Chapter WQ

COAL QUALITY AND GEOCHEMISTRY, WILLISTON

BASIN, NORTH DAKOTA

By G.D. Stricker and M.S. Ellis

in U.S. Geological Survey Professional Paper 1625-A
WQ-ii

Contents

Coal Quality and Geochemistry, Williston Basin, North Dakota..................... WQ-1

References Cited ............................................................................................... WQ-5

Figures

WQ-1. Index map showing the Williston Basin, North Dakota.

WQ-2. Index map showing coal quality data distribution in the Hagel coal zone,

Center-Falkirk.

WQ-3. Index map showing coal quality data distribution in the Beulah-Zap coal

zone, Beulah coalfield.

WQ-4. Index map showing coal quality data distribution in the Harmon coal

zone, Bowman-Dickinson coalfield.

WQ-5. Index map showing coal quality data distribution in the the Hansen coal

zone, Bowman-Dickinson coalfield.

WQ-6. Ash yield in the Hagel coal zone, Center-Falkirk coalfield.

WQ-7. Ash yield in the Beulah-Zap coal zone, Beulah coalfield.

WQ-8. Ash yield in the Harmon coal zone, Bowman-Dickinson coalfield.

WQ-9. Ash yield in the Hansen coal zone, Bowman-Dickinson coalfield.

WQ-10. Sulfur content in the Hagel coal zone, Center-Falkirk coalfield.

WQ-11. Sulfur content in the Beulah-Zap coal zone, Beulah coalfield.

WQ-12. Sulfur content in the Harmon coal zone, Bowman-Dickinson coalfield.

WQ-13. Sulfur content in the Hansen coal zone, Bowman-Dickinson coalfield.

WQ-14. Moist, mineral-matter-free Btu/lb in the Hagel coal zone, Center-Falkirk

coalfield.
WQ-iii

Figures—continued

WQ-15. Moist, mineral-matter-free Btu/lb in the Beulah-Zap coal zone, Beulah

coalfield.

WQ-16. Moist, mineral-matter-free Btu/lb in the Harmon coal zone, BowmanDickinson coalfield.

WQ-17. Moist, mineral-matter-free Btu/lb in the Hansen coal zone, BowmanDickinson coalfield.

WQ-18. Pounds of sulfur dioxide per million Btu in the Hagel coal zone, CenterFalkirk coalfield.

WQ-19. Pounds of sulfur dioxide per million Btu in the Beulah-Zap coal zone,

Beulah coalfield.

WQ-20. Pounds of sulfur dioxide per million Btu in the Harmon coal zone,

Bowman-Dickinson coalfield.

WQ-21. Pounds of sulfur dioxide per million Btu in the Hansen coal zone,

Bowman-Dickinson coalfield.

WQ-22. Antimony concentration in the Hagel coal zone, Center-Falkirk coalfield.

WQ-23. Arsenic concentration in the Hagel coal zone, Center-Falkirk coalfield.

WQ-24. Beryllium concentration in the Hagel coal zone, Center-Falkirk coalfield.

WQ-25. Cadmium concentration in the Hagel coal zone, Center-Falkirk coalfield.

WQ-26. Chromium concentration in the Hagel coal zone, Center-Falkirk

coalfield.

WQ-27. Cobalt concentration in the Hagel coal zone, Center-Falkirk coalfield.

WQ-28. Lead concentration in the Hagel coal zone, Center-Falkirk coalfield.

WQ-29. Manganese concentration in the Hagel coal zone, Center-Falkirk

coalfield.

WQ-30. Mercury concentration in the Hagel coal zone, Center-Falkirk coalfield.
WQ-iv

Figures—continued

WQ-31. Nickel concentration in the Hagel coal zone, Center-Falkirk coalfield.

WQ-32. Selenium concentration in the Hagel coal zone, Center-Falkirk coalfield.

WQ-33. Uranium concentration in the Hagel coal zone, Center-Falkirk coalfield.

WQ-34. Antimony concentration in the Beulah-Zap coal zone, Beulah coalfield.

WQ-35. Arsenic concentration in the Beulah-Zap coal zone, Beulah coalfield.

WQ-36. Beryllium concentration in the Beulah-Zap coal zone, Beulah coalfield.

WQ-37. Cadmium concentration in the Beulah-Zap coal zone, Beulah coalfield.

WQ-38. Chromium concentration in the Beulah-Zap coal zone, Beulah coalfield.

WQ-39. Cobalt concentration in the Beulah-Zap coal zone, Beulah coalfield.

WQ-40. Lead concentration in the Beulah-Zap coal zone, Beulah coalfield.

WQ-41. Manganese concentration in the Beulah-Zap coal zone, Beulah coalfield.

WQ-42. Mercury concentration in the Beulah-Zap coal zone, Beulah coalfield.

WQ-43. Nickel concentration in the Beulah-Zap coal zone, Beulah coalfield.

WQ-44. Selenium concentration in the Beulah-Zap coal zone, Beulah coalfield.

WQ-45. Uranium concentration in the Beulah-Zap coal zone, Beulah coalfield.

WQ-46. Antimony concentration in the Harmon coal zone, Bowman-Dickinson

coalfield.

WQ-47. Arsenic concentration in the Harmon coal zone, Bowman-Dickinson

coalfield.

WQ-48. Beryllium concentration in the Harmon coal zone, Bowman-Dickinson

coalfield.

WQ-49. Cadmium concentration in the Harmon coal zone, Bowman-Dickinson

coalfield.
WQ-v

Figures—continued

WQ-50. Chromium concentration in the Harmon coal zone, Bowman-Dickinson

coalfield.

WQ-51. Cobalt concentration in the Harmon coal zone, Bowman-Dickinson

coalfield.

WQ-52. Lead concentration in the Harmon coal zone, Bowman-Dickinson

coalfield.

WQ-53. Manganese concentration in the Harmon coal zone, Bowman-Dickinson

coalfield.

WQ-54. Mercury concentration in the Harmon coal zone, Bowman-Dickinson

coalfield.

WQ-55. Nickel concentration in the Harmon coal zone, Bowman-Dickinson

coalfield.

WQ-56. Selenium concentration in the Harmon coal zone, Bowman-Dickinson

coalfield.

WQ-57. Uranium concentration in the Harmon coal zone, Bowman-Dickinson

coalfield.

WQ-58. Arsenic concentration in the Hansen coal zone, Bowman-Dickinson

coalfield.

WQ-59. Cadmium concentration in the Hansen coal zone, Bowman-Dickinson

coalfield.

WQ-60. Chromium concentration in the Hansen coal zone, Bowman-Dickinson

coalfield.

WQ-61. Lead concentration in the Hansen coal zone, Bowman-Dickinson

coalfield.
WQ-vi

Figures—continued

WQ-62. Mercury concentration in the Hansen coal zone, Bowman-Dickinson

coalfield.

WQ-63. Selenium concentration in the Hansen coal zone, Bowman-Dickinson

coalfield.

WQ-64. Uranium concentration in the Hansen coal zone, Bowman-Dickinson

coalfield.

Tables

WQ-1. Summary data for the Hagel, Beulah-Zap, Harmon, and Hansen coal

zones

WQ-2. Summary data for the Hagel coal zone, Center-Falkirk coalfield

WQ-3. Summary data for the Beulah-Zap coal zone, Beulah coalfield

WQ-4. Summary data for the Harmon coal zone, Bowman-Dickinson coalfield

WQ-5. Summary data for the Hansen coal zone, Bowman-Dickinson coalfield
WQ-1

COAL QUALITY AND GEOCHEMISTRY, WILLISTON BASIN,

NORTH DAKOTA

Coal in the Williston Basin, North Dakota is considered to be a low-contaminant

lignite resource. The coal assessment in the Williston Basin includes has three

coalfields (fig. WQ-1) that contain four coal zones: (1) Center-Falkirk coalfield

with the Hagel coal zone, (2) Beulah coalfield with the Beulah-Zap coal zone, and

(3) Bowman-Dickinson coalfield with the Harmon and Hansen coal zones. For the

location and description of coalfields and coal zones, see chapter WF-Framework

Geology of Fort Union coal in the Williston Basin. Coal analyses from the Hagel,

Beulah-Zap, Harmon, and Hansen, coal zones have the following arithmetic mean

values (on an as-received basis): moisture–37.88 percent, ash yield–7.96 percent,

total sulfur–0.84 percent, calorific value–6,510 Btu/lb, pounds of SO2 per

million Btu–2.54, and moist, mineral-matter-free Btu/lb–7,110. Arithmetic

mean concentration (in parts per million and on whole-coal and remnant-moisture

basis) of elements of environmental concern for coal in these coal beds are:

antimony–0.60, arsenic–9.1, beryllium–0.73, cadmium–0.086, chromium–7.4,

cobalt–2.9, lead–3.5, manganese–75, mercury–0.14, nickel–4.3, selenium–0.74,

and uranium–1.5. Coal from the Williston Basin is developed from 4 mines and

utilized for mine mouth electric power generation. Table WQ-1 is a summary of

analytical values from the four coal zones (Hagel, Beulah-Zap, Harmon, and

Hansen). Tables WQ-2 through WQ-5 summarize the analytical values for coal in

the four coal zones separately.

Both proprietary and public data are used in the summary data tables, but only

public data is shown on location maps and on other graphic displays. A common

problem in statistical summaries of trace-element data arises when element values
WQ-2

are below the limits of detection. This results in a censored distribution. To

compute unbiased estimates of censored data for the elements in this table, we

adopted the protocol of reducing all “less than” values by 50 percent to generate a

real value for these data. Summary statistics of range (minimum, with an “L”

indicating “less than”, and maximum values) and arithmetic means were generated

using the modified data. Moisture values are reported on an as-received basis

(American Society for Testing and Materials, 1994b, designation D3180-89).

Because no equilibrium moisture values are available for this report, apparent

ranks can not reliably be determined.

Between 1974 and 1994, the U.S. Geological Survey analyzed samples of coal for

major-, minor-, and trace-element contents. Prior to performing the analyses, most

of the coal samples were dried at room temperature and humidity for as much as 80

hours. Some samples, however, may have only been dried enough to allow

grinding (to less than 100 mesh). Moisture content in the samples is unknown,

although moisture contents were probably similar to that which would remain after

air-dry loss determination (American Society for Testing and Materials ASTM

Standards, 1994c, designation D3302-91). Since the actual moisture content of the

samples analyzed between 1974 and 1994 is unknown and can not be determined,

the major-, minor-, and trace-element contents are reported on a remnant moisture

basis. Also, the elemental analysis of the samples cannot be converted to any other

moisture basis. In addition, these analyses can only provide an approximation of

load factors (such as, pounds of mercury per trillion Btu).

For the following graphical displays, figures WQ-2 through WQ-62, show public

data locations and values of the variables listed in tables WQ-2 through WQ-5,

except for calorific value and moisture, for the coal in the Hagel, Beulah-Zap,
WQ-3

Harmon, and Hansen coal zones. The locations of public data points used in this

summary are shown on figures WQ-2 through WQ-5. When more than one

analysis was available per location, the analytical values were weight averaged on

coal sample thickness. For ash (figs. WQ-6 through WQ-9) and total sulfur (figs.

WQ-10 through WQ-13), the values are color coded low, medium, and high,

following guidelines established in U.S. Geological Survey Circular 891 (Wood

and others, 1983). For moist, mineral-matter-free Btu, which is used in

conjunction with other factors to determine apparent rank (figs. WQ-14 through

WQ-17), we utilized the apparent rank designations established by American

Society for Testing and Materials, (1994a), designation D388-92a. For pounds of

SO2 per million Btu (figs. WQ-18 through WQ-21), values are color coded

according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Phase I, Phase II, and

non-compliant limits for sulfur emission from coal-fired power plants (U.S.

Environmental Protection Agency, 1996).

No guidelines have been established for the elements of environmental concern

(also referred to as “hazardous air pollutants” or “HAPs”). Analytical values for

these elements are color coded based on the following parameters: (1) each

element of environmental concern was ranked from the lowest to highest value for

all data in the Northern Rockies and Great Plains region, and (2) quartiles were

established for each element. Low represents those values that are less than the

.25 quartile (also known as the lower quartile or the 25th percentile). Medium

represents those values that are within the .25 to .75 quartiles (two quartiles

representing 50 percent of the values or between the 25th to 75th percentile. High

represents those values that are in the upper .25 quartile (or greater than the 75th

percentile). Figures WQ-22 through WQ-64 show the elements of environmental

concern. Figures WQ-22 through WQ-33 are for the Hagel coal zone, figures WQ-
WQ-4

34 through WQ-45 are for the Beulah-Zap coal zone, figures WQ-46 through WQ57 are for the Harmon coal zone, and figures WQ-58 through WQ-64 are for the

Hansen coal zone.
WQ-5

REFERENCES CITED

American Society for Testing and Materials, 1994a, Annual book of ASTM

Standards, Section 5, Petroleum products, lubricants and fossil fuels, vol.

05.05 Gaseous fuels; coal and coke; section D388-92a; Standard

Classification of Coal by Rank: American Society for Testing and Materials,

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, p. 168-171.

 1994b, Annual book of ASTM Standards, Section 5, Petroleum products,

lubricants and fossil fuels, vol. 05.05 Gaseous fuels; coal and coke; section

D3180-89; Standard Practice for Calculating Coal and Coke Analysis from

As-Determined to Different Bases: American Society for Testing and

Materials, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, p. 318-320.

 1994c, Annual book of ASTM Standards, Section 5, Petroleum products,

lubricants and fossil fuels, vol. 05.05 Gaseous fuels; coal and coke; section

D3302-91; Standard Test Method for Total Moisture in Coal: American

Society for Testing and Materials, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, p. 330-336.

Bragg, L.J., Oman, J.K., Tewalt, S.J., Oman, C.L., Rega, N.H., Washington, P.M.,

and Finkleman, R.B, 1994, U.S. Geological Survey Coal Quality (Coalqual)

Database: Version 1.3: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 94-205,

CD-ROM.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1996, Standards of Performance for New

Stationary Sources, 40CFR, Part 60.43, Standards for Sulfur Dioxide:

Environmental Protection Agency, 27 p.
WQ-6

Wood, G.H., Jr., Kehn, T.M., Carter, M.D., and Culbertson, W.C., 1983, Coal

resource classification system of the U.S. Geological Survey: U.S.

Geological Survey Circular 891, 65 p.

Mercer Oliver 

Mountrail

102 00' 101 00'

47 00'

47 30'

McLean 

Mountrail 

Fort Berthold

Indian Reservation

N

Williston

Basin

Data point location

Figure WQ-2. Index map showing coal quality data distribution in the Hagel coal zone, 

Center-Falkirk coalfield, Williston Basin, North Dakota.

Montana

Wyoming

North

Dakota

South

Dakota

Hagel Coal

Zone Study

Limit 

0 10 20 Miles
Oliver

Mercer

Mountrail

 102 00' 101 00'

47 00'

47 30'

SD

ND

MT

WY

McLean 

Mountrail

Fort Berthold

Indian Reservation

N

Williston

Basin

Data point location

Beulah-Zap

Study Limit

Figure WQ-3. Index map showing coal quality data distribution in the Beulah-Zap coal zone, 

Beulah coalfield, Williston Basin, North Dakota.

0 10 20 Miles
104 00' 103 00' 102 00'

46 00'

47 00'

Adams

Slope

Golden

Valley

Billings

Stark

Hettinger

N

Data point location

Williston

 Basin

Bowman

Harmon Coal

Zone Study

Limit 

0 30 60 Miles

Figure WQ-4. Index map showing coal quality data distribution in the Harmon coal zone, 

Bowman-Dickinson coalfield, Williston Basin, North Dakota.

Montana

Wyoming

North

Dakota

South

Dakota
Hansen Coal

Zone Study

Limit 

Montana

Wyoming

North

Dakota

South

Dakota

104 00' 103 00' 102 00'

46 00'

47 00'

Adams

Slope

Golden

Stark

Hettinger

N

Williston

Basin

Data point location

Bowman

Valley

Billings

0 30 60 Miles

Figure WQ-5. Index map showing coal quality data distribution in the Hansen coal zone, 

Bowman-Dickinson coalfield, Williston Basin, North Dakota.
Mercer Oliver 

Mountrail

102 00' 101 00'

47 00'

47 30'

McLean 

Mountrail 

Fort Berthold

Indian Reservation

N

Williston

Basin

Low

Medium

High

( < 8 % )

( 8 - 15 % )

( > 15 %)

Figure WQ-6. Ash yield in the Hagel coal zone, Center-Falkirk coalfield, Williston Basin, North

Dakota.

Montana

Wyoming

North

Dakota

South

Dakota

Hagel Coal

Zone Study

Limit 

0 10 20 Miles
Oliver

Mercer

Mountrail

 102 00' 101 00'

47 00'

47 30'

SD

ND

MT

WY

McLean 

Mountrail

Fort Berthold

Indian Reservation

N

Williston

Basin

Low

Medium

High

( < 8 % )

( 8 - 15 % )

( > 15 % )

Beulah-Zap

Study Limit

Figure WQ-7. Ash yield in the Beulah-Zap coal zone, Beulah coalfield, Williston Basin, North 

Dakota.

0 10 20 Miles
104 00' 103 00' 102 00'

46 00'

47 00'

Adams

Slope

Golden

Valley

Billings

Stark

Hettinger

N

Low ( < 1 % )	

Medium ( 1 - 3 % )

High ( > 3 % )

Williston

 Basin

Bowman

Harmon Coal

Zone Study

Limit 

0 30 60 Miles

Montana

Wyoming

North

Dakota

South

Dakota

Figure WQ-8. Ash yield in the Harmon coal zone, Bowman-Dickinson coalfield, Williston Basin, 

North Dakota.
Hansen Coal

Zone Study

Limit 

Montana

Wyoming

North

Dakota

South

Dakota

104 00' 103 00' 102 00'

46 00'

47 00'

Adams

Slope

Golden

Stark

Hettinger

N

Williston

Basin

Low ( < 8 % )	

Medium ( 8 - 15 % )

High ( > 15 % )

Bowman

Valley

Billings

0 30 60 Miles

Figure WQ-9. Ash yield in the Hansen coal zone, Bowman-Dickinson coalfield, Williston Basin, 

North Dakota.
Mercer Oliver 

Mountrail

102 00' 101 00'

47 00'

47 30'

McLean 

Mountrail 

Fort Berthold

Indian Reservation

N

Williston

Basin

Low

Medium

High

( < 1 % )

( 1 - 3 % )

( > 3 % )

Montana

Wyoming

North

Dakota

South

Dakota

Hagel Coal

Zone Study

Limit 

0 10 20 Miles

Figure WQ-10. Sulfur content in the Hagel coal zone, Center-Falkirk coalfield, Williston Basin, 

North Dakota.
Oliver 

Mercer 

Mountrail

 102 00' 101 00'

47 00'

47 30'

SD

ND

MT

WY

McLean 

Mountrail 

Fort Berthold

Indian Reservation

N

Williston

Basin

Low

Medium

High

( < 1 % )

( 1 - 3 % )

( > 3 % )

Beulah-Zap

Study Limit

Figure WQ-11. Sulfur content in the Beulah-Zap coal zone, Beulah coalfield, Williston Basin, 

North Dakota.

0 10 20 Miles
 104 00' 103 00' 102 00'

46 00'

47 00'

Adams

Slope

Golden

Valley

Billings

Stark

Hettinger

N

Low ( < 8 % )	

Medium ( 8 - 15 % )

High ( >15 % )

Williston

 Basin

Bowman

Harmon Coal

Zone Study

Limit 

Figure WQ-12. Sulfur content in the Harmon coal zone, Bowman-Dickinson coalfield, Williston 

Basin, North Dakota.

0 30 60 Miles

Montana

Wyoming

North

Dakota

South

Dakota
 104 00' 103 00' 102 00'

46 00'

47 00'

Adams

Slope 

Golden

Stark 

Hettinger 

N

Williston

Basin

Low ( < 1 % )	

Medium ( 1 - 3 % )

High ( > 3 % )

Bowman 

Valley

Billings 

Figure WQ-13. Sulfur content in the Hansen coal zone, Bowman-Dickinson coalfield, Williston 

Basin, North Dakota.

Hansen Coal

Zone Study

Limit 

0 30 60 Miles

Montana

Wyoming

North

Dakota

South

Dakota
Mercer Oliver 

Mountrail

102 00' 101 00'

47 00'

47 30'

McLean 

Mountrail

Fort Berthold

Indian Reservation

N

Williston

Basin

Figure WQ-14. Moist, mineral-matter-free Btu/lb in the Hagel coal zone, Center-Falkirk coalfield, 

Williston Basin, North Dakota.

Lignite

Subbituminous 

Bituminous

( < 8,300 )

( 8,300 - 10,500 )

( > 10,500 )

Montana

Wyoming

North

Dakota

South

Dakota

Hagel Coal

Zone Study

Limit 

0 10 20 Miles
Oliver 

Mercer 

Mountrail

 102 00' 101 00'

47 00'

47 30'

SD

ND

MT

WY

McLean 

Mountrail 

Fort Berthold

Indian Reservation

N

Williston

Basin

Beulah-Zap

Study Limit

Figure WQ-15. Moist, mineral-matter-free Btu/lb in the Beulah-Zap coal zone, Beulah coalfield,

Williston Basin, North Dakota.

Lignite

Subbituminous 

Bituminous

( < 8,300 )

( 8,300 - 10,500 )

( > 10,500 )

0 10 20 Miles
 104 00' 103 00' 102 00'

46 00'

47 00'

Adams

Slope

Golden

Valley

Billings

Stark

Hettinger

N

Lignite ( < 8,300 )	

Subbituminous ( 8,300 - 10,500 )

Bituminous ( > 10,500 )

Williston

 Basin

Bowman

Harmon Coal

Zone Study

Limit 

0 30 60 Miles

Figure WQ-16. Moist, mineral-matter-free Btu/lb in the Harmon coal zone, Bowman-Dickinson 

coalfield, Williston Basin, North Dakota.

Montana

Wyoming

North

Dakota

South

Dakota
104 00' 103 00' 102 00'

46 00'

47 00'

Adams 

Golden

Stark

Hettinger

N

Williston

Basin

Lignite ( < 8,300 )	

Subbituminous ( 8,300 - 10,500)

Bituminous ( > 10,500 )

Bowman 

Valley

Billings

0 30 60 Miles

Hansen Coal

Zone Study

Limit 

Slope

Figure WQ-17. Moist, mineral-matter-free Btu/lb in the Hansen coal zone, Bowman-Dickinson 

coalfield, Williston Basin, North Dakota.

Montana

Wyoming

North

Dakota

South

Dakota
Mercer Oliver 

Mountrail

102 00' 101 00'

47 00'

47 30'

McLean 

Mountrail 

Fort Berthold

Indian Reservation

N

Williston

Basin

Low

Medium

High

( < 1.2 )

( 1.2 - 2.4 )

( > 2.4 )

Montana

Wyoming

North

Dakota

South

Dakota

Hagel Coal

Zone Study

Limit 

0 10 20 Miles

Figure WQ-18. Pounds of sulfur dioxide per million Btu in the Hagel coal zone, Center-Falkirk 

coalfield, Williston Basin, North Dakota.
Oliver 

Mercer 

Mountrail

 102 00' 101 00'

47 00'

47 30'

SD

ND

MT

WY

McLean 

Mountrail 

Fort Berthold

Indian Reservation

N

Williston

Basin

Low

Medium

High

( < 1.2 )

( 1.2 - 2.4 )

( > 2.4 )

Beulah-Zap

Study Limit

0 10 20 Miles

Figure WQ-19. Pounds of sulfur dioxide per million Btu in the Beulah-Zap coal zone, Beulah 

coalfield, Williston Basin, North Dakota.
104 00' 103 00' 102 00'

46 00'

47 00'

Adams

Slope

Golden

Valley

Billings

Stark

Hettinger

N

Low ( < 1.2 )	

Medium ( 1.2 - 2.4 )

High ( > 2.4 )

Williston

 Basin

Bowman

Harmon Coal

Zone Study

Limit 

0 30 60 Miles

Figure WQ-20. Pounds of sulfur dioxide per million Btu in the Harmon coal zone, BowmanDickinson coalfield, Williston Basin, North Dakota.

Montana

Wyoming

North

Dakota

South

Dakota
 104 00' 103 00' 102 00'

46 00'

47 00'

Adams

Slope

Golden

Stark

Hettinger

N

Williston

Basin

Low ( < 1.2 )	

Medium ( 1.2 - 2.4 )

High ( > 2.4 )

Bowman

Valley

Billings

Hansen Coal

Zone Study

Limit 

Figure WQ-21. Pounds of sulfur dioxide per million Btu in the Hansen coal zone, BowmanDickinson coalfield, Williston Basin, North Dakota.

0 30 60 Miles

Montana

Wyoming

North

Dakota

South

Dakota
Mercer Oliver

Mountrail

102 00' 101 00'

47 00'

47 30'

McLean

Mountrail

Fort Berthold

Indian Reservation

N

Williston

Basin

Low

Medium

High

( < 0.2 ppm )

( 0.2 - 0.5 ppm )

( > 0.5 ppm )

Hagel Coal

Zone Study

Limit 

Montana

Wyoming

North

Dakota

South

Dakota

0 10 20 Miles

Figure WQ-22. Antimony concentration in the Hagel coal zone, Center-Falkirk coalfield, Williston 

Basin, North Dakota.
Mercer Oliver 

Mountrail

102 00' 101 00'

47 00'

47 30'

McLean 

Mountrail 

Fort Berthold

Indian Reservation

N

Williston

Basin

Low ( < 1.4 ppm )

Medium ( 1.4 - 6.1 ppm )

High ( > 6.1 ppm )

Figure WQ-23. Arsenic concentration in the Hagel coal zone, Center-Falkirk coalfield, Williston 

Basin, North Dakota.

Montana

Wyoming

North

Dakota

South

Dakota

Hagel Coal

Zone Study

Limit 

0 10 20 Miles
Mercer Oliver 

Mountrail

102 00' 101 00'

47 00'

47 30'

McLean 

Mountrail

Fort Berthold

Indian Reservation

N

Williston

Basin

Low ( < 0.23 ppm )

Medium ( 0.23 - 0.73 ppm )

High ( > 0.73 ppm )

Montana

Wyoming

North

Dakota

South

Dakota

Hagel Coal

Zone Study

Limit 

0 10 20 Miles

Figure WQ-24. Beryllium concentration in the Hagel coal zone, Center-Falkirk coalfield, Williston 

Basin, North Dakota.
Mercer Oliver 

Mountrail

102 00' 101 00'

47 00'

47 30'

McLean 

Mountrail 

Fort Berthold

Indian Reservation

N

Williston

Basin

Low ( < 0.052 ppm )

Medium (0.052 - 0.13 ppm )

High ( > 0.13 ppm )

Figure WQ-25. Cadmium concentration in the Hagel coal zone, Center-Falkirk coalfield, Williston 

Basin, North Dakota.

Montana

Wyoming

North

Dakota

South

Dakota

Hagel Coal

Zone Study

Limit 

0 10 20 Miles
Mercer Oliver 

Mountrail

102 00' 101 00'

47 00'

47 30'

McLean 

Mountrail

Fort Berthold

Indian Reservation

N

Williston

Basin

Low ( < 3.0 ppm )

Medium ( 3.0 - 8.2 ppm )

High ( > 8.2 ppm )

Figure WQ-26. Chromium concentration in the Hagel coal zone, Center-Falkirk coalfield, Williston 

Basin, North Dakota.

Montana

Wyoming

North

Dakota

South

Dakota

Hagel Coal

Zone Study

Limit 

0 10 20 Miles
Mercer Oliver 

Mountrail

102 00' 101 00'

47 00'

47 30'

McLean 

Mountrail 

Fort Berthold

Indian Reservation

N

Williston

Basin

Low ( < 0.87 ppm )

Medium ( 0.87 - 1.9 ppm )

High ( > 1.9 ppm )

Montana

Wyoming

North

Dakota

South

Dakota

Hagel Coal

Zone Study

Limit 

0 10 20 Miles

Figure WQ-27. Cobalt concentration in the Hagel coal zone, Center-Falkirk coalfield, Williston 

Basin, North Dakota.
Mercer Oliver 

Mountrail

102 00' 101 00'

47 00'

47 30'

McLean 

Mountrail 

Fort Berthold

Indian Reservation

N

Williston

Basin

Low ( < 1.8 ppm )

Medium ( 1.8 - 4.2 ppm )

High ( > 4.2 ppm )

Montana

Wyoming

North

Dakota

South

Dakota

Hagel Coal

Zone Study

Limit 

0 10 20 Miles

Figure WQ-28. Lead concentration in the Hagel coal zone, Center-Falkirk coalfield, Williston 

Basin, North Dakota.
Mercer Oliver 

Mountrail

102 00' 101 00'

47 00'

47 30'

McLean 

Mountrail 

Fort Berthold

Indian Reservation

N

Williston

Basin

Low ( < 12 ppm )

Medium ( 12 - 49 ppm )

High ( > 49 ppm )

Montana

Wyoming

North

Dakota

South

Dakota

Hagel Coal

Zone Study

Limit 

0 10 20 Miles

Figure WQ-29. Manganese concentration in the Hagel coal zone, Center-Falkirk coalfield, 

Williston Basin, North Dakota.
Mercer Oliver 

Mountrail

102 00' 101 00'

47 00'

47 30'

McLean 

Mountrail 

Fort Berthold

Indian Reservation

N

Williston

Basin

Low ( < 0.06 ppm )

Medium ( 0.06 - 0.13 ppm )

High ( > 0.13 ppm )

Figure WQ-30. Mercury concentration in the Hagel coal zone, Center-Falkirk coalfield, Williston 

Basin, North Dakota.

Montana

Wyoming

North

Dakota

South

Dakota

Hagel Coal

Zone Study

Limit 

0 10 20 Miles
Mercer Oliver 

Mountrail

 102 00' 101 00'

47 00'

47 30'

McLean

Mountrail 

Fort Berthold

Indian Reservation

N

Williston

Basin

Low ( < 1.9 ppm )

Medium ( 1.9 - 5.2 ppm )

High ( > 5.2 ppm )

Montana

Wyoming

North

Dakota

South

Dakota

Hagel Coal

Zone Study

Limit 

0 10 20 Miles

Figure WQ-31. Nickel concentration in the Hagel coal zone, Center-Falkirk coalfield, Williston 

Basin, North Dakota.
Mercer Oliver 

Mountrail

102 00'

47 00'

47 30'

McLean 

Mountrail

Fort Berthold

Indian Reservation

N

Williston

Basin

Low ( < 0.5 ppm )

Medium ( 0.5 - 1.1 ppm )

High ( > 1.1 ppm )

101 00'

Figure WQ-32. Selenium concentration in the Hagel coal zone, Center-Falkirk coalfield, Williston 

Basin, North Dakota.

Montana

Wyoming

North

Dakota

South

Dakota

Hagel Coal

Zone Study

Limit 

0 10 20 Miles
Mercer Oliver 

Mountrail

102 00' 101 00'

47 00'

47 30'

McLean 

Mountrail 

Fort Berthold

Indian Reservation

N

Williston

Basin

Low ( < 0.61 ppm )

Medium ( 0.61- 1.6 ppm )

High ( > 1.6 ppm )

Montana

Wyoming

North

Dakota

South

Dakota

Hagel Coal

Zone Study

Limit 

0 10 20 Miles

Figure WQ-33. Uranium concentration in the Hagel coal zone, Center-Falkirk coalfield, Williston 

Basin, North Dakota.
Oliver

Mountrail

 102 00' 101 00'

47 00'

47 30'

McLean

Mountrail

Fort Berthold

Indian Reservation

N

Williston

Basin

Low

Medium

High

( < 0.2 ppm )

( 0.2 - 0.5 ppm )

( > 0.5 ppm )

Beulah-Zap

Study Limit

Mercer

Montana

Wyoming

North

Dakota

South

Dakota

0 10 20 Miles

Figure WQ-34. Antimony concentration in the Beulah-Zap coal zone, Beulah coalfield, Williston 

Basin, North Dakota.
Oliver

Mercer

Mountrail

 102 00' 101 00'

47 00'

47 30'

McLean

Mountrail

Fort Berthold

Indian Reservation

N

Williston

Basin

Low ( < 1.4 ppm )

Medium ( 1.4 - 6.1 ppm )

High ( > 6.1 ppm )

Beulah-Zap

Study Limit

Montana

Wyoming

North

Dakota

South

Dakota

Figure WQ-35. Arsenic concentration in the Beulah-Zap coal zone, Beulah coalfield, Williston 

Basin, North Dakota.

0 10 20 Miles
Oliver

Mercer

Mountrail

 102 00' 101 00'

47 00'

47 30'

McLean 

Mountrail

Fort Berthold

Indian Reservation

N

Williston

Basin

Low ( < 0.23 ppm )

Medium ( 0.23 - 0.73 ppm )

High ( > 0.73 ppm )

Beulah-Zap

Study Limit

Montana

Wyoming

North

Dakota

South

Dakota

0 10 20 Miles

Figure WQ-36. Beryllium concentration in the Beulah-Zap coal zone, Beulah coalfield, Williston 

Basin, North Dakota.
Oliver

Mercer

Mountrail

 102 00' 101 00'

47 00'

47 30'

McLean

Mountrail

Fort Berthold

Indian Reservation

N

Williston

Basin

Low ( < 0.052 ppm )

Medium ( 0.052 - 0.13 ppm )

High ( > 0.13 ppm )

Montana

Wyoming

North

Dakota

South

Dakota

Figure WQ-37. Cadmium concentration in the Beulah-Zap coal zone, Beulah coalfield, Williston 

Basin, North Dakota.

Beulah-Zap

Study Limit

0 10 20 Miles
Oliver 

Mercer

Mountrail

 102 00' 101 00'

47 00'

47 30'

McLean

Mountrail

Fort Berthold

Indian Reservation

N

Williston

Basin

Low ( < 3.0 ppm )

Medium ( 3.0 - 8.2 ppm )

High ( > 8.2 ppm )

Montana

Wyoming

North

Dakota

South

Dakota

Figure WQ-38. Chromium concentration in the Beulah-Zap coal zone, Beulah coalfield, Williston 

Basin, North Dakota.

Beulah-Zap 

Study Limit

0 10 20 Miles
Oliver

Mercer 

Mountrail

 102 00' 101 00'

47 00'

47 30'

McLean

Mountrail 

Fort Berthold

Indian Reservation

N

Williston

Basin

Low ( < 0.87 ppm )

Medium ( 0.87 - 1.9 ppm )

High ( > 1.9 ppm )

Beulah-Zap

Study Limit

Montana

Wyoming

North

Dakota

South

Dakota

Figure WQ-39. Cobalt concentration in the Beulah-Zap coal zone, Beulah coalfield, Williston 

Basin, North Dakota.

0 10 20 Miles
Oliver 

Mercer 

Mountrail

 102 00' 101 00'

47 00'

47 30'

SD

ND

MT

WY

McLean 

Mountrail 

Fort Berthold

Indian Reservation

N

Williston

Basin

Low ( < 1.8 ppm )

Medium ( 1.8 - 4.2 ppm )

High ( > 4.2 ppm )

Beulah-Zap

Study Limit

Figure WQ-40. Lead concentration in the Beulah-Zap coal zone, Beulah coalfield, Williston 

Basin, North Dakota.

0 10 20 Miles
Oliver 

Mercer 

Mountrail

 102 00' 101 00'

47 00'

47 30'

SD

ND

MT

WY

McLean 

Mountrail 

Fort Berthold

Indian Reservation

N

Williston

Basin

Low ( < 12 ppm )

Medium ( 12 - 49 ppm )

High ( > 49 ppm )

Beulah-Zap

Study Limit

Figure WQ-41. Manganese concentration in the Beulah-Zap coal zone, Beulah coalfield, Williston 

Basin, North Dakota.

0 10 20 Miles
Oliver 

Mercer 

Mountrail

 102 00' 101 00'

47 00'

47 30'

SD

ND

MT

WY

McLean 

Mountrail 

Fort Berthold

Indian Reservation

N

Williston

Basin

Low ( < 0.06 ppm )

Medium ( 0.06 - 0.13 ppm )

High ( > 0.13 ppm )

Beulah-Zap

Study Limit

0 10 20 Miles

Figure WQ-42. Mercury concentration in the Beulah-Zap coal zone, Beulah coalfield, Williston 

Basin, North Dakota.
Oliver 

Mercer 

Mountrail

 102 00' 101 00'

47 00'

47 30'

SD

ND

MT

WY

McLean 

Mountrail 

Fort Berthold

Indian Reservation

N

Williston

Basin

Low ( < 1.9 ppm )

Medium ( 1.9 - 5.2 ppm )

High ( > 5.2 ppm )

Beulah-Zap

Study Limit

Figure WQ-43. Nickel concentration in the Beulah-Zap coal zone, Beulah coalfield, Williston 

Basin, North Dakota.

0 10 20 Miles
Oliver 

Mercer 

Mountrail

 102 00' 101 00'

47 00'

47 30'

SD

ND

MT

WY

McLean 

Mountrail 

Fort Berthold

Indian Reservation

N

Williston

Basin

Low ( < 0.5 ppm )

Medium ( 0.5 - 1.1 ppm )

High ( > 1.1 ppm )

Beulah-Zap

Study Limit

Figure WQ-44. Selenium concentration in the Beulah-Zap coal zone, Beulah coalfield, Williston 

Basin, North Dakota.

0 10 20 Miles
Oliver 

Mercer 

Mountrail

 102 00' 101 00'

47 00'

47 30'

SD

ND

MT

WY

McLean 

Mountrail 

Fort Berthold

Indian Reservation

N

Williston

Basin

Low ( < 0.61 ppm )

Medium (0 .61 - 1.6 ppm )

High ( > 1.6 ppm )

Beulah-Zap

Study Limit

Figure WQ-45. Uranium concentration in the Beulah-Zap coal zone, Beulah coalfield, Williston 

Basin, North Dakota.

0 10 20 Miles
 104 00' 103 00' 102 00'

46 00'

47 00'

N

Low (< 0.2 ppm )	

Medium (0.2 - 0.5 ppm )

High ( > 0.5 ppm )

Williston

 Basin

Adams

Slope

Golden

Valley

Billings

Stark

Hettinger

Bowman

Figure WQ-46. Antimony concentration in the Harmon coal zone, Bowman-Dickinson coalfield, 

Williston Basin, North Dakota.

Harmon Coal

Zone Study

Limit 

0 30 60 Miles

Montana

Wyoming

North

Dakota

South

Dakota
104 00' 103 00' 102 00'

46 00'

47 00'

Adams

Slope

Golden

Valley

Billings

Stark

Hettinger

Low ( < 1.4 ppm )	

Medium ( 1.4 - 6.1 ppm )

High ( > 6.1 ppm )

Williston

 Basin

Bowman

Harmon Coal

Zone Study

Limit 

N

0 30 60 Miles

Figure WQ-47. Arsenic concentration in the Harmon coal zone, Bowman-Dickinson coalfield, 

Williston Basin, North Dakota.

Montana

Wyoming

North

Dakota

South

Dakota
104 00' 103 00' 102 00'

46 00'

47 00'

Slope Adams

Slope

Golden

Valley

Billings

Stark

Hettinger

N

Low ( < 0.23 ppm )	

Medium ( 0.23 - 0.73 ppm )

High ( >0.73 ppm )

Williston

 Basin

Harmon Coal

Zone Study

Limit 

Figure WQ-48. Beryllium concentration in the Harmon coal zone, Bowman-Dickinson coalfield, 

Williston Basin, North Dakota.

Montana

Wyoming

North

Dakota

South

Dakota

0 30 60 Miles
 104 00' 103 00' 102 00'

46 00'

47 00'

Adams

Slope

Golden

Valley

Billings

Stark

Hettinger

N

Low ( < .052 ppm )	

Medium ( .052 - .013 ppm )

High ( > .013 ppm )

Williston

 Basin

Bowman

Harmon Coal

Zone Study

Limit 

Figure WQ-49. Cadmium concentration in the Harmon coal zone, Bowman-Dickinson coalfield, 

Williston Basin, North Dakota.

Montana

Wyoming

North

Dakota

South

Dakota

0 30 60 Miles
 104 00' 103 00' 102 00'

46 00'

47 00'

Adams

Slope

Golden

Valley

Billings

Stark

Hettinger

N

Low ( < 3.0 ppm )	

Medium ( 3.0 - 8.2 ppm )

High ( > 8.2 ppm )

Williston

 Basin

Bowman

Figure WQ-50. Chromium concentration in the Harmon coal zone, Bowman-Dickinson coalfield, 

Williston Basin, North Dakota.

Harmon Coal

Zone Study

Limit 

0 30 60 Miles

Montana

Wyoming

North

Dakota

South

Dakota
 104 00' 103 00' 102 00'

46 00'

47 00'

Adams

Slope 

Golden

Valley

Billings

Stark

Hettinger

N

Low ( < 0.87 ppm )	

Medium ( 0.87 - 1.9 ppm )

High ( > 1.9 ppm )

Williston

 Basin

Bowman

Harmon Coal

Zone Study

Limit 

0 30 60 Miles

Figure WQ-51. Cobalt concentration in the Harmon coal zone, Bowman-Dickinson coalfield, 

Williston Basin, North Dakota.

Montana

Wyoming

North

Dakota

South

Dakota
104 00' 103 00' 102 00'

46 00'

47 00'

Adams

Slope

Golden

Valley

Billings

Stark

Hettinger

N

Low ( < 1.8 ppm )	

Medium ( 1.8 - 4.2 ppm )

High ( > 4.2 ppm )

Williston

 Basin

Bowman 

Harmon Coal

Zone Study

Limit 

0 30 60 Miles

Figure WQ-52. Lead concentration in the Harmon coal zone, Bowman-Dickinson coalfield, 

Williston Basin, North Dakota.

Montana

Wyoming

North

Dakota

South

Dakota
 104 00' 103 00' 102 00'

46 00'

47 00'

Adams

Slope

Golden

Valley

Billings Stark

Hettinger

N

Low ( < 12 ppm )	

Medium ( 12 - 49 ppm )

High ( > 49 ppm )

Williston

 Basin

Bowman

Harmon Coal

Zone Study

Limit 

Figure WQ-53. Manganese concentration in the Harmon coal zone, Bowman-Dickinson coalfield, 

Williston Basin, North Dakota.

0 30 60 Miles

Montana

Wyoming

North

Dakota

South

Dakota
 104 00' 103 00' 102 00'

46 00'

47 00'

Adams 

Slope

Golden

Valley

Billings

Stark

Hettinger

N

Low ( < .06 ppm )	

Medium ( .06 - .013 ppm )

High ( >.013 ppm )

Williston

 Basin

Bowman 

Harmon Coal

Zone Study

Limit 

Figure WQ-54. Mercury concentration in the Harmon coal zone, Bowman-Dickinson coalfield, 

Williston Basin, North Dakota.

0 30 60 Miles

Montana

Wyoming

North

Dakota

South

Dakota
104 00' 103 00' 102 00'

46 00'

47 00'

Adams

Slope

Golden

Valley

Billings

Stark

Hettinger

N

Low ( < 1.9 ppm )	

Medium ( 1.9 - 5.2 ppm )

High ( > 5.2 ppm )

Williston

 Basin

Bowman 

Harmon Coal

Zone Study

Limit 

0 30 60 Miles

Figure WQ-55. Nickel concentration in the Harmon coal zone, Bowman-Dickinson coalfield, 

Williston Basin, North Dakota.

Montana

Wyoming

North

Dakota

South

Dakota
 104 00' 103 00' 102 00'

46 00'

47 00'

Adams

Slope

Golden

Valley

Billings

Stark

Hettinger

N

Low ( < .05 ppm )	

Medium ( .05 - 1.1 ppm )

High ( > 1.1 ppm )

Williston

 Basin

Bowman

Harmon Coal

Zone Study

Limit 

Figure WQ-56. Selenium concentration in the Harmon coal zone, Bowman-Dickinson coalfield, 

Williston Basin, North Dakota.

0 30 60 Miles

Montana

Wyoming

North

Dakota

South

Dakota
 104 00' 103 00' 102 00'

46 00'

47 00'

Adams

Slope

Golden

Valley

Billings

Stark

Hettinger

N

Low ( < .061 ppm )	

Medium (.061 - 1.6 ppm )

High ( >1.6 ppm )

Williston

 Basin

Bowman

0 30 60 Miles

Figure WQ-57. Uranium concentration in the Harmon coal zone, Bowman-Dickinson coalfield, 

Williston Basin, North Dakota.

Montana

Wyoming

North

Dakota

South

Dakota

Harmon Coal

Zone Study

Limit 
104 00' 103 00' 102 00'

46 00'

47 00'

Adams 

Slope

Golden

Valley

Billings

Stark

Hettinger

N

Williston

Basin

Low ( < 1.4 ppm )	

Medium (1.4 - 6.1 ppm )

High ( > 6.1 ppm )

Bowman

Hansen Coal

Zone Study

Limit 

Montana

Wyoming

North

Dakota

South

Dakota

0 30 60 Miles

Figure WQ-58. Arsenic concentration in the Hansen coal zone, Bowman-Dickinson coalfield, 

Williston Basin, North Dakota.
104 00' 103 00' 102 00'

46 00'

47 00'

N

Low (< 0 .052 ppm )	

Medium (0 .052 - .13 ppm )

High ( > 0.13 ppm )

Hansen Coal

Zone Study

Limit 

Adams

Slope

Golden

Valley

Billings 

Stark

Hettinger

Williston

Basin

Bowman

Montana

Wyoming

North

Dakota

South

Dakota

0 30 60 Miles

Figure WQ-59. Cadmium concentration in the Hansen coal zone, Bowman-Dickinson coalfield, 

Williston Basin, North Dakota.
 104 00' 103 00' 102 00'

46 00'

47 00'

N

Adams 

Slope

Golden

Valley

Billings

Stark

Hettinger

Williston

Basin

Low ( < 3.0 ppm )	

Medium ( 3.0 - 8.2 ppm )

High ( > 8.2 ppm )

Bowman 

Hansen Coal

Zone Study

Limit 

Montana

Wyoming

North

Dakota

South

Dakota

0 30 60 Miles

Figure WQ-60. Chromium concentration in the Hansen coal zone, Bowman-Dickinson coalfield, 

Williston Basin, North Dakota.
104 00' 103 00' 102 00'

46 00'

47 00'

N

Low ( < 1.8 ppm )	

Medium ( 1.8 - 4.2 ppm )

High ( > 4.2 ppm )

Adams

Slope

Golden

Valley

Billings

Stark

Hettinger

Williston

Basin

Bowman 

Hansen Coal

Zone Study

Limit 

Montana

Wyoming

North

Dakota

South

Dakota

0 30 60 Miles

Figure WQ-61. Lead concentration in the Hansen coal zone, Bowman-Dickinson coalfield, 

Williston Basin, North Dakota.
Adams

Slope

Golden

Valley

Billings

Stark

Hettinger

Bowman

Hansen Coal

Zone Study

Limit 

 104 00' 103 00' 102 00'

46 00'

47 00'

N

Williston

Basin

Low (< 0 .06 ppm )	

Medium (0 .06 - 0.13 ppm )

High ( > 0.13 ppm )

Montana

Wyoming

North

Dakota

South

Dakota

0 30 60 Miles

Figure WQ-62. Mercury concentration in the Hansen coal zone, Bowman-Dickinson coalfield, 

Williston Basin, North Dakota.
 104 00' 103 00' 102 00'

46 00'

47 00'

Adams

Slope 

Golden

Valley

Billings

Stark 

Hettinger 

N

Williston

Basin

Low ( < 0.5 ppm )	

Medium ( 0.5 - 1.1 ppm )

High ( > 1.1 ppm )

Bowman

Hansen Coal

Zone Study

Limit 

Montana

Wyoming

North

Dakota

South

Dakota

0 30 60 Miles

Figure WQ-63. Selenium concentration in the Hansen coal zone, Bowman-Dickinson coalfield, 

Williston Basin, North Dakota.
 104 00' 103 00' 102 00'

46 00'

47 00'

Adams

Slope

Golden

Valley

Billings

Stark

Hettinger

N

Williston

Basin

Low ( < 0.61 ppm )	

Medium ( 0.61 - 1.6 ppm )

High ( > 1.6 ppm )

Bowman 

Hansen Coal

Zone Study

Limit 

Figure WQ-64. Uranium concentration in the Hansen coal zone, Bowman-Dickinson coalfield, 

Williston Basin, North Dakota.

0 30 60 Miles

Montana

Wyoming

North

Dakota

South

Dakota
Table WQ-1. Summary data for the hagel, Beulah-Zap, Harmon, and Hansen coal

zones assessed in the Williston Basin, North Dakota. Calculated from the

unpublished U.S. Geological Survey coal quality database (USCHEM), February,

1992; Bragg and others (1994); and proprietary source(s)

Variable Number Range Mean

of samples Minimum Maximum

Moisture 1281 27.70 51.24 37.88

Ash 1281 4.00 31.00 7.96

Total sulfur 1281 0.30 3.50 0.84

Calorific value 2281 3,260 7,860 6,510

lb SO2

 3 281 0.79 12.14 2.54

MMMFBtu 4281 5,110 8,560 7,110

Antimony 552 0.075L 3.0 0.60

Arsenic 553 1.8 32 9.1

Beryllium 538 0.21L 2.2 0.73

Cadmium 553 0.011L 0.95 0.086

Chromium 5 53 0.76 54 7.4

Cobalt 5 49 0.31L 43 2.9

Lead 553 0.70L 12 3.5

Manganese 553 8.7 580 75

Mercury 553 0.02 0.5 0.14

Nickel 5 51 0.80L 57 4.3

Selenium 5 52 0.050L 1.6 0.74

Uranium 5 53 0.31 4.3 1.5

1

 Values are in percent and on an as-received basis.

2

 Value is in British thermal units per pound of coal (Btu).

3

 Value is in pounds per million Btu and on an as-received basis.

4

 Value is in British thermal units on a moist, mineral-matter-free basis.

5

 Values are in parts per million (ppm) on a whole-coal and remnant-moisture

 basis; “L” denotes less than value shown.
Table WQ-2. Summary data for the Hagel coal zone, Center-Falkirk coalfield,

Williston Basin, North Dakota. Calculated from the unpublished U.S. Geological

Survey coal quality database (USCHEM), February, 1992; Bragg and others

(1994); and proprietary source(s)

Variable Number Range Mean

of samples Minimum Maximum

Moisture 1128 30.80 51.24 38.82

Ash 1128 4.00 17.47 8.09

Total sulfur 1128 0.30 1.78 0.77

Calorific value 2128 4,890 7,530 6,420

lb SO2

 3 128 0.83 5.44 2.43

MMMFBtu 4128 5,360 7,900 7,020

Antimony 56 0.10 1.10 0.54

Arsenic 56 5.0 28 13

Beryllium 54 0.36 1.1 0.73

Cadmium 56 0.036L 0.16 0.083

Chromium 5 6 0.76 8.5 4.9

Cobalt 5 5 0.31L 2.1 0.90

Lead 56 0.90 8.2 3.3

Manganese 56 11 46 20

Mercury 56 0.050L 0.5 0.18

Nickel 5 6 0.97 6.2 2.8

Selenium 5 5 0.80 1.6 1.1

Uranium 5 6 0.47 3.2 1.5

1

 Values are in percent and on an as-received basis.

2

 Value is in British thermal units per pound of coal (Btu).

3

 Value is in pounds per million Btu and on an as-received basis.

4

 Value is in British thermal units on a moist, mineral-matter-free basis.

5

 Values are in parts per million (ppm) on a whole-coal and remnant-moisture

 basis; “L” denotes less than value shown.
Table WQ-3. Summary data for the Beulah-Zap coal zone, Beulah coalfield,

Williston Basin, North Dakota. Calculated from the unpublished U.S. Geological

Survey coal quality database (USCHEM), February, 1992; Bragg and others

(1994); and proprietary source(s)

Variable Number Range Mean

of samples Minimum Maximum

Moisture1112 27.7 47.53 36.97

Ash 1112 4.34 30.70 7.33

Total sulfur 1112 0.30 2.80 0.78

Calorific value 2112 4,490 7,860 6,710

lb SO2

 3 112 0.79 8.15 2.33

MMMFBtu 4112 5,110 8,560 7,280

Antimony 531 0.075L 1.9 0.45

Arsenic 532 1.8 30 8.3

Beryllium 525 0.22 2.24 0.66

Cadmium 532 0.011L 0.19 0.064

Chromium 5 32 1.2 54 8.5

Cobalt 5 31 0.45 43 3.5

Lead 532 1.2 11 3.6

Manganese 532 14 580 74

Mercury 532 0.03 0.21 0.096

Nickel 5 32 0.80L 57 4.4

Selenium 5 32 0.39 1.3 0.69

Uranium 5 32 0.38 4.0 1.1

1

 Values are in percent and on an as-received basis.

2

 Value is in British thermal units per pound of coal (Btu).

3

 Value is in pounds per million Btu and on an as-received basis.

4

 Value is in British thermal units on a moist, mineral-matter-free basis.

5

 Values are in parts per million (ppm) on a whole-coal and remnant-moisture

 basis; “L” denotes less than value shown.
Table WQ-4. Summary data for the Harmon coal zone, Bowman-Dickinson

coalfield, Williston Basin, North Dakota. Calculated from the unpublished U.S.

Geological Survey coal quality database (USCHEM), February, 1992; Bragg and

others (1994); and proprietary source(s)

Variable Number Range Mean

of samples Minimum Maximum

Moisture132 29.50 46.20 39.02

Ash 132 4.40 19.10 8.16

Total sulfur 132 0.30 2.40 1.00

Calorific value 232 5,060 7,620 6,200

lb SO2

 3 32 0.96 8.21 3.29

MMMFBtu 432 5,670 8,020 6,790

Antimony 514 0.20 3.0 0.70

Arsenic 514 2.0 32 8.27

Beryllium 59 0.21L 0.87 0.41

Cadmium 514 0.029 0.21 0.072

Chromium 5 14 0.83 13 3.70

Cobalt 5 13 0.40 2.6 1.1

Lead 514 0.70L 12 3.5

Manganese 514 8.7 200 90

Mercury 514 0.02 0.48 0.19

Nickel 5 13 1.1 7.7 2.5

Selenium 5 14 0.050L 1.6 0.73

Uranium 5 14 0.31 4.3 1.2

1

 Values are in percent and on an as-received basis.

2

 Value is in British thermal units per pound of coal (Btu).

3

 Value is in pounds per million Btu and on an as-received basis.

4

 Value is in British thermal units on a moist, mineral-matter-free basis.

5

 Values are in parts per million (ppm) on a whole-coal and remnant-moisture

 basis; “L” denotes less than value shown.
Table WQ-5. Summary data for the Hansen coal zone, Bowman-Dickinson coalfield,

Williston Basin, North Dakota. Calculated from the unpublished U.S. Geological Survey

coal quality database (USCHEM), February, 1992; Bragg and others (1994); and proprietary

source(s)

Variable Number Range Mean

of samples Minimum Maximum

Moisture19 31.80 41.20 35.99

Ash 19 7.10 31.00 11.45

Total sulfur 19 0.60 3.50 1.45

Calorific value 29 3,260 7,710 6,440

lb SO2

 3 9 1.94 12.14 4.80

MMMFBtu 49 5,860 8,400 7,360

Antimony 51 0.50 0.50 0.50

Arsenic 51 5.0 5.0 5.0

Beryllium 50 – – –

Cadmium 51 0.055 0.055 0.055

Chromium 5 1 1.7 1.7 1.7

Cobalt 5 0 – – –

Lead 51 5.1 5.1 5.1

Manganese 51 57 57 57

Mercury 51 0.48 0.48 0.48

Nickel 5 0 – – –

Selenium 5 1 1.2 1.2 1.2

Uranium 5 1 1.6 1.6 1.6

1

 Values are in percent and on an as-received basis.

2

 Value is in British thermal units per pound of coal (Btu).

3

 Value is in pounds per million Btu and on an as-received basis.

4

 Value is in British thermal units on a moist, mineral-matter-free basis.

5

 Values are in parts per million (ppm) on a whole-coal and remnant-moisture

 basis; “L” denotes less than value shown.