 -132.5 NA -17.4 NA -10.3 NA

09-20-07 -135.2 NA -17.8 NA NS NA

08-27-08 -134.3 NA -17.7 NA NS NA

08-27-08 -136.0 0.80 -17.7 0 NS NC QAW-11

Zone 4 642 09-19-06 -136.3 NA -18.0 NA -11.0 NA

09-20-07 -137.0 NA -17.9 NA NS NA

08-26-08 -137.9 NA -18.0 NA NS NA

Zone 3 790 09-20-06 -136.0 NA -18.0 NA -8.80 NA

09-20-06 -136.5 0.24 -18.0 0 -8.46 0.80 QAW-5

09-20-07 -136.3 NA -18.0 NA NS NA

08-26-08 -135.0 NA -18.0 NA NS NA

Zone 2 998 09-18-06 -136.6 NA -18.1 NA -8.13 NA

09-19-07 -136.9 NA -18.0 NA NS NA

08-26-08 -135.7 NA -18.1 NA NS NA

Zone 1 1,179 09-18-06 -135.7 NA -17.8 NA -13.2 NA

09-19-07 -135.9 NA -17.8 NA NS NA

08-26-08 -134.7 NA -17.8 NA NS NA

Middle 2051

Zone 5 604 09-11-06 -133.2 NA -17.3 NA -10.7 NA

09-12-07 -133.6 NA -17.3 NA NS NA

08-25-08 -134.1 NA -17.3 NA NS NA

Zone 4 750 09-13-06 -136.5 NA -17.9 NA -7.45 NA

09-13-06 -136.3 0.09 -17.9 0 -8.60 2.7 QAW-4

09-12-07 -136.9 NA -18.0 NA NS NA

09-12-07 -136.8 0.05 -18.0 0 NS NC QAW-8

08-25-08 -135.9 NA -17.9 NA NS NA

Zone 3 828 09-12-06 -136.5 NA -18.0 NA -8.13 NA

09-12-06 -135.4 0.52 -18.0 0 -8.43 0.71 QAW-3

09-11-07 -137.1 NA -18.0 NA NS NA

08-21-08 -136.0 NA -18.0 NA NS NA

Zone 2 1,092 09-11-06 -137.3 NA -18.0 NA -8.26 NA

09-11-07 -137.3 NA -18.1 NA NS NA

08-21-08 -137.0 NA -18.0 NA NS NA

Zone 1 1,142 09-07-06 -136.8 NA -18.0 NA -7.76 NA

09-11-07 -136.8 NA -18.1 NA NS NA

08-21-08 -135.7 NA -18.0 NA NS NA
78 Chemical Constituents in Groundwater from Multiple Zones, Eastern Snake River Plain Aquifer, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho, 2005–08

Table 9. Concentrations of isotopes of oxygen, hydrogen, and carbon in water from multiple zones in the eastern Snake River 

Plain aquifer, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho, 2005-08.—Continued

[Well locations are shown in figure 2. Port depth in feet below land surface. Analytical results in per mil (parts per thousand relative to a standard). 

Uncertainty of delta 2H and delta 18O is ±1.5 per mil. Uncertainty of delta 13C is ±0.3 per mil. NS, not sampled. Z-values associated with QA replicates 

were calculated using equation 1. NA, not applicable. NC, not calculated. Remarks: QAW, quality assurance WestbayTM sample]

Sample 

identifier Port depth Date

Delta 2

H Delta 18O Delta 13C

Remarks

per mil Z-value per mil Z-value per mil Z-value

USGS 103

Zone 7 682 10-02-07 -135.6 NA -17.7 NA -8.79 NA

08-20-08 -135.1 NA -17.7 NA NS NA

Zone 6 805 10-02-07 -136.5 NA -17.8 NA -9.06 NA

08-19-08 -136.2 NA -17.8 NA NS NA

Zone 5 914 10-01-07 -137.7 NA -18.0 NA -9.25 NA

08-19-08 -137.7 NA -18.0 NA NS NA

Zone 4 1,000 10-01-07 -136.7 NA -18.0 NA -8.90 NA

08-18-08 -137.8 NA -18.0 NA NS NA

Zone 3 1,095 10-01-07 -136.7 NA -18.0 NA -8.92 NA

08-18-08 -138.1 NA -18.0 NA NS NA

Zone 2 1,220 09-25-07 -136.7 NA -17.9 NA -8.86 NA

08-18-08 -139.2 NA -17.9 NA NS NA

08-18-08 -137.2 0.94 -17.9 0 NS NC QAW-10

Zone 1 1,269 09-25-07 -137.0 NA -18.0 NA -8.93 NA

08-19-08 -135.0 NA -18.0 NA NS NA

USGS 132

Zone 6 636 09-06-06 -135.2 NA -17.6 NA -9.81 NA

09-18-07 -134.6 NA -17.7 NA NS NA

08-14-08 -137.5 NA -17.7 NA NS NA

08-14-08 -136.0 0.71 -17.7 0 NS NC QAW-9

Zone 5 764 09-05-06 -135.8 NA -17.9 NA -8.73 NA

09-18-07 -136.2 NA -17.8 NA NS NA

08-13-08 -134.4 NA -17.9 NA NS NA

Zone 4 826 09-05-06 -135.4 NA -17.8 NA -9.20 NA

09-18-07 -135.8 NA -17.9 NA NS NA

08-13-08 -135.7 NA -17.8 NA NS NA

Zone 3 917 08-31-06 -135.0 NA -17.8 NA -9.14 NA

09-18-07 -136.1 NA -17.9 NA NS NA

08-13-08 -136.1 NA -17.8 NA NS NA

Zone 2 1,010 08-30-06 -135.7 NA -17.8 NA -9.17 NA

09-17-07 -136.4 NA -17.9 NA NS NA

08-12-08 -137.0 NA -17.9 NA NS NA

Zone 1 1,172 08-29-06 -133.5 NA -17.7 NA -9.53 NA

09-17-07 -135.4 NA -17.8 NA NS NA

08-12-08 -135.9 NA -17.8 NA NS NA
Table 9 79

Table 9. Concentrations of isotopes of oxygen, hydrogen, and carbon in water from multiple zones in the eastern Snake River 

Plain aquifer, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho, 2005-08.—Continued

[Well locations are shown in figure 2. Port depth in feet below land surface. Analytical results in per mil (parts per thousand relative to a standard). 

Uncertainty of delta 2H and delta 18O is ±1.5 per mil. Uncertainty of delta 13C is ±0.3 per mil. NS, not sampled. Z-values associated with QA replicates 

were calculated using equation 1. NA, not applicable. NC, not calculated. Remarks: QAW, quality assurance WestbayTM sample]

Sample 

identifier Port depth Date

Delta 2

H Delta 18O Delta 13C

Remarks

per mil Z-value per mil Z-value per mil Z-value

USGS 133

Zone 4 468 09-24-07 -137.6 NA -18.1 NA -8.58 NA

09-02-08 -139.1 NA -18.1 NA NS NA

Zone 3 568 09-24-07 -137.3 NA -18.1 NA -8.95 NA

09-02-08 -136.5 NA -18.1 NA NS NA

Zone 2 685 09-24-07 -137.9 NA -18.1 NA -8.83 NA

09-02-08 -137.8 NA -18.2 NA NS NA

Zone 1 744 09-24-07 -136.7 NA -18.0 NA -8.87 NA

09-02-08 -135.8 NA -18.0 NA NS NA

USGS 134

Zone 5 578 09-27-06 -137.3 NA -18.1 NA -8.48 NA

09-10-07 -137.8 NA -18.2 NA NS NA

09-04-08 -137.0 NA -18.1 NA NS NA

Zone 4 644 09-28-06 -137.1 NA -18.0 NA -8.58 NA

09-06-07 -138.0 NA -18.1 NA NS NA

09-06-07 -137.3 0.33 -18.0 0.047 NS NC QAW-7

09-04-08 -137.8 NA -18.1 NA NS NA

Zone 3 706 09-27-06 -137.9 NA -18.1 NA -8.03 NA

09-05-07 -138.6 NA -18.1 NA NS NA

09-03-08 -136.6 NA -18.2 NA NS NA

Zone 2 806 09-26-06 -138.1 NA -18.1 NA -7.15 NA

09-05-07 -137.6 NA -18.1 NA NS NA

09-03-08 -136.7 NA -18.1 NA NS NA

Zone 1 856 09-25-06 -137.5 NA -18.2 NA -8.52 NA

09-04-07 -138.0 NA -18.1 NA NS NA 1846 09-03-08 -136.2 NA -18.2 NA NS NA

QAW-1 NA 08-28-06 -124.2 NA -16.3 NA -16.7 NA

QAW-2 NA 10-02-06 -133.0 NA -17.0 NA -12.7 NA

QAW-6 NA 09-12-07 -124.1 NA -16.3 NA NS NA

QAW-12 NA 09-08-08 -135.2 NA -17.9 NA NS NA

1

The port at 856 feet below land surface was damaged in 2007, so samples were collected from the port at 846 feet below land surface in 2008.
80 Chemical Constituents in Groundwater from Multiple Zones, Eastern Snake River Plain Aquifer, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho, 2005–08 Table 10. Chemical concentrations of selected source water that provide recharge to the Snake River Plain aquifer, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho. [Concentrations are in milligrams per liter (mg/L). Date sampled: month-day -year. Ca, calcium; Mg, magnesium; K, potassium; Na, sodium; SiO2, silica; HCO3, bicarbonate; Cl, chloride; F, fluoride; SO4, sulfate; NO3, nitrate; 2H, delta hydrogen-2; 18O, delta oxygen-18. Big Lost River below INEL diverson data are from National Water Information System. Wells TRA-1 and TRA-2 called MTR 1 and MTR 2 in Olmstead (1962). NC, not collected] Water source Date sampled Ca Mg K Na SiO2 HCO3 Cl F SO4 NO3 Tritium 2

H 18O

Snowpack near USGS 221 02-02-78 0.8 0.1 0.8 0.1 1.1 2 0.3 0.1 2.3 NC NC NC NC

Snowpack near USGS 831 02-02-78 0.1 0.2 2.2 0.2 1.5 5 0.8 0.1 3.1 NC NC NC NCSnowpack near Site 91 02-02-78 1.7 0.5 0.4 9.1 0.3 29 0.7 0.1 2.8 NC NC NC NCBig Lost River at Mackay Dam2 06-28-95 26 6.3 1.3 3.8 8.7 108 2.3 0.19 13.1 NC NC -134.4 -17.57

Big Lost River near Mackay3 03-28-89 44 11 1.4 6.1 11 165 4.3 0.2 21 NC NC NC NC

Big Lost River near Mackay2 06-17-95 26 6.3 1.4 3.8 9.1 105 2.3 0.18 13 0.4 NC -134.9 -17.6

Big Lost River near Moore4 08-27-63 48 11 1.4 6.9 12 192 3.5 1.9 18 0.5 NC NC NC

Big Lost River near Butte City1 12-07-77 61 18 1.7 11 15 260 8.2 0.3 23 NC NC NC NC

Big Lost River below Arco3 03-28-89 67 15 1.5 12 14 266 7.6 0.3 25 NC NC -132.2 -17.17

Big Lost River nr Arco5 06-05-81 48 12 1.6 7.1 13 200 4.8 0.2 27 NC NC -135.0 -17.4Big Lost River below INEL div 06-02-95 35 8 1.4 5.4 12 132 3 0.2 18 <0.05 52±3.2 NC NC

Big Lost River below INEL div 07-05-95 33 7.1 1.6 4.1 11 133 2.4 0.3 15 0.12 47±3.2 NC NC

Big Lost River near NRF2 06-19-95 31 7.4 1.7 4.8 11 123 3.1 0.21 18 0.8 NC NC NC

ANP-86 12-13-89 45 14 3.2 8.8 27 155 10 0.2 30 0.86 38±13 NC NCBFW2 07-16-96 38 14 2.3 9.7 24 162 17 0.22 21 0.68 7.10±0.40 -139.2 -17.9

CFA-17 06-19-91 66 21 4.3 30 26 152 100 0.2 33 4.3 19,500±160 -137.0 -17.55

CFA-12 07-16-96 62 19 3.2 14 21 160 74 0.25 28 3.5 18,800±600 -137.4 -17.71

CFA-22 07-16-96 72 26 4.3 21 24 149 115 0.39 45 3.8 14,100±700 -136.6 -17.23CPP-17 06-06-91 54 14 2.5 7.9 23 194 18 0.1 22 1 355±16 -137.0 -17.85EBR-17 06-19-91 24 16 3.4 9.0 34 141 7.4 0.2 13 0.39 -3.2±13 -139.0 -18.35EBR-12 10-16-96 23 15 3.1 8.0 34 144 7 0.19 16 0.36 -300±200 -139.4 -18.13EBR-II8 10-03-58 32 9.7 3.0 14 33 149 12 0.7 13 3 NC NC NC

Fire Station 27 06-19-91 53 17 2.4 8.7 24 207 15 0.2 21 1.1 32±13 -139.0 -18.15

Fire Station 22 10-16-96 55 18 2.4 8.1 23 204 18 0.19 24 1.2 11.4±0.5 -138.7 -17.94

NRF-26 05-23-89 70 22 1.8 18 22 260 46 0.3 39 1.7 -40±160 NC NC

RWMC Production6 03-23-89 45 15 2.8 9.0 28 180 13 0.2 27 0.67 1,700±200 NC NCSite 42 10-16-96 45 14 1.8 7.8 22 192 10 0.2 19 0.57 16.1±0.6 -137.9 -17.74

SPERT 18 02-27-56 39 14 2.7 8.8 26 158 16 0.1 19 1.2 NC NC NC

SPERT IV8 04-14-60 35 13 2.6 13 29 160 10 0.4 23 2 NC NC NCTRA-18 07-24-57 55 16 1.4 8.3 18 211 12 0.1 23 4.3 NC NC NC

TRA-28 09-14-55 40 17 2.3 8.6 25 183 10 0.1 22 2.3 NC NC NC

Big Lost River deep underflow-Arco City9 02-17-99 54 15 1.1 5.7 15 222 6.4 0.16 20 0.71 35.2±25.6 -135.0 -17.73

Big Lost River shallow underflow-Owen9 06-23-99 68 14 1.2 7.4 16 243 6.3 0.19 23 2.1 0±25.6 -132.0 -17.32

Little Lost River underflow-Harrell10 07-31-00 62 22 1.4 17 18 259 22 0.16 34 1.9 35.2±25.6 -135.2 -17.93

Birch Creek underflow-USGS 126B11 11-08-00 38 15 2.5 9.0 19 162 8.2 0.23 29 0.53 6.4±19.2 -140.9 -18.44

USGS 1012 04-21-95 28 9.1 2.7 14 29 145 8.5 0.77 8.8 0.86 4.16±0.064 -135 -17.89

USGS 1012 10-10-96 29 9.2 2.8 13 34 148 8.5 0.78 9 0.86 2.88±0.96 -135.3 -17.84
Table 10

81

Table 10. Chemical concentrations of selected source water that provide recharge to the Snake River Plain aquifer, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho.—Continued [Concentrations are in milligrams per liter (mg/L). Date sampled: month-day -year. Ca, calcium; Mg, magnesium; K, potassium; Na, sodium; SiO2, silica; HCO3, bicarbonate; Cl, chloride; F, fluoride; SO4, 

sulfate; NO3, nitrate; 2H, delta hydrogen-2; 18O, delta oxygen-18. Big Lost River below INEL diverson data are from National Water Information System. Wells TRA-1 and TRA-2 called MTR 1 and MTR 2 in 

Olmstead (1962). NC, not collected]

Water source Date sampled Ca Mg K Na SiO2 HCO3 Cl F SO4 NO3 Tritium 2H 18O

Groundwater upwelling-INEL-112 07-19-79 10 2 10 92 60 220 17 1.1 32 NC NC NC NC

Geothermal-Lidy Hot Springs7 11-05-90 88 16 15 27 33 193 6.7 4.8 200 <0.10 0.42±0.29 -135.0 -18.1

Geothermal-Lidy Hot Springs-resample7 08-20-92 88 15 15 26 31 172 8.4 4.2 190 NC NC NC NC

Geothermal-Lidy Hot Springs2 07-20-96 59 15 12 21 35 179 7.2 4.2 94 0.05 NC NC NCGeothermal-Lidy Hot Springs2 05-14-97 89 17 14 24 34 168 7.6 4.1 196 0.14 NC NC NCGeothermal-Lidy Hot Springs2 07-20-97 NC NC NC NC NC NC NC NC NC NC 0.5±0.30 -134.2 -17.91

Geothermal-Condie Hot Springs2 06-21-95 61 12 18 58 25 361 14 1.2 27 NC NC -144.4 -18.81

Geothermal-Condie Hot Springs2 05-22-97 58 12 19 52 29 342 13 1.3 24 <0.05 NC -146.1 -18.74

1From Rightmire and Lewis (1987).2From Busenberg and others (2000).3From Bartholomay (1990).4From Robertson and others (1974).5From Wood and Low (1988).6From Knobel and others (1992).7From Knobel and others (1999).8From Olmstead (1962).9From Carkeet and others (2001).10From Swanson and others (2002).11From Swanson and others (2003).12From Mann (1986); interval sampled was from 1,511 to 2,206 below land surface.
82 Chemical Constituents in Groundwater from Multiple Zones, Eastern Snake River Plain Aquifer, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho, 2005–08

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Bartholomay and Twining— Chemical Constituents in Groundwater from Multiple Zones, Eastern Snake River Plain Aquifer, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho, 2005–08—SIR 2010–5116