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Photographs on front cover (clockwise, from upper left):

(upper left) Visible mercury at contact between alluvium and slate bedrock, Sailor Flat Mine, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, California; total length of ruler is 

4.8 inches. Photograph by M.P. Hunerlach.

(upper right) Confluence of Greenhorn Creek and main drain from Buckeye Flat, looking upstream, Nevada County, California. Photograph by M.P. Hunerlach.

(lower right) Iron-rich precipitate in ground sluice at Poore Mine, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, California. Photograph by M.P. Hunerlach.

(center) Aerial view of central part of Greenhorn Creek drainage showing Buckeye Flat Mine and pit lake, Nevada County, California. Photograph courtesty of the 

U.S. Department of Agriculture−Forest Service, Tahoe National Forest.
Geochemical characterization of water, 

sediment, and biota affected by mercury 

contamination and acidic drainage from 

historical gold mining, Greenhorn Creek, 

Nevada County, California, 1999–2001

By Charles N. Alpers, Michael P. Hunerlach, Jason T. May, Roger L. Hothem, 

Howard E. Taylor, Ronald C. Antweiler, John F. De Wild, and David A. Lawler

Prepared in cooperation with the Bureau of Land Management, the California State Water 

Resources Control Board, the Nevada County Resource Conservation District, and the U.S. 

Department of Agriculture−Forest Service

Scientific Investigations Report 2004-5251

U.S. Department of the Interior

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

Gale A. Norton, Secretary

U.S. Geological Survey

Charles G. Groat, Director

U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, Virginia: 2005

For sale by U.S. Geological Survey, Information Services

Box 25286, Denver Federal Center

Denver, CO 80225

For more information about the USGS and its products:

Telephone: 1-888-ASK-USGS

World Wide Web: http://www.usgs.gov/

Any use of trade, product, or firm names in this publication is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply 

endorsement by the U.S. Government.

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:

Alpers, C.N., Hunerlach, M.P., May, J.T., Hothem, R.L., Taylor, H.E., Antweiler, R.C., De Wild, J.F., and Lawler, D.A., 

2005, Geochemical characterization of water, sediment, and biota affected by mercury contamination and acidic 

drainage from historical gold mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, California, 1999–2001: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2004-5251, 278 p.
Contents

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

Introduction ............................................................................................. 2

Description of Study Area ........................................................................ 3

Mining History .................................................................................... 3

Previous Work on Mercury Contamination ................................................... 5

Purpose and Scope ................................................................................. 6

Acknowledgments ................................................................................. 6

Study Design ............................................................................................. 6

Sample Locations ................................................................................. 7

Constituents Analyzed ........................................................................... 8

Methods ............................................................................................. 8

Field Methods ................................................................................. 8

Water .................................................................................... 9

Sediment ................................................................................. 9

Invertebrates ........................................................................... 9

Frogs .................................................................................... 9

Laboratory Methods of Chemical Analysis ................................................ 12

Water .................................................................................... 12

Sediments .............................................................................. 13

Invertebrates and Frogs ............................................................... 13

Quality Assurance and Quality Control ................................................... 14

Water and Sediments .................................................................. 14

Invertebrates and Frogs ............................................................... 17

Results ...................................................................................................... 17

Overall Trends ....................................................................................... 17

Water Quality ................................................................................. 17

Sediment ....................................................................................... 39

Invertebrates ................................................................................. 44

Frogs .......................................................................................... 55

Summary of Results by Geographic Area ...................................................... 58

Greenhorn Creek—Headwaters ............................................................ 60

Sailor Flat Area .............................................................................. 61

Buckeye Area ................................................................................. 64

Boston Mine Area ........................................................................... 64

South Fork Greenhorn Creek ............................................................... 65

Poore Mine Area .............................................................................. 65

Starr Mine Area .............................................................................. 65

Missouri Canyon Area ........................................................................ 65

Greenhorn Creek—Main Stem ............................................................ 66

Greenhorn Creek at You Bet Road—Integrator Site .................................... 66

Summary and Conclusions .............................................................................. 66

References ................................................................................................ 67

v
vi

Appendix A. Map of Tunnel Locations and Photographs of Field Sites, Greenhorn Creek 

Drainage, Nevada County, California ...................................................... 215

Appendix B. Quality Assurance and Quality Control Plots for Chemical Analyses of Water 

Samples from the Greenhorn Creek Drainage, Nevada County, California ............ 231

Appendix C. Locations and Characteristics of Sampling Stations and Tunnels, Greenhorn 

Creek Drainage, Nevada County, California ............................................. 245

Appendix D. Quality Assurance and Quality Control Information for Chemical Analyses of 

Samples from the Greenhorn Creek Drainage, Nevada County, California ............ 255

Glossary ................................................................................................ 277

Figures

Figure 1. Map showing location of Greenhorn Creek drainage in the Bear River watershed, 

Nevada County, California .......................................................................................................... 2

Figure 2. Map showing sampling stations in the Greenhorn Creek drainage, 

Nevada County, California .......................................................................................................... 3

Figure 3. Map showing sampling stations in the northern part of Greenhorn Creek 

drainage, Nevada County, California ........................................................................................ 4

Figure 4. Map showing sampling stations in the central part of Greenhorn Creek drainage, 

Nevada County, California .......................................................................................................... 5

Figure 5. Map showing the “integrator” sampling station in the southern part of 

Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, California ........................................................ 7

Figure 6. Box plots showing distribution of total mercury concentration and methylmercury 

concentration in unfiltered and filtered water samples from the Greenhorn Creek 

drainage, Nevada County, California ...................................................................................... 28

Figure 7. Box plots showing distribution of (A) total mercury concentration in unfiltered

water, (B) total mercury concentration in filtered water, and (C) methylmercury 

concentration in unfiltered water, grouped by type of water body, Greenhorn Creek 

drainage, Nevada County, California ...................................................................................... 30

Figure 8. Box plots showing distribution of the ratio of methylmercury to total mercury in 

unfiltered water samples grouped by type of water body, Greenhorn Creek 

drainage, Nevada County, California ...................................................................................... 31

Figure 9. Plot showing relation between total mercury concentration in unfiltered and 

filtered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, California ............ 32

Figure 10. Plot showing relation between methylmercury concentration in unfiltered and 

filtered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, California ............ 33

Figure 11. Plot showing relation between total mercury and methylmercury 

concentration in unfiltered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, 

Nevada County, California ....................................................................................................... 34

Figure 12. Plot showing relation between total mercury and methylmercury concentration 

in filtered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, California ....... 35

Figure 13. Plot showing relation between pH in unfiltered water and sulfate concentration 

in filtered water, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, California ....................... 36

Figure 14. Plots showing relation between pH and (A) total mercury in unfiltered water, 

(B) total mercury in filtered water, and (C) methylmercury in unfiltered water, 

Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, California ..................................................... 37

Figure 15. Plots showing relation between sulfate concentration in filtered water and 

(A) total mercury in unfiltered water, (B) total mercury in filtered water, and 

(C) methylmercury in unfiltered water, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, 

California .... ................................................................................................................................ 38
vii

Figure 16. Plot showing relation between total mercury concentration in unfiltered water 

and total suspended sediment concentration, Greenhorn Creek drainage, 

Nevada County, California ....................................................................................................... 39

Figure 17. Plot showing relation between particulate total mercury concentration and 

total suspended sediment concentration, Greenhorn Creek drainage, 

Nevada County, California ........................................................................................................ 40

Figure 18. Box plots showing distribution of total mercury and methylmercury 

concentration in sediment samples from the Greenhorn Creek drainage, 

Nevada County, California ....................................................................................................... 43

Figure 19. Plot showing relation between total mercury and methylmercury 

concentration in sediment samples from the Greenhorn Creek drainage, 

Nevada County, California ........................................................................................................ 44

Figure 20. Box plots showing distribution of methylmercury concentrations in 

invertebrates and total mercury concentrations in frogs from the Greenhorn Creek

drainage, Nevada County, California ...................................................................................... 50

Figure 21. Plots showing data for total mercury and methylmercury in predatory insects

from the Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, California ...................................... 51

Figure 22. Plot showing relation between methylmercury concentration and average 

mass of banana slugs from the Greenhorn Creek drainage, 

Nevada County, California ........................................................................................................ 53

Figure 23. Plot showing relation between methylmercury concentration and average 

mass of dragonflies from the Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, 

California ..... 54

Figure 24. Plot showing relation between methylmercury concentration and average 

mass of dobsonflies from the Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, 

California ..... 55

Figure 25. Plot showing relation between methylmercury concentration and average 

mass of predaceous diving beetles from the Greenhorn Creek drainage, 

Nevada County, California ........................................................................................................ 56

Figure 26. Plot showing relation between methylmercury concentration and average 

mass of predaceous stoneflies from the Greenhorn Creek drainage, 

Nevada County, California ........................................................................................................ 57

Figure 27. Plot showing relation between methylmercury concentration and average 

mass of water striders from the Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, 

California ..... 58

Figure 28. Plot showing relation between total mercury concentration and total or average 

mass of all frog species from the Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, 

California ..... 59

Figure 29. Plot showing relation between total mercury concentration and mass of 

individual bullfrogs from the Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, 

California ..... 60

Figure 30. Plot showing relation between total mercury concentration and mass of 

individual foothill yellow-legged frogs from the Greenhorn Creek drainage, 

Nevada County, California ........................................................................................................ 61

Figure 31. Plot showing relation between total mercury concentration and total or 

average mass of Pacific treefrogs from the Greenhorn Creek drainage, 

Nevada County, California ........................................................................................................ 62

Figure 32. Summary of data for mercury and methymercury in water, sediment, and biota, 

Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, California ...................................................... 63
viii

Figure A1. Map showing locations of mine tunnels, hydraulic pits, and lands managed 

by federal land management agencies, Greenhorn Creek drainage, 

Nevada County, California ...................................................................................................... 216

Figure A2. Photograph of main drainage gulch at Sailor Flat (station BY105) with visible 

mercury bead about one inch in diameter, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, 

California ... 217

Figure A3. Photograph of Sailor Flat main drainage to Greenhorn Creek (station BY106), 

Nevada County, California ...................................................................................................... 217

Figure A4. Photograph of Tom and Jerry Mine tunnel outlet (station BY130), 

Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, California .................................................... 218

Figure A5. Photograph of Buckeye main drain entering Greenhorn Creek (station BY58),

Nevada County, California ...................................................................................................... 218

Figure A6. Photograph of mercury beads on bedrock at Boston Mine tunnel outlet 

(station BY21), Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, California ......................... 219

Figure A7. Historical photograph of Boston Mine (station BY21), Greenhorn Creek 

drainage, Nevada County, California ................................................................................... 219

Figure A8. Photograph of discharge from Boston Mine tunnel outlet (station BY20), 

Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, California .................................................... 220

Figure A9. Photograph of iron precipitate in ground sluice at Poore Mine (station BY88), 

Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, California .................................................... 221

Figure A10. Photograph of Poore Mine pit lake (station BY89), Greenhorn Creek drainage, 

Nevada County, California ...................................................................................................... 221

Figure A11. Photograph of Poore Mine tunnel outlet (station BY91), Greenhorn Creek 

drainage, Nevada County, California .................................................................................... 222

Figure A12. Photograph of Starr Mine tunnel inlet area (station BY122), Greenhorn Creek 

drainage, Nevada County, California .................................................................................... 222

Figure A13. Photograph of midway station in Starr Mine tunnel (station BY123), 

Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, California .................................................... 223

Figure A14. Photograph of Starr Mine tunnel, near outlet (station BY124), Greenhorn Creek 

drainage, Nevada County, California .................................................................................... 223

Figure A15. Photograph of Starr Mine pit lake (station BY148), Greenhorn Creek drainage, 

Nevada County, California ...................................................................................................... 224

Figure A16. Photograph of Missouri Canyon ground sluice (station BY146), Greenhorn Creek 

drainage, Nevada County, California .................................................................................... 224

Figure A17. Photograph of Missouri Canyon ground sluice above creek (station BY75), 

Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, California .................................................... 225

Figure A18. Photograph of Greenhorn Creek at You Bet Road (station BY59), Nevada County,

California ... ................................................................................................................................ ..... 225

Figure A19. Photograph of confluence of Little Greenhorn Creek with Greenhorn Creek 

upstream of You Bet Road (station BY59), Nevada County, California ............................ 226

Figure A20. Photograph of streambank showing flood incision of gravels, Greenhorn Creek 

at the Narrows (station BY180), Nevada County, California ............................................. 226

Figure A21. Photograph of Greenhorn Creek at the Narrows, looking downstream (station 

BY180), Nevada County, California ....................................................................................... 227

Figure A22. Photograph of Hunts Hill drainage tunnel outlet, near Buckeye Ford in 

Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, California ..................................................................... 227

Figure A23. Photograph of confluence of Gas Canyon with Greenhorn Creek (station BY52), 

Nevada County, California ...................................................................................................... 228
ix

Figure A24. Photograph of Greenhorn Creek at Buckeye Drain, looking upstream 

(station BY60), Nevada County, California ........................................................................... 228

Figure A25. Photograph of Greenhorn Creek at Red Dog Road crossing, Nevada County, 

California .. ................................................................................................................................ 229

Figure A26. Photograph of pit lake at Buckeye Flat Mine, Greenhorn Creek drainage, 

Nevada County, California ...................................................................................................... 229

Figure B1. Correlation plot of observed values versus reported values for erbium, 

europium, holmium, lutetium, terbium, thulium, and ytterbium determined in 

standard reference materials ............................................................................................... 232

Figure B2. Correlation plot of observed values versus reported values for cerium, 

dysprosium, gadolinium, lanthanum, neodymium, praseodymium, samarium, 

tellurium, and yttrium determined in standard reference materials ............................... 232

Figure B3. Correlation plot of observed values versus reported values for bismuth, 

rubidium, selenium, and uranium determined in standard reference materials ........... 233

Figure B4. Correlation plot of observed values versus reported values for arsenic, 

beryllium, cadmium, cobalt, lead, thallium, and vanadium determined in 

standard reference materials ................................................................................................ 233

Figure B5. Correlation plot of observed values versus reported values for aluminum, 

antimony, chromium, copper, lithium, nickel, and zinc determined in standard 

reference materials ................................................................................................................. 234

Figure B6. Correlation plot of observed values versus reported values for barium, 

boron, manganese, molybdenum, and strontium determined in standard reference 

materials .... .............................................................................................................................. 234

Figure B7. Correlation plot of observed values versus reported values for mercury 

determined in standard reference materials ...................................................................... 235

Figure B8. Bar graph plotting recovery (in percent) for arsenic (As), beryllium (Be), 

copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) spiked in blanks for selected analysis dates ....................... 236

Figure B9. Bar graph plotting recovery (in percent) for mercury (Hg) spiked in blanks for 

selected analysis dates .......................................................................................................... 236

Figure B10. Graph plotting recovery (in percent) for beryllium (Be), cadmium (Cd), 

copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) spiked in samples for selected analysis dates .................... 237

Figure B11. Bar graph plotting recovery (in percent) for mercury spiked in samples for 

selected analysis dates .......................................................................................................... 238

Figure B12. Correlation plots of field replicate analyses of six elements: arsenic (As), 

barium (Ba), beryllium (Be), calcium (Ca), cobalt (Co), and copper (Cu) ........................ 239

Figure B13. Correlation plots of field replicate analyses of six elements: mercury (Hg), 

holmium (Ho), manganese (Mn), neodymium (Nd), lead (Pb), and uranium (U) ............ 240

Figure B14. Plots of percent relative standard deviation versus concentration for 

six elements: cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), gadolinium (Gd), mercury (Hg), 

magnesium (Mg), and lead (Pb) ........................................................................................... 241

Figure B15. Plot of total mercury concentrations in unfiltered water showing relation 

of replicate 1 of 2 and replicate 2 of 2 .................................................................................. 242

Figure B16. Plot of total mercury concentrations in filtered water showing relation of 

replicate 1 of 2 and replicate 2 of 2 ....................................................................................... 243

Figure B17. Plot showing relation of specific conductance with sum of microequivalent 

concentrations of chloride, sulfate, and bicarbonate alkalinity ............................................ 244
x

Tables

Table 1. Data for water-quality parameters measured in the field, Greenhorn Creek 

drainage, Nevada County, California ...................................................................................... 10

Table 2. Concentrations of total mercury in water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, 

Nevada County, California ........................................................................................................ 15

Table 3. Concentrations of methylmercury in water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage,

Nevada County, California ........................................................................................................ 18

Table 4A. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in unfiltered water 

samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, California ..................................... 71

Table 4B. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in filtered water 

samples, Greenhorn creek drainage, Nevada County, California ................................... 134

Table 5. Concentrations of major anions and alkalinity in filtered water samples, 

Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, California ...................................................... 19

Table 6. Concentrations of nutrients and organic carbon in water samples, 

Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, California ...................................................... 20

Table 7. Data for suspended sediment in water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, 

Nevada County, California ........................................................................................................ 25

Table 8. Data for stable isotopes of sulfur and oxygen in aqueous sulfate and of oxygen 

and hydrogen in water, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, California ............ 26

Table 9. Concentrations of mercury and methylmercury in sediment samples, determined 

by laboratory methods, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, California ............ 41

Table 10. Concentrations of visible total mercury in sediment samples, determined by field 

panning methods, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, California ..................... 42

Table 11A. Mercury and methylmercury concentration data for invertebrates, Greenhorn 

Creek drainage, Nevada County, California ........................................................................ 204

Table 11B. Mercury and methylmercury concentration data for invertebrates at baseline 

site, Nevada County, California ............................................................................................. 214

Table 12. Mercury concentration data for frogs, Greenhorn Creek drainage, 

Nevada County, California ........................................................................................................ 45

Table C1. Locations, descriptions, and characteristics of sampling stations, 

Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, California .................................................... 246

Table C2. Characteristics of tunnels at hydraulic mines in the Greenhorn Creek drainage, 

Nevada County, California ...................................................................................................... 252

Table C3. Descriptions of photographs of sampling stations, Greenhorn Creek drainage, 

Nevada County, California ...................................................................................................... 254

Table D1.Trace elements analyzed by inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry, 

and corresponding median detection limits. ...................................................................... 256

Table D2.Selected trace elements and regression correlation coefficients (R2) for 

correlation plots of observed versus reported values of analyses of standard 

reference materials ................................................................................................................. 257

Table D3. Data for total mercury in blanks ............................................................................................ 258

Table D4. Data for methylmercury in blanks ......................................................................................... 259

Table D5.Data for trace elements in process blanks ......................................................................... 260

Table D6. Data for trace elements in source blanks and equipment blanks ................................... 267
Conversion Factors, Datums, Acronyms, Abbreviations, and 

Chemical Notation

Multiply By To obtain

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

cubic yard (yd3) 0.7646 cubic meter (m3)

foot (ft) 0.3048 meter (m)

gallon per minute (gal/min) 0.002228 cubic foot per second (ft3/s))

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

inch (in.) 2.54 centimeter (cm)

mile (mi) 1.609 kilometer (km)

pound (lb) 0.4536 kilogram (kg)

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

 °F = (1.8 × °C) + 32

Spatial Datums

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

Elevation, as used in this report, refers to distance above the National Geodetic Vertical Datum 

of 1929 (NGVD of 1929).

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 in either milligrams per liter (mg/L), 

micrograms per liter (μg/L), or nanograms per liter (ng/L).

Acronyms, Abbreviations, and Chemical Notation

Acronyms

ASTM, American Society for Testing and Materials

CRV, certified reference value

CVAAS, cold-vapor atomic-absorption spectrometry

CVAFS, cold-vapor atomic-fluorescence spectrometry

DI, deionized (water)

DO, dissolved oxygen

DOC, dissolved organic carbon

EWI, equal width increment

FDA, Food and Drug Administration

GC, gas chromatography

GI, gastrointestinal 

IC, ion chromatography

ICP−AES, inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectrometry 

ICP−MS, inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry

MDL, method detection limit

xi
xii

NCRCD, Nevada County Resource Conservation District

NRCC, National Research Council Canada

NRP, National Research Program

NIST, National Institute of Standards and Technology

PACF, Patuxent Analytical Control Facility

POC, Particulate organic carbon

QA, quality assurance

QC, quality control

RPD, relative percentage difference

RSD, relative standard deviation

SC, specific conductance 

SRM, standard reference material

SRWS, standard reference water sample

SSC, suspended sediment concentration

SSWD, South Sutter Water District 

SWRCB, State Water Resources Control Board

TERL, Trace Element Research Laboratory

USDA−FS, U.S. Department of Agriculture–Forest Service

USEPA, United States Environmental Protection Agency

USGS, United States Geological Survey

WDML, Wisconsin District Mercury Laboratory 

Abbreviations 

cm, centimeter

g, gram

kg, kilogram

L, liter

μg, microgram

mg, milligram

mL, milliliter

μm, micrometer

MΩ-cm, megaohm-centimeter

ng, nanogram

ppb, part per billion

ppm, part per million

wt, weight

s, second

>, greater than

<, less than

Chemical Notation

Al, aluminum
xiii

As, arsenic

B, boron

Ba, barium

Be, beryllium

Bi, bismuth

B, boron

Ca, calcium

Cd, cadmium

Ce, cerium

CH

2

Cl

2

, methylene chloride

Cl, chloride

Co, cobalt 

Cr, chromium

Cs, cesium

Cu, copper

CuSO

4

, copper sulfate

Dy, dysprosium

Er, erbium 

Eu, europium 

Fe, iron

Gd, gadolinium

HCl, hydrochloric acid

HF, hydrofluoric acid

Hg, mercury

Hg

0

, elemental mercury

Hg2+, mercuric ion

HgCl

2

, mercuric chloride

HNO

3

, nitric acid

Ho, holmium 

In, indium 

Ir, iridium

K, potassium

KBr, potassium bromide

La, lanthanum

Li, lithium

Lu, lutetium 

MeHg, methylmercury (monomethylmercury)

Mg, magnesium

Mn, manganese

N, nitrogen

Na, sodium

NaBEt

4

, sodium tetra-ethyl borate
xiv

Nd, neodymium

NH

3

, ammonia

Ni, nickel

NO

2

-

, nitrite

NO

3

-

, nitrate

P, phosphorous

PO

4

, orthophosphate

Pb, lead

Pr, praseodymium

Rb, rubidium

Re, rhenium

Rh, rhodium

S, sulfur

Sb, antimony

Se, selenium

SiO

2

, silicon oxide (silica)

Sm, samarium

Sn, tin

SO

4

, sulfate

SnCl

2

, stannous chloride

Sr, strontium

Tb, terbium

Te, tellurium

Th, thorium

THg, total mercury

Tl, thallium

Tm, thulium 

U, uranium

V, vanadium

Y, yttrium

Yb, ytterbium 

Zn, zinc

Zr, zirconium
Abstract

In 1999, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) initiated 

studies of mercury and methylmercury occurrence, transformation, and transport in the Bear River and Yuba River 

watersheds of the northwestern Sierra Nevada. Because these 

watersheds were affected by large-scale, historical gold extraction using mercury amalgamation beginning in the 1850s, they 

were selected for a pilot study of mercury transport by the 

USGS and other cooperating agencies. This report presents 

data on methylmercury (MeHg) and total mercury (THg) 

concentrations in water, bed sediment, invertebrates, and frogs 

collected at 40 stations during 1999−2001 in the Greenhorn 

Creek drainage, a major tributary to the Bear River. Results 

document several mercury contamination “hot spots” that 

represent potential targets for ongoing and future remediation 

efforts at abandoned mine sites in the study area. 

Water-quality samples were collected one or more 

times at each of 29 stations. The concentrations of total 

mercury in 45 unfiltered water samples ranged from 0.80 to 

153,000 nanograms per liter (ng/L); the median was 9.6 ng/L. 

Total mercury concentrations in filtered water (41 samples) 

ranged from less than 0.3 to 8,000 ng/L; the median was 

2.7 ng/L. Concentrations of methylmercury in the unfiltered 

water (40 samples) ranged from less than 0.04 to 9.1 ng/L; the 

median was 0.07 ng/L. Methylmercury in filtered water (13 

samples) ranged from less than 0.04 to 0.27 ng/L; the median 

was 0.04 ng/L. Acidic drainage with pH values as low as 3.4 

was encountered in some of the mined areas. Elevated concentrations of aluminum, cadmium, copper, iron, manganese, 

nickel, and zinc were found at several stations, especially in 

the more acidic water samples. 

Total mercury concentrations in sediment were determined by laboratory and field methods. Total mercury concentrations (determined by laboratory methods) in ten samples 

from eight stations ranged from about 0.0044 to 12 μg/g 

(microgram per gram, equivalent to part per million). Methylmercury concentrations in these samples ranged from less than 

0.00011 to 0.0095 μg/g. A field panning method was used to 

determine the concentration of liquid elemental mercury in 

22 samples from 14 stations. Measured quantities of elemental 

mercury recovered by panning ranged from a trace amount 

estimated at 100 milligrams per kilogram (equivalent to parts 

per million) to 45,000 milligrams per kilogram (equivalent to 

4.5 per cent, by weight).

In total, 194 invertebrate samples were collected at 

31 stations; 78 of the samples were analyzed for concentrations of THg and MeHg and used to calculate MeHg to THg 

ratios. In total, 69 frog samples were collected at 19 stations, 

and all were analyzed only for THg. Ranges of MeHg concentrations (μg/g, wet weight) in invertebrate samples and number 

of samples (n) were 0.0012−0.048 for banana slugs (Arionidae, n = 27), 0.027−0.39 for dobsonflies (Corydalidae, n = 

14), 0.029−0.50 for predaceous diving beetles (Dytiscidae, n 

= 31), 0.026−0.52 for predaceous stoneflies (Perlidae, n = 18), 

0.011−1.6 for dragonflies (Odonata, n = 46), and 0.061−0.55 

for water striders (Gerridae, n = 56). The ratio of MeHg to 

THg in invertebrates was greater than 50 percent for 74 of 78 

samples.

The data from this reconnaissance sampling effort 

have been used by land-management agencies in selecting 

abandoned mine sites for remediation. The Forest Service 

has remediated the Sailor Flat site, and the Bureau of Land 

Management has initiated plans to remediate the Boston Mine 

drainage tunnel.

Geochemical characterization of water, sediment, and 

biota affected by mercury contamination and acidic 

drainage from historical gold mining, Greenhorn Creek, 

Nevada County, California, 1999–2001 

By Charles N. Alpers, Michael P. Hunerlach, Jason T. May, Roger L. Hothem, Howard E. Taylor, 

Ronald C. Antweiler, John F. De Wild, and David A. Lawler
Introduction 

The Bear River watershed in the northwestern Sierra 

Nevada (fig. 1) was the site of considerable mining of placer 

gold deposits using hydraulic methods during the latter half 

of the 19th century and the first part of the 20th century 

(Hunerlach and others, 1999; Alpers and Hunerlach, 2000; 

Hunerlach and Alpers, 2003; Alpers and others, 2005). Gilbert 

(1917) estimated that between the 1850s and early 1900s 

hydraulic mining displaced 254 million cubic yards of gravel 

and sediment in the Bear River watershed. We estimate that 71 

million cubic yards of this total were displaced in the Greenhorn Creek drainage, as explained in a later section of this 

report. The reader is referred to the reports cited above (and 

references therein) for a description of the history of hydraulic 

mining in the Sierra Nevada, including documentation of the 

extensive use of liquid mercury (Hg) to recover gold from 

placer ores by sluicing methods and amalgamation. 

Figure 1. Location of Greenhorn Creek drainage in the Bear River watershed, Nevada County, California.

2 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001

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Description of Study Area

Greenhorn Creek is a tributary to Rollins Reservoir, 

one of several man-made impoundments on the Bear River 

(fig. 1). The Greenhorn Creek drainage is located within 

Nevada County, in the northwestern Sierra Nevada. The Bear 

River flows into the lower Feather River, a major tributary to 

the Sacramento River, which flows into the Sacramento−San 

Joaquin Delta and San Francisco Bay. The elevation of the 

Rollins Reservoir spillway is 2,171 feet above sea level. The 

highest sampling point in the Greenhorn Creek watershed 

is the Headwaters station (figs. 2, 3) at 4,262 feet above sea 

level. The area has a Mediterranean climate; precipitation falls 

primarily between November and April. Annual precipitation 

in nearby Grass Valley, California (fig. 1), is 53.3 inches per 

year, including average annual snowfall of about 10 inches 

per year, based on records from October 1966 through March 

2003 (Western Regional Climate Center, 2004). 

Mining History

According to one version of California Gold Rush history, hydraulic mining began during 1852, when Antoine 

Chabot used a canvas hose to wash loose gravel from a large 

bench deposit at Buckeye Hill, located on Buckeye Ridge, 

between the South Fork of Greenhorn Creek and Greenhorn 

Creek (fig. 4) (May, 1970). In 1853, Edward Matteson applied 

a steel nozzle to a canvas hose to improve the velocity and 

force of water delivery at American Hill near Grass Valley, 

and his success led to the rapid spread of hydraulic mining throughout the vast Tertiary-age river-channel deposits

exposed in the drainages of Greenhorn Creek. Large-scale 

hydraulic mining occurred in the Sierra Nevada from 1855 

through the early 1880s (Clark, 1963). Most hydraulic mining 

stopped in 1884 because of the case of Woodruff versus North 

Bloomfield, which led to what has become known as the Sawyer Decision (Kelley, 1959). Woodruff was a farmer whose 

lands were affected by sediments discharged from upstream 

hydraulic mines, and North Bloomfield was one of the largest 

mining companies in the Sierra Nevada, active in the Malakoff 

Diggings area of the South Yuba River watershed (fig. 1). 

Figure 2. Sampling stations in the Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, California. Red boxes outline areas of 

figures 3−5. 

Introduction 3

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The rich, gold-bearing gravels in the Greenhorn Creek 

drainage were part of the ancestral Yuba River system, which 

flowed from south to north in this area (Lindgren, 1911). The 

gold-bearing river-channel deposits ranged from one to four 

miles wide and were up to 600 feet thick near Hunts Hill 

(formerly known as Gouge Eye) and at Buckeye Hill. Greenhorn Creek and its tributaries drain three principal mining 

areasQuaker Hill, Red Dog, and You Bet (fig. A1)which 

contributed the bulk of the 71 million cubic yards of production from numerous hydraulic mines. At Quaker Hill, more 

than 35 million cubic yards of gravel with an average yield 

of $0.06 per cubic yard were processed. (The value of gold 

during the late 1800s was about $20 per ounce; a tenor of 

$0.06 per cubic yard corresponds to 0.003 ounces per cubic 

yard.) More than 6.7 million cubic yards were processed at 

Hunts Hill and more than 6 million cubic yards at Buckeye 

Hill. The You Bet and Red Dog mining areas are in both the 

Greenhorn Creek and Steephollow Creek drainages; combined 

production in these areas was more than 47 million cubic 

yards, of which about half, some 23.5 million cubic yards 

with a gold tenor of more than $0.25 per yard, probably was 

discharged into the Greenhorn Creek drainage (Jarmin, 1927), 

and the remainder was discharged into Steephollow Creek 

(fig. 2).

The unconsolidated upper gravels in the deposits of 

the ancestral Yuba River were easily mined by the hydraulic 

method, whereas the deeper, more cemented gravels were 

commonly drift mined. Drift mining was done underground 

through tunnels that commonly followed the deepest portion of the channel parallel to its original course. The wellcemented deeper gravels required stamp mills to break up the 

ore and liberate of the gold (Hobson and Wiltsee, 1893). At 

least fifteen stamp mills were operated in the Red Dog and 

Quaker Hill mining districts during peak production. 

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Figure 3. Sampling stations in the northern part of Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, California.

4 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
Previous Work on Mercury Contamination

A reconnaissance sampling of mercury in invertebrates 

and small fish during the mid 1990s indicated that mercury 

bioaccumulation in the Bear River and South Yuba River 

watersheds was more severe than in adjacent watersheds in 

the northern Sierra Nevada, including the North Yuba, Middle 

Yuba, Feather, and American River watersheds (Slottton and 

others, 1997). Based in part on the data of Slotton and others (1997), on preliminary studies in the Dutch Flat mining 

district (Bear River watershed; Hunerlach and others, 1999), 

and on an analysis of hydraulic mining intensity (Alpers and 

Hunerlach, 2000), the USGS began a cooperative study with 

other public agencies in 1999 to address mercury contamination associated with historical gold mining in the Bear River, 

Deer Creek, and South Yuba River watersheds (hereinafter 

referred to as the Bear-Yuba study area). 

A key component of the multi-agency cooperative study 

was to assess mercury bioaccumulation in sport fish, the 

consumption of which is thought to be the primary pathway 

for mercury to affect human health and ecosystems. The 

fish-tissue data published by May and others (2000) were the 

basis for a state-level fish consumption advisory (Klasing and 

Brodberg, 2003), the first of its kind for the Sierra Nevada. 

In addition, the fish-tissue data reported by May and others 

(2000) were used to identify three reservoirs in the Bear River 

watershed and the segment of the Bear River near Dog Bar 

Road as impaired water bodies by the State of California under 

section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act (California Regional 

Water Quality Control Board, Central Valley Region, 2003). 

Stakeholders, including federal, state, and local agencies, have 

expressed interest in attempting to reduce mercury loads to 

downstream reservoirs by remediating mine sites that may be 

significant sources of mercury and methylmercury in the upper 

Bear River watershed.

Figure 4. Sampling stations in the central part of Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, California.

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Introduction 5
Purpose and Scope

A key overall objective of the multi-agency cooperative 

study is to identify “hot spots” of mercury contamination and 

bioaccumulation, so that land-management agencies and other 

stakeholders can design appropriate remediation strategies to 

protect public health and ecological systems. Preliminary data 

from about 125 stations sampled for this study in the Bear 

River, Deer Creek, and South Yuba River watersheds were 

provided to federal land-management agencies, primarily the 

Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Department 

of Agriculture−Forest Service (USDA−FS), so that potential 

remediation sites could be identified and priorities established 

for mine-site remediation. Two of the highest priority areas for 

remediation in the Bear-Yuba watersheds are located within 

the Greenhorn Creek drainage of the Bear River watershed 

(fig. 1): the Sailor Flat mine site (USDA−FS lands, Tahoe 

National Forest; stations shown on figs. 2, 3, A1) and the 

Boston mine site (primarily on BLM lands; stations shown on 

figs. 2, 4, A1). 

This report documents the results of sampling water, 

sediment, invertebrates, and frogs for concentrations of methylmercury (MeHg), total mercury (THg), and other constituents at 40 stations in the Greenhorn Creek drainage during 

1999−2001. Similar data gathered from other parts of the Bear 

River watershed and from the Deer Creek and South Yuba 

River watersheds will be published separately. 

The main body of this report consists of this Introduction, followed by a section regarding the study design, which 

includes subsections on sample locations, constituents analyzed, field and laboratory methods, and quality assurance and 

quality control; the next section documents the study results, 

followed by the summary and conclusions. Detailed information on sampling stations in the study area, including photographs and an inventory of mine tunnels, is given in 

Appendix A (figures) and Appendix C (tables). Details regarding quality assurance and quality control are given in 

Appendix B (figures) and Appendix D (tables).

Acknowledgments

The authors are grateful to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the California State Water Resources 

Control Board (SWRCB), the Nevada County Resource 

Conservation District (NCRCD), and the U.S. Department of 

Agriculture−Forest Service (USDA−FS) for providing funds 

and logistical support for the work described in this report. At 

the BLM, Timothy Carroll (Folsom Field Office) assisted with 

field work and the development of annual work plans; Richard 

Forester and Richard Grabowski (State Office) assisted with 

administration. Rick Weaver (USDA−FS, Tahoe National 

Forest) assisted with field work and the development of work 

plans; Janine Clayton (USDA−FS, Regional Office) assisted 

with administration and coordination. Rick Humphreys of 

the SWRCB assisted with field work and contract management. Curtis Davidson, Tamara Gallentine, and Gail Bakker 

of the NCRCD provided administrative support in conjunction 

with a Proposition 204 grant managed by Rick Humphreys 

at the SWRCB. Gail Bakker, Rick Humphreys, and several 

USGS reviewers provided comments on an earlier draft of this 

report. Other agencies, including the California Department of 

Parks and Recreation and the Nevada Irrigation District, have 

contributed to the study by providing access to stations and 

available data. In addition, several private landowners allowed 

sampling on their lands, which is much appreciated. All biological samples were collected under the auspices of scientific 

collecting permits issued by the California Department of Fish 

and Game. USGS personnel and employees of the California 

State University Sacramento Foundation who contributed 

significantly to this project include Michael Atamian, Stacy 

Burnett, Michael Casselberry, Michelle Chao, Connie Clapton, 

Joseph Domagalski, Stephanie Dudash, Mary Elizabeth, Susan 

Fregien, Steven Gallanthine, Jerry Harmon, Mark Jennings, 

Mark Johnson, David Kelly, Sandor Kelly, Rebecca Kershnar, 

Cynthia Kester, Matthew Law, Erick Oshel, Kelly McPherson, 

Frank Moseanko, Darnella Murphy, Raef Porter, Kelly Rider, 

and Larry Shelton. 

Study Design

In this report, we document results from sampling water, 

sediment, invertebrates, and frogs at 40 stations in the Greenhorn Creek drainage during 1999−2001. During the 1999 field 

season, reconnaissance sampling was done at several mine 

sites and adjacent areas affected by historical mining activity. 

On the basis of preliminary data from the initial sampling, 

follow-up sampling took place during 2000 and 2001 at a 

number of the locations to confirm anomalously high concentrations of mercury and methylmercury in water, sediment, 

and biota and to document inter-annual variability; also, some 

mine sites in the study area were visited for the first time during this period. Results of follow-up sampling that took place 

during 2002 in the Greenhorn Creek drainage will be published separately, as will results from samples collected during 

1999−2002 in the Deer Creek watershed, the South Yuba River 

watershed, and other parts of the Bear River watershed.

6 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
Sample Locations

The locations of sampling stations in the Greenhorn 

Creek drainage are shown in figure 2. A description of each 

sampling station is given in Appendix C (table C1). More 

detailed maps of the Greenhorn Creek drainage (figs. 3−5) 

include map ID numbers (for example BY20), which can be 

used to track information in the data tables. Stations in Greenhorn Creek itself were divided into three groups: a headwaters 

station (a reference site), main-stem stations in the central part 

of the drainage, and an integrator station near the confluence 

with Rollins Reservoir (fig. 2). The remaining stations were 

grouped by sub-watershed or mining district. Symbol shapes 

in figures 2−5 indicate the type of water body or mining 

feature sampled, including ground sluices; pit lakes, ponds, or 

wetlands; streams; and tunnels. The same definitions of symbol color and shape are used in many of the plots described in 

the Results section. Also presented in this report are data for 

invertebrate samples from a baseline reference sampling 

station outside of the Greenhorn Creek drainage, in the 

headwaters of the Bear River watershed, upstream of known 

mining effects. The location of the baseline reference station 

(BY199) is shown on figure 1.

Samples were collected from 40 locations in the Greenhorn Creek drainage for this study during 1999−2001. Fortynine water-quality samples were collected at 27 of the sampling stations. Ten sediment samples for laboratory analysis 

were collected at eight locations. At 5 of these 8 locations, 

plus 9 others (a total of 14), elemental mercury concentration 

in sediment was assessed using a field panning method. A total 

of 194 invertebrate samples were collected at 31 sampling stations in the study area, and 69 frog samples were collected at 

19 of the sampling stations. An additional 19 invertebrate samples were collected at the baseline reference station. Banana 

slugs and six taxa of predaceous aquatic insects were collected 

as available at each invertebrate sampling station. Three taxa 

of frogs were collected as available, up to three individuals per 

taxon per station per year.

Figure 5. “Integrator” sampling station in the southern part of Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, California.

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Study Design 7
Constituents Analyzed

Constituents analyzed in water samples included mercury 

in four categories: (1) total mercury (THg) in unfiltered water, 

(2) THg in filtered water, (3) monomethylmercury (MeHg) 

in unfiltered water, and (4) MeHg in filtered water. (For the 

remainder of this report, the term methylmercury [also abbreviated as MeHg] is used instead of “monomethylmercury;” 

note that other methylated forms of mercury such as dimethylmercury may be present but are not included in reported 

methylmercury analyses.) Total mercury in unfiltered and 

filtered water and MeHg in unfiltered water were analyzed in 

nearly all of the 49 water-quality samples; however, MeHg in 

filtered water was analyzed in only 12 samples. All analyses of 

THg in water for this study were done by the USGS National 

Research Program (NRP) laboratory in Boulder, Colorado; 

analyses of MeHg in water were done by the USGS Wisconsin 

District Mercury Laboratory (WDML) in Middleton, 

Wisconsin. 

Water-quality was characterized in the field for unstable 

constituents and in the laboratory for stable constituents in 

preserved water samples. Unstable water-quality parameters 

measured in the field included pH, temperature, specific conductance, and dissolved oxygen. Alkalinity (a proxy for dissolved bicarbonate) was analyzed by titration in the laboratory 

on a filtered subsample (stored chilled until analysis), usually 

within 48 hours of collection. Major cations (calcium, iron, 

magnesium, potassium, silica, and sodium) and more than 40 

trace elements were analyzed in filtered and unfiltered samples 

by the USGS NRP laboratory. Major anions (sulfate and chloride in filtered samples only) also were analyzed by the USGS 

NRP laboratory. Nutrients in filtered and unfiltered samples 

were analyzed by the USGS National Water Quality Laboratory (NWQL) in Denver, Colorado. Forms of nitrogen (N) that 

were analyzed included ammonia plus organic N in both unfiltered and filtered water, and the following three forms of N in 

filtered water only: ammonia, nitrite, and nitrite plus nitrate. 

Forms of phosphorous (P) that were analyzed included total 

P in both unfiltered and filtered water and orthophosphate in 

filtered water only. Organic carbon in filtered and particulate 

form was analyzed by the USGS NWQL. Stable isotopes of 

hydrogen and oxygen were analyzed in unfiltered water by the 

Geology Department laboratory at the University of California, Davis. Stable isotopes of sulfur and oxygen in dissolved 

sulfate were analyzed by a USGS laboratory in Denver, Colorado. The USGS laboratory in Marina, California, determined 

concentration of total suspended sediment in water samples 

along with the percentage of sand in the suspended sediment, 

which was used to compute the concentration of suspended silt 

and clay (<0.063 mm diameter).

Sediment samples were analyzed for MeHg concentration by the USGS WDML. Analyses of THg in sediment were 

done by the WDML or the USGS NRP laboratory. In nearly 

all cases, the MeHg and THg concentrations are reported on 

a dry basis. However, the THg concentration in one sediment 

sample is reported on a wet basis because the moisture content 

was not determined. The sediment samples analyzed in the 

field for visible, elemental mercury by panning methods were 

analyzed on a wet basis.

 The analyzed invertebrates include adult water striders 

and giant water bugs (order Hemiptera; families Gerridae and 

Belostomatidae), adult predaceous diving beetles (order Coleoptera; family Dytiscidae), larval stoneflies (order Plecoptera; 

family Perlidae), larval dobsonflies (order Megaloptera; family 

Corydalidae), larval dragonflies (order Odonata; families 

Aeshnidae, Cordulegastridae, Gomphidae, and Libellulidae), 

and adult banana slugs (order Gastropoda; family Arionidae). 

Insects were identified using taxonomic keys of Merritt and 

Cummins (1996) and McCaffrey (1981). All invertebrates 

were analyzed for MeHg; some of the invertebrate samples 

were also analyzed for THg, so that the ratio of MeHg to THg 

could be assessed. Previous studies have shown that values of 

MeHg/THg in invertebrates can vary from 20 to 90 percent, 

depending on functional feeding strategies, with predatory

insects generally having higher values (Tremblay and others, 

1996; Slotton and others, 1997; Tremblay and Lucotte, 1997; 

Hall and others, 1998; Mason and others, 2000; Schwarzbach 

and others, 2002).

Three species of post-metamorphic frogs were collected 

in this study: bullfrogs (Rana catesbeiana), foothill yellow-legged frogs (Rana boylii), and Pacific treefrogs (Hyla 

regilla). Frogs were identified using descriptions by Stebbins 

(1985). Frog samples were analyzed for THg after cleaning and removal of gut contents. Other studies show that the 

mercury in frog tissue is largely in the form of MeHg (Roger 

L. Hothem, written commun., 2002).

Methods

Field Methods 

Specialized cleaning and sampling techniques were 

used during all stages of sample collection to prevent sample 

contamination. Prior to use, all containers and equipment used 

for water and sediment sampling were cleaned using a dilute 

liquid soap followed by a 5-percent hydrochloric acid solution and multiple rinses in ultrapure, deionized (DI) water 

(18 megaohm-centimeter [MΩ-cm]), following standard 

USGS protocols (Shelton, 1994). Specific sampling and 

preservation methods are described below.

8 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
Water 

Water samples were collected in Teflon or fluorinated 

plastic containers and then transferred to a Teflon-lined, stainless steel churn for splitting. In small streams discharging less 

than about 100 gal/min, grab samples typically were collected, 

because shallow conditions and narrow stream width preclude 

using integrated sampling techniques. In streams with higher 

flows, integrated samples were collected using the equal width 

increment (EWI) method using either 1-L Teflon bottles or D77 samplers. All stations at all times were sampled by wading 

except for Greenhorn Creek at You Bet Road on December 21, 

2001, which was sampled using a D-77 sampler from the You 

Bet Road bridge.

Water samples collected for analysis of suspended sediment concentration (SSC) were taken from the churn and 

collected in pre-weighed 1-L Nalgene bottles. In contrast to 

all other splits, the bottles were not rinsed with the ambient 

water, to avoid introducing extraneous suspended sediment 

to the container. The SSC samples were chilled on wet ice or 

refrigerated at less than 5°C until analysis.

Filtration was done in the field using Gelman capsule 

filters of 0.45-μm pore size. Filtered and unfiltered water samples for analysis of THg by the USGS NRP laboratory were 

stored in acid-washed glass bottles provided by the laboratory 

and were preserved using a potassium dichromate−nitric acid 

solution. Filtered and unfiltered water samples for analysis of 

MeHg were stored in acid-washed Teflon bottles provided by 

the WDML and were preserved either by freezing on dry ice 

or by using a 50-percent hydrochloric acid solution provided 

by the WDML. Filtered and unfiltered samples for analysis 

of cations and trace elements were preserved using distilled 

(ultrapure) nitric acid provided by the NRP laboratory. 

Filtered samples collected for analysis of anions were 

chilled on wet ice or refrigerated at less than 5°C until analysis. Unfiltered samples collected for analysis of nutrients were 

preserved using a sulfuric acid solution and then chilled on 

wet ice followed by refrigeration; filtered nutrient samples 

were not acidified but were chilled prior to analysis. Samples 

collected for analysis of stable isotopes of hydrogen and 

oxygen in water were stored in glass bottles with polyseal caps 

with minimal headspace to retard evaporation. Aqueous sulfate 

was precipitated from filtered water samples at 90°C using a 

barium chloride solution after using HCl to lower the pH value 

to about 2; the resulting barium sulfate precipitate was filtered 

using 0.7-μm filters and then transferred to silver-foil trays.

For most water samples, care was taken not to disturb 

bed sediments before sample collection. Such samples are 

referred to throughout this report as environmental samples. 

The amount of suspended sediment in two of the water 

samples was intentionally increased by human activity. These 

two samples are referred to throughout this report as disturbed 

samples.

Unstable water-quality constituents measured in the field 

included temperature, pH, specific conductance, and dissolved 

oxygen (table 1). Values of pH were determined using an 

Orion 250A or 290A meter with a gel-filled Triode electrode. 

The pH meter was calibrated using commercially available pH 

7 and 4 buffers. Water temperatures were measured using a 

thermometer that was checked against a thermometer certified 

by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM); 

temperature data are accurate within 0.5°C. Specific conductance was determined using a Cole-Parmer meter and probe; 

a one-point calibration was done with a USGS standard in the 

approximate concentration range of the unknowns. Dissolved 

oxygen was determined using a YSI meter and probe, calibrated using standard procedures.

Sediment 

Sediment samples were collected using polycarbonate, Teflon, or stainless steel spoons and knives, and were 

transferred to Teflon or acid-washed glass containers using 

acid-cleaned stainless steel spatulas, following the protocols 

described by Shelton and Capel (1994). Sediment samples 

collected for analysis of THg were chilled immediately on wet 

ice and stored at 5°C or less until analysis. Sediment samples 

collected for analysis of MeHg were stored immediately on 

dry ice and frozen until analysis.

Invertebrates

Invertebrates were collected using dip nets and (or) by 

hand. Captured invertebrates were temporarily stored with 

native water in zippered plastic bags and were passively depurated over 4−24 hours. Invertebrates typically were combined 

as composites of multiple individuals to obtain a minimum of 

one gram of biomass for the analysis. In some cases, however, samples weighing less than one gram were analyzed. 

Prior to initial processing, samples were held on dry ice or 

wet ice. Initial processing of invertebrate samples proceeded 

within 24 hours of collection. Samples were thoroughly rinsed 

with DI water and patted dry using disposable paper towels. 

Composites of similar size and (or) age individuals (visually estimated) were placed in chemically cleaned jars (VWR 

Trace Clean TM jars, certified at <0.2 μg/L Hg). Invertebrate 

samples were analyzed primarily for MeHg; in some cases, 

however, samples were analyzed for both THg and MeHg.

Frogs

Frogs were held on wet ice for 4−8 hours and then placed 

on dry ice. The samples were stored frozen up to 3 months 

before dissecting out the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. After 

excising the GI tract, frog carcasses were placed in certified, 

chemically cleaned jars and kept frozen until sent to the analytical laboratory. Usually, individual frog samples were sent 

for analysis, but, in one case, a composite of immature Pacific 

treefrogs was sent. Frogs were analyzed only for THg.

Study Design 9
Station 

map ID Station name Station number Date Time

Water 

temperature 

(degrees 

Celsius)

(00010)

pH

(00400)

Specific 

conductance 

(μS/cm)

(00905)

Dissolved 

oxygen

(mg/L)

(00300)

Discharge 

(gal/min) Comments

Environmental samplesBY20 Boston Mine tunnel outlet nr Grass Valley 391346120540901 6/18/1999 14:30

 6.6 120

 2.5

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel outlet nr Grass Valley 391346120540901 12/14/1999 12:00 7.0 8.0 151

 6

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel outlet nr Grass Valley 391346120540901 5/24/2000 16:00 15.0 6.9 95





BY20 Boston Mine tunnel outlet nr Grass Valley 391346120540901 12/21/2001 12:10 7.6 7.0 73 10.8 15BY21 Boston Mine wetlands pond nr Grass Valley 391343120541101 12/14/1999 10:30 5.0 7.4 151





BY21 Boston Mine wetlands pond nr Grass Valley 391343120541101 5/24/2000 16:30 27.0 6.9 82





BY58 Buckeye Flat Mine main drain 0.45 mi ab 

Greenhorn Cr

391425120534101 8/21/2000 11:00 15.0 3.4 334

 2

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N drain to Greenhorn Cr, 

Grass Valley

391446120534201 6/18/1999 11:30

 3.7 407

 7.5

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N drain to Greenhorn Cr, 

Grass Valley

391446120534201 12/2/1999 11:00 9.0 4.0 291





BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N drain to Greenhorn Cr, 

Grass Valley

391446120534201 8/22/2000 10:45 14.0 4.2 372

 4.8

BY116 Buckeye Flat Mine pond drain 0.15 mi ab SF 

Greenhorn Cr

391416120532001 8/21/2000 14:10 16.0 5.7 29

 2

BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine S drain to SF Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

391415120533701 8/26/1999 11:00 24.0 5.1



 1 Discharge estimated

BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine S drain to SF Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

391415120533701 8/22/2000 12:10 16.0 5.6 23

 .5

BY25 Buckeye Flat Mine upper drain 391453120534801 4/9/2001 10:00 8.0 5.1 97





BY25 Buckeye Flat Mine upper drain 391453120534801 10/18/2001 11:30 12.0 5.1 123 2.9

 Ponded

BY52 Greenhorn Cr 0.3 mi ab Buckeye Ford nr 

Nevada City

391434120541001 1/25/2000 10:45

 6.6 34





BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You Bet Rd nr Nevada City 391116120562501 1/25/2000 12:00

 6.9 39





BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You Bet Rd nr Nevada City 391116120562501 7/24/2001 11:00 19.5 7.5 68 8.4 1,050BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You Bet Rd nr Nevada City 391116120562501 8/29/2001 15:00

 7.4 68

 624

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You Bet Rd nr Nevada City 391116120562501 9/14/2001 13:00 21.0 7.1



 754

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You Bet Rd nr Nevada City 391116120562501 10/15/2001 12:00 13.2 7.3 70 8.5 900 Discharge estimatedBY59 Greenhorn Cr at You Bet Rd nr Nevada City 391116120562501 11/20/2001 13:20 12.5 7.4 78 10.1 2,060BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You Bet Rd nr Nevada City 391116120562501 12/10/2001 12:20 8.3 7.4 71

 19,700

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You Bet Rd nr Nevada City 391116120562501 12/21/2001 13:00 7.5 6.6

 9.8 67,800

BY51 Greenhorn Cr nr headwaters nr Scotts Flat 

Reservoir

391657120493101 1/25/2000 9:30

 6.7 18





BY75 Missouri Cyn Cr 1.2 mi ab Greenhorn Cr nr 

Chicago Park

391259120535801 12/14/1999 14:00 9.0 6.9 132

 2,200

BY86 Poore Mine creek ab tunnel nr Grass Valley 391346120545101 3/31/1999 17:40 6.6 7.2 38 12.2



Table 1. Data for water-quality parameters measured in the field, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, California.[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, Creek; Cyn, Canyon; mi, mile; N, North; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, South; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a five-digit code used in the U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μS/cm, microsiemens per centimeter; mg/L, milligram per liter; gal/min, gallon per minute; 

, not determined]

10 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
Station 

map ID Station name Station number Date Time

Water 

temperature 

(degrees 

Celsius)

(00010)

pH

(00400)

Specific 

conductance 

(μS/cm)

(00905)

Dissolved 

oxygen

(mg/L)

(00300)

Discharge 

(gal/min) Comments

BY87 Poore Mine creek bl tunnel nr Grass Valley 391343120544201 3/31/1999 13:30 6.4 7.2 42 12.5 1,400BY88 Poore Mine ground sluice nr Grass Valley 391351120544901 4/1/1999 15:40 11.6 5.8 98 11.5 3BY89 Poore Mine pit lake nr Grass Valley 391354120544301 4/1/1999 16:50 11.6 6.4 33 7.6 BY89 Poore Mine pit lake nr Grass Valley 391354120544301 5/23/2000 10:45 23.6 5.8 178  BY90 Poore Mine seep ab ground sluice nr Grass 

Valley

391352120544601 4/1/1999 16:00  5.5   

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel effluent nr Grass Valley 391347120544301 3/31/1999 15:20 10.9 6.9 118 10.2 BY91 Poore Mine tunnel effluent nr Grass Valley 391347120544301 12/15/1999 13:30  7.6 173  10BY91 Poore Mine tunnel effluent nr Grass Valley 391347120544301 5/23/2000 12:00 9.0 6.8 163  BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main drain Gulch 01 nr 

Quaker Hill

391620120532201 7/6/1999 16:00  5.1 62  .02

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main drain Gulch 01 nr 

Quaker Hill

391620120532201 12/2/1999 14:30  6.3 21  

BY106 Sailor Flat Mine main drainage to Greenhorn 

Cr, Gulch 03

391615120531501 4/9/2001 12:30 10.0 6.2   

BY114 SF Greenhorn Cr 0.7 mi ab Greenhorn Cr nr 

Nevada City

391401120534001 8/22/2000 15:10 16.5 7.3 65  55 Discharge estimated

BY115 SF Greenhorn Cr bl Boston Mine nr Nevada 

City

391351120541101 12/21/2001 12:40 6.3 6.7 41 10.2 4,500

BY122 Starr Mine tunnel inflow nr Grass Valley 391327120542001 4/23/1999 15:00 14.6 7.4 114 8.2 BY123 Starr Mine tunnel midway nr Grass Valley 391329120543001 4/23/1999 13:40 14.9 7.3 211  BY123 Starr Mine tunnel midway nr Grass Valley 391329120543001 12/15/1999 10:45  7.6 287  15BY124 Starr Mine tunnel outlet nr Grass Valley 391330120543301 8/23/2000 17:30 16.0 4.8   3BY129 Tom and Jerry Mine drain at tunnel inlet nr 

Nevada City

391627120524901 6/28/2000 12:00 14.0    

BY130 Tom and Jerry Mine drain at tunnel outlet nr 

Nevada City

391627120524801 6/28/2000 11:30     

BY131 Tom and Jerry Mine drainage pond nr Nevada 

City

391628120524401 8/23/2000 10:45 13.3 6.6 52  

Disturbed samplesBY123 Starr Mine tunnel midway nr Grass Valley 391329120543001 12/15/1999 11:30  7.6 284  15 Disturbed sampleBY129 Tom and Jerry Mine drain at tunnel inlet nr 

Nevada City 391627120524901 6/28/2000 12:30 21.5 7.9 109 9.3  Disturbed sample

Table 1. Data for water-quality parameters measured in the field, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, California−Continued.[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, Creek; Cyn, Canyon; mi, mile; N, North; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, South; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a five-digit code used in the U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μS/cm, microsiemens per centimeter; mg/L, milligram per liter; gal/min, gallon per minute; , not determined]

Study Design 11
Laboratory Methods of Chemical Analysis 

This section presents information on analytical methods 

used in this study. Where USGS-approved methods were used 

by laboratories such as the USGS NWQL, relatively little 

information is given in this report, and the reader is referred to 

published sources. More detailed information is given in this 

section for research methods that are not officially approved 

by the USGS as “production methods.”

Water 

Total mercury (THg) in water was analyzed by the USGS 

NRP laboratory in Boulder, Colorado, using cold-vapor 

atomic-fluorescence spectrometry (CVAFS). Mercury stock 

and standard solutions were made from Puratronic grade 

(99.9995 percent) mercuric chloride (HgCl2) salt (Johnson 

Matthey Plc) and preserved in a solution of high-purity nitric 

acid and primary-standard grade potassium dichromate using 

the same reagents and concentrations as those used to preserve 

samples. Deionized water (type 1, 18 MΩ-cm) was used for 

preparing all standards and reagent solutions. A solution of 3 

percent hydrochloric acid (volume:volume, hydrochloric acid:

type 1, 18 MΩ-cm DI water) was used to prepare a 2-percent 

stannous chloride (SnCl2) solution (wt:volume, stannous chloride:3 percent hydrochloric acid), which was used to reduce 

mercury to its elemental form in the cold vapor reactor. The 

vapor was transported to the detector with a stream of argon 

gas. Trace concentration levels of mercury were measured 

using an automated, cold-vapor atomic-fluorescence spectrometer or CVAFS (PS Analytical) using methods described 

previously by Roth (1994) and by David A. Roth (U.S. 

Geological Survey, written commun., 1999). Instrument 

parameters for the CVAFS mercury analysis were the same 

as those described by Alpers and others (2000). Peak height 

intensities of unknown samples were compared to a six-point 

calibration curve prepared from aqueous standards ranging in 

concentration from 0 to 50 ng/L.

Methylmercury (MeHg) in water was analyzed at the 

USGS WDML in Middleton, Wisconsin using ethylationdistillation CVAFS methods with double amalgamation, as 

described by Olson and De Wild (1999) and by De Wild and 

others (2002). Analysis of MeHg in water by the WDML was 

approved by the USGS Branch of Quality Assurance as a 

production method in August 2002, after the analyses in this 

report were completed. The method used by the WDML to 

analyze MeHg in water samples in this study was identical to 

the USGS-approved method.

Major cations and trace metals in water were analyzed by 

inductively coupled plasma (ICP) methods: both atomic emission spectrometry (AES) and mass spectrometry (MS) were 

used. Major elements including calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), 

magnesium (Mg), potassium (K), sodium (Na), and silica 

(SiO2) were determined by ICP−AES techniques using a 

Perkin-Elmer Optima 3300DV multi-channel emission 

spectrometer. Use of the dual-view (radial and axial) optical 

configuration provided optimal sensitivity for various elements 

regardless of concentration. A description of the analysis 

conditions and procedures is reported by Garbarino and Taylor 

(1979). Details of the operational conditions are described by 

Mitko and Bebek (1999, 2000). Except for mercury, trace-element determinations were done by ICP−MS using a Perkin 

Elmer Elan Model 6000. Aerosols of acidified aqueous 

samples were introduced into the spectrometer with a conespray pneumatic nebulizer. Multiple internal standards (indium 

[In], iridium [Ir], and rhodium [Rh]), which covered the mass 

range, were used to normalize the system for drift. Details of 

the specific analysis techniques, procedures, and instrumental 

settings are described by Garbarino and Taylor (1996) and 

Taylor (2001). Major anions in filtered water (chloride and 

sulfate) were analyzed by ion chromatography following 

procedures described by Fishman and Friedman (1989). 

Nutrients in each water sample were analyzed for 

three forms of phosphorus (P) and five forms of nitrogen 

(N), as described below. The phosphorus analyses included 

orthophosphate in filtered water, plus total phosphorus in both 

unfiltered and filtered water. Orthophosphate was determined 

using an automated, colorimetric, phosphomolybdate blue 

procedure with antimony (Sb) added to increase the reduction 

rate (Patton and Truitt, 1992; Fishman, 1993). Total phosphorus was determined colorimetrically as orthophosphate after 

Kjeldahl digestion (Patton and Truitt, 1992). Filtered water 

samples were analyzed for nitrogen in the following forms: 

(1) nitrite (NO2

-

), (2) nitrite plus nitrate (NO3

-

), (3) ammonia 

(NH3), and (4) ammonia plus organic nitrogen. Ammonia plus 

organic nitrogen was also determined in raw water samples. 

The method used to analyze nitrite was diazotization using 

sulfanilamide and N-1-naphthylethylenediamine under acidic 

conditions to form a red compound, the absorbance of which 

was determined colorimetrically using an automated segment 

flow procedure (Fishman, 1993). The concentration of nitrite 

plus nitrate was determined by reducing nitrate to nitrite using 

cadmium metal; the nitrite was then analyzed by diazotization 

(Fishman, 1993). Ammonia was analyzed using a salicylatehypochlorite method, in the presence of ferricyanide ions, 

that produces the salicylic acid analog of indophenol blue, 

which was analyzed colorimetrically using an automated-segmented flow procedure (Fishman, 1993). The concentration 

of ammonia plus organic nitrogen in raw and filtered samples 

was determined using the same Kjeldahl digestion as that used 

for total phosphorus, in which the organic nitrogen is reduced 

to the ammonium ion, followed by determination of the 

ammonium ion concentration by the colorimetric salicylatehypochlorite method (Fishman and Friedman, 1989; Patton 

and Truitt, 1992).

12 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
Concentrations of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) were 

determined in 100-mL filtered water samples (0.45-μm silver 

membrane filter). The filtrates were acidified first to remove 

dissolved and colloidal carbonates and bicarbonates, then 

the organic carbon was oxidized to carbon dioxide by adding 

persulfate and exposing the samples to ultraviolet light. The 

carbon dioxide was then measured by infrared spectrometry 

using a Dorhmann carbon analyzer (Brenton and Arnett, 

1993). Particulate organic carbon (POC) concentrations were 

determined in the residual material that was collected on the 

silver membrane filters used to prepare DOC samples. The 

silver membrane filters were treated with acid to dissolve 

inorganic forms of carbon, then were reacted with potassium 

persulfate in glass ampules for 4 hours at 116° to 130°C. Then 

the ampules were broken in the carbon analyzer, releasing 

carbon dioxide, which was measured by infrared spectrometry 

using an Oceanography International carbon analyzer 

(Wershaw and others, 1987).

Sediments

For most constituents, the analytical methods used for 

determining concentrations in sediment were similar to those 

used for water samples. After a small aliquot (usually 50 to 

100 mg) of sediment was selected for analysis and weighed, 

the constituents of concern were liberated from the sediment 

by digestion or chemical extraction. After dilution and preservation, the digests were analyzed by methods similar to those 

used for water samples. 

Sediments in subsamples collected for analysis of trace 

metals and major elements were completely dissolved using 

a total HCl−HNO3−HF acid microwave digestion procedure 

(Hayes, 1993). The digested subsamples were diluted at 

1:10 (volume:volume, digest:DI water) with 18 MΩ-cm DI 

water for analysis by ICP methods. The digested sediment 

subsamples were stabilized with the same reagents used for 

the preservation of the water samples.

Methylmercury in sediment was analyzed at the USGS 

WDML in Middleton, Wisconsin, using CVAFS methods with 

double amalgamation after ethylation of MeHg by extraction, 

a method less prone to produce MeHg artifacts than the distillation method used to analyze MeHg in water samples. MeHg 

can be a difficult constituent to measure in solids because of 

matrix interferences and the possibility of unintentionally 

producing MeHg during distillation (Bloom and others, 1997; 

Hintelmann and others, 1997; Hammerschmidt and Fitzgerald, 

2001). Researchers at the WDML have adopted a published 

technique (Hintelmann, 1999) for extracting MeHg from 

solids that eliminates formation of MeHg in samples with 

high inorganic mercury levels. Solids (0.5 to 1.0 g) are placed 

into a centrifuge tube. Potassium bromide (KBr), copper 

sulfate (CuSO4), and methylene chloride (CH2Cl2) are added 

sequentially. The mixture is allowed to react for an hour and 

then is shaken for an hour to ensure complete extraction of the 

MeHg. Following the shaking, the samples are centrifuged to 

break any emulsion that has formed. An aliquot of the CH2Cl2

is cleanly transferred to a vial containing reagent water. 

These vials are placed in a heating block until all CH2Cl2 has 

evaporated and the MeHg has back-extracted into the reagent 

water. The pH of the extractant is adjusted to 4.9 (to maximize 

ethylation potential) using acetate buffer. The extractant then is 

ethylated using sodium tetraethyl borate (NaBEt4) and allowed 

to react for 15 minutes. After the reaction, the extractant is 

purged with nitrogen gas (N2) for 20 minutes and the ethylated 

forms of Hg are collected on a sample trap containing Carbotrap. These ethylated Hg species are desorbed thermally 

from the sample trap, separated using a gas chromatographic 

(GC) column, reduced using a pyrolytic column, and detected 

using a CVAFS detector. 

Invertebrates and Frogs

Total mercury and MeHg in biological samples were 

analyzed at the Trace Element Research Laboratory (TERL) 

at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas. Before 

samples were analyzed for THg by cold-vapor atomicabsorption spectrometry (CVAAS), the Hg was converted 

to the Hg2+ form. Mercury was digested using a modified 

version of USEPA methods 245.5 and 245.6. Tissue samples 

were freeze-dried or wet when analyzed. Freeze-dried tissue 

samples were homogenized in the original sample containers and then subsampled; wet samples were homogenized in 

a Tekmar Tissumizer and then subsampled. Samples were 

digested with a mixture containing nitric acid, sulfuric acid, 

potassium permanganate, and potassium persulfate in polypropylene tubes in a water bath at 90−95°C. Before analysis, 

hydroxylamine hydrochloride was added to reduce excess 

permanganate, and the samples were brought to full volume 

using distilled-deionized water.

When the CVAAS procedure for determining THg in the 

biological tissue samples is used, divalent mercury (Hg2+) in 

aqueous samples (digested tissue samples) is reduced to the 

elemental state (Hg0) by a strong reducing agent (stannous 

chloride). Gaseous Hg0 is transported by the sweep gas into an 

atomic absorption cell, where light produced by a Hg vapor 

lamp is absorbed by the free Hg atoms. The concentration of 

Hg in the sample is determined by comparing light absorption 

of the sample with that of external calibration standards.

The procedure for determining MeHg in biological tissue samples measured the sum of all organo-mercury species 

extracted by the solvent. Samples were wet or freeze-dried 

when analyzed. Homogenized aliquots were extracted by an 

organic solvent with potassium bromide and copper sulfate 

added to improve extraction efficiency. The organic phase was 

digested in combusted glass vials, using nitric and sulfuric 

acids and potassium permanganate, to convert all mercury species to ionic mercury and to remove traces of organic solvent 

that could affect the measurement. Analysis was based on the 

CVAAS method.

Study Design 13
Moisture content was determined by weight loss during freeze-drying and is expressed as weight percentage of 

the original wet sample. Depending upon sample size, either 

the whole sample or a representative aliquot was frozen and 

then dried in a vacuum until a constant weight was attained. 

Samples were prepared and dried using plastic materials to 

minimize potential contamination artifacts.

Quality Assurance and Quality Control

A variety of measurements and analyses were used to 

determine the quality of the data associated with this study. 

The quality assurance (QA) program consisted of qualitycontrol (QC) measures including field and laboratory blank 

samples, standard reference materials (SRM) where available, 

spike recoveries, and replicate samples. 

Water and Sediments

Major and trace elements in water were analyzed by 

inductively coupled plasma (ICP) methods; each analysis 

consisted of at least four replicate instrumental measurements. 

Each filtered and unfiltered sample was collected in duplicate and analyzed in triplicate. The triplicate analyses were 

analyzed statistically and the analyses were accepted if the 

standard deviation was within standard tolerances of precision 

(generally less than 15 percent of the amount present). The 

error tolerance is increased for analyses close to the detection 

limit for a given analyte. Median detection limits for trace 

elements analyzed by ICP−MS are given in table D1. 

When each batch of samples was analyzed by ICP for 

trace element and major cations, several standard reference 

materials were also analyzed as unknowns as part of the QA 

program. Plots of reported values in relation to observed 

values for certified SRM and USGS standard reference 

water samples (SRWS) are shown in figures B1 through B7. 

The number of times each standard was analyzed during 

1999−2001 is indicated on each figure; the standards typically 

were run several hundred times during the study period. There 

is excellent agreement between all reported and observed 

values for the standards. Regression coefficients were derived 

from correlation plots of observed and reported values for the 

analysis of standard reference materials for 21 selected trace 

elements (table D2); the regression coefficients range from 

0.9881 for manganese to 1.000 for beryllium and antimony.

Data for spiked, blank samples for the elements arsenic, 

beryllium, copper, and zinc analyzed during July 2000 through 

August 2001 are shown in figure B8. In nearly all cases, the 

spike recovery was within the control range of 80 to 120 

percent of the expected amount. Data for spiked blank samples 

having an expected THg concentration of 5 ng/L are given 

in figure B9. Nearly all results fall in the control range of 80 

to 120 percent recovery. Results for trace-element spikes of 

unknown samples are shown in figure B10 for four trace 

elements and in figure B11 for mercury. Spike levels were 

generally three to ten times the amount present in field 

samples for each element. Again, nearly all the spike recoveries were in the control range of 80 to 120 percent of the 

expected value. 

Because replicate split samples were routinely analyzed 

as separate unknowns and each replicate was analyzed in 

triplicate, plots of replicate 1 versus replicate 2 indicate the 

analytical variability as well as possible contamination issues 

regarding bottles and sample-splitting equipment. The plots 

in figures B12 and B13 for 12 of the elements analyzed by the 

NRP laboratory during the study period show very few outliers 

for replicate analyses. Values of relative standard deviation 

(RSD) for six elements (fig. B14) are generally less than 10 

percent at concentrations well above the method detection 

limit (MDL) for each element, whereas RSD values tend to be 

higher at concentrations near the MDL, where lower precision 

is generally indicated by reporting data to fewer significant 

figures. Results for replicate analyses of specific samples 

are shown for mercury in unfiltered water (fig. B15) and for 

mercury in filtered water (fig. B16). One outlier is evident 

on fig. B15; it was not used to compute averages or median 

values.

Precision and accuracy criteria for THg in filtered and 

unfiltered water samples were evaluated by analyzing results 

for field and laboratory blank samples, standard reference 

materials, spike addition recoveries, and replicate samples. 

All samples were analyzed at least in triplicate. In most cases, 

each sample was sent to the laboratory in two bottles designated as split replicates “1 of 2” and “2 of 2.” The MDL for 

the THg analyses was 0.3 nanogram per liter (ng/L). 

Data for THg in field blanks are given in table D3. 

Deionized source water from a MilliQ purification system at 

the USGS laboratory in Sacramento, California, was used for 

blanks taken in late November 1999. The source water blank 

had THg concentrations of 2.1 to 3.3 ng/L. Nine subsequent 

equipment and process (filtered) blanks taken during January 

and February 2000 had a median THg concentration of 

0.5 ng/L, just above the MDL, and a range from <0.4 ng/L 

to 1.6 ng/L. In comparison, the medians of station-averaged 

values for unfiltered and filtered THg in this study were 

14.6 ng/L and 2.8 ng/L, respectively. Several values for filtered THg in field samples are less than the MDL of 0.3 ng/L 

(table 2). Given that some of the blank values for THg are in 

the same concentration range as the values for some of the 

filtered samples, these lower-levels values must be interpreted 

with caution. 

Quality-control measures used during analysis of MeHg 

in water were described by De Wild and others (2002). Water 

samples were analyzed in batches of 11 samples plus three 

laboratory blanks, a matrix spike, and a matrix spike duplicate. 

The reported values for MeHg concentrations were corrected 

for daily blank values, as described by De Wild and others 

(2002). The MDL for MeHg in water at the USGS Wisconsin 

District Mercury Laboratory, defined using standard protocol 

(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1990), was 

0.025 ng/L during 1999−2000 and was 0.04 ng/L during 2001. 

A conservative MDL for MeHg of 0.04 ng/L is used 

throughout this report.

14 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time

Mercury, unfiltered

(ng/L)

replicate 1 of 2

(50286)

Mercury, unfiltered 

(ng/L)

replicate 2 of 2

(50286)

Mercury, filtered

(ng/L)

replicate 1 of 2

(50287)

Mercury, filtered

(ng/L)

replicate 1 of 2

(50287)

Value Standard deviation Value Standard deviation Value Standard deviation Value Standard deviation

Environmental samples

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel outlet nr Grass Valley 6/18/1999 14:30 10.4 0.4 9.6 0.2 2.7 0.1 3.4 0.3BY20 Boston Mine tunnel outlet nr Grass Valley 12/14/1999 12:00 121 1 86 2 4.9 .1 5.6 .2BY20 Boston Mine tunnel outlet nr Grass Valley 5/24/2000 16:00 12.5 .4 7.6 .2    BY20 Boston Mine tunnel outlet nr Grass Valley 12/21/2001 12:10 16.6 .1 17.8 .1 1.7 .1 2.3 .2BY21 Boston Mine wetlands pond nr Grass Valley 12/14/1999 10:30 254 4 3.5 .2 2.8 .2 2.1 .1BY21 Boston Mine wetlands pond nr Grass Valley 5/24/2000 16:30 2.1 .2 2.0 .2    BY58 Buckeye Flat Mine main drain 0.45 mi ab Greenhorn Cr 8/21/2000 11:00 1.4 .1 1.6 .2 .7 .2 1.2 0BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N drain to Greenhorn Cr, Grass Valley 6/18/1999 11:30 3.9 .3 4.2 0 2.2 .1 2.7 .3BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N drain to Greenhorn Cr, Grass Valley 12/2/1999 11:00 30,380 1,081 31,644 779 1,221 40 1,330 35BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N drain to Greenhorn Cr, Grass Valley 8/22/2000 10:45 7,990 346 3,150 83 3,000  2,000 BY116 Buckeye Flat Mine pond drain 0.15 mi ab SF Greenhorn Cr 8/21/2000 14:10 9.2 .2 9.6 .3 10.2 .2 9.9 .3BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine S drain to SF Greenhorn Cr, Grass Valley 8/26/1999 11:00 188,000 9,600 183,000 3,500 6,000 700 6,400 300BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine S drain to SF Greenhorn Cr, Grass Valley 8/22/2000 12:10 56,700 1,100 31,200 313 8,000  8,000 BY25 Buckeye Flat Mine upper drain 4/9/2001 10:00 3.1 .2 3.5 .3 1.3 .2 1.2 .1BY25 Buckeye Flat Mine upper drain 10/18/2001 11:30 4.8 .2 5.5 .4 .9 .1 1.1 .2BY52 Greenhorn Cr 0.3 mi ab Buckeye Ford nr Nevada City 1/25/2000 10:45 29.8 .2 24.4 0 3.7 .1 3.7 .2BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You Bet Rd nr Nevada City 1/25/2000 12:00 437 2 412 25 9.0 .5 8.7 .1BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You Bet Rd nr Nevada City 7/24/2001 11:00 5.1 .1 4.9 .2 1.3 .2 1.3 .2BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You Bet Rd nr Nevada City 8/29/2001 15:00 3.9 .1 3.9 .1 1.7 .2 1.9 0BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You Bet Rd nr Nevada City 9/14/2001 13:00 7.3 .3 5.5 0 2.9 .2 2.7 .1BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You Bet Rd nr Nevada City 10/15/2001 12:00 1.8 .1 1.9 .1 .9 .2 1.3 .1BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You Bet Rd nr Nevada City 11/20/2001 13:20     1.9 .1 2 .1BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You Bet Rd nr Nevada City 12/10/2001 12:20     4.7 0 4.7 .1BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You Bet Rd nr Nevada City 12/21/2001 13:00 51 .2 53 .2    BY51 Greenhorn Cr nr headwaters nr Scotts Flat Res 1/25/2000 9:30 8.6 .1 5.4 .3 5.2 .1 5 .4BY75 Missouri Cyn Cr 1.2 mi ab Greenhorn Cr nr Chicago Park 12/14/1999 14:00 6.2 .2 5.9 .3 2.0 .3 2.2 .1BY86 Poore Mine creek ab Tunnel nr Grass Valley 3/31/1999 17:40 17.1 0   <.3 .1  BY87 Poore Mine creek bl Tunnel nr Grass Valley 3/31/1999 13:30 5.0 .7 4.6 .9 .7 .3 .8 0Table 2. Concentrations of total mercury in water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, California.[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, creek; Cyn, Canyon; mi, mile; nr, near; Rd, Road; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a five-digit code used in the U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. BIT, broken in transit; *, suspect value (filtered concentration greater than unfiltered concentration). ng/L, nanogram per liter; , not determined; <, less than]

Study Design 15
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time

Mercury, unfiltered

(ng/L)

replicate 1 of 2

(50286)

Mercury, unfiltered 

(ng/L)

replicate 2 of 2

(50286)

Mercury, filtered

(ng/L)

replicate 1 of 2

(50287)

Mercury, filtered

(ng/L)

replicate 1 of 2

(50287)

Value Standard deviation Value Standard deviation Value Standard deviation Value Standard deviation

BY88 Poore Mine ground sluice nr Grass Valley 4/1/1999 15:40 0.8 0.1 0.9 0.1 <0.3 0.2





BY89 Poore Mine pit lake nr Grass Valley 4/1/1999 16:50 5.7 .4



 .5 .2 .7 .1

BY89 Poore Mine pit lake nr Grass Valley 5/23/2000 10:45 4.3 .2 4.3 .3 1.3 .1 .8 .2BY90 Poore Mine seep ab ground sluice nr Grass Valley 4/1/1999 16:00







 <.3 .1





BY91 Poore Mine tunnel effluent nr Grass Valley 3/31/1999 15:20 6.3 .7 6.1 .5 <.3 .1 <.3 .1BY91 Poore Mine tunnel effluent nr Grass Valley 12/15/1999 13:30 6.5 .3 14.5 .5 1.5 .2 2.1 0BY91 Poore Mine tunnel effluent nr Grass Valley 5/23/2000 12:00 55.8 .5 59.3 1 







BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main drain Gulch 01 nr Quaker Hill 7/6/1999 16:00 9.5 0 8.1 .1 1.4 .2 1.7 .2BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main drain Gulch 01 nr Quaker Hill 12/2/1999 14:30 153,000 11,000 153,000 4,000 BIT BIT 3,440 40BY106 Sailor Flat Mine main drainage to Greenhorn Cr, 

Gulch 03

4/9/2001 12:30 14.5 .3 14.6 .4 10.1 .2 9.9 .3

BY114 SF Greenhorn Cr 0.7 mi ab Greenhorn Cr nr Nevada City 8/22/2000 15:10 231 4 186 6 196 24 170 19BY115 SF Greenhorn Cr bl Boston Mine nr Nevada City 12/21/2001 12:40 12.4 .1 11.8 .2



 6.4 .4

BY122 Starr Mine tunnel inflow nr Grass Valley 4/23/1999 15:00 4.3 .3 4.9 .2 .5 .1 .6 .1BY123 Starr Mine tunnel midway nr Grass Valley 4/23/1999 13:40 656 9 415 12 4.4 0 4.6 .1BY123 Starr Mine tunnel midway nr Grass Valley 12/15/1999 10:45 1,545 30 1,734 46 4.3 0 4.8 .1BY124 Starr Mine tunnel outlet nr Grass Valley 8/23/2000 17:30 538 17 392 13 3.5 0.3 3.4 .2BY129 Tom and Jerry Mine drain at tunnel inlet nr Nevada City 6/28/2000 12:00 24.9 1.2 27.7 .1









BY130 Tom and Jerry Mine drain at tunnel outlet nr Nevada City 6/28/2000 11:30 1.3 0 1.2 .2









BY131 Tom and Jerry Mine drainage pond nr Nevada City 8/23/2000 10:45 33.2 1.2 31.6 .5 16.4 .4 15.9 .1Disturbed samplesBY123 Starr Mine Tunnel midway nr Grass Valley 12/15/1999 11:30 428,000 35,000 495,000 52,000 33.7 0.2 32.3 0.6BY129 Tom and Jerry Mine drain at tunnel inlet nr Nevada City 6/28/2000 12:30 232 4 230 4 







Table 2. Concentrations of total mercury in water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, California

Continued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, creek; Cyn, Canyon; mi, mile; nr, near; Rd, Road; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a five-digit code used in the U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. BIT, broken in transit; ng/L, nanogram per liter; 

, not determined; <, less than]

16 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
Concentrations of MeHg in blanks analyzed during 

this study are given in table D4. Methylmercury was below 

the MDL of 0.04 ng/L in all six of the equipment and process blanks taken during the study period. A single process 

(filtered) blank had a MeHg value of 0.04 ng/L, right at the 

detection limit. 

Figure B17 shows the relation between specific conductance (SC) and the sum of equivalent change based on analyses of major anions (Cl−

 and SO4

2-) plus bicarbonate alkalinity 

(as HCO3

-

). Theoretically, the relation in figure B17 should 

define a straight line. Based on the relation in figure B17, data 

for SC, anions, and alkalinity for five water samples that plotted as outliers were deemed unreliable and were removed from 

the data tables. 

Concentration values for trace metals and major cations 

in blank water samples are given in table D5 (filtered and 

unfiltered process blanks) and table B6 (equipment blanks and 

source blanks). 

Invertebrates and Frogs 

Duplicate samples of invertebrates and frogs were analyzed at a rate of 5 percent of total samples, with at least one 

duplicate per matrix per analytical run to estimate the precision of the methods. To confirm the accuracy of the methods, 

procedural blanks, spiked samples, and SRMs were analyzed. 

To confirm that no analyte was added during the processing 

of the sample, procedural blanks were analyzed at a rate of 

5 percent of the total samples, with at least one per matrix 

per analytical run. Spiked samples were analyzed at a rate 

of 5 percent, with at least one spike per matrix per analytical 

run. Spikes were samples fortified with a known quantity of 

analyte and analyzed as part of the run. Standard reference 

materials (dogfish liver and muscle) were analyzed at a rate 

of 5 percent to ensure that the method worked with naturally 

incorporated mercury.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Patuxent Analytical Control Facility (PACF) was responsible for assuring 

the quality of the chemical analyses provided by TERL. 

Their reports indicated that the limits of detection for THg 

and MeHg were all below the maximum acceptable value 

(0.20 μg/g, dry weight), and analyses of procedural blanks 

were within normal limits. Spiked sample recoveries averaged 

96.7 percent for THg (n = 24 [number of samples]) and ranged 

between 83.2 and 116 percent. For MeHg, spiked sample 

recoveries averaged 95.7 percent (n = 21) and ranged between 

79.3 and 107 percent. For both THg and MeHg, the spiked 

sample recoveries were acceptable because they were within 

2 standard deviations of the mean in at least 95 percent of the 

samples. The average percentage recovery (and range) from 

SRMs for THg (n = 26) was 96.7 percent (84.5−110 percent); 

for MeHg (n = 22) the average percentage recovery was 98.8 

percent (85.6−112 percent). All percentage recoveries were 

within acceptable limits. THg was analyzed in duplicate on 25 

samples, and the relative percentage difference (RPD) between 

duplicates ranged from 0.53 to 16.7 percent and averaged 

5.2 percent. MeHg was analyzed in duplicate on 21 samples, 

and the RPD between duplicates ranged from 0.35 to 24.2 percent and averaged 5.4 percent. All duplicate analyses were 

within acceptable limits. 

Results

This section is divided into two parts. The first part 

describes overall trends in the data set, and the second part 

describes the data by geographic area.

Overall Trends

In this section, the overall trends in the data are discussed 

in terms of water quality, sediment, and biota. The relations 

between mercury and methylmercury concentrations are investigated for water, sediment, and invertebrates. For the water 

samples, the relations between mercury and methylmercury 

concentrations and pH and sulfate are explored.

Water Quality

Water-quality data for the 49 samples collected in the 

Greenhorn Creek drainage during 1999−2001 are given in 

tables 1−8 (table 4 in back of report) and figures 6−17. (Note 

that results less than the MDL, referred to as non-detects, are 

plotted on all figures using a value equal to one-half the MDL, 

with an error bar extending to the MDL.) 

Field parameters (table 1) include water temperature, 

pH, specific conductance, and dissolved oxygen. Values of pH 

ranged from 3.4 at the Buckeye main drain to 8.0 at the Boston 

Mine tunnel outlet. Specific conductance values ranged from 

18 microsiemens per centimeter (μS/cm) at the Headwaters 

station (BY51) to 407 μS/cm in the Buckeye Flat Mine north 

drain (BY23). Dissolved oxygen (DO) was measured in 14 of 

the 49 water samples. Thirteen of the 14 DO measurements 

were greater than 7.5 milligrams per liter (mg/L), indicating 

near-saturation, typical of flowing surface waters. The lowest 

recorded value of DO was 2.9 mg/L from the Buckeye Flat 

Mine upper drain. Discharge data in table 1 are considered 

to be accurate within 20 percent of the measured flow rate, 

except the data marked as estimates, for which the uncertainty 

may be as high as 50 to 75 percent.

Results 17
Station map ID Station name Date Time

Methylmercury, 

unfiltered 

(ng/L)

(50284)

Methylmercury, 

filtered

(ng/L)

(50285)

Environmental samples

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel outlet nr Grass Valley 6/18/1999 14:30 0.09 

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel outlet nr Grass Valley 12/14/1999 12:00 <.04 

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel outlet nr Grass Valley 5/24/2000 16:00 .13 

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel outlet nr Grass Valley 12/21/2001 12:10 .10 0.04

BY21 Boston Mine wetlands pond nr Grass Valley 12/14/1999 10:30 .04 

BY21 Boston Mine wetlands pond nr Grass Valley 5/24/2000 16:30 .63 

BY58 Buckeye Flat Mine main drain 0.45 mi ab Greenhorn Cr 8/21/2000 11:00  

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N drain to Greenhorn Cr, Grass Valley 6/18/1999 11:30 <.04 

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N drain to Greenhorn Cr, Grass Valley 12/2/1999 11:00 .30 

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N drain to Greenhorn Cr, Grass Valley 8/22/2000 10:45  

BY116 Buckeye Flat Mine pond drain 0.15 mi ab SF Greenhorn Cr 8/21/2000 14:10  

BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine S drain to SF Greenhorn Cr, Grass Valley 8/26/1999 11:00 9.11 

BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine S drain to SF Greenhorn Cr, Grass Valley 8/22/2000 12:10 — 

BY25 Buckeye Flat Mine upper drain 4/9/2001 10:00 <.04 <.04

BY25 Buckeye Flat Mine upper drain 10/18/2001 11:30 .06 .05

BY52 Greenhorn Cr 0.3 mi ab Buckeye Ford nr Nevada City 1/25/2000 10:45 <.04 

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You Bet Rd nr Nevada City 1/25/2000 12:00 .10 

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You Bet Rd nr Nevada City 7/24/2001 11:00 <.04 —

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You Bet Rd nr Nevada City 8/29/2001 15:00 .11 .05

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You Bet Rd nr Nevada City 9/14/2001 13:00 .07 .04

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You Bet Rd nr Nevada City 10/15/2001 12:00 .04 <.04

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You Bet Rd nr Nevada City 11/20/2001 13:20  <.04

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You Bet Rd nr Nevada City 12/10/2001 12:20  <.04

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You Bet Rd nr Nevada City 12/21/2001 13:00 .08 

BY51 Greenhorn Cr nr headwaters nr Scotts Flat Reservoir 1/25/2000 9:30 .06 

BY75 Missouri Cyn Cr 1.2 mi ab Greenhorn Cr nr Chicago Park 12/14/1999 14:00 .07 

BY86 Poore Mine creek ab tunnel nr Grass Valley 3/31/1999 17:40 <.04 

BY87 Poore Mine creek bl tunnel nr Grass Valley 3/31/1999 13:30 <.04 

BY88 Poore Mine ground sluice nr Grass Valley 4/1/1999 15:40 <.04 

BY89 Poore Mine pit lake nr Grass Valley 4/1/1999 16:50 .11 

BY89 Poore Mine pit lake nr Grass Valley 5/23/2000 10:45 .05 

BY90 Poore Mine seep ab ground sluice nr Grass Valley 4/1/1999 16:00  

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel effluent nr Grass Valley 3/31/1999 15:20 <.04 

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel effluent nr Grass Valley 12/15/1999 13:30 <.04 

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel effluent nr Grass Valley 5/23/2000 12:00 .88 

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main drain Gulch 01 nr Quaker Hill 7/6/1999 16:00 .30 

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main drain Gulch 01 nr Quaker Hill 12/2/1999 14:30 2.64 

BY106 Sailor Flat Mine main drainage to Greenhorn Cr, Gulch 03 4/9/2001 12:30 .10 .06

BY114 SF Greenhorn Cr 0.7 mi ab Greenhorn Cr nr Nevada City 8/22/2000 15:10 .13 .27

BY115 SF Greenhorn Cr bl Boston Mine nr Nevada City 12/21/2001 12:40 <.04 <.04

BY122 Starr Mine tunnel inflow nr Grass Valley 4/23/1999 15:00 <.04 

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel midway nr Grass Valley 4/23/1999 13:40 .79 

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel midway nr Grass Valley 12/15/1999 10:45 .78 

BY124 Starr Mine tunnel outlet nr Grass Valley 8/23/2000 17:30 .53 <.04

BY129 Tom and Jerry Mine drain at tunnel inlet nr Nevada City 6/28/2000 12:00 .18 

BY130 Tom and Jerry Mine drain at tunnel outlet nr Nevada City 6/28/2000 11:30 <.04 

BY131 Tom and Jerry Mine drainage pond nr Nevada City 8/23/2000 10:45 <.04 

Disturbed Samples

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel midway nr Grass Valley 12/15/1999 11:30 244 

BY129 Tom and Jerry Mine drain at tunnel inlet nr Nevada City 6/28/2000 12:30 .04 

Table 3. Concentrations of methylmercury in water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, California.

[NOTE: Table 4 begins on page 71. Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, Creek; Cyn, Canyon; mi, mile; N, North; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, South; 

SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a five-digit code used in the U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. The method 

detection limit for methylmercury was 0.04 nanogram per liter (ng/L).  , not determined; <, less than]

18 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time

Chloride (Cl)

(mg/L)

(00940)

Sulfate (SO4)

(mg/L)

(99113)

Alkalinity,

laboratory 

(mg/L as CaCO3)

(29803)

Environmental samples

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel outlet nr Grass Valley 6/18/99 14:30 0.74 13 40

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel outlet nr Grass Valley 12/14/99 12:00 0.62 21 54

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel outlet nr Grass Valley 5/24/00 16:00 0.50 11 38

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel outlet nr Grass Valley 12/21/01 12:10 0.81 12 14

BY21 Boston Mine wetlands pond nr Grass Valley 12/14/99 10:30 0.91 15 61

BY21 Boston Mine wetlands pond nr Grass Valley 5/24/00 16:30 0.50 7 34

BY58 Buckeye Flat Mine main drain 0.45 mi ab Greenhorn Cr 8/21/00 11:00 0.50 110 0

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N drain to Greenhorn Cr, Grass Valley 6/18/99 11:30 0.60 169 0

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N drain to Greenhorn Cr, Grass Valley 12/2/99 11:00 0.69 120 0

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N drain to Greenhorn Cr, Grass Valley 8/22/00 10:45 0.55 170 0

BY116 Buckeye Flat Mine pond drain 0.15 mi ab SF Greenhorn Cr 8/21/00 14:10 0.65 6 0

BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine S drain to SF Greenhorn Cr, Grass Valley 8/26/99 11:00   

BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine S drain to SF Greenhorn Cr, Grass Valley 8/22/00 12:10 0.77 6 

BY25 Buckeye Flat Mine upper drain 4/9/01 10:00 0.67 44 0

BY25 Buckeye Flat Mine upper drain 10/18/01 11:30 0.54 55 1

BY52 Greenhorn Cr 0.3 mi ab Buckeye Ford nr Nevada City 1/25/00 10:45 0.70 5 9

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You Bet Rd nr Nevada City 1/25/00 12:00 0.80 7 7

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You Bet Rd nr Nevada City 7/24/01 11:00 1.50 17 5

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You Bet Rd nr Nevada City 8/29/01 15:00 2.30 13 12

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You Bet Rd nr Nevada City 9/14/01 13:00   

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You Bet Rd nr Nevada City 10/15/01 12:00 1.31 13 12

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You Bet Rd nr Nevada City 11/20/01 13:20 2.12 19 13

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You Bet Rd nr Nevada City 12/10/01 12:20 1.62 15 12

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You Bet Rd nr Nevada City 12/21/01 13:00   6

BY51 Greenhorn Cr nr headwaters nr Scotts Flat Reservoir 1/25/00 9:30 0.60 <1 7

BY75 Missouri Cyn Cr 1.2 mi ab Greenhorn Cr nr Chicago Park 12/14/99 14:00 0.99 39 11

BY86 Poore Mine Cr ab tunnel nr Grass Valley 3/31/99 17:40 1.19 3 11

BY87 Poore Mine Cr bl tunnel nr Grass Valley 3/31/99 13:30 1.15 4 12

BY88 Poore Mine ground sluice nr Grass Valley 4/1/99 15:40 0.83 40 10

BY89 Poore Mine pit lake nr Grass Valley 4/1/99 16:50 0.68 8 2

BY89 Poore Mine pit lake nr Grass Valley 5/23/00 10:45 0.60 77 0

BY90 Poore Mine seep ab ground sluice nr Grass Valley 4/1/99 16:00   

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel effluent nr Grass Valley 3/31/99 15:20 0.73 32 17

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel effluent nr Grass Valley 12/15/99 13:30 0.69 43 30

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel effluent nr Grass Valley 5/23/00 12:00 0.84 42 27

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main drain Gulch 01 nr Quaker Hill 7/6/99 16:00 1.46 17 2

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main drain Gulch 01 nr Quaker Hill 12/2/99 14:30 0.72 6 1

BY106 Sailor Flat Mine main drainage to Greenhorn Cr, Gulch 03 4/9/01 12:30   

BY114 SF Greenhorn Cr 0.7 mi ab Greenhorn Cr nr Nevada City 8/22/00 15:10 0.69 3 21

BY115 SF Greenhorn Cr bl Boston Mine nr Nevada City 12/21/01 12:40 0.89 5 5

BY122 Starr Mine tunnel inflow nr Grass Valley 4/23/99 15:00 0.70 35 11

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel midway nr Grass Valley 4/23/99 13:40 0.80 29 72

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel midway nr Grass Valley 12/15/99 10:45 0.96 56 68

BY124 Starr Mine tunnel outlet nr Grass Valley 8/23/00 17:30   

BY129 Tom and Jerry Mine drain at tunnel inlet nr Nevada City 6/28/00 12:00 1.00 2 13

BY130 Tom and Jerry Mine drain at tunnel outlet nr Nevada City 6/28/00 11:30 0.80 15 37

BY131 Tom and Jerry Mine drainage pond nr Nevada City 8/23/00 10:45 1.00 4 14

Disturbed samples

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel midway nr Grass Valley 12/15/99 11:30 0.94 57 79

BY129 Tom and Jerry Mine drain at tunnel inlet nr Nevada City 6/28/00 12:30 0.76 13 33

Table 5. Concentrations of major anions and alkalinity in filtered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, 

California.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, Creek; Cyn, Canyon; mi, mile; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is 

the data parameter code, a five-digit code used in the U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. CaCO3, calcium carbonate; mg/L, milligram per liter; 

<, less than; , not determined]

Results 19
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time

Nitrogen, 

ammonia, 

filtered 

(mg/L as 

N)

(00608)

Nitrogen, 

ammonia 

plus 

organic, 

filtered 

(mg/L as 

N)

(00623)

Nitrogen, 

ammonia 

plus 

organic, 

unfiltered 

(mg/L as 

N)

(00625)

Nitrogen, 

nitrite plus 

nitrate, 

filtered

 (mg/L as 

N)

(00631)

Nitrogen, 

nitrite, 

filtered

 (mg/L as 

N)

(00613)

Total 

nitrogen, 

particulate 

(mg/L)

(49570)

Total 

phosphorus, 

filtered

(mg/L as P)

(00666)

Phosphorus, 

orthophosphate, filtered

(mg/L as P)

(00671)

Total 

phosphorus, 

unfiltered 

(mg/L as P)

(00665)

Carbon, 

inorganic 

plus 

organic, 

particulate 

(mg/L as C)

(00694)

Carbon, 

organic, 

filtered 

(mg/L as C)

(00681)

Carbon, 

organic, 

particulate 

(mg/L as C)

(00689)

Value Value Value Value Value Value Value Value Value Value Value Value

Environmental samples

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass Valley 

6/18/99 14:30 <0.02 <0.1 0.11 <0.05 <0.01

 <0.004 0.01 <0.004

 0.7 0.3

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass Valley 

12/14/99 12:00 <0.02 <0.1 <0.1 <0.05 <0.01

 E0.005 <0.01 E0.006

 0.5 <0.2

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass Valley 

5/24/00 16:00 <0.02 E0.05 E0.07 <0.05 <0.01

 <0.006 <0.01 E0.006

 0.6 <0.2

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass Valley 

12/21/01 12:10 <0.04 <0.1 E0.06 <0.05 <0.008

 <0.004 <0.02 0.008







BY21 Boston Mine wetlands 

pond nr Grass Valley 

12/14/99 10:30 <0.02 E0.09 0.15 <0.05 <0.01

 E0.005 <0.01 0.011

 2.1 0.3

BY21 Boston Mine wetlands 

pond nr Grass Valley 

5/24/00 16:30 <0.02 0.19 0.26 <0.05 <0.01

 0.008 <0.01 0.025

 3.1 0.5

BY58 Buckeye Flat Mine 

main drain 0.45 mi ab Greenhorn Cr

8/21/00 11:00



















 0.4 <0.2

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn Cr, Grass Valley

6/18/99 11:30 <0.02 <0.1 0.1 <0.05 <0.01

 <0.004 <0.01 <0.004

 0.3 <0.2

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn Cr, Grass Valley

12/2/99 11:00 <0.02 <0.1 <0.1 <0.05 <0.01

 0.024 0.02 E0.004

 1.3



BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn Cr, Grass Valley

8/22/00 10:45 <0.02 <0.1 E0.06 <0.05 <0.01

 <0.006 <0.01 <0.008

 0.6 0.2

BY116 Buckeye Flat Mine 

pond drain 0.15 mi ab SF Greenhorn Cr

8/21/00 14:10



















 0.7 <0.2

Table 6. Concentrations of nutrients and organic carbon in water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, California.[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, Creek; Cyn, Canyon; mi, mile; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a five-digit code used in the U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. Elements: N, nitrogen; P, phosphorous; C, carbon. E, estimated value; mg/L, milligram per liter; <, less than; >, greater than; , not determined]

20 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time

Nitrogen, 

ammonia, 

filtered 

(mg/L as 

N)

(00608)

Nitrogen, 

ammonia 

plus 

organic, 

filtered 

(mg/L as 

N)

(00623)

Nitrogen, 

ammonia 

plus 

organic, 

unfiltered 

(mg/L as 

N)

(00625)

Nitrogen, 

nitrite plus 

nitrate, 

filtered

 (mg/L as 

N)

(00631)

Nitrogen, 

nitrite, 

filtered

 (mg/L as 

N)

(00613)

Total 

nitrogen, 

particulate 

(mg/L)

(49570)

Total 

phosphorus, 

filtered

(mg/L as P)

(00666)

Phosphorus, 

orthophosphate, filtered

(mg/L as P)

(00671)

Total 

phosphorus, 

unfiltered 

(mg/L as P)

(00665)

Carbon, 

inorganic 

plus 

organic, 

particulate 

(mg/L as C)

(00694)

Carbon, 

organic, 

filtered 

(mg/L as C)

(00681)

Carbon, 

organic, 

particulate 

(mg/L as C)

(00689)

Value Value Value Value Value Value Value Value Value Value Value Value

BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine 

S drain to SF Greenhorn Cr, Grass Valley

8/26/99 11:00 <0.02 E0.06 E0.09 <0.05 <0.01  <0.05 <0.01 <0.05  0.9 0.2

BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine 

S drain to SF Greenhorn Cr, Grass Valley

8/22/00 12:10 <0.02 <0.1 0.23 <0.05 <0.01  <0.006 <0.01 0.019  0.8 1.4

BY25 Buckeye Flat Mine 

upper drain

4/9/01 10:00 <0.04 <0.1 E0.05 <0.05 <0.006 0.03 <0.006 <0.02 0.004 0.1 0.6 

BY25 Buckeye Flat Mine 

upper drain

10/18/01 11:30 <0.04 <0.1 <0.1 <0.05 <0.008  <0.004 <0.02 E0.003  0.6 <0.2

BY52 Greenhorn Cr 0.3 mi 

ab Buckeye Ford nr Nevada City

1/25/00 10:45 <0.02 0.1 E0.07 <0.05 <0.01  <0.006 <0.01 <0.05  1.6 0.2

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada City 

1/25/00 12:00 <0.02 <0.1 0.15 0.08 <0.01  E0.004 <0.01 0.31  1.5 1.1

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada City 

7/24/01 11:00 <0.04 <0.1 <0.08 E0.04 <0.006  <0.006 <0.02 <0.004  1.3 0.4

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada City 

8/29/01 15:00 <0.04 <0.1 <0.08 <0.05 <0.006  <0.006 <0.02 E0.003  0.5 <0.2

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada City 

9/14/01 13:00 <0.04 <0.1 <0.08 <0.05 <0.006  <0.006 <0.02 E0.003  0.6 2

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada City 

10/15/01 12:00            

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada City 

11/20/01 13:20 E0.02 <0.1 E0.05 <0.05 <0.008  <0.004 <0.02 E0.002  1.0 <0.2

Table 6. Concentrations of nutrients and organic carbon in water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, Creek; Cyn, Canyon; mi, mile; N, north; nr, near; RD, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a five-digit code used in the U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. Elements: N, nitrogen; P, phosphorous; C, carbon. E, estimated value; mg/L, milligram per liter; <, less than; >, greater than;

, not determined]

Results 21
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time

Nitrogen, 

ammonia, 

filtered 

(mg/L as 

N)

(00608)

Nitrogen, 

ammonia 

plus 

organic, 

filtered 

(mg/L as 

N)

(00623)

Nitrogen, 

ammonia 

plus 

organic, 

unfiltered 

(mg/L as 

N)

(00625)

Nitrogen, 

nitrite plus 

nitrate, 

filtered

 (mg/L as 

N)

(00631)

Nitrogen, 

nitrite, 

filtered

 (mg/L as 

N)

(00613)

Total 

nitrogen, 

particulate 

(mg/L)

(49570)

Total 

phosphorus, 

filtered

(mg/L as P)

(00666)

Phosphorus, 

orthophosphate, filtered

(mg/L as P)

(00671)

Total 

phosphorus, 

unfiltered 

(mg/L as P)

(00665)

Carbon, 

inorganic 

plus 

organic, 

particulate 

(mg/L as C)

(00694)

Carbon, 

organic, 

filtered 

(mg/L as C)

(00681)

Carbon, 

organic, 

particulate 

(mg/L as C)

(00689)

Value Value Value Value Value Value Value Value Value Value Value Value

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada City 

12/10/01 12:20 <0.04 E0.06 <0.1 0.14 <0.008

 <0.004 <0.02 0.017

 1.0 <0.2

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada City 

12/21/01 13:00 <0.04 E0.06 0.11 0.13 <0.008

 E0.002 <0.02 0.134

 1.0 0.6

BY51 Greenhorn Cr nr 

headwaters nr Scotts Flat Reservoir

1/25/00 9:30 <0.02 <0.1 <0.1 <0.05 <0.01

 E0.003 <0.01 E0.005

 1.6 <0.2

BY75 Missouri Cyn Cr 1.2 

mi ab Greenhorn Cr nr Chicago Park

12/14/99 14:00 <0.02 <0.1 <0.1 <0.05 <0.01

 E0.003 <0.01 <0.008

 1.0 <0.2

BY86 Poore Mine creek ab 

tunnel nr Grass Valley 

3/31/99 17:40 <0.02 <0.1 E0.05 <0.05 <0.01

 <0.004 <0.01 0.014

 0.9 0.3

BY87 Poore Mine creek bl 

tunnel nr Grass Valley 

3/31/99 13:30 <0.02 <0.1 E0.05 <0.05 <0.01

 <0.004 <0.01 0.011

 0.9 0.2

BY88 Poore Mine ground 

sluice nr Grass Valley 

4/1/99 15:40 <0.02 <0.1 <0.1 <0.05 <0.01

 <0.004 <0.01 <0.004

 0.9 0.2

BY89 Poore Mine pit lake nr 

Grass Valley 

4/1/99 16:50 <0.02 <0.1 <0.1 <0.05 <0.01

 0.004 <0.01 <0.004

 1.1 0.3

BY89 Poore Mine pit lake nr 

Grass Valley 

5/23/00 10:45 <0.02 <0.1 0.2 <0.05 <0.01

 <0.006 <0.01 0.014

 2.2 0.2

BY90 Poore Mine seep ab 

ground sluice nr Grass Valley 

4/1/99 16:00

























BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass Valley 

3/31/99 15:20 <0.02 <0.1 <0.1 <0.05 <0.01

 0.004 <0.01 0.007

 0.3 0.8

Table 6. Concentrations of nutrients and organic carbon in water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, California

Continued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, Creek; Cyn, Canyon; mi, mile; N, north; nr, near; RD, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a five-digit code used in the U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. Elements: N, nitrogen; P, phosphorous; C, carbon. E, estimated value; mg/L, milligram per liter; <, less than; >, greater than;

, not determined]

22 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time

Nitrogen, 

ammonia, 

filtered 

(mg/L as 

N)

(00608)

Nitrogen, 

ammonia 

plus 

organic, 

filtered 

(mg/L as 

N)

(00623)

Nitrogen, 

ammonia 

plus 

organic, 

unfiltered 

(mg/L as 

N)

(00625)

Nitrogen, 

nitrite plus 

nitrate, 

filtered

 (mg/L as 

N)

(00631)

Nitrogen, 

nitrite, 

filtered

 (mg/L as 

N)

(00613)

Total 

nitrogen, 

particulate 

(mg/L)

(49570)

Total 

phosphorus, 

filtered

(mg/L as P)

(00666)

Phosphorus, 

orthophosphate, filtered

(mg/L as P)

(00671)

Total 

phosphorus, 

unfiltered 

(mg/L as P)

(00665)

Carbon, 

inorganic 

plus 

organic, 

particulate 

(mg/L as C)

(00694)

Carbon, 

organic, 

filtered 

(mg/L as C)

(00681)

Carbon, 

organic, 

particulate 

(mg/L as C)

(00689)

Value Value Value Value Value Value Value Value Value Value Value Value

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass Valley 

12/15/99 13:30 <0.02 <0.1 E0.07 <0.05 <0.01  0.012 <0.01 0.016  0.6 0.4

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass Valley 

5/23/00 12:00 <0.02 <0.1 0.21 <0.05 <0.01  0.006 <0.01 0.047  E0.3 0.3

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main 

drain Gulch 01 nr Quaker Hill 

7/6/99 16:00 <0.02 <0.1 0.25 <0.05 <0.01  <0.004 0.01 0.025  2.0 0.9

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main 

drain Gulch 01 nr Quaker Hill 

12/2/99 14:30            

BY106 Sailor Flat Mine 

main drainage to Greenhorn Cr, Gulch 03 

4/9/01 12:30 <0.04 <0.1 0.13 <0.05 <0.006 0.09 <0.006 E0.01 0.005 0.3 3.1 

BY114 SF Greenhorn Cr 0.7 

mi ab Greenhorn Cr nr Nevada City

8/22/00 15:10            

BY115 SF Greenhorn Cr bl 

Boston Mine nr Nevada City

12/21/01 12:40 <0.04 E0.07 E0.06 0.26 <0.008  E0.003 <0.02 0.006   

BY122 Starr Mine tunnel 

inflow nr Grass Valley

4/23/99 15:00 <0.02 E0.06 <0.1 0.07 <0.01  <0.004 0.01 <0.004  0.6 <0.2

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass Valley

4/23/99 13:40 <0.02 <0.1 E0.06 0.07 <0.01  <0.004 0.02 0.007  0.3 0.2

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass Valley

12/15/99 10:45 <0.02 E0.06 E0.09 <0.05 <0.01  <0.006 <0.01 0.021  1.1 0.5

BY124 Starr Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass Valley 

8/23/00 17:30 <0.02 <0.1 0.17 <0.05 <0.01  E0.005 <0.01 0.048  0.6 1.1

Table 6. Concentrations of nutrients and organic carbon in water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, Creek; Cyn, Canyon; mi, mile; N, north; nr, near; RD, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a five-digit code used in the U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. Elements: N, nitrogen; P, phosphorous; C, carbon. E, estimated value; mg/L, milligram per liter; <, less than; >, greater than;

, not determined]

Results 23
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time

Nitrogen, 

ammonia, 

filtered 

(mg/L as 

N)

(00608)

Nitrogen, 

ammonia 

plus 

organic, 

filtered 

(mg/L as 

N)

(00623)

Nitrogen, 

ammonia 

plus 

organic, 

unfiltered 

(mg/L as 

N)

(00625)

Nitrogen, 

nitrite plus 

nitrate, 

filtered

 (mg/L as 

N)

(00631)

Nitrogen, 

nitrite, 

filtered

 (mg/L as 

N)

(00613)

Total 

nitrogen, 

particulate 

(mg/L)

(49570)

Total 

phosphorus, 

filtered

(mg/L as P)

(00666)

Phosphorus, 

orthophosphate, filtered

(mg/L as P)

(00671)

Total 

phosphorus, 

unfiltered 

(mg/L as P)

(00665)

Carbon, 

inorganic 

plus 

organic, 

particulate 

(mg/L as C)

(00694)

Carbon, 

organic, 

filtered 

(mg/L as C)

(00681)

Carbon, 

organic, 

particulate 

(mg/L as C)

(00689)

Value Value Value Value Value Value Value Value Value Value Value Value

BY129 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel inlet nr Nevada City 

6/28/00 12:00 <0.02 <0.1 0.33 <0.05 <0.01

 0.006 <0.01 0.18

 1.0 <0.2

BY130 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel outlet nr Nevada City

6/28/00 11:30 <0.02 <0.1 E0.05 <0.05 <0.01

 <0.006 <0.01 0.014

 0.6 <0.2

BY131 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drainage pond nr Nevada City 

8/23/00 10:45 <0.02 <0.1 E0.06 <0.05 <0.01

 E0.004 <0.01 0.012

 0.4 <0.2

Disturbed samples

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass Valley

12/15/99 11:30 <0.02 <0.1 5.5 <0.05 <0.01

 E0.004 <0.01 3.99

 0.7 >10

BY129 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel inlet nr Nevada City 

6/28/00 12:30 <0.02 E0.06 2.2 <0.05 <0.01

 <0.006 <0.01 2.7

 0.8 0.3

Table 6. Concentrations of nutrients and organic carbon in water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, California

Continued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, Creek; Cyn, Canyon; mi, mile; N, north; nr, near; RD, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a five-digit code used in the U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. Elements: N, nitrogen; P, phosphorous; C, carbon. E, estimated value; mg/L, milligram per liter; <, less than; >, greater than;

, not determined]

24 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time

Suspended 

sediment, 

percentage finer 

than 0.063 mm

Suspended

sediment

concentration

(mg/L)

Environmental samples

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel outlet nr Grass Valley 6/18/99 14:30  

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel outlet nr Grass Valley 12/14/99 12:00 40 6

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel outlet nr Grass Valley 5/24/00 16:00  7

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel outlet nr Grass Valley 12/21/01 12:10 79 8

BY21 Boston Mine wetlands pond nr Grass Valley 12/14/99 10:30 62 2

BY21 Boston Mine wetlands pond nr Grass Valley 5/24/00 16:30  3

BY58 Buckeye Flat Mine main drain 0.45 mi ab Greenhorn Cr 8/21/00 11:00  1

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N drain to Greenhorn Cr, Grass Valley 6/18/99 11:30  

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N drain to Greenhorn Cr, Grass Valley 12/2/99 11:00 72 708

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N drain to Greenhorn Cr, Grass Valley 8/22/00 10:45  1

BY116 Buckeye Flat Mine pond drain 0.15 mi ab SF Greenhorn Cr 8/21/00 14:10  2

BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine S drain to SF Greenhorn Cr, Grass Valley 8/26/99 11:00  

BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine S drain to SF Greenhorn Cr, Grass Valley 8/22/00 12:10  19

BY25 Buckeye Flat Mine upper drain 4/9/01 10:00 6 19

BY25 Buckeye Flat Mine upper drain 10/18/01 11:30 50 1

BY52 Greenhorn Cr 0.3 mi ab Buckeye Ford nr Nevada City 1/25/00 10:45 69 32

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You Bet Rd nr Nevada City 1/25/00 12:00 64 715

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You Bet Rd nr Nevada City 7/24/01 11:00  4

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You Bet Rd nr Nevada City 8/29/01 15:00 50 1

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You Bet Rd nr Nevada City 9/14/01 13:00 67 0

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You Bet Rd nr Nevada City 10/15/01 12:00 29 1

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You Bet Rd nr Nevada City 11/20/01 13:20 75 3

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You Bet Rd nr Nevada City 12/10/01 12:20 52 63

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You Bet Rd nr Nevada City 12/21/01 13:00 92 266

BY51 Greenhorn Cr nr headwaters nr Scotts Flat Reservoir 1/25/00 9:30 86 1

BY75 Missouri Cyn Cr 1.2 mi ab Greenhorn Cr nr Chicago Park 12/14/99 14:00  0

BY86 Poore Mine creek ab tunnel nr Grass Valley 3/31/99 17:40  9

BY87 Poore Mine creek bl tunnel nr Grass Valley 3/31/99 13:30  13

BY88 Poore Mine ground sluice nr Grass Valley 4/1/99 15:40  2

BY89 Poore Mine pit lake nr Grass Valley 4/1/99 16:50  2

BY89 Poore Mine pit lake nr Grass Valley 5/23/00 10:45  

BY90 Poore Mine seep above ground sluice nr Grass Valley 4/1/99 16:00  

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel effluent nr Grass Valley 3/31/99 15:20  3

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel effluent nr Grass Valley 12/15/99 13:30 43 7

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel effluent nr Grass Valley 5/23/00 12:00  

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main drain Gulch 01 nr Quaker Hill 7/6/99 16:00  

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main drain Gulch 01 nr Quaker Hill 12/2/99 14:30 58 1,369

BY106 Sailor Flat Mine main drainage to Greenhorn Cr, Gulch 03, 4/9/01 12:30 87 3

BY114 SF Greenhorn Cr 0.7 mi ab Greenhorn Cr nr Nevada City 8/22/00 15:10  1

BY115 SF Greenhorn Cr bl Boston Mine nr Nevada City 12/21/01 12:40 94 7

BY122 Starr Mine tunnel inflow nr Grass Valley 4/23/99 15:00  3

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel midway nr Grass Valley 4/23/99 13:40  12

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel midway nr Grass Valley 12/15/99 10:45 56 20

BY124 Starr Mine tunnel outlet nr Grass Valley 8/23/00 17:30  

BY129 Tom and Jerry Mine drain at tunnel inlet nr Nevada City 6/28/00 12:00 83 308

BY130 Tom and Jerry Mine drain at tunnel outlet nr Nevada City 6/28/00 11:30 67 6

BY131 Tom and Jerry Mine drainage pond nr Nevada City 8/23/00 10:45  12

Disturbed samples

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel midway nr Grass Valley 12/15/99 11:30 60 8,781

BY129 Tom and Jerry Mine drain at tunnel inlet nr Nevada City 6/28/00 12:30 97 6,039

Table 7. Data for suspended sediment in water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, California.

[Percentage sand determined gravimetrically using 0.063-millimeter screen. Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, Creek; Cyn, Canyon; mi, mile; 

N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. mm, millimeter; mg/L milligram per liter; , not determined]

Results 25
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time

δ18O SO4 δ34S SO4 δ18O H O2 δD H O2

(1 of 2)

per mil, 

VSMOW

(2 of 2)

per mil, 

VSMOW

(1 of 2)

per mil, 

CDT

(2 of 2)

per mil, 

CDT

(1 of 2)

per mil, 

VSMOW

 (2 of 2)

per mil, 

VSMOW

(1 of 2)

per mil, 

VSMOW

(2 of 2)

per mil, 

VSMOW

Environmental samplesBY20 Boston Mine tunnel outlet nr Grass Valley 6/18/99 14:30 5.3



−7.6



−8.75

−8.85

−62.6



BY20 Boston Mine tunnel outlet nr Grass Valley 12/14/99 12:00 4.3



−11.9



−8.93



−61.8



BY20 Boston Mine tunnel outlet nr Grass Valley 5/24/00 16:00 4.9



−7.4



−9.74



−67.1

−66.1

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel outlet nr Grass Valley 12/21/01 12:10 2.1



−12.2

 −9.94

 −68.6



BY21 Boston Mine wetlands pond nr Grass Valley 12/14/99 10:30 2.7



−5.6



−8.27



−56.6



BY21 Boston Mine wetlands pond nr Grass Valley 5/24/00 16:30

−0.6



−4.4



−8.81



−66.9



BY58 Buckeye Flat Mine main drain 0.45 mi ab Greenhorn Cr 8/21/00 11:00









−6.92



−62.0



BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N drain to Greenhorn Cr, Grass Valley 6/18/99 11:30

−3.8



−16.8



−9.58



−67.2



BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N drain to Greenhorn Cr, Grass Valley 12/2/99 11:00

−3.5



−17.1



−9.03



−60.4



BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N drain to Greenhorn Cr, Grass Valley 8/22/00 10:45









−9.90



−68.5



BY116 Buckeye Flat Mine pond drain 0.15 mi ab SF Greenhorn Cr 8/21/00 14:10









−7.63



−64.7



BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine S drain to SF Greenhorn Cr, Grass Valley 8/26/99 11:00









−7.51

−7.52

−57.6



BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine S drain to SF Greenhorn Cr, Grass Valley 8/22/00 12:10









−8.41



−64.6



BY25 Buckeye Flat Mine upper drain 4/9/01 10:00

−3.9



−19.4



−10.68



−75.1



BY25 Buckeye Flat Mine upper drain 10/18/01 11:30 0.5



−19.5

 −9.98

 −68.8



BY52 Greenhorn Cr 0.3 mi ab Buckeye Ford nr Nevada City 1/25/00 10:45









−11.56



−83.2



BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You Bet Rd nr Nevada City 1/25/00 12:00

−1.9

−1.8

−9.0



−11.52

−11.46

−80.5



BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You Bet Rd nr Nevada City 7/24/01 11:00 0.5



−9.7



−9.91

 −72.4



BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You Bet Rd nr Nevada City 8/29/01 15:00 1.4



−8.0



−9.74

 −73.4



BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You Bet Rd nr Nevada City 9/14/01 13:00 0.4



−9.0



−9.78

 −71.6



BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You Bet Rd nr Nevada City 10/15/01 12:00 0.5



−9.2

 −9.98

 −72.2



BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You Bet Rd nr Nevada City 11/20/01 13:20 0.0



−9.2 −9.3 −10.19

 −72.5



BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You Bet Rd nr Nevada City 12/10/01 12:20 −1.5



−8.6

 −10.04

 −72.3



BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You Bet Rd nr Nevada City 12/21/01 13:00 −1.2

 −8.7

 −10.18

 −70.1



BY51 Greenhorn Cr nr headwaters nr Scotts Flat Reservoir 1/25/00 9:30









−11.78



−85.3



BY75 Missouri Cyn Cr 1.2 mi ab Greenhorn Cr nr Chicago Park 12/14/99 14:00

−0.5



−10.8

−10.7

−9.29



−65.8

−66.4

BY86 Poore Mine creek ab tunnel nr Grass Valley 3/31/99 17:40









−9.59



−66.3



BY87 Poore Mine creek bl tunnel nr Grass Valley 3/31/99 13:30 0.5



−9.9



−10.66



−74.8

−74.9

BY88 Poore Mine ground sluice nr Grass Valley 4/1/99 15:40

−0.6



−9.7



−9.28



−64.6



BY89 Poore Mine pit lake nr Grass Valley 4/1/99 16:50









−8.61



−60.5



BY89 Poore Mine pit lake nr Grass Valley 5/23/00 10:45

−3.9

 23.1 23.1

−7.32



−60.9



BY90 Poore Mine seep above ground sluice nr Grass Valley 4/1/99 16:00 0.1



−9.6



−9.33



−64.5



BY91 Poore Mine tunnel effluent nr Grass Valley 3/31/99 15:20

−2.6



−5.7



−9.47



−65.6



Table 8. Data for stable isotopes of sulfur and oxygen in aqueous sulfate and of oxygen and hydrogen in water, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, California.[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, Creek; Cyn, Canyon; mi, mile; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. δ18O SO4, delta-oxygen-18 in aqueous sulfate; δ18O H O, delta2oxygen-18 in water; δ34S SO4, delta-sulfur-34 in aqueous sulfate; δD H O, delta-deuterium in water. per mil, per thousand; VSMOW, Vienna Standard Mean Ocean Water; CDT, Canyon Diablo Meteorite; 

2

(1 of 2) and (2 of 2) refer to replicate analyses; 

, not determined]

26 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time

δ18O SO4 δ34S SO4 δ18O H O2 δD H O2

(1 of 2)

per mil, 

VSMOW

(2 of 2)

per mil, 

VSMOW

(1 of 2)

per mil, 

CDT

(2 of 2)

per mil, 

CDT

(1 of 2)

per mil, 

VSMOW

 (2 of 2)

per mil, 

VSMOW

(1 of 2)

per mil, 

VSMOW

(2 of 2)

per mil, 

VSMOW

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel effluent nr Grass Valley 12/15/99 13:30 −2.7  −8.1  −9.71  −69.2 BY91 Poore Mine tunnel effluent nr Grass Valley 5/23/00 12:00 −2.4 −2.3 −7.1  −10.03  −71.5 −70.7BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main drain Gulch 01 nr Quaker Hill 7/6/99 16:00 2.2  −18.4 −18.3 −8.81  −64.3 −64.1BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main drain Gulch 01 nr Quaker Hill 12/2/99 14:30 2.4  −11.3  −7.77  −49.8 BY106 Sailor Flat Mine main drainage to Greenhorn Cr Gulch 03 4/9/01 12:30     −10.85  −78.1 BY114 SF Greenhorn Cr 0.7 mi ab Greenhorn Cr nr Nevada City 8/22/00 15:10     −10.13  −70.4 BY115 SF Greenhorn Cr bl Boston Mine nr Nevada City 12/21/01 12:40        BY122 Starr Mine tunnel inflow nr Grass Valley 4/23/99 15:00 −1.1  −21.9  −9.09 −9.08 −64.4 −64.4BY123 Starr Mine tunnel midway nr Grass Valley 4/23/99 13:40 −0.6 −0.3 −16.5  −9.59  −67.4 BY123 Starr Mine tunnel midway nr Grass Valley 12/15/99 10:45 −0.1  −20.3  −9.08  −62.3 BY124 Starr Mine tunnel outlet nr Grass Valley 8/23/00 17:30 1.6  −16.4  −9.49  −67.0 BY129 Tom and Jerry Mine drain at tunnel inlet nr Nevada City 6/28/00 12:00     −10.27  −73.2 BY130 Tom and Jerry Mine drain at tunnel outlet nr Nevada City 6/28/00 11:30 0.3  −8.8  −10.17  −74.3 BY131 Tom and Jerry Mine drainage pond nr Nevada City 8/23/00 10:45     −10.33 −10.38 −74.3 Disturbed samplesBY123 Starr Mine tunnel midway nr Grass Valley 12/15/99 11:30 −0.3  −20.3     BY129 Tom and Jerry Mine drain at tunnel inlet nr Nevada City 6/28/00 12:30 0.3  −9.7  −10.15 −10.18 −73.4 

Table 8. Data for stable isotopes of sulfur and oxygen in aqueous sulfate and of oxygen and hydrogen in water, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued..[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, Creek; Cyn, Canyon; mi, mile; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. δ18O SO4, delta-oxygen-18 in aqueous sulfate; δ18O H O, delta- 2oxygen-18 in water; δ34S SO4, delta-sulfur-34 in aqueous sulfate; δD H O, delta-deuterium in water. per mil, per thousand; VSMOW, Vienna Standard Mean Ocean Water; CDT, Canyon Diablo Meteorite; 2(1 of 2) and (2 of 2) refer to replicate analyses; , not determined]

Results 27
The overall distribution of mercury concentrations in the 

environmental water samples collected for this study is shown 

in figure 6 for the following mercury analytes and matrices: 

THg in unfiltered water, THg in filtered water, MeHg in 

unfiltered water, and MeHg in filtered water. Concentrations 

of THg in unfiltered water (table 2) are the highest of these 

four types of mercury samples. The range of concentrations of 

THg in the unfiltered, environmental water samples was 0.80 

to 153,000 nanograms per liter (ng/L) with a median value 

of 9.6 ng/L. Total mercury concentrations in filtered water 

(table 2) ranged from <0.3 to 8,000 ng/L with a median value 

of 2.7 ng/L. Concentrations of MeHg in the unfiltered water 

(table 3) ranged from <0.04 to 9.1 ng/L in 40 undisturbed 

(environmental) samples, with a median value of 0.07 ng/L. 

Methylmercury in filtered water (12 samples) ranged from 

<0.04 to 0.27 ng/L with a median value of 0.04 ng/L. 

Figure 6. Box plots showing distribution of total mercury concentration and methylmercury concentration in unfiltered and filtered 

water samples from the Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, California. Non-detects plotted at 50 percent of method detection limit (MDL). USEPA, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; THg, total mercury; MeHg, methylmercury. USEPA criterion for 

THg-unfiltered from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (1999). USEPA drinking water standard from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (2003). Reference concentration for MeHg-unfiltered from Rudd (1995).

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28 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
The disturbed water sample from the Starr Mine tunnel 

contained extremely high concentrations of unfiltered THg 

(between 400,000 and 500,000 ng/L in two replicate analyses) 

and unfiltered MeHg (244 ng/L). Concentrations of this magnitude were related to increased concentrations of suspended 

sediment associated with human activity and likely persisted 

only a short time after cessation of the disturbance. Evidence 

of recent human disturbance was commonly observed in most 

of the mine tunnels visited for this study. The most likely type 

of disturbance apparently was related to attempted extraction 

of residual gold and gold-mercury amalgam in tunnel sluices. 

Based on observations while working in the tunnels, it is likely 

that discharge of mercury and MeHg is greatly increased by 

the release of suspended sediment during such disturbance. 

The applicable aquatic-life water-quality criterion from 

the California Toxics Rule for THg in unfiltered water is 

50 ng/L (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1999). The 

federal drinking-water standard for THg is 2,000 ng/L (U.S. 

Environmental Protection Agency, 2003). Although there is 

currently no water-quality criterion for MeHg concentration 

in water, a reference concentration of 0.1 ng/L is noted in the 

literature as an indicator of non-pristine conditions likely to 

result in MeHg bioaccumulation above baseline levels (Rudd, 

1995). 

Comparisons of the distribution of mercury and MeHg 

concentrations in four types of water bodies (tunnels; ground 

sluices; pit lakes, ponds, or wetlands; and streams) are shown 

in figure 7A−C. Total mercury in unfiltered water in tunnels 

(fig. 7A) had the highest median concentration; more than half 

of the samples from tunnels had concentrations above the 50 

ng/L water-quality criterion. Total mercury in filtered water 

(fig. 7B) had median concentrations in a narrow range (2 to 

4 ng/L) in all four water-body types. Elevated concentrations 

(>1,000 ng/L) of THg in filtered samples were observed in 

some of the samples from tunnels and ground sluices. The 

medians for MeHg concentrations in unfiltered water in samples from tunnels and from ground sluices (fig. 7C) were near 

the reference concentration of 0.1 ng/L; the median MeHg 

concentrations in unfiltered samples from pit lakes, ponds, or 

wetlands and from streams were less than those for the other 

water-body types, but greater than the MDL of 0.04 ng/L. The 

medians for the ratio of MeHg to THg (MeHg/THg) in unfiltered water samples (fig. 8) ranged from 0.3 to 1.2 percent for 

the four water-body types. The highest value of MeHg/THg 

(30 percent) was found in a sample from the wetlands at the 

Boston Mine (station BY21 on fig. 4).

Analyses of THg and MeHg in filtered and unfiltered 

subsamples provide information on the suspended particulate 

concentration of these constituents. Plots showing the 

relation between concentrations of the same analyte in 

unfiltered and filtered subsamples can be used to display the 

proportion of the analyte that passed through the filter. A 

secondary use of such plots is for quality control, to identify 

filtered values that are apparently higher than the unfiltered 

values. A plot of THg in unfiltered and filtered subsamples 

(fig. 9) shows that 10 to 100 percent of the THg in most 

samples passed through the filter. A single outlier from station 

BY 115 has been screened out because one of the filtered 

subsamples was likely contaminated. A plot of MeHg concentrations in unfiltered and filtered subsamples (fig. 10) indicates 

similarly that 10 to 100 percent of the MeHg in most samples 

passed through the filter. An outlier for MeHg (station BY59) 

also was screened out because the filtered subsample was 

likely contaminated. The screened out data points also were 

excluded from the station averages discussed below.

Plots showing the relation between THg and MeHg for 

various media, including water, sediment, and biota, show the 

proportion of mercury that is in the methyl form as a function of total mercury concentration. This relation is shown for 

unfiltered water samples in figure 11. Diagonal lines represent 

constant values of MeHg/THg. Values of MeHg/THg in unfiltered water samples ranged from 0.001 to 30 percent, with 

most values ranging from 0.01 to 5 percent. A similar plot 

showing the relation between THg and MeHg in filtered water 

samples (fig. 12) indicates that most values of MeHg/THg in 

filtered samples range from about 0.1 to less than 10 percent.

The surface waters of the Greenhorn Creek drainage 

had a relatively wide range of pH values (3.4 to 8.0, table 1). 

Sulfate is commonly the dominant anion in acidic waters and 

may also play a role in methylation of mercury through the 

action of sulfate-reducing bacteria (Gilmour and others, 1992). 

Therefore, the relations among pH and the concentrations of 

sulfate, mercury, and MeHg may be important in determining processes that control water quality in this environmental 

setting. The relation between pH and sulfate (fig. 13) indicates 

a wide scatter of values; the data trend toward higher sulfate 

concentrations at lower pH, typical of acid mine drainage. 

The most acidic samples, which also have the highest sulfate 

concentration (>100 mg/L), are from the Buckeye area. The 

Headwaters station (BY51) has the least sulfate (< 1 mg/L, 

table 5) and has near-neutral pH (6.7, table 1). Other samples 

that are near-neutral in pH (6 to 8) have sulfate concentrations 

in the range of 3 to 80 mg/L (fig. 13, tables 1 and 5). 

Results 29
Figure 7. Box plots showing distribution of (A) total mercury concentration in unfiltered water, (B) total mercury concentration 

in filtered water, and (C) methylmercury concentration in unfiltered water, grouped by type of water body, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, California. Non-detects plotted at 50 percent of method detection limit (MDL). USEPA, U.S. Environmental 

Protection Agency; THg, total mercury; MeHg, methylmercury. USEPA criterion for THg-unfiltered from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (1999). USEPA drinking water standard from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (2003). Reference concentration for 

MeHg-unfiltered from Rudd (1995).

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30 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
The relations between pH in unfiltered water and the 

concentrations of various forms of mercury in unfiltered 

and filtered water are shown in figure 14. No clear pattern 

is evident in the relation between pH and THg in unfiltered 

water (fig. 14A); the samples with highest mercury concentrations were in the pH range of 4 to 5.5; the most acidic samples 

(pH < 4) had relatively low THg concentrations (<10 ng/L). 

For THg in filtered water, the pH of samples having elevated 

concentrations of THg (>1,000 ng/L) ranges from 4.0 to 6.3 

(fig. 14B); it is not known whether all of the mercury passing 

through the 0.45-μm pore-size filters is truly dissolved; some 

of it may in the form of colloidal particles. Relatively high 

concentrations of MeHg (unfiltered), above the reference concentration of 0.1 ng/L, span the pH range of 4 to 7.7, nearly 

the full range encountered in the Greenhorn Creek drainage, 

and values of MeHg below the detection limit (0.04 ng/L) span 

the entire range of pH (3.5 to 8.0) (fig. 14C). 

Figure 8. Box plots showing distribution of the ratio of methylmercury to total mercury in unfiltered water 

samples grouped by type of water body, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, California.

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Results 31
Elevated concentrations of several trace elements were 

found in filtered water samples from some of the sampling 

stations. These trace elements tend to be most highly concentrated in samples with the lowest pH values. Three water 

samples from a station in the Buckeye area (BY23) were 

among the most acidic (pH values ranging from 3.7 to 4.2) and 

were consistently among the most metal rich, with concentrations in filtered water of aluminum from 3,900 to 4,100 μg/L, 

cadmium from 1.2 to 2.6 μg/L, copper from 28 to 48 μg/L, 

iron from 130 to 4,500 μg/L, manganese from 1,700 to 3,400 

μg/L, nickel from 140 to 240 μg/L, and zinc from 290 to 

560 μg/L (table 4B [see back of report]) Three other sampling stations in the Buckeye area (BY24, 25, and 58) also 

had relatively acidic water (pH values 3.4 to 5.6) with some 

anomalously high trace metal concentrations (table 4B). Water 

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Figure 9. Relation between total mercury concentration in unfiltered and filtered water samples, Greenhorn 

Creek drainage, Nevada County, California. Diagonal lines represent percentage of mercury passing through filter. 

Non-detects plotted at 50 percent of method detection limit (MDL). 

32 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
samples from two stations associated with a ground sluice at 

Poore Mine (BY88 and 90) had moderately high concentrations of iron (570 and 300 μg/L, respectively) and manganese 

(390 to 400 μg/L) at mildly acidic pH (5.8 and 5.5), but had 

relatively low concentrations of other trace metals. A water 

sample from the pit lake at Poore Mine (BY89) taken in May 

2000 had a similar pH value (5.8) and lower iron concentration 

(32 to 33 μg/L), but higher aluminum (130 μg/L), cadmium 

(1.1 μg/L), copper (11 to 12 μg/L), manganese (1,300 μg/L), 

and zinc (85 μg/L) concentrations (table 4B). Arsenic concentrations in filtered water were less than 1.0 μg/L at all sites 

except the Integrator site (BY59, Greenhorn Creek at You 

Bet Road), located downstream of the confluence with Little 

Greenhorn Creek, which drains a hardrock gold mining area 

including the Lava Cap Mine, where a tailings impoundment 

failed in January 1997, resulting in downstream arsenic contamination (CH2M Hill, 2001).

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Figure 10. Relation between methylmercury concentration in unfiltered and filtered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, California. Diagonal lines represent percentage of methylmercury 

passing through filter. Non-detects plotted at 50 percent of method detection limit (MDL). 

Results 33
The relations between sulfate concentration and different 

forms of mercury are shown in figure 15. Concentrations of 

THg (unfiltered) above the water-quality criterion of 50 ng/L 

are in samples having sulfate concentrations between 3.0 and 

170 mg/L. Only the three most dilute water samples (two of 

which had replicates for THg) having the lowest concentrations of sulfate (<3 mg/L), including the Headwaters sample, 

are in a range where elevated THg was not observed. The 

samples having elevated THg in filtered water (>1,000 ng/L; 

fig. 15B) had sulfate concentrations ranging from 6 to 

170 mg/L. Water samples with elevated MeHg concentrations 

(above the reference value of 0.1 ng/L; fig. 15C) span nearly 

the full range of sulfate concentrations (2 to 120 mg/L). 

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Figure 11. Relation between total mercury and methylmercury concentration in unfiltered water samples, 

Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, California. Diagonal lines represent constant values of the ratio of 

methylmercury to total mercury. Non-detects plotted at 50 percent of method detection limit (MDL). 

34 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
Scatter plots comparing the concentration of mercury 

in water with the concentration of suspended solids can be 

used to evaluate the range in concentration of mercury in the 

suspended solids. As a first approximation, one can use the 

concentration of mercury in unfiltered water for such plots, 

with the implicit assumption that all of the mercury is in particulate form (that is, that mercury passing through the filter 

represents fine particulates or colloids). On a plot of THg in 

unfiltered water versus total suspended sediment (fig. 16), the 

diagonal lines represent apparent concentrations of mercury 

in suspended material, assuming all of the mercury is in that 

form. Most of the data points for suspended sediment in figure 16 are clustered around the line representing 1 microgram 

per gram (μg/g), equivalent to 1 part per million (ppm) THg. 

Data for nine samples (excluding replicates) plotted on 

figure 16 represent apparent mercury concentrations in suspended sediment in the range of 10 ppm to 10,000 ppm (equivalent to 1 percent by weight). Of these nine samples, six are 

from tunnel sites at the Boston Mine, the Starr Mine, and the 

Buckeye Flat Mine; the three non-tunnel sites are the wetland 

at Boston Mine, a ground sluice at Sailor Flat, and a stream 

station on South Fork Greenhorn Creek, which drains the area 

of the Boston Mine and the southern part of the Buckeye Flat 

Mine. The lowest apparent concentration of THg in suspended 

sediment based on the data in figure 16, represented by a pair 

of data points (two split replicates), is about 0.10 ppm, for a 

ground sluice at Sailor Flat. 

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Figure 12. Relation between total mercury and methylmercury concentration in filtered water samples, 

Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, California. Diagonal lines represent constant values of the 

ratio of methylmercury to total mercury. Non-detects plotted at 50 percent of method detection limit 

(MDL). 

Results 35
Determining the difference between the THg concentration in filtered and unfiltered samples (referred to as particulate mercury concentration) is another way to describe mercury in suspended particulate material in the Greenhorn Creek 

drainage. Particulate mercury concentrations are plotted as a 

function of total suspended sediment concentration (fig. 17) 

to evaluate the mercury content of particulate material that 

did not pass through the 0.45-μm pore-diameter filters. For 

construction of fig. 17, geometric means of replicate analyses 

of THg in filtered and unfiltered water were calculated prior to 

calculating the particulate mercury concentrations. Comparison of data in figures 16 and 17 indicates a possible range of 

concentration for THg (unfiltered or particulate) in suspended 

sediment. No matter which assumptions are made, the apparent mercury content of suspended material at several sites, primarily tunnels, is in the range of ten to several thousand ppm.

Figure 13. Relation between pH in unfiltered water and sulfate concentration in filtered water, Greenhorn 

Creek drainage, Nevada County, California. 

36 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001

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Figure 14. Relation between pH and (A) total mercury in unfiltered water, (B) total mercury in filtered water, and (C) methylmercury 

in unfiltered water, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, California. USEPA criterion for total mercury (unfiltered) from U.S. 

Environmental Protection Agency (1999). USEPA drinking water standard from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (2003). 

Reference concentration for MeHg (unfiltered) from Rudd (1995).

Results 37
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Figure 15. Relation between sulfate concentration in filtered water and (A) total mercury in unfiltered water, (B) total mercury 

in filtered water, and (C) methylmercury in unfiltered water, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, California. USEPA criterion 

for total mercury (unfiltered) from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (1999). USEPA drinking water standard from U.S. 

Environmental Protection Agency (2003). Reference concentration for MeHg (unfiltered) from Rudd (1995).

38 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
Sediment

Concentration data for MeHg and THg in sediment 

samples are given in tables 9 and 10. Laboratory analyses of 

THg and MeHg (table 9) are available for ten samples from 

eight stations. Total mercury concentrations ranged from about 

0.0044 to 12 μg/g (microgram per gram, equivalent to ppm). 

Methylmercury concentrations ranged from less than detection 

to 0.0095 μg/g. Field panning methods were used to determine the concentration of free, elemental mercury in sediment 

samples where the mercury was visible. The detection limit 

of the field balance was 100 mg, and the amount of mercury 

present when trace amounts of free mercury were observed is 

estimated at 100 mg/kg (milligram per kilogram, equivalent 

to part per million or ppm). Measured quantities of elemental 

mercury recovered by panning were as high as 45,000 mg/kg 

(4.5 per cent, by weight) at the Boston Mine tunnel outlet 

(station BY20).

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Figure 16. Relation between total mercury concentration in unfiltered water and total suspended sediment 

concentration, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, California. The diagonal lines represent the apparent 

concentrations of mercury in suspended material. ppm, part per million. 

Results 39
Box plots using a logarithmic vertical scale (fig. 18) show 

the wide range of concentrations: more than three orders of 

magnitude for MeHg and more than six orders of magnitude 

for THg (laboratory and field values). A scatter plot showing the relation between THg and MeHg in sediment samples 

(fig. 19) indicates that the ratio of MeHg to THg in the 

sediment samples ranged from less than 0.001 percent to about 

3 percent. The station with the highest MeHg to THg ratio was 

associated with a wetland environment in the Boston Mine 

area (BY21).

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Figure 17. Relation between particulate total mercury concentration and total suspended sediment concentration, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, California. The diagonal lines represent apparent concentrations of mercury in suspended material. ppm, parts per million.

40 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
Station 

map ID

Station name Date Time

Methylmercury,

dry

 (μg/g)

WI Lab

Total 

mercury, 

dry

(μg/g)

WI Lab

Total mercury, 

dry

(μg/g)

CO Lab

Total mercury, 

wet

(μg/g)

CO Lab

Replicate 1 of 1 1 of 1 1 of 2 2 of 2 1 of 1

value value value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY20 Boston Mine 

tunnel outlet nr 

Grass Valley 

6/18/99 14:30 0.00031  8.9 0.073 9.0 0.06  

BY21 Boston Mine 

wetlands pond 

nr Grass Valley 

12/14/99 10:30 0.0034 0.0927      

BY23 Buckeye Flat 

Mine N drain to 

Greenhorn Cr, 

Grass Valley

6/18/99 11:30 0.00005  12 0.431 0.20 0.004  

BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine 

S drain to SF 

Greenhorn Cr, 

Grass Valley

8/26/99 11:00 0.0019  0.15 0.0030    

BY75 Missouri Cyn 

Cr 1.2 mi ab 

Greenhorn Cr nr 

Chicago Park

12/14/99 14:00 0.0012 0.175      

BY88 Poore Mine ground 

sluice nr Grass 

Valley 

4/1/99 12:00 0.0052  >>0 .013    0.013 0.003

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine 

main drain 

Gulch 01 nr 

Quaker Hill 

7/6/99 16:00 <0.00011  0.0076 0.0002    

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine 

main drain 

Gulch 01 nr 

Quaker Hill 

11/12/99 14:30 <0.00002 0.00443      

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine 

main drain 

Gulch 01 nr 

Quaker Hill 

11/12/99 15:00 0.00003 0.00633      

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr 

Grass Valley

11/12/99 12:30 0.0095 12.1      

Table 9. Concentrations of mercury and methylmercury in sediment samples, determined by laboratory methods, Greenhorn 

Creek drainage, Nevada County, California.

[WI, Wisconsin; CO, Colorado. Station name abbreviations: ab, above; Cr, Creek; Cyn, Canyon; mi, mile; N, North; nr, near; S, South; SF, South Fork. μg/g, 

microgram per gram (equivalent to part per million); s.d., standard deviation (three or more analyses); , not determined; >>, much greater than; <, less than]

Results 41
Station map ID Station name Date Discharge 

(gal/min) Location Mercury(mg/kg)

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel outlet nr Grass Valley 6/18/99 2.5 Pool below tunnel 1,100

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel outlet nr Grass Valley 12/14/99 6 Pool below tunnel 2,600

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel outlet nr Grass Valley 10/18/01 3 Bedrock, edge of pool 45,000

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel outlet nr Grass Valley 10/18/01 3 20 ft from portal, inside 1,000

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel outlet nr Grass Valley 12/21/01 15 Pool below tunnel 15,000

BY22 Buckeye Flat Mine drain 0.1 mi ab Greenhorn Cr 8/21/00  Riffle in creek trace

BY180 Greenhorn Cr .2 mi bl the Narrows 8/21/01  Bedrock crevice trace

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You Bet Rd nr Nevada City 1/25/00  Bedrock crevice trace

BY56 Greenhorn Cr bl SF Greenhorn Cr nr Nevada City 12/21/01  Bedrock crevice trace

BY146 Missouri Cyn 1.6 mi ab Greenhorn Cr nr Chicago Park 12/14/99  Riffle in sluice cut trace

BY75 Missouri Cyn Cr 1.2 mi ab Greenhorn Cr nr Chicago Park 12/14/99 2,200 Riffle above bridge 500

BY87 Poore Mine creek bl tunnel nr Grass Valley 1/14/99  Bedrock crevice trace

BY88 Poore Mine ground sluice nr Grass Valley 1/14/99  50 ft below tunnel outlet 400

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel effluent nr Grass Valley 1/14/99  Pool below tunnel trace

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main drain Gulch 01 nr Quaker Hill 12/2/99  Pool below riffle 1,000

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main drain Gulch 01 nr Quaker Hill 12/2/99  Pool below riffle 2,000

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main drain Gulch 01 nr Quaker Hill 12/2/99  Pool below riffle 13,000

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main drain Gulch 01 nr Quaker Hill 12/2/99  Pool below riffle 17,000

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main drain Gulch 01 nr Quaker Hill 12/2/99  Pool below riffle 18,000

BY115 SF Greenhorn Cr bl Boston Mine nr Nevada City 12/21/01  Bedrock crevice trace

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel midway nr Grass Valley 12/15/99 15 Riffle, midway in tunnel 1,000

BY130 Tom and Jerry Mine drain at tunnel outlet at Nevada City 3/15/00 10 Tunnel outlet 1,000

Table 10. Concentrations of visible total mercury in sediment samples, determined by field panning methods, Greenhorn Creek 

drainage, Nevada County, California.

[NOTE: Table 11 begins on page 204. All samples were measured “wet” after water had been allowed to drain. Water was then added during panning to facilitate 

recovery. Mercury was separated from concentrate and weighed after residual water was removed. Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, Creek; 

Cyn, Canyon; mi, mile; nr, near; Rd, Road; SF, South Fork. gal/min, gallon per minute; mg/kg, milligram per kilogram (equivalent to parts per million); ft, foot; 

trace, trace mercury, less than or equal to 100 mg/kg; , not determined]

42 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
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Figure 18. Box plots showing distribution of total mercury and methylmercury concentration in sediment 

samples from the Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, California. ppm, part per million; ppb, part per 

billion.

Results 43
Invertebrates

A total of 194 invertebrate samples were collected at 31 

stations in the study area. Eighty of the samples were analyzed 

for concentrations of THg and MeHg and used to calculate 

MeHg to THg ratios (table 11A in back of report). Sixty-nine 

frog samples were collected at 19 stations, and all were analyzed only for THg (table 12). Taxa collected (order: family) 

included banana slugs (Gastropoda: Arionidae, n = 27 [n is 

number of samples] ), dobsonflies (Megaloptera: Corydalidae, 

n = 14), dragonflies (Odonata: Aeshnidae, n = 19; Cordulegastridae, n = 21; Gomphidae, n = 4; Libellulidae, n = 2), giant 

water bugs (Hemiptera: Belostomatidae, n = 2), predaceous 

diving beetles (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae, n = 31), predaceous 

stoneflies (Plecoptera: Perlidae, n = 18), and water striders 

(Hemiptera: Gerridae, n = 56) (table 11A). An additional 19 

samples of six invertebrate taxa were collected at the baseline 

reference site (table 11B in back of report).

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Figure 19. Relation between total mercury and methylmercury concentration in sediment samples from the 

Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, California. The diagonal lines represent constant values of the ratio of 

methylmercury to total mercury.

44 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
Station 

map ID Station name Collection date Common name Scientific name Sample size (n) Live weight (g) Sample weight (g) Total length (mm) Moisture (percent) Total mercury (μg/g wet) Age Gender

BY21 Boston Mine wetlands pond nr Grass 

Valley 

8/12/99 Bullfrog Rana catesbeiana 1 9.50 9.31 46.77 78.4 0.036 Juvenile Male

BY21 Boston Mine wetlands pond nr Grass 

Valley 

8/13/99 Bullfrog Rana catesbeiana 1 244.32 240.53 120.43 78.2 0.15 Adult Male

BY21 Boston Mine wetlands pond nr Grass 

Valley 

8/13/99 Bullfrog Rana catesbeiana 1 195.60 189.11 109.67 78.5 0.066 Adult Female

BY21 Boston Mine wetlands pond nr Grass 

Valley 

8/21/00 Bullfrog Rana catesbeiana 1 174.25 171.61 119.37 78.0 0.061 Adult Female

BY21 Boston Mine wetlands pond nr Grass 

Valley 

9/13/01 Bullfrog Rana catesbeiana 1 83.55 78.50 90.42 81.3 0.055 Adult Female

BY21 Boston Mine wetlands pond nr Grass 

Valley 

9/13/01 Bullfrog Rana catesbeiana 1 93.57 75.46 99.00 81.2 0.055 Adult Female

BY21 Boston Mine wetlands pond nr Grass 

Valley 

9/13/01 Bullfrog Rana catesbeiana 1 5.19 5.01 38.50 83.1 0.033 Juvenile Undetermined

BY21 Boston Mine wetlands pond nr Grass 

Valley 

9/13/01 Bullfrog Rana catesbeiana 1 3.90 3.38 35.15 82.2 0.031 Juvenile Undetermined

BY148 Starr Pit pond nr Grass Valley 8/21/00 Bullfrog Rana catesbeiana 1 288.52 271.00 129.61 77.7 0.056 Adult MaleBY22 Buckeye Flat Mine drain 0.1 mi ab 

Greenhorn Cr

9/29/99 Foothill yellowlegged frog Rana boylii 1 20.70 18.31 54.09 77.6 0.050 Adult Male

BY22 Buckeye Flat Mine drain 0.1 mi ab 

Greenhorn Cr

9/29/99 Foothill yellowlegged frog Rana boylii 1 12.24 10.57 43.34 82.3 0.044 Adult Male

BY53 Greenhorn Cr ab SF Greenhorn Cr nr 

Nevada City 

9/13/01 Foothill yellowlegged frog Rana boylii 1 0.89 0.85 20.55 80.0 0.092 Juvenile Undetermined

BY53 Greenhorn Cr ab SF Greenhorn Cr nr 

Nevada City 

9/13/01 Foothill yellowlegged frog Rana boylii 1 1.22 1.16 24.18 75.4 0.069 Juvenile Undetermined

BY53 Greenhorn Cr ab SF Greenhorn Cr nr 

Nevada City 

9/13/01 Foothill yellowlegged frog Rana boylii 1 2.25 2.02 30.86 77.0 0.047 Juvenile Undetermined

BY56 Greenhorn Cr bl SF Greenhorn Cr nr 

Nevada City 

9/13/01 Foothill yellowlegged frog Rana boylii 1 16.36 15.44 53.12 79.2 0.087 Adult Male

BY56 Greenhorn Cr bl SF Greenhorn Cr nr 

Nevada City 

9/13/01 Foothill yellowlegged frog Rana boylii 1 15.87 19.95 53.08 80.1 0.085 Adult Male

BY56 Greenhorn Cr bl SF Greenhorn Cr nr 

Nevada City 

9/13/01 Foothill yellowlegged frog Rana boylii 1 18.48 16.60 54.68 82.1 0.043 Adult Female

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You Bet Rd nr 

Nevada City 

8/31/99 Foothill yellowlegged frog Rana boylii 1 1.91 1.90 — 79.4 0.032 Juvenile Undetermined

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You Bet Rd nr 

Nevada City 

8/31/99 Foothill yellowlegged frog Rana boylii 1 13.46 8.60 42.75 83.3 0.031 Adult Female

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You Bet Rd nr 

Nevada City 

8/31/99 Foothill yellowlegged frog Rana boylii 1 1.82 1.78 22.23 76.7 0.028 Juvenile Undetermined

Table 12. Mercury concentration data for frogs, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, California.[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, Creek; Cyn, Canyon; MF, Middle Fork; mi, mile; NF, North fork; nr, near; Rd, Road; SF, South Fork. n, number of organisms (parentheses indicate sample is part of the four-sample composite); g, gram; mm, millimeter; μg/g, microgram per gram; , not determined]

Results 45
Table 12. Mercury concentration data for frogs, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, California

—Continued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, Creek; Cyn, Canyon; MF, Middle Fork; mi, mile; NF, North fork; nr, near; Rd, Road; SF, South Fork. n, number of organisms (parentheses indicate sample is part of the four-sample composite); g, gram; mm, millimeter; μg/g, microgram per gram; 

, not determined]

Station 

map ID Station name Collection date Common name Scientific name Sample size (n) Live weight (g) Sample weight (g) Total length (mm) Moisture (percent) Total mercury 

(μg/g wet)

Age Gender

BY75 Missouri Cyn Cr 1.2 mi ab Greenhorn 

Cr nr Chicago Park 

8/31/99 Foothill yellowlegged frog Rana boylii 1 36.81 34.33 58.33 77.5 0.18 Adult Female

BY75 Missouri Cyn C 1.2 mi ab Greenhorn 

Cr nr Chicago Park 

8/31/99 Foothill yellowlegged frog Rana boylii 1 16.22 15.23 46.84 80.1 0.13 Adult Female

BY75 Missouri Cyn Cr 1.2 mi ab Greenhorn 

Cr nr Chicago Park 

8/31/99 Foothill yellowlegged frog Rana boylii 1 5.98 4.72 33.18 83.1 0.052 Juvenile Undetermined

BY75 Missouri Cyn Cr 1.2 mi ab Greenhorn 

Cr nr Chicago Park 

9/14/01 Foothill yellowlegged frog Rana boylii 1 16.52 16.02 54.50 75.7 0.18 Adult Male

BY147 NF MF Missouri Cyn nr Chicago Park 9/25/00 Foothill yellowlegged frog Rana boylii 1 13.26 12.59 49.42 76.0 0.30 Adult FemaleBY147 NF MF Missouri Cyn nr Chicago Park 9/14/01 Foothill yellowlegged frog Rana boylii 1 4.57 4.34 36.80 79.9 0.15 Juvenile UndeterminedBY86 Poore Mine creek ab tunnel nr Grass 

Valley 

9/26/00 Foothill yellowlegged frog Rana boylii 1 32.76 31.20 64.57 75.5 0.12 Adult Female

BY86 Poore Mine creek ab tunnel nr Grass 

Valley 

9/26/00 Foothill yellowlegged frog Rana boylii 1 22.18 20.53 57.64 78.4 0.11 Adult Female

BY86 Poore Mine creek ab tunnel nr Grass 

Valley 

9/26/00 Foothill yellowlegged frog Rana boylii 1 7.34 6.89 39.20 80.6 0.044 Adult Male

BY114 SF Greenhorn Cr 0.7 mi ab Greenhorn 

Cr nr Nevada City

9/25/00 Foothill yellowlegged frog Rana boylii 1 12.71 11.77 46.89 79.5 0.16 Adult Male

BY114 SF Greenhorn Cr 0.7 mi ab Greenhorn 

Cr nr Nevada City

9/13/01 Foothill yellowlegged frog Rana boylii 1 14.71 14.13 50.88 74.5 0.25 Adult Male

BY114 SF Greenhorn Cr 0.7 mi ab Greenhorn 

Cr nr Nevada City

9/13/01 Foothill yellowlegged frog Rana boylii 1 14.85 13.82 52.04 79.6 0.12 Adult Male

BY114 SF Greenhorn Cr 0.7 mi ab Greenhorn 

Cr nr Nevada City

9/13/01 Foothill yellowlegged frog Rana boylii 1 6.95 6.61 41.78 79.2 0.10 Adult Male

BY113 SF Greenhorn Cr 0.8 mi ab Greenhorn 

Cr nr Nevada City

9/13/01 Foothill yellowlegged frog Rana boylii 1 40.40 38.69 72.68 72.7 0.19 Adult Female

BY113 SF Greenhorn Cr 0.8 mi ab Greenhorn 

Cr nr Nevada City

9/13/01 Foothill yellowlegged frog Rana boylii 1 15.22 13.95 51.00 76.3 0.11 Adult Female

BY115 SF Greenhorn Cr bl Boston Mine nr 

Nevada City

9/13/01 Foothill yellowlegged frog Rana boylii 1 1.63 1.53 27.24 79.0 0.25 Juvenile Undetermined

BY115 SF Greenhorn Cr bl Boston Mine nr 

Nevada City

9/13/01 Foothill yellowlegged frog Rana boylii 1 1.85 1.67 27.56 80.5 0.20 Juvenile Undetermined

BY115 SF Greenhorn Cr bl Boston Mine nr 

Nevada City

9/13/01 Foothill yellowlegged frog Rana boylii 1 7.43 7.17 44.49 79.8 0.11 Adult Female

46 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
Table 12. Mercury concentration data for frogs, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, California—Continued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, Creek; Cyn, Canyon; MF, Middle Fork; mi, mile; NF, North fork; nr, near; Rd, Road; SF, South Fork. n, number of organisms (parentheses indicate sample is part of the four-sample composite); g, gram; mm, millimeter; μg/g, microgram per gram; , not determined]

Station 

map ID Station name Collection date Common name Scientific name Sample size (n) Live weight (g) Sample weight (g) Total length (mm) Moisture (percent) Total mercury (μg/g wet) Age Gender

BY124 Starr Mine tunnel outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

8/13/99 Foothill yellowlegged frog Rana boylii 1 7.19 6.20 39.40 79.9 0.11 Juvenile Undetermined

BY124 Starr Mine tunnel outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

8/13/99 Foothill yellowlegged frog Rana boylii 1 8.32 7.46 39.47 81.4 0.092 Juvenile Undetermined

BY124 Starr Mine tunnel outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

8/13/99 Foothill yellowlegged frog Rana boylii 1 14.53 11.95 47.61 80.8 0.058 Adult Female

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

8/31/99 Pacific treefrog Hyla regilla 1 7.71 7.05 41.33 74.4 0.11 Adult Female

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

8/31/99 Pacific treefrog Hyla regilla 1 5.99 5.34 35.82 75.1 0.073 Adult Female

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

8/31/99 Pacific treefrog Hyla regilla 1 7.23 6.59 41.27 77.8 0.070 Adult Female

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

8/21/00 Pacific treefrog Hyla regilla 1 4.46 3.98 41.46 71.2 0.29 Adult Female

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

8/21/00 Pacific treefrog Hyla regilla 1 4.51 4.22 39.00 76.6 0.25 Adult Female

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

8/21/00 Pacific treefrog Hyla regilla 1 2.03 1.74 31.91 78.0 0.17 Juvenile Undetermined

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

9/13/01 Pacific treefrog Hyla regilla 1 3.80 3.64 36.63 76.1 0.17 Adult Female

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

9/13/01 Pacific treefrog Hyla regilla 1 3.62 3.32 36.55 77.1 0.16 Adult Male

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

9/13/01 Pacific treefrog Hyla regilla 1 4.21 3.89 38.48 75.4 0.14 Adult Female

BY58 Buckeye Flat Mine main drain 0.45 

mi ab Greenhorn Cr

9/12/01 Pacific treefrog Hyla regilla 1 5.37 5.25 41.96 73.0 0.081 Adult Female

BY75 Missouri Cyn Cr 1.2 mi ab Greenhorn 

Cr nr Chicago Park

8/31/99 Pacific treefrog Hyla regilla 1 1.82 1.45 29.46 81.6 0.035 Juvenile Undetermined

BY75 Missouri Cyn Cr 1.2 mi ab Greenhorn 

Cr nr Chicago Park

9/14/01 Pacific treefrog Hyla regilla 1 3.55 3.41 38.16 74.6 0.11 Adult Male

BY90 Poore Mine seep above Ground Sluice 

nr Grass Valley 

9/26/00 Pacific treefrog Hyla regilla 1 2.53 2.25 30.74 73.4 0.079 Adult Male

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

10/16/01 Pacific treefrog Hyla regilla 1 4.62 4.53 37.22 75.3 0.068 Adult Female

Results 47
Station 

map ID Station name Collection date Common name Scientific name Sample size (n) Live weight (g) Sample weight (g) Total length (mm) Moisture (percent) Total mercury 

(μg/g wet)

Age Gender

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel effluent nr 

Grass Valley 

10/16/01 Pacific treefrog Hyla regilla 1 5.25 4.91 39.82 75.1 0.052 Adult Female

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel effluent nr 

Grass Valley 

10/16/01 Pacific treefrog Hyla regilla 1 4.99 4.76 39.50 75.3 0.045 Adult Female

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main drain Gulch 01 

nr Quaker Hill 

8/24/99 Pacific treefrog Hyla regilla 1 2.87 2.48 32.43 83.0 0.037 Adult Male

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main drain Gulch 01 

nr Quaker Hill 

8/24/99 Pacific treefrog Hyla regilla 4 3.21 2.93

 85.1 0.034





BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main drain Gulch 01 

nr Quaker Hill 

8/24/99 Pacific treefrog Hyla regilla (1) 0.76 0.66 20.02 85.1

 Juvenile Undetermined

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main drain Gulch 01 

nr Quaker Hill 

8/24/99 Pacific treefrog Hyla regilla (1) 0.82 0.75 20.20 85.1

 Juvenile Undetermined

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main drain Gulch 01 

nr Quaker Hill 

8/24/99 Pacific treefrog Hyla regilla (1) 0.56 0.50 17.88 85.1

 Juvenile Undetermined

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main drain Gulch 01 

nr Quaker Hill 

8/24/99 Pacific treefrog Hyla regilla (1) 1.07 1.02 20.81 85.1

 Juvenile Undetermined

BY124 Starr Mine tunnel outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

8/21/00 Pacific treefrog Hyla regilla 1 6.82 6.59 43.14 71.1 0.12 Adult Female

BY124 Starr Mine tunnel outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

8/21/00 Pacific treefrog Hyla regilla 1 6.70 6.53 41.25 70.8 0.085 Adult Female

BY124 Starr Mine tunnel outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

8/21/00 Pacific treefrog Hyla regilla 1 5.57 5.19 40.85 71.6 0.075 Adult Female

BY130 Tom Jerry Mine drain at tunnel outlet 

nr Nevada City

9/12/01 Pacific treefrog Hyla regilla 1 6.27 6.08 42.60 72.2 0.14 Adult Female

BY130 Tom Jerry Mine drain at tunnel outlet 

nr Nevada City

9/12/01 Pacific treefrog Hyla regilla 1 7.04 6.67 42.57 69.7 0.090 Adult Female

BY130 Tom Jerry Mine drain at tunnel outlet 

nr Nevada City

9/12/01 Pacific treefrog Hyla regilla 1 3.15 2.95 34.67 76.6 0.066 Adult Female

Table 12. Mercury concentration data for frogs, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, California

—Continued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, Creek; Cyn, Canyon; MF, Middle Fork; mi, mile; NF, North fork; nr, near; Rd, Road; SF, South Fork. n, number of organisms (parentheses indicate sample is part of the four-sample composite); g, gram; mm, millimeter; μg/g, microgram per gram; 

, not determined]

48 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
Ranges of MeHg concentrations (μg/g, wet weight) in 

invertebrate samples were 0.0012− 0.048 for banana slugs, 

0.027−0.39 for dobsonflies, 0.011−1.6 for dragonflies, 

0.029−0.50 for predaceous diving beetles, 0.026−0.52 for predaceous stoneflies, and 0.061−0.55 for water striders (fig. 20, 

table 11A). As expected, the MeHg concentrations in banana 

slugs, which are detritivores, were dramatically less than those 

in predatory insects (fig. 20). Average values for invertebrate 

samples from the baseline reference station (BY199, fig. 1, 

table 11B) are lower than most of the values for samples from 

the study area (fig. 20, table 11A). For three taxa (dragonflies, 

giant water bugs, and water striders), average values from 

the baseline station were less than the 25th percentile of the 

sample distribution from the study area. For two of the taxa 

(dobsonflies and predaceous stoneflies), the average values 

from the baseline station were approximately equal to the 

25th percentile values, and for one taxon (predaceous diving 

beetles) the average baseline value was approximately equal to 

the median value for the study area (fig. 20).

The mean value of MeHg/THg for predatory insects collected during 1999−2001 in the Greenhorn Creek drainage was 

76 percent, with a standard deviation of 22 percent. A plot of 

the relation between amounts of THg and MeHg in the predatory insects (fig. 21A) indicates that the value of MeHg/THg 

was greater than 50 percent for 74 of 78 samples. The ranges 

of MeHg/THg values per taxon are shown in parentheses: 

dobsonflies (27−65 percent), dragonflies (65−120 percent), 

predaceous diving beetles (36−94 percent), predaceous stoneflies (55−109 percent), and water striders (58 −127 percent). 

Box plots of MeHg/THg for five invertebrate taxa (fig. 21B) 

indicate that dragonflies had consistently higher values of 

MeHg/THg relative to the other taxa.

Plots of MeHg concentration relative to the mass of 

individual organisms can be used to evaluate whether the mass 

(a proxy for age) of the organisms is more significant than 

other factors in determining the MeHg content. This approach 

is best applied when comparing multiple samples of different 

size (age) organisms of a single taxon from the same station, 

preferably collected at the same time. It has been shown in 

other studies (for example, Wong and others, 1997) that larger 

(older) individuals of a given invertebrate taxon will tend to 

have higher MeHg concentrations than smaller (younger) individuals from the same location. However, in this study, we did 

not collect a sufficient number of samples to evaluate the relationship between organism size and MeHg bioaccumulation; 

our main objective was to evaluate variations between sites. 

In this report, plots of organism mass versus MeHg content in 

biota show data for individual taxa from multiple sites so that 

variability in organism size can be assessed in the context of 

evaluating site-to-site variations in MeHg concentrations in 

biota. The relation between organism mass and MeHg content 

for each of the invertebrate taxa are plotted in figures 22−27; 

the relations between mass and THg for frog taxa are plotted 

in figures 28−31. 

Although MeHg concentrations in banana slugs (fig. 22) 

were lower than in other, more predatory invertebrate taxa 

(fig. 20), the sites with relatively high concentrations of MeHg 

and THg in the slugs correspond with “hot spot” stations having other taxa that contain higher than usual concentrations of 

MeHg or THg. A composite sample of banana slugs collected 

in 2001 at a station in the Buckeye area (BY116) had the highest concentration of MeHg, although it was the lowest in terms 

of average mass. The second-highest MeHg concentration in 

a banana slug sample was from a composite sample taken at a 

ground sluice station in Missouri Canyon (BY 147).

The MeHg concentrations in dragonflies at the Buckeye 

South station (BY24) and the Boston Mine tunnel outlet (BY 

20) were much higher than those at all other stations (fig. 23). 

The dragonfly sample taken at station BY24 in 1999 had a 

MeHg concentration of 1.6 μg/g (wet basis), the highest concentration observed for any invertebrate sample in this study. 

Dragonfly samples taken at station BY24 had lower concentrations of MeHg in 2000 (0.32 μg/g) and in 2001 (0.079 and 

0.10 μg/g); however the organisms in these samples were 

smaller in mass than the 1999 sample. At other stations in 

the study area, MeHg concentrations in dragonflies ranged 

between 0.011 and 0.89 μg/g, a range similar to that observed 

for other taxa. The average MeHg concentration for two dragonfly samples from the baseline station was 0.02 μg/g, lower 

than more than 75 percent of the dragonfly samples from the 

study area (fig. 20).

The highest MeHg concentration (0.39 μg/g) in dobsonflies (fig. 24) was from a station in the Missouri Canyon 

area (BY147). Dobsonflies collected from another Missouri 

Canyon site (BY 75) ranged from 0.08 to 0.20 μg/g. Data for 

the stations in the South Fork Greenhorn Creek area (BY 113, 

114, and 115; fig. 4) show that MeHg content in dobsonflies 

increases in the downstream direction (table 11A). The average MeHg concentration for four dobsonfly samples from the 

baseline site was 0.039 μg/g. 

Results 49
Figure 20. Box plots showing distribution of methylmercury concentrations in invertebrates and total mercury 

concentrations in frogs from the Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, California. n is coordinate; b is 

number of analyses from a baseline station, Bear River at Highway 20 near Emigrant Gap.

50 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001 ������������������������������������������������ ����������������������������������������������

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Figure 21. Data for total mercury and methylmercury in predatory insects: (A) scatter plot showing relation 

between total mercury and methylmercury concentration; diagonal lines indicate constant values of the ratio 

methylmercury to total mercury; (B) box plots showing ratio of methylmercury to total mercury for individual 

insect taxa from the Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, California.

Results 51
Figure 21.Continued.

52 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001

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The highest MeHg concentrations in predaceous diving 

beetles (fig. 25, table 11A) were at the Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet (BY20). Of the stations in the Missouri Canyon area, 

the station at the North Fork of the Middle Fork (BY147) 

had diving beetles with the highest MeHg concentration. The 

Buckeye samples ranged from 0.03 to 0.17 μg/g; the beetles 

at station BY24 (Buckeye South drain) had the highest MeHg 

concentration. The average MeHg concentration of three 

beetle samples from the baseline station (BY199) was 0.113 

μg/g, approximately equal to the median value of samples 

from the study area.

The predaceous stoneflies at the South Fork Greenhorn 

Creek stations (BY113, 114, and 115) showed generally 

increasing MeHg concentrations in the downstream direction 

(fig. 26, table 11A). Average MeHg concentrations (μg/g) 

for three composite samples per station varied from 0.06 at 

BY113, to 0.14 at BY114, and to 0.34 at BY115. This spatial 

trend is similar to that observed for dobsonflies, as discussed 

above. The average value of five samples of predaceous 

stoneflies from the baseline station (BY199) was 0.054 μg/g, 

approximately equal to the 25th percentile of samples from the 

study area.

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Figure 22. Relation between methylmercury concentration and average mass of banana slugs from the 

Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, California.

Results 53
The highest MeHg concentration in water striders 

(fig. 27) was 0.55 μg/g in a sample taken during 1999 from 

station BY 24 (Buckeye South drain). Similar samples of 

water striders from this site in 2000 and 2001 had much lower 

concentrations, ranging from 0.11 to 0.16 μg/g (table 11A). 

This decline was similar to that observed for the dragonflies 

from this site. Similarly, the MeHg concentration in water 

striders at two Missouri Canyon stations (BY75 and 147) 

varied greatly year-to-year, with a trend toward lower concentrations of MeHg in 2001. Water striders at station BY20 

(Boston Mine tunnel outlet) had relatively consistent MeHg 

concentrations through time, which is probably related to the 

consistency of the microhabitat and the hydrogeology at that 

site. MeHg concentrations in water striders at stations in South 

Fork Greenhorn Creek (BY113, 114, 115) increased in the 

downstream direction toward the confluence of South Fork 

Greenhorn Creek with the main stem of Greenhorn Creek, a 

trend also observed for dobsonflies and predaceous stoneflies, 

as noted above. Station BY115, the most downstream station on South Fork Greenhorn Creek, serves as an integrator 

of multiple contaminated sites, including the Boston Mine 

tunnel outlet (BY20) and the southern Buckeye sites (BY24 

and 116). The average MeHg concentration of four samples of 

water striders from the baseline station (BY199) is 0.036 μg/g, 

which is lower than all 56 of the water strider samples from 

the study area.

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Figure 23. Relation between methylmercury concentration and average mass of dragonflies from the Greenhorn 

Creek drainage, Nevada County, California.

54 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
Frogs

During 1999−2001, a total of 9 bullfrogs, 32 foothill 

yellow-legged frogs, and 24 Pacific treefrogs were collected 

from the study area. Ranges of THg concentrations (wet 

weight) are in parentheses: bullfrogs (0.031−0.15 μg/g), 

foothill yellow-legged frogs (0.028−0.30 μg/g), and Pacific 

treefrogs (0.034−0.29 μg/g) (figs. 28−31, table 12).

Total mercury was plotted against mass for all three species of frogs on the same graph (fig. 28). The mass of the frogs 

is displayed on a logarithmic scale because of the wide range 

of sample size among the frogs sampled (from less than 1 g 

for Pacific treefrogs to nearly 300 g for the largest bullfrog). 

Given the diversity of sampling stations, no clear relation 

between frog size and THg would be expected. In fact, the 

frog with the second-highest concentration of THg (0.29 μg/g, 

table 12) was a relatively small Pacific treefrog (4.46 g) 

collected from one of the most contaminated sites, the Boston 

Mine tunnel outlet (BY20). The frog with the highest concentration of THg (0.30 μg/g) was a foothill yellow-legged frog of 

13.36 g, much smaller than most of the bullfrogs collected; the 

bullfrogs had lower concentrations of THg (0.03 to 0.15 μg/g). 

In other watersheds, bullfrogs bioaccumulated extremely high 

concentrations of THg (for example, 2.8 μg/g in an adult bullfrog from Cache Creek, California; Roger L. Hothem, written 

commun., 2002). In this study, bullfrogs were sampled from 

only two stations, and 8 of the 9 samples came from a single 

station, the Boston Mine wetlands (BY21). Apparently, the 

stations in the Greenhorn Creek drainage where bullfrogs were 

sampled in this study were less contaminated by MeHg than 

some of the other stations. Therefore, it appears that spatial 

variation in MeHg exposure, rather than mass of the organism, 

is the primary factor influencing MeHg bioaccumulation in the 

study area. 

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Figure 24. Relation between methylmercury concentration and average mass of dobsonflies from 

the Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, California.

Results 55
Although there is no clear relation between sizes of all 

frogs and THg, the THg concentrations in bullfrogs from the 

Boston wetlands (station BY21) do appear to increase in relation to sample mass (fig. 29). No clear relation between size 

(age) and Hg content is apparent for the other two frog species 

(figs. 30 and 31). Unlike the bullfrogs, which were nearly 

all from one site, the treefrogs and the yellow-legged frogs 

were from multiple site and year combinations, representing 

a wide variation in mercury exposure. Total mercury concentrations were compared with the total mass of individual 

bullfrogs from the Boston Mine wetlands (BY21) (fig. 29). 

The plot shows an increasing trend in THg relative to mass 

for the eight samples. The foothill yellow-legged frogs with 

the highest concentrations of THg were from the Missouri 

Canyon (BY147) and the South Fork Greenhorn Creek areas 

(BY113−115) (fig. 30, table 12). A yellow-legged frog sample 

from the North Fork of the Middle Fork of Missouri Canyon 

(station BY147) had the most elevated concentration of THg 

in this species. At two stations in Missouri Canyon (BY75 and 

147), adult foothill yellow-legged frogs had higher concentrations of THg than did the juveniles from the same sites. Foothill yellow-legged frogs from the South Fork Greenhorn Creek 

area showed a trend of increasing THg concentration closer to 

Greenhorn Creek, but, likely because these animals are more 

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Figure 25. Relation between methylmercury concentration and average mass of predaceous diving beetles 

from the Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, California.

56 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
mobile and the sites were very close together, this trend was 

less distinct than that shown by the invertebrates. Foothill 

yellow-legged frog samples from the main stem of Greenhorn 

Creek (BY53 and BY56), the Buckeye area (BY22), the Poore 

Mine area (BY86), and the Integrator station (BY59) generally had lower concentrations of THg compared with samples 

from other station groups. All six of the Pacific treefrogs collected from the Boston Mine tunnel outlet (BY20) in 2000 and 

2001 had higher THg concentrations than the other treefrogs 

collected from the Greenhorn Creek study area (fig. 31). The 

relative stability of the habitat at station BY20 likely contributed to both the high THg values and the consistency of these 

values. The relatively high concentration of MeHg observed 

in the invertebrates collected from this site (table 11A) caused 

us to expect a high concentration of THg in the frogs that 

consume these invertebrates.

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Figure 26. Relation between methylmercury concentration and average mass of predaceous stoneflies from 

the Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, California.

Results 57
Summary of Results by Geographic Area

Normalizing concentration data using medians for each 

constituent allows comparison of the relative degree of mercury contamination at the various sampling stations. For each 

analyte, a single value was derived for each sampling station 

by taking the geometric mean of available data. The median 

for each analyte among the various stations included in this 

study (referred to as the “study median”) was then computed 

using the geometric means corresponding to each station for 

which data were available. When values were reported as less 

than the detection limit (in water and sediment data), a value 

equal to one-half the detection limit was used to compute the 

geometric mean. 

To compare different analytes among stations, the normalized data were split into five categories, shaded in different 

colors on a summary chart (fig. 32). For the study area, values 

less than half of the median for each analyte were considered 

very low (blue). Values greater than or equal to half of the 

median and less than the median were considered low (green). 

Values greater than or equal to the median and less than twice 

the median were considered moderately high (grey); values 

greater than or equal to twice the median and less than 10 

times the median were high (yellow); and values greater than 

10 times the median were considered extremely high (red). 

The summary chart illustrates the values of the normalized 

concentrations for the following analytes: (1) four types of 

mercury in water (unfiltered and filtered THg [table 2], and 

Figure 27. Relation between methylmercury concentration and average mass of water striders from the 

Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, California.

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58 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
unfiltered and filtered MeHg [table 3]), (2) three types of mercury in sediment (visible THg [table 10]) and THg and MeHg 

from laboratory analysis [table 9]), (3) six invertebrate taxa 

(table 11A), and (4) two frog taxa (table 12). Giant water bugs 

and bullfrogs were not included in figure 32 because the number of stations sampled for these taxa was too small (n = 2).

Study median values for all mercury-bearing constituents 

(water, sediment, and biota) are described below. For the entire 

study area, the medians for the four types of mercury in water 

were as follows: 14.6 ng/L in unfiltered THg, 2.8 ng/L in 

filtered THg, 0.07 ng/L in unfiltered MeHg, and 0.03 ng/L in 

filtered MeHg. (Note that the median value for filtered MeHg 

was less than the MDL of 0.04 ng/L because one-half the 

MDL was used for samples below the MDL.) In the case of 

visible mercury (table 10), it was assumed that a trace amount 

corresponded to 100 mg/kg (equivalent to 100 ppm); 100 mg 

was the detection limit of the field balance used to evaluate the 

results of panning 1-kg sediment samples. The median for this 

analyte turned out to be the trace amount; therefore, the trace 

amount has a normalized concentration of 1.0 (cells shaded 

yellow on figure 32). 

The study median for THg in sediment analyzed in the 

laboratory is 0.175 mg/kg (equivalent to ppm) and for MeHg 

in sediment, 0.00155 mg/kg. For invertebrates, the study 

medians for MeHg concentration were as follows: banana 

slugs, 0.0076 μg/g; dragonflies, 0.065 μg/g; dobsonflies, 

0.067 μg/g; stoneflies, 0.084 μg/g; diving beetles, 0.10 μg/g; 

and water striders, 0.11 μg/g. For frogs, the median concentrations for THg were 0.080 μg/g for Pacific treefrogs and 

0.083 μg/g for Foothill yellow-legged frogs. 

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Figure 28. Relation between total mercury concentration and total or average mass of all frog species from the 

Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, California.

Results 59
In the remainder of this section, results for each of the 

ten geographic areas identified in figures 2−5 are discussed. 

The discussion begins with the Headwaters station (BY51), 

then covers each of the subwatersheds with mining inputs in 

approximate downstream order, and then progresses to the 

Integrator station (Greenhorn Creek at You Bet Road, BY59).

Greenhorn Creek—Headwaters

Relatively few water and sediment samples were collected from the Headwaters reach of Greenhorn Creek (station 

BY51). The water sample that was collected from this station 

in January 2000 was rated very low for unfiltered THg, and 

low for unfiltered MeHg (fig. 32). However, the filtered THg 

value (about 5 ng/L) was unexpectedly rated in the moderately high category. Although there are no known mine wastes 

upstream of this station, soils in this area may have been 

contaminated by locally or regionally derived atmospheric 

deposition of mercury. Locally derived atmospheric mercury 

sources may have included retort activity during the period of 

active hydraulic and underground gold mining (1850−1942); 

regional sources included retort activity associated with 

mercury mining in the Coast Range (Alpers and Hunerlach, 

2000); globally derived atmospheric deposition of mercury 

may also be a factor. The baseline station (BY199, fig. 1) is 

used in this report as a reference site for invertebrate samples. 

Although it is also upstream of known mining sources, it may 

also have been affected by atmospheric deposition of mercury, 

as described above.

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Figure 29. Relation between total mercury concentration and mass of individual bullfrogs from the 

Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, California.

60 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
Sailor Flat Area

Biological samples of six taxa were collected at the 

outlet of the Tom and Jerry tunnel (BY130) in 2000 and 2001 

(fig. 32); four of the six taxa rated in the moderately high and 

high categories and the other two were in the low category, 

falling somewhat below study median values. Mercury was 

visible at this station, rating in the extremely high category. 

In contrast, results for a water sample collected in June 2000 

rated in the low category for both unfiltered THg and unfiltered MeHg. Concentrations of THg and MeHg in unfiltered 

water from a water sample collected at the inlet to the Tom 

and Jerry tunnel (BY129) in June 2000 were higher than the 

study medians. A disturbed water sample collected at this 

station (not used in the summary table) had approximately 

10 times more THg in both filtered and unfiltered water than 

an undisturbed sample collected on the same date (table 2). 

A water sample collected from a pond at the Tom and Jerry 

Mine station (BY131) in August 2000 rated high with regard 

to THg in both filtered and unfiltered water, and dragonfly 

samples from this station rated moderately high. The Tom and 

Jerry area (also known as Sailor Flat East) was chosen by the 

USDA−FS as a pilot remediation project (U.S. Department of 

Agriculture−Forest Service, 2002) and underwent restoration 

activity during November 2003.

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Figure 30. Relation between total mercury concentration and mass of individual foothill yellowlegged frogs from the Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, California.

Results 61
The main drainage gulch on the western side of the Sailor 

Flat area (BY105) had extremely high concentrations of mercury and MeHg in water, and consistently high concentrations 

of visible mercury were panned from bottom sediments in the 

plunge pools of the deeply incised bedrock drainage below 

the mine. Although no quantitative discharge measurements 

were made, high flow during a storm event was estimated to 

be about two to five cubic feet per second. Large quantities of 

sediment were observed being transported during this storm 

event. Subsequent sediment sampling yielded visible mercury in the bottom of a plunge pool after waters had receded. 

Sediment samples sent to the laboratory from this station were 

generally low in both THg and MeHg, and biological samples 

from three taxa were relatively low compared with those from 

other stations. 

Water samples from the drainage of the western side of 

the Sailor Flat area toward Greenhorn Creek (BY106) were 

moderately high in both filtered and unfiltered MeHg and high 

in filtered THg, but relatively low in unfiltered THg. Although 

water in the western side of the Sailor Flat area appears to be 

contaminated with relatively high concentrations of THg and 

MeHg, the lack of well defined remediation targets such as 

tunnels or ground sluices makes this station challenging in 

terms of formulating a remediation strategy.

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Figure 31. Relation between total mercury concentration and total or average mass of Pacific treefrogs from 

the Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, California.

62 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
Figure 32. Summary of data for mercury and methylmercury in water, sediment, and biota, Greenhorn Creek 

drainage, Nevada County, California.

Results 63

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Buckeye Area

Samples from the Buckeye Flat complex (6 stations) 

yielded some of the highest concentrations of MeHg and THg 

in water, sediment, and biota (fig. 32). The Buckeye South 

station (BY24) ranked among the five most contaminated 

locations with regard to both water and invertebrates, although 

sediment samples from the station were near median values 

in terms of THg and MeHg concentrations. Water samples 

collected from station BY24 during August 1999 and August 

2000 had extremely elevated levels of THg (filtered and 

unfiltered) and MeHg (unfiltered), with concentrations several 

orders of magnitude greater than those in samples from most 

other stations. Concentrations of THg and MeHg in water and 

biota were highly variable from year to year at this station, 

resulting in a moderate overall rank for biota. Buckeye North 

drain (BY23) ranked extremely high for THg in water, high for 

THg in sediment, and moderately high for MeHg in unfiltered 

water, based on water samples collected during 1999 and 2000 

and a sediment sample collected during 1999, but ranked very 

low for MeHg in sediment and low for MeHg in two invertebrate taxa sampled during 2000. The acidic conditions of the 

water at BY23 (pH 3.7 to 4.2; table 1) may have affected rates 

of Hg methylation and bioaccumulation and certainly affected 

ecological diversity.

Measured flows at station BY24 during sampling in 

August 1999 and August 2000 were approximately 1 gal/min; 

however, evidence of higher flow was observed. Deep plunge 

pools in the incised drainage below BY24 contained small 

amounts of both fine- and coarse-grained sediments with 

abundant organic material. These plunge pools are isolated 

during low flow and contain water with temperatures as high 

as 24°C. Waters draining the hydraulic pit toward the south 

travel through a network of ground sluices. Because of a moderate hydraulic gradient, the sediment transported through the 

BY24 station is mostly sand- and silt-sized particles.

The Buckeye Flat North drain (BY23) drains a smaller 

area and has a steeper gradient than station BY24. The drainage is controlled by a network of deeply incised bedrock 

sluices that drain through a tunnel. A large concentration of 

debris and sediment has accumulated in the steeply incised 

drainage below the tunnel. Flows were relatively consistent, 

between 5 and 8 gal/min. Some evidence of disturbance from 

recreational mining was observed just below the tunnel 

discharge. There is a large concentration of organic material 

from the forest canopy. The low pH values (3.7–4.2) measured 

at station BY23 may have been caused by the oxidation of 

abundant pyrite exposed in the slate bedrock throughout 

this portion of the hydraulic pit and pyrite in residual gravel 

deposits. 

Boston Mine Area

The Boston Mine tunnel (BY20) contains a remnant 

section of an old sluice box that is partially filled with mining 

debris. Elemental mercury was found in the sediment, with the 

largest concentrations at and near the bedrock contact. Precipitation and storage of water in the hydraulic pit above the tunnel leads to flow through the tunnel, where water can interact 

with mercury-contaminated sediments. The upstream entrance 

to the tunnel is caved or blocked. Measured discharge at the 

tunnel outlet ranged from 2.5 to 15 gal/min. On the basis of 

several site visits, it was evident that recreational miners had 

frequently disturbed sediment within the tunnel and below the 

tunnel. The tunnel outlet is located in bedrock about 20 feet 

above ground surface, leading to a cascade of the outfall down 

a fractured bedrock face. At the higher flows, fine-grained 

sediment and particulate mercury are probably transported 

out of the tunnel. Bedrock fractures alongside the deep plunge 

pool below the tunnel yielded sediment containing the highest 

measured visible mercury concentration within the study area 

(45,000 mg/kg, equivalent to 4.5 percent by weight).

Samples of biota and water were collected from the 

Boston Mine tunnel outlet (BY20) during 1999, 2000, and 

2001. Samples of biota (four taxa of invertebrates, and Pacific 

treefrogs) consistently had elevated concentrations of MeHg 

and THg (fig. 32). Dragonflies from station BY20 are the 

only example of an extremely high normalized concentration 

(greater than 10 times the study median) for all of the biological samples in the study area. Water samples from the Boston Mine tunnel outlet were moderately high in filtered and 

unfiltered THg and in filtered MeHg, and just below the study 

median value in unfiltered MeHg.

The ponded wetlands at the Boston Mine (BY21, fig. 4) 

are located upstream of the mine tunnel. Water and sediment 

samples from this station had moderately high to high levels 

of MeHg and somewhat lower levels of THg compared with 

those from the tunnel outlet (BY20). Samples of three taxa of 

invertebrates from these wetlands had lower levels of MeHg 

than equivalent samples from the mine tunnel outlet, but the 

levels for the predaceous diving beetles were moderately high. 

Caution must be used in the interpretation of data for predaceous diving beetles, as values even from the baseline reference station (BY199) were relatively high (near the median for 

all samples from the study area). Eight bullfrog samples from 

the Boston Mine wetlands varied in size and THg content; the 

concentration of MeHg in the frog generally corresponded to 

the size of the frog (fig. 29). The largest bullfrog had a THg 

content of about 0.15 μg/g (wet basis). 

The Bureau of Land Management selected the Boston 

Mine tunnel for a pilot remediation project. Environmental 

compliance documents were prepared, and remediation is 

scheduled for 2005.

64 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
South Fork Greenhorn Creek

The South Fork Greenhorn Creek tributary to Greenhorn 

Creek is the initial water body to receive discharge from the 

Buckeye South drainage (BY 24), the Buckeye East drain (BY 

116), and the Boston Mine tunnel outlet (BY20) (fig. 4). Three 

sampling stations (BY113, BY114, and BY115) were located 

longitudinally along a reach of the South Fork of Greenhorn 

Creek. Of these three, station BY115 is farthest downstream, 

near the confluence with the main stem of Greenhorn Creek; 

station BY114 is located upstream of the Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet (BY20) but downstream of the Buckeye Drain inputs 

(BY24 and BY116). Station BY113 is the farthest upstream 

station, but is still downstream of the Buckeye East Drain 

(BY116). MeHg in dobsonflies, stoneflies, and water striders, 

and THg in foothill yellow-legged frogs, collected from this 

reach of South Fork Greenhorn Creek (tables 11, 12; fig. 32) 

show a systematic increase apparently associated with distance 

downstream and the cumulative effects of the inputs from the 

Buckeye and Boston Mine areas.

Poore Mine Area

Samples of water from six stations in the Poore Mine area 

were among the least contaminated samples from the mine 

sites sampled for this study. All of the normalized values for 

filtered THg are in the very low range (fig. 32). Two of five 

values of both unfiltered THg and unfiltered MeHg are in the 

moderately high range, just above the study median values for 

these analytes, whereas the remaining three values for both 

analytes are in the very low range. Sediment contained a high 

concentration of visible mercury in a ground sluice and a trace 

amount (considered moderately high, equal to the median) at 

two other stations in the area. The MeHg concentration in a 

sediment sample from the ground sluice area was also 

moderately high. 

Mercury and MeHg in most of the biological samples 

from the Poore Mine area were in the very low to low range. 

Exceptions to this generalization were a banana slug sample 

from a seepage area above the ground sluice (BY90) that had 

high MeHg and water striders from BY90 and the tunnel effluent station (BY91) that had moderately high MeHg amounts 

just above the study median.

Starr Mine Area

Samples of water and sediment from a point near the 

middle of the Starr Mine tunnel (BY123) and samples of water 

from the tunnel outlet (BY124) indicate that this area is heavily contaminated with THg and MeHg (fig. 32). In contrast, the 

inflow water to the Starr Mine tunnel (BY122) was very low 

in both THg and MeHg, which suggests that the water flowing 

through and out of the tunnel acquired its THg and MeHg by 

interacting with contaminated sediments in the tunnel. 

Biological sampling in the middle of the Starr Mine tunnel was not possible because target species were not present. 

Samples of five taxa of biota from the tunnel outlet area were 

low to moderately high in MeHg. Samples of three taxa of 

biota from a pond in the Starr Mine pit (BY148) were rated 

very low (dragonflies) to high (diving beetles). Although not 

shown in fig. 32, a bullfrog sample from the Starr Mine pit 

was relatively low in THg compared with samples of comparable mass from the Boston Mine wetlands (BY21) (fig. 29, 

table 12).

Missouri Canyon Area

MeHg in biological samples from most stations in the 

Missouri Canyon area were rated moderately high to high 

(fig. 32). All of the sampling stations in this area are interpreted to be ground sluices except the Coon Hollow tunnel 

outlet (BY144). A ground sluice station at the North Fork of 

the Middle Fork of Missouri Canyon (BY147) had four taxa 

in the high category and two in the moderately high category; 

combining these data gives the highest overall ranking of 

MeHg in biota of all stations in the study area. A foothill 

yellow-legged frog sample from station BY147 had a THg 

concentration of 0.30 μg/g, the highest of all frog samples 

from the study area (fig. 28, table 12).

Few samples of water and sediment were collected from 

Missouri Canyon during the study period. A water sample 

from station BY75 collected in December 1999 was rated very 

low for unfiltered THg, low for filtered THg, and was near the 

study median (moderately high) for unfiltered MeHg. Sediment from station BY75 contained a high concentration of 

visible mercury; MeHg and THg concentrations in a sediment 

sample analyzed in the laboratory were rated low and moderately high, respectively. A trace (moderately high) of visible 

mercury was found at another ground sluice station (BY146). 

Several of the sampling stations in the Missouri Canyon area 

contained elevated levels of MeHg in biota, which qualifies this area as a “hot spot.” However, more sampling and 

hydrogeological analysis is needed to determine whether a 

suitable strategy for remediation can be identified.

Results 65
Greenhorn Creek—Main Stem 

Samples were collected from the part of the main-stem 

reach of Greenhorn Creek located between the Sailor Flat area 

(BY55) and a point below the Narrows (BY180), a distance 

of about 4 river miles. A single water sample from the station 

above Buckeye Ford (BY52) had moderately high THg in 

filtered and unfiltered water, but very low MeHg in unfiltered 

water (fig. 32). Trace amounts of visible mercury (moderately 

high) were documented at two of the main-stem stations. 

Biological data for this area ranged from very low to moderately high. Water striders and Foothill yellow-legged frogs had 

low values at all six stations at which samples were collected. 

Three of the main-stem Greenhorn Creek stations had taxa 

with moderately high values, ranging from 1.0 to 1.2 times 

the study median for dragonflies, dobsonflies, and stoneflies. 

Concentrations of MeHg tended to increase with distance 

downstream for each of the five biological taxa for which data 

are available (fig. 32), suggesting a systematic, cumulative 

increase of bioavilable MeHg downstream. 

Greenhorn Creek at You Bet Road—Integrator 

Site

The Integrator station at the bottom of the Greenhorn 

Creek drainage was generally rated low for THg and MeHg 

in water and biota (fig. 32). Three taxa of biota (stoneflies, 

water striders, and foothill yellow-legged frogs) were sampled 

in August 1999. Water was sampled monthly from July to 

December 2001. A trace of visible mercury was found by 

panning methods, but no sediment samples were analyzed 

quantitatively for THg and MeHg. The relatively low THg 

and MeHg concentrations in biota from this station could have 

been caused in part by dilution, as well as by intense in-stream 

gravel mining activity upstream which continually disturbs the 

area during the summer and fall months each year. The high 

degree of disturbance degraded the aquatic habitat, making it 

difficult to compare with other sites that were not as disturbed. 

Mercury that was mobilized in this area because of the gravel 

mining activity may have accumulated in Rollins Reservoir, 

or may have been transported farther downstream in the Bear 

River watershed. 

Summary and Conclusions

Reconnaissance sampling of water, sediment, and biota 

was done at 40 stations in the Greenhorn Creek drainage 

during 1999−2001 to characterize the degree of mercury and 

methylmercury (MeHg) contamination associated with historical gold mining and to identify potential remediation sites. The 

distribution of mercury and methylmercury is highly variable 

in time and space. Results identified two remediation sites for 

federal land management agencies: abandoned sluice tunnels 

in the Sailor Flat Mine area (U.S. Department of Agriculture–

Forest Service) and the Boston Mine area (Bureau of Land 

Management).

The range in concentrations of THg in unfiltered water 

spanned nearly seven orders of magnitude; more than 25 percent of the analyzed concentrations exceeded 50 ng/L (nanogram per liter), the applicable water-quality criterion for 

protection of aquatic life. Total mercury (THg) concentrations 

in unfiltered water exceeded 2,000 ng/L, the national drinking 

water standard, in a small number of the water samples. The 

highest concentrations of THg in water were found in ground 

sluices and tunnel sluices as opposed to ponds, wetlands, pit 

lakes, or streams. The concentration of MeHg in several of the 

unfiltered water samples was greater than 0.1 ng/L, a reference 

concentration above which significant bioaccumulation of 

MeHg has been observed in other systems. Values of the ratio 

MeHg to THg in unfiltered water samples spanned a wide 

range, from 0.001 to 30 percent, with most values in the range 

of 0.1 to 5 percent. The highest value of MeHg/THg in water 

was associated with a sample from a wetland environment.

Acidic drainage in some of the mined areas had pH 

values as low as 3.4. Data for major and trace elements are 

reported for filtered and unfiltered water samples collected at 

29 of the stations. Elevated concentrations of aluminum, cadmium, copper, iron, manganese, nickel, and zinc were found at 

several stations, especially in the more acidic water samples.

Visible mercury in sediment was observed in several 

areas, and concentrations were quantified using a panning method. Concentrations of elemental mercury documented by the panning method ranged from trace amounts 

(about 100 mg/kg [milligram per kilogram]) to large beads 

(45,000 mg/kg or 4.5 percent by weight). The median for THg 

in sediment samples analyzed by laboratory methods was 

around 1 mg/kg, and the median for MeHg in the sediment 

was around 0.001 mg/kg (dry basis). The range of values of 

the ratio of MeHg to THg in the sediment samples was about 

0.01 to 3 percent. The sediment sample with the highest value 

of MeHg/THg was from a wetland environment.

For biological samples, annual variations in MeHg 

concentrations by taxon appear to be related primarily to the 

degree of habitat stability, with intermittent habitats being 

more variable, and permanent features having relatively 

consistent MeHg concentrations. Values of MeHg/THg for 

invertebrate samples ranged from about 35 to 125 percent. 

Median values for five taxa were in the range of 60 (dobsonflies) to 95 percent (dragonflies). Other studies have found 

similar values of MeHg/THg in predatory insects; variations 

typically are related to trophic positionupper trophic level 

taxa (predators) tend to have higher percentages of MeHg than 

lower level taxa (herbivores, detritivores, and omnivores).

66 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
Insects have often been used in studies to document 

elevated levels of metals from historic and ongoing mining 

operations. In this study, concentrations of MeHg in several 

taxa of predatory insects, with the exception of predaceous 

diving beetles, served as a consistent and reproducible 

criterion for prioritizing remediation projects at abandoned 

hydraulic gold mine sites. Methylmercury concentrations were 

highly variable within families of insects across the study area, 

but were consistent among families from a given site, indicating localized contamination.

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References 69
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Table 4A 71

Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Aluminum (Al),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01104)

Arsenic (As), 

unfiltered 

(μg/L)

(01002)

Boron (B),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(00999)

Barium (Ba),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01007)

Beryllium (Be), 

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(00998)

Bismuth (Bi),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01017)

Calcium (Ca),

unfiltered

(mg/L)

(00916)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

Environmental samples

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

6/18/1999 14:30 1of2 14 3 <50 10 <6 3 54 3 <0.05 0.01 0.007 0.001 13 0

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

6/18/1999 14:30 2of2 16 6 <50 0 <6 3 55 1 <0.05 0.03 0.009 0.006 13 0

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

12/14/1999 12:00 1of2 25 3 <20 8 <9 3 96 8 <0.03 0.04 0.006 0.003 18 0

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

12/14/1999 12:00 2of2 17 2 <20 11 <9 4 101 6 <0.03 0.03 0.005 0.004 18 2

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

5/24/2000 16:00 1of2 17 4 <35 29 19 16 56 0 <0.07 0.02 0.003 0.001 12 0

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

5/24/2000 16:00 2of2 21 2 <35 19 <16 13 75 2 <0.07 0.03 0.002 0.001 12 0

BY21 Boston Mine wetlands 

pond nr Grass 

Valley 

12/14/1999 10:30 1of2 5.7 0.5 <20 15 15 14 50 0 <0.07 0.02 0.005 0.004 19 0

BY21 Boston Mine wetlands 

pond nr Grass 

Valley 

12/14/1999 10:30 2of2 8.4 2.2 <20 12 11 8 52 3 <0.07 0.01 0.006 0.004 19 0

BY21 Boston Mine wetlands 

pond nr Grass 

Valley 

5/24/2000 16:30 1of2 6.8 2.6 <35 16 <16 11 43 1 <0.07 0.05 0.006 0.001 11 0

BY21 Boston Mine wetlands 

pond nr Grass 

Valley 

5/24/2000 16:30 2of2 15 4 <35 9 <16 7 45 2 <0.07 0.04 0.007 0.006 11 0

BY58 Buckeye Flat Mine 

main drain 0.45mi 

ab Greenhorn Cr

8/21/2000 11:00 1of2 1,900 0 <20 0 <1,000 0 36 7 <1 1 <0.1 0.0 12 1

BY58 Buckeye Flat Mine 

main drain 0.45mi 

ab Greenhorn Cr

8/21/2000 11:00 2of2 1,600 0 <20 10 <1,000 1,000 34 7 <1 1 <0.1 0.1 12 3

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

6/18/1999 11:30 1of2 4,000 100 <50 10 <6 5 23 1 0.80 0.06 0.006 0.004 19 0

Table 4A. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in unfiltered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, California.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, Creek; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a five-digit code used in the U.S. 

Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equiivalent to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; 

<, less than; , not determined]
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Aluminum (Al),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01104)

Arsenic (As), 

unfiltered 

(μg/L)

(01002)

Boron (B),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(00999)

Barium (Ba),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01007)

Beryllium (Be), 

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(00998)

Bismuth (Bi),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01017)

Calcium (Ca),

unfiltered

(mg/L)

(00916)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

6/18/1999 11:30 2of2 4,000 0 <50 30 <6 4 22 1 0.87 0.02 0.006 0.004 20 0

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

12/2/1999 11:00 1of2 3,800 400 <20 13 <9 5 30 6 0.58 0.11 0.010 0.001 12 1

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

12/2/1999 11:00 2of2 3,600 0 <20 6 <9 4 39 3 0.54 0.08 0.014 0.008 11 0

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

8/22/2000 10:45 1of2 4,100 100 <20 10 <1,000 1,000 38 9 <1 0 <0.1 0.1 23 1

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

8/22/2000 10:45 2of2 3,800 0 <20 10 <1,000 1,000 38 7 <1 1 <0.1 0.1 21 2

BY116 Buckeye Flat Mine 

pond drain 0.15mi 

ab SF Greenhorn Cr

8/21/2000 14:10 1of2 43 1 <20 10 <9 6 61 4 <0.1 0.1 0.015 0.004 1.0 0.2

BY116 Buckeye Flat Mine 

pond drain 0.15mi 

ab SF Greenhorn Cr

8/21/2000 14:10 2of2 50 2 <20 0 <9 5 57 2 <0.1 0.1 0.026 0.011 0.87 0.05

BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine 

S drain to SF 

Greenhorn Cr, 

Grass Valley

8/26/1999 11:00 1of2 72 7 <50 40 7 13 19 0 <0.05 0.02 0.50 0.09 0.48 0.03

BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine 

S drain to SF 

Greenhorn Cr, 

Grass Valley

8/26/1999 11:00 2of2 67 4 <50 20 <6 1 19 0 <0.05 0.01 0.50 0.13 0.45 0.01

BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine 

S drain to SF 

Greenhorn Cr, 

Grass Valley

8/22/2000 12:10 1of2 250 40 <20 10 <9 5 23 1 <0.1 0.1 0.025 0.008 0.43 0.15

BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine 

S drain to SF 

Greenhorn Cr, 

Grass Valley

8/22/2000 12:10 2of2 260 40 <20 10 <9 9 26 3 <0.1 0.1 0.035 0.002 0.53 0.12

BY25 Buckeye Flat Mine 

upper drain

4/9/2001 10:00 1of2 630 40 <20 10 <6 1 41 3 0.10 0.06 0.010 0.005 4.7 0.9

Table 4A. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in unfiltered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, Creek; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a five-digit code used in the 

U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; 

<, less than; , not determined]

72 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Aluminum (Al),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01104)

Arsenic (As), 

unfiltered 

(μg/L)

(01002)

Boron (B),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(00999)

Barium (Ba),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01007)

Beryllium (Be), 

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(00998)

Bismuth (Bi),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01017)

Calcium (Ca),

unfiltered

(mg/L)

(00916)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY25 Buckeye Flat Mine 

upper drain

4/9/2001 10:00 2of2 620 10 <20 10 <6 7 40 1 0.11 0.02 0.009 0.006 4.6 0.7

BY52 Greenhorn Cr 0.3mi 

ab Buckeye Ford nr 

Nevada City

1/25/2000 10:45 1of2 460 20 <20 25 14 1 23 1 0.07 0.01 0.011 0.003 2.8 0.1

BY52 Greenhorn Cr 0.3mi 

ab Buckeye Ford nr 

Nevada City

1/25/2000 10:45 2of2 420 10 <20 9 9 3 23 0 <0.07 0.00 0.010 0.004 2.8 0.1

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

7/24/2001 11:00 1of2 38 3 <60 42 <10 5 34 3 <0.06 0.01 0.01 0.01 5.1 0.4

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

7/24/2001 11:00 2of2 4 2 <60 12 <10 6 35 2 <0.06 0.03 0.02 0.02 5.5 0.5

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

8/29/2001 15:00 1of2 23 1 <60 21 <10 4 25 1 <0.06 0.02 0.01 0.01 5.4 0.3

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

8/29/2001 15:00 2of2 25 2 <60 32 <10 2 27 3 <0.06 0.02 0.02 0.00 5.6 0.4

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

9/14/2001 13:00 1of2 29 1 <60 23 <8 5 30 1 <0.04 0.01 <0.02 0.01 5.1 0.2

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

9/14/2001 13:00 2of2 28 1 <60 5 <8 1 32 2 <0.04 0.01 <0.02 0.00 5.2 0.5

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

10/15/2001 12:00 1of2 12 2 <60 16 <10 5 34 1 0.05 0.11 <0.02 0.01 5.6 0.4

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

10/15/2001 12:00 2of2 13 2 <60 22 <10 1 36 3 <0.03 0.03 <0.02 0.00 5.6 0.2

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

11/20/2001 13:20 1of2 57 3 <30 7 <8 3 37 1 <0.04 0.02 0.03 0.00 6.5 0.7

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

11/20/2001 13:20 2of2 56 2 <30 4 <8 1 40 1 <0.04 0.01 <0.02 0.00 6.5 0.5

Table 4A. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in unfiltered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, Creek; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a five-digit code used in the 

U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; 

<, less than; , not determined]

Table 4A 73
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Aluminum (Al),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01104)

Arsenic (As), 

unfiltered 

(μg/L)

(01002)

Boron (B),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(00999)

Barium (Ba),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01007)

Beryllium (Be), 

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(00998)

Bismuth (Bi),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01017)

Calcium (Ca),

unfiltered

(mg/L)

(00916)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

12/10/2001 12:20 1of2 910 48 <100 24 <10 2 35 0 0.06 0.01 <0.02 0.00 6.3 0.7

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

12/10/2001 12:20 2of2 880 16 <100 13 <10 2 38 3 <0.03 0.03 <0.02 0.01 6.5 0.7

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

12/21/2001 13:00 1of2 4,500 420 <100 46 <9 20 79 8 0.16 0.03 <0.04 0.01 5.0 0.6

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

12/21/2001 13:00 2of2 4,700 120 <100 18 15 19 81 3 0.18 0.04 <0.04 0.01 5.1 0.5

BY51 Greenhorn Cr nr 

headwaters nr 

Scotts Flat Res

1/25/2000 9:30 1of2 77 3 <20 10 3 3 16 1 <0.07 0.03 0.006 0.005 1.4 0.2

BY51 Greenhorn Cr nr 

headwaters nr 

Scotts Flat Res

1/25/2000 9:30 2of2 78 3 <20 16 4 2 16 0 <0.07 0.02 <0.002 0.001 1.2 0.1

BY75 Missouri Cyn Cr 

1.2mi ab Greenhorn 

Cr nr Chicago Park

12/14/1999 14:00 1of2 52 7 <20 9 <9 7 39 10 0.10 0.02 <0.004 0.003 13 1

BY75 Missouri Cyn Cr 

1.2mi ab Greenhorn 

Cr nr Chicago Park

12/14/1999 14:00 2of2 55 2 <20 3 <9 3 37 9 0.14 0.03 0.008 0.003 12 0

BY86 Poore Mine Creek 

ab tunnel nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 17:40 1of2 660 10 12 10 <13 19 20 0 <0.04 0.01 0.010 0.003 3.3 0.1

BY86 Poore Mine Creek 

ab tunnel nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 17:40 2of2 640 10 <10 10 <13 8 20 1 0.07 0.02 0.007 0.001 3.2 0.1

BY87 Poore Mine Creek 

bl tunnel nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 13:30 1of2 540 30 <10 10 <13 19 20 1 <0.04 0.03 0.008 0.002 3.6 0.2

BY87 Poore Mine Creek 

bl tunnel nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 13:30 2of2 580 30 <10 10 <13 18 20 1 <0.04 0.04 0.008 0.002 3.6 0.2

BY88 Poore Mine ground 

sluice nr Grass 

Valley 

4/1/1999 15:40 1of2 95 7 <10 10 <13 8 27 1 0.07 0.02 0.005 0.003 6.7 0.0

Table 4A. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in unfiltered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, Creek; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a five-digit code used in the 

U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; 

<, less than; , not determined]

74 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Aluminum (Al),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01104)

Arsenic (As), 

unfiltered 

(μg/L)

(01002)

Boron (B),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(00999)

Barium (Ba),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01007)

Beryllium (Be), 

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(00998)

Bismuth (Bi),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01017)

Calcium (Ca),

unfiltered

(mg/L)

(00916)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY88 Poore Mine ground 

sluice nr Grass 

Valley 

4/1/1999 15:40 2of2 87 7 <10 10 <13 2 26 1 0.06 0.03 <0.003 0.001 6.7 0.3

BY89 Poore Mine pit lake nr 

Grass Valley 

4/1/1999 16:50 1of2 52 4 <10 0 <13 4 39 4 <0.04 0.00 0.007 0.002 2.6 0.3

BY89 Poore Mine pit lake nr 

Grass Valley 

4/1/1999 16:50 2of2 58 6 <10 0 <13 7 39 1 <0.04 0.01 0.011 0.005 2.6 0.1

BY89 Poore Mine pit lake nr 

Grass Valley 

5/23/2000 10:45 1of2 139 1 <35 21 <16 6 110 1 0.53 0.00 0.006 0.001 14 1

BY89 Poore Mine pit lake nr 

Grass Valley 

5/23/2000 10:45 2of2 144 5 <35 6 <16 7 106 1 0.60 0.03 0.006 0.002 14 0

BY90 Poore Mine seep 

above ground sluice 

nr Grass Valley 

4/1/1999 16:00 1of2       

BY90 Poore Mine seep 

above ground sluice 

nr Grass Valley 

4/1/1999 16:00 2of2       

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 15:20 1of2 55 7 <10 10 14 10 28 1 0.06 0.04 0.010 0.003 12 1

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 15:20 2of2 54 11 <10 10 20 13 29 0 <0.04 0.03 0.011 0.003 12 0

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

12/15/1999 13:00 1of2 61 1 <20 2 <9 7 31 4 <0.03 0.02 0.009 0.001 18 0

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

12/15/1999 13:00 2of2 78 3 <20 10 <9 1 28 6 <0.03 0.03 <0.004 0.001 19 1

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

5/23/2000 12:00 1of2 439 11 <35 32 <16 6 44 0 0.22 0.04 0.013 0.002 17 1

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

5/23/2000 12:00 2of2 438 9 <35 26 <16 3 40 1 0.24 0.04 0.013 0.000 18 0

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main 

drain gulch 01nr 

Quaker Hill 

7/6/1999 16:00 1of2 600 10 <50 10 <6 5 97 4 0.36 0.02 0.010 0.003 3.1 0.0

Table 4A. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in unfiltered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, Creek; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a five-digit code used in the 

U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; 

<, less than; , not determined]

Table 4A 75
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Aluminum (Al),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01104)

Arsenic (As), 

unfiltered 

(μg/L)

(01002)

Boron (B),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(00999)

Barium (Ba),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01007)

Beryllium (Be), 

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(00998)

Bismuth (Bi),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01017)

Calcium (Ca),

unfiltered

(mg/L)

(00916)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main 

drain gulch 01nr 

Quaker Hill 

7/6/1999 16:00 2of2 610 10 <50 10 <6 2 97 3 0.41 0.03 0.015 0.011 3.1 0.1

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main 

drain Gulch 01nr 

Quaker Hill 

12/2/1999 14:30 1of2 5,400 100 <20 7 <9 5 150 10 0.42 0.06 0.37 0.00 2.9 0.3

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main 

drain Gulch 01nr 

Quaker Hill 

12/2/1999 14:30 2of2 5,200 0 <20 5 <9 1 180 10 0.45 0.04 0.28 0.00 2.7 0.1

BY106 Sailor Flat Mine 

main drainage to 

Greenhorn Cr, 

Gulch 03

4/9/2001 12:30 1of 2 290 30 <20 10 <6 6 33 3 <0.08 0.06 0.014 0.007 0.55 0.04

BY106 Sailor Flat Mine 

main drainage to 

Greenhorn Cr, 

Gulch 03

4/9/2001 12:30 2of 2 290 0 <20 10 <6 5 34 1 0.09 0.05 0.019 0.013 0.56 0.10

BY114 SF Greenhorn Cr 

0.7mi ab Greenhorn 

Cr nr Nevada City 

8/22/2000 15:10 1of2 31 2 <20 0 <9 13 18 4 <0.1 0.1 0.019 0.006 8.7 0.7

BY114 SF Greenhorn Cr 

0.7mi ab Greenhorn 

Cr nr Nevada City 

8/22/2000 15:10 2of2 32 2 <20 10 12 8 17 4 <0.1 0.0 0.023 0.004 8.1 2.0

BY122 Starr Mine tunnel 

inflow nr Grass 

Valley

4/23/1999 15:00 1of2 92 9 <10 10 <13 3 21 1 <0.04 0.01 <0.003 0.001 9.8 0.9

BY122 Starr Mine tunnel 

inflow nr Grass 

Valley

4/23/1999 15:00 2of2 100 10 <10 10 <13 7 23 0 <0.04 0.01 0.008 0.002 11 0

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

4/23/1999 13:40 1of2 85 7 <10 10 <13 15 60 2 <0.04 0.01 0.008 0.004 27 0

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

4/23/1999 13:40 2of2 95 4 <10 10 <13 9 59 3 <0.04 0.02 0.010 0.002 26 1

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

12/15/1999 10:45 1of2 200 20 <20 3 <9 1 70 4 <0.03 0.02 0.005 0.002 34 0

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

12/15/1999 10:45 2of2 200 0 <20 1 <9 1 74 14 <0.03 0.02 0.008 0.002 33 1

Table 4A. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in unfiltered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, Creek; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a five-digit code used in the 

U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; 

<, less than; , not determined]

76 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Aluminum (Al),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01104)

Arsenic (As), 

unfiltered 

(μg/L)

(01002)

Boron (B),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(00999)

Barium (Ba),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01007)

Beryllium (Be), 

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(00998)

Bismuth (Bi),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01017)

Calcium (Ca),

unfiltered

(mg/L)

(00916)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY124 Starr Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

8/23/2000 17:30 1of2 530 0 <20 0 17 5 68 5 <0.1 0.0 0.048 0.023 33 0

BY124 Starr Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

8/23/2000 17:30 2of2 620 10 <20 0 12 10 61 3 <0.1 0.1 0.045 0.012 32 0

BY129 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel inlet 

nr Nevada City 

6/28/2000 12:00 1of2 1,900 300 <20 0 <9 13 94 5 0.2 0.1 0.053 0.019 4.0 0.9

BY129 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel inlet 

nr Nevada City 

6/28/2000 12:00 2of2 1,800 300 <20 0 <9 14 110 10 0.2 0.1 0.082 0.052 4.2 0.2

BY130 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel 

outlet nr Nevada 

City

6/28/2000 11:30 1of2 41 5 <20 10 10 9 67 8 <0.1 0.1 0.021 0.009 11 1

BY130 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel 

outlet nr Nevada 

City

6/28/2000 11:30 2of2 42 6 <20 0 14 4 69 10 <0.1 0.0 0.021 0.010 12 2

BY131 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drainage pond nr 

Nevada City 

8/23/2000 10:45 1of2 98 1 <20 0 9 8 57 1 <0.1 0.0 0.018 0.006 4.5 0.2

BY131 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drainage pond nr 

Nevada City 

8/23/2000 10:45 2of2 100 11 <20 0 16 8 47 4 <0.1 0.0 0.013 0.002 4.2 1.0

Disturbed samples

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

12/15/1999 11:30 1of2 40,000 1,000 170 10 17 16 11,000 0 5.3 0.5 1.0 0.0 130 0

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

12/15/1999 11:30 2of2 38,000 2,000 160 10 <10 5 11,000 0 5.5 0.1 0.96 0.03 120 0

BY129 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel inlet 

nr Nevada City 

6/28/2000 12:30 1of2 23,000 1,000 <20 10 <9 6 550 10 1.9 0.2 0.26 0.02 20 0

BY129 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel inlet 

nr Nevada City 

6/28/2000 12:30 2of2 24,000 0 <20 0 <9 2 690 110 1.8 0.1 0.27 0.01 26 5

Table 4A. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in unfiltered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, Creek; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a five-digit code used in the 

U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; 

<, less than; , not determined]

Table 4A 77
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Cadmium (Cd),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01027)

Cerium (Ce), 

unfiltered 

(μg/L)

(01112)

Cobalt (Co),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01037)

Chromium (Cr),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01034)

Cesium (Cs), 

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01117)

Copper (Cu),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01042)

Dysprosium (Dy),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(82330)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

Environmental samples

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

6/18/1999 14:30 1of2 0.083 0.000 0.12 0.03 1.9 0.0 5 3 <0.06 0.03 2.3 0.6 0.017 0.002

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

6/18/1999 14:30 2of2 0.081 0.007 0.086 0.007 2.1 0.1 <3 1 <0.06 0.02 1.8 0.4 0.012 0.001

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

12/14/1999 12:00 1of2 0.72 0.00 0.63 0.09 4.1 0.1 <2 0 <2 0 5.1 0.6 0.15 0.03

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

12/14/1999 12:00 2of2 0.36 0.05 0.42 0.06 3.9 0.0 <2 1 <2 1 2.2 0.2 0.086 0.011

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

5/24/2000 16:00 1of2 <0.03 0.06 0.17 0.01 2.1 0.0 <1 1 <0.06 0.03 3.5 0.2 0.028 0.002

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

5/24/2000 16:00 2of2 0.08 0.02 0.33 0.01 3.6 0.2 <1 1 <0.06 0.02 4.6 0.3 0.064 0.007

BY21 Boston Mine wetlands 

pond nr Grass 

Valley 

12/14/1999 10:30 1of2 0.034 0.010 0.037 0.002 0.14 0.01 <0.4 0.2 <0.2 0.1 0.26 0.02 <0.003 0.001

BY21 Boston Mine wetlands 

pond nr Grass 

Valley 

12/14/1999 10:30 2of2 0.036 0.005 0.043 0.002 0.17 0.02 <0.4 0.5 <0.2 0.1 0.28 0.05 0.011 0.003

BY21 Boston Mine wetlands 

pond nr Grass 

Valley 

5/24/2000 16:30 1of2 <0.03 0.03 0.043 0.000 0.17 0.03 <1 0 0.08 0.04 1.1 0.1 0.009 0.001

BY21 Boston Mine wetlands 

pond nr Grass 

Valley 

5/24/2000 16:30 2of2 <0.03 0.00 0.046 0.004 0.19 0.01 <1 0 <0.06 0.01 1.4 0.3 0.009 0.003

BY58 Buckeye Flat Mine 

main drain 0.45mi 

ab Greenhorn Cr

8/21/2000 11:00 1of2 <1 0 29 0 76 0 2 0 0.6 0.6 7 0 3.6 0.1

BY58 Buckeye Flat Mine 

main drain 0.45mi 

ab Greenhorn Cr

8/21/2000 11:00 2of2 <1 1 23 1 60 4 <1 1 0.4 0.5 5 0 2.8 0.1

Table 4A. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in unfiltered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, Creek; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a five-digit code used in the 

U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; 

<, less than; , not determined]

78 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Cadmium (Cd),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01027)

Cerium (Ce), 

unfiltered 

(μg/L)

(01112)

Cobalt (Co),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01037)

Chromium (Cr),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01034)

Cesium (Cs), 

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01117)

Copper (Cu),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01042)

Dysprosium (Dy),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(82330)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

6/18/1999 11:30 1of2 2.3 0.0 38 1 85 3 4 2 0.09 0.04 38 0 4.8 0.0

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

6/18/1999 11:30 2of2 2.1 0.4 37 6 89 3 3 2 0.08 0.04 33 2 4.6 0.5

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

12/2/1999 11:00 1of2 2.6 0.1 26 3 78 3 <2 1 <2 1 37 3 3.2 0.0

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

12/2/1999 11:00 2of2 2.2 0.1 32 2 76 0 <2 1 <2 1 35 1 4.2 0.3

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

8/22/2000 10:45 1of2 <1 1 46 0 70 0 2 1 0.4 0.3 33 1 4.9 0.2

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

8/22/2000 10:45 2of2 <1 1 41 0 67 8 3 1 <0.4 0.3 31 2 4.7 0.1

BY116 Buckeye Flat Mine 

pond drain 0.15mi 

ab SF Greenhorn Cr

8/21/2000 14:10 1of2 <0.08 0.02 0.27 0.02 0.93 0.00 <2 1 0.09 0.09 1.2 0.1 0.042 0.000

BY116 Buckeye Flat Mine 

pond drain 0.15mi 

ab SF Greenhorn Cr

8/21/2000 14:10 2of2 <0.08 0.04 0.32 0.01 1.0 0.0 <2 0 0.10 0.06 1.4 0.2 0.030 0.005

BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine 

S drain to SF 

Greenhorn Cr, 

Grass Valley

8/26/1999 11:00 1of2 0.13 0.01 0.76 0.09 6.5 0.2 3 3 <0.06 0.01 38 10 0.095 0.012

BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine 

S drain to SF 

Greenhorn Cr, 

Grass Valley

8/26/1999 11:00 2of2 0.15 0.07 0.75 0.07 7.6 0.8 3 2 <0.06 0.04 33 7 0.087 0.005

BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine 

S drain to SF 

Greenhorn Cr, 

Grass Valley

8/22/2000 12:10 1of2 0.11 0.02 2.2 0.4 8.2 1.4 <3 1 0.21 0.03 8.2 1.3 0.25 0.05

BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine 

S drain to SF 

Greenhorn Cr, 

Grass Valley

8/22/2000 12:10 2of2 0.11 0.03 2.3 0.3 8.6 1.0 <3 1 0.23 0.07 7.9 0.2 0.23 0.01

Table 4A. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in unfiltered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, Creek; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a five-digit code used in the 

U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; 

<, less than; , not determined]

Table 4A 79
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Cadmium (Cd),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01027)

Cerium (Ce), 

unfiltered 

(μg/L)

(01112)

Cobalt (Co),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01037)

Chromium (Cr),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01034)

Cesium (Cs), 

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01117)

Copper (Cu),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01042)

Dysprosium (Dy),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(82330)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY25 Buckeye Flat Mine 

upper drain

4/9/2001 10:00 1of2 0.91 0.09 8.6 0.6 19 1 1 0 0.64 0.30 34 2 0.83 0.07

BY25 Buckeye Flat Mine 

upper drain

4/9/2001 10:00 2of2 0.89 0.05 8.6 0.3 19 0 <1 0 0.25 0.07 33 0 0.88 0.01

BY52 Greenhorn Cr 0.3mi 

ab Buckeye Ford nr 

Nevada City

1/25/2000 10:45 1of2 0.089 0.009 2.0 0.0 2.5 0.0 <0.4 0.4 <0.2 0.0 2.4 0.1 0.21 0.00

BY52 Greenhorn Cr 0.3mi 

ab Buckeye Ford nr 

Nevada City

1/25/2000 10:45 2of2 0.093 0.008 2.0 0.1 2.5 0.0 <0.4 0.4 <0.2 0.2 2.3 0.1 0.20 0.01

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

7/24/2001 11:00 1of2 0.05 0.02 0.098 0.014 0.46 0.01 <4 2 0.14 0.03 0.6 0.0 <0.009 0.004

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

7/24/2001 11:00 2of2 0.06 0.01 0.12 0.00 0.48 0.02 <4 0 1.6 0.0 0.5 0.1 0.013 0.002

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

8/29/2001 15:00 1of2 0.03 0.03 0.060 0.003 0.10 0.02 <4 2 0.084 0.019 0.4 0.1 <0.009 0.002

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

8/29/2001 15:00 2of2 0.02 0.01 0.064 0.004 0.10 0.01 7 0 0.11 0.01 0.5 0.1 <0.009 0.002

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

9/14/2001 13:00 1of2 0.04 0.01 0.066 0.005 0.19 0.03 <4 1 <0.04 0.02 1.2 0.1 0.006 0.001

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

9/14/2001 13:00 2of2 0.07 0.04 0.064 0.007 0.18 0.01 <4 1 <0.04 0.02 0.73 0.03 0.008 0.002

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

10/15/2001 12:00 1of2 0.12 0.13 0.027 0.002 0.15 0.06 <3 2 <0.02 0.01 0.4 0.1 0.008 0.002

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

10/15/2001 12:00 2of2 0.06 0.06 0.032 0.004 0.11 0.02 <3 0 0.02 0.01 0.3 0.1 <0.006 0.002

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

11/20/2001 13:20 1of2 0.09 0.01 0.21 0.00 1.3 0.1 <1 0 <0.04 0.01 0.97 0.15 0.029 0.003

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

11/20/2001 13:20 2of2 0.14 0.03 0.23 0.01 1.3 0.0 <1 0 <0.04 0.01 1.0 0.2 0.032 0.001

Table 4A. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in unfiltered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, Creek; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a five-digit code used in the 

U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; 

<, less than; , not determined]

80 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Cadmium (Cd),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01027)

Cerium (Ce), 

unfiltered 

(μg/L)

(01112)

Cobalt (Co),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01037)

Chromium (Cr),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01034)

Cesium (Cs), 

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01117)

Copper (Cu),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01042)

Dysprosium (Dy),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(82330)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

12/10/2001 12:20 1of2 0.14 0.02 2.0 0.0 2.5 0.2 1.9 0.1 0.11 0.00 2.8 0.1 0.23 0.01

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

12/10/2001 12:20 2of2 0.14 0.02 2.0 0.1 2.5 0.2 2.0 0.6 0.10 0.01 2.5 0.2 0.22 0.00

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

12/21/2001 13:00 1of2 0.13 0.06 8.2 0.8 5.2 0.5 5 1 0.39 0.06 14 3.9 0.87 0.10

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

12/21/2001 13:00 2of2 <0.05 0.02 8.1 0.7 5.6 0.0 6 2 0.39 0.04 12 0.1 0.95 0.03

BY51 Greenhorn Cr nr 

headwaters nr 

Scotts Flat Res

1/25/2000 9:30 1of2 0.057 0.002 0.30 0.01 0.22 0.01 <0.4 0.5 <0.2 0.0 5.0 0.1 0.060 0.007

BY51 Greenhorn Cr nr 

headwaters nr 

Scotts Flat Res

1/25/2000 9:30 2of2 0.031 0.008 0.30 0.01 0.21 0.00 <0.4 0.4 <0.2 0.1 5.0 0.1 0.057 0.005

BY75 Missouri Cyn Cr 

1.2mi ab Greenhorn 

Cr nr Chicago Park

12/14/1999 14:00 1of2 0.16 0.04 0.64 0.20 4.0 0.1 <2 1 <2 1 1.3 0.1 0.077 0.003

BY75 Missouri Cyn Cr 

1.2mi ab Greenhorn 

Cr nr Chicago Park

12/14/1999 14:00 2of2 0.15 0.03 0.68 0.15 3.6 0.1 <2 1 <2 1 1.4 0.1 0.11 0.02

BY86 Poore Mine Creek 

ab tunnel nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 17:40 1of2 0.024 0.009 0.83 0.14 0.24 0.01 <2 2 <0.04 0.03 1.3 0.2 0.051 0.003

BY86 Poore Mine Creek 

ab tunnel nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 17:40 2of2 0.018 0.005 0.73 0.06 0.22 0.01 <2 2 <0.04 0.01 1.6 0.5 0.047 0.002

BY87 Poore Mine Creek 

bl tunnel nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 13:30 1of2 0.015 0.002 0.58 0.03 0.21 0.01 <2 1 <0.04 0.03 1.1 0.1 0.055 0.002

BY87 Poore Mine Creek 

bl tunnel nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 13:30 2of2 0.012 0.006 0.79 0.03 0.22 0.03 <2 1 <0.04 0.02 1.1 0.2 0.064 0.002

Table 4A. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in unfiltered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, Creek; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a five-digit code used in the 

U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; 

<, less than; , not determined]

Table 4A 81
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Cadmium (Cd),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01027)

Cerium (Ce), 

unfiltered 

(μg/L)

(01112)

Cobalt (Co),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01037)

Chromium (Cr),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01034)

Cesium (Cs), 

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01117)

Copper (Cu),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01042)

Dysprosium (Dy),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(82330)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY88 Poore Mine ground 

sluice nr Grass 

Valley 

4/1/1999 15:40 1of2 0.056 0.021 0.14 0.02 1.1 0.2 <2 2 0.05 0.02 1.0 0.4 0.026 0.000

BY88 Poore Mine ground 

sluice nr Grass 

Valley 

4/1/1999 15:40 2of2 0.042 0.011 0.16 0.02 1.1 0.0 <2 1 <0.04 0.01 0.78 0.03 0.040 0.005

BY89 Poore Mine pit lake nr 

Grass Valley 

4/1/1999 16:50 1of2 0.063 0.009 0.11 0.01 0.77 0.03 <2 1 <0.04 0.04 1.7 0.2 0.017 0.001

BY89 Poore Mine pit lake nr 

Grass Valley 

4/1/1999 16:50 2of2 0.072 0.005 0.12 0.02 0.83 0.04 <2 2 <0.04 0.03 1.5 0.3 0.018 0.004

BY89 Poore Mine pit lake nr 

Grass Valley 

5/23/2000 10:45 1of2 1.1 0.0 0.26 0.01 9.4 0.1 <1 0 <0.06 0.03 15 0 0.045 0.004

BY89 Poore Mine pit lake nr 

Grass Valley 

5/23/2000 10:45 2of2 <0.03 0.14 0.26 0.01 9.7 0.2 <1 0 <0.06 0.02 16 0 0.048 0.003

BY90 Poore Mine seep 

above ground sluice 

nr Grass Valley 

4/1/1999 16:00 1of2       

BY90 Poore Mine seep 

above ground sluice 

nr Grass Valley 

4/1/1999 16:00 2of2       

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 15:20 1of2 0.064 0.006 0.16 0.00 0.057 0.016 <2 1 0.22 0.03 1.3 0.2 0.016 0.002

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 15:20 2of2 0.044 0.005 0.19 0.02 0.075 0.022 <2 1 0.17 0.01 1.1 0.2 0.019 0.005

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

12/15/1999 13:00 1of2 0.021 0.004 0.24 0.01 0.24 0.02 <2 2 <2 0 0.88 0.08 0.029 0.004

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

12/15/1999 13:00 2of2 0.037 0.007 0.21 0.05 0.29 0.12 <2 1 <2 0 0.84 0.07 0.026 0.003

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

5/23/2000 12:00 1of2 <0.03 0.02 2.7 0.0 2.1 0.0 <1 1 0.37 0.05 13 0 0.31 0.01

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

5/23/2000 12:00 2of2 <0.03 0.04 2.5 0.1 2.0 0.0 <1 0 0.34 0.04 12 0 0.30 0.02

Table 4A. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in unfiltered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, Creek; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a five-digit code used in the 

U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; 

<, less than; , not determined]

82 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Cadmium (Cd),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01027)

Cerium (Ce), 

unfiltered 

(μg/L)

(01112)

Cobalt (Co),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01037)

Chromium (Cr),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01034)

Cesium (Cs), 

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01117)

Copper (Cu),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01042)

Dysprosium (Dy),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(82330)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main 

drain gulch 01nr 

Quaker Hill 

7/6/1999 16:00 1of2 0.11 0.00 12 2 21 2 4 3 0.06 0.03 10 2 1.7 0.1

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main 

drain gulch 01nr 

Quaker Hill 

7/6/1999 16:00 2of2 0.18 0.01 8.0 0.8 20 0 5 3 0.15 0.01 13 2 1.1 0.1

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main 

drain Gulch 01nr 

Quaker Hill 

12/2/1999 14:30 1of2 0.21 0.03 44 6 8.0 0.2 3 1 2 1 43 0 3.9 0.0

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main 

drain Gulch 01nr 

Quaker Hill 

12/2/1999 14:30 2of2 0.21 0.01 40 1 8.0 0.2 <2 2 2 1 32 1 2.8 0.1

BY106 Sailor Flat Mine 

main drainage to 

Greenhorn Cr, 

Gulch 03

4/9/2001 12:30 1of 2 0.07 0.04 2.4 0.2 1.4 0.1 3 0 0.41 0.38 3.1 0.2 0.25 0.02

BY106 Sailor Flat Mine 

main drainage to 

Greenhorn Cr, 

Gulch 03

4/9/2001 12:30 2of 2 0.05 0.02 2.4 0.0 1.4 0.0 3 0 0.36 0.19 3.2 0.3 0.26 0.01

BY114 SF Greenhorn Cr 

0.7mi ab Greenhorn 

Cr nr Nevada City 

8/22/2000 15:10 1of2 <0.08 0.04 0.059 0.010 <0.03 0.01 <3 1 <0.08 0.05 0.7 0.0 0.006 0.002

BY114 SF Greenhorn Cr 

0.7mi ab Greenhorn 

Cr nr Nevada City 

8/22/2000 15:10 2of2 <0.08 0.02 0.058 0.004 <0.03 0.00 <3 1 0.36 0.11 3.4 0.2 <0.006 0.002

BY122 Starr Mine tunnel 

inflow nr Grass 

Valley

4/23/1999 15:00 1of2 0.078 0.003 0.13 0.01 0.35 0.04 <2 0 <0.04 0.01 4.9 0.1 0.036 0.002

BY122 Starr Mine tunnel 

inflow nr Grass 

Valley

4/23/1999 15:00 2of2 0.073 0.011 0.18 0.03 0.38 0.02 <2 0 <0.04 0.01 4.9 0.2 0.048 0.005

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

4/23/1999 13:40 1of2 0.022 0.011 0.24 0.05 0.79 0.01 <2 1 0.11 0.01 1.2 0.1 0.037 0.003

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

4/23/1999 13:40 2of2 0.020 0.006 0.16 0.02 0.71 0.02 2 0 0.15 0.03 1.2 0.2 0.019 0.004

Table 4A. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in unfiltered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, Creek; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a five-digit code used in the 

U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; 

<, less than; , not determined]

Table 4A 83
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Cadmium (Cd),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01027)

Cerium (Ce), 

unfiltered 

(μg/L)

(01112)

Cobalt (Co),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01037)

Chromium (Cr),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01034)

Cesium (Cs), 

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01117)

Copper (Cu),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01042)

Dysprosium (Dy),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(82330)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

12/15/1999 10:45 1of2 0.059 0.015 0.36 0.06 2.5 0.0 <2 0 <2 1 2.5 0.2 0.064 0.019

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

12/15/1999 10:45 2of2 0.071 0.007 0.40 0.03 2.5 0.1 <2 0 <2 0 2.7 0.4 0.063 0.005

BY124 Starr Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

8/23/2000 17:30 1of2 <0.08 0.03 1.6 0.0 2.2 0.3 <3 1 1.0 0.1 6.1 0.2 0.13 0.00

BY124 Starr Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

8/23/2000 17:30 2of2 0.08 0.02 1.8 0.0 2.4 0.0 <3 1 0.36 0.08 6.4 0.2 0.14 0.00

BY129 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel inlet 

nr Nevada City 

6/28/2000 12:00 1of2 0.15 0.04 20 4 12 2 19 4 0.53 0.10 21 1 2.0 0.4

BY129 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel inlet 

nr Nevada City 

6/28/2000 12:00 2of2 0.17 0.07 19 3 10 1 18 2 0.61 0.07 20 2 2.0 0.3

BY130 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel 

outlet nr Nevada 

City

6/28/2000 11:30 1of2 <0.08 0.00 0.27 0.01 0.40 0.02 <3 0 0.20 0.12 1.1 0.3 0.030 0.008

BY130 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel 

outlet nr Nevada 

City

6/28/2000 11:30 2of2 <0.08 0.04 0.31 0.01 0.50 0.01 <3 1 0.15 0.06 1.0 0.0 0.036 0.008

BY131 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drainage pond nr 

Nevada City 

8/23/2000 10:45 1of2 <0.08 0.03 0.28 0.01 0.06 0.02 <3 2 0.11 0.10 1.8 0.0 0.042 0.009

BY131 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drainage pond nr 

Nevada City 

8/23/2000 10:45 2of2 <0.08 0.03 0.28 0.04 0.04 0.02 <3 1 <0.08 0.02 1.8 0.2 0.051 0.012

Table 4A. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in unfiltered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, Creek; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a five-digit code used in the 

U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; 

<, less than; , not determined]

84 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Cadmium (Cd),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01027)

Cerium (Ce), 

unfiltered 

(μg/L)

(01112)

Cobalt (Co),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01037)

Chromium (Cr),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01034)

Cesium (Cs), 

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01117)

Copper (Cu),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01042)

Dysprosium (Dy),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(82330)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

Disturbed samples

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

12/15/1999 11:30 1of2 21 0 131 2 1,200 0 80 11 16 0 1,100 200 23 3

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

12/15/1999 11:30 2of2 21 1 113 7 1,100 100 71 1 16 1 910 0 19 0

BY129 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel inlet 

nr Nevada City 

6/28/2000 12:30 1of2 2.1 0.0 220 30 87 1 76 9 7.1 0.1 200 0 19 3

BY129 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel inlet 

nr Nevada City 

6/28/2000 12:30 2of2 1.9 0.3 240 10 94 14 77 9 6.6 1.1 210 30 21 1

Table 4A. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in unfiltered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, Creek; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a five-digit code used in the 

U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; 

<, less than; , not determined]

Table 4A 85
Station map 

ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Erbium (Er),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01246)

Europium (Eu), 

unfiltered 

(μg/L)

(01236)

Iron (Fe),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01045)

Gadolinium (Gd),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01219)

Holmium (Ho), 

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01247)

Potassium (K),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(00937)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

Environmental samples

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

6/18/1999 14:30 1of2 0.011 0.002 0.0056 0.0039 290 0 0.016 0.003 0.0038 0.0010 1.7 0.0

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

6/18/1999 14:30 2of2 0.012 0.002 0.0050 0.0032 280 0 0.014 0.004 0.0029 0.0008 1.7 0.0

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

12/14/1999 12:00 1of2 0.085 0.005 0.032 0.001 290 40 0.15 0.01 0.030 0.004 1.9 0.0

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

12/14/1999 12:00 2of2 0.046 0.004 0.026 0.005 270 10 0.11 0.01 0.016 0.001 1.9 0.1

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

5/24/2000 16:00 1of2 0.014 0.003 0.005 0.001 373 24 0.036 0.001 0.0061 0.0005 1.6 0.0

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

5/24/2000 16:00 2of2 0.044 0.004 0.012 0.001 584 50 0.071 0.005 0.013 0.001 1.7 0.0

BY21 Boston Mine wetlands 

pond nr Grass 

Valley 

12/14/1999 10:30 1of2 <0.006 0.001 <0.001 0.001 120 10 <0.004 0.003 0.0008 0.0008 2.7 0.2

BY21 Boston Mine wetlands 

pond nr Grass 

Valley 

12/14/1999 10:30 2of2 <0.006 0.003 <0.001 0.001 140 0 0.004 0.003 0.0011 0.0001 2.5 0.0

BY21 Boston Mine wetlands 

pond nr Grass 

Valley 

5/24/2000 16:30 1of2 0.006 0.002 <0.001 0.001 257 13 0.008 0.002 0.0016 0.0006 1.7 0.1

BY21 Boston Mine wetlands 

pond nr Grass 

Valley 

5/24/2000 16:30 2of2 <0.005 0.003 0.002 0.004 258 25 0.006 0.001 0.0016 0.0003 1.7 0.0

BY58 Buckeye Flat Mine 

main drain 0.45mi 

ab Greenhorn Cr

8/21/2000 11:00 1of2 1.9 0.0 0.86 0.05 1,900 0 3.8 0.1 0.70 0.00 2.2 0.7

BY58 Buckeye Flat Mine 

main drain 0.45mi 

ab Greenhorn Cr

8/21/2000 11:00 2of2 1.5 0.1 0.66 0.02 2,300 0 3.1 0.2 0.54 0.01 2.4 0.9

Table 4A. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in unfiltered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, Creek; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a five-digit code used in the 

U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; 

<, less than; , not determined]

86 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
Station map 

ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Erbium (Er),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01246)

Europium (Eu), 

unfiltered 

(μg/L)

(01236)

Iron (Fe),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01045)

Gadolinium (Gd),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01219)

Holmium (Ho), 

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01247)

Potassium (K),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(00937)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

6/18/1999 11:30 1of2 2.7 0.2 1.2 0.1 4,500 100 4.2 0.8 0.95 0.09 1.3 0.0

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

6/18/1999 11:30 2of2 2.8 0.1 1.3 0.3 4,400 0 5.7 0.3 0.93 0.02 1.3 0.0

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

12/2/1999 11:00 1of2 1.9 0.1 0.90 0.01 220 30 3.7 0.6 0.68 0.00 1.2 0.1

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

12/2/1999 11:00 2of2 2.0 0.0 1.1 0.2 250 70 5.8 0.3 0.74 0.04 1.3 0.0

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

8/22/2000 10:45 1of2 2.7 0.0 1.3 0.1 270 10 5.6 0.2 1.0 0.1 1.2 1.0

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

8/22/2000 10:45 2of2 2.4 0.1 1.3 0.1 240 30 5.1 0.0 1.0 0.0 1.5 1.4

BY116 Buckeye Flat Mine 

pond drain 0.15mi 

ab SF Greenhorn Cr

8/21/2000 14:10 1of2 0.017 0.005 0.015 0.005 330 10 0.044 0.007 0.007 0.002 0.6 0.1

BY116 Buckeye Flat Mine 

pond drain 0.15mi 

ab SF Greenhorn Cr

8/21/2000 14:10 2of2 0.020 0.007 0.009 0.000 330 20 0.043 0.007 0.007 0.000 0.5 0.1

BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine 

S drain to SF 

Greenhorn Cr, 

Grass Valley

8/26/1999 11:00 1of2 0.065 0.000 0.024 0.004 150 10 0.067 0.005 0.019 0.000 0.40 0.02

BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine 

S drain to SF 

Greenhorn Cr, 

Grass Valley

8/26/1999 11:00 2of2 0.076 0.003 0.029 0.007 140 0 0.11 0.03 0.024 0.004 0.39 0.00

BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine 

S drain to SF 

Greenhorn Cr, 

Grass Valley

8/22/2000 12:10 1of2 0.12 0.01 0.076 0.003 790 10 0.29 0.00 0.051 0.007 0.2 0.0

BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine 

S drain to SF 

Greenhorn Cr, 

Grass Valley

8/22/2000 12:10 2of2 0.14 0.03 0.066 0.006 970 170 0.28 0.04 0.050 0.001 0.2 0.1

Table 4A. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in unfiltered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, Creek; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a five-digit code used in the 

U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; 

<, less than; , not determined]

Table 4A 87
Station map 

ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Erbium (Er),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01246)

Europium (Eu), 

unfiltered 

(μg/L)

(01236)

Iron (Fe),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01045)

Gadolinium (Gd),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01219)

Holmium (Ho), 

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01247)

Potassium (K),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(00937)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY25 Buckeye Flat Mine 

upper drain

4/9/2001 10:00 1of2 0.43 0.04 0.19 0.01 100 20 0.82 0.02 0.16 0.00 0.41 0.07

BY25 Buckeye Flat Mine 

upper drain

4/9/2001 10:00 2of2 0.42 0.01 0.20 0.01 110 30 0.86 0.00 0.17 0.00 0.39 0.06

BY52 Greenhorn Cr 0.3mi 

ab Buckeye Ford nr 

Nevada City

1/25/2000 10:45 1of2 0.11 0.007 0.056 0.000 460 20 0.22 0.02 0.040 0.003 0.61 0.01

BY52 Greenhorn Cr 0.3mi 

ab Buckeye Ford nr 

Nevada City

1/25/2000 10:45 2of2 0.11 0.021 0.058 0.006 430 20 0.23 0.02 0.043 0.003 0.62 0.03

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

7/24/2001 11:00 1of2 <0.008 0.002 0.002 0.002 86 14 0.013 0.008 0.003 0.002 0.73 0.04

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

7/24/2001 11:00 2of2 <0.008 0.001 0.003 0.001 104 5 0.018 0.003 0.003 0.001 0.69 0.05

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

8/29/2001 15:00 1of2 <0.008 0.003 <0.001 0.001 75 15 0.011 0.002 <0.002 0.001 0.71 0.02

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

8/29/2001 15:00 2of2 <0.008 0.002 0.003 0.002 84 6 <0.007 0.003 <0.002 0.001 0.73 0.08

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

9/14/2001 13:00 1of2 0.006 0.003 <0.002 0.001 76 0 0.009 0.003 0.002 0.001 0.8 0.1

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

9/14/2001 13:00 2of2 0.005 0.001 <0.002 0.000 77 6 0.010 0.004 0.001 0.001 0.9 0.1

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

10/15/2001 12:00 1of2 0.003 0.002 0.003 0.002 44 6 0.006 0.004 0.0014 0.0006 0.7 0.1

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

10/15/2001 12:00 2of2 <0.002 0.002 0.003 0.003 48 3 0.005 0.002 <0.0008 0.0001 0.8 0.1

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

11/20/2001 13:20 1of2 0.016 0.000 0.007 0.002 110 18 0.032 0.010 0.006 0.001 1.0 0.1

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

11/20/2001 13:20 2of2 0.022 0.005 0.008 0.000 109 13 0.035 0.003 0.006 0.000 1.0 0.0

Table 4A. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in unfiltered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, Creek; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a five-digit code used in the 

U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; 

<, less than; , not determined]

88 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
Station map 

ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Erbium (Er),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01246)

Europium (Eu), 

unfiltered 

(μg/L)

(01236)

Iron (Fe),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01045)

Gadolinium (Gd),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01219)

Holmium (Ho), 

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01247)

Potassium (K),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(00937)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

12/10/2001 12:20 1of2 0.13 0.01 0.061 0.000 963 109 0.22 0.01 0.037 0.001 0.8 0.1

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

12/10/2001 12:20 2of2 0.11 0.00 0.057 0.002 922 111 0.25 0.00 0.047 0.001 0.9 0.1

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

12/21/2001 13:00 1of2 0.44 0.01 0.24 0.03 4,630 537 1.03 0.00 0.171 0.023 1.25 0.13

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

12/21/2001 13:00 2of2 0.50 0.01 0.24 0.02 4,630 465 0.85 0.02 0.173 0.012 1.25 0.14

BY51 Greenhorn Cr nr 

headwaters nr 

Scotts Flat Res

1/25/2000 9:30 1of2 0.330 0.002 0.017 0.004 56 4 0.064 0.006 0.013 0.002 0.48 0.02

BY51 Greenhorn Cr nr 

headwaters nr 

Scotts Flat Res

1/25/2000 9:30 2of2 0.033 0.003 0.018 0.002 52 8 0.067 0.009 0.013 0.000 0.43 0.00

BY75 Missouri Cyn Cr 

1.2mi ab Greenhorn 

Cr nr Chicago Park

12/14/1999 14:00 1of2 0.057 0.003 0.027 0.007 160 20 0.12 0.04 0.020 0.005 1.5 0.0

BY75 Missouri Cyn Cr 

1.2mi ab Greenhorn 

Cr nr Chicago Park

12/14/1999 14:00 2of2 0.057 0.006 0.018 0.001 200 50 0.098 0.035 0.021 0.001 1.5 0.0

BY86 Poore Mine Creek 

ab tunnel nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 17:40 1of2 0.035 0.003 0.020 0.001 460 20 0.087 0.005 0.012 0.000 0.53 0.00

BY86 Poore Mine Creek 

ab tunnel nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 17:40 2of2 0.033 0.002 0.018 0.004 450 30 0.059 0.011 0.013 0.001 0.53 0.02

BY87 Poore Mine Creek 

bl tunnel nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 13:30 1of2 0.034 0.002 0.022 0.003 380 30 0.072 0.010 0.010 0.000 0.55 0.04

BY87 Poore Mine Creek 

bl tunnel nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 13:30 2of2 0.038 0.010 0.020 0.003 410 40 0.077 0.005 0.011 0.001 0.56 0.04

Table 4A. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in unfiltered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, Creek; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a five-digit code used in the 

U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; 

<, less than; , not determined]

Table 4A 89
Station map 

ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Erbium (Er),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01246)

Europium (Eu), 

unfiltered 

(μg/L)

(01236)

Iron (Fe),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01045)

Gadolinium (Gd),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01219)

Holmium (Ho), 

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01247)

Potassium (K),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(00937)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY88 Poore Mine ground 

sluice nr Grass 

Valley 

4/1/1999 15:40 1of2 0.018 0.000 0.011 0.003 770 10 0.031 0.007 0.0068 0.0019 1.6 0.1

BY88 Poore Mine ground 

sluice nr Grass 

Valley 

4/1/1999 15:40 2of2 0.021 0.003 0.008 0.002 780 50 0.043 0.005 0.0069 0.0003 1.5 0.1

BY89 Poore Mine pit lake nr 

Grass Valley 

4/1/1999 16:50 1of2 0.012 0.001 0.006 0.002 340 50 0.022 0.001 0.0044 0.0007 1.3 0.1

BY89 Poore Mine pit lake nr 

Grass Valley 

4/1/1999 16:50 2of2 0.011 0.002 0.007 0.003 350 20 0.024 0.007 0.0038 0.0005 1.3 0.0

BY89 Poore Mine pit lake nr 

Grass Valley 

5/23/2000 10:45 1of2 0.019 0.002 0.006 0.003 64 6 0.045 0.006 0.0095 0.0014 2.4 0.1

BY89 Poore Mine pit lake nr 

Grass Valley 

5/23/2000 10:45 2of2 0.025 0.003 0.008 0.005 62 1 0.052 0.002 0.0089 0.0010 2.4 0.0

BY90 Poore Mine seep 

above ground sluice 

nr Grass Valley 

4/1/1999 16:00 1of2      

BY90 Poore Mine seep 

above ground sluice 

nr Grass Valley 

4/1/1999 16:00 2of2      

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 15:20 1of2 0.007 0.002 0.006 0.000 94 6 0.018 0.004 0.0032 0.0004 1.4 0.1

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 15:20 2of2 0.011 0.002 0.007 0.004 97 9 0.021 0.007 0.0043 0.0007 1.5 0.0

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

12/15/1999 13:00 1of2 0.012 0.004 0.006 0.002 200 60 0.028 0.004 0.0044 0.0009 1.5 0.0

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

12/15/1999 13:00 2of2 0.014 0.002 0.008 0.002 350 10 0.034 0.014 0.0044 0.0009 1.7 0.1

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

5/23/2000 12:00 1of2 0.16 0.01 0.078 0.001 1,403 59 0.36 0.00 0.057 0.001 1.8 0.0

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

5/23/2000 12:00 2of2 0.14 0.00 0.071 0.001 1,420 62 0.32 0.01 0.055 0.002 1.8 0.0

Table 4A. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in unfiltered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, Creek; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a five-digit code used in the 

U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; 

<, less than; , not determined]

90 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
Station map 

ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Erbium (Er),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01246)

Europium (Eu), 

unfiltered 

(μg/L)

(01236)

Iron (Fe),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01045)

Gadolinium (Gd),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01219)

Holmium (Ho), 

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01247)

Potassium (K),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(00937)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main 

drain gulch 01nr 

Quaker Hill 

7/6/1999 16:00 1of2 0.87 0.01 0.46 0.05 3,100 0 1.5 0.1 0.30 0.01 1.4 0.1

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main 

drain gulch 01nr 

Quaker Hill 

7/6/1999 16:00 2of2 0.84 0.03 0.37 0.00 3,100 0 0.92 0.02 0.27 0.04 1.4 0.1

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main 

drain Gulch 01nr 

Quaker Hill 

12/2/1999 14:30 1of2 1.7 0.0 0.97 0.09 5,500 200 3.5 0.1 0.67 0.00 2.2 0.1

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main 

drain Gulch 01nr 

Quaker Hill 

12/2/1999 14:30 2of2 1.6 0.0 1.1 0.1 5,300 0 4.3 0.1 0.53 0.02 2.0 0.1

BY106 Sailor Flat Mine 

main drainage to 

Greenhorn Cr, 

Gulch 03

4/9/2001 12:30 1of 2 0.15 0.01 0.081 0.002 180 10 0.29 0.00 0.054 0.008 0.42 0.03

BY106 Sailor Flat Mine 

main drainage to 

Greenhorn Cr, 

Gulch 03

4/9/2001 12:30 2of 2 0.14 0.01 0.069 0.003 190 30 0.28 0.02 0.052 0.001 0.44 0.08

BY114 SF Greenhorn Cr 

0.7mi ab Greenhorn 

Cr nr Nevada City 

8/22/2000 15:10 1of2 <0.008 0.005 0.003 0.002 38 9 0.007 0.003 <0.001 0.001 0.2 0.2

BY114 SF Greenhorn Cr 

0.7mi ab Greenhorn 

Cr nr Nevada City 

8/22/2000 15:10 2of2 <0.008 0.003 0.003 0.002 31 9 <0.005 0.002 <0.001 0.001 0.3 0.1

BY122 Starr Mine tunnel 

inflow nr Grass 

Valley

4/23/1999 15:00 1of2 0.020 0.001 0.012 0.001 94 19 0.051 0.002 0.0069 0.0004 1.2 0.1

BY122 Starr Mine tunnel 

inflow nr Grass 

Valley

4/23/1999 15:00 2of2 0.022 0.004 0.012 0.002 98 2 0.062 0.005 0.0082 0.0008 1.3 0.0

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

4/23/1999 13:40 1of2 0.015 0.003 0.009 0.002 700 40 0.037 0.007 0.0062 0.0001 2.2 0.1

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

4/23/1999 13:40 2of2 0.009 0.001 0.007 0.002 660 60 0.024 0.006 0.0044 0.0005 2.1 0.1

Table 4A. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in unfiltered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, Creek; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a five-digit code used in the 

U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; 

<, less than; , not determined]

Table 4A 91
Station map 

ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Erbium (Er),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01246)

Europium (Eu), 

unfiltered 

(μg/L)

(01236)

Iron (Fe),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01045)

Gadolinium (Gd),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01219)

Holmium (Ho), 

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01247)

Potassium (K),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(00937)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

12/15/1999 10:45 1of2 0.038 0.005 0.017 0.008 1,700 100 0.077 0.027 0.012 0.001 2.3 0.1

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

12/15/1999 10:45 2of2 0.033 0.005 0.008 0.005 1,600 0 0.068 0.021 0.013 0.001 2.2 0.0

BY124 Starr Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

8/23/2000 17:30 1of2 0.087 0.017 0.043 0.009 2,300 200 0.16 0.02 0.027 0.001 1.8 0.3

BY124 Starr Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

8/23/2000 17:30 2of2 0.091 0.005 0.035 0.001 2,100 0 0.15 0.00 0.031 0.002 1.8 0.3

BY129 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel inlet 

nr Nevada City 

6/28/2000 12:00 1of2 1.1 0.2 0.66 0.11 8,900 400 2.4 0.5 0.38 0.07 0.5 0.1

BY129 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel inlet 

nr Nevada City 

6/28/2000 12:00 2of2 0.98 0.19 0.64 0.10 10,000 1,000 2.3 0.4 0.37 0.05 0.4 0.1

BY130 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel 

outlet nr Nevada 

City

6/28/2000 11:30 1of2 0.015 0.006 0.011 0.003 630 70 0.046 0.010 0.006 0.002 0.6 0.1

BY130 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel 

outlet nr Nevada 

City

6/28/2000 11:30 2of2 0.018 0.004 0.011 0.003 630 120 0.038 0.007 0.009 0.000 0.6 0.2

BY131 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drainage pond nr 

Nevada City 

8/23/2000 10:45 1of2 0.025 0.004 0.013 0.003 95 6 0.050 0.013 0.010 0.003 0.7 0.1

BY131 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drainage pond nr 

Nevada City 

8/23/2000 10:45 2of2 0.026 0.005 0.013 0.003 98 32 0.057 0.009 0.009 0.001 0.6 0.1

Table 4A. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in unfiltered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, Creek; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a five-digit code used in the 

U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; 

<, less than; , not determined]

92 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
Station map 

ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Erbium (Er),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01246)

Europium (Eu), 

unfiltered 

(μg/L)

(01236)

Iron (Fe),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01045)

Gadolinium (Gd),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01219)

Holmium (Ho), 

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01247)

Potassium (K),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(00937)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

Disturbed samples

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

12/15/1999 11:30 1of2 15 1 5.1 0.2 920,000 10,000 24 5 4.7 0.0 10 0

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

12/15/1999 11:30 2of2 14 0 5.8 0.3 780,000 10,000 23 2 4.4 0.1 9.6 0.1

BY129 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel inlet 

nr Nevada City 

6/28/2000 12:30 1of2 8.9 1.4 6.7 1.0 72,000 1,000 24 3 3.4 0.6 1.6 0.1

BY129 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel inlet 

nr Nevada City 

6/28/2000 12:30 2of2 9.8 0.5 7.4 0.3 93,000 20,000 24 4 3.8 0.2 2.1 0.6

Table 4A. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in unfiltered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, Creek; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a five-digit code used in the 

U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; 

<, less than; , not determined]

Table 4A 93
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Lanthanum (La),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01182)

Lithium (Li), 

unfiltered 

(μg/L)

(01132)

Lutetium (Lu),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01244)

Magnesium (Mg),

unfiltered

(mg/L)

(00921)

Manganese (Mn), 

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01055)

Molybdenum (Mo),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01062)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

Environmental samples

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

6/18/1999 14:30 1of2 0.057 0.008 2.6 0.1 0.0016 0.0003 4.6 0.0 220 0 0.11 0.03

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

6/18/1999 14:30 2of2 0.044 0.010 2.4 0.1 0.0017 0.0003 4.6 0.1 220 0 0.21 0.10 

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

12/14/1999 12:00 1of2 0.41 0.05 3.2 0.1 0.010 0.002 6.1 0.1 540 90 0.10 0.04

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

12/14/1999 12:00 2of2 0.29 0.01 2.7 0.3 0.007 0.001 6.2 0.6 500 60 0.09 0.07

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

5/24/2000 16:00 1of2 0.095 0.005 2.3 0.3 0.0019 0.0011 3.9 0.2 302 13 0.09 0.04

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

5/24/2000 16:00 2of2 0.21 0.01 2.3 0.2 0.0050 0.0003 4.1 0.0 510 4 0.07 0.01

BY21 Boston Mine wetlands 

pond nr Grass 

Valley 

12/14/1999 10:30 1of2 0.015 0.002 0.92 0.06 <0.001 0.001 5.7 0.0 15 1 0.33 0.02

BY21 Boston Mine wetlands 

pond nr Grass 

Valley 

12/14/1999 10:30 2of2 0.017 0.003 0.91 0.02 0.001 0.001 5.7 0.3 27 1 0.26 0.13

BY21 Boston Mine wetlands 

pond nr Grass 

Valley 

5/24/2000 16:30 1of2 0.024 0.000 3.0 0.2 <0.0009 0.0004 2.8 0.1 56 2 0.10 0.03

BY21 Boston Mine wetlands 

pond nr Grass 

Valley 

5/24/2000 16:30 2of2 0.026 0.003 2.8 0.2 <0.0009 0.0003 2.8 0.1 56 3 0.09 0.01

BY58 Buckeye Flat Mine 

main drain 0.45 mi 

ab Greenhorn Cr

8/21/2000 11:00 1of2 16 1 21 1 0.18 0.01 12 2 1,800 100 <4 0 

BY58 Buckeye Flat Mine 

main drain 0.45 mi 

ab Greenhorn Cr

8/21/2000 11:00 2of2 12 0 17 1 0.13 0.00 11 3 1,400 100 <4 2

Table 4A. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in unfiltered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, Creek; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a five-digit code used in the 

U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; 

<, less than; , not determined]

94 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Lanthanum (La),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01182)

Lithium (Li), 

unfiltered 

(μg/L)

(01132)

Lutetium (Lu),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01244)

Magnesium (Mg),

unfiltered

(mg/L)

(00921)

Manganese (Mn), 

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01055)

Molybdenum (Mo),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01062)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

6/18/1999 11:30 1of2 16 0 22 0 0.20 0.02 17 0 2,700 100 0.10 0.02

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

6/18/1999 11:30 2of2 21 1 22 1 0.25 0.02 17 0 2,600 200 0.10 0.02

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

12/2/1999 11:00 1of2 13 2 16 1 0.18 0.03 10 1 1,600 100 0.21 0.12

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

12/2/1999 11:00 2of2 17 1 14 0 0.25 0.05 10 0 1,600 0 0.08 0.01

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

8/22/2000 10:45 1of2 23 0 20 4 0.26 0.01 17 4 2,100 0 <4 1

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

8/22/2000 10:45 2of2 21 0 17 1 0.24 0.02 17 2 1,900 0 <4 1

BY116 Buckeye Flat Mine 

pond drain 0.15 mi 

ab SF Greenhorn Cr

8/21/2000 14:10 1of2 0.13 0.01 2.5 0.2 0.002 0.001 0.8 0.0 68 1 <0.1 0.0 

BY116 Buckeye Flat Mine 

pond drain 0.15 mi 

ab SF Greenhorn Cr

8/21/2000 14:10 2of2 0.15 0.00 2.5 0.0 0.002 0.001 0.6 0.1 67 5 <0.1 0.2

BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine 

S drain to SF 

Greenhorn Cr, 

Grass Valley

8/26/1999 11:00 1of2 0.33 0.02 1.4 0.1 0.0060 0.0003 0.58 0.02 150 10 0.04 0.01

BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine 

S drain to SF 

Greenhorn Cr, 

Grass Valley

8/26/1999 11:00 2of2 0.33 0.00 1.3 0.1 0.0058 0.0003 0.57 0.01 150 0 0.04 0.01

BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine 

S drain to SF 

Greenhorn Cr, 

Grass Valley

8/22/2000 12:10 1of2 0.99 0.19 2.4 0.2 0.015 0.003 0.7 0.3 110 0 <0.1 0.1

BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine 

S drain to SF 

Greenhorn Cr, 

Grass Valley

8/22/2000 12:10 2of2 0.99 0.14 2.5 0.1 0.016 0.000 0.7 0.2 100 10 <0.1 0.1

Table 4A. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in unfiltered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, Creek; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a five-digit code used in the 

U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; 

<, less than; , not determined]

Table 4A 95
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Lanthanum (La),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01182)

Lithium (Li), 

unfiltered 

(μg/L)

(01132)

Lutetium (Lu),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01244)

Magnesium (Mg),

unfiltered

(mg/L)

(00921)

Manganese (Mn), 

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01055)

Molybdenum (Mo),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01062)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY25 Buckeye Flat Mine 

upper drain

4/9/2001 10:00 1of2 4.4 0.3 4.6 0.4 0.039 0.001 4.6 0.4 360 70 <0.3 0.1

BY25 Buckeye Flat Mine 

upper drain

4/9/2001 10:00 2of2 4.4 0.0 4.6 0.1 0.038 0.001 5.5 0.1 370 0 <0.3 0.1

BY52 Greenhorn Cr 0.3 mi 

ab Buckeye Ford nr 

Nevada City

1/25/2000 10:45 1of2 0.87 0.01 1.2 0.0 0.015 0.000 1.3 0.1 36 2 0.17 0.05

BY52 Greenhorn Cr 0.3 mi 

ab Buckeye Ford nr 

Nevada City

1/25/2000 10:45 2of2 0.87 0.01 1.2 0.1 0.014 0.001 1.3 0.1 36 1 0.40 0.05

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

7/24/2001 11:00 1of2 0.051 0.002 0.9 0.1 <0.002 0.000 2.2 0.2 113 3 <0.5 0.3 

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

7/24/2001 11:00 2of2 0.051 0.002 0.7 0.3 <0.002 0.000 2.3 0.2 124 0 <0.5 0.3 

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

8/29/2001 15:00 1of2 0.029 0.001 0.9 0.0 <0.002 0.001 2.2 0.2 36 2 <0.5 0.4 

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

8/29/2001 15:00 2of2 0.038 0.004 0.9 0.3 <0.002 0.001 2.3 0.2 37 0 <0.5 0.0 

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

9/14/2001 13:00 1of2 0.040 0.001 0.77 0.02 <0.001 0.000 2.2 0.1 61 1 <0.5 0.0 

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

9/14/2001 13:00 2of2 0.037 0.002 0.91 0.13 <0.001 0.000 2.2 0.2 59 1 <0.5 0.4 

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

10/15/2001 12:00 1of2 0.017 0.001 0.8 0.3 <0.0005 0.0003 2.4 0.2 54 1 0.5 0.6 

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

10/15/2001 12:00 2of2 0.017 0.001 0.7 0.1 0.0005 0.0006 2.4 0.1 57 2 <0.5 0.0 

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

11/20/2001 13:20 1of2 0.100 0.010 0.87 0.06 0.002 0.001 2.7 0.4 200 22 <0.5 0.0 

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

11/20/2001 13:20 2of2 0.10 0.01 0.84 0.08 0.003 0.000 2.7 0.3 200 14 <0.5 0.0 

Table 4A. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in unfiltered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, Creek; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a five-digit code used in the 

U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; 

<, less than; , not determined]

96 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Lanthanum (La),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01182)

Lithium (Li), 

unfiltered 

(μg/L)

(01132)

Lutetium (Lu),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01244)

Magnesium (Mg),

unfiltered

(mg/L)

(00921)

Manganese (Mn), 

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01055)

Molybdenum (Mo),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01062)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

12/10/2001 12:20 1of2 0.85 0.02 1.3 0.2 0.016 0.002 2.6 0.3 110 13 <0.5 0.1 

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

12/10/2001 12:20 2of2 0.80 0.08 1.2 0.1 0.016 0.003 2.6 0.3 111 14 <0.5 0.1 

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

12/21/2001 13:00 1of2 3.4 0.4 2.5 0.2 0.059 0.009 2.7 0.3 190 24 <0.7 1.6 

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

12/21/2001 13:00 2of2 3.3 0.4 2.8 0.0 0.060 0.014 2.8 0.4 191 18 1.0 1.7 

BY51 Greenhorn Cr nr 

headwaters nr 

Scotts Flat Res

1/25/2000 9:30 1of2 0.23 0.01 0.31 0.05 0.005 0.001 0.76 0.07 3 0 0.11 0.12

BY51 Greenhorn Cr nr 

headwaters nr 

Scotts Flat Res

1/25/2000 9:30 2of2 0.22 0.01 0.35 0.03 0.005 0.000 0.68 0.05 3 0 0.07 0.06

BY75 Missouri Cyn Cr 1.2 

mi ab Greenhorn Cr 

nr Chicago Park

12/14/1999 14:00 1of2 0.40 0.13 8.1 2.1 0.008 0.004 4.4 0.2 89 21 0.18 0.06

BY75 Missouri Cyn Cr 1.2 

mi ab Greenhorn Cr 

nr Chicago Park

12/14/1999 14:00 2of2 0.40 0.12 6.8 0.1 0.008 0.003 4.0 0.1 78 11 0.17 0.02

BY86 Poore Mine Creek 

ab tunnel nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 17:40 1of2 0.38 0.01 0.6 0.1 0.0048 0.0010 1.5 0.0 10 0 0.05 0.01

BY86 Poore Mine Creek 

ab tunnel nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 17:40 2of2 0.30 0.03 0.7 0.1 0.0039 0.0006 1.5 0.0 10 0 0.06 0.00 

BY87 Poore Mine Creek 

bl tunnel nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 13:30 1of2 0.30 0.05 0.8 0.2 0.0044 0.0008 1.6 0.1 8 1 0.11 0.03

BY87 Poore Mine Creek 

bl tunnel nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 13:30 2of2 0.37 0.03 0.9 0.1 0.0063 0.0006 1.6 0.1 9 1 0.07 0.01

Table 4A. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in unfiltered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, Creek; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a five-digit code used in the 

U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; 

<, less than; , not determined]

Table 4A 97
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Lanthanum (La),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01182)

Lithium (Li), 

unfiltered 

(μg/L)

(01132)

Lutetium (Lu),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01244)

Magnesium (Mg),

unfiltered

(mg/L)

(00921)

Manganese (Mn), 

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01055)

Molybdenum (Mo),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01062)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY88 Poore Mine ground 

sluice nr Grass 

Valley 

4/1/1999 15:40 1of2 0.089 0.007 10 0 0.0041 0.0003 3.4 0.2 370 0 0.05 0.01

BY88 Poore Mine ground 

sluice nr Grass 

Valley 

4/1/1999 15:40 2of2 0.11 0.02 10 1 0.0037 0.0002 3.2 0.1 380 0 0.05 0.02

BY89 Poore Mine pit lake nr 

Grass Valley 

4/1/1999 16:50 1of2 0.061 0.004 2.4 0.2 0.0016 0.0010 1.1 0.1 120 0 0.04 0.02

BY89 Poore Mine pit lake nr 

Grass Valley 

4/1/1999 16:50 2of2 0.067 0.012 2.4 0.2 0.0017 0.0003 1.1 0.0 120 10 0.04 0.00 

BY89 Poore Mine pit lake nr 

Grass Valley 

5/23/2000 10:45 1of2 0.20 0.01 11 1 0.0027 0.0013 5.9 0.1 1,300 8 0.05 0.02

BY89 Poore Mine pit lake nr 

Grass Valley 

5/23/2000 10:45 2of2 0.20 0.01 11 0 0.0030 0.0003 6.1 0.1 1,300 6 0.08 0.00 

BY90 Poore Mine seep 

above ground sluice 

nr Grass Valley 

4/1/1999 16:00 1of2      

BY90 Poore Mine seep 

above ground sluice 

nr Grass Valley 

4/1/1999 16:00 2of2      

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 15:20 1of2 0.095 0.003 8.0 0.4 <0.0009 0.0005 3.5 0.1 10 0 0.12 0.05

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 15:20 2of2 0.11 0.01 8.2 0.2 0.0010 0.0002 3.6 0.1 10 0 0.10 0.02

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

12/15/1999 13:00 1of2 0.13 0.02 8.3 0.4 0.002 0.001 5.1 0.0 9 1 0.42 0.11

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

12/15/1999 13:00 2of2 0.12 0.04 11 0 0.001 0.001 5.7 0.1 31 38 0.47 0.05

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

5/23/2000 12:00 1of2 1.5 0.0 10 0 0.016 0.001 5.1 0.1 130 7 0.17 0.01

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

5/23/2000 12:00 2of2 1.4 0.1 10 1 0.016 0.001 5.2 0.1 120 4 0.17 0.04

Table 4A. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in unfiltered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, Creek; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a five-digit code used in the 

U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; 

<, less than; , not determined]

98 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Lanthanum (La),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01182)

Lithium (Li), 

unfiltered 

(μg/L)

(01132)

Lutetium (Lu),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01244)

Magnesium (Mg),

unfiltered

(mg/L)

(00921)

Manganese (Mn), 

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01055)

Molybdenum (Mo),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01062)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main 

drain gulch 01 nr 

Quaker Hill 

7/6/1999 16:00 1of2 3.8 0.1 7.8 0.2 0.12 0.01 2.0 0.0 150 0 0.18 0.05

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main 

drain gulch 01 nr 

Quaker Hill 

7/6/1999 16:00 2of2 2.7 0.1 7.8 0.1 0.083 0.005 2.0 0.0 150 0 0.18 0.02

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main 

drain Gulch 01 nr 

Quaker Hill 

12/2/1999 14:30 1of2 19 1 3.8 0.1 0.20 0.00 2.2 0.2 91 29 0.27 0.05

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main 

drain Gulch 01 nr 

Quaker Hill 

12/2/1999 14:30 2of2 21 1 4.2 0.5 0.21 0.00 2.0 0.1 80 16 0.21 0.01

BY106 Sailor Flat Mine 

main drainage to 

Greenhorn Cr, 

Gulch 03

4/9/2001 12:30 1of 2 0.99 0.03 1.2 0.1 0.025 0.000 0.39 0.01 21 2 <0.3 0.0 

BY106 Sailor Flat Mine 

main drainage to 

Greenhorn Cr, 

Gulch 03

4/9/2001 12:30 2of 2 0.96 0.02 1.1 0.1 0.023 0.000 0.39 0.06 20 1 <0.3 0.2

BY114 SF Greenhorn Cr 0.7 

mi ab Greenhorn Cr 

nr Nevada City 

8/22/2000 15:10 1of2 0.032 0.004 0.6 0.1 0.001 0.001 2.3 0.2 <0.6 0 <0.1 0.1

BY114 SF Greenhorn Cr 0.7 

mi ab Greenhorn Cr 

nr Nevada City 

8/22/2000 15:10 2of2 0.037 0.005 0.7 0.2 <0.001 0.001 2.1 0.6 <0.6 0 0.3 0.2

BY122 Starr Mine tunnel 

inflow nr Grass 

Valley

4/23/1999 15:00 1of2 0.14 0.01 4.7 0.2 0.0014 0.0005 4.5 0.4 51 4 0.06 0.02

BY122 Starr Mine tunnel 

inflow nr Grass 

Valley

4/23/1999 15:00 2of2 0.17 0.01 5.7 0.3 0.0025 0.0004 4.9 0.1 58 1 0.06 0.02

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

4/23/1999 13:40 1of2 0.12 0.03 10 1 0.0018 0.0007 8.1 0.1 300 10 0.23 0.01

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

4/23/1999 13:40 2of2 0.080 0.014 9.8 0.3 0.0017 0.0006 8.3 0.2 280 10 0.25 0.01

Table 4A. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in unfiltered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, Creek; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a five-digit code used in the 

U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; 

<, less than; , not determined]

Table 4A 99
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Lanthanum (La),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01182)

Lithium (Li), 

unfiltered 

(μg/L)

(01132)

Lutetium (Lu),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01244)

Magnesium (Mg),

unfiltered

(mg/L)

(00921)

Manganese (Mn), 

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01055)

Molybdenum (Mo),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01062)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

12/15/1999 10:45 1of2 0.16 0.04 11 1 0.005 0.001 10 0 730 20 0.38 0.05

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

12/15/1999 10:45 2of2 0.17 0.01 8.8 0.6 0.005 0.001 9.9 0.4 710 20 0.29 0.01

BY124 Starr Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

8/23/2000 17:30 1of2 0.56 0.01 8.4 0.7 0.007 0.001 8.7 0.2 560 10 0.6 0.2

BY124 Starr Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

8/23/2000 17:30 2of2 0.66 0.00 8.6 0.5 0.011 0.000 8.4 0.2 630 30 0.6 0.4

BY129 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel inlet 

nr Nevada City 

6/28/2000 12:00 1of2 9.5 1.7 6.3 1.2 0.087 0.015 2.4 0.6 650 20 <0.1 0.2

BY129 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel inlet 

nr Nevada City 

6/28/2000 12:00 2of2 9.1 1.3 6.6 0.3 0.091 0.015 2.6 0.3 740 40 <0.1 0.0 

BY130 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel 

outlet nr Nevada 

City

6/28/2000 11:30 1of2 0.14 0.01 11 2 <0.001 0.001 5.2 0.5 89 1 <0.1 0.0 

BY130 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel 

outlet nr Nevada 

City

6/28/2000 11:30 2of2 0.16 0.02 13 0 0.002 0.001 5.4 1.0 96 9 0.1 0.2

BY131 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drainage pond nr 

Nevada City 

8/23/2000 10:45 1of2 0.18 0.02 1.2 0.1 0.002 0.001 2.6 0.2 7 0 <0.1 0.2

BY131 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drainage pond nr 

Nevada City 

8/23/2000 10:45 2of2 0.18 0.02 1.5 0.0 0.004 0.001 2.4 0.6 7 1 <0.1 0.1

Table 4A. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in unfiltered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, Creek; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a five-digit code used in the 

U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; 

<, less than; , not determined]

100 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Lanthanum (La),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01182)

Lithium (Li), 

unfiltered 

(μg/L)

(01132)

Lutetium (Lu),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01244)

Magnesium (Mg),

unfiltered

(mg/L)

(00921)

Manganese (Mn), 

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01055)

Molybdenum (Mo),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01062)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

Disturbed samples

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

12/15/1999 11:30 1of2 48 9 74 1 1.7 0.4 36 0 430,000 0 18 0 

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

12/15/1999 11:30 2of2 48 1 67 3 1.9 0.0 33 1 390,000 10,000 19 1

BY129 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel inlet 

nr Nevada City 

6/28/2000 12:30 1of2 84 12 32 5 0.81 0.13 12 0 7,600 400 0.2 0.0 

BY129 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel inlet 

nr Nevada City 

6/28/2000 12:30 2of2 93 4 35 1 0.80 0.13 16 3 8,100 0 0.1 0.1

Table 4A. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in unfiltered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, Creek; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a five-digit code used in the 

U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; 

<, less than; , not determined]

Table 4A 101
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Sodium (Na),

unfiltered

(mg/L)

(00923)

Neodymium 

(Nd), 

unfiltered 

(μg/L)

(01237)

Nickel (Ni),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01067)

Lead (Pb),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01051)

Praesodymium 

(Pr), 

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(010238)

Rubidium (Rb),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01137)

Rhenium (Re),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01242)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

Environmental samples

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

6/18/1999 14:30 1of2 1.2 0.0 0.090 0.010 10 0 0.05 0.01 0.021 0.004 2.0 0.3 0.0038 0.0006

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

6/18/1999 14:30 2of2 1.4 0.2 0.074 0.002 7.1 0.4 0.06 0.02 0.014 0.001 1.6 0.2 0.0024 0.0011

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

12/14/1999 12:00 1of2 1.4 0.0 0.70 0.06 37 3 0.16 0.12 0.15 0.02 2.2 0.2 0.004 0.000 

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

12/14/1999 12:00 2of2 1.5 0.1 0.35 0.01 22 1 0.14 0.02 0.080 0.008 1.7 0.1 0.003 0.001

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

5/24/2000 16:00 1of2 1.4 0.1 0.14 0.00 8.8 0.2 0.08 0.02 0.030 0.001 1.7 0.0 0.005 0.000 

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

5/24/2000 16:00 2of2 1.4 0.1 0.31 0.03 17 1 0.07 0.01 0.065 0.001 1.8 0.1 <0.002 0.000 

BY21 Boston Mine wetlands 

pond nr Grass 

Valley 

12/14/1999 10:30 1of2 3.0 0.3 0.024 0.005 0.92 0.07 0.11 0.02 0.006 0.001 2.6 0.0 0.011 0.000 

BY21 Boston Mine wetlands 

pond nr Grass 

Valley 

12/14/1999 10:30 2of2 1.4 0.1 0.027 0.006 0.95 0.07 0.14 0.01 0.007 0.001 2.6 0.2 0.007 0.002

BY21 Boston Mine wetlands 

pond nr Grass 

Valley 

5/24/2000 16:30 1of2 1.3 0.1 0.032 0.006 2.2 0.0 0.12 0.03 0.007 0.001 2.2 0.1 0.005 0.002

BY21 Boston Mine wetlands 

pond nr Grass 

Valley 

5/24/2000 16:30 2of2 1.3 0.1 0.033 0.007 2.2 0.1 0.10 0.01 0.007 0.000 2.2 0.1 0.003 0.001

BY58 Buckeye Flat Mine 

main drain 0.45 mi 

ab Greenhorn Cr

8/21/2000 11:00 1of2 3 1 16 0 130 10 <1 0 4.0 0.3 9.3 0.2 <0.02 0.01

BY58 Buckeye Flat Mine 

main drain 0.45 mi 

ab Greenhorn Cr

8/21/2000 11:00 2of2 2 0 13 0 93 3 <1 1 3.2 0.0 7.2 0.3 <0.02 0.02

Table 4A. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in unfiltered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, Creek; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a five-digit code used in the 

U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; 

<, less than; , not determined]

102 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Sodium (Na),

unfiltered

(mg/L)

(00923)

Neodymium 

(Nd), 

unfiltered 

(μg/L)

(01237)

Nickel (Ni),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01067)

Lead (Pb),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01051)

Praesodymium 

(Pr), 

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(010238)

Rubidium (Rb),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01137)

Rhenium (Re),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01242)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

6/18/1999 11:30 1of2 2.4 0.0 22 1 220 0 0.46 0.01 5.1 0.5 4.3 0.4 0.0027 0.0012

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

6/18/1999 11:30 2of2 2.3 0.0 22 0 220 0 0.64 0.04 4.8 0.0 3.7 0.1 0.0034 0.0007

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

12/2/1999 11:00 1of2 1.9 0.2 16 0 130 10 0.61 0.08 3.6 0.1 3.5 0.3 0.007 0.001

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

12/2/1999 11:00 2of2 2.1 0.2 16 0 130 0 0.84 0.12 4.4 0.1 2.9 0.0 0.006 0.000 

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

8/22/2000 10:45 1of2 4 1 25 0 170 10 <1 0 6.0 0.1 2.1 0.1 <0.02 0.01

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

8/22/2000 10:45 2of2 4 1 22 0 160 10 <1 0 5.6 0.0 2.0 0.3 <0.02 0.02

BY116 Buckeye Flat Mine 

pond drain 0.15 mi 

ab SF Greenhorn Cr

8/21/2000 14:10 1of2 0.55 0.03 0.19 0.01 4.5 0.3 <0.1 0.1 0.047 0.002 2.0 0.0 0.003 0.001

BY116 Buckeye Flat Mine 

pond drain 0.15 mi 

ab SF Greenhorn Cr

8/21/2000 14:10 2of2 0.54 0.03 0.20 0.01 5.2 0.3 <0.1 0.1 0.048 0.002 2.0 0.0 <0.003 0.002

BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine 

S drain to SF 

Greenhorn Cr, 

Grass Valley

8/26/1999 11:00 1of2 0.66 0.11 0.50 0.01 8.5 0.7 3.9 0.2 0.11 0.01 1.2 0.3 0.0015 0.0010 

BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine 

S drain to SF 

Greenhorn Cr, 

Grass Valley

8/26/1999 11:00 2of2 0.62 0.01 0.50 0.01 9.2 1.0 4.0 0.3 0.11 0.01 1.0 0.2 0.0016 0.0008

BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine 

S drain to SF 

Greenhorn Cr, 

Grass Valley

8/22/2000 12:10 1of2 0.64 0.12 1.4 0.1 10.0 1.6 0.9 0.0 0.31 0.05 1.1 0.1 <0.003 0.001

BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine 

S drain to SF 

Greenhorn Cr, 

Grass Valley

8/22/2000 12:10 2of2 0.70 0.02 1.3 0.2 9.6 0.5 0.9 0.1 0.30 0.05 0.99 0.05 0.004 0.001

Table 4A. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in unfiltered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, Creek; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a five-digit code used in the 

U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; 

<, less than; , not determined]

Table 4A 103
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Sodium (Na),

unfiltered

(mg/L)

(00923)

Neodymium 

(Nd), 

unfiltered 

(μg/L)

(01237)

Nickel (Ni),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01067)

Lead (Pb),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01051)

Praesodymium 

(Pr), 

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(010238)

Rubidium (Rb),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01137)

Rhenium (Re),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01242)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY25 Buckeye Flat Mine 

upper drain

4/9/2001 10:00 1of2 1.3 0.3 4.1 0.3 65 4 <0.2 0.1 1.0 0.1 1.4 0.1 <0.003 0.001

BY25 Buckeye Flat Mine 

upper drain

4/9/2001 10:00 2of2 1.4 0.4 4.0 0.1 66 0 <0.2 0.2 1.0 0.0 1.4 0.0 <0.003 0.001

BY52 Greenhorn Cr 0.3 mi 

ab Buckeye Ford nr 

Nevada City

1/25/2000 10:45 1of2 1.4 0.1 1.2 0.0 5.8 0.2 0.55 0.01 0.27 0.00 1.7 0.0 <0.002 0.002

BY52 Greenhorn Cr 0.3 mi 

ab Buckeye Ford nr 

Nevada City

1/25/2000 10:45 2of2 1.4 0.0 1.1 0.0 6.0 0.1 0.51 0.02 0.27 0.01 1.7 0.0 <0.002 0.001

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

7/24/2001 11:00 1of2 2.4 0.1 0.05 0.00 1.9 0.1 0.10 0.04 0.013 0.002 1.5 0.1 0.005 0.001 

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

7/24/2001 11:00 2of2 2.4 0.2 0.08 0.00 2.1 0.1 0.11 0.00 0.014 0.002 1.5 0.0 0.006 0.001 

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

8/29/2001 15:00 1of2 2.5 0.1 0.03 0.01 0.96 0.06 <0.06 0.02 0.011 0.001 1.4 0.1 0.007 0.001 

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

8/29/2001 15:00 2of2 2.5 0.3 0.03 0.01 1.0 0.0 0.06 0.05 0.009 0.002 1.5 0.1 0.007 0.002 

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

9/14/2001 13:00 1of2 2.0 0.1 0.048 0.008 1.6 0.1 0.07 0.00 0.011 0.003 1.5 0.1 0.005 0.001 

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

9/14/2001 13:00 2of2 2.1 0.2 0.042 0.008 1.5 0.0 0.06 0.01 0.011 0.002 1.5 0.1 0.007 0.004 

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

10/15/2001 12:00 1of2 3.0 0.4 0.020 0.010 1.5 0.2 0.19 0.18 0.004 0.003 1.2 0.1 0.005 0.002 

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

10/15/2001 12:00 2of2 3.0 0.3 0.021 0.008 1.4 0.1 <0.07 0.04 0.005 0.001 1.2 0.1 0.005 0.002 

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

11/20/2001 13:20 1of2 2.8 0.4 0.16 0.02 3.5 0.0 0.19 0.03 0.050 0.005 1.6 0.0 0.006 0.000 

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

11/20/2001 13:20 2of2 2.8 0.3 0.14 0.01 3.5 0.1 0.23 0.08 0.035 0.000 1.7 0.1 0.006 0.001 

Table 4A. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in unfiltered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, Creek; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a five-digit code used in the 

U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; 

<, less than; , not determined]

104 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Sodium (Na),

unfiltered

(mg/L)

(00923)

Neodymium 

(Nd), 

unfiltered 

(μg/L)

(01237)

Nickel (Ni),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01067)

Lead (Pb),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01051)

Praesodymium 

(Pr), 

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(010238)

Rubidium (Rb),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01137)

Rhenium (Re),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01242)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

12/10/2001 12:20 1of2 2.5 0.2 1.2 0.0 6.6 0.5 0.57 0.01 0.28 0.00 2.1 0.0 0.005 0.002 

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

12/10/2001 12:20 2of2 2.6 0.2 1.2 0.1 6.8 0.5 0.46 0.01 0.27 0.01 2.2 0.1 0.005 0.000 

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

12/21/2001 13:00 1of2 1.9 0.2 4.7 0.3 11.4 0.7 2.8 0.0 1.06 0.09 6.6 0.5 <0.004 0.002 

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

12/21/2001 13:00 2of2 1.9 0.3 4.9 0.0 11.8 0.1 2.7 0.0 1.04 0.09 6.5 0.7 <0.004 0.001 

BY51 Greenhorn Cr nr 

headwaters nr 

Scotts Flat Res

1/25/2000 9:30 1of2 1.4 0.0 0.35 0.01 2.0 0.0 0.17 0.02 0.079 0.001 0.53 0.02 <0.002 0.001

BY51 Greenhorn Cr nr 

headwaters nr 

Scotts Flat Res

1/25/2000 9:30 2of2 0.85 0.07 0.33 0.01 2.0 0.1 0.13 0.01 0.078 0.003 0.54 0.01 <0.002 0.001

BY75 Missouri Cyn Cr 1.2 

mi ab Greenhorn Cr 

nr Chicago Park

12/14/1999 14:00 1of2 3.0 0.1 0.43 0.05 29 1 0.11 0.04 0.10 0.02 3.3 0.0 0.006 0.001

BY75 Missouri Cyn Cr 1.2 

mi ab Greenhorn Cr 

nr Chicago Park

12/14/1999 14:00 2of2 2.7 0.0 0.44 0.02 29 0 0.12 0.03 0.11 0.01 4.0 0.7 0.007 0.001

BY86 Poore Mine Creek 

ab tunnel nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 17:40 1of2 1.9 0.1 0.35 0.01 3.0 0.4 0.25 0.05 0.085 0.009 1.2 0.2 <0.001 0.0010 

BY86 Poore Mine Creek 

ab tunnel nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 17:40 2of2 2.0 0.2 0.33 0.01 2.5 0.2 0.20 0.02 0.077 0.006 1.3 0.2 <0.001 0.0012

BY87 Poore Mine Creek 

bl tunnel nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 13:30 1of2 1.8 0.0 0.34 0.01 2.5 0.3 0.21 0.04 0.078 0.004 1.2 0.0 <0.001 0.0008

BY87 Poore Mine Creek 

bl tunnel nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 13:30 2of2 1.9 0.1 0.36 0.00 2.7 0.2 0.29 0.01 0.086 0.001 1.1 0.2 0.0015 0.0013

BY88 Poore Mine ground 

sluice nr Grass 

Valley 

4/1/1999 15:40 1of2 1.7 0.2 0.11 0.00 10 1 <0.01 0.03 0.024 0.004 7.2 1.8 0.011 0.000 

Table 4A. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in unfiltered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, Creek; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a five-digit code used in the 

U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; 

<, less than; , not determined]

Table 4A 105
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Sodium (Na),

unfiltered

(mg/L)

(00923)

Neodymium 

(Nd), 

unfiltered 

(μg/L)

(01237)

Nickel (Ni),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01067)

Lead (Pb),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01051)

Praesodymium 

(Pr), 

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(010238)

Rubidium (Rb),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01137)

Rhenium (Re),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01242)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY88 Poore Mine ground 

sluice nr Grass 

Valley 

4/1/1999 15:40 2of2 1.6 0.1 0.12 0.00 11 1 <0.01 0.02 0.026 0.002 6.1 0.1 0.011 0.003

BY89 Poore Mine pit lake nr 

Grass Valley 

4/1/1999 16:50 1of2 0.9 0.1 0.10 0.00 3.4 0.3 0.07 0.02 0.021 0.002 2.4 0.3 <0.001 0.0013

BY89 Poore Mine pit lake nr 

Grass Valley 

4/1/1999 16:50 2of2 0.9 0.2 0.10 0.00 3.5 0.3 0.09 0.05 0.022 0.004 2.2 0.3 0.0015 0.0003

BY89 Poore Mine pit lake nr 

Grass Valley 

5/23/2000 10:45 1of2 1.4 0.1 0.15 0.01 61 0 0.07 0.02 0.037 0.003 7.7 0.1 0.005 0.000 

BY89 Poore Mine pit lake nr 

Grass Valley 

5/23/2000 10:45 2of2 1.5 0.2 0.16 0.01 64 1 0.06 0.01 0.037 0.001 7.9 0.5 0.008 0.001

BY90 Poore Mine seep 

above ground sluice 

nr Grass Valley 

4/1/1999 16:00 1of2       

BY90 Poore Mine seep 

above ground sluice 

nr Grass Valley 

4/1/1999 16:00 2of2       

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 15:20 1of2 1.7 0.1 0.094 0.005 5.2 0.2 0.28 0.03 0.024 0.001 6.3 0.3 0.0063 0.0019

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 15:20 2of2 1.7 0.1 0.099 0.007 6.3 0.5 0.35 0.06 0.024 0.001 5.7 0.7 0.0099 0.0003

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

12/15/1999 13:00 1of2 2.4 0.2 0.11 0.00 3.1 0.1 0.46 0.03 0.031 0.002 5.5 0.0 0.013 0.003

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

12/15/1999 13:00 2of2 2.9 0.3 0.13 0.01 2.7 0.4 0.44 0.18 0.028 0.003 4.7 0.6 0.009 0.001

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

5/23/2000 12:00 1of2 3.1 0.3 1.5 0.0 15 0 6.5 0.0 0.37 0.00 6.1 0.2 0.010 0.001

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

5/23/2000 12:00 2of2 3.0 0.2 1.4 0.0 14 0 6.2 0.1 0.35 0.00 6.1 0.0 0.010 0.001

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main 

drain gulch 01 nr 

Quaker Hill 

7/6/1999 16:00 1of2 1.7 0.1 6.5 0.0 42 5 1.0 0.1 1.6 0.3 4.1 0.8 0.0038 0.0005

Table 4A. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in unfiltered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, Creek; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a five-digit code used in the 

U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; 

<, less than; , not determined]

106 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Sodium (Na),

unfiltered

(mg/L)

(00923)

Neodymium 

(Nd), 

unfiltered 

(μg/L)

(01237)

Nickel (Ni),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01067)

Lead (Pb),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01051)

Praesodymium 

(Pr), 

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(010238)

Rubidium (Rb),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01137)

Rhenium (Re),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01242)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main 

drain gulch 01 nr 

Quaker Hill 

7/6/1999 16:00 2of2 1.8 0.1 6.8 0.0 39 6 0.66 0.05 1.4 0.3 5.4 0.9 0.0025 0.0007

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main 

drain Gulch 01 nr 

Quaker Hill 

12/2/1999 14:30 1of2 1.3 0.3 22 0 12 1 10 0 6.1 0.1 17 0 <0.002 0.000 

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main 

drain Gulch 01 nr 

Quaker Hill 

12/2/1999 14:30 2of2 1.2 0.0 20 0 12 0 10 0 4.9 0.1 13 0 <0.002 0.001

BY106 Sailor Flat Mine 

main drainage to 

Greenhorn Cr, 

Gulch 03

4/9/2001 12:30 1of 2 0.70 0.07 1.4 0.1 4.5 0.3 <0.2 0.1 0.34 0.03 1.8 0.2 <0.003 0.001

BY106 Sailor Flat Mine 

main drainage to 

Greenhorn Cr, 

Gulch 03

4/9/2001 12:30 2of 2 0.73 0.16 1.4 0.0 4.7 0.9 <0.2 0.1 0.34 0.01 1.8 0.1 <0.003 0.002

BY114 SF Greenhorn Cr 0.7 

mi ab Greenhorn Cr 

nr Nevada City 

8/22/2000 15:10 1of2 2.0 0.3 0.03 0.01 0.7 0.1 <0.1 0.1 0.007 0.002 0.44 0.06 <0.003 0.000 

BY114 SF Greenhorn Cr 0.7 

mi ab Greenhorn Cr 

nr Nevada City 

8/22/2000 15:10 2of2 2.0 0.2 0.03 0.00 1.2 0.1 0.4 0.0 0.008 0.001 0.45 0.06 0.004 0.002

BY122 Starr Mine tunnel 

inflow nr Grass 

Valley

4/23/1999 15:00 1of2 1.5 0.1 0.17 0.00 11 1 1.5 0.0 0.037 0.003 3.0 0.1 0.0057 0.0005

BY122 Starr Mine tunnel 

inflow nr Grass 

Valley

4/23/1999 15:00 2of2 1.6 0.1 0.19 0.00 13 0 1.8 0.0 0.043 0.005 3.0 0.3 0.0067 0.0013

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

4/23/1999 13:40 1of2 2.2 0.1 0.13 0.01 3.5 0.2 0.79 0.01 0.032 0.004 4.6 0.1 0.0092 0.0012

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

4/23/1999 13:40 2of2 2.2 0.1 0.086 0.003 3.0 0.6 0.60 0.08 0.020 0.002 4.7 0.1 0.010 0.003

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

12/15/1999 10:45 1of2 2.2 0.1 0.23 0.00 7.5 0.5 2.1 0.1 0.050 0.001 6.2 0.2 0.021 0.002

Table 4A. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in unfiltered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, Creek; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a five-digit code used in the 

U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; 

<, less than; , not determined]

Table 4A 107
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Sodium (Na),

unfiltered

(mg/L)

(00923)

Neodymium 

(Nd), 

unfiltered 

(μg/L)

(01237)

Nickel (Ni),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01067)

Lead (Pb),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01051)

Praesodymium 

(Pr), 

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(010238)

Rubidium (Rb),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01137)

Rhenium (Re),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01242)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

12/15/1999 10:45 2of2 2.2 0.1 0.25 0.01 7.8 0.3 2.1 0.0 0.055 0.005 6.5 0.2 0.022 0.000 

BY124 Starr Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

8/23/2000 17:30 1of2 2.7 0.2 0.64 0.02 10 0 5.1 0.5 0.16 0.02 4.6 0.1 0.011 0.002

BY124 Starr Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

8/23/2000 17:30 2of2 2.8 0.2 0.73 0.02 12 1 7.3 0.5 0.17 0.02 5.0 0.0 0.011 0.002

BY129 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel inlet 

nr Nevada City 

6/28/2000 12:00 1of2 1.2 0.2 12 2 44 8 1.9 0.4 2.8 0.5 2.5 0.4 0.004 0.002

BY129 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel inlet 

nr Nevada City 

6/28/2000 12:00 2of2 1.2 0.1 11 2 42 7 2.0 0.3 2.6 0.4 2.3 0.3 <0.003 0.000 

BY130 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel 

outlet nr Nevada 

City

6/28/2000 11:30 1of2 1.7 0.3 0.21 0.03 6.1 0.0 <0.1 0.1 0.041 0.001 0.95 0.11 0.004 0.001

BY130 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel 

outlet nr Nevada 

City

6/28/2000 11:30 2of2 1.7 0.3 0.24 0.02 6.3 0.2 <0.1 0.0 0.059 0.024 0.97 0.12 0.004 0.001

BY131 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drainage pond nr 

Nevada City 

8/23/2000 10:45 1of2 2.1 0.2 0.24 0.01 3.7 0.1 <0.1 0.0 0.055 0.005 0.73 0.01 <0.003 0.001

BY131 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drainage pond nr 

Nevada City 

8/23/2000 10:45 2of2 2.1 0.3 0.26 0.01 2.9 0.1 <0.1 0.0 0.052 0.007 0.70 0.09 <0.003 0.002

Table 4A. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in unfiltered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, Creek; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a five-digit code used in the 

U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; 

<, less than; , not determined]

108 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Sodium (Na),

unfiltered

(mg/L)

(00923)

Neodymium 

(Nd), 

unfiltered 

(μg/L)

(01237)

Nickel (Ni),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01067)

Lead (Pb),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01051)

Praesodymium 

(Pr), 

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(010238)

Rubidium (Rb),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01137)

Rhenium (Re),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01242)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

Disturbed samples

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

12/15/1999 11:30 1of2 2.9 0.0 85 0 3,700 0 980 140 17 0 92 18 0.036 0.003

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

12/15/1999 11:30 2of2 2.6 0.1 85 3 3,300 200 1,000 0 16 0 86 0 0.030 0.004

BY129 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel inlet 

nr Nevada City 

6/28/2000 12:30 1of2 1.6 0.2 120 20 350 10 25 4 28 4 23 3 0.003 0.000 

BY129 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel inlet 

nr Nevada City 

6/28/2000 12:30 2of2 1.5 0.3 140 10 370 50 28 1 32 2 23 3 0.003 0.002

Table 4A. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in unfiltered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, Creek; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a five-digit code used in the 

U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; 

<, less than; , not determined]

Table 4A 109
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Sulfur (S),

unfiltered

(mg/L)

(80107)

Antimony (Sb), 

unfiltered 

(μg/L)

(01097)

Selenium (Se),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01147)

Silica (Si),

unfiltered

(mg/L as SiO2)

(00956)

Samarium (Sm), 

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(82322)

Strontium (Sr),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01084)

Terbium (Tb),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01218)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

Environmental samples

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

6/18/1999 14:30 1of2 4.9 0.1 0.16 0.04 <2 2 14 0 0.018 0.003 86 2 0.0023 0.0003

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

6/18/1999 14:30 2of2 4.9 0.0 0.19 0.01 <2 1 14 0 0.017 0.001 86 3 0.0021 0.0007

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

12/14/1999 12:00 1of2 6.6 0.0 0.07 0.02 0.7 0.4 14 3 0.13 0.01 132 5 0.021 0.004

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

12/14/1999 12:00 2of2 6.8 0.4 0.05 0.01 <0.6 0.4 14 1 0.084 0.010 102 4 0.014 0.003

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

5/24/2000 16:00 1of2 4.2 0.2 0.088 0.017 <86 8 14 0 0.030 0.005 81 2 0.0052 0.0013

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

5/24/2000 16:00 2of2 4.2 0.2 0.085 0.005 <86 14 14 1 0.062 0.003 83 3 0.011 0.001

BY21 Boston Mine wetlands 

pond nr Grass 

Valley 

12/14/1999 10:30 1of2 5.7 0.3 0.049 0.002 <0.2 0.3 4.3 0.3 <0.006 0.002 122 1 0.0011 0.0007

BY21 Boston Mine wetlands 

pond nr Grass 

Valley 

12/14/1999 10:30 2of2 5.4 0.1 0.055 0.001 <0.2 0.4 4.3 0.2 0.006 0.004 121 7 0.0010 0.0000

BY21 Boston Mine wetlands 

pond nr Grass 

Valley 

5/24/2000 16:30 1of2 2.7 0.1 0.079 0.008 <86 16 11 0 0.011 0.007 73 1 0.0019 0.0004

BY21 Boston Mine wetlands 

pond nr Grass 

Valley 

5/24/2000 16:30 2of2 2.8 0.1 0.081 0.000 <86 12 11 0 <0.007 0.003 71 4 0.0012 0.0003

BY58 Buckeye Flat Mine 

main drain 0.45 mi 

ab Greenhorn Cr

8/21/2000 11:00 1of2 42 5 0.4 0.1 <8 3 30 5 3.4 0.4 87 22 0.60 0.05

BY58 Buckeye Flat Mine 

main drain 0.45 mi 

ab Greenhorn Cr

8/21/2000 11:00 2of2 40 10 <0.4 0.3 <8 7 29 7 2.7 0.3 86 17 0.48 0.06

Table 4A. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in unfiltered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, Creek; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a five-digit code used in the 

U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; 

<, less than; , not determined]

110 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Sulfur (S),

unfiltered

(mg/L)

(80107)

Antimony (Sb), 

unfiltered 

(μg/L)

(01097)

Selenium (Se),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01147)

Silica (Si),

unfiltered

(mg/L as SiO2)

(00956)

Samarium (Sm), 

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(82322)

Strontium (Sr),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01084)

Terbium (Tb),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01218)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

6/18/1999 11:30 1of2 61 0 0.10 0.02 <2 2 36 2 4.3 0.1 140 0 0.67 0.10 

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

6/18/1999 11:30 2of2 62 0 0.095 0.035 <2 1 35 1 4.8 0.5 140 0 0.82 0.03

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

12/2/1999 11:00 1of2 39 0 0.04 0.01 <0.6 0.4 28 2 3.5 0.3 88 10 0.53 0.09

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

12/2/1999 11:00 2of2 37 0 0.04 0.01 <0.6 0.5 28 1 3.6 0.2 65 3 0.76 0.09

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

8/22/2000 10:45 1of2 65 3 <0.4 0.2 <8 6 46 0 5.5 0.2 130 40 0.92 0.00 

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

8/22/2000 10:45 2of2 59 6 <0.4 0.2 <8 2 41 5 5.2 0.1 130 30 0.82 0.02

BY116 Buckeye Flat Mine 

pond drain 0.15 mi 

ab SF Greenhorn Cr

8/21/2000 14:10 1of2 2.3 0.1 0.06 0.02 <1 1 5.2 0.6 0.028 0.004 14 2 0.006 0.001

BY116 Buckeye Flat Mine 

pond drain 0.15 mi 

ab SF Greenhorn Cr

8/21/2000 14:10 2of2 2.1 0.1 0.07 0.03 <1 1 4.7 0.3 0.050 0.004 14 0 0.007 0.001

BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine 

S drain to SF 

Greenhorn Cr, 

Grass Valley

8/26/1999 11:00 1of2 2.0 0.1 2.0 0.0 <2 2 6.9 0.2 0.11 0.00 5.6 0.2 0.014 0.002

BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine 

S drain to SF 

Greenhorn Cr, 

Grass Valley

8/26/1999 11:00 2of2 1.9 0.0 1.4 0.0 <2 2 6.6 0.1 0.11 0.01 5.3 0.0 0.013 0.000 

BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine 

S drain to SF 

Greenhorn Cr, 

Grass Valley

8/22/2000 12:10 1of2 1.6 0.1 0.07 0.02 <1 1 8.3 2.9 0.26 0.01 6.1 1.0 0.044 0.007

BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine 

S drain to SF 

Greenhorn Cr, 

Grass Valley

8/22/2000 12:10 2of2 2.0 0.4 0.07 0.01 <1 1 7.9 1.6 0.29 0.00 6.6 1.7 0.045 0.002

Table 4A. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in unfiltered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, Creek; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a five-digit code used in the 

U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; 

<, less than; , not determined]

Table 4A 111
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Sulfur (S),

unfiltered

(mg/L)

(80107)

Antimony (Sb), 

unfiltered 

(μg/L)

(01097)

Selenium (Se),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01147)

Silica (Si),

unfiltered

(mg/L as SiO2)

(00956)

Samarium (Sm), 

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(82322)

Strontium (Sr),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01084)

Terbium (Tb),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01218)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY25 Buckeye Flat Mine 

upper drain

4/9/2001 10:00 1of2 12 1 <0.04 0.01 <2 1 12 1 0.74 0.08 32 2 0.14 0.02

BY25 Buckeye Flat Mine 

upper drain

4/9/2001 10:00 2of2 15 0 <0.04 0.00 <2 1 13 2 0.76 0.00 31 1 0.14 0.01

BY52 Greenhorn Cr 0.3 mi 

ab Buckeye Ford nr 

Nevada City

1/25/2000 10:45 1of2 2.1 0.1 0.054 0.007 <0.2 0.1 11 1 0.25 0.03 24 1 0.036 0.001

BY52 Greenhorn Cr 0.3 mi 

ab Buckeye Ford nr 

Nevada City

1/25/2000 10:45 2of2 2.0 0.1 0.054 0.007 <0.2 0.2 11 0 0.24 0.03 24 0 0.038 0.000 

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

7/24/2001 11:00 1of2 5.8 0.0 0.08 0.07 <0.8 0.2 12 1 <0.01 0.00 44 4 <0.002 0.001 

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

7/24/2001 11:00 2of2 6.2 0.3 0.13 0.05 <0.8 0.8 12 0 0.02 0.01 44 2 <0.002 0.001 

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

8/29/2001 15:00 1of2 5.2 0.3 0.11 0.08 <0.8 0.1 12 1 <0.01 0.01 46 3 <0.002 0.000 

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

8/29/2001 15:00 2of2 5.2 0.3 0.09 0.05 <0.8 0.5 13 1 <0.01 0.00 47 4 <0.002 0.002 

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

9/14/2001 13:00 1of2 5.9 0.2 — 1.3 0.0 12 0 0.011 0.002 47 3 0.0013 0.0008 

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

9/14/2001 13:00 2of2 5.7 0.1 — <0.9 0.3 12 1 0.008 0.004 47 2 0.0015 0.0007 

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

10/15/2001 12:00 1of2 5.8 0.4 — 0.8 0.4 13 1 0.007 0.003 47 3 0.0010 0.0004 

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

10/15/2001 12:00 2of2 5.9 0.2 — 0.9 0.4 13 0 <0.006 0.001 48 6 <0.0008 0.0002 

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

11/20/2001 13:20 1of2 7.1 0.9 — <0.9 0.5 12 1 0.033 0.008 54 4 0.0066 0.0000 

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

11/20/2001 13:20 2of2 7.6 0.1 — <0.9 0.2 12 1 0.038 0.006 55 2 0.0058 0.0004 

Table 4A. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in unfiltered water samples, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, Creek; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a five-digit code used in the 

U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; 

<, less than; , not determined]

112 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Sulfur (S),

unfiltered

(mg/L)

(80107)

Antimony (Sb), 

unfiltered 

(μg/L)

(01097)

Selenium (Se),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01147)

Silica (Si),

unfiltered

(mg/L as SiO2)

(00956)

Samarium (Sm), 

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(82322)

Strontium (Sr),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01084)

Terbium (Tb),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01218)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

12/10/2001 12:20 1of2 6.1 0.7 — 0.6 0.2 16 2 0.26 0.00 51 4 0.039 0.004 

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

12/10/2001 12:20 2of2 6.2 0.8 0.20 0.13 0.6 0.2 16 2 0.26 0.01 53 4 0.037 0.002 

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

12/21/2001 13:00 1of2 4.2 0.4 0.28 0.25 <0.9 0.6 26 3 1.02 0.11 45 4 0.160 0.005 

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

12/21/2001 13:00 2of2 4.3 0.5 0.26 0.15 <0.9 0.3 26 3 1.02 0.01 45 4 0.139 0.011 

BY51 Greenhorn Cr nr 

headwaters nr 

Scotts Flat Res

1/25/2000 9:30 1of2 0.2 0.0 0.022 0.003 <0.2 0.4 7.9 0.3 0.081 0.000 17 0 0.0099 0.0004

BY51 Greenhorn Cr nr 

headwaters nr 

Scotts Flat Res

1/25/2000 9:30 2of2 0.1 0.1 0.024 0.009 0.4 0.1 7.6 0.2 0.080 0.010 17 0 0.011 0.002

BY75 Missouri Cyn Cr 1.2 

mi ab Greenhorn Cr 

nr Chicago Park

12/14/1999 14:00 1of2 16 1 0.08 0.01 <0.6 0.6 26 1 0.080 0.007 96 22 0.018 0.007

BY75 Missouri Cyn Cr 1.2 

mi ab Greenhorn Cr 

nr Chicago Park

12/14/1999 14:00 2of2 15 0 0.09 0.01 <0.6 0.4 24 0 0.084 0.017 102 26 0.017 0.005

BY86 Poore Mine Creek 

ab tunnel nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 17:40 1of2 1.2 0.0 0.096 0.007 <2 0 17 0 0.073 0.005 39 0 0.012 0.000 

BY86 Poore Mine Creek 

ab tunnel nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 17:40 2of2 1.2 0.1 0.10 0.02 <2 1 17 1 0.069 0.008 39 2 0.0092 0.0017

BY87 Poore Mine Creek 

bl tunnel nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 13:30 1of2 1.7 0.2 0.094 0.013 <2 1 17 1 0.070 0.003 39 2 0.010 0.002

BY87 Poore Mine Creek 

bl tunnel nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 13:30 2of2 1.7 0.2 0.093 0.009 <2 1 16 0 0.081 0.005 40 2 0.011 0.001

Table 4A. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in unfiltered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, Creek; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a five-digit code used in the 

U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; 

<, less than; , not determined]

Table 4A 113
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Sulfur (S),

unfiltered

(mg/L)

(80107)

Antimony (Sb), 

unfiltered 

(μg/L)

(01097)

Selenium (Se),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01147)

Silica (Si),

unfiltered

(mg/L as SiO2)

(00956)

Samarium (Sm), 

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(82322)

Strontium (Sr),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01084)

Terbium (Tb),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01218)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY88 Poore Mine ground 

sluice nr Grass 

Valley 

4/1/1999 15:40 1of2 13 0 0.080 0.023 <2 1 25 0 0.025 0.001 43 2 0.0049 0.0001

BY88 Poore Mine ground 

sluice nr Grass 

Valley 

4/1/1999 15:40 2of2 13 1 0.071 0.003 <2 0 26 0 0.031 0.004 41 2 0.0064 0.0012

BY89 Poore Mine pit lake nr 

Grass Valley 

4/1/1999 16:50 1of2 3.3 0.2 0.20 0.00 <2 1 15 0 0.025 0.004 24 2 0.0033 0.0003

BY89 Poore Mine pit lake nr 

Grass Valley 

4/1/1999 16:50 2of2 3.2 0.1 0.23 0.05 <2 0 15 1 0.026 0.006 25 1 0.0039 0.0012

BY89 Poore Mine pit lake nr 

Grass Valley 

5/23/2000 10:45 1of2 25 1 0.058 0.008 <86 22 21 0 0.029 0.004 122 2 0.0068 0.0012

BY89 Poore Mine pit lake nr 

Grass Valley 

5/23/2000 10:45 2of2 25 0 0.054 0.004 <86 11 21 0 0.029 0.002 126 6 0.0078 0.0006

BY90 Poore Mine seep 

above ground sluice 

nr Grass Valley 

4/1/1999 16:00 1of2       

BY90 Poore Mine seep 

above ground sluice 

nr Grass Valley 

4/1/1999 16:00 2of2       

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 15:20 1of2 11 0 0.16 0.01 <2 1 28 1 0.017 0.001 80 3 0.0031 0.0002

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 15:20 2of2 11 0 0.20 0.01 <2 1 29 0 0.019 0.003 82 1 0.0036 0.0008

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

12/15/1999 13:00 1of2 15 0 0.09 0.01 <0.6 0.4 34 1 0.022 0.004 110 0 0.0053 0.0005

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

12/15/1999 13:00 2of2 17 0 0.07 0.01 <0.6 0.3 38 1 0.033 0.010 110 20 0.0038 0.0015

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

5/23/2000 12:00 1of2 15 0 0.14 0.02 <86 30 36 0 0.32 0.01 123 4 0.050 0.004

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

5/23/2000 12:00 2of2 16 0 0.14 0.01 <86 21 37 1 0.29 0.02 121 6 0.044 0.003

Table 4A. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in unfiltered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, Creek; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a five-digit code used in the 

U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; 

<, less than; , not determined]

114 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Sulfur (S),

unfiltered

(mg/L)

(80107)

Antimony (Sb), 

unfiltered 

(μg/L)

(01097)

Selenium (Se),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01147)

Silica (Si),

unfiltered

(mg/L as SiO2)

(00956)

Samarium (Sm), 

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(82322)

Strontium (Sr),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01084)

Terbium (Tb),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01218)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main 

drain gulch 01 nr 

Quaker Hill 

7/6/1999 16:00 1of2 6.5 0.1 0.15 0.02 <2 2 27 1 1.7 0.2 56 1 0.25 0.03

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main 

drain gulch 01 nr 

Quaker Hill 

7/6/1999 16:00 2of2 6.5 0.1 0.19 0.01 <2 3 26 1 1.6 0.1 56 1 0.16 0.02

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main 

drain Gulch 01 nr 

Quaker Hill 

12/2/1999 14:30 1of2 2.7 0.2 0.55 0.00 <0.6 0.0 32 1 4.0 0.0 61 0 0.57 0.09

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main 

drain Gulch 01 nr 

Quaker Hill 

12/2/1999 14:30 2of2 2.6 0.2 0.45 0.01 <0.6 0.1 31 1 4.5 0.0 55 8 0.55 0.04

BY106 Sailor Flat Mine 

main drainage to 

Greenhorn Cr, 

Gulch 03

4/9/2001 12:30 1of 2 0.59 0.07 0.05 0.03 <2 0 12 1 0.32 0.00 11 1 0.048 0.002

BY106 Sailor Flat Mine 

main drainage to 

Greenhorn Cr, 

Gulch 03

4/9/2001 12:30 2of 2 0.54 0.08 <0.04 0.01 <2 0 12 3 0.31 0.01 11 0 0.044 0.001

BY114 SF Greenhorn Cr 0.7 

mi ab Greenhorn Cr 

nr Nevada City 

8/22/2000 15:10 1of2 1.6 0.1 0.05 0.01 <1 1 13 3 <0.008 0.002 43 6 <0.002 0.001

BY114 SF Greenhorn Cr 0.7 

mi ab Greenhorn Cr 

nr Nevada City 

8/22/2000 15:10 2of2 1.5 0.4 0.10 0.02 <1 1 11 1 <0.008 0.005 40 16 <0.002 0.000 

BY122 Starr Mine tunnel 

inflow nr Grass 

Valley

4/23/1999 15:00 1of2 13 1 0.22 0.01 <2 0 15 1 0.044 0.003 54 4 0.0073 0.0009

BY122 Starr Mine tunnel 

inflow nr Grass 

Valley

4/23/1999 15:00 2of2 14 0 0.23 0.01 <2 1 17 0 0.053 0.008 59 1 0.0095 0.0020 

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

4/23/1999 13:40 1of2 12 1 0.15 0.01 <2 1 20 1 0.032 0.005 200 10 0.0055 0.0017

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

4/23/1999 13:40 2of2 12 1 0.14 0.01 <2 1 20 1 0.016 0.006 200 10 0.0045 0.0011

Table 4A. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in unfiltered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, Creek; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a five-digit code used in the 

U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; 

<, less than; , not determined]

Table 4A 115
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Sulfur (S),

unfiltered

(mg/L)

(80107)

Antimony (Sb), 

unfiltered 

(μg/L)

(01097)

Selenium (Se),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01147)

Silica (Si),

unfiltered

(mg/L as SiO2)

(00956)

Samarium (Sm), 

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(82322)

Strontium (Sr),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01084)

Terbium (Tb),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01218)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

12/15/1999 10:45 1of2 21 1 0.13 0.00 1.0 0.1 19 1 0.061 0.007 280 20 0.010 0.004

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

12/15/1999 10:45 2of2 21 0 0.12 0.02 1.2 0.2 18 0 0.057 0.001 270 0 0.011 0.002

BY124 Starr Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

8/23/2000 17:30 1of2 9.2 0.0 0.28 0.02 <1 0 22 3 0.15 0.00 200 30 0.026 0.002

BY124 Starr Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

8/23/2000 17:30 2of2 8.9 0.3 0.30 0.04 <1 1 20 1 0.15 0.01 190 40 0.027 0.000 

BY129 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel inlet 

nr Nevada City 

6/28/2000 12:00 1of2 0.74 0.19 0.25 0.05 <1 1 19 1 2.5 0.5 60 16 0.37 0.07

BY129 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel inlet 

nr Nevada City 

6/28/2000 12:00 2of2 0.86 0.08 0.23 0.01 <1 1 22 2 2.4 0.4 61 11 0.35 0.05

BY130 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel 

outlet nr Nevada 

City

6/28/2000 11:30 1of2 6.1 0.2 0.12 0.04 <1 1 18 2 0.037 0.006 110 0 0.004 0.000 

BY130 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel 

outlet nr Nevada 

City

6/28/2000 11:30 2of2 6.7 0.4 0.11 0.03 <1 1 19 4 0.046 0.017 120 10 0.007 0.002

BY131 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drainage pond nr 

Nevada City 

8/23/2000 10:45 1of2 1.5 0.1 0.07 0.02 <1 1 16 1 0.055 0.007 43 4 0.008 0.001

BY131 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drainage pond nr 

Nevada City 

8/23/2000 10:45 2of2 1.4 0.4 0.06 0.02 <1 2 15 4 0.042 0.002 39 8 0.009 0.001

Table 4A. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in unfiltered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, Creek; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a five-digit code used in the 

U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; 

<, less than; , not determined]

116 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Sulfur (S),

unfiltered

(mg/L)

(80107)

Antimony (Sb), 

unfiltered 

(μg/L)

(01097)

Selenium (Se),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01147)

Silica (Si),

unfiltered

(mg/L as SiO2)

(00956)

Samarium (Sm), 

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(82322)

Strontium (Sr),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01084)

Terbium (Tb),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01218)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

Disturbed samples

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

12/15/1999 11:30 1of2 36 0 2.9 0.4 15 0 280 20 20 0 1,300 0 3.7 0.0 

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

12/15/1999 11:30 2of2 33 1 2.8 0.0 15 0 270 20 21 0 1,100 0 3.3 0.1

BY129 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel inlet 

nr Nevada City 

6/28/2000 12:30 1of2 4.8 0.2 0.19 0.01 <1 1 84 2 26 4 280 40 3.6 0.5

BY129 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel inlet 

nr Nevada City 

6/28/2000 12:30 2of2 6.3 1.4 0.19 0.03 <1 1 110 30 29 1 300 20 4.0 0.2

Table 4A. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in unfiltered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, Creek; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a five-digit code used in the 

U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; 

<, less than; , not determined]

Table 4A 117
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Tellurium (Te),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01064)

Thorium (Th), 

unfiltered 

(μg/L)

(82364)

Thallium (Tl),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01059)

Thulium (Tm), 

unfiltered

(μg/L)



Uranium (U),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(28011)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

Environmental samples

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

6/18/1999 14:30 1of2 <0.02 0.01 0.0054 0.0014 0.017 0.006 0.0016 0.0003 0.0078 0.0012

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

6/18/1999 14:30 2of2 <0.02 0.01 0.0027 0.0006 0.016 0.003 0.0015 0.0002 0.012 0.005

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

12/14/1999 12:00 1of2 <0.02 0.00 0.015 0.008 0.024 0.003 0.011 0.000 0.019 0.003

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

12/14/1999 12:00 2of2 <0.02 0.01 0.019 0.006 0.021 0.007 0.0068 0.0012 0.018 0.001

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

5/24/2000 16:00 1of2 <0.04 0.04 0.003 0.001 0.016 0.004 0.0033 0.0015 0.011 0.001

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

5/24/2000 16:00 2of2 <0.04 0.01 0.004 0.002 0.020 0.010 0.0061 0.0004 0.013 0.003

BY21 Boston Mine wetlands 

pond nr Grass 

Valley 

12/14/1999 10:30 1of2 <0.05 0.03 <0.005 0.004 0.013 0.009 <0.001 0.001 0.006 0.001

BY21 Boston Mine wetlands 

pond nr Grass 

Valley 

12/14/1999 10:30 2of2 <0.05 0.02 0.006 0.003 0.007 0.002 <0.001 0.000 0.008 0.001

BY21 Boston Mine wetlands 

pond nr Grass 

Valley 

5/24/2000 16:30 1of2 <0.04 0.04 0.005 0.002 0.017 0.010 0.0012 0.0003 0.008 0.002

BY21 Boston Mine wetlands 

pond nr Grass 

Valley 

5/24/2000 16:30 2of2 <0.04 0.02 0.004 0.001 0.008 0.005 0.0009 0.0002 0.008 0.002

BY58 Buckeye Flat Mine 

main drain 0.45 mi 

ab Greenhorn Cr

8/21/2000 11:00 1of2 <0.6 0.3 <0.02 0.01 <0.3 0.1 0.25 0.01 0.31 0.04

BY58 Buckeye Flat Mine 

main drain 0.45 mi 

ab Greenhorn Cr

8/21/2000 11:00 2of2 <0.6 0.3 <0.02 0.00 <0.3 0.1 0.17 0.02 0.25 0.02

Table 4A. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in unfiltered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, Creek; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a five-digit code used in the 

U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent to part per million); s.d., standard 

deviation; <, less than; , not determined]

118 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Tellurium (Te),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01064)

Thorium (Th), 

unfiltered 

(μg/L)

(82364)

Thallium (Tl),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01059)

Thulium (Tm), 

unfiltered

(μg/L)



Uranium (U),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(28011)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

6/18/1999 11:30 1of2 <0.02 0.01 0.014 0.000 0.13 0.00 0.31 0.03 0.39 0.00 

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

6/18/1999 11:30 2of2 <0.02 0.02 0.015 0.002 0.15 0.00 0.32 0.04 0.42 0.01

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

12/2/1999 11:00 1of2 <0.02 0.02 0.14 0.00 0.13 0.00 0.27 0.03 0.41 0.01

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

12/2/1999 11:00 2of2 <0.02 0.01 0.12 0.01 0.15 0.01 0.29 0.02 0.41 0.00 

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

8/22/2000 10:45 1of2 <0.6 0.2 <0.02 0.01 <0.3 0.3 0.34 0.00 0.38 0.01

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

8/22/2000 10:45 2of2 <0.6 0.5 <0.02 0.01 <0.3 0.6 0.32 0.01 0.41 0.09

BY116 Buckeye Flat Mine 

pond drain 0.15 mi 

ab SF Greenhorn Cr

8/21/2000 14:10 1of2 <0.07 0.05 0.020 0.013 <0.07 0.01 0.002 0.001 0.008 0.001

BY116 Buckeye Flat Mine 

pond drain 0.15 mi 

ab SF Greenhorn Cr

8/21/2000 14:10 2of2 <0.07 0.01 0.042 0.016 <0.07 0.01 0.003 0.001 0.014 0.002

BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine 

S drain to SF 

Greenhorn Cr, 

Grass Valley

8/26/1999 11:00 1of2 0.22 0.05 0.0077 0.0016 0.012 0.005 0.0078 0.0008 0.031 0.001

BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine 

S drain to SF 

Greenhorn Cr, 

Grass Valley

8/26/1999 11:00 2of2 0.18 0.06 0.0094 0.0006 0.015 0.003 0.0099 0.0014 0.034 0.002

BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine 

S drain to SF 

Greenhorn Cr, 

Grass Valley

8/22/2000 12:10 1of2 <0.07 0.03 0.029 0.002 <0.07 0.02 0.017 0.003 0.10 0.00 

BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine 

S drain to SF 

Greenhorn Cr, 

Grass Valley

8/22/2000 12:10 2of2 <0.07 0.02 0.021 0.004 <0.07 0.03 0.016 0.003 0.098 0.005

Table 4A. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in unfiltered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, Creek; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a five-digit code used in the 

U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent to part per million); s.d., standard 

deviation; <, less than; , not determined]

Table 4A 119
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Tellurium (Te),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01064)

Thorium (Th), 

unfiltered 

(μg/L)

(82364)

Thallium (Tl),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01059)

Thulium (Tm), 

unfiltered

(μg/L)



Uranium (U),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(28011)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY25 Buckeye Flat Mine 

upper drain

4/9/2001 10:00 1of2 <0.1 0.0 <0.02 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.054 0.002 0.044 0.001

BY25 Buckeye Flat Mine 

upper drain

4/9/2001 10:00 2of2 <0.1 0.0 <0.02 0.00 <0.01 0.02 0.055 0.000 0.042 0.001

BY52 Greenhorn Cr 0.3 mi 

ab Buckeye Ford nr 

Nevada City

1/25/2000 10:45 1of2 <0.05 0.03 0.18 0.01 0.016 0.003 0.013 0.002 0.11 0.00 

BY52 Greenhorn Cr 0.3 mi 

ab Buckeye Ford nr 

Nevada City

1/25/2000 10:45 2of2 <0.05 0.01 0.19 0.00 0.018 0.006 0.015 0.003 0.11 0.00 

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

7/24/2001 11:00 1of2 <0.08 0.03 <0.006 0.000 <0.04 0.01 0.002 0.001 0.054 0.009 

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

7/24/2001 11:00 2of2 <0.08 0.02 <0.006 0.001 <0.04 0.02 <0.002 0.000 0.013 0.001 

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

8/29/2001 15:00 1of2 <0.08 0.01 <0.006 0.001 <0.04 0.00 <0.002 0.001 <0.007 0.000 

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

8/29/2001 15:00 2of2 <0.08 0.02 <0.006 0.001 <0.04 0.01 <0.002 0.001 <0.007 0.003 

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

9/14/2001 13:00 1of2 <0.03 0.02 <0.004 0.001 <0.06 0.02 0.0012 0.0007 <0.008 0.004 

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

9/14/2001 13:00 2of2 <0.03 0.02 <0.004 0.001 <0.06 0.04 <0.001 0.000 <0.008 0.002 

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

10/15/2001 12:00 1of2 <0.05 0.02 <0.006 0.002 <0.05 0.02 <0.001 0.001 <0.006 0.001 

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

10/15/2001 12:00 2of2 <0.05 0.04 <0.006 0.001 <0.05 0.00 <0.001 0.001 <0.006 0.004 

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

11/20/2001 13:20 1of2 <0.03 0.02 <0.004 0.000 <0.06 0.03 0.0020 0.0003 0.011 0.005 

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

11/20/2001 13:20 2of2 <0.03 0.03 <0.004 0.000 <0.06 0.01 0.0034 0.0006 <0.008 0.002 

Table 4A. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in unfiltered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, Creek; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a five-digit code used in the 

U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent to part per million); s.d., standard 

deviation; <, less than; , not determined]

120 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Tellurium (Te),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01064)

Thorium (Th), 

unfiltered 

(μg/L)

(82364)

Thallium (Tl),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01059)

Thulium (Tm), 

unfiltered

(μg/L)



Uranium (U),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(28011)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

12/10/2001 12:20 1of2 <0.05 0.01 0.076 0.001 <0.05 0.02 0.016 0.000 0.11 0.01 

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

12/10/2001 12:20 2of2 <0.05 0.04 0.075 0.001 <0.05 0.02 0.017 0.002 0.10 0.01 

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

12/21/2001 13:00 1of2 <0.11 0.08 0.40 0.08 <0.11 0.08 0.059 0.001 0.49 0.00 

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

12/21/2001 13:00 2of2 <0.11 0.06 0.41 0.04 0.23 0.35 0.065 0.002 0.47 0.01 

BY51 Greenhorn Cr nr 

headwaters nr 

Scotts Flat Res

1/25/2000 9:30 1of2 <0.05 0.02 0.017 0.004 0.003 0.005 0.003 0.001 0.012 0.001

BY51 Greenhorn Cr nr 

headwaters nr 

Scotts Flat Res

1/25/2000 9:30 2of2 <0.05 0.00 0.019 0.010 <0.003 0.003 0.005 0.001 0.009 0.000 

BY75 Missouri Cyn Cr 1.2 

mi ab Greenhorn Cr 

nr Chicago Park

12/14/1999 14:00 1of2 <0.02 0.00 0.016 0.014 0.019 0.010 0.0088 0.0013 0.017 0.003

BY75 Missouri Cyn Cr 1.2 

mi ab Greenhorn Cr 

nr Chicago Park

12/14/1999 14:00 2of2 <0.02 0.02 0.010 0.002 0.009 0.006 0.0074 0.0006 0.018 0.001

BY86 Poore Mine Creek 

ab tunnel nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 17:40 1of2 <0.02 0.01 0.057 0.006 <0.004 0.002 0.0043 0.0001 0.029 0.003

BY86 Poore Mine Creek 

ab tunnel nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 17:40 2of2 <0.02 0.03 0.061 0.000 <0.004 0.005 0.0043 0.0003 0.028 0.001

BY87 Poore Mine Creek 

bl tunnel nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 13:30 1of2 <0.02 0.03 0.049 0.002 <0.004 0.008 0.0042 0.0007 0.025 0.001

BY87 Poore Mine Creek 

bl tunnel nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 13:30 2of2 <0.02 0.01 0.054 0.010 <0.004 0.003 0.0055 0.0018 0.024 0.000 

Table 4A. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in unfiltered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, Creek; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a five-digit code used in the 

U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent to part per million); s.d., standard 

deviation; <, less than; , not determined]

Table 4A 121
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Tellurium (Te),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01064)

Thorium (Th), 

unfiltered 

(μg/L)

(82364)

Thallium (Tl),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01059)

Thulium (Tm), 

unfiltered

(μg/L)



Uranium (U),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(28011)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY88 Poore Mine ground 

sluice nr Grass 

Valley 

4/1/1999 15:40 1of2 <0.02 0.03 0.004 0.001 <0.004 0.001 0.0026 0.0005 0.012 0.004

BY88 Poore Mine ground 

sluice nr Grass 

Valley 

4/1/1999 15:40 2of2 <0.02 0.02 0.005 0.003 <0.004 0.003 0.0035 0.0001 0.0097 0.0012

BY89 Poore Mine pit lake nr 

Grass Valley 

4/1/1999 16:50 1of2 <0.02 0.02 0.007 0.000 <0.004 0.003 0.0018 0.0006 0.0082 0.0013

BY89 Poore Mine pit lake nr 

Grass Valley 

4/1/1999 16:50 2of2 <0.02 0.01 0.007 0.002 <0.004 0.007 0.0023 0.0005 0.0088 0.0015

BY89 Poore Mine pit lake nr 

Grass Valley 

5/23/2000 10:45 1of2 <0.04 0.02 0.004 0.001 0.029 0.004 0.0035 0.0007 0.031 0.002

BY89 Poore Mine pit lake nr 

Grass Valley 

5/23/2000 10:45 2of2 <0.04 0.02 0.005 0.001 0.028 0.000 0.0027 0.0006 0.030 0.002

BY90 Poore Mine seep 

above ground sluice 

nr Grass Valley 

4/1/1999 16:00 1of2     

BY90 Poore Mine seep 

above ground sluice 

nr Grass Valley 

4/1/1999 16:00 2of2     

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 15:20 1of2 <0.02 0.03 0.006 0.002 <0.004 0.006 0.0011 0.0005 0.048 0.001

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 15:20 2of2 <0.02 0.00 0.010 0.002 <0.004 0.001 0.0012 0.0006 0.045 0.001

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

12/15/1999 13:00 1of2 <0.02 0.02 0.013 0.003 <0.006 0.001 0.0014 0.0012 0.079 0.004

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

12/15/1999 13:00 2of2 <0.02 0.01 0.046 0.004 <0.006 0.004 0.0019 0.0013 0.079 0.001

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

5/23/2000 12:00 1of2 <0.04 0.01 0.032 0.001 0.011 0.008 0.019 0.002 0.35 0.01

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

5/23/2000 12:00 2of2 <0.04 0.02 0.027 0.001 0.008 0.002 0.019 0.001 0.32 0.00 

Table 4A. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in unfiltered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, Creek; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a five-digit code used in the 

U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent to part per million); s.d., standard 

deviation; <, less than; , not determined]

122 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Tellurium (Te),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01064)

Thorium (Th), 

unfiltered 

(μg/L)

(82364)

Thallium (Tl),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01059)

Thulium (Tm), 

unfiltered

(μg/L)



Uranium (U),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(28011)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main 

drain gulch 01 nr 

Quaker Hill 

7/6/1999 16:00 1of2 <0.02 0.01 0.22 0.03 0.047 0.013 0.11 0.00 0.66 0.05

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main 

drain gulch 01 nr 

Quaker Hill 

7/6/1999 16:00 2of2 0.03 0.01 0.23 0.03 0.045 0.003 0.11 0.00 0.72 0.00 

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main 

drain Gulch 01 nr 

Quaker Hill 

12/2/1999 14:30 1of2 0.06 0.03 13 0 0.17 0.01 0.23 0.02 5.7 0.2

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main 

drain Gulch 01 nr 

Quaker Hill 

12/2/1999 14:30 2of2 0.03 0.02 11 0 0.19 0.01 0.24 0.02 6.0 0.1

BY106 Sailor Flat Mine 

main drainage to 

Greenhorn Cr, 

Gulch 03

4/9/2001 12:30 1of 2 <0.1 0.0 0.07 0.00 <0.01 0.00 0.023 0.004 0.43 0.05

BY106 Sailor Flat Mine 

main drainage to 

Greenhorn Cr, 

Gulch 03

4/9/2001 12:30 2of 2 <0.1 0.0 0.09 0.02 <0.01 0.01 0.023 0.002 0.43 0.00 

BY114 SF Greenhorn Cr 0.7 

mi ab Greenhorn Cr 

nr Nevada City 

8/22/2000 15:10 1of2 <0.07 0.04 0.007 0.003 <0.07 0.01 <0.001 0.000 0.011 0.003

BY114 SF Greenhorn Cr 0.7 

mi ab Greenhorn Cr 

nr Nevada City 

8/22/2000 15:10 2of2 <0.07 0.02 0.008 0.005 <0.07 0.01 <0.001 0.000 0.010 0.004

BY122 Starr Mine tunnel 

inflow nr Grass 

Valley

4/23/1999 15:00 1of2 <0.02 0.01 0.006 0.001 <0.004 0.003 0.0032 0.0008 0.0085 0.0012

BY122 Starr Mine tunnel 

inflow nr Grass 

Valley

4/23/1999 15:00 2of2 <0.02 0.02 0.008 0.002 <0.004 0.001 0.0035 0.0008 0.0086 0.0011

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

4/23/1999 13:40 1of2 <0.02 0.02 0.12 0.00 <0.004 0.004 0.0024 0.0004 0.046 0.002

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

4/23/1999 13:40 2of2 <0.02 0.03 0.013 0.003 <0.004 0.005 0.0017 0.0002 0.040 0.001

Table 4A. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in unfiltered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, Creek; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a five-digit code used in 

the U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent to part per million); s.d., standard 

deviation; <, less than; , not determined]

Table 4A 123
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Tellurium (Te),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01064)

Thorium (Th), 

unfiltered 

(μg/L)

(82364)

Thallium (Tl),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01059)

Thulium (Tm), 

unfiltered

(μg/L)



Uranium (U),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(28011)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

12/15/1999 10:45 1of2 <0.02 0.03 0.031 0.003 <0.006 0.003 0.0057 0.0012 0.062 0.002

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

12/15/1999 10:45 2of2 <0.02 0.01 0.031 0.000 <0.006 0.007 0.0051 0.0009 0.061 0.002

BY124 Starr Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

8/23/2000 17:30 1of2 <0.07 0.08 0.022 0.003 <0.07 0.05 0.010 0.002 0.19 0.00 

BY124 Starr Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

8/23/2000 17:30 2of2 <0.07 0.03 0.021 0.003 <0.07 0.02 0.013 0.002 0.19 0.00 

BY129 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel inlet 

nr Nevada City 

6/28/2000 12:00 1of2 <0.07 0.00 0.25 0.00 <0.07 0.03 0.13 0.03 0.13 0.03

BY129 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel inlet 

nr Nevada City 

6/28/2000 12:00 2of2 <0.07 0.01 0.24 0.00 <0.07 0.00 0.13 0.02 0.14 0.01

BY130 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel 

outlet nr Nevada 

City

6/28/2000 11:30 1of2 <0.07 0.04 0.020 0.012 <0.07 0.00 0.002 0.001 0.006 0.000 

BY130 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel 

outlet nr Nevada 

City

6/28/2000 11:30 2of2 <0.07 0.05 0.014 0.005 <0.07 0.01 0.002 0.000 0.007 0.002

BY131 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drainage pond nr 

Nevada City 

8/23/2000 10:45 1of2 <0.07 0.05 0.013 0.002 <0.07 0.01 0.003 0.000 0.008 0.001

BY131 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drainage pond nr 

Nevada City 

8/23/2000 10:45 2of2 <0.07 0.06 0.010 0.003 <0.07 0.01 0.005 0.000 0.009 0.002

Table 4A. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in unfiltered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, Creek; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a five-digit code used in the 

U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent to part per million); s.d., standard 

deviation; <, less than; , not determined]

124 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Tellurium (Te),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01064)

Thorium (Th), 

unfiltered 

(μg/L)

(82364)

Thallium (Tl),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01059)

Thulium (Tm), 

unfiltered

(μg/L)



Uranium (U),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(28011)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

Disturbed samples

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

12/15/1999 11:30 1of2 0.75 0.06 14 0 3.1 0.1 2.0 0.1 7.6 0.3

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

12/15/1999 11:30 2of2 0.61 0.08 12 0 3.4 0.1 2.2 0.0 7.1 0.2

BY129 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel inlet 

nr Nevada City 

6/28/2000 12:30 1of2 0.10 0.08 5.6 0.2 0.16 0.06 1.1 0.2 4.7 0.7

BY129 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel inlet 

nr Nevada City 

6/28/2000 12:30 2of2 0.07 0.05 5.9 0.0 0.21 0.03 1.2 0.0 5.2 0.2

Table 4A. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in unfiltered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, Creek; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a five-digit code used in the 

U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent to part per million); s.d., standard 

deviation; <, less than; , not determined]

Table 4A 125
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Vanadium (V), 

unfiltered 

(μg/L)

(01087)

Yttrium (Y),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01203)

Ytterbium (Yb),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01196)

Zinc (Zn), 

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01092)

Zirconium (Zr)

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01162)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

Environmental samples

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

6/18/1999 14:30 1of2 <3 2 0.16 0.03 0.009 0.001 5.1 0.9 0.006 0.003

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

6/18/1999 14:30 2of2 <3 2 0.16 0.02 0.010 0.002 4.7 1.9 0.011 0.003

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

12/14/1999 12:00 1of2 <4 1 1.1 0.0 0.060 0.003 43 11 0.018 0.006

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

12/14/1999 12:00 2of2 <4 3 0.47 0.05 0.044 0.002 29 3 0.012 0.004

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

5/24/2000 16:00 1of2 <1 0 0.22 0.01 0.015 0.003 5.0 0.4 0.006 0.001

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

5/24/2000 16:00 2of2 <1 1 0.46 0.01 0.030 0.007 13 1 0.009 0.005

BY21 Boston Mine wetlands 

pond nr Grass 

Valley 

12/14/1999 10:30 1of2 <2 1 0.028 0.001 <0.002 0.001 15 2 0.011 0.006

BY21 Boston Mine wetlands 

pond nr Grass 

Valley 

12/14/1999 10:30 2of2 <2 1 0.037 0.001 0.004 0.001 14 3 0.011 0.002

BY21 Boston Mine wetlands 

pond nr Grass 

Valley 

5/24/2000 16:30 1of2 <1 1 0.058 0.005 0.003 0.000 4.4 0.1 0.013 0.002

BY21 Boston Mine wetlands 

pond nr Grass 

Valley 

5/24/2000 16:30 2of2 <1 0 0.054 0.004 0.004 0.002 7.4 0.6 1.0 0.1

BY58 Buckeye Flat Mine 

main drain 0.45 mi 

ab Greenhorn Cr

8/21/2000 11:00 1of2 <1 1 22 1 1.4 0.1 290 10 <0.3 0.1

BY58 Buckeye Flat Mine 

main drain 0.45 mi 

ab Greenhorn Cr

8/21/2000 11:00 2of2 <1 1 17 1 0.99 0.01 220 10 <0.3 0.2

Table 4A. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in unfiltered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, Creek; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a five-digit code used in the 

U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent to part per million); s.d., standard 

deviation; <, less than; , not determined]

126 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Vanadium (V), 

unfiltered 

(μg/L)

(01087)

Yttrium (Y),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01203)

Ytterbium (Yb),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01196)

Zinc (Zn), 

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01092)

Zirconium (Zr)

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01162)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

6/18/1999 11:30 1of2 <3 2 44 1 1.8 0.1 550 30 0.021 0.000 

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

6/18/1999 11:30 2of2 <3 2 31 5 2.0 0.1 550 10 0.014 0.004

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

12/2/1999 11:00 1of2 <4 2 25 1 1.5 0.0 270 20 0.093 0.005

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

12/2/1999 11:00 2of2 <4 0 18 1 1.9 0.0 270 0 0.091 0.007

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

8/22/2000 10:45 1of2 <1 1 32 0 1.9 0.2 400 0 19 1

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

8/22/2000 10:45 2of2 <1 1 29 3 1.8 0.0 360 10 8.0 7.9

BY116 Buckeye Flat Mine 

pond drain 0.15 mi 

ab SF Greenhorn Cr

8/21/2000 14:10 1of2 <2 1 0.17 0.02 0.016 0.001 9 0 0.011 0.007

BY116 Buckeye Flat Mine 

pond drain 0.15 mi 

ab SF Greenhorn Cr

8/21/2000 14:10 2of2 <2 1 0.17 0.00 0.015 0.004 9 1 0.016 0.009

BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine 

S drain to SF 

Greenhorn Cr, 

Grass Valley

8/26/1999 11:00 1of2 <3 2 0.98 0.06 0.048 0.004 23 1 0.015 0.002

BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine 

S drain to SF 

Greenhorn Cr, 

Grass Valley

8/26/1999 11:00 2of2 <3 1 0.94 0.08 0.056 0.010 21 8 0.014 0.006

BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine 

S drain to SF 

Greenhorn Cr, 

Grass Valley

8/22/2000 12:10 1of2 <2 1 1.4 0.1 0.11 0.03 17 2 0.035 0.011

BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine 

S drain to SF 

Greenhorn Cr, 

Grass Valley

8/22/2000 12:10 2of2 <2 1 1.3 0.2 0.11 0.02 19 0 0.079 0.028

Table 4A. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in unfiltered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, Creek; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a five-digit code used in the 

U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent to part per million); s.d., standard 

deviation; <, less than; , not determined]

Table 4A 127
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Vanadium (V), 

unfiltered 

(μg/L)

(01087)

Yttrium (Y),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01203)

Ytterbium (Yb),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01196)

Zinc (Zn), 

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01092)

Zirconium (Zr)

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01162)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY25 Buckeye Flat Mine 

upper drain

4/9/2001 10:00 1of2 <1 1 4.9 0.2 0.29 0.00 80 6 <0.02 0.01

BY25 Buckeye Flat Mine 

upper drain

4/9/2001 10:00 2of2 <1 1 5.2 0.0 0.30 0.01 81 1 <0.02 0.00 

BY52 Greenhorn Cr 0.3 mi 

ab Buckeye Ford nr 

Nevada City

1/25/2000 10:45 1of2 <2 1 1.0 0.0 0.092 0.001 17 2 0.091 0.011

BY52 Greenhorn Cr 0.3 mi 

ab Buckeye Ford nr 

Nevada City

1/25/2000 10:45 2of2 <2 1 1.0 0.0 0.092 0.001 19 1 0.090 0.012

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

7/24/2001 11:00 1of2 <2 1 0.052 0.003 0.005 0.002 3.1 0.3 <0.01 0.00 

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

7/24/2001 11:00 2of2 <2 1 0.066 0.007 0.006 0.002 2.4 0.6 <0.01 0.00 

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

8/29/2001 15:00 1of2 <2 1 0.038 0.007 <0.004 0.001 1.3 0.4 <0.01 0.01 

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

8/29/2001 15:00 2of2 <2 1 0.043 0.002 0.006 0.003 1.9 0.4 <0.01 0.01 

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

9/14/2001 13:00 1of2 <2 2 0.047 0.003 0.005 0.002 4.3 0.8 <0.02 0.00 

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

9/14/2001 13:00 2of2 <2 2 0.049 0.001 <0.003 0.002 4.5 0.6 <0.02 0.01 

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

10/15/2001 12:00 1of2 <1 1 0.032 0.012 0.004 0.003 <2 0 <0.02 0.01 

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

10/15/2001 12:00 2of2 <1 2 0.029 0.002 0.004 0.002 <2 1 <0.02 0.00 

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

11/20/2001 13:20 1of2 <2 1 0.17 0.01 0.015 0.002 13 2 <0.02 0.01 

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

11/20/2001 13:20 2of2 <2 1 0.19 0.00 0.016 0.001 16 0 <0.02 0.00 

Table 4A. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in unfiltered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, Creek; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a five-digit code used in the 

U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent to part per million); s.d., standard 

deviation; <, less than; , not determined]

128 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Vanadium (V), 

unfiltered 

(μg/L)

(01087)

Yttrium (Y),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01203)

Ytterbium (Yb),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01196)

Zinc (Zn), 

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01092)

Zirconium (Zr)

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01162)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

12/10/2001 12:20 1of2 3 1 1.2 0.0 0.087 0.006 3 1 0.05 0.01 

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

12/10/2001 12:20 2of2 4 2 1.2 0.1 0.10 0.00 5 0 0.06 0.01 

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

12/21/2001 13:00 1of2 17 1 4.6 0.3 0.37 0.01 25 4 0.07 0.01 

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

12/21/2001 13:00 2of2 17 5 4.9 0.1 0.46 0.01 25 1 0.06 0.00 

BY51 Greenhorn Cr nr 

headwaters 

nr Scotts Flat 

Reservoir

1/25/2000 9:30 1of2 <2 1 0.30 0.02 0.032 0.006 13 1 0.040 0.002

BY51 Greenhorn Cr nr 

headwaters 

nr Scotts Flat 

Reservoir

1/25/2000 9:30 2of2 <2 1 0.29 0.01 0.027 0.005 14 0 0.043 0.008

BY75 Missouri Cyn Cr 1.2 

mi ab Greenhorn Cr 

nr Chicago Park

12/14/1999 14:00 1of2 <4 1 0.70 0.16 0.045 0.013 45 1 0.019 0.004

BY75 Missouri Cyn Cr 1.2 

mi ab Greenhorn Cr 

nr Chicago Park

12/14/1999 14:00 2of2 <4 1 0.60 0.06 0.045 0.007 44 1 0.017 0.008

BY86 Poore Mine Creek 

ab tunnel nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 17:40 1of2 <4 0 0.26 0.01 0.032 0.003 4.1 1.3 0.071 0.002

BY86 Poore Mine Creek 

ab tunnel nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 17:40 2of2 <4 1 0.37 0.05 0.028 0.005 5.3 1.9 0.087 0.007

BY87 Poore Mine Creek 

bl tunnel nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 13:30 1of2 <4 1 0.40 0.02 0.033 0.003 3.9 0.8 0.089 0.016

Table 4A. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in unfiltered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, Creek; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a five-digit code used in the 

U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent to part per million); s.d., standard 

deviation; <, less than; , not determined]

Table 4A 129
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Vanadium (V), 

unfiltered 

(μg/L)

(01087)

Yttrium (Y),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01203)

Ytterbium (Yb),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01196)

Zinc (Zn), 

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01092)

Zirconium (Zr)

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01162)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY87 Poore Mine Creek 

bl tunnel nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 13:30 2of2 <4 1 0.31 0.03 0.039 0.002 2.8 0.4 0.080 0.000 

BY88 Poore Mine ground 

sluice nr Grass 

Valley 

4/1/1999 15:40 1of2 <4 2 0.25 0.02 0.019 0.002 11 1 0.010 0.002

BY88 Poore Mine ground 

sluice nr Grass 

Valley 

4/1/1999 15:40 2of2 <4 2 0.20 0.01 0.024 0.002 8.9 0.1 0.005 0.001

BY89 Poore Mine pit lake nr 

Grass Valley 

4/1/1999 16:50 1of2 <4 0 0.13 0.03 0.010 0.003 16 3 0.028 0.002

BY89 Poore Mine pit lake nr 

Grass Valley 

4/1/1999 16:50 2of2 <4 0 0.12 0.01 0.013 0.001 14 3 0.009 0.002

BY89 Poore Mine pit lake nr 

Grass Valley 

5/23/2000 10:45 1of2 2 0 0.36 0.01 0.015 0.002 85 0 0.023 0.005

BY89 Poore Mine pit lake nr 

Grass Valley 

5/23/2000 10:45 2of2 <1 1 0.37 0.01 0.016 0.001 84 1 0.016 0.003

BY90 Poore Mine seep 

above ground sluice 

nr Grass Valley 

4/1/1999 16:00 1of2     

BY90 Poore Mine seep 

above ground sluice 

nr Grass Valley 

4/1/1999 16:00 2of2     

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 15:20 1of2 <4 1 0.14 0.02 0.007 0.002 13 2 0.010 0.001

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 15:20 2of2 <4 3 0.11 0.01 0.009 0.001 10 2 0.011 0.007

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

12/15/1999 13:00 1of2 <4 2 0.10 0.01 0.010 0.003 14 1 0.011 0.004

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

12/15/1999 13:00 2of2 <4 1 0.16 0.00 0.012 0.004 16 2 0.015 0.004

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

5/23/2000 12:00 1of2 2 1 2.0 0.0 0.11 0.00 28 0 0.008 0.003

Table 4A. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in unfiltered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, Creek; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a five-digit code used in the 

U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent to part per million); s.d., standard 

deviation; <, less than; , not determined]

130 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Vanadium (V), 

unfiltered 

(μg/L)

(01087)

Yttrium (Y),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01203)

Ytterbium (Yb),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01196)

Zinc (Zn), 

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01092)

Zirconium (Zr)

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01162)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

5/23/2000 12:00 2of2 <1 0 1.9 0.0 0.11 0.00 30 2 0.069 0.007

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main 

drain gulch 01 nr 

Quaker Hill 

7/6/1999 16:00 1of2 <3 1 5.7 0.0 0.84 0.12 41 1 0.19 0.03

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main 

drain gulch 01 nr 

Quaker Hill 

7/6/1999 16:00 2of2 3 1 8.5 1.9 0.65 0.00 42 0 0.24 0.06

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main 

drain Gulch 01 nr 

Quaker Hill 

12/2/1999 14:30 1of2 19 1 14 0 1.3 0.0 38 2 0.32 0.03

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main 

drain Gulch 01 nr 

Quaker Hill 

12/2/1999 14:30 2of2 18 4 14 1 1.5 0.2 37 2 0.32 0.00 

BY106 Sailor Flat Mine 

main drainage to 

Greenhorn Cr, 

Gulch 03

4/9/2001 12:30 1of 2 2 1 1.3 0.2 0.18 0.00 6.3 3.1 0.23 0.00 

BY106 Sailor Flat Mine 

main drainage to 

Greenhorn Cr, 

Gulch 03

4/9/2001 12:30 2of 2 <1 0 1.3 0.0 0.18 0.01 5.3 1.0 0.22 0.05

BY114 SF Greenhorn Cr 0.7 

mi ab Greenhorn Cr 

nr Nevada City 

8/22/2000 15:10 1of2 <2 1 0.025 0.005 <0.002 0.001 2 0 0.015 0.003

BY114 SF Greenhorn Cr 0.7 

mi ab Greenhorn Cr 

nr Nevada City 

8/22/2000 15:10 2of2 <2 2 0.025 0.003 0.004 0.001 15 1 0.035 0.005

BY122 Starr Mine tunnel 

inflow nr Grass 

Valley

4/23/1999 15:00 1of2 <4 1 0.27 0.00 0.019 0.005 21 1 0.008 0.003

BY122 Starr Mine tunnel 

inflow nr Grass 

Valley

4/23/1999 15:00 2of2 <4 1 0.23 0.03 0.021 0.001 20 3 0.010 0.006

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

4/23/1999 13:40 1of2 <4 0 0.16 0.05 0.014 0.003 2.8 1.1 0.006 0.004

Table 4A. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in unfiltered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, Creek; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a five-digit code used in the 

U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent to part per million); s.d., standard 

deviation; <, less than; , not determined]

Table 4A 131
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Vanadium (V), 

unfiltered 

(μg/L)

(01087)

Yttrium (Y),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01203)

Ytterbium (Yb),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01196)

Zinc (Zn), 

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01092)

Zirconium (Zr)

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01162)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

4/23/1999 13:40 2of2 <4 0 0.14 0.01 0.011 0.004 3.3 1.0 0.006 0.001

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

12/15/1999 10:45 1of2 <4 1 0.44 0.10 0.032 0.010 17 1 0.020 0.009

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

12/15/1999 10:45 2of2 <4 2 0.43 0.05 0.032 0.013 19 2 0.017 0.003

BY124 Starr Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

8/23/2000 17:30 1of2 3 1 0.83 0.03 0.074 0.004 25 1 0.030 0.007

BY124 Starr Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

8/23/2000 17:30 2of2 5 0 0.92 0.02 0.063 0.003 21 1 0.028 0.007

BY129 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel inlet 

nr Nevada City 

6/28/2000 12:00 1of2 9 2 9.8 1.6 0.73 0.14 60 10 0.032 0.011

BY129 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel inlet 

nr Nevada City 

6/28/2000 12:00 2of2 10 2 9.4 1.5 0.71 0.14 49 8 0.039 0.009

BY130 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel 

outlet nr Nevada 

City

6/28/2000 11:30 1of2 <2 0 0.17 0.00 0.016 0.005 4 1 0.028 0.010 

BY130 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel 

outlet nr Nevada 

City

6/28/2000 11:30 2of2 <2 0 0.20 0.00 0.014 0.006 12 2 0.029 0.011

BY131 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drainage pond nr 

Nevada City 

8/23/2000 10:45 1of2 <2 0 0.24 0.02 0.017 0.004 3 0 0.025 0.002

Table 4A. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in unfiltered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, Creek; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a five-digit code used in the 

U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent to part per million); s.d., standard 

deviation; <, less than; , not determined]

132 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
Table 4A. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in unfiltered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, Creek; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a five-digit code used in the 

U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent to part per million); s.d., standard 

deviation; <, less than; , not determined]

Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Vanadium (V), 

unfiltered 

(μg/L)

(01087)

Yttrium (Y),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01203)

Ytterbium (Yb),

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01196)

Zinc (Zn), 

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01092)

Zirconium (Zr)

unfiltered

(μg/L)

(01162)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY131 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drainage pond nr 

Nevada City 

8/23/2000 10:45 2of2 <2 1 0.26 0.04 0.031 0.003 3 1 0.053 0.034

Disturbed samples

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

12/15/1999 11:30 1of2 290 0 194 4 10 1 2,700 0 0.68 0.01

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

12/15/1999 11:30 2of2 280 10 176 11 13 1 2,500 100 0.68 0.03

BY129 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel inlet 

nr Nevada City 

6/28/2000 12:30 1of2 100 0 86 12 6.2 1.0 230 10 0.28 0.04

BY129 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel inlet 

nr Nevada City 

6/28/2000 12:30 2of2 130 20 93 5 6.8 0.3 240 40 0.35 0.02

Table 4A 133
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Aluminum (Al),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01105)

Arsenic (As), 

filtered 

(μg/L)

(01000)

Boron (B),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01020)

Barium (Ba),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01005

Beryllium (Be), 

filtered

(μg/L)

(01010)

Bismuth (Bi),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01015)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

Environmental samples

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel outlet 

nr Grass Valley 

6/18/1999 14:30 1of2 1.2 0.1 0.35 0.01 3 1 52 0 < 0.005 0.002 <0.0008 0.0006

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel outlet 

nr Grass Valley 

6/18/1999 14:30 2of2 1.1 0.3 0.35 0.01 2 0 54 0 <0.005 0.004 <0.0008 0.0001

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel outlet 

nr Grass Valley 

12/14/1999 12:00 1of2 0.70 0.17 <0.6 0.4 4 6 55 3 <0.003 0.001 0.015 0.018

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel outlet 

nr Grass Valley 

12/14/1999 12:00 2of2 0.55 0.27 <0.6 0.5 5 3 56 3 <0.003 0.001 <0.002 0.001

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel outlet 

nr Grass Valley 

5/24/2000 16:00 1of2 9.2 0.1 <0.2 0.1 <20 10 53 1 <0.06 0.04 0.011 0.001

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel outlet 

nr Grass Valley 

5/24/2000 16:00 2of2 9.5 0.2 <0.2 0.1 <20 10 52 0 <0.06 0.04 0.003 0.001

BY21 Boston Mine wetlands pond 

nr Grass Valley 

12/14/1999 10:30 1of2 0.77 0.08 <0.6 0.3 6 4 50 1 0.005 0.004 <0.002 0.001

BY21 Boston Mine wetlands pond 

nr Grass Valley 

12/14/1999 10:30 2of2 0.31 0.25 <0.6 0.2 6 4 50 1 0.004 0.003 <0.002 0.002

BY21 Boston Mine wetlands pond 

nr Grass Valley 

5/24/2000 16:30 1of2 2.3 0.4 0.3 0.0 <20 20 50 0 <0.06 0.01 0.003 0.001

BY21 Boston Mine wetlands pond 

nr Grass Valley 

5/24/2000 16:30 2of2 2.0 0.0 0.4 0.1 <20 10 47 2 <0.06 0.01 <0.003 0.001

BY58 Buckeye Flat Mine 

main drain 0.45 mi ab 

Greenhorn Cr

8/21/2000 11:00 1of2 1,500 0 <0.1 0.0 <20 0 32 1 0.39 0.12 <0.003 0.001

BY58 Buckeye Flat Mine 

main drain 0.45 mi ab 

Greenhorn Cr

8/21/2000 11:00 2of2 1,500 100 <0.1 0.0 <20 10 32 1 0.30 0.10 0.003 0.003

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N drain 

to Greenhorn Cr, Grass 

Valley

6/18/1999 11:30 1of2 4,100 400 0.44 0.05 2 0 23 0 0.76 0.00 <0.0008 0.0011

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N drain 

to Greenhorn Cr, Grass 

Valley

6/18/1999 11:30 2of2 4,100 400 0.40 0.01 4 2 23 0 0.75 0.00 <0.0008 0.0012

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N drain 

to Greenhorn Cr, Grass 

Valley

12/2/1999 11:00 1of2 4,000 100 <0.6 0.1 8 6 33 0 0.52 0.03 0.005 0.008

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N drain 

to Greenhorn Cr, Grass 

Valley

12/2/1999 11:00 2of2 4,100 100 <0.6 0.2 8 3 33 2 0.54 0.01 0.003 0.003

Table 4B. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in filtered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, California.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, creek; Cyn, Canyon; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a five-digit code 

used in the U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent to part per million); s.d., standard 

deviation; <, less than; , not determined]

134 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
Table 4B 135

Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Aluminum (Al),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01105)

Arsenic (As), 

filtered 

(μg/L)

(01000)

Boron (B),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01020)

Barium (Ba),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01005

Beryllium (Be), 

filtered

(μg/L)

(01010)

Bismuth (Bi),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01015)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N drain 

to Greenhorn Cr, Grass 

Valley

8/22/2000 10:45 1of2 3,900 100 0.1 0.0 <20 0 35 1 0.43 0.14 0.004 0.004

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N drain 

to Greenhorn Cr, Grass 

Valley

8/22/2000 10:45 2of2 4,100 0 0.2 0.0 <20 10 36 1 0.43 0.14 <0.003 0.000 

BY116 Buckeye Flat Mine pond 

drain 0.15 mi ab SF 

Greenhorn Cr

8/21/2000 14:10 1of2 9.5 0.9 <0.1 0.1 <20 20 59 2 <0.2 0.1 <0.003 0.001

BY116 Buckeye Flat Mine pond 

drain 0.15 mi ab SF 

Greenhorn Cr

8/21/2000 14:10 2of2 10.3 0.4 <0.1 0.0 <20 20 61 0 <0.2 0.1 <0.003 0.001

BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine S drain 

to SF Greenhorn Cr, Grass 

Valley

8/26/1999 11:00 1of2 55 1 0.32 0.02 4 3 18 0 0.04 0.03 0.0016 0.0002

BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine S drain 

to SF Greenhorn Cr, Grass 

Valley

8/26/1999 11:00 2of2 51 0 0.32 0.03 4 3 17 0 <0.03 0.01 0.0019 0.0008

BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine S drain 

to SF Greenhorn Cr, Grass 

Valley

8/22/2000 12:10 1of2 71 1 <0.1 0.0 <20 0 23 0 <0.2 0.1 <0.003 0.001

BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine S drain 

to SF Greenhorn Cr, Grass 

Valley

8/22/2000 12:10 2of2 70 1 <0.1 0.1 <20 10 24 1 <0.2 0.1 <0.003 0.001

BY25 Buckeye Flat Mine upper 

drain

4/9/2001 10:00 1of2 600 90 <0.1 0.0 <20 0 41 7 0.10 0.06 <0.02 0.00 

BY25 Buckeye Flat Mine upper 

drain

4/9/2001 10:00 2of2 580 0 <0.1 0.0 <20 10 41 2 0.14 0.03 0.03 0.00 

BY52 Greenhorn Cr 0.3 mi ab 

Buckeye Ford nr Nevada 

City

1/25/2000 10:45 1of2 27 0 <0.1 0.1 <5 2 18 0 0.09 0.10 0.005 0.001

BY52 Greenhorn Cr 0.3 mi ab 

Buckeye Ford nr Nevada 

City

1/25/2000 10:45 2of2 31 0 <0.1 0.1 5 3 18 1 <0.05 0.00 <0.003 0.001

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You Bet Rd 

nr Nevada City 

7/24/2001 11:00 1of2 2.0 0.1 1.0 0.0 7.2 1.1 34 1 0.02 0.00 0.0035 0.0021

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You Bet Rd 

nr Nevada City 

7/24/2001 11:00 2of2 2.0 0.0 1.0 0.0 6.7 0.4 33 0 0.10 0.14 <0.0009 0.0003

Table 4B. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in filtered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, 

CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, creek; Cyn, Canyon; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a five-digit code used 

in the U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent to part per million); s.d., standard 

deviation; <, less than; , not determined; , not determined]
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Aluminum (Al),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01105)

Arsenic (As), 

filtered 

(μg/L)

(01000)

Boron (B),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01020)

Barium (Ba),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01005

Beryllium (Be), 

filtered

(μg/L)

(01010)

Bismuth (Bi),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01015)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You Bet Rd 

nr Nevada City 

8/29/2001 15:00 1of2 1.8 0.1 1.9 0.0 5.7 0.2 26 1 <0.01 0.00 <0.0009 0.0007

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You Bet Rd 

nr Nevada City 

8/29/2001 15:00 2of2 1.8 0.0 2.0 0.0 6.2 0.3 26 0 <0.01 0.00 <0.0009 0.0002

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You Bet Rd 

nr Nevada City 

9/14/2001 13:00 1of2 2.4 0.1 1.2 0.0 6 0 30 0 <0.008 0.003 <0.001 0.001

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You Bet Rd 

nr Nevada City 

9/14/2001 13:00 2of2 2.5 0.0 1.2 0.0 6 0 30 0 <0.008 0.008 <0.001 0.001

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You Bet Rd 

nr Nevada City 

10/15/2001 12:00 1of2 0.96 0.04 0.98 0.02 5 0 34 0 <0.008 0.004 <0.001 0.000 

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You Bet Rd 

nr Nevada City 

10/15/2001 12:00 2of2 0.96 0.06 0.95 0.01 5 0 34 0 <0.008 0.003 <0.001 0.001

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You Bet Rd 

nr Nevada City 

11/20/2001 13:20 1of2 8.7 0.4 0.71 0.03 6 0 37 0 <0.005 0.003 <0.0008 0.0008

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You Bet Rd 

nr Nevada City 

11/20/2001 13:20 2of2 9.2 0.4 0.73 0.04 6 1 36 1 <0.005 0.003 <0.0008 0.0015

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You Bet Rd 

nr Nevada City 

12/10/2001 12:20 1of2 11 0 1.8 0.0 4.7 0.3 27 0 <0.008 0.003 <0.001 0.001

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You Bet Rd 

nr Nevada City 

12/10/2001 12:20 2of2 12 0 1.8 0.1 4.3 0.2 27 0 <0.008 0.005 <0.001 0.000 

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You Bet Rd 

nr Nevada City 

12/21/2001 13:00 1of2 12 0 0.92 0.00 3.8 0.4 20 0 <0.006 0.004 <0.001 0.002

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You Bet Rd 

nr Nevada City 

12/21/2001 13:00 2of2 11 0 0.91 0.01 3.9 0.6 21 0 <0.006 0.002 <0.001 0.001

BY51 Greenhorn Cr nr Headwaters 

nr Scotts Flat Reservoir

1/25/2000 9:30 1of2 28 2 <0.1 0.1 <5 1 14 0 <0.05 0.00 0.004 0.004

BY51 Greenhorn Cr nr Headwaters 

nr Scotts Flat Reservoir

1/25/2000 9:30 2of2 24 1 <0.1 0.0 <5 1 16 1 <0.05 0.02 <0.003 0.002

BY75 Missouri Cyn Cr 1.2 mi ab 

Greenhorn Cr nr Chicago 

Park

12/14/1999 14:00 1of2 18 0 <0.6 0.1 6 5 40 1 0.11 0.00 <0.002 0.001

BY75 Missouri Cyn Cr 1.2 mi ab 

Greenhorn Cr nr Chicago 

Park

12/14/1999 14:00 2of2 18 0 <0.6 0.2 8 7 41 1 0.12 0.00 0.006 0.010 

BY86 Poore Mine creek ab tunnel 

nr Grass Valley 

3/31/1999 17:40 1of2 12 1 0.12 0.01 <9 0 16 0 <0.02 0.01 0.0029 0.0035

BY86 Poore Mine creek ab tunnel 

nr Grass Valley 

3/31/1999 17:40 2of2 11 0 0.14 0.03 <9 0 16 0 <0.02 0.02 0.0007 0.0008

Table 4B. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in filtered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, creek; Cyn, Canyon; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a five-digit code 

used in the U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent to part per million); s.d., standard 

deviation; <, less than; , not determined]

136 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Aluminum (Al),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01105)

Arsenic (As), 

filtered 

(μg/L)

(01000)

Boron (B),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01020)

Barium (Ba),

filtered

(μ/L)

(01005

Beryllium (Be), 

filtered

(μg/L)

(01010)

Bismuth (Bi),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01015)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY87 Poore Mine creek bl tunnel 

nr Grass Valley 

3/31/1999 13:30 1of2 6.9 0.3 0.15 0.01 <9 0 17 1 <0.02 0.00 0.0010 0.0012

BY87 Poore Mine creek bl tunnel 

nr Grass Valley 

3/31/1999 13:30 2of2 5.9 0.1 0.15 0.01 <9 0 16 2 <0.02 0.00 0.0028 0.0015

BY88 Poore Mine ground sluice 

nr Grass Valley 

4/1/1999 15:40 1of2 72 2 0.13 0.01 <9 2 28 1 0.07 0.00 <0.0007 0.0002

BY88 Poore Mine ground sluice 

nr Grass Valley 

4/1/1999 15:40 2of2 69 0 0.15 0.05 2 0 28 1 0.071 0.007 <0.0008 0.0006

BY89 Poore Mine pit lake nr Grass 

Valley 

4/1/1999 16:50 1of2 4.9 0.2 0.18 0.02 3 0 37 0 0.015 0.001 0.0017 0.0017

BY89 Poore Mine pit lake nr Grass 

Valley 

4/1/1999 16:50 2of2 4.0 0.2 0.16 0.01 3 0 37 0 0.013 0.002 <0.0008 0.0038

BY89 Poore Mine pit lake nr Grass 

Valley 

5/23/2000 10:45 1of2 130 0 <0.2 0.1 <20 20 120 0 0.54 0.03 <0.003 0.001

BY89 Poore Mine pit lake nr Grass 

Valley 

5/23/2000 10:45 2of2 130 0 <0.2 0.0 <20 10 120 0 0.57 0.05 <0.003 0.000 

BY90 Poore Mine seep ab ground 

sluice nr Grass Valley 

4/1/1999 16:00 1of2 33 3 0.13 0.01 2 0 30 0 0.055 0.002 0.0009 0.0010 

BY90 Poore Mine seep ab ground 

sluice nr Grass Valley 

4/1/1999 16:00 2of2 33 0 0.13 0.02 2 0 28 0 0.044 0.001 0.0040 0.0035

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel effluent 

nr Grass Valley 

3/31/1999 15:20 1of2 5.6 0.3 0.12 0.00 <9 1 29 2 0.04 0.01 0.0024 0.0001

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel effluent 

nr Grass Valley 

3/31/1999 15:20 2of2 5.2 0.4 0.10 0.02 5 0 29 0 0.041 0.005 0.0014 0.0014

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel effluent 

nr Grass Valley 

12/15/1999 13:00 1of2 2.9 0.2 <0.6 0.1 13 1 27 1 0.007 0.001 <0.002 0.002

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel effluent 

nr Grass Valley 

12/15/1999 13:00 2of2 3.9 1.6 <0.6 0.2 10 3 27 1 0.006 0.002 0.019 0.025

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel effluent 

nr Grass Valley 

5/23/2000 12:00 1of2 5.2 0.1 <0.2 0.1 64 42 37 1 <0.06 0.03 <0.003 0.001

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel effluent 

nr Grass Valley 

5/23/2000 12:00 2of2 7.7 1.9 0.2 0.1 6 1 37 0 <0.05 0.04 <0.003 0.003

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main drain 

Gulch 01nr Quaker Hill 

7/6/1999 16:00 1of2 11 0 0.61 0.01 4 1 85 1 0.07 0.00 0.0008 0.0006

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main drain 

Gulch 01nr Quaker Hill 

7/6/1999 16:00 2of2 10 0 0.55 0.02 <9 5 86 5 0.06 0.00 <0.0007 0.0007

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main drain 

Gulch 01nr Quaker Hill 

12/2/1999 14:30 1of2 79 3 <0.6 0.2 5 1 32 0 0.039 0.006 0.083 0.111

Table 4B. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in filtered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, creek; Cyn, Canyon; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a five-digit code used 

in the U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent to part per million); s.d., standard 

deviation; <, less than; , not determined]

Table 4B 137
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Aluminum (Al),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01105)

Arsenic (As), 

filtered 

(μg/L)

(01000)

Boron (B),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01020)

Barium (Ba),

filtered

(μ/L)

(01005

Beryllium (Be), 

filtered

(μg/L)

(01010)

Bismuth (Bi),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01015)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main drain 

Gulch 01nr Quaker Hill 

12/2/1999 14:30 2of2 74 3 <0.6 0.1 3 2 33 1 0.047 0.001 <0.002 0.000 

BY106 Sailor Flat Mine main 

drainage to Greenhorn Cr, 

Gulch 03

4/9/01 12:30 1of 2 96 12 0.54 0.16 <20 0 30 7 <0.03 0.04 <0.02 0.00 

BY106 Sailor Flat Mine main 

drainage to Greenhorn Cr, 

Gulch 03

4/9/2001 12:30 2of 2 110 20 0.50 0.12 <20 10 30 6 0.06 0.07 <0.02 0.01

BY114 SF Greenhorn Cr 0.7 mi ab 

Greenhorn Cr nr Nevada 

City 

8/22/2000 15:10 1of2 3.8 0.3 0.1 0.0 <20 0 17 1 <0.2 0.1 <0.003 0.001

BY114 SF Greenhorn Cr 0.7 mi ab 

Greenhorn Cr nr Nevada 

City 

8/22/2000 15:10 2of2 4.2 1.1 0.2 0.1 <20 20 16 0 <0.2 0.1 <0.003 0.001

BY122 Starr Mine tunnel inflow 

nr Grass Valley

4/23/1999 15:00 1of2 28 2 0.088 0.007 3 0 22 1 0.025 0.002 0.0019 0.0003

BY122 Starr Mine tunnel inflow 

nr Grass Valley

4/23/1999 15:00 2of2 27 2 0.083 0.002 3 1 21 2 0.018 0.006 <0.0008 0.0004

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel midway 

nr Grass Valley

4/23/1999 13:40 1of2 0.90 0.04 0.17 0.04 5 1 49 0 <0.005 0.000 0.0018 0.0011

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel midway 

nr Grass Valley

4/23/1999 13:40 2of2 2.3 0.1 0.18 0.04 6 1 49 1 <0.005 0.004 <0.0008 0.0002

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel midway 

nr Grass Valley

12/15/1999 10:45 1of2 0.47 0.05 <0.6 0.3 9 5 55 5 0.005 0.002 0.004 0.002

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel midway 

nr Grass Valley

12/15/1999 10:45 2of2 0.54 0.21 <0.6 0.1 6 1 59 2 <0.003 0.002 0.004 0.003

BY124 Starr Mine tunnel outlet 

nr Grass Valley 

8/23/2000 17:30 1of2 2.9 0.1 0.4 0.0 <20 10 42 1 <0.2 0.1 <0.003 0.001

BY124 Starr Mine tunnel outlet 

nr Grass Valley 

8/23/2000 17:30 2of2 2.4 0.4 0.4 0.1 <20 0 42 2 <0.2 0.1 0.008 0.009

BY129 Tom and Jerry Mine drain at 

tunnel inlet nr Nevada City 

6/28/2000 12:00 1of2 2.7 0.1 <0.4 0.1 100 110 35 1 <0.2 0.1 <0.003 0.002

BY129 Tom and Jerry Mine drain at 

tunnel inlet nr Nevada City 

6/28/2000 12:00 2of2 2.8 0.1 <0.4 0.1 <60 140 34 0 <0.2 0.0 <0.003 0.000 

BY130 Tom and Jerry Mine drain 

at tunnel outlet nr Nevada 

City

6/28/2000 11:30 1of2 1.4 0.4 <0.4 0.3 <60 100 68 3 <0.2 0.1 <0.003 0.001

BY130 Tom and Jerry Mine drain 

at tunnel outlet nr Nevada 

City

6/28/2000 11:30 2of2 1.6 0.7 <0.4 0.1 <60 110 68 0 <0.2 0.0 <0.003 0.002

Table 4B. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in filtered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, creek; Cyn, Canyon; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a five-digit code 

used in the U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent to part per million); s.d., standard 

deviation; <, less than; , not determined]

138 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Aluminum (Al),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01105)

Arsenic (As), 

filtered 

(μg/L)

(01000)

Boron (B),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01020)

Barium (Ba),

filtered

(μ/L)

(01005

Beryllium (Be), 

filtered

(μg/L)

(01010)

Bismuth (Bi),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01015)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY131 Tom and Jerry Mine drainage 

pond nr Nevada City 

8/23/2000 10:45 1of2 2.5 0.3 <0.1 0.0 <20 10 52 0 <0.2 0.1 <0.003 0.001

BY131 Tom and Jerry Mine drainage 

pond nr Nevada City 

8/23/2000 10:45 2of2 2.7 0.4 <0.1 0.0 <20 10 52 0 <0.2 0.1 0.004 0.001

Disturbed samples

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel midway 

nr Grass Valley

12/15/1999 11:30 1of2 0.73 0.23 <0.6 0.1 5 0 46 1 <0.003 0.003 <0.002 0.001

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel midway 

nr Grass Valley

12/15/1999 11:30 2of2 0.42 0.03 <0.6 0.2 7 1 46 1 <0.003 0.001 0.005 0.005

BY129 Tom and Jerry Mine drain at 

tunnel inlet nr Nevada City 

6/28/2000 12:30 1of2 1.6 0.3 <0.4 0.3 110 150 59 0 <0.2 0.0 0.004 0.007

BY129 Tom and Jerry Mine drain at 

tunnel inlet nr Nevada City 

6/28/2000 12:30 2of2 1.5 0.3 <0.4 0.2 66 131 60 1 <0.2 0.0 <0.003 0.002

Table 4B. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in filtered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, creek; Cyn, Canyon; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a five-digit code 

used in the U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent to part per million); s.d., standard 

deviation; <, less than; , not determined]

Table 4B 139
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Calcium (Ca), 

filtered

(mg/L)

(00915)

Cadmium (Cd),

filtered 

(μg/L)

(01025)

Cerium (Ce),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01110

Cobalt (Co),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01035)

Chromium (Cr),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01030)

Cesium (Cs),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01115)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

Environmental samples

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

6/18/1999 14:30 1of2 14 0 0.024 0.002 0.018 0.002 0.95 0.05 <0.1 0.0 0.020 0.001

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

6/18/1999 14:30 2of2 14 0 0.024 0.002 0.016 0.003 0.95 0.06 <0.1 0.1 0.021 0.004

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

12/14/1999 12:00 1of2 17 1 0.024 0.001 0.0026 0.0003 0.24 0.00 <0.1 0.1 0.023 0.002

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

12/14/1999 12:00 2of2 21 0 0.018 0.003 0.0034 0.0008 0.24 0.01 <0.1 0.1 0.034 0.021

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

5/24/2000 16:00 1of2 12 3 0.04 0.01 0.024 0.002 0.74 0.03 <0.6 0.2 <0.2 0.1

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

5/24/2000 16:00 2of2 13 2 0.03 0.00 0.025 0.001 0.75 0.00 <0.6 0.1 <0.2 0.3

BY21 Boston Mine wetlands 

pond nr Grass Valley 

12/14/1999 10:30 1of2 23 5 0.010 0.002 0.0057 0.0001 <0.006 0.001 <0.1 0.0 0.0071 0.0006

BY21 Boston Mine wetlands 

pond nr Grass Valley 

12/14/1999 10:30 2of2 21 1 0.010 0.001 0.0053 0.0003 <0.006 0.003 <0.1 0.0 0.0081 0.0010 

BY21 Boston Mine wetlands 

pond nr Grass Valley 

5/24/2000 16:30 1of2 12 0 0.02 0.00 0.019 0.001 0.13 0.03 <0.6 0.0 <0.2 0.2

BY21 Boston Mine wetlands 

pond nr Grass Valley 

5/24/2000 16:30 2of2 11 2 0.03 0.00 0.016 0.001 0.10 0.01 <0.6 0.3 <0.2 0.2

BY58 Buckeye Flat Mine 

main drain 0.45 mi 

ab Greenhorn Cr 

8/21/2000 11:00 1of2 12 0 0.32 0.03 21 0 55 0 <3 1 0.06 0.01

BY58 Buckeye Flat Mine 

main drain 0.45 mi 

ab Greenhorn Cr

8/21/2000 11:00 2of2 12 0 0.34 0.03 22 1 58 1 <3 1 0.06 0.01

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

6/18/1999 11:30 1of2 20 0 2.1 0.0 42 0 110 0 0.3 0.1 0.071 0.001

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

6/18/1999 11:30 2of2 20 0 2.1 0.0 44 1 99 0 0.3 0.0 0.074 0.002

Table 4B. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in filtered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, creek; Cyn, Canyon; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a five-digit code 

used in the U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent to part per million); s.d., standard 

deviation; <, less than; , not determined]

140 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Calcium (Ca), 

filtered

(mg/L)

(00915)

Cadmium (Cd),

filtered 

(μg/L)

(01025)

Cerium (Ce),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01110

Cobalt (Co),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01035)

Chromium (Cr),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01030)

Cesium (Cs),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01115)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

12/2/1999 11:00 1of2 13 1 2.6 0.0 31 1 81 1 0.5 0.0 0.027 0.002

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

12/2/1999 11:00 2of2 13 1 2.5 0.0 31 2 81 0 0.4 0.0 0.027 0.002

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

8/22/2000 10:45 1of2 20 1 1.3 0.0 42 1 67 2 <3 1 <0.02 0.01

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

8/22/2000 10:45 2of2 20 1 1.2 0.0 44 0 69 0 <3 1 <0.02 0.01

BY116 Buckeye Flat Mine 

pond drain 0.15 mi 

ab SF Greenhorn Cr

8/21/2000 14:10 1of2 0.8 0.0 0.03 0.01 0.048 0.006 0.66 0.03 <3 1 <0.02 0.01

BY116 Buckeye Flat Mine 

pond drain 0.15 mi 

ab SF Greenhorn Cr

8/21/2000 14:10 2of2 0.8 0.0 0.05 0.01 0.053 0.003 0.72 0.04 <3 1 <0.02 0.01

BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine 

S drain to SF 

Greenhorn Cr, Grass 

Valley

8/26/1999 11:00 1of2 0.47 0.05 0.11 0.00 0.82 0.02 7.4 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.006 0.001

BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine 

S drain to SF 

Greenhorn Cr, Grass 

Valley

8/26/1999 11:00 2of2 0.51 0.13 0.12 0.00 0.76 0.03 7.0 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.008 0.002

BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine 

S drain to SF 

Greenhorn Cr, Grass 

Valley

8/22/2000 12:10 1of2 0.4 0.0 0.15 0.02 0.60 0.01 8.7 0.1 <3 1 <0.02 0.00 

BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine 

S drain to SF 

Greenhorn Cr, Grass 

Valley

8/22/2000 12:10 2of2 0.4 0.0 0.15 0.02 0.63 0.03 8.7 0.2 <3 1 <0.02 0.00 

BY25 Buckeye Flat Mine 

upper drain

4/9/2001 10:00 1of2 5.1 0.8 0.85 0.13 8.9 1.7 19 3 <0.5 0.2 0.20 0.04

BY25 Buckeye Flat Mine 

upper drain

4/9/2001 10:00 2of2 5.1 0.3 0.86 0.07 8.8 0.4 19 1 <0.5 0.2 0.25 0.09

Table 4B. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in filtered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, creek; Cyn, Canyon; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a five-digit code 

used in the U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent to part per million); s.d., standard 

deviation; <, less than; , not determined]

Table 4B 141
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Calcium (Ca), 

filtered

(mg/L)

(00915)

Cadmium (Cd),

filtered 

(μg/L)

(01025)

Cerium (Ce),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01110

Cobalt (Co),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01035)

Chromium (Cr),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01030)

Cesium (Cs),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01115)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY52 Greenhorn Cr 0.3 mi 

ab Buckeye Ford nr 

Nevada City

1/25/2000 10:45 1of2 2.7 0.2 0.04 0.01 0.57 0.02 1.9 0.1 <0.4 0.3 <0.5 0.2

BY52 Greenhorn Cr 0.3 mi 

ab Buckeye Ford nr 

Nevada City

1/25/2000 10:45 2of2 2.7 0.1 <0.03 0.03 0.54 0.02 2.1 0.0 <0.4 0.1 <0.5 0.2

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

7/24/2001 11:00 1of2 5.6 0.1 0.040 0.010 0.013 0.001 0.47 0.01 <0.06 0.06 0.038 0.003

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

7/24/2001 11:00 2of2 5.5 0.1 0.040 0.006 0.013 0.000 0.49 0.03 <0.06 0.00 0.047 0.023

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

8/29/2001 15:00 1of2 5.3 0.2 0.009 0.002 0.010 0.000 0.053 0.003 <0.06 0.04 0.021 0.003

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

8/29/2001 15:00 2of2 5.4 0.0 0.009 0.000 0.0100 0.0001 0.057 0.003 <0.06 0.01 0.013 0.002

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

9/14/2001 13:00 1of2 5.3 0.2 0.020 0.000 0.0081 0.0004 0.099 0.002 0.26 0.05 0.018 0.003

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

9/14/2001 13:00 2of2 5.2 0.1 0.022 0.002 0.0086 0.0001 0.10 0.00 0.31 0.04 0.018 0.002

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

10/15/2001 12:00 1of2 5.3 0.1 0.020 0.006 0.0046 0.0003 0.080 0.003 <0.07 0.02 0.010 0.002

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

10/15/2001 12:00 2of2 5.3 0.1 0.017 0.001 0.0054 0.0003 0.077 0.001 <0.07 0.01 0.014 0.001

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

11/20/2001 13:20 1of2 6.2 0.1 0.078 0.002 0.074 0.003 1.2 0.0 <0.2 0.1 0.019 0.002

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

11/20/2001 13:20 2of2 6.2 0.0 0.072 0.005 0.079 0.002 1.2 0.0 <0.2 0.1 0.021 0.001

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

12/10/2001 12:20 1of2 6.0 0.1 0.094 0.001 0.24 0.00 1.9 0.0 <0.04 0.03 0.014 0.002

Table 4B. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in filtered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, creek; Cyn, Canyon; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a five-digit code 

used in the U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent to part per million); s.d., standard 

deviation; <, less than; , not determined]

142 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Calcium (Ca), 

filtered

(mg/L)

(00915)

Cadmium (Cd),

filtered 

(μg/L)

(01025)

Cerium (Ce),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01110

Cobalt (Co),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01035)

Chromium (Cr),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01030)

Cesium (Cs),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01115)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

12/10/2001 12:20 2of2 6.1 0.1 0.090 0.002 0.25 0.01 1.9 0.0 <0.04 0.03 0.011 0.002

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

12/21/2001 13:00 1of2 4.4 0.0 0.054 0.001 0.49 0.00 1.2 0.0 0.07 0.01 0.013 0.001

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

12/21/2001 13:00 2of2 4.3 0.0 0.054 0.003 0.47 0.00 1.2 0.0 <0.06 0.01 0.013 0.005

BY51 Greenhorn Cr nr 

Headwaters nr Scotts 

Flat Reservoir

1/25/2000 9:30 1of2 1.3 0.1 0.03 0.01 0.15 0.01 0.07 0.02 0.6 0.3 <0.5 0.2

BY51 Greenhorn Cr nr 

Headwaters nr Scotts 

Flat Reservoir

1/25/2000 9:30 2of2 1.3 0.0 0.01 0.01 0.15 0.00 0.06 0.02 <0.4 0.1 <0.5 0.1

BY75 Missouri Cyn Cr 1.2 mi 

ab Greenhorn Cr nr 

Chicago Park

12/14/1999 14:00 1of2 11 1 0.15 0.00 0.44 0.01 3.7 0.0 <0.1 0.0 0.046 0.001

BY75 Missouri Cyn Cr 1.2 mi 

ab Greenhorn Cr nr 

Chicago Park

12/14/1999 14:00 2of2 15 4 0.15 0.00 0.44 0.01 3.6 0.0 <0.1 0.0 0.048 0.001

BY86 Poore Mine creek ab 

tunnel nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 17:40 1of2 3.5 0.2 0.016 0.000 0.072 0.005 0.033 0.002 <0.3 0.2 0.002 0.005

BY86 Poore Mine creek ab 

tunnel nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 17:40 2of2 3.5 0.0 0.012 0.002 0.067 0.002 0.029 0.002 <0.3 0.1 0.004 0.009

BY87 Poore Mine creek bl 

tunnel nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 13:30 1of2 3.8 0.0 0.014 0.000 0.061 0.005 0.020 0.000 <0.3 0.1 0.002 0.000 

BY87 Poore Mine creek bl 

tunnel nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 13:30 2of2 3.7 0.0 0.013 0.001 0.051 0.002 0.026 0.005 <0.3 0.2 0.002 0.000 

BY88 Poore Mine ground 

sluice nr Grass 

Valley 

4/1/1999 15:40 1of2 7.5 0.1 0.048 0.001 0.13 0.00 1.1 0.0 <0.3 0.1 0.043 0.000 

BY88 Poore Mine ground 

sluice nr Grass 

Valley 

4/1/1999 15:40 2of2 7.6 0.1 0.047 0.005 0.13 0.00 1.1 0.1 <0.1 0.1 0.044 0.003

Table 4B. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in filtered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, creek; Cyn, Canyon; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a five-digit code 

used in the U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent to part per million); s.d., standard 

deviation; <, less than; , not determined]

Table 4B 143
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Calcium (Ca), 

filtered

(mg/L)

(00915)

Cadmium (Cd),

filtered 

(μg/L)

(01025)

Cerium (Ce),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01110

Cobalt (Co),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01035)

Chromium (Cr),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01030)

Cesium (Cs),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01115)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY89 Poore Mine pit lake 

nr Grass Valley 

4/1/1999 16:50 1of2 2.6 0.1 0.055 0.005 0.037 0.001 0.85 0.04 <0.1 0.0 0.006 0.001

BY89 Poore Mine pit lake 

nr Grass Valley 

4/1/1999 16:50 2of2 2.6 0.1 0.056 0.004 0.032 0.002 0.80 0.04 <0.1 0.2 0.010 0.005

BY89 Poore Mine pit lake 

nr Grass Valley 

5/23/2000 10:45 1of2 15 0 1.1 0.0 0.24 0.01 9.8 0.0 <0.6 0.1 <0.2 0.1

BY89 Poore Mine pit lake 

nr Grass Valley 

5/23/2000 10:45 2of2 15 1 1.1 0.0 0.25 0.01 9.5 0.3 <0.6 0.2 <0.2 0.3

BY90 Poore Mine seep 

ab ground sluice 

nr Grass Valley 

4/1/1999 16:00 1of2 7.1 0.1 0.042 0.003 0.031 0.001 1.3 0.1 <0.1 0.1 0.041 0.003

BY90 Poore Mine seep 

ab ground sluice 

nr Grass Valley 

4/1/1999 16:00 2of2 7.2 0.1 0.041 0.002 0.031 0.000 1.3 0.0 <0.1 0.0 0.038 0.001

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 15:20 1of2 13 0 0.041 0.001 0.013 0.003 0.021 0.010 <0.3 0.1 0.20 0.00 

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 15:20 2of2 12 0 0.035 0.000 0.013 0.001 0.012 0.022 <0.1 0.1 0.21 0.00 

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

12/15/1999 13:00 1of2 20 2 0.017 0.005 0.0085 0.0076 <0.006 0.002 <0.1 0.1 0.22 0.00 

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

12/15/1999 13:00 2of2 23 2 0.025 0.013 0.0037 0.0002 <0.006 0.003 <0.1 0.1 0.22 0.01

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

5/23/2000 12:00 1of2 20 1 0.04 0.01 0.0045 0.0004 <0.02 0.01 <0.6 0.1 0.4 0.1

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

5/23/2000 12:00 2of2 18 0 0.05 0.00 0.004 0.001 <0.01 0.01 <2 0 <0.5 0.0 

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main 

drain Gulch 01nr 

Quaker Hill 

7/6/1999 16:00 1of2 3.1 0.1 0.11 0.00 1.0 0.0 6.8 0.1 0.3 0.0 0.051 0.001

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main 

drain Gulch 01nr 

Quaker Hill 

7/6/1999 16:00 2of2 2.9 0.0 0.11 0.00 0.97 0.09 6.6 0.6 <0.3 0.3 0.051 0.004

Table 4B. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in filtered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, creek; Cyn, Canyon; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a five-digit code 

used in the U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent to part per million); s.d., standard 

deviation; <, less than; , not determined]

144 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Calcium (Ca), 

filtered

(mg/L)

(00915)

Cadmium (Cd),

filtered 

(μg/L)

(01025)

Cerium (Ce),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01110

Cobalt (Co),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01035)

Chromium (Cr),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01030)

Cesium (Cs),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01115)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main 

drain Gulch 01nr 

Quaker Hill 

12/2/1999 14:30 1of2 1.2 0.1 0.13 0.08 1.9 0.1 2.4 0.1 0.2 0.0 0.055 0.068

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main 

drain Gulch 01nr 

Quaker Hill 

12/2/1999 14:30 2of2 1.1 0.2 0.067 0.006 2.0 0.0 2.3 0.0 0.2 0.0 0.0055 0.0008

BY106 Sailor Flat Mine 

main drainage to 

Greenhorn Cr, 

Gulch 03

4/9/2001 12:30 1of 2 0.6 0.2 <0.03 0.01 1.9 0.4 1.4 0.3 0.7 0.2 0.23 0.08

BY106 Sailor Flat Mine 

main drainage to 

Greenhorn Cr, 

Gulch 03

4/9/2001 12:30 2of 2 0.6 0.2 <0.03 0.01 1.9 0.4 1.3 0.3 0.9 0.2 0.18 0.11

BY114 SF Greenhorn Cr 

0.7 mi ab Greenhorn 

Cr nr Nevada City 

8/22/2000 15:10 1of2 7.6 0.2 <0.03 0.01 0.006 0.000 <0.02 0.01 <3 1 <0.02 0.01

BY114 SF Greenhorn Cr 

0.7 mi ab Greenhorn 

Cr nr Nevada City 

8/22/2000 15:10 2of2 7.5 0.2 <0.03 0.01 0.006 0.001 <0.02 0.01 <3 1 <0.02 0.00 

BY122 Starr Mine tunnel 

inflow nr Grass 

Valley

4/23/1999 15:00 1of2 9.4 0.1 0.070 0.000 0.059 0.003 0.23 0.03 <0.1 0.0 0.022 0.000 

BY122 Starr Mine tunnel 

inflow nr Grass 

Valley

4/23/1999 15:00 2of2 9.8 0.4 0.073 0.001 0.058 0.003 0.23 0.03 <0.1 0.0 0.023 0.001

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

4/23/1999 13:40 1of2 29 1 0.0044 0.0001 0.0010 0.0002 <0.003 0.031 <0.1 0.1 0.17 0.01

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

4/23/1999 13:40 2of2 29 0 0.0069 0.0022 0.0011 0.0001 <0.003 0.012 <0.1 0.0 0.17 0.00 

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

12/15/1999 10:45 1of2 33 0 0.015 0.002 0.0029 0.0003 0.013 0.000 <0.1 0.1 0.15 0.00 

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

12/15/1999 10:45 2of2 36 1 0.013 0.003 0.0040 0.0003 0.014 0.002 <0.1 0.0 0.15 0.00 

BY124 Starr Mine tunnel outlet 

nr Grass Valley 

8/23/2000 17:30 1of2 36 0 <0.03 0.01 0.014 0.002 <0.02 0.01 <3 0 0.07 0.02

Table 4B. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in filtered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, creek; Cyn, Canyon; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a five-digit code 

used in the U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent to part per million); s.d., standard 

deviation; <, less than; , not determined]

Table 4B 145
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Calcium (Ca), 

filtered

(mg/L)

(00915)

Cadmium (Cd),

filtered 

(μg/L)

(01025)

Cerium (Ce),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01110

Cobalt (Co),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01035)

Chromium (Cr),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01030)

Cesium (Cs),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01115)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY124 Starr Mine tunnel outlet 

nr Grass Valley 

8/23/2000 17:30 2of2 35 1 <0.03 0.01 0.004 0.001 <0.02 0.01 <3 1 0.06 0.00 

BY129 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel inlet 

nr Nevada City 

6/28/2000 12:00 1of2 2.8 0.1 <0.01 0.02 0.022 0.002 0.02 0.00 <2 1 <0.01 0.01

BY129 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel inlet 

nr Nevada City 

6/28/2000 12:00 2of2 2.7 0.2 <0.01 0.01 0.025 0.001 <0.02 0.00 <2 1 <0.01 0.01

BY130 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel outlet 

nr Nevada City

6/28/2000 11:30 1of2 11 0 <0.01 0.01 0.006 0.001 0.41 0.02 <2 1 <0.01 0.01

BY130 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel outlet 

nr Nevada City

6/28/2000 11:30 2of2 11 1 <0.01 0.00 0.008 0.001 0.40 0.01 <2 1 <0.01 0.01

BY131 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drainage pond nr 

Nevada City 

8/23/2000 10:45 1of2 4.0 0.1 <0.03 0.01 0.012 0.000 <0.02 0.01 <3 1 <0.02 0.00 

BY131 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drainage pond nr 

Nevada City 

8/23/2000 10:45 2of2 4.0 0.1 <0.03 0.01 0.013 0.003 <0.02 0.01 <3 1 <0.02 0.01

Disturbed samples

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

12/15/1999 11:30 1of2 33 2 0.002 0.001 0.0009 0.0000 <0.006 0.002 <0.1 0.0 0.15 0.00 

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

12/15/1999 11:30 2of2 41 0 0.006 0.006 0.0010 0.0000 <0.006 0.004 <0.1 0.0 0.15 0.00 

BY129 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel inlet 

nr Nevada City 

6/28/2000 12:30 1of2 9.9 0.2 <0.01 0.01 0.013 0.001 <0.02 0.01 <2 2 0.03 0.02

BY129 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel inlet 

nr Nevada City 

6/28/2000 12:30 2of2 9.8 0.4 <0.01 0.01 0.016 0.000 <0.02 0.01 <2 2 0.02 0.01

Table 4B. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in filtered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, creek; Cyn, Canyon; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a five-digit code 

used in the U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent to part per million); s.d., standard 

deviation; <, less than; , not determined]

146 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Copper (Cu), 

filtered

(μg/L)

(01040)

Dysprosium (Dy), 

filtered 

(μg/L)

(82331)

Erbium (Er),

filtered

(μg/L)

(50573

Europium (Eu),

filtered

(μg/L)

(50574)

Iron (Fe),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01046)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

Environmental samples

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

6/18/1999 14:30 1of2 0.63 0.04 0.0032 0.0001 0.0023 0.0005 <0.0001 0.0037 12 1

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

6/18/1999 14:30 2of2 0.58 0.03 0.0024 0.0003 0.0024 0.0003 <0.0001 0.0031 9.0 1.3

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

12/14/1999 12:00 1of2 0.24 0.03 0.0009 0.0000 0.0007 0.0005 <0.0004 0.0002 4 0 

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

12/14/1999 12:00 2of2 0.23 0.00 0.0011 0.0002 0.0007 0.0010 <0.0004 0.0003 3 1

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

5/24/2000 16:00 1of2 1.5 0.2 0.006 0.003 <0.004 0.001 <0.001 0.002 24 0 

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

5/24/2000 16:00 2of2 1.5 0.1 0.004 0.001 <0.004 0.001 <0.001 0.001 23 0 

BY21 Boston Mine wetlands 

pond nr Grass Valley 

12/14/1999 10:30 1of2 0.35 0.02 0.0014 0.0002 0.0009 0.0002 0.0007 0.0004 11 4

BY21 Boston Mine wetlands 

pond nr Grass Valley 

12/14/1999 10:30 2of2 0.34 0.01 0.0013 0.0001 0.0008 0.0001 0.0005 0.0003 8 0 

BY21 Boston Mine wetlands 

pond nr Grass Valley 

5/24/2000 16:30 1of2 1.1 0.2 0.003 0.000 <0.004 0.001 <0.001 0.001 77 6

BY21 Boston Mine wetlands 

pond nr Grass Valley 

5/24/2000 16:30 2of2 0.57 0.03 0.004 0.001 <0.004 0.001 <0.001 0.001 59 3

BY58 Buckeye Flat Mine 

main drain 0.45 mi 

ab Greenhorn Cr 

8/21/2000 11:00 1of2 2.9 0.2 2.7 0.1 1.5 0.0 0.63 0.00 1,900 100 

BY58 Buckeye Flat Mine 

main drain 0.45 mi 

ab Greenhorn Cr

8/21/2000 11:00 2of2 3.0 0.2 2.7 0.1 1.5 0.0 0.65 0.03 2,100 100 

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

6/18/1999 11:30 1of2 48 1 5.3 0.0 2.9 0.0 1.3 0.0 4,500 0 

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

6/18/1999 11:30 2of2 48 0 5.5 0.1 3.0 0.1 1.3 0.0 4,500 0 

Table 4B. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in filtered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, creek; Cyn, Canyon; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a 

five-digit code used in the U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent 

to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; <, less than; , not determined]

Table 4B 147
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Copper (Cu), 

filtered

(μg/L)

(01040)

Dysprosium (Dy), 

filtered 

(μg/L)

(82331)

Erbium (Er),

filtered

(μg/L)

(50573

Europium (Eu),

filtered

(μg/L)

(50574)

Iron (Fe),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01046)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

12/2/1999 11:00 1of2 43 1 3.7 0.0 2.0 0.0 0.92 0.01 150 10 

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

12/2/1999 11:00 2of2 42 0 3.7 0.1 2.0 0.0 0.89 0.04 170 0 

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

8/22/2000 10:45 1of2 28 1 4.9 0.0 2.7 0.0 1.2 0.0 140 10 

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

8/22/2000 10:45 2of2 28 1 4.9 0.0 2.7 0.1 1.3 0.0 130 20 

BY116 Buckeye Flat Mine 

pond drain 0.15 mi 

ab SF Greenhorn Cr

8/21/2000 14:10 1of2 14 0 0.009 0.003 0.005 0.002 0.005 0.003 <20 10 

BY116 Buckeye Flat Mine 

pond drain 0.15 mi 

ab SF Greenhorn Cr

8/21/2000 14:10 2of2 16 1 0.012 0.002 0.006 0.004 0.006 0.003 <20 0 

BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine 

S drain to SF 

Greenhorn Cr, Grass 

Valley

8/26/1999 11:00 1of2 22 0 0.10 0.00 0.060 0.002 0.024 0.001 68 2

BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine 

S drain to SF 

Greenhorn Cr, Grass 

Valley

8/26/1999 11:00 2of2 22 0 0.095 0.005 0.055 0.001 0.022 0.000 79 19

BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine 

S drain to SF 

Greenhorn Cr, Grass 

Valley

8/22/2000 12:10 1of2 4.6 0.1 0.075 0.007 0.048 0.002 0.016 0.000 <20 10 

BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine 

S drain to SF 

Greenhorn Cr, Grass 

Valley

8/22/2000 12:10 2of2 4.8 0.2 0.081 0.006 0.049 0.007 0.017 0.001 <20 10 

BY25 Buckeye Flat Mine 

upper drain

4/9/2001 10:00 1of2 34 5 0.82 0.16 0.48 0.02 0.18 0.03 41 3

BY25 Buckeye Flat Mine 

upper drain

4/9/2001 10:00 2of2 33 1 0.86 0.00 0.46 0.00 0.19 0.00 42 4

Table 4B. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in filtered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, creek; Cyn, Canyon; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a 

five-digit code used in the U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent 

to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; <, less than; , not determined]

148 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Copper (Cu), 

filtered

(μg/L)

(01040)

Dysprosium (Dy), 

filtered 

(μg/L)

(82331)

Erbium (Er),

filtered

(μg/L)

(50573

Europium (Eu),

filtered

(μg/L)

(50574)

Iron (Fe),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01046)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY52 Greenhorn Cr 0.3 mi 

ab Buckeye Ford nr 

Nevada City

1/25/2000 10:45 1of2 1.1 0.1 0.076 0.006 0.046 0.004 0.020 0.003 27 2

BY52 Greenhorn Cr 0.3 mi 

ab Buckeye Ford nr 

Nevada City

1/25/2000 10:45 2of2 0.92 0.04 0.075 0.004 0.046 0.003 0.019 0.001 28 1

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

7/24/2001 11:00 1of2 0.30 0.06 0.0027 0.0001 0.0016 0.0003 0.0009 0.0002 18 0 

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

7/24/2001 11:00 2of2 5.6 7.4 0.0025 0.0003 0.0016 0.0003 <0.0002 0.0003 18 0 

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

8/29/2001 15:00 1of2 0.31 0.06 0.0021 0.0001 0.0012 0.0006 0.0005 0.0003 29 0 

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

8/29/2001 15:00 2of2 0.24 0.01 0.0018 0.0007 0.0015 0.0004 0.0005 0.0004 28 1

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

9/14/2001 13:00 1of2 0.36 0.01 0.0020 0.0002 0.0012 0.0004 <0.0001 0.0004 20 1

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

9/14/2001 13:00 2of2 0.39 0.01 0.0022 0.0001 0.0010 0.0003 <0.0001 0.0001 20 1

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

10/15/2001 12:00 1of2 0.11 0.03 0.0012 0.0003 0.0004 0.0001 <0.0001 0.0004 13 1

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

10/15/2001 12:00 2of2 0.08 0.00 0.0017 0.0003 0.0008 0.0003 <0.0001 0.0003 14 1

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

11/20/2001 13:20 1of2 0.37 0.03 0.011 0.000 0.0068 0.0004 0.0063 0.0006 31 1

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

11/20/2001 13:20 2of2 0.36 0.00 0.012 0.000 0.0071 0.0005 0.0076 0.0002 34 1

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

12/10/2001 12:20 1of2 0.33 0.02 0.033 0.002 0.020 0.001 0.0090 0.0004 22 1

Table 4B. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in filtered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, creek; Cyn, Canyon; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a 

five-digit code used in the U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent 

to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; <, less than; , not determined]

Table 4B 149
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Copper (Cu), 

filtered

(μg/L)

(01040)

Dysprosium (Dy), 

filtered 

(μg/L)

(82331)

Erbium (Er),

filtered

(μg/L)

(50573

Europium (Eu),

filtered

(μg/L)

(50574)

Iron (Fe),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01046)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

12/10/2001 12:20 2of2 0.34 0.03 0.029 0.000 0.021 0.001 0.0098 0.0003 23 0 

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

12/21/2001 13:00 1of2 0.66 0.04 0.070 0.002 0.043 0.000 0.021 0.001 18 0 

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

12/21/2001 13:00 2of2 0.67 0.01 0.070 0.001 0.044 0.003 0.022 0.000 15 0 

BY51 Greenhorn Cr nr 

Headwaters nr Scotts 

Flat Reservoir

1/25/2000 9:30 1of2 5.1 0.1 0.043 0.001 0.031 0.007 0.012 0.002 14 1

BY51 Greenhorn Cr nr 

Headwaters nr Scotts 

Flat Reservoir

1/25/2000 9:30 2of2 4.2 0.3 0.040 0.006 0.030 0.000 0.013 0.001 15 2

BY75 Missouri Cyn Cr 1.2 mi 

ab Greenhorn Cr nr 

Chicago Park

12/14/1999 14:00 1of2 0.88 0.04 0.059 0.001 0.038 0.000 0.013 0.000 49 7

BY75 Missouri Cyn Cr 1.2 mi 

ab Greenhorn Cr nr 

Chicago Park

12/14/1999 14:00 2of2 0.92 0.04 0.061 0.004 0.037 0.002 0.013 0.000 59 3

BY86 Poore Mine creek ab 

tunnel nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 17:40 1of2 0.64 0.01 0.013 0.001 0.008 0.002 0.0048 0.0010 11 0 

BY86 Poore Mine creek ab 

tunnel nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 17:40 2of2 0.47 0.00 0.012 0.001 0.007 0.001 0.0049 0.0022 9.3 1.0 

BY87 Poore Mine creek bl 

tunnel nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 13:30 1of2 0.48 0.02 0.014 0.001 0.009 0.000 0.0058 0.0002 6.7 0.6

BY87 Poore Mine creek bl 

tunnel nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 13:30 2of2 0.58 0.02 0.014 0.003 0.010 0.006 0.0059 0.0008 5.2 0.5

BY88 Poore Mine ground 

sluice nr Grass 

Valley 

4/1/1999 15:40 1of2 0.82 0.08 0.030 0.002 0.019 0.000 0.0086 0.0003 570 10 

BY88 Poore Mine ground 

sluice nr Grass 

Valley 

4/1/1999 15:40 2of2 0.74 0.07 0.028 0.002 0.019 0.002 0.0078 0.0004 580 20 

Table 4B. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in filtered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, creek; Cyn, Canyon; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a 

five-digit code used in the U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent 

to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; <, less than; , not determined]

150 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Copper (Cu), 

filtered

(μg/L)

(01040)

Dysprosium (Dy), 

filtered 

(μg/L)

(82331)

Erbium (Er),

filtered

(μg/L)

(50573

Europium (Eu),

filtered

(μg/L)

(50574)

Iron (Fe),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01046)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY89 Poore Mine pit lake 

nr Grass Valley 

4/1/1999 16:50 1of2 1.0 0.1 0.0071 0.0005 0.0047 0.0008 0.0011 0.0025 90 5

BY89 Poore Mine pit lake 

nr Grass Valley 

4/1/1999 16:50 2of2 0.87 0.05 0.0047 0.0021 0.0038 0.0009 0.0011 0.0041 78 2

BY89 Poore Mine pit lake 

nr Grass Valley 

5/23/2000 10:45 1of2 11 0 0.039 0.005 0.021 0.002 <0.001 0.001 33 2

BY89 Poore Mine pit lake 

nr Grass Valley 

5/23/2000 10:45 2of2 12 0 0.039 0.001 0.019 0.001 <0.001 0.002 32 3

BY90 Poore Mine seep 

ab ground sluice 

nr Grass Valley 

4/1/1999 16:00 1of2 0.50 0.04 0.011 0.003 0.0042 0.0046 0.0015 0.0015 330 10 

BY90 Poore Mine seep 

ab ground sluice 

nr Grass Valley 

4/1/1999 16:00 2of2 0.44 0.08 0.0085 0.0006 0.0070 0.0008 0.0016 0.0022 330 0 

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 15:20 1of2 0.50 0.01 0.0025 0.0005 0.001 0.000 0.0011 0.0018 2.1 0.2

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 15:20 2of2 0.45 0.01 0.0035 0.0015 0.0028 0.0015 0.0038 0.0048 4 1

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

12/15/1999 13:00 1of2 0.23 0.09 0.0011 0.0003 0.0005 0.0006 <0.0004 0.0000 26 27

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

12/15/1999 13:00 2of2 0.25 0.07 0.0011 0.0001 0.0006 0.0001 <0.0004 0.0005 4 4

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

5/23/2000 12:00 1of2 0.51 0.12 <0.002 0.000 <0.004 0.000 <0.001 0.001 1.5 0.0 

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

5/23/2000 12:00 2of2 0.71 0.08 <0.003 0.002 <0.002 0.002 <0.001 0.001 1.9 0.4

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main 

drain Gulch 01nr 

Quaker Hill 

7/6/1999 16:00 1of2 2.8 0.0 0.18 0.00 0.12 0.00 0.052 0.009 8.5 0.4

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main 

drain Gulch 01nr 

Quaker Hill 

7/6/1999 16:00 2of2 2.7 0.1 0.17 0.01 0.11 0.01 0.061 0.002 8 0 

Table 4B. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in filtered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, creek; Cyn, Canyon; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a 

five-digit code used in the U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent 

to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; <, less than; , not determined]

Table 4B 151
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Copper (Cu), 

filtered

(μg/L)

(01040)

Dysprosium (Dy), 

filtered 

(μg/L)

(82331)

Erbium (Er),

filtered

(μg/L)

(50573

Europium (Eu),

filtered

(μg/L)

(50574)

Iron (Fe),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01046)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main 

drain Gulch 01nr 

Quaker Hill 

12/2/1999 14:30 1of2 4.8 0.2 0.29 0.01 0.17 0.01 0.098 0.000 58 1

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main 

drain Gulch 01nr 

Quaker Hill 

12/2/1999 14:30 2of2 4.6 0.1 0.30 0.00 0.18 0.00 0.099 0.001 56 6

BY106 Sailor Flat Mine 

main drainage to 

Greenhorn Cr, 

Gulch 03

4/9/2001 12:30 1of 2 2.8 0.3 0.22 0.04 0.13 0.02 0.058 0.010 67 2

BY106 Sailor Flat Mine 

main drainage to 

Greenhorn Cr, 

Gulch 03

4/9/2001 12:30 2of 2 3.0 0.4 0.22 0.03 0.13 0.04 0.062 0.016 72 4

BY114 SF Greenhorn Cr 

0.7 mi ab Greenhorn 

Cr nr Nevada City 

8/22/2000 15:10 1of2 <0.4 0.0 <0.005 0.002 <0.005 0.004 <0.003 0.001 <20 0 

BY114 SF Greenhorn Cr 

0.7 mi ab Greenhorn 

Cr nr Nevada City 

8/22/2000 15:10 2of2 <0.4 0.1 <0.005 0.001 <0.005 0.003 <0.003 0.002 <20 0 

BY122 Starr Mine tunnel 

inflow nr Grass 

Valley

4/23/1999 15:00 1of2 3.0 0.5 0.021 0.002 0.012 0.001 0.0043 0.0022 9 1

BY122 Starr Mine tunnel 

inflow nr Grass 

Valley

4/23/1999 15:00 2of2 3.3 0.0 0.020 0.001 0.012 0.002 0.0050 0.0036 9 1

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

4/23/1999 13:40 1of2 0.25 0.09 <0.0005 0.0004 0.0014 0.0019 0.0042 0.0039 3.0 0.1

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

4/23/1999 13:40 2of2 0.30 0.04 <0.0005 0.0001 <0.0006 0.0002 0.0036 0.0017 4.6 1.8

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

12/15/1999 10:45 1of2 0.22 0.03 0.0010 0.0003 0.0004 0.0005 <0.0004 0.0003 <3 1

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

12/15/1999 10:45 2of2 0.26 0.02 0.0011 0.0003 0.0006 0.0000 <0.0004 0.0001 <3 1

Table 4B. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in filtered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, creek; Cyn, Canyon; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a 

five-digit code used in the U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent 

to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; <, less than; , not determined]

152 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Copper (Cu), 

filtered

(μg/L)

(01040)

Dysprosium (Dy), 

filtered 

(μg/L)

(82331)

Erbium (Er),

filtered

(μg/L)

(50573

Europium (Eu),

filtered

(μg/L)

(50574)

Iron (Fe),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01046)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY124 Starr Mine tunnel outlet 

nr Grass Valley 

8/23/2000 17:30 1of2 <0.4 0.1 <0.005 0.001 <0.005 0.001 <0.003 0.002 <20 10 

BY124 Starr Mine tunnel outlet 

nr Grass Valley 

8/23/2000 17:30 2of2 0.4 0.1 <0.005 0.004 <0.005 0.004 <0.003 0.001 <20 20 

BY129 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel inlet 

nr Nevada City 

6/28/2000 12:00 1of2 0.8 0.2 0.010 0.004 0.004 0.003 <0.002 0.001 <7 0 

BY129 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel inlet 

nr Nevada City 

6/28/2000 12:00 2of2 0.8 0.2 0.008 0.001 0.006 0.002 <0.002 0.001 <7 2

BY130 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel outlet 

nr Nevada City

6/28/2000 11:30 1of2 <0.2 0.1 <0.003 0.002 <0.003 0.000 <0.002 0.002 66 17

BY130 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel outlet 

nr Nevada City

6/28/2000 11:30 2of2 0.3 0.1 <0.003 0.002 0.004 0.004 <0.002 0.001 75 9

BY131 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drainage pond nr 

Nevada City 

8/23/2000 10:45 1of2 2.0 0.0 0.007 0.000 0.005 0.002 <0.003 0.001 <20 10 

BY131 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drainage pond nr 

Nevada City 

8/23/2000 10:45 2of2 1.9 0.0 0.009 0.001 0.006 0.004 0.004 0.001 <20 10 

Disturbed samples

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

12/15/1999 11:30 1of2 0.20 0.03 0.0006 0.0004 0.0005 0.0001 <0.0004 0.0003 7 2

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

12/15/1999 11:30 2of2 0.18 0.02 <0.0005 0.0006 0.0009 0.0001 0.0005 0.0001 7 1

BY129 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel inlet 

nr Nevada City 

6/28/2000 12:30 1of2 0.6 0.2 0.006 0.001 0.004 0.004 <0.002 0.001 <7 2

BY129 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel inlet 

nr Nevada City 

6/28/2000 12:30 2of2 0.5 0.1 0.010 0.000 0.004 0.003 0.002 0.000 12 4

Table 4B. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in filtered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, creek; Cyn, Canyon; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a 

five-digit code used in the U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent 

to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; <, less than; , not determined]

Table 4B 153
Table 4B. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in filtered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, creek; Cyn, Canyon; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a 

five-digit code used in the U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent 

to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; <, less than; , not determined]

Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Gadolinium (Gd), 

filtered

(μg/L)

(50575)

Holmium (Ho),

filtered 

(μg/L)

(50577)

Potassium (K),

filtered

(mg/L)

(00935)

Lanthanum (La),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01180)

Lithium (Li),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01130)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

Environmental samples

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

6/18/1999 14:30 1of2 0.0033 0.0006 0.0007 0.0002 1.7 0.0 0.0087 0.0007 2.4 0.1

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

6/18/1999 14:30 2of2 0.0026 0.0006 0.0006 0.0000 1.8 0.1 0.0078 0.0015 2.4 0.1

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

12/14/1999 12:00 1of2 0.0006 0.0005 0.0003 0.0001 1.8 0.0 0.0025 0.0004 3.1 0.1

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

12/14/1999 12:00 2of2 0.0011 0.0002 0.0002 0.0001 2.2 0.0 0.0028 0.0005 2.9 0.1

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

5/24/2000 16:00 1of2 0.006 0.002 0.0012 0.0001 1.7 0.2 0.014 0.001 2.2 0.1

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

5/24/2000 16:00 2of2 0.004 0.002 0.0010 0.0006 1.6 0.0 0.013 0.000 2.2 0.1

BY21 Boston Mine wetlands 

pond nr Grass Valley 

12/14/1999 10:30 1of2 0.0014 0.0002 0.0004 0.0000 3.4 0.2 0.0034 0.0001 0.90 0.05

BY21 Boston Mine wetlands 

pond nr Grass Valley 

12/14/1999 10:30 2of2 0.0017 0.0003 0.0003 0.0000 3.0 0.2 0.0035 0.0004 0.92 0.08

BY21 Boston Mine wetlands 

pond nr Grass Valley 

5/24/2000 16:30 1of2 0.004 0.001 0.0009 0.0005 1.6 0.4 0.011 0.001 2.9 0.2

BY21 Boston Mine wetlands 

pond nr Grass Valley 

5/24/2000 16:30 2of2 0.004 0.002 0.0010 0.0003 1.6 0.1 0.011 0.000 2.8 0.1

BY58 Buckeye Flat Mine 

main drain 0.45 mi 

ab Greenhorn Cr 

8/21/2000 11:00 1of2 2.9 0.0 0.54 0.00 1.7 0.1 11 0 14 0

BY58 Buckeye Flat Mine 

main drain 0.45 mi 

ab Greenhorn Cr

8/21/2000 11:00 2of2 3.0 0.1 0.54 0.01 1.8 0.1 11 0 16 1

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

6/18/1999 11:30 1of2 5.6 0.3 1.1 0.0 1.3 0.0 21 0 24 0

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

6/18/1999 11:30 2of2 5.7 0.3 1.1 0.0 1.3 0.0 21 0 25 0

154 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Gadolinium (Gd), 

filtered

(μg/L)

(50575)

Holmium (Ho),

filtered 

(μg/L)

(50577)

Potassium (K),

filtered

(mg/L)

(00935)

Lanthanum (La),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01180)

Lithium (Li),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01130)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

12/2/1999 11:00 1of2 3.9 0.0 0.74 0.01 1.4 0.0 16 0 16 1

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

12/2/1999 11:00 2of2 3.9 0.2 0.73 0.02 1.4 0.1 15 1 17 1

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

8/22/2000 10:45 1of2 5.5 0.1 0.98 0.00 0.6 0.1 22 0 17 1

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

8/22/2000 10:45 2of2 5.1 0.2 0.98 0.00 0.6 0.0 22 0 19 0

BY116 Buckeye Flat Mine 

pond drain 0.15 mi 

ab SF Greenhorn Cr

8/21/2000 14:10 1of2 0.013 0.004 0.002 0.001 0.6 0.1 0.024 0.003 2.1 0.3

BY116 Buckeye Flat Mine 

pond drain 0.15 mi 

ab SF Greenhorn Cr

8/21/2000 14:10 2of2 0.012 0.003 0.002 0.001 0.7 0.1 0.026 0.000 2.0 0.2

BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine 

S drain to SF 

Greenhorn Cr, Grass 

Valley

8/26/1999 11:00 1of2 0.10 0.00 0.022 0.000 0.25 0.01 0.39 0.00 1.5 0.0

BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine 

S drain to SF 

Greenhorn Cr, Grass 

Valley

8/26/1999 11:00 2of2 0.096 0.000 0.019 0.000 0.26 0.01 0.35 0.01 1.6 0.3

BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine 

S drain to SF 

Greenhorn Cr, Grass 

Valley

8/22/2000 12:10 1of2 0.077 0.001 0.018 0.000 0.2 0.1 0.31 0.00 2.0 0.2

BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine 

S drain to SF 

Greenhorn Cr, Grass 

Valley

8/22/2000 12:10 2of2 0.082 0.007 0.018 0.002 0.2 0.0 0.32 0.00 1.7 0.2

BY25 Buckeye Flat Mine 

upper drain

4/9/2001 10:00 1of2 0.91 0.15 0.17 0.03 0.64 0.09 4.6 0.8 4.2 0.2

BY25 Buckeye Flat Mine 

upper drain

4/9/2001 10:00 2of2 0.97 0.00 0.17 0.01 0.64 0.07 4.6 0.0 4.7 0.5

Table 4B. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in filtered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, creek; Cyn, Canyon; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a 

five-digit code used in the U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent 

to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; <, less than; , not determined]

Table 4B 155
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Gadolinium (Gd), 

filtered

(μg/L)

(50575)

Holmium (Ho),

filtered 

(μg/L)

(50577)

Potassium (K),

filtered

(mg/L)

(00935)

Lanthanum (La),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01180)

Lithium (Li),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01130)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY52 Greenhorn Cr 0.3 mi 

ab Buckeye Ford nr 

Nevada City

1/25/2000 10:45 1of2 0.085 0.013 0.016 0.000 0.56 0.03 0.30 0.02 1.0 0.1

BY52 Greenhorn Cr 0.3 mi 

ab Buckeye Ford nr 

Nevada City

1/25/2000 10:45 2of2 0.085 0.002 0.016 0.000 0.53 0.04 0.31 0.00 1.0 0.2

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

7/24/2001 11:00 1of2 0.0026 0.0002 0.0006 0.0000 0.68 0.01 0.0094 0.0008 0.52 0.04

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

7/24/2001 11:00 2of2 0.0032 0.0000 0.0006 0.0003 0.68 0.01 0.0087 0.0003 0.56 0.01

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

8/29/2001 15:00 1of2 0.0018 0.0000 0.0005 0.0000 0.72 0.01 0.0084 0.0001 0.42 0.03

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

8/29/2001 15:00 2of2 0.0028 0.0007 0.0005 0.0001 0.74 0.01 0.0082 0.0006 0.45 0.01

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

9/14/2001 13:00 1of2 0.0024 0.0006 0.0005 0.0001 0.69 0.01 0.0071 0.0004 0.44 0.01

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

9/14/2001 13:00 2of2 0.0022 0.0001 0.0003 0.0000 0.69 0.01 0.0070 0.0005 0.45 0.01

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

10/15/2001 12:00 1of2 0.0015 0.0004 0.0002 0.0001 0.63 0.02 0.0049 0.0003 0.37 0.00

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

10/15/2001 12:00 2of2 0.0016 0.0002 0.0004 0.0000 0.63 0.02 0.0051 0.0005 0.37 0.01

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

11/20/2001 13:20 1of2 0.013 0.001 0.0025 0.0001 0.77 0.00 0.037 0.001 0.52 0.00

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

11/20/2001 13:20 2of2 0.014 0.000 0.0028 0.0004 0.75 0.01 0.041 0.000 0.52 0.00

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

12/10/2001 12:20 1of2 0.037 0.001 0.0067 0.0008 0.60 0.00 0.10 0.00 0.86 0.02

Table 4B. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in filtered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, creek; Cyn, Canyon; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a 

five-digit code used in the U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent 

to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; <, less than; , not determined]

156 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Gadolinium (Gd), 

filtered

(μg/L)

(50575)

Holmium (Ho),

filtered 

(μg/L)

(50577)

Potassium (K),

filtered

(mg/L)

(00935)

Lanthanum (La),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01180)

Lithium (Li),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01130)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

12/10/2001 12:20 2of2 0.037 0.003 0.0068 0.0000 0.60 0.00 0.11 0.00 0.88 0.02

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

12/21/2001 13:00 1of2 0.085 0.005 0.015 0.000 0.55 0.00 0.19 0.00 0.73 0.03

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

12/21/2001 13:00 2of2 0.084 0.001 0.015 0.001 0.55 0.01 0.18 0.00 0.74 0.04

BY51 Greenhorn Cr nr 

Headwaters nr Scotts 

Flat Reservoir

1/25/2000 9:30 1of2 0.058 0.005 0.011 0.001 0.44 0.03 0.15 0.00 0.3 0.1

BY51 Greenhorn Cr nr 

Headwaters nr Scotts 

Flat Reservoir

1/25/2000 9:30 2of2 0.061 0.004 0.010 0.000 0.45 0.02 0.17 0.00 0.2 0.1

BY75 Missouri Cyn Cr 1.2 mi 

ab Greenhorn Cr nr 

Chicago Park

12/14/1999 14:00 1of2 0.065 0.002 0.013 0.000 1.5 0.2 0.29 0.00 7.6 0.1

BY75 Missouri Cyn Cr 1.2 mi 

ab Greenhorn Cr nr 

Chicago Park

12/14/1999 14:00 2of2 0.066 0.004 0.013 0.001 1.7 0.2 0.29 0.01 7.9 0.3

BY86 Poore Mine creek ab 

tunnel nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 17:40 1of2 0.016 0.000 0.0028 0.0004 0.59 0.04 0.061 0.004 0.41 0.04

BY86 Poore Mine creek ab 

tunnel nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 17:40 2of2 0.015 0.001 0.0028 0.0004 0.57 0.01 0.059 0.003 0.41 0.02

BY87 Poore Mine creek bl 

tunnel nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 13:30 1of2 0.017 0.001 0.0029 0.0001 0.59 0.02 0.059 0.006 0.65 0.04

BY87 Poore Mine creek bl 

tunnel nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 13:30 2of2 0.016 0.001 0.0025 0.0003 0.57 0.01 0.049 0.003 0.63 0.02

BY88 Poore Mine ground 

sluice nr Grass 

Valley 

4/1/1999 15:40 1of2 0.029 0.001 0.0060 0.0001 1.7 0.0 0.077 0.005 10 0

BY88 Poore Mine ground 

sluice nr Grass 

Valley 

4/1/1999 15:40 2of2 0.029 0.001 0.0065 0.0006 1.7 0.0 0.077 0.001 11 0

Table 4B. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in filtered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, creek; Cyn, Canyon; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a 

five-digit code used in the U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent 

to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; <, less than; , not determined]

Table 4B 157
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Gadolinium (Gd), 

filtered

(μg/L)

(50575)

Holmium (Ho),

filtered 

(μg/L)

(50577)

Potassium (K),

filtered

(mg/L)

(00935)

Lanthanum (La),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01180)

Lithium (Li),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01130)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY89 Poore Mine pit lake 

nr Grass Valley 

4/1/1999 16:50 1of2 0.0081 0.0004 0.0013 0.0002 1.2 0.0 0.022 0.001 2.3 0.1

BY89 Poore Mine pit lake 

nr Grass Valley 

4/1/1999 16:50 2of2 0.0069 0.0004 0.0013 0.0002 1.3 0.0 0.020 0.002 2.3 0.2

BY89 Poore Mine pit lake 

nr Grass Valley 

5/23/2000 10:45 1of2 0.039 0.002 0.0078 0.0004 2.4 0.1 0.19 0.00 11 0

BY89 Poore Mine pit lake 

nr Grass Valley 

5/23/2000 10:45 2of2 0.045 0.001 0.0079 0.0001 2.5 0.1 0.20 0.01 11 0

BY90 Poore Mine seep 

ab ground sluice 

nr Grass Valley 

4/1/1999 16:00 1of2 0.010 0.003 0.0023 0.0002 1.7 0.0 0.022 0.004 10 0

BY90 Poore Mine seep 

ab ground sluice 

nr Grass Valley 

4/1/1999 16:00 2of2 0.0081 0.0013 0.0023 0.0002 1.7 0.0 0.027 0.004 10 0

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 15:20 1of2 0.002 0.001 0.0007 0.0002 1.7 0.0 0.016 0.002 8.7 0.5

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 15:20 2of2 0.0030 0.0002 0.0007 0.0001 1.5 0.1 0.017 0.001 8.7 0.1

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

12/15/1999 13:00 1of2 0.0006 0.0001 0.0003 0.0000 1.9 0.1 0.0048 0.0002 9.8 1.9

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

12/15/1999 13:00 2of2 0.0013 0.0003 0.0002 0.0001 2.0 0.4 0.0051 0.0002 11 0

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

5/23/2000 12:00 1of2 <0.003 0.002 <0.0005 0.0002 1.8 0.1 0.0075 0.0003 11 0

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

5/23/2000 12:00 2of2 <0.003 0.002 <0.001 0.000 1.8 0.0 0.007 0.001 11 0

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main 

drain Gulch 01nr 

Quaker Hill 

7/6/1999 16:00 1of2 0.19 0.00 0.039 0.000 1.5 0.0 0.46 0.00 7.9 0.3

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main 

drain Gulch 01nr 

Quaker Hill 

7/6/1999 16:00 2of2 0.22 0.01 0.038 0.004 1.4 0.0 0.44 0.04 7.4 0.3

Table 4B. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in filtered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, creek; Cyn, Canyon; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a 

five-digit code used in the U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent 

to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; <, less than; , not determined]

158 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Gadolinium (Gd), 

filtered

(μg/L)

(50575)

Holmium (Ho),

filtered 

(μg/L)

(50577)

Potassium (K),

filtered

(mg/L)

(00935)

Lanthanum (La),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01180)

Lithium (Li),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01130)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main 

drain Gulch 01nr 

Quaker Hill 

12/2/1999 14:30 1of2 0.34 0.00 0.057 0.002 1.1 0.1 0.68 0.02 2.2 0.1

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main 

drain Gulch 01nr 

Quaker Hill 

12/2/1999 14:30 2of2 0.34 0.00 0.058 0.000 1.0 0.1 0.70 0.01 2.2 0.1

BY106 Sailor Flat Mine 

main drainage to 

Greenhorn Cr, 

Gulch 03

4/9/2001 12:30 1of 2 0.21 0.02 0.045 0.012 0.64 0.15 0.73 0.17 0.9 0.3

BY106 Sailor Flat Mine 

main drainage to 

Greenhorn Cr, 

Gulch 03

4/9/2001 12:30 2of 2 0.21 0.02 0.048 0.012 0.67 0.15 0.74 0.16 1.0 0.3

BY114 SF Greenhorn Cr 

0.7 mi ab Greenhorn 

Cr nr Nevada City 

8/22/2000 15:10 1of2 <0.004 0.004 <0.0009 0.0006 0.4 0.0 0.011 0.001 <0.4 0.2

BY114 SF Greenhorn Cr 

0.7 mi ab Greenhorn 

Cr nr Nevada City 

8/22/2000 15:10 2of2 <0.004 0.001 <0.0009 0.0003 0.3 0.0 0.010 0.001 <0.4 0.2

BY122 Starr Mine tunnel 

inflow nr Grass 

Valley

4/23/1999 15:00 1of2 0.026 0.002 0.0041 0.0002 1.1 0.0 0.072 0.003 5.1 0.1

BY122 Starr Mine tunnel 

inflow nr Grass 

Valley

4/23/1999 15:00 2of2 0.026 0.000 0.0035 0.0014 1.2 0.0 0.071 0.008 5.2 0.2

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

4/23/1999 13:40 1of2 0.0004 0.0002 <0.0001 0.0000 2.2 0.2 0.0020 0.0002 10 0

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

4/23/1999 13:40 2of2 0.0005 0.0002 <0.0001 0.0000 2.1 0.1 0.0015 0.0002 10 0

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

12/15/1999 10:45 1of2 0.0004 0.0003 0.0002 0.0001 2.2 0.0 0.0025 0.0002 9.3 0.8

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

12/15/1999 10:45 2of2 0.0010 0.0001 0.0002 0.0000 2.4 0.0 0.0030 0.0001 9.1 0.4

BY124 Starr Mine tunnel outlet 

nr Grass Valley 

8/23/2000 17:30 1of2 <0.004 0.003 <0.0009 0.0006 1.9 0.1 0.007 0.002 8.4 0.6

Table 4B. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in filtered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, creek; Cyn, Canyon; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a 

five-digit code used in the U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent 

to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; <, less than; , not determined]

Table 4B 159
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Gadolinium (Gd), 

filtered

(μg/L)

(50575)

Holmium (Ho),

filtered 

(μg/L)

(50577)

Potassium (K),

filtered

(mg/L)

(00935)

Lanthanum (La),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01180)

Lithium (Li),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01130)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY124 Starr Mine tunnel outlet 

nr Grass Valley 

8/23/2000 17:30 2of2 <0.004 0.002 <0.0009 0.0006 2.0 0.2 0.002 0.000 7.9 0.7

BY129 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel inlet 

nr Nevada City 

6/28/2000 12:00 1of2 0.010 0.002 0.002 0.000 0.4 0.1 0.020 0.002 4.7 0.2

BY129 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel inlet 

nr Nevada City 

6/28/2000 12:00 2of2 0.007 0.001 0.002 0.000 0.4 0.1 0.019 0.000 4.4 0.2

BY130 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel outlet 

nr Nevada City

6/28/2000 11:30 1of2 <0.003 0.005 <0.0008 0.0004 0.7 0.2 0.006 0.002 11 0

BY130 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel outlet 

nr Nevada City

6/28/2000 11:30 2of2 <0.003 0.002 <0.0008 0.0002 0.8 0.1 0.006 0.002 11 1

BY131 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drainage pond nr 

Nevada City 

8/23/2000 10:45 1of2 0.008 0.002 0.002 0.001 0.7 0.0 0.025 0.003 1.0 0.2

BY131 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drainage pond nr 

Nevada City 

8/23/2000 10:45 2of2 0.012 0.002 0.002 0.001 0.7 0.1 0.028 0.001 0.9 0.3

Disturbed samples

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

12/15/1999 11:30 1of2 0.0004 0.0003 0.0002 0.0001 2.4 0.1 0.0014 0.0001 8.7 0.2

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

12/15/1999 11:30 2of2 0.0005 0.0004 0.0002 0.0000 2.8 0.1 0.0015 0.0002 8.4 0.3

BY129 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel inlet 

nr Nevada City 

6/28/2000 12:30 1of2 0.008 0.002 0.002 0.000 0.8 0.1 0.026 0.000 11 0

BY129 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel inlet 

nr Nevada City 

6/28/2000 12:30 2of2 0.011 0.002 0.002 0.000 0.8 0.0 0.028 0.000 11 0

Table 4B. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in filtered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, creek; Cyn, Canyon; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a 

five-digit code used in the U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent 

to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; <, less than; , not determined]

160 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Lutetium (Lu), 

filtered

(μg/L)

(62844)

Magnesium (Mg),

filtered 

(mg/L)

(00925)

Manganese (Mn),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01056)

Molybdenum (Mo),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01060)

Sodium (Na),

filtered

(mg/L)

(00930)

Neodymium (Nd),

filtered

(μg/L)

(50579)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

Environmental samples

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

6/18/1999 14:30 1of2 0.0004 0.0001 4.8 0.2 100 0 0.23 0.01 1.2 0.1 0.013 0.002

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

6/18/1999 14:30 2of2 0.0005 0.0002 4.8 0.2 120 20 0.19 0.02 1.2 0.1 0.013 0.002

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

12/14/1999 12:00 1of2 <0.0001 0.0002 6.3 0.8 51 3 0.13 0.03 1.6 0.2 0.0035 0.0003

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

12/14/1999 12:00 2of2 0.0001 0.0000 7.1 0.0 52 2 0.16 0.00 1.5 0.1 0.0033 0.0005

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

5/24/2000 16:00 1of2 0.0010 0.0005 4.0 0.7 120 0 0.22 0.03 1.5 0.0 0.020 0.005

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

5/24/2000 16:00 2of2 0.0003 0.0004 4.1 0.4 120 0 0.08 0.00 1.5 0.1 0.021 0.003

BY21 Boston Mine wetlands 

pond nr Grass Valley 

12/14/1999 10:30 1of2 <0.0001 0.0000 6.6 1.3 12 0 <0.05 0.00 1.6 0.3 0.0048 0.0003

BY21 Boston Mine wetlands 

pond nr Grass Valley 

12/14/1999 10:30 2of2 0.0001 0.0000 6.2 0.3 12 0 0.09 0.05 1.5 0.2 0.0049 0.0006

BY21 Boston Mine wetlands 

pond nr Grass Valley 

5/24/2000 16:30 1of2 0.0004 0.0002 2.8 0.8 45 2 0.15 0.08 1.5 0.1 0.016 0.002

BY21 Boston Mine wetlands 

pond nr Grass Valley 

5/24/2000 16:30 2of2 0.0002 0.0004 2.9 0.4 44 0 0.10 0.06 1.5 0.0 0.018 0.000 

BY58 Buckeye Flat Mine 

main drain 0.45 mi 

ab Greenhorn Cr 

8/21/2000 11:00 1of2 0.14 0.01 11 0 1,500 0 0.05 0.02 1.8 0.0 12 0 

BY58 Buckeye Flat Mine 

main drain 0.45 mi 

ab Greenhorn Cr

8/21/2000 11:00 2of2 0.14 0.01 12 1 1,400 100 <0.04 0.03 1.8 0.0 12 0 

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

6/18/1999 11:30 1of2 0.25 0.00 17 0 3,400 0 0.079 0.014 2.3 0.1 24 0 

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

6/18/1999 11:30 2of2 0.26 0.00 18 0 3,100 100 0.085 0.014 2.3 0.1 25 0 

Table 4B. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in filtered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, creek; Cyn, Canyon; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a five-digit code 

used in the U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; <, less than; , not determined]

Table 4B 161
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Lutetium (Lu), 

filtered

(μg/L)

(62844)

Magnesium (Mg),

filtered 

(mg/L)

(00925)

Manganese (Mn),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01056)

Molybdenum (Mo),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01060)

Sodium (Na),

filtered

(mg/L)

(00930)

Neodymium (Nd),

filtered

(μg/L)

(50579)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

12/2/1999 11:00 1of2 0.19 0.00 12 1 1,700 0 0.10 0.08 2.1 0.2 18 1

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

12/2/1999 11:00 2of2 0.19 0.01 12 0 1,700 0 <0.05 0.01 2.1 0.3 17 1

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

8/22/2000 10:45 1of2 0.26 0.00 16 0 2,200 100 0.05 0.01 3.8 0.0 24 0 

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

8/22/2000 10:45 2of2 0.24 0.01 15 1 2,300 200 0.09 0.06 3.8 0.0 24 0 

BY116 Buckeye Flat Mine 

pond drain 0.15 mi 

ab SF Greenhorn Cr

8/21/2000 14:10 1of2 <0.001 0.000 0.7 0.2 54 2 <0.04 0.01 0.60 0.03 0.047 0.004

BY116 Buckeye Flat Mine 

pond drain 0.15 mi 

ab SF Greenhorn Cr

8/21/2000 14:10 2of2 <0.001 0.001 0.8 0.1 53 0 0.07 0.06 0.61 0.03 0.050 0.007

BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine 

S drain to SF 

Greenhorn Cr, Grass 

Valley

8/26/1999 11:00 1of2 0.0073 0.0001 0.54 0.08 140 10 0.06 0.04 0.60 0.06 0.46 0.01

BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine 

S drain to SF 

Greenhorn Cr, Grass 

Valley

8/26/1999 11:00 2of2 0.0070 0.0000 0.54 0.11 140 10 <0.04 0.01 0.56 0.08 0.42 0.02

BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine 

S drain to SF 

Greenhorn Cr, Grass 

Valley

8/22/2000 12:10 1of2 0.005 0.000 0.6 0.1 100 0 <0.04 0.02 0.68 0.03 0.32 0.01

BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine 

S drain to SF 

Greenhorn Cr, Grass 

Valley

8/22/2000 12:10 2of2 0.005 0.000 0.6 0.2 100 0 <0.04 0.02 0.68 0.02 0.32 0.01

BY25 Buckeye Flat Mine 

upper drain

4/9/2001 10:00 1of2 0.044 0.007 5.2 0.3 370 20 <0.2 0.1 1.6 0.3 4.1 0.8

BY25 Buckeye Flat Mine 

upper drain

4/9/2001 10:00 2of2 0.043 0.001 5.4 0.4 390 10 <0.2 0.1 1.6 0.1 4.2 0.1

Table 4B. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in filtered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, creek; Cyn, Canyon; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a 

five-digit code used in the U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent 

to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; <, less than; , not determined]

162 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Lutetium (Lu), 

filtered

(μg/L)

(62844)

Magnesium (Mg),

filtered 

(mg/L)

(00925)

Manganese (Mn),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01056)

Molybdenum (Mo),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01060)

Sodium (Na),

filtered

(mg/L)

(00930)

Neodymium (Nd),

filtered

(μg/L)

(50579)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY52 Greenhorn Cr 0.3 mi 

ab Buckeye Ford nr 

Nevada City

1/25/2000 10:45 1of2 0.0063 0.0009 1.2 0.1 27 0 0.07 0.01 1.7 0.1 0.45 0.01

BY52 Greenhorn Cr 0.3 mi 

ab Buckeye Ford nr 

Nevada City

1/25/2000 10:45 2of2 0.0062 0.0012 1.1 0.1 28 1 0.09 0.04 1.7 0.1 0.42 0.01

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

7/24/2001 11:00 1of2 0.0002 0.0001 2.5 0.0 110 0 0.25 0.03 2.3 0.1 0.012 0.000 

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

7/24/2001 11:00 2of2 0.0003 0.0001 2.5 0.0 120 0 0.18 0.02 2.3 0.1 0.0099 0.0016

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

8/29/2001 15:00 1of2 0.0002 0.0001 2.2 0.1 28 0 0.12 0.01 2.5 0.0 0.0095 0.0000 

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

8/29/2001 15:00 2of2 0.0002 0.0001 2.3 0.0 29 0 0.14 0.02 2.6 0.1 0.011 0.001

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

9/14/2001 13:00 1of2 <0.0001 0.0001 2.2 0.0 53 0 0.15 0.04 2.1 0.1 0.0079 0.0006

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

9/14/2001 13:00 2of2 0.0002 0.0001 2.2 0.0 54 0 0.18 0.05 2.1 0.0 0.0091 0.0006

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

10/15/2001 12:00 1of2 <0.0001 0.0000 2.2 0.0 55 0 0.13 0.06 2.3 0.1 0.0062 0.0008

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

10/15/2001 12:00 2of2 0.0001 0.0001 2.3 0.1 53 0 0.09 0.02 2.4 0.0 0.0077 0.0008

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

11/20/2001 13:20 1of2 0.0009 0.0001 2.6 0.1 200 0 0.14 0.05 2.2 0.1 0.057 0.001

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

11/20/2001 13:20 2of2 0.0010 0.0001 2.6 0.0 190 0 0.11 0.02 2.2 0.0 0.059 0.000 

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

12/10/2001 12:20 1of2 0.0026 0.0002 2.4 0.0 98 3 0.18 0.04 2.3 0.0 0.18 0.00 

Table 4B. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in filtered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, creek; Cyn, Canyon; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a 

five-digit code used in the U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent 

to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; <, less than; , not determined]

Table 4B 163
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Lutetium (Lu), 

filtered

(μg/L)

(62844)

Magnesium (Mg),

filtered 

(mg/L)

(00925)

Manganese (Mn),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01056)

Molybdenum (Mo),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01060)

Sodium (Na),

filtered

(mg/L)

(00930)

Neodymium (Nd),

filtered

(μg/L)

(50579)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

12/10/2001 12:20 2of2 0.0024 0.0002 2.4 0.0 100 0 0.16 0.02 2.4 0.1 0.19 0.00 

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

12/21/2001 13:00 1of2 0.0059 0.0002 1.9 0.0 76 0 0.16 0.05 1.7 0.1 0.39 0.00 

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

12/21/2001 13:00 2of2 0.0061 0.0009 1.9 0.0 73 0 0.20 0.11 1.7 0.1 0.37 0.00 

BY51 Greenhorn Cr nr 

Headwaters nr Scotts 

Flat Reservoir

1/25/2000 9:30 1of2 0.0045 0.0001 0.61 0.03 1.9 0.1 0.05 0.02 1.4 0.1 0.26 0.00 

BY51 Greenhorn Cr nr 

Headwaters nr Scotts 

Flat Reservoir

1/25/2000 9:30 2of2 0.0035 0.0009 0.63 0.02 1.9 0.5 0.05 0.03 1.2 0.1 0.26 0.00 

BY75 Missouri Cyn Cr 1.2 mi 

ab Greenhorn Cr nr 

Chicago Park

12/14/1999 14:00 1of2 0.0048 0.0002 3.9 0.4 98 3 0.14 0.05 2.7 0.4 0.30 0.00 

BY75 Missouri Cyn Cr 1.2 mi 

ab Greenhorn Cr nr 

Chicago Park

12/14/1999 14:00 2of2 0.0049 0.0001 5.0 0.9 99 3 0.13 0.04 2.9 0.3 0.30 0.03

BY86 Poore Mine creek ab 

tunnel nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 17:40 1of2 0.0013 0.0002 1.9 0.4 2.4 0.2 0.05 0.01 2.3 0.2 0.078 0.005

BY86 Poore Mine creek ab 

tunnel nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 17:40 2of2 0.0013 0.0002 1.8 0.2 2.3 0.2 0.04 0.00 2.1 0.0 0.076 0.002

BY87 Poore Mine creek bl 

tunnel nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 13:30 1of2 0.0016 0.0004 1.8 0.1 1.4 0.0 0.09 0.04 2.0 0.1 0.082 0.006

BY87 Poore Mine creek bl 

tunnel nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 13:30 2of2 0.0014 0.0005 1.6 0.0 1.4 0.1 0.07 0.02 2.0 0.1 0.078 0.010 

BY88 Poore Mine ground 

sluice nr Grass 

Valley 

4/1/1999 15:40 1of2 0.0032 0.0004 3.7 0.1 430 30 0.03 0.02 1.8 0.0 0.10 0.01

BY88 Poore Mine ground 

sluice nr Grass 

Valley 

4/1/1999 15:40 2of2 0.0032 0.0005 3.7 0.0 440 50 0.069 0.042 1.9 0.0 0.11 0.01

Table 4B. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in filtered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, creek; Cyn, Canyon; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a 

five-digit code used in the U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent 

to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; <, less than; , not determined]

164 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Lutetium (Lu), 

filtered

(μg/L)

(62844)

Magnesium (Mg),

filtered 

(mg/L)

(00925)

Manganese (Mn),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01056)

Molybdenum (Mo),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01060)

Sodium (Na),

filtered

(mg/L)

(00930)

Neodymium (Nd),

filtered

(μg/L)

(50579)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY89 Poore Mine pit lake 

nr Grass Valley 

4/1/1999 16:50 1of2 0.0009 0.0002 1.1 0.0 130 0 0.032 0.025 0.90 0.08 0.037 0.003

BY89 Poore Mine pit lake 

nr Grass Valley 

4/1/1999 16:50 2of2 0.0007 0.0000 1.1 0.0 99 9 0.13 0.02 0.88 0.11 0.031 0.004

BY89 Poore Mine pit lake 

nr Grass Valley 

5/23/2000 10:45 1of2 0.0030 0.0004 6.5 0.4 1,300 100 0.04 0.01 1.5 0.1 0.15 0.00 

BY89 Poore Mine pit lake 

nr Grass Valley 

5/23/2000 10:45 2of2 0.0026 0.0007 6.8 0.3 1,300 0 0.02 0.01 1.4 0.1 0.15 0.00 

BY90 Poore Mine seep 

ab ground sluice 

nr Grass Valley 

4/1/1999 16:00 1of2 0.0014 0.0003 3.5 0.1 390 10 0.052 0.032 1.8 0.4 0.031 0.001

BY90 Poore Mine seep 

ab ground sluice 

nr Grass Valley 

4/1/1999 16:00 2of2 0.0012 0.0002 3.5 0.0 430 10 0.033 0.018 1.8 0.1 0.031 0.004

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 15:20 1of2 <0.0002 0.0001 4.1 0.1 6.9 0.2 0.14 0.08 1.9 0.0 0.013 0.004

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 15:20 2of2 0.0003 0.0002 3.8 0.1 7.3 0.6 0.086 0.020 1.8 0.0 0.012 0.000 

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

12/15/1999 13:00 1of2 <0.0001 0.0000 5.7 0.4 0.91 0.08 0.42 0.03 2.9 0.0 0.0031 0.0008

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

12/15/1999 13:00 2of2 <0.0001 0.0001 6.3 0.6 0.72 0.01 0.49 0.08 3.1 1.0 0.0046 0.0003

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

5/23/2000 12:00 1of2 <0.0002 0.0003 5.5 0.3 4.0 0.0 0.13 0.04 3.5 0.2 <0.004 0.003

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

5/23/2000 12:00 2of2 <0.0007 0.0003 5.2 0.1 4.4 0.1 0.12 0.02 3.6 0.1 <0.007 0.002

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main 

drain Gulch 01nr 

Quaker Hill 

7/6/1999 16:00 1of2 0.020 0.001 2.1 0.1 36 0 0.14 0.01 1.7 0.1 0.90 0.01

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main 

drain Gulch 01nr 

Quaker Hill 

7/6/1999 16:00 2of2 0.020 0.001 1.9 0.0 37 3 0.14 0.01 1.6 0.0 0.90 0.07

Table 4B. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in filtered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, creek; Cyn, Canyon; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a 

five-digit code used in the U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent 

to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; <, less than; , not determined]

Table 4B 165
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Lutetium (Lu), 

filtered

(μg/L)

(62844)

Magnesium (Mg),

filtered 

(mg/L)

(00925)

Manganese (Mn),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01056)

Molybdenum (Mo),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01060)

Sodium (Na),

filtered

(mg/L)

(00930)

Neodymium (Nd),

filtered

(μg/L)

(50579)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main 

drain Gulch 01nr 

Quaker Hill 

12/2/1999 14:30 1of2 0.030 0.002 0.71 0.03 25 0 0.09 0.00 1.2 0.1 1.7 0.1

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main 

drain Gulch 01nr 

Quaker Hill 

12/2/1999 14:30 2of2 0.031 0.002 0.67 0.10 24 0 0.08 0.03 1.0 0.0 1.8 0.0 

BY106 Sailor Flat Mine 

main drainage to 

Greenhorn Cr, 

Gulch 03

4/9/2001 12:30 1of 2 0.023 0.006 0.37 0.03 22 5 <0.2 0.2 0.92 0.21 1.2 0.3

BY106 Sailor Flat Mine 

main drainage to 

Greenhorn Cr, 

Gulch 03

4/9/2001 12:30 2of 2 0.025 0.005 0.36 0.03 22 4 <0.2 0.1 0.93 0.20 1.2 0.2

BY114 SF Greenhorn Cr 

0.7 mi ab Greenhorn 

Cr nr Nevada City 

8/22/2000 15:10 1of2 <0.001 0.000 1.9 0.1 0.5 0.0 0.19 0.09 2.2 0.0 0.017 0.008

BY114 SF Greenhorn Cr 

0.7 mi ab Greenhorn 

Cr nr Nevada City 

8/22/2000 15:10 2of2 <0.001 0.001 1.8 0.1 0.5 0.0 0.14 0.06 2.1 0.0 <0.01 0.01

BY122 Starr Mine tunnel 

inflow nr Grass 

Valley

4/23/1999 15:00 1of2 0.0015 0.0003 4.6 0.0 39 5 0.049 0.006 1.5 0.0 0.10 0.00 

BY122 Starr Mine tunnel 

inflow nr Grass 

Valley

4/23/1999 15:00 2of2 0.0013 0.0001 4.7 0.2 38 4 0.053 0.035 1.7 0.3 0.097 0.009

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

4/23/1999 13:40 1of2 <0.0001 0.0001 9.1 0.2 11 1 0.22 0.02 2.3 0.0 0.0016 0.0000 

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

4/23/1999 13:40 2of2 <0.0001 0.0001 8.8 0.0 12 1 0.21 0.01 2.2 0.0 0.0015 0.0005

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

12/15/1999 10:45 1of2 0.0001 0.0001 9.6 0.1 72 4 0.27 0.07 3.4 0.1 0.0023 0.0004

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

12/15/1999 10:45 2of2 <0.0001 0.0002 11 0 74 1 0.23 0.03 2.4 0.1 0.0028 0.0007

Table 4B. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in filtered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, creek; Cyn, Canyon; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a 

five-digit code used in the U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent 

to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; <, less than; , not determined]

166 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Lutetium (Lu), 

filtered

(μg/L)

(62844)

Magnesium (Mg),

filtered 

(mg/L)

(00925)

Manganese (Mn),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01056)

Molybdenum (Mo),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01060)

Sodium (Na),

filtered

(mg/L)

(00930)

Neodymium (Nd),

filtered

(μg/L)

(50579)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY124 Starr Mine tunnel outlet 

nr Grass Valley 

8/23/2000 17:30 1of2 <0.001 0.000 8 2 0.2 0.0 0.44 0.07 2.8 0.1 <0.01 0.00 

BY124 Starr Mine tunnel outlet 

nr Grass Valley 

8/23/2000 17:30 2of2 <0.001 0.001 10 1 0.2 0.0 0.42 0.03 2.7 0.1 <0.01 0.00 

BY129 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel inlet 

nr Nevada City 

6/28/2000 12:00 1of2 <0.0008 0.0005 1.3 0.3 <0.3 0.1 <0.06 0.05 1.1 0.1 0.030 0.002

BY129 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel inlet 

nr Nevada City 

6/28/2000 12:00 2of2 <0.0008 0.0005 1.5 0.5 <0.3 0.1 0.08 0.10 1.1 0.1 0.031 0.006

BY130 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel outlet 

nr Nevada City

6/28/2000 11:30 1of2 <0.0008 0.0003 5.4 1.8 90 4 0.10 0.07 1.7 0.1 <0.004 0.005

BY130 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel outlet 

nr Nevada City

6/28/2000 11:30 2of2 <0.0008 0.0007 6.3 0.6 91 1 0.07 0.03 1.7 0.1 0.007 0.001

BY131 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drainage pond nr 

Nevada City 

8/23/2000 10:45 1of2 0.001 0.001 2.1 0.1 3.6 0.1 <0.04 0.02 2.3 0.1 0.043 0.007

BY131 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drainage pond nr 

Nevada City 

8/23/2000 10:45 2of2 <0.001 0.001 1.9 0.3 3.9 0.1 0.06 0.04 2.2 0.1 0.042 0.002

Disturbed samples

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

12/15/1999 11:30 1of2 0.0001 0.0000 9.7 0.5 0.29 0.02 0.36 0.00 2.5 0.3 0.0017 0.0003

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

12/15/1999 11:30 2of2 0.0002 0.0001 12 0 0.28 0.02 0.37 0.00 2.7 0.4 0.0011 0.0005

BY129 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel inlet 

nr Nevada City 

6/28/2000 12:30 1of2 <0.0008 0.0003 5.5 1.2 0.4 0.1 <0.06 0.01 1.5 0.0 0.036 0.004

BY129 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel inlet 

nr Nevada City 

6/28/2000 12:30 2of2 <0.0008 0.0001 5.7 0.1 0.5 0.1 0.08 0.02 1.4 0.1 0.041 0.004

Table 4B. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in filtered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, creek; Cyn, Canyon; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a 

five-digit code used in the U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent 

to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; <, less than; , not determined]

Table 4B 167
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Nickel (Ni), 

filtered

(μg/L)

(01065)

Lead (Pb),

filtered 

(μg/L)

(01049)

Praseodymium (Pr),

filtered

(μg/L)

(50582)

Rubidium (Rb),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01134)

Rhenium (Re),

filtered

(μg/L)

(50583)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

Environmental samples

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

6/18/1999 14:30 1of2 6.0 0.6 0.009 0.002 0.0026 0.0004 1.9 0.1 0.0030 0.0002

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

6/18/1999 14:30 2of2 6.1 0.4 0.008 0.004 0.0024 0.0005 1.9 0.1 0.0031 0.0002

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

12/14/1999 12:00 1of2 3.0 0.0 0.016 0.010 0.0006 0.0001 2.1 0.0 0.0004 0.0000 

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

12/14/1999 12:00 2of2 2.9 0.0 0.017 0.001 0.0007 0.0000 2.0 0.0 0.0011 0.0000 

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

5/24/2000 16:00 1of2 4.9 0.0 0.02 0.02 0.0037 0.0007 1.7 0.1 <0.002 0.000 

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

5/24/2000 16:00 2of2 5.0 0.1 0.01 0.01 0.0042 0.0002 1.8 0.0 <0.002 0.000 

BY21 Boston Mine wetlands 

pond nr Grass Valley 

12/14/1999 10:30 1of2 0.61 0.04 0.009 0.005 0.0011 0.0002 2.5 0.0 0.0079 0.0001

BY21 Boston Mine wetlands 

pond nr Grass Valley 

12/14/1999 10:30 2of2 0.59 0.00 0.017 0.009 0.0009 0.0002 2.6 0.0 0.0067 0.0003

BY21 Boston Mine wetlands 

pond nr Grass Valley 

5/24/2000 16:30 1of2 2.5 0.1 0.06 0.03 0.0029 0.0005 2.3 0.0 <0.002 0.001

BY21 Boston Mine wetlands 

pond nr Grass Valley 

5/24/2000 16:30 2of2 2.3 0.1 0.03 0.01 0.0028 0.0004 2.1 0.0 0.002 0.000 

BY58 Buckeye Flat Mine 

main drain 0.45 mi 

ab Greenhorn Cr 

8/21/2000 11:00 1of2 93 0 0.19 0.01 2.9 0.0 7.1 0.1 <0.003 0.001

BY58 Buckeye Flat Mine 

main drain 0.45 mi 

ab Greenhorn Cr

8/21/2000 11:00 2of2 94 0 0.19 0.01 3.1 0.0 7.2 0.3 0.003 0.000 

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

6/18/1999 11:30 1of2 240 0 0.61 0.01 5.7 0.0 5.3 0.3 0.0003 0.0001

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

6/18/1999 11:30 2of2 230 10 0.62 0.01 5.8 0.1 5.3 0.2 0.0008 0.0001

Table 4B. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in filtered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, creek; Cyn, Canyon; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a 

five-digit code used in the U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent 

to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; <, less than; , not determined]

168 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Nickel (Ni), 

filtered

(μg/L)

(01065)

Lead (Pb),

filtered 

(μg/L)

(01049)

Praseodymium (Pr),

filtered

(μg/L)

(50582)

Rubidium (Rb),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01134)

Rhenium (Re),

filtered

(μg/L)

(50583)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

12/2/1999 11:00 1of2 150 0 0.53 0.01 4.2 0.1 3.8 0.0 0.0079 0.0002

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

12/2/1999 11:00 2of2 140 0 0.53 0.02 4.1 0.2 3.7 0.0 0.0069 0.0001

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

8/22/2000 10:45 1of2 160 10 0.59 0.01 5.7 0.1 2.0 0.1 <0.003 0.001

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

8/22/2000 10:45 2of2 160 0 0.60 0.00 5.9 0.0 2.1 0.0 <0.003 0.003

BY116 Buckeye Flat Mine 

pond drain 0.15 mi 

ab SF Greenhorn Cr

8/21/2000 14:10 1of2 4.1 0.2 0.06 0.00 0.011 0.001 2.1 0.0 <0.003 0.001

BY116 Buckeye Flat Mine 

pond drain 0.15 mi 

ab SF Greenhorn Cr

8/21/2000 14:10 2of2 4.3 0.3 0.08 0.01 0.010 0.001 2.2 0.0 <0.003 0.001

BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine 

S drain to SF 

Greenhorn Cr, Grass 

Valley

8/26/1999 11:00 1of2 8.3 0.1 1.8 0.0 0.11 0.00 1.1 0.1 0.0014 0.0001

BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine 

S drain to SF 

Greenhorn Cr, Grass 

Valley

8/26/1999 11:00 2of2 8.0 0.1 1.7 0.0 0.098 0.003 1.0 0.0 0.0014 0.0003

BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine 

S drain to SF 

Greenhorn Cr, Grass 

Valley

8/22/2000 12:10 1of2 9.7 0.0 0.16 0.00 0.080 0.004 0.70 0.01 <0.003 0.001

BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine 

S drain to SF 

Greenhorn Cr, Grass 

Valley

8/22/2000 12:10 2of2 9.7 0.4 0.16 0.01 0.081 0.002 0.72 0.02 <0.003 0.001

BY25 Buckeye Flat Mine 

upper drain

4/9/2001 10:00 1of2 67 11 0.30 0.02 1.1 0.2 1.4 0.2 <0.003 0.002

BY25 Buckeye Flat Mine 

upper drain

4/9/2001 10:00 2of2 67 3 0.31 0.02 1.1 0.0 1.4 0.1 <0.003 0.002

Table 4B. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in filtered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, creek; Cyn, Canyon; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a 

five-digit code used in the U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent 

to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; <, less than; , not determined]

Table 4B 169
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Nickel (Ni), 

filtered

(μg/L)

(01065)

Lead (Pb),

filtered 

(μg/L)

(01049)

Praseodymium (Pr),

filtered

(μg/L)

(50582)

Rubidium (Rb),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01134)

Rhenium (Re),

filtered

(μg/L)

(50583)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY52 Greenhorn Cr 0.3 mi 

ab Buckeye Ford nr 

Nevada City

1/25/2000 10:45 1of2 5.1 0.0 0.03 0.01 0.092 0.001 1.0 0.1 0.003 0.001

BY52 Greenhorn Cr 0.3 mi 

ab Buckeye Ford nr 

Nevada City

1/25/2000 10:45 2of2 4.9 0.2 0.02 0.01 0.096 0.001 1.0 0.1 <0.002 0.002

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

7/24/2001 11:00 1of2 1.9 0.1 0.028 0.012 0.0024 0.0000 1.4 0.0 0.0060 0.0001

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

7/24/2001 11:00 2of2 2.0 0.1 0.027 0.028 0.0023 0.0002 1.5 0.0 0.0061 0.0009

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

8/29/2001 15:00 1of2 0.89 0.01 <0.007 0.004 0.0026 0.0001 1.4 0.0 0.0042 0.0004

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

8/29/2001 15:00 2of2 0.88 0.02 <0.007 0.001 0.0026 0.0001 1.5 0.0 0.0047 0.0000 

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

9/14/2001 13:00 1of2 1.3 0.0 0.016 0.006 0.0018 0.0002 1.5 0.0 0.0053 0.0002

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

9/14/2001 13:00 2of2 1.4 0.0 0.021 0.005 0.0020 0.0002 1.5 0.0 0.0061 0.0001

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

10/15/2001 12:00 1of2 1.1 0.0 0.010 0.005 0.0013 0.0003 1.2 0.0 0.0057 0.0005

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

10/15/2001 12:00 2of2 1.2 0.0 <0.004 0.000 0.0012 0.0000 1.2 0.0 0.0055 0.0001

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

11/20/2001 13:20 1of2 3.4 0.1 0.020 0.003 0.012 0.001 1.7 0.0 0.0066 0.0002

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

11/20/2001 13:20 2of2 3.4 0.1 0.016 0.004 0.012 0.000 1.7 0.0 0.0062 0.0012

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

12/10/2001 12:20 1of2 5.4 0.1 0.017 0.000 0.040 0.000 1.3 0.0 0.0045 0.0001

Table 4B. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in filtered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, creek; Cyn, Canyon; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a 

five-digit code used in the U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent 

to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; <, less than; , not determined]

170 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Nickel (Ni), 

filtered

(μg/L)

(01065)

Lead (Pb),

filtered 

(μg/L)

(01049)

Praseodymium (Pr),

filtered

(μg/L)

(50582)

Rubidium (Rb),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01134)

Rhenium (Re),

filtered

(μg/L)

(50583)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

12/10/2001 12:20 2of2 5.5 0.1 0.019 0.003 0.040 0.001 1.3 0.0 0.0037 0.0006

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

12/21/2001 13:00 1of2 4.3 0.0 0.018 0.001 0.079 0.000 1.1 0.0 0.0022 0.0002

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

12/21/2001 13:00 2of2 4.2 0.0 0.026 0.002 0.076 0.001 1.1 0.0 0.0025 0.0003

BY51 Greenhorn Cr nr 

Headwaters nr Scotts 

Flat Reservoir

1/25/2000 9:30 1of2 2.3 0.5 0.06 0.05 0.059 0.003 0.56 0.04 <0.002 0.001

BY51 Greenhorn Cr nr 

Headwaters nr Scotts 

Flat Reservoir

1/25/2000 9:30 2of2 2.0 0.1 0.01 0.00 0.062 0.002 0.47 0.03 <0.002 0.002

BY75 Missouri Cyn Cr 1.2 mi 

ab Greenhorn Cr nr 

Chicago Park

12/14/1999 14:00 1of2 30 0 0.006 0.003 0.068 0.000 4.0 0.0 0.0041 0.0002

BY75 Missouri Cyn Cr 1.2 mi 

ab Greenhorn Cr nr 

Chicago Park

12/14/1999 14:00 2of2 31 1 0.020 0.021 0.068 0.001 4.1 0.1 0.0051 0.0004

BY86 Poore Mine creek ab 

tunnel nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 17:40 1of2 1.4 0.2 0.029 0.003 0.018 0.001 0.76 0.03 <0.0004 0.0001

BY86 Poore Mine creek ab 

tunnel nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 17:40 2of2 1.3 0.0 0.015 0.006 0.017 0.001 0.78 0.03 <0.0004 0.0005

BY87 Poore Mine creek bl 

tunnel nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 13:30 1of2 1.2 0.1 0.023 0.004 0.018 0.002 0.89 0.02 0.0007 0.0006

BY87 Poore Mine creek bl 

tunnel nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 13:30 2of2 1.4 0.1 0.031 0.007 0.016 0.002 0.84 0.02 <0.0004 0.0001

BY88 Poore Mine ground 

sluice nr Grass 

Valley 

4/1/1999 15:40 1of2 12 0 0.012 0.002 0.022 0.001 7.2 0.1 0.0049 0.0003

BY88 Poore Mine ground 

sluice nr Grass 

Valley 

4/1/1999 15:40 2of2 11 1 0.016 0.008 0.022 0.001 7.4 0.0 0.0070 0.0009

Table 4B. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in filtered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, creek; Cyn, Canyon; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a 

five-digit code used in the U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent 

to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; <, less than; , not determined]

Table 4B 171
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Nickel (Ni), 

filtered

(μg/L)

(01065)

Lead (Pb),

filtered 

(μg/L)

(01049)

Praseodymium (Pr),

filtered

(μg/L)

(50582)

Rubidium (Rb),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01134)

Rhenium (Re),

filtered

(μg/L)

(50583)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY89 Poore Mine pit lake 

nr Grass Valley 

4/1/1999 16:50 1of2 3.8 0.2 0.052 0.003 0.0076 0.0005 2.1 0.1 0.0011 0.0000 

BY89 Poore Mine pit lake 

nr Grass Valley 

4/1/1999 16:50 2of2 3.5 0.2 0.072 0.003 0.0066 0.0008 2.0 0.1 0.0007 0.0005

BY89 Poore Mine pit lake 

nr Grass Valley 

5/23/2000 10:45 1of2 60 0 0.03 0.01 0.034 0.003 7.6 0.0 <0.002 0.000 

BY89 Poore Mine pit lake 

nr Grass Valley 

5/23/2000 10:45 2of2 61 1 0.04 0.00 0.036 0.000 7.5 0.1 <0.002 0.000 

BY90 Poore Mine seep 

ab ground sluice 

nr Grass Valley 

4/1/1999 16:00 1of2 9.4 0.4 0.007 0.002 0.0069 0.0006 6.6 0.1 0.0021 0.0006

BY90 Poore Mine seep 

ab ground sluice 

nr Grass Valley 

4/1/1999 16:00 2of2 9.3 0.8 0.018 0.008 0.0068 0.0007 6.5 0.3 0.0052 0.0000 

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 15:20 1of2 6.0 0.2 0.027 0.004 0.0032 0.0009 5.0 0.1 0.0022 0.0002

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 15:20 2of2 5.9 0.8 0.019 0.011 0.0031 0.0001 5.3 0.3 0.0044 0.0000 

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

12/15/1999 13:00 1of2 1.8 0.0 0.011 0.005 0.0009 0.0002 5.7 0.2 0.0062 0.0012

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

12/15/1999 13:00 2of2 1.7 0.1 0.033 0.023 0.0010 0.0002 5.7 0.0 0.0042 0.0003

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

5/23/2000 12:00 1of2 5.6 0.0 0.01 0.01 0.0009 0.0003 5.6 0.0 0.005 0.001

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

5/23/2000 12:00 2of2 5.9 0.2 0.05 0.01 0.0014 0.0002 5.5 0.2 <0.002 0.001

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main 

drain Gulch 01nr 

Quaker Hill 

7/6/1999 16:00 1of2 33 1 0.017 0.004 0.19 0.01 4.8 0.2 0.0022 0.0001

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main 

drain Gulch 01nr 

Quaker Hill 

7/6/1999 16:00 2of2 33 3 0.026 0.000 0.19 0.02 4.6 0.0 0.0019 0.0005

Table 4B. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in filtered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, creek; Cyn, Canyon; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a 

five-digit code used in the U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent 

to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; <, less than; , not determined]

172 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Nickel (Ni), 

filtered

(μg/L)

(01065)

Lead (Pb),

filtered 

(μg/L)

(01049)

Praseodymium (Pr),

filtered

(μg/L)

(50582)

Rubidium (Rb),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01134)

Rhenium (Re),

filtered

(μg/L)

(50583)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main 

drain Gulch 01nr 

Quaker Hill 

12/2/1999 14:30 1of2 4.1 0.1 0.10 0.06 0.35 0.01 1.8 0.0 0.0006 0.0000 

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main 

drain Gulch 01nr 

Quaker Hill 

12/2/1999 14:30 2of2 4.1 0.0 0.056 0.004 0.36 0.00 1.8 0.0 0.0008 0.0001

BY106 Sailor Flat Mine 

main drainage to 

Greenhorn Cr, 

Gulch 03

4/9/2001 12:30 1of 2 5.2 0.6 0.26 0.02 0.28 0.06 1.6 0.4 <0.003 0.000 

BY106 Sailor Flat Mine 

main drainage to 

Greenhorn Cr, 

Gulch 03

4/9/2001 12:30 2of 2 5.4 0.8 0.28 0.02 0.29 0.06 1.6 0.4 <0.003 0.002

BY114 SF Greenhorn Cr 

0.7 mi ab Greenhorn 

Cr nr Nevada City 

8/22/2000 15:10 1of2 0.44 0.10 0.01 0.01 0.002 0.000 0.43 0.01 <0.003 0.001

BY114 SF Greenhorn Cr 

0.7 mi ab Greenhorn 

Cr nr Nevada City 

8/22/2000 15:10 2of2 0.39 0.04 0.01 0.00 0.002 0.001 0.44 0.01 <0.003 0.001

BY122 Starr Mine tunnel 

inflow nr Grass 

Valley

4/23/1999 15:00 1of2 12 1 0.29 0.01 0.021 0.001 3.2 0.2 0.0046 0.0002

BY122 Starr Mine tunnel 

inflow nr Grass 

Valley

4/23/1999 15:00 2of2 12 1 0.28 0.02 0.021 0.002 3.2 0.2 0.0038 0.0008

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

4/23/1999 13:40 1of2 1.4 0.9 0.036 0.002 0.0011 0.0015 5.2 0.3 0.0075 0.0003

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

4/23/1999 13:40 2of2 1.5 0.7 0.044 0.000 0.0003 0.0001 5.4 0.3 0.0066 0.0008

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

12/15/1999 10:45 1of2 1.0 0.0 0.017 0.017 0.0004 0.0002 5.7 0.0 0.0049 0.0001

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

12/15/1999 10:45 2of2 1.1 0.0 0.008 0.003 0.0007 0.0002 5.8 0.1 0.0085 0.0004

BY124 Starr Mine tunnel outlet 

nr Grass Valley 

8/23/2000 17:30 1of2 0.88 0.19 0.01 0.00 0.001 0.000 4.5 0.1 0.009 0.001

Table 4B. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in filtered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, creek; Cyn, Canyon; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a 

five-digit code used in the U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent 

to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; <, less than; , not determined]

Table 4B 173
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Nickel (Ni), 

filtered

(μg/L)

(01065)

Lead (Pb),

filtered 

(μg/L)

(01049)

Praseodymium (Pr),

filtered

(μg/L)

(50582)

Rubidium (Rb),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01134)

Rhenium (Re),

filtered

(μg/L)

(50583)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY124 Starr Mine tunnel outlet 

nr Grass Valley 

8/23/2000 17:30 2of2 0.93 0.27 0.01 0.01 <0.001 0.001 4.4 0.0 0.008 0.002

BY129 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel inlet 

nr Nevada City 

6/28/2000 12:00 1of2 0.86 0.09 <0.02 0.00 0.006 0.000 0.79 0.03 <0.002 0.001

BY129 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel inlet 

nr Nevada City 

6/28/2000 12:00 2of2 0.95 0.09 <0.02 0.00 0.006 0.000 0.76 0.05 0.002 0.002

BY130 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel outlet 

nr Nevada City

6/28/2000 11:30 1of2 5.6 0.2 <0.02 0.01 <0.002 0.000 0.94 0.06 <0.002 0.001

BY130 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel outlet 

nr Nevada City

6/28/2000 11:30 2of2 5.9 0.1 <0.02 0.01 0.002 0.000 0.93 0.03 <0.002 0.001

BY131 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drainage pond nr 

Nevada City 

8/23/2000 10:45 1of2 2.7 0.2 0.02 0.00 0.007 0.000 0.65 0.03 <0.003 0.002

BY131 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drainage pond nr 

Nevada City 

8/23/2000 10:45 2of2 2.8 0.1 0.03 0.00 0.009 0.001 0.65 0.03 <0.003 0.001

Disturbed samples

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

12/15/1999 11:30 1of2 <0.02 0.00 0.005 0.002 0.0003 0.0000 5.9 0.0 0.0061 0.0004

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

12/15/1999 11:30 2of2 <0.02 0.00 0.008 0.001 0.0003 0.0002 5.6 0.1 0.0023 0.0004

BY129 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel inlet 

nr Nevada City 

6/28/2000 12:30 1of2 2.7 0.1 <0.02 0.01 0.007 0.000 1.2 0.0 0.003 0.000 

BY129 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel inlet 

nr Nevada City 

6/28/2000 12:30 2of2 2.5 0.1 <0.02 0.01 0.008 0.000 1.1 0.1 <0.002 0.001

Table 4B. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in filtered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, creek; Cyn, Canyon; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a 

five-digit code used in the U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent 

to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; <, less than; , not determined]

174 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Sulfur (S), 

filtered

(mg/L)

(63719)

Antimony (Sb),

filtered 

(μg/L)

(01095)

Selenium (Se),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01145)

Silica (Si),

filtered

(mg/L)

(00955)

Samarium (Sm),

filtered

(μg/L)

(82323)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

Environmental samples

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

6/18/1999 14:30 1of2  0.036 0.003 0.12 0.07 15 1 0.0033 0.0003

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

6/18/1999 14:30 2of2  0.036 0.004 0.098 0.043 15 0 0.0034 0.0009

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

12/14/1999 12:00 1of2  0.031 0.003 0.22 0.06 14 2 0.0011 0.0001

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

12/14/1999 12:00 2of2  0.033 0.000 0.24 0.03 14 2 0.0012 0.0001

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

5/24/2000 16:00 1of2 4.3 1.0 0.075 0.037 <0.3 0.5 15 3 0.003 0.001

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

5/24/2000 16:00 2of2 4.6 0.6 0.064 0.018 <0.3 0.3 15 2 0.004 0.001

BY21 Boston Mine wetlands 

pond nr Grass Valley 

12/14/1999 10:30 1of2  0.042 0.002 <0.06 0.05 4.9 0.9 0.0012 0.0001

BY21 Boston Mine wetlands 

pond nr Grass Valley 

12/14/1999 10:30 2of2  0.054 0.002 <0.06 0.03 4.8 0.4 0.0009 0.0007

BY21 Boston Mine wetlands 

pond nr Grass Valley 

5/24/2000 16:30 1of2 3.2 0.0 0.067 0.005 <0.3 0.2 13 1 <0.003 0.002

BY21 Boston Mine wetlands 

pond nr Grass Valley 

5/24/2000 16:30 2of2 2.9 0.5 0.080 0.037 <0.3 0.4 11 0 <0.003 0.002

BY58 Buckeye Flat Mine 

main drain 0.45 mi 

ab Greenhorn Cr 

8/21/2000 11:00 1of2 40 1 <0.005 0.007 <0.8 0.5 26 1 2.5 0.0 

BY58 Buckeye Flat Mine 

main drain 0.45 mi 

ab Greenhorn Cr

8/21/2000 11:00 2of2 42 1 0.005 0.004 <0.8 0.5 29 2 2.6 0.1

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

6/18/1999 11:30 1of2  0.013 0.003 1.4 0.1 37 0 5.1 0.0 

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

6/18/1999 11:30 2of2  0.013 0.001 1.4 0.1 37 0 5.2 0.0 

Table 4B. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in filtered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, creek; Cyn, Canyon; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a 

five-digit code used in the U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent 

to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; <, less than; , not determined]

Table 4B 175
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Sulfur (S), 

filtered

(mg/L)

(63719)

Antimony (Sb),

filtered 

(μg/L)

(01095)

Selenium (Se),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01145)

Silica (Si),

filtered

(mg/L)

(00955)

Samarium (Sm),

filtered

(μg/L)

(82323)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

12/2/1999 11:00 1of2  0.012 0.007 0.52 0.05 34 3 3.6 0.0 

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

12/2/1999 11:00 2of2  0.009 0.000 0.56 0.01 33 0 3.5 0.2

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

8/22/2000 10:45 1of2 57 3 0.015 0.007 <0.8 0.4 40 1 5.1 0.0 

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

8/22/2000 10:45 2of2 52 0 0.016 0.006 <0.8 0.4 41 2 4.8 0.1

BY116 Buckeye Flat Mine 

pond drain 0.15 mi 

ab SF Greenhorn Cr

8/21/2000 14:10 1of2 2.3 0.8 0.008 0.001 <0.8 0.8 4.8 1.3 0.013 0.004

BY116 Buckeye Flat Mine 

pond drain 0.15 mi 

ab SF Greenhorn Cr

8/21/2000 14:10 2of2 2.4 0.5 0.013 0.007 <0.8 0.7 5.2 0.8 0.013 0.005

BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine 

S drain to SF 

Greenhorn Cr, Grass 

Valley

8/26/1999 11:00 1of2 2.0 0.2 0.29 0.00 <0.1 0.0 6.2 0.1 0.090 0.002

BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine 

S drain to SF 

Greenhorn Cr, Grass 

Valley

8/26/1999 11:00 2of2 2.0 0.4 0.29 0.00 <0.1 0.0 6.8 1.0 0.087 0.004

BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine 

S drain to SF 

Greenhorn Cr, Grass 

Valley

8/22/2000 12:10 1of2 1.7 0.3 0.009 0.004 <0.8 0.2 6.7 1.2 0.059 0.003

BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine 

S drain to SF 

Greenhorn Cr, Grass 

Valley

8/22/2000 12:10 2of2 1.8 0.6 0.006 0.000 <0.8 0.7 7.3 2.1 0.072 0.006

BY25 Buckeye Flat Mine 

upper drain

4/9/2001 10:00 1of2 15 1 <0.04 0.01 <0.9 0.5 14 1 0.78 0.13

BY25 Buckeye Flat Mine 

upper drain

4/9/2001 10:00 2of2 15 1 <0.04 0.00 <0.9 0.4 15 1 0.79 0.01

Table 4B. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in filtered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, creek; Cyn, Canyon; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a 

five-digit code used in the U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent 

to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; <, less than; , not determined]

176 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Sulfur (S), 

filtered

(mg/L)

(63719)

Antimony (Sb),

filtered 

(μg/L)

(01095)

Selenium (Se),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01145)

Silica (Si),

filtered

(mg/L)

(00955)

Samarium (Sm),

filtered

(μg/L)

(82323)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY52 Greenhorn Cr 0.3 mi 

ab Buckeye Ford nr 

Nevada City

1/25/2000 10:45 1of2 1.9 0.1 0.031 0.003 <0.8 0.5 10 1 0.098 0.002

BY52 Greenhorn Cr 0.3 mi 

ab Buckeye Ford nr 

Nevada City

1/25/2000 10:45 2of2 1.9 0.1 0.039 0.013 <0.8 0.8 9.6 0.6 0.091 0.003

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

7/24/2001 11:00 1of2 6.4 0.1 0.089 0.015 0.23 0.07 13 0 0.0037 0.0001

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

7/24/2001 11:00 2of2 6.4 0.0 0.093 0.019 0.14 0.03 13 0 0.0034 0.0001

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

8/29/2001 15:00 1of2 4.9 0.1 0.082 0.001 0.11 0.06 13 0 0.0026 0.0011

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

8/29/2001 15:00 2of2 4.9 0.1 0.083 0.001 0.10 0.02 13 0 0.0021 0.0007

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

9/14/2001 13:00 1of2 5.8 0.0 0.13 0.00 0.12 0.03 12 0 0.0022 0.0005

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

9/14/2001 13:00 2of2 5.9 0.0 0.14 0.00 0.14 0.04 12 0 0.0036 0.0004

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

10/15/2001 12:00 1of2 5.6 0.0 0.12 0.00 0.12 0.04 12 0 0.0017 0.0006

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

10/15/2001 12:00 2of2 5.5 0.0 0.11 0.00 0.15 0.03 12 0 0.0018 0.0003

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

11/20/2001 13:20 1of2 7.0 0.0 0.12 0.01 <0.2 0.1 12 0 0.013 0.001

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

11/20/2001 13:20 2of2 6.8 0.0 0.12 0.00 <0.2 0.1 12 0 0.014 0.001

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

12/10/2001 12:20 1of2 5.9 0.0 0.16 0.00 0.20 0.02 12 0 0.038 0.005

Table 4B. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in filtered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, creek; Cyn, Canyon; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a 

five-digit code used in the U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent 

to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; <, less than; , not determined]

Table 4B 177
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Sulfur (S), 

filtered

(mg/L)

(63719)

Antimony (Sb),

filtered 

(μg/L)

(01095)

Selenium (Se),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01145)

Silica (Si),

filtered

(mg/L)

(00955)

Samarium (Sm),

filtered

(μg/L)

(82323)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

12/10/2001 12:20 2of2 6.0 0.0 0.095 0.003 0.20 0.03 12 0 0.040 0.002

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

12/21/2001 13:00 1of2 4.0 0.0 0.14 0.00 0.16 0.02 12 0 0.087 0.000 

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

12/21/2001 13:00 2of2 4.0 0.0 0.14 0.01 0.12 0.05 11 0 0.076 0.001

BY51 Greenhorn Cr nr 

Headwaters nr Scotts 

Flat Reservoir

1/25/2000 9:30 1of2 0.14 0.02 0.021 0.006 <0.8 0.1 7.3 0.5 0.049 0.001

BY51 Greenhorn Cr nr 

Headwaters nr Scotts 

Flat Reservoir

1/25/2000 9:30 2of2 0.19 0.02 0.021 0.008 <0.8 0.0 7.5 0.2 0.064 0.005

BY75 Missouri Cyn Cr 1.2 mi 

ab Greenhorn Cr nr 

Chicago Park

12/14/1999 14:00 1of2  0.069 0.005 0.15 0.08 22 3 0.055 0.004

BY75 Missouri Cyn Cr 1.2 mi 

ab Greenhorn Cr nr 

Chicago Park

12/14/1999 14:00 2of2  0.067 0.001 0.16 0.02 28 4 0.053 0.000 

BY86 Poore Mine creek ab 

tunnel nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 17:40 1of2  0.014 0.001 <0.4 0.2 18 1 0.015 0.002

BY86 Poore Mine creek ab 

tunnel nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 17:40 2of2  0.012 0.002 <0.4 0.3 17 0 0.017 0.004

BY87 Poore Mine creek bl 

tunnel nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 13:30 1of2  0.021 0.001 <0.4 0.0 18 0 0.015 0.000 

BY87 Poore Mine creek bl 

tunnel nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 13:30 2of2  0.018 0.001 <0.4 0.1 17 0 0.014 0.002

BY88 Poore Mine ground 

sluice nr Grass 

Valley 

4/1/1999 15:40 1of2  0.016 0.002 <0.4 0.3 28 0 0.023 0.003

BY88 Poore Mine ground 

sluice nr Grass 

Valley 

4/1/1999 15:40 2of2  0.023 0.005 0.12 0.17 28 1 0.025 0.002

Table 4B. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in filtered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, creek; Cyn, Canyon; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a 

five-digit code used in the U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent 

to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; <, less than; , not determined]

178 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Sulfur (S), 

filtered

(mg/L)

(63719)

Antimony (Sb),

filtered 

(μg/L)

(01095)

Selenium (Se),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01145)

Silica (Si),

filtered

(mg/L)

(00955)

Samarium (Sm),

filtered

(μg/L)

(82323)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY89 Poore Mine pit lake 

nr Grass Valley 

4/1/1999 16:50 1of2  0.13 0.01 0.091 0.041 14 0 0.0089 0.0004

BY89 Poore Mine pit lake 

nr Grass Valley 

4/1/1999 16:50 2of2  0.13 0.00 0.089 0.011 14 0 0.0090 0.0013

BY89 Poore Mine pit lake 

nr Grass Valley 

5/23/2000 10:45 1of2 26 0 0.036 0.004 <0.3 0.1 22 1 0.030 0.002

BY89 Poore Mine pit lake 

nr Grass Valley 

5/23/2000 10:45 2of2 28 1 0.033 0.001 <0.3 0.2 23 1 0.030 0.001

BY90 Poore Mine seep 

ab ground sluice 

nr Grass Valley 

4/1/1999 16:00 1of2  0.022 0.002 0.15 0.09 27 0 0.0074 0.0008

BY90 Poore Mine seep 

ab ground sluice 

nr Grass Valley 

4/1/1999 16:00 2of2  0.023 0.002 0.16 0.02 28 0 0.0081 0.0006

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 15:20 1of2  0.082 0.004 <0.4 0.1 33 0 0.002 0.001

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 15:20 2of2  0.079 0.004 0.35 0.02 30 1 0.0027 0.0008

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

12/15/1999 13:00 1of2  0.070 0.005 0.41 0.07 36 2 0.0008 0.0004

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

12/15/1999 13:00 2of2  0.30 0.32 0.42 0.03 37 2 0.0011 0.0005

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

5/23/2000 12:00 1of2 18 1 0.071 0.001 <0.3 0.2 38 1 <0.003 0.003

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

5/23/2000 12:00 2of2 16 0 0.064 0.007 <0.8 0.8 36 1 <0.004 0.002

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main 

drain Gulch 01nr 

Quaker Hill 

7/6/1999 16:00 1of2  0.060 0.002 0.093 0.036 28 0 0.23 0.00 

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main 

drain Gulch 01nr 

Quaker Hill 

7/6/1999 16:00 2of2  0.057 0.003 <0.4 0.0 24 0 0.21 0.00 

Table 4B. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in filtered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, creek; Cyn, Canyon; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a 

five-digit code used in the U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent 

to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; <, less than; , not determined]

Table 4B 179
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Sulfur (S), 

filtered

(mg/L)

(63719)

Antimony (Sb),

filtered 

(μg/L)

(01095)

Selenium (Se),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01145)

Silica (Si),

filtered

(mg/L)

(00955)

Samarium (Sm),

filtered

(μg/L)

(82323)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main 

drain Gulch 01nr 

Quaker Hill 

12/2/1999 14:30 1of2  0.11 0.01 <0.06 0.03 11 1 0.42 0.01

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main 

drain Gulch 01nr 

Quaker Hill 

12/2/1999 14:30 2of2  0.11 0.00 <0.06 0.06 10 1 0.43 0.00 

BY106 Sailor Flat Mine 

main drainage to 

Greenhorn Cr, 

Gulch 03

4/9/2001 12:30 1of 2 0.6 0.0 <0.04 0.01 <0.9 0.3 13 0 0.27 0.08

BY106 Sailor Flat Mine 

main drainage to 

Greenhorn Cr, 

Gulch 03

4/9/2001 12:30 2of 2 0.6 0.0 <0.04 0.01 <0.9 0.4 13 0 0.28 0.06

BY114 SF Greenhorn Cr 

0.7 mi ab Greenhorn 

Cr nr Nevada City 

8/22/2000 15:10 1of2 1.3 0.0 0.026 0.020 <0.8 0.5 11 0 <0.004 0.005

BY114 SF Greenhorn Cr 

0.7 mi ab Greenhorn 

Cr nr Nevada City 

8/22/2000 15:10 2of2 1.3 0.1 0.011 0.001 <0.8 0.7 10 1 0.004 0.008

BY122 Starr Mine tunnel 

inflow nr Grass 

Valley

4/23/1999 15:00 1of2  0.16 0.00 0.099 0.268 14 0 0.024 0.001

BY122 Starr Mine tunnel 

inflow nr Grass 

Valley

4/23/1999 15:00 2of2  0.15 0.00 0.23 0.08 15 1 0.019 0.001

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

4/23/1999 13:40 1of2  0.072 0.005 1.4 0.4 20 1 <0.0004 0.0002

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

4/23/1999 13:40 2of2  0.083 0.012 1.3 0.1 20 0 <0.0004 0.0002

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

12/15/1999 10:45 1of2  0.044 0.000 1.0 0.1 17 0 0.0006 0.0005

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

12/15/1999 10:45 2of2  0.043 0.002 1.1 0.0 18 1 0.0010 0.0001

BY124 Starr Mine tunnel outlet 

nr Grass Valley 

8/23/2000 17:30 1of2 10 1 0.085 0.003 1 1 18 2 <0.004 0.006

Table 4B. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in filtered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, creek; Cyn, Canyon; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a 

five-digit code used in the U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent 

to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; <, less than; , not determined]

180 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Sulfur (S), 

filtered

(mg/L)

(63719)

Antimony (Sb),

filtered 

(μg/L)

(01095)

Selenium (Se),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01145)

Silica (Si),

filtered

(mg/L)

(00955)

Samarium (Sm),

filtered

(μg/L)

(82323)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY124 Starr Mine tunnel outlet 

nr Grass Valley 

8/23/2000 17:30 2of2 10 0 0.090 0.004 <0.8 0.7 19 1 <0.004 0.004

BY129 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel inlet 

nr Nevada City 

6/28/2000 12:00 1of2 0.7 0.2 0.044 0.004 <4 1 9.3 2.6 0.010 0.002

BY129 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel inlet 

nr Nevada City 

6/28/2000 12:00 2of2 0.9 0.3 0.040 0.009 <4 1 10 3 <0.009 0.004

BY130 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel outlet 

nr Nevada City

6/28/2000 11:30 1of2 6.5 2.0 0.055 0.008 <4 1 20 6 <0.009 0.004

BY130 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel outlet 

nr Nevada City

6/28/2000 11:30 2of2 7 1 0.062 0.007 <4 1 23 3 <0.009 0.001

BY131 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drainage pond nr 

Nevada City 

8/23/2000 10:45 1of2 1.1 0.1 0.013 0.007 <0.8 0.6 13 1 0.010 0.004

BY131 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drainage pond nr 

Nevada City 

8/23/2000 10:45 2of2 1.3 0.3 0.020 0.003 <0.8 0.4 14 1 0.010 0.002

Disturbed samples

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

12/15/1999 11:30 1of2  0.070 0.000 1.1 0.1 17 1 0.0009 0.0002

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

12/15/1999 11:30 2of2  0.070 0.001 1.1 0.1 20 2 <0.0006 0.0004

BY129 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel inlet 

nr Nevada City 

6/28/2000 12:30 1of2 6.6 0.4 0.090 0.009 <4 0 18 3 <0.009 0.002

BY129 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel inlet 

nr Nevada City 

6/28/2000 12:30 2of2 6.3 0.1 0.075 0.003 <4 0 19 0 <0.009 0.001

Table 4B. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in filtered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, creek; Cyn, Canyon; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a 

five-digit code used in the U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent 

to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; <, less than; , not determined]

Table 4B 181
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Strontium (Sr), 

filtered

(μg/L)

(01080)

Terbium (Tb),

filtered 

(μg/L)

(50586)

Tellurium (Te),

filtered

(μg/L)

(50585)

Thorium (Th),

filtered

(μg/L)

(82365)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

Environmental samples

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

6/18/1999 14:30 1of2 91 4 0.0005 0.0001 <0.004 0.002 0.0006 0.0006

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

6/18/1999 14:30 2of2 91 5 0.0005 0.0002 <0.004 0.002 0.0003 0.0000 

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

12/14/1999 12:00 1of2 120 0 <0.0001 0.0001 <0.003 0.001 <0.001 0.000 

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

12/14/1999 12:00 2of2 120 0 <0.0001 0.0000 <0.003 0.001 <0.001 0.000 

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

5/24/2000 16:00 1of2 82 2 0.0011 0.0001 <0.02 0.01 0.0008 0.0002

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

5/24/2000 16:00 2of2 82 2 0.0008 0.0002 <0.02 0.02 0.0007 0.0002

BY21 Boston Mine wetlands 

pond nr Grass Valley 

12/14/1999 10:30 1of2 120 0 0.0001 0.0000 <0.003 0.003 <0.001 0.001

BY21 Boston Mine wetlands 

pond nr Grass Valley 

12/14/1999 10:30 2of2 120 0 <0.0001 0.0000 <0.003 0.002 <0.001 0.000 

BY21 Boston Mine wetlands 

pond nr Grass Valley 

5/24/2000 16:30 1of2 73 1 <0.0007 0.0001 <0.02 0.02 0.0012 0.0005

BY21 Boston Mine wetlands 

pond nr Grass Valley 

5/24/2000 16:30 2of2 71 0 <0.0007 0.0000 <0.02 0.01 0.0011 0.0006

BY58 Buckeye Flat Mine 

main drain 0.45 mi 

ab Greenhorn Cr 

8/21/2000 11:00 1of2 81 2 0.44 0.01 <0.08 0.03 0.0045 0.0023

BY58 Buckeye Flat Mine 

main drain 0.45 mi 

ab Greenhorn Cr

8/21/2000 11:00 2of2 82 3 0.44 0.02 <0.08 0.05 0.0054 0.0005

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

6/18/1999 11:30 1of2 150 10 0.91 0.00 <0.004 0.005 0.011 0.000 

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

6/18/1999 11:30 2of2 150 0 0.93 0.00 0.005 0.001 0.012 0.000 

Table 4B. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in filtered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, creek; Cyn, Canyon; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a 

five-digit code used in the U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent 

to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; <, less than; , not determined]

182 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Strontium (Sr), 

filtered

(μg/L)

(01080)

Terbium (Tb),

filtered 

(μg/L)

(50586)

Tellurium (Te),

filtered

(μg/L)

(50585)

Thorium (Th),

filtered

(μg/L)

(82365)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

12/2/1999 11:00 1of2 89 1 0.62 0.01 <0.003 0.001 0.021 0.001

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

12/2/1999 11:00 2of2 87 0 0.61 0.03 <0.003 0.003 0.024 0.003

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

8/22/2000 10:45 1of2 130 0 0.84 0.01 <0.08 0.03 0.020 0.001

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

8/22/2000 10:45 2of2 130 0 0.82 0.05 <0.08 0.05 0.020 0.001

BY116 Buckeye Flat Mine 

pond drain 0.15 mi 

ab SF Greenhorn Cr

8/21/2000 14:10 1of2 15 1 0.002 0.001 <0.08 0.01 0.0014 0.0007

BY116 Buckeye Flat Mine 

pond drain 0.15 mi 

ab SF Greenhorn Cr

8/21/2000 14:10 2of2 15 1 0.002 0.001 <0.08 0.05 0.0015 0.0007

BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine 

S drain to SF 

Greenhorn Cr, Grass 

Valley

8/26/1999 11:00 1of2 5.5 0.4 0.016 0.000 0.04 0.00 0.0031 0.0006

BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine 

S drain to SF 

Greenhorn Cr, Grass 

Valley

8/26/1999 11:00 2of2 5.3 0.1 0.015 0.001 0.04 0.00 0.0028 0.0003

BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine 

S drain to SF 

Greenhorn Cr, Grass 

Valley

8/22/2000 12:10 1of2 5.8 0.2 0.013 0.002 <0.08 0.03 0.0020 0.0006

BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine 

S drain to SF 

Greenhorn Cr, Grass 

Valley

8/22/2000 12:10 2of2 5.9 0.3 0.012 0.002 <0.08 0.04 0.0022 0.0008

BY25 Buckeye Flat Mine 

upper drain

4/9/2001 10:00 1of2 32 6 0.14 0.03 <0.08 0.02 0.007 0.003

BY25 Buckeye Flat Mine 

upper drain

4/9/2001 10:00 2of2 32 2 0.14 0.00 <0.08 0.04 0.007 0.004

Table 4B. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in filtered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, creek; Cyn, Canyon; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a 

five-digit code used in the U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent 

to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; <, less than; , not determined]

Table 4B 183
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Strontium (Sr), 

filtered

(μg/L)

(01080)

Terbium (Tb),

filtered 

(μg/L)

(50586)

Tellurium (Te),

filtered

(μg/L)

(50585)

Thorium (Th),

filtered

(μg/L)

(82365)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY52 Greenhorn Cr 0.3 mi 

ab Buckeye Ford nr 

Nevada City

1/25/2000 10:45 1of2 23 2 0.013 0.002 0.08 0.11 0.012 0.001

BY52 Greenhorn Cr 0.3 mi 

ab Buckeye Ford nr 

Nevada City

1/25/2000 10:45 2of2 22 1 0.015 0.000 <0.06 0.02 0.013 0.001

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

7/24/2001 11:00 1of2 44 1 0.0004 0.0001 <0.002 0.001 0.008 0.007

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

7/24/2001 11:00 2of2 44 1 0.0004 0.0000 <0.002 0.001 <0.001 0.000 

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

8/29/2001 15:00 1of2 46 0 0.0006 0.0001 <0.002 0.005 <0.001 0.000 

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

8/29/2001 15:00 2of2 47 0 0.0004 0.0001 <0.002 0.001 <0.001 0.000 

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

9/14/2001 13:00 1of2 46 1 0.0003 0.0001 <0.005 0.003 0.001 0.001

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

9/14/2001 13:00 2of2 47 0 0.0003 0.0001 <0.005 0.003 0.002 0.001

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

10/15/2001 12:00 1of2 46 0 0.0003 0.0001 <0.005 0.004 0.004 0.005

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

10/15/2001 12:00 2of2 46 0 0.0003 0.0000 <0.005 0.002 0.001 0.001

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

11/20/2001 13:20 1of2 52 0 0.0020 0.0001 <0.005 0.002 0.003 0.003

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

11/20/2001 13:20 2of2 53 1 0.0021 0.0001 <0.005 0.003 0.002 0.002

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

12/10/2001 12:20 1of2 51 0 0.0051 0.0001 <0.007 0.002 0.003 0.001

Table 4B. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in filtered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, creek; Cyn, Canyon; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a 

five-digit code used in the U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent 

to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; <, less than; , not determined]

184 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Strontium (Sr), 

filtered

(μg/L)

(01080)

Terbium (Tb),

filtered 

(μg/L)

(50586)

Tellurium (Te),

filtered

(μg/L)

(50585)

Thorium (Th),

filtered

(μg/L)

(82365)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

12/10/2001 12:20 2of2 51 1 0.0058 0.0000 <0.007 0.002 0.002 0.001

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

12/21/2001 13:00 1of2 37 0 0.011 0.000 <0.008 0.001 0.0043 0.0021

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

12/21/2001 13:00 2of2 36 1 0.011 0.000 <0.008 0.000 0.0043 0.0025

BY51 Greenhorn Cr nr 

Headwaters nr Scotts 

Flat Reservoir

1/25/2000 9:30 1of2 18 1 0.0061 0.0000 <0.06 0.04 0.011 0.002

BY51 Greenhorn Cr nr 

Headwaters nr Scotts 

Flat Reservoir

1/25/2000 9:30 2of2 17 2 0.0081 0.0017 <0.06 0.02 0.010 0.001

BY75 Missouri Cyn Cr 1.2 mi 

ab Greenhorn Cr nr 

Chicago Park

12/14/1999 14:00 1of2 100 0 0.0097 0.0001 <0.003 0.002 0.002 0.001

BY75 Missouri Cyn Cr 1.2 mi 

ab Greenhorn Cr nr 

Chicago Park

12/14/1999 14:00 2of2 100 0 0.0092 0.0000 <0.003 0.005 0.002 0.000 

BY86 Poore Mine creek ab 

tunnel nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 17:40 1of2 41 1 0.0023 0.0005 <0.007 0.006 0.0005 0.0001

BY86 Poore Mine creek ab 

tunnel nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 17:40 2of2 41 1 0.0020 0.0001 <0.007 0.008 0.0005 0.0002

BY87 Poore Mine creek bl 

tunnel nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 13:30 1of2 42 1 0.0027 0.0003 <0.007 0.004 0.0004 0.0001

BY87 Poore Mine creek bl 

tunnel nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 13:30 2of2 40 0 0.0023 0.0004 <0.007 0.002 <0.0004 0.0001

BY88 Poore Mine ground 

sluice nr Grass 

Valley 

4/1/1999 15:40 1of2 48 2 0.0046 0.0006 <0.007 0.002 0.0010 0.0003

BY88 Poore Mine ground 

sluice nr Grass 

Valley 

4/1/1999 15:40 2of2 48 1 0.0043 0.0003 <0.004 0.002 0.0006 0.0003

Table 4B. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in filtered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, creek; Cyn, Canyon; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a 

five-digit code used in the U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent 

to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; <, less than; , not determined]

Table 4B 185
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Strontium (Sr), 

filtered

(μg/L)

(01080)

Terbium (Tb),

filtered 

(μg/L)

(50586)

Tellurium (Te),

filtered

(μg/L)

(50585)

Thorium (Th),

filtered

(μg/L)

(82365)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY89 Poore Mine pit lake 

nr Grass Valley 

4/1/1999 16:50 1of2 25 1 0.0012 0.0002 0.007 0.004 0.0009 0.0000 

BY89 Poore Mine pit lake 

nr Grass Valley 

4/1/1999 16:50 2of2 24 1 0.0006 0.0007 <0.004 0.002 0.0004 0.0005

BY89 Poore Mine pit lake 

nr Grass Valley 

5/23/2000 10:45 1of2 120 0 0.0067 0.0001 <0.02 0.01 0.0008 0.0012

BY89 Poore Mine pit lake 

nr Grass Valley 

5/23/2000 10:45 2of2 120 0 0.0057 0.0003 <0.02 0.02 0.0011 0.0007

BY90 Poore Mine seep 

ab ground sluice 

nr Grass Valley 

4/1/1999 16:00 1of2 44 1 0.0016 0.0003 <0.004 0.004 0.0004 0.0001

BY90 Poore Mine seep 

ab ground sluice 

nr Grass Valley 

4/1/1999 16:00 2of2 44 1 0.0013 0.0002 <0.004 0.000 0.0008 0.0003

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 15:20 1of2 87 0 0.0004 0.0000 <0.007 0.002 0.0012 0.0009

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 15:20 2of2 91 4 0.0005 0.0002 <0.004 0.001 0.0002 0.0001

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

12/15/1999 13:00 1of2 130 10 <0.0001 0.0001 <0.003 0.003 <0.001 0.000 

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

12/15/1999 13:00 2of2 130 0 0.0001 0.0001 0.005 0.002 <0.001 0.000 

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

5/23/2000 12:00 1of2 120 0 <0.0007 0.0005 <0.02 0.01 <0.0003 0.0002

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

5/23/2000 12:00 2of2 130 0 <0.0004 0.0001 <0.06 0.01 <0.001 0.001

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main 

drain Gulch 01nr 

Quaker Hill 

7/6/1999 16:00 1of2 57 2 0.030 0.001 0.007 0.003 0.021 0.001

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main 

drain Gulch 01nr 

Quaker Hill 

7/6/1999 16:00 2of2 56 1 0.030 0.002 <0.007 0.005 0.018 0.000 

Table 4B. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in filtered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, creek; Cyn, Canyon; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a 

five-digit code used in the U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent 

to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; <, less than; , not determined]

186 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Strontium (Sr), 

filtered

(μg/L)

(01080)

Terbium (Tb),

filtered 

(μg/L)

(50586)

Tellurium (Te),

filtered

(μg/L)

(50585)

Thorium (Th),

filtered

(μg/L)

(82365)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main 

drain Gulch 01nr 

Quaker Hill 

12/2/1999 14:30 1of2 20 0 0.051 0.002 0.006 0.001 0.14 0.00 

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main 

drain Gulch 01nr 

Quaker Hill 

12/2/1999 14:30 2of2 19 0 0.052 0.000 0.005 0.004 0.12 0.00 

BY106 Sailor Flat Mine 

main drainage to 

Greenhorn Cr, 

Gulch 03

4/9/2001 12:30 1of 2 11 2 0.038 0.011 <0.08 0.02 0.11 0.04

BY106 Sailor Flat Mine 

main drainage to 

Greenhorn Cr, 

Gulch 03

4/9/2001 12:30 2of 2 11 2 0.037 0.009 <0.08 0.01 0.14 0.00 

BY114 SF Greenhorn Cr 

0.7 mi ab Greenhorn 

Cr nr Nevada City 

8/22/2000 15:10 1of2 40 1 <0.001 0.001 <0.08 0.04 <0.001 0.001

BY114 SF Greenhorn Cr 

0.7 mi ab Greenhorn 

Cr nr Nevada City 

8/22/2000 15:10 2of2 40 1 <0.001 0.000 <0.08 0.05 <0.001 0.001

BY122 Starr Mine tunnel 

inflow nr Grass 

Valley

4/23/1999 15:00 1of2 58 3 0.0037 0.0002 <0.004 0.000 0.0005 0.0002

BY122 Starr Mine tunnel 

inflow nr Grass 

Valley

4/23/1999 15:00 2of2 59 2 0.0036 0.0007 0.004 0.002 0.0004 0.0001

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

4/23/1999 13:40 1of2 210 10 <0.0001 0.0000 <0.004 0.002 <0.0002 0.0002

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

4/23/1999 13:40 2of2 210 10 <0.0001 0.0000 <0.004 0.006 0.0003 0.0003

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

12/15/1999 10:45 1of2 250 0 <0.0001 0.0000 <0.003 0.004 <0.001 0.000 

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

12/15/1999 10:45 2of2 250 0 <0.0001 0.0000 <0.003 0.003 0.002 0.002

BY124 Starr Mine tunnel outlet 

nr Grass Valley 

8/23/2000 17:30 1of2 220 0 <0.001 0.000 <0.08 0.03 0.0014 0.0008

Table 4B. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in filtered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, creek; Cyn, Canyon; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a 

five-digit code used in the U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent 

to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; <, less than; , not determined]

Table 4B 187
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Strontium (Sr), 

filtered

(μg/L)

(01080)

Terbium (Tb),

filtered 

(μg/L)

(50586)

Tellurium (Te),

filtered

(μg/L)

(50585)

Thorium (Th),

filtered

(μg/L)

(82365)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY124 Starr Mine tunnel outlet 

nr Grass Valley 

8/23/2000 17:30 2of2 220 10 <0.001 0.000 <0.08 0.03 <0.001 0.001

BY129 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel inlet 

nr Nevada City 

6/28/2000 12:00 1of2 49 2 0.001 0.000 <0.06 0.04 <0.002 0.000 

BY129 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel inlet 

nr Nevada City 

6/28/2000 12:00 2of2 48 2 0.0011 0.0008 <0.06 0.02 0.0015 0.0013

BY130 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel outlet 

nr Nevada City

6/28/2000 11:30 1of2 120 10 <0.0008 0.0004 <0.06 0.03 <0.002 0.001

BY130 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel outlet 

nr Nevada City

6/28/2000 11:30 2of2 120 10 <0.0008 0.0003 <0.06 0.06 0.0018 0.0009

BY131 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drainage pond nr 

Nevada City 

8/23/2000 10:45 1of2 44 1 <0.001 0.000 <0.08 0.04 <0.001 0.001

BY131 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drainage pond nr 

Nevada City 

8/23/2000 10:45 2of2 44 2 0.002 0.000 <0.08 0.03 <0.001 0.001

Disturbed samples

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

12/15/1999 11:30 1of2 250 0 <0.0001 0.0000 <0.003 0.000 <0.001 0.000 

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

12/15/1999 11:30 2of2 240 0 <0.0001 0.0000 <0.003 0.001 0.005 0.006

BY129 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel inlet 

nr Nevada City 

6/28/2000 12:30 1of2 130 0 0.0013 0.0004 <0.06 0.00 0.0024 0.0015

BY129 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel inlet 

nr Nevada City 

6/28/2000 12:30 2of2 120 10 <0.0008 0.0003 <0.06 0.05 0.0019 0.0009

Table 4B. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in filtered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, creek; Cyn, Canyon; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a 

five-digit code used in the U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent 

to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; <, less than; , not determined]

188 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Thallium (Tl), 

filtered

(μg/L)

(01057)

Uranium (U),

filtered 

(μg/L)

(22703)

Vanadium (V),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01085)

Yttrium (Y),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01201)

Ytterbium (Yb),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01194)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

Environmental samples

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

6/18/1999 14:30 1of2 0.0003 0.0000 0.0068 0.0004 0.066 0.037 0.029 0.002 0.0022 0.0003

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

6/18/1999 14:30 2of2 0.0003 0.0000 0.0061 0.0001 0.065 0.059 0.027 0.003 0.0021 0.0006

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

12/14/1999 12:00 1of2 0.0002 0.0000 0.016 0.001 <1 1 0.012 0.001 0.0006 0.0001

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

12/14/1999 12:00 2of2 <0.0001 0.0001 0.016 0.001 <1 1 0.012 0.000 0.0008 0.0000 

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

5/24/2000 16:00 1of2 0.0015 0.0000 0.009 0.001 <0.7 0.3 0.032 0.003 0.003 0.001

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

5/24/2000 16:00 2of2 <0.001 0.000 0.009 0.001 <0.7 0.3 0.033 0.004 0.003 0.000 

BY21 Boston Mine wetlands 

pond nr Grass Valley 

12/14/1999 10:30 1of2 <0.0001 0.0000 0.0053 0.0008 <1 1 0.011 0.001 0.0006 0.0001

BY21 Boston Mine wetlands 

pond nr Grass Valley 

12/14/1999 10:30 2of2 0.0001 0.0000 0.0072 0.0029 <1 1 0.010 0.000 0.0007 0.0001

BY21 Boston Mine wetlands 

pond nr Grass Valley 

5/24/2000 16:30 1of2 <0.001 0.000 0.005 0.001 <0.7 0.1 0.027 0.000 0.002 0.000 

BY21 Boston Mine wetlands 

pond nr Grass Valley 

5/24/2000 16:30 2of2 <0.001 0.000 0.004 0.001 <0.7 0.1 0.025 0.001 0.003 0.003

BY58 Buckeye Flat Mine 

main drain 0.45 mi 

ab Greenhorn Cr 

8/21/2000 11:00 1of2 0.16 0.00 0.23 0.00 <0.4 0.1 16 0 1.0 0.0 

BY58 Buckeye Flat Mine 

main drain 0.45 mi 

ab Greenhorn Cr

8/21/2000 11:00 2of2 0.18 0.00 0.25 0.00 <0.4 0.1 16 0 1.0 0.0 

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

6/18/1999 11:30 1of2 0.35 0.00 0.39 0.00 0.15 0.04 35 0 1.9 0.0 

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

6/18/1999 11:30 2of2 0.36 0.00 0.39 0.01 0.17 0.04 35 0 2.0 0.0 

Table 4B. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in filtered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, creek; Cyn, Canyon; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a 

five-digit code used in the U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent 

to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; <, less than; , not determined]

Table 4B 189
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Thallium (Tl), 

filtered

(μg/L)

(01057)

Uranium (U),

filtered 

(μg/L)

(22703)

Vanadium (V),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01085)

Yttrium (Y),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01201)

Ytterbium (Yb),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01194)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

12/2/1999 11:00 1of2 0.25 0.00 0.40 0.01 <1 0 23 0 1.4 0.0 

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

12/2/1999 11:00 2of2 0.25 0.01 0.41 0.00 <1 0 22 0 1.4 0.1

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

8/22/2000 10:45 1of2 0.31 0.00 0.42 0.00 <0.4 0.1 29 0 1.8 0.0 

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

8/22/2000 10:45 2of2 0.32 0.00 0.42 0.00 <0.4 0.1 29 1 1.9 0.0 

BY116 Buckeye Flat Mine 

pond drain 0.15 mi 

ab SF Greenhorn Cr

8/21/2000 14:10 1of2 <0.001 0.001 0.002 0.001 <0.4 0.1 0.053 0.003 0.005 0.003

BY116 Buckeye Flat Mine 

pond drain 0.15 mi 

ab SF Greenhorn Cr

8/21/2000 14:10 2of2 0.0011 0.0010 0.002 0.001 <0.4 0.1 0.057 0.005 0.005 0.001

BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine 

S drain to SF 

Greenhorn Cr, Grass 

Valley

8/26/1999 11:00 1of2 0.0080 0.0001 0.021 0.001 <0.1 0.1 0.66 0.03 0.051 0.000 

BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine 

S drain to SF 

Greenhorn Cr, Grass 

Valley

8/26/1999 11:00 2of2 0.0082 0.0001 0.019 0.000 <0.1 0.1 0.62 0.01 0.048 0.000 

BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine 

S drain to SF 

Greenhorn Cr, Grass 

Valley

8/22/2000 12:10 1of2 0.0059 0.0012 0.021 0.002 <0.4 0.1 0.52 0.01 0.033 0.001

BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine 

S drain to SF 

Greenhorn Cr, Grass 

Valley

8/22/2000 12:10 2of2 0.0062 0.0012 0.022 0.002 <0.4 0.1 0.55 0.01 0.041 0.003

BY25 Buckeye Flat Mine 

upper drain

4/9/2001 10:00 1of2 0.052 0.010 0.030 0.005 <0.9 0.2 5.2 0.9 0.31 0.04

BY25 Buckeye Flat Mine 

upper drain

4/9/2001 10:00 2of2 0.051 0.001 0.034 0.002 <0.9 0.2 5.2 0.3 0.30 0.03

Table 4B. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in filtered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, creek; Cyn, Canyon; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a 

five-digit code used in the U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent 

to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; <, less than; , not determined]

190 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Thallium (Tl), 

filtered

(μg/L)

(01057)

Uranium (U),

filtered 

(μg/L)

(22703)

Vanadium (V),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01085)

Yttrium (Y),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01201)

Ytterbium (Yb),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01194)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY52 Greenhorn Cr 0.3 mi 

ab Buckeye Ford nr 

Nevada City

1/25/2000 10:45 1of2 0.007 0.001 0.029 0.002 <0.3 0.1 0.40 0.02 0.045 0.001

BY52 Greenhorn Cr 0.3 mi 

ab Buckeye Ford nr 

Nevada City

1/25/2000 10:45 2of2 0.006 0.000 0.030 0.001 <0.3 0.1 0.42 0.00 0.046 0.007

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

7/24/2001 11:00 1of2 0.0002 0.0000 0.004 0.002 0.18 0.08 0.018 0.000 0.0017 0.0009

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

7/24/2001 11:00 2of2 0.0002 0.0001 0.003 0.001 0.18 0.08 0.017 0.000 0.0015 0.0001

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

8/29/2001 15:00 1of2 0.0003 0.0000 0.003 0.001 0.23 0.01 0.015 0.000 0.0010 0.0002

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

8/29/2001 15:00 2of2 0.0002 0.0001 0.002 0.001 0.24 0.02 0.015 0.001 0.0011 0.0000 

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

9/14/2001 13:00 1of2 0.0001 0.0001 0.004 0.000 0.20 0.01 0.014 0.001 0.0008 0.0001

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

9/14/2001 13:00 2of2 0.0002 0.0000 0.003 0.001 0.21 0.01 0.015 0.001 0.0010 0.0004

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

10/15/2001 12:00 1of2 0.0002 0.0001 0.002 0.001 0.12 0.01 0.010 0.000 0.0009 0.0002

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

10/15/2001 12:00 2of2 0.0002 0.0000 <0.001 0.000 0.13 0.02 0.010 0.000 0.0009 0.0006

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

11/20/2001 13:20 1of2 0.0011 0.0000 0.0071 0.0012 0.10 0.02 0.082 0.001 0.0057 0.0007

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

11/20/2001 13:20 2of2 0.0010 0.0001 0.0077 0.0006 0.11 0.04 0.084 0.002 0.0058 0.0002

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

12/10/2001 12:20 1of2 0.0030 0.0001 0.013 0.000 0.25 0.02 0.20 0.00 0.016 0.001

Table 4B. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in filtered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, creek; Cyn, Canyon; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a 

five-digit code used in the U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent 

to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; <, less than; , not determined]

Table 4B 191
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Thallium (Tl), 

filtered

(μg/L)

(01057)

Uranium (U),

filtered 

(μg/L)

(22703)

Vanadium (V),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01085)

Yttrium (Y),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01201)

Ytterbium (Yb),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01194)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

12/10/2001 12:20 2of2 0.0029 0.0001 0.013 0.000 0.24 0.02 0.20 0.00 0.016 0.000 

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

12/21/2001 13:00 1of2 0.0062 0.0002 0.012 0.001 0.29 0.03 0.47 0.00 0.040 0.000 

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

12/21/2001 13:00 2of2 0.0056 0.0000 0.011 0.001 0.28 0.05 0.44 0.00 0.040 0.000 

BY51 Greenhorn Cr nr 

Headwaters nr Scotts 

Flat Reservoir

1/25/2000 9:30 1of2 0.004 0.002 0.006 0.000 <0.3 0.1 0.25 0.02 0.025 0.004

BY51 Greenhorn Cr nr 

Headwaters nr Scotts 

Flat Reservoir

1/25/2000 9:30 2of2 0.003 0.001 0.007 0.002 <0.3 0.1 0.24 0.04 0.023 0.006

BY75 Missouri Cyn Cr 1.2 mi 

ab Greenhorn Cr nr 

Chicago Park

12/14/1999 14:00 1of2 0.0048 0.0000 0.013 0.001 <1 0 0.50 0.00 0.030 0.000 

BY75 Missouri Cyn Cr 1.2 mi 

ab Greenhorn Cr nr 

Chicago Park

12/14/1999 14:00 2of2 0.0051 0.0002 0.013 0.000 <1 1 0.49 0.02 0.029 0.003

BY86 Poore Mine creek ab 

tunnel nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 17:40 1of2 0.0010 0.0000 0.0038 0.0003 0.30 0.02 0.083 0.002 0.0076 0.0006

BY86 Poore Mine creek ab 

tunnel nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 17:40 2of2 0.0010 0.0001 0.0042 0.0001 0.28 0.00 0.082 0.001 0.0080 0.0012

BY87 Poore Mine creek bl 

tunnel nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 13:30 1of2 0.0013 0.0000 0.0040 0.0009 0.47 0.16 0.10 0.00 0.0080 0.0001

BY87 Poore Mine creek bl 

tunnel nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 13:30 2of2 0.0010 0.0001 0.0040 0.0007 0.35 0.03 0.097 0.002 0.0078 0.0009

BY88 Poore Mine ground 

sluice nr Grass 

Valley 

4/1/1999 15:40 1of2 0.0027 0.0002 0.0069 0.0003 <0.07 0.06 0.22 0.00 0.017 0.002

BY88 Poore Mine ground 

sluice nr Grass 

Valley 

4/1/1999 15:40 2of2 0.0033 0.0008 0.0072 0.0003 <0.06 0.05 0.23 0.01 0.017 0.000 

Table 4B. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in filtered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, creek; Cyn, Canyon; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a 

five-digit code used in the U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent 

to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; <, less than; , not determined]

192 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Thallium (Tl), 

filtered

(μg/L)

(01057)

Uranium (U),

filtered 

(μg/L)

(22703)

Vanadium (V),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01085)

Yttrium (Y),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01201)

Ytterbium (Yb),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01194)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY89 Poore Mine pit lake 

nr Grass Valley 

4/1/1999 16:50 1of2 0.0006 0.0000 0.0034 0.0004 <0.06 0.02 0.041 0.002 0.0049 0.0003

BY89 Poore Mine pit lake 

nr Grass Valley 

4/1/1999 16:50 2of2 0.0007 0.0001 0.0038 0.0006 <0.06 0.08 0.037 0.001 0.0042 0.0012

BY89 Poore Mine pit lake 

nr Grass Valley 

5/23/2000 10:45 1of2 0.0041 0.0001 0.016 0.001 <0.7 0.3 0.32 0.00 0.018 0.000 

BY89 Poore Mine pit lake 

nr Grass Valley 

5/23/2000 10:45 2of2 0.0030 0.0010 0.017 0.001 <0.7 0.2 0.33 0.00 0.016 0.003

BY90 Poore Mine seep 

ab ground sluice 

nr Grass Valley 

4/1/1999 16:00 1of2 0.0010 0.0001 0.0023 0.0011 <0.06 0.03 0.078 0.004 0.0069 0.0001

BY90 Poore Mine seep 

ab ground sluice 

nr Grass Valley 

4/1/1999 16:00 2of2 0.0010 0.0001 0.0023 0.0010 <0.06 0.04 0.077 0.000 0.0070 0.0007

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 15:20 1of2 0.0002 0.0001 0.033 0.004 0.19 0.03 0.026 0.002 0.0013 0.0002

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 15:20 2of2 0.0002 0.0002 0.036 0.000 0.13 0.03 0.029 0.003 0.0006 0.0008

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

12/15/1999 13:00 1of2 <0.0001 0.0000 0.058 0.005 <1 1 0.008 0.000 0.0002 0.0001

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

12/15/1999 13:00 2of2 0.0001 0.0001 0.060 0.001 <1 1 0.009 0.000 0.0006 0.0003

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

5/23/2000 12:00 1of2 <0.001 0.000 0.041 0.004 <0.7 0.4 0.011 0.001 <0.002 0.001

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

5/23/2000 12:00 2of2 <0.001 0.001 0.045 0.004 <0.3 0.0 0.010 0.002 <0.004 0.002

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main 

drain Gulch 01nr 

Quaker Hill 

7/6/1999 16:00 1of2 0.017 0.000 0.068 0.002 0.24 0.11 0.98 0.00 0.12 0.00 

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main 

drain Gulch 01nr 

Quaker Hill 

7/6/1999 16:00 2of2 0.017 0.000 0.061 0.003 0.18 0.03 0.94 0.02 0.12 0.01

Table 4B. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in filtered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, creek; Cyn, Canyon; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a 

five-digit code used in the U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent 

to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; <, less than; , not determined]

Table 4B 193
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Thallium (Tl), 

filtered

(μg/L)

(01057)

Uranium (U),

filtered 

(μg/L)

(22703)

Vanadium (V),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01085)

Yttrium (Y),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01201)

Ytterbium (Yb),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01194)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main 

drain Gulch 01nr 

Quaker Hill 

12/2/1999 14:30 1of2 0.025 0.000 0.30 0.00 <1 0 1.2 0.0 0.19 0.00 

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main 

drain Gulch 01nr 

Quaker Hill 

12/2/1999 14:30 2of2 0.026 0.000 0.30 0.00 <1 1 1.2 0.0 0.20 0.00 

BY106 Sailor Flat Mine 

main drainage to 

Greenhorn Cr, 

Gulch 03

4/9/2001 12:30 1of 2 0.019 0.003 0.33 0.07 <0.9 0.2 1.1 0.2 0.14 0.04

BY106 Sailor Flat Mine 

main drainage to 

Greenhorn Cr, 

Gulch 03

4/9/2001 12:30 2of 2 0.023 0.001 0.33 0.07 <0.9 0.4 1.1 0.2 0.14 0.01

BY114 SF Greenhorn Cr 

0.7 i ab Greenhorn 

Cr nr Nevada City 

8/22/2000 15:10 1of2 <0.001 0.000 0.008 0.001 <0.4 0.1 0.014 0.002 <0.003 0.001

BY114 SF Greenhorn Cr 

0.7 i ab Greenhorn 

Cr nr Nevada City 

8/22/2000 15:10 2of2 <0.001 0.001 0.007 0.001 <0.4 0.1 0.013 0.001 <0.003 0.003

BY122 Starr Mine tunnel 

inflow nr Grass 

Valley

4/23/1999 15:00 1of2 0.0015 0.0000 0.0044 0.0003 0.11 0.02 0.14 0.00 0.0086 0.0004

BY122 Starr Mine tunnel 

inflow nr Grass 

Valley

4/23/1999 15:00 2of2 0.0015 0.0002 0.0051 0.0003 0.12 0.00 0.14 0.00 0.0085 0.0014

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

4/23/1999 13:40 1of2 <0.0001 0.0000 0.036 0.001 0.074 0.007 0.010 0.005 <0.0003 0.0001

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

4/23/1999 13:40 2of2 <0.0001 0.0000 0.037 0.000 <0.06 0.01 0.0076 0.0003 <0.0003 0.0001

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

12/15/1999 10:45 1of2 0.0001 0.0001 0.044 0.001 <1 1 0.011 0.000 0.0003 0.0000 

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

12/15/1999 10:45 2of2 <0.0001 0.0001 0.044 0.001 <1 0 0.013 0.001 0.0003 0.0000 

BY124 Starr Mine tunnel outlet 

nr Grass Valley 

8/23/2000 17:30 1of2 <0.001 0.000 0.13 0.00 1.0 0.2 0.012 0.001 <0.003 0.000 

Table 4B. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in filtered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, creek; Cyn, Canyon; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a 

five-digit code used in the U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent 

to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; <, less than; , not determined]

194 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Thallium (Tl), 

filtered

(μg/L)

(01057)

Uranium (U),

filtered 

(μg/L)

(22703)

Vanadium (V),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01085)

Yttrium (Y),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01201)

Ytterbium (Yb),

filtered

(μg/L)

(01194)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

BY124 Starr Mine tunnel outlet 

nr Grass Valley 

8/23/2000 17:30 2of2 <0.001 0.000 0.13 0.01 0.9 0.2 0.015 0.002 <0.003 0.002

BY129 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel inlet 

nr Nevada City 

6/28/2000 12:00 1of2 <0.001 0.001 0.003 0.001 <3 1 0.042 0.001 <0.003 0.001

BY129 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel inlet 

nr Nevada City 

6/28/2000 12:00 2of2 <0.001 0.000 0.002 0.001 <3 1 0.043 0.002 0.004 0.002

BY130 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel outlet 

nr Nevada City

6/28/2000 11:30 1of2 <0.001 0.001 0.004 0.002 <3 1 0.014 0.001 <0.003 0.001

BY130 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel outlet 

nr Nevada City

6/28/2000 11:30 2of2 <0.001 0.000 0.004 0.002 <3 1 0.015 0.001 <0.003 0.001

BY131 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drainage pond nr 

Nevada City 

8/23/2000 10:45 1of2 0.0010 0.0003 0.001 0.000 <0.4 0.2 0.070 0.003 <0.003 0.002

BY131 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drainage pond nr 

Nevada City 

8/23/2000 10:45 2of2 <0.001 0.000 0.002 0.001 <0.4 0.1 0.069 0.006 0.005 0.002

Disturbed samples

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

12/15/1999 11:30 1of2 <0.0001 0.0000 0.063 0.001 <1 0 0.010 0.001 0.0002 0.0000 

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

12/15/1999 11:30 2of2 0.0001 0.0001 0.062 0.002 <1 0 0.010 0.000 0.0003 0.0001

BY129 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel inlet 

nr Nevada City 

6/28/2000 12:30 1of2 <0.001 0.000 0.006 0.001 <3 1 0.054 0.002 0.003 0.000 

BY129 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel inlet 

nr Nevada City 

6/28/2000 12:30 2of2 <0.001 0.000 0.007 0.002 <3 1 0.055 0.001 <0.003 0.001

Table 4B. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in filtered water samples, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, creek; Cyn, Canyon; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a 

five-digit code used in the U.S. Geological Survey computerized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentration, equivalent 

to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; <, less than; , not determined]

Table 4B 195
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Zinc (Zn), 

filtered (μg/L)

(01090)

Zirconium (Zr),

filtered (μg/L)

(01160)

value s.d. value s.d.

Environmental samples

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

6/18/1999 14:30 1of2 1.6 0.0 0.0016 0.0002

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

6/18/1999 14:30 2of2 1.4 0.1 0.0016 0.0002

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

12/14/1999 12:00 1of2 2.4 0.3 0.0019 0.0011

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

12/14/1999 12:00 2of2 1.9 0.2 0.0022 0.0007

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

5/24/2000 16:00 1of2 2.9 0.2 0.005 0.002

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel 

outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

5/24/2000 16:00 2of2 3.0 0.0 < 0.004 0.002

BY21 Boston Mine wetlands 

pond nr Grass Valley 

12/14/1999 10:30 1of2 2.3 0.3 0.0019 0.0001

BY21 Boston Mine wetlands 

pond nr Grass Valley 

12/14/1999 10:30 2of2 2.4 0.1 0.0020 0.0000 

BY21 Boston Mine wetlands 

pond nr Grass Valley 

5/24/2000 16:30 1of2 6.2 0.3 0.007 0.001

BY21 Boston Mine wetlands 

pond nr Grass Valley 

5/24/2000 16:30 2of2 2.4 0.2 0.007 0.003

BY58 Buckeye Flat Mine 

main drain 0.45 mi 

ab Greenhorn Cr 

8/21/2000 11:00 1of2 200 0 <0.01 0.01

BY58 Buckeye Flat Mine 

main drain 0.45 mi 

ab Greenhorn Cr

8/21/2000 11:00 2of2 200 10 0.014 0.007

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

6/18/1999 11:30 1of2 560 0 0.011 0.003

Table 4B. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in filtered water samples, Greenhorn 

Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, creek; Cyn, Canyon; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; 

SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a five-digit code used in the U.S. Geological Survey com-

puterized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentra-

tion, equivalent to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; <, less than; , not determined]

196 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Zinc (Zn), 

filtered (μg/L)

(01090)

Zirconium (Zr),

filtered (μg/L)

(01160)

value s.d. value s.d.

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

6/18/1999 11:30 2of2 550 10 0.0090 0.0012

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

12/2/1999 11:00 1of2 300 0 0.041 0.001

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

12/2/1999 11:00 2of2 290 0 0.041 0.001

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

8/22/2000 10:45 1of2 370 0 0.026 0.007

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N 

drain to Greenhorn 

Cr, Grass Valley

8/22/2000 10:45 2of2 370 0 0.021 0.001

BY116 Buckeye Flat Mine 

pond drain 0.15 mi 

ab SF Greenhorn Cr

8/21/2000 14:10 1of2 8.3 0.1<0.01 0.01

BY116 Buckeye Flat Mine 

pond drain 0.15 mi 

ab SF Greenhorn Cr

8/21/2000 14:10 2of2 8.8 0.3<0.01 0.00 

BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine 

S drain to SF 

Greenhorn Cr, Grass 

Valley

8/26/1999 11:00 1of2 20 2 0.0083 0.0006

BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine 

S drain to SF 

Greenhorn Cr, Grass 

Valley

8/26/1999 11:00 2of2 20 1 0.0055 0.0007

BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine 

S drain to SF 

Greenhorn Cr, Grass 

Valley

8/22/2000 12:10 1of2 14 0 <0.01 0.00 

BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine 

S drain to SF 

Greenhorn Cr, Grass 

Valley

8/22/2000 12:10 2of2 14 0 <0.01 0.00 

Table 4B. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in filtered water samples, Greenhorn 

Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, creek; Cyn, Canyon; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; 

SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a five-digit code used in the U.S. Geological Survey com-

puterized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentra-

tion, equivalent to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; <, less than; , not determined]

Table 4B 197
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Zinc (Zn), 

filtered (μg/L)

(01090)

Zirconium (Zr),

filtered (μg/L)

(01160)

value s.d. value s.d.

BY25 Buckeye Flat Mine 

upper drain

4/9/2001 10:00 1of2 79 11 0.015 0.011

BY25 Buckeye Flat Mine 

upper drain

4/9/2001 10:00 2of2 76 0 0.017 0.004

BY52 Greenhorn Cr 0.3 mi 

ab Buckeye Ford nr 

Nevada City

1/25/2000 10:45 1of2 4.2 0.5 0.044 0.004

BY52 Greenhorn Cr 0.3 mi 

ab Buckeye Ford nr 

Nevada City

1/25/2000 10:45 2of2 3.6 0.3 0.047 0.003

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

7/24/2001 11:00 1of2 1.5 0.1 0.0091 0.0058

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

7/24/2001 11:00 2of2 1.7 0.0 0.0026 0.0003

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

8/29/2001 15:00 1of2 0.67 0.08 0.0019 0.0006

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

8/29/2001 15:00 2of2 0.55 0.02 0.0035 0.0015

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

9/14/2001 13:00 1of2 0.90 0.05 0.0022 0.0019

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

9/14/2001 13:00 2of2 1.2 0.0 0.0036 0.0010 

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

10/15/2001 12:00 1of2 1.5 0.0 0.0031 0.0013

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

10/15/2001 12:00 2of2 1.5 0.0 0.0036 0.0016

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

11/20/2001 13:20 1of2 2.5 0.1 0.0026 0.0006

Table 4B. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in filtered water samples, Greenhorn 

Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, creek; Cyn, Canyon; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; 

SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a five-digit code used in the U.S. Geological Survey com-

puterized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentra-

tion, equivalent to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; <, less than; , not determined]

198 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Zinc (Zn), 

filtered (μg/L)

(01090)

Zirconium (Zr),

filtered (μg/L)

(01160)

value s.d. value s.d.

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

11/20/2001 13:20 2of2 2.2 0.1 0.0035 0.0010 

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

12/10/2001 12:20 1of2 2.8 0.0 0.017 0.001

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

12/10/2001 12:20 2of2 3.0 0.1 0.016 0.006

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

12/21/2001 13:00 1of2 1.3 0.0 0.032 0.005

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You 

Bet Rd nr Nevada 

City 

12/21/2001 13:00 2of2 1.4 0.1 0.025 0.003

BY51 Greenhorn Cr nr 

Headwaters nr Scotts 

Flat Reservoir

1/25/2000 9:30 1of2 4.2 2.9 0.041 0.005

BY51 Greenhorn Cr nr 

Headwaters nr Scotts 

Flat Reservoir

1/25/2000 9:30 2of2 1.3 0.1 0.035 0.004

BY75 Missouri Cyn Cr 1.2 mi 

ab Greenhorn Cr nr 

Chicago Park

12/14/1999 14:00 1of2 331 0.0065 0.0008

BY75 Missouri Cyn Cr 1.2 mi 

ab Greenhorn Cr nr 

Chicago Park

12/14/1999 14:00 2of2 321 0.0077 0.0009

BY86 Poore Mine creek ab 

tunnel nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 17:40 1of2 2.1 0.0 0.010 0.001

BY86 Poore Mine creek ab 

tunnel nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 17:40 2of2 1.5 0.1 0.0093 0.0016

Table 4B. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in filtered water samples, Greenhorn 

Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, creek; Cyn, Canyon; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; 

SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a five-digit code used in the U.S. Geological Survey com-

puterized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentra-

tion, equivalent to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; <, less than; , not determined]

Table 4B 199
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Zinc (Zn), 

filtered (μg/L)

(01090)

Zirconium (Zr),

filtered (μg/L)

(01160)

value s.d. value s.d.

BY87 Poore Mine creek bl 

tunnel nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 13:30 1of2 1.4 0.1 0.010 0.003

BY87 Poore Mine creek bl 

tunnel nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 13:30 2of2 1.8 0.1 0.010 0.001

BY88 Poore Mine ground 

sluice nr Grass 

Valley 

4/1/1999 15:40 1of2 9.2 0.2 0.0026 0.0006

BY88 Poore Mine ground 

sluice nr Grass 

Valley 

4/1/1999 15:40 2of2 9.7 0.6 0.0057 0.0128

BY89 Poore Mine pit lake 

nr Grass Valley 

4/1/1999 16:50 1of2 11 0 0.0019 0.0011

BY89 Poore Mine pit lake 

nr Grass Valley 

4/1/1999 16:50 2of2 10 0 0.0016 0.0001

BY89 Poore Mine pit lake 

nr Grass Valley 

5/23/2000 10:45 1of2 85 0 0.005 0.002

BY89 Poore Mine pit lake 

nr Grass Valley 

5/23/2000 10:45 2of2 854 0.004 0.001

BY90 Poore Mine seep 

ab ground sluice 

nr Grass Valley 

4/1/1999 16:00 1of2 8.5 0.3<0.0006 0.0027

BY90 Poore Mine seep 

ab ground sluice 

nr Grass Valley 

4/1/1999 16:00 2of2 7.9 0.0 0.0039 0.0016

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 15:20 1of2 6.5 0.0 0.035 0.001

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

3/31/1999 15:20 2of2 6.6 0.3 0.0048 0.0002

Table 4B. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in filtered water samples, Greenhorn 

Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, creek; Cyn, Canyon; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; 

SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a five-digit code used in the U.S. Geological Survey com-

puterized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentra-

tion, equivalent to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; <, less than; , not determined]

200 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Zinc (Zn), 

filtered (μg/L)

(01090)

Zirconium (Zr),

filtered (μg/L)

(01160)

value s.d. value s.d.

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

12/15/1999 13:00 1of2 2.9 0.0 0.0013 0.0004

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

12/15/1999 13:00 2of2 3.1 0.4 0.0025 0.0004

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

5/23/2000 12:00 1of2 7.6 0.2 0.005 0.004

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel 

effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

5/23/2000 12:00 2of2 7.5 0.0 <0.004 0.002

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main 

drain Gulch 01nr 

Quaker Hill 

7/6/1999 16:00 1of2 27 0 0.11 0.00 

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main 

drain Gulch 01nr 

Quaker Hill 

7/6/1999 16:00 2of2 252 0.12 0.00 

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main 

drain Gulch 01nr 

Quaker Hill 

12/2/1999 14:30 1of2 8.0 1.0 0.29 0.00 

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main 

drain Gulch 01nr 

Quaker Hill 

12/2/1999 14:30 2of2 7.4 0.3 0.28 0.01

BY106 Sailor Flat Mine 

main drainage to 

Greenhorn Cr, 

Gulch 03

4/9/2001 12:30 1of 2 4.4 0.3 0.31 0.08

BY106 Sailor Flat Mine 

main drainage to 

Greenhorn Cr, 

Gulch 03

4/9/2001 12:30 2of 2 4.7 0.5 0.32 0.09

Table 4B. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in filtered water samples, Greenhorn 

Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, creek; Cyn, Canyon; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; 

SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a five-digit code used in the U.S. Geological Survey com-

puterized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentra-

tion, equivalent to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; <, less than; , not determined]

Table 4B 201
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Zinc (Zn), 

filtered (μg/L)

(01090)

Zirconium (Zr),

filtered (μg/L)

(01160)

value s.d. value s.d.

BY114 SF Greenhorn Cr 0.7 i 

ab Greenhorn Cr nr 

Nevada City 

8/22/2000 15:10 1of2<0.2 0.1<0.01 0.01

BY114 SF Greenhorn Cr 

0.7 mi ab Greenhorn 

Cr nr Nevada City 

8/22/2000 15:10 2of2<0.2 0.1 0.065 0.067

BY122 Starr Mine tunnel 

inflow nr Grass 

Valley

4/23/1999 15:00 1of2 16 0 0.0020 0.0001

BY122 Starr Mine tunnel 

inflow nr Grass 

Valley

4/23/1999 15:00 2of2 171 0.0029 0.0005

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

4/23/1999 13:40 1of2 0.53 0.08 0.0028 0.0006

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

4/23/1999 13:40 2of2 0.59 0.02 0.0043 0.0004

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

12/15/1999 10:45 1of2 2.1 0.3 0.0027 0.0001

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

12/15/1999 10:45 2of2 1.7 0.3 0.0030 0.0008

BY124 Starr Mine tunnel outlet 

nr Grass Valley 

8/23/2000 17:30 1of2 0.4 0.1<0.01 0.01

BY124 Starr Mine tunnel outlet 

nr Grass Valley 

8/23/2000 17:30 2of2 0.4 0.1<0.01 0.00 

BY129 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel inlet 

nr Nevada City 

6/28/2000 12:00 1of2 0.5 0.2 0.010 0.008

BY129 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel inlet 

nr Nevada City 

6/28/2000 12:00 2of2 0.4 0.1<0.006 0.003

Table 4B. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in filtered water samples, Greenhorn 

Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, creek; Cyn, Canyon; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; 

SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a five-digit code used in the U.S. Geological Survey com-

puterized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentra-

tion, equivalent to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; <, less than; , not determined]

202 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
Station 

map ID Station name Date Time Replicate

Zinc (Zn), 

filtered (μg/L)

(01090)

Zirconium (Zr),

filtered (μg/L)

(01160)

value s.d. value s.d.

BY130 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel outlet 

nr Nevada City

6/28/2000 11:30 1of2 1.1 0.3<0.006 0.004

BY130 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel outlet 

nr Nevada City

6/28/2000 11:30 2of2 1.1 0.3<0.006 0.000 

BY131 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drainage pond nr 

Nevada City 

8/23/2000 10:45 1of2 1.6 0.1<0.01 0.00 

BY131 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drainage pond nr 

Nevada City 

8/23/2000 10:45 2of2 1.5 0.1<0.01 0.00 

Disburbed samples

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

12/15/1999 11:30 1of2 3.2 0.1 0.0022 0.0001

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel 

midway nr Grass 

Valley

12/15/1999 11:30 2of2 1.5 0.2 0.0026 0.0016

BY129 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel inlet 

nr Nevada City 

6/28/2000 12:30 1of2 1.1 0.3 0.032 0.030 

BY129 Tom and Jerry Mine 

drain at tunnel inlet 

nr Nevada City 

6/28/2000 12:30 2of2 0.5 0.1 0.008 0.007

Table 4B. Concentrations of trace metals and selected major elements in filtered water samples, Greenhorn 

Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, creek; Cyn, Canyon; mi, miles; N, north; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; 

SF, South Fork. Number in parentheses is the data parameter code, a five-digit code used in the U.S. Geological Survey com-

puterized data system. μg/L, microgram per liter (equivalent to part per billion); mg/L, milligram per liter (at low concentra-

tion, equivalent to part per million); s.d., standard deviation; <, less than; , not determined]

Table 4B 203
204 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001

Station 

map ID Station name Collection date 

Common 

name

Order Family

Sample 

size

(n)

Live 

weight

(g)

Moisture 

(percent)

Total

mercury

(μg/g wet)

Methylmercury

(μg/g wet)

MeHg/THg 

(percent) Age

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

8/31/99 Banana slug Gastropoda Arionidae 3 50.87 84.2  0.033  Undetermined

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

8/21/00 Banana slug Gastropoda Arionidae 3 40.82 81.8  0.0092  Undetermined

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

9/13/01 Banana slug Gastropoda Arionidae 3 61.19 82.9  0.0081  Undetermined

BY58 Buckeye Flat Mine main drain 0.45 

mi ab Greenhorn Cr

8/22/00 Banana slug Gastropoda Arionidae 3 50.45 81.5  0.0060  Undetermined

BY58 Buckeye Flat Mine main drain 0.45 

mi ab Greenhorn Cr

9/13/01 Banana slug Gastropoda Arionidae 3 46.64 84.5  0.0070  Undetermined

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N drain to 

Greenhorn Cr Grass Valley

8/22/00 Banana slug Gastropoda Arionidae 3 43.67 88.7  0.0056  Undetermined

BY116 Buckeye Flat Mine pond drain 0.15 

mi ab SF Greenhorn Cr

8/22/00 Banana slug Gastropoda Arionidae 3 33.60 89.5  0.014  Undetermined

BY116 Buckeye Flat Mine pond drain 0.15 

mi ab SF Greenhorn Cr

9/12/01 Banana slug Gastropoda Arionidae 3 25.34 84.6  0.048  Undetermined

BY25 Buckeye Flat Mine upper drain 10/19/01 Banana slug Gastropoda Arionidae 3 47.97 80.9 0.039 0.013 33 Undetermined

BY146 Missouri Cyn 1.6 mi ab Greenhorn Cr 

nr Chicago Park

9/25/00 Banana slug Gastropoda Arionidae 3 35.94 87.6  0.024  Undetermined

BY75 Missouri Cyn Cr 1.2 mi ab Greenhorn 

Cr nr Chicago Park

8/31/99 Banana slug Gastropoda Arionidae 2 36.87 82.2  0.0014  Undetermined

BY75 Missouri Cyn Cr 1.2 mi ab Greenhorn 

Cr nr Chicago Park

8/21/00 Banana slug Gastropoda Arionidae 3 105.94 79.5  0.0031  Undetermined

BY75 Missouri Cyn Cr 1.2 mi ab Greenhorn 

Cr nr Chicago Park

9/15/01 Banana slug Gastropoda Arionidae 3 39.53 80.3  0.0035  Undetermined

BY147 NF MF Missouri Cyn nr Chicago Park 9/25/00 Banana slug Gastropoda Arionidae 3 43.67 87.6  0.036  Undetermined

BY147 NF MF Missouri Cyn nr Chicago Park 9/15/01 Banana slug Gastropoda Arionidae 3 26.56 82.9  0.020  Undetermined

BY86 Poore Mine Creek ab tunnel nr Grass 

Valley 

9/26/00 Banana slug Gastropoda Arionidae 3 28.83 84.1  0.006  Undetermined

BY90 Poore Mine Seep above ground sluice 

nr Grass Valley 

9/26/00 Banana slug Gastropoda Arionidae 3 50.19 84.2  0.017  Undetermined

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

8/13/99 Banana slug Gastropoda Arionidae 3 53.86 83.6  0.0010  Undetermined

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

8/21/00 Banana slug Gastropoda Arionidae 3 50.97 85.6  0.0072  Undetermined

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

10/17/01 Banana slug Gastropoda Arionidae 3 50.35 85.5  0.010  Undetermined

BY114 SF Greenhorn Cr 0.7 mi ab Greenhorn 

Cr nr Nevada City

8/22/00 Banana slug Gastropoda Arionidae 3 70.67 86.8  0.0043  Undetermined

BY113 SF Greenhorn Cr 0.8 mi ab Greenhorn 

Cr nr Nevada City

9/13/01 Banana slug Gastropoda Arionidae 3 38.46 89.8 0.087 0.0076 9 Undetermined

Table 11A. Mercury and methylmercury concentration data for invertebrates, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, California.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, Creek; Cyn, Canyon; MF, Middle Fork; mi, miles; N, north; NF, North Fork; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. MeHg, methylmercury; THg, total 

mercury. n, number of organisms; g, gram; μg/g, microgram per gram; , not determined]
Table 11A 205

Station 

map ID Station name Collection date 

Common 

name

Order Family

Sample 

size

(n)

Live 

weight

(g)

Moisture 

(percent)

Total

mercury

(μg/g wet)

Methylmercury

(μg/g wet)

MeHg/THg 

(percent) Age

BY124 Starr Mine tunnel outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

8/21/00 Banana slug Gastropoda Arionidae 2 52.97 81.5  0.0052  Undetermined

BY130 Tom Jerry Mine drain at tunnel outlet 

nr Nevada City

8/23/00 Banana slug Gastropoda Arionidae 3 41.66 87.9  0.015  Undetermined

BY130 Tom Jerry Mine drain at tunnel outlet 

nr Nevada City

8/23/00 Banana slug Gastropoda Arionidae 3 34.86 85.9  0.0036  Undetermined

BY130 Tom Jerry Mine drain at tunnel outlet 

nr Nevada City

9/13/01 Banana slug Gastropoda Arionidae 3 40.90 82.0  0.0076  Undetermined

BY130 Tom Jerry Mine drain at tunnel outlet 

nr Nevada City

9/13/01 Banana slug Gastropoda Arionidae 3 43.56 88.2  0.017  Undetermined

BY180 Greenhorn Cr .2 mi bl The Narrows 10/17/01 Dobsonfly Megaloptera Corydalidae 1 0.73 63.4 0.10 0.067 64 Immature

BY57 Greenhorn Cr 0.3 mi bl Sailor Flat 

West drain nr Nevada City 

9/29/99 Dobsonfly Megaloptera Corydalidae 4 2.84 75.6  0.027  Immature

BY57 Greenhorn Cr 0.3 mi bl Sailor Flat 

West drain nr Nevada City 

9/29/99 Dobsonfly Megaloptera Corydalidae 3 1.40 76.6  0.033  Immature

BY75 Missouri Cyn Cr 1.2 mi ab Greenhorn 

Cr nr Chicago Park

8/31/99 Dobsonfly Megaloptera Corydalidae 1 1.43 70.5  0.18  Immature

BY75 Missouri Cyn Cr 1.2 mi ab Greenhorn 

Cr nr Chicago Park

8/21/00 Dobsonfly Megaloptera Corydalidae 1 4.13 67.2  0.20  Immature

BY75 Missouri Cyn Cr 1.2 mi ab Greenhorn 

Cr nr Chicago Park

8/21/00 Dobsonfly Megaloptera Corydalidae 1 3.95 70.0  0.19  Immature

BY75 Missouri Cyn Cr 1.2 mi ab Greenhorn 

Cr nr Chicago Park

9/15/01 Dobsonfly Megaloptera Corydalidae 1 4.98 68.0 0.14 0.078 56 Immature

BY147 NF MF Missouri Cyn nr Chicago Park 9/25/00 Dobsonfly Megaloptera Corydalidae 3 0.84 82.6  0.39  Immature

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

10/17/01 Dobsonfly Megaloptera Corydalidae 1 2.27 76.9 0.060 0.039 65 Immature

BY114 SF Greenhorn Cr 0.7 mi ab Greenhorn 

Cr nr Nevada City

8/22/00 Dobsonfly Megaloptera Corydalidae 3 1.65 75.3  0.068  Immature

BY113 SF Greenhorn Cr 0.8 mi ab Greenhorn 

Cr nr Nevada City

8/22/00 Dobsonfly Megaloptera Corydalidae 3 2.05 75.9  0.048  Immature

BY113 SF Greenhorn Cr 0.8 mi ab Greenhorn 

Cr nr Nevada City

9/13/01 Dobsonfly Megaloptera Corydalidae 3 3.96 70.4 0.11 0.030 27 Immature

BY115 SF Greenhorn Cr bl Boston Mine nr 

Nevada City

8/21/00 Dobsonfly Megaloptera Corydalidae 1 0.60 77.8  0.21  Immature

BY130 Tom Jerry Mine drain at tunnel outlet 

nr Nevada City

8/23/00 Dobsonfly Megaloptera Corydalidae 1 1.44 73.4  0.047  Immature

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

8/21/00 Dragonfly Odonata Cordulegastridae 1 1.04 78.6  0.89  Immature

BY21 Boston Mine wetlands pond nr Grass 

Valley 

8/12/99 Dragonfly Odonata Aeshnidae 3 3.84 76.7 0.071 0.070 99 Immature

Table 11A. Mercury and methylmercury concentration data for invertebrates, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, Creek; Cyn, Canyon; MF, Middle Fork; mi, miles; N, north; NF, North Fork; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. MeHg, methylmercury; THg, total 

mercury. n, number of organisms; g, gram; μg/g, microgram per gram; , not determined]
206 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001

Station 

map ID Station name Collection date 

Common 

name

Order Family

Sample 

size

(n)

Live 

weight

(g)

Moisture 

(percent)

Total

mercury

(μg/g wet)

Methylmercury

(μg/g wet)

MeHg/THg 

(percent) Age

BY21 Boston Mine wetlands pond nr Grass 

Valley 

8/21/00 Dragonfly Odonata Aeshnidae 8 2.08 82.6  0.032  Immature

BY21 Boston Mine wetlands pond nr Grass 

Valley 

9/13/01 Dragonfly Odonata Libellulidae 8 3.78 82.5 0.016 0.014 89 Immature

BY21 Boston Mine wetlands pond nr Grass 

Valley 

9/13/01 Dragonfly Odonata Aeshnidae 7 2.45 83.6 0.036 0.034 95 Immature

BY21 Boston Mine wetlands pond nr Grass 

Valley 

9/13/01 Dragonfly Odonata Aeshnidae 10 2.42 82.1 0.027 0.026 97 Immature

BY21 Boston Mine wetlands pond nr Grass 

Valley 

9/13/01 Dragonfly Odonata Aeshnidae 7 2.15 82.0 0.028 0.029 102 Immature

BY116 Buckeye Flat Mine pond drain 0.15 

mi ab SF Greenhorn Cr

8/22/00 Dragonfly Odonata Cordulegastridae 3 2.62 83.6 0.10 0.092 90 Immature

BY116 Buckeye Flat Mine pond drain 0.15 

mi ab SF Greenhorn Cr

9/12/01 Dragonfly Odonata Aeshnidae 2 1.18 83.5 0.065 0.047 72 Immature

BY116 Buckeye Flat Mine pond drain 0.15 

mi ab SF Greenhorn Cr

9/12/01 Dragonfly Odonata Gomphidae 5 0.96 81.8 0.12 0.10 83 Immature

BY116 Buckeye Flat Mine pond drain 0.15 

mi ab SF Greenhorn Cr

9/12/01 Dragonfly Odonata Aeshnidae 4 1.12 81.6 0.063 0.063 100 Immature

BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine S drain to SF 

Greenhorn Cr Grass Valley

8/26/99 Dragonfly Odonata Aeshnidae 4 2.86 79.3  1.6  Immature

BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine S drain to SF 

Greenhorn Cr Grass Valley

8/22/00 Dragonfly Odonata Aeshnidae 3 0.99 83.2  0.32  Immature

BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine S drain to SF 

Greenhorn Cr Grass Valley

9/12/01 Dragonfly Odonata Aeshnidae 4 1.95 78.4 0.087 0.079 91 Immature

BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine S drain to SF 

Greenhorn Cr Grass Valley

9/12/01 Dragonfly Odonata Aeshnidae 10 0.76 83.6 0.11 0.10 92 Immature

BY144 Coon Hollow Cr drain tunnel outlet nr 

Dutch Flat 

9/26/00 Dragonfly Odonata Aeshnidae 6 0.92 83.5  0.085  Immature

BY144 Coon Hollow Cr drain tunnel outlet nr 

Dutch Flat 

9/26/00 Dragonfly Odonata Aeshnidae 6 1.20 85.1  0.031  Immature

BY180 Greenhorn Cr .2 mi bl The Narrows 10/17/01 Dragonfly Odonata Cordulegastridae 1 1.21 82.2 0.058 0.056 97 Immature

BY180 Greenhorn Cr .2 mi bl The Narrows 10/17/01 Dragonfly Odonata Aeshnidae 4 1.40 84.6 0.10 0.10 108 Immature

BY56 Greenhorn Cr bl SF Greenhorn Cr nr 

Nevada City 

9/14/01 Dragonfly Odonata Cordulegastridae 1 1.27 86.4 0.021 0.014 65 Immature

BY75 Missouri Cyn Cr 1.2 mi ab Greenhorn 

Cr nr Chicago Park

8/31/99 Dragonfly Odonata Cordulegastridae 7 2.97 81.6  0.12  Immature

BY75 Missouri Cyn Cr 1.2 mi ab Greenhorn 

Cr nr Chicago Park

8/21/00 Dragonfly Odonata Cordulegastridae 6 3.99 85.1  0.084  Immature

BY75 Missouri Cyn Cr 1.2 mi ab Greenhorn 

Cr nr Chicago Park

9/15/01 Dragonfly Odonata Gomphidae 14 3.29 79.0 0.12 0.10 81 Immature

BY75 Missouri Cyn Cr 1.2 mi ab Greenhorn 

Cr nr Chicago Park

9/15/01 Dragonfly Odonata Cordulegastridae 5 5.15 85.1 0.074 0.074 100 Immature

Table 11A. Mercury and methylmercury concentration data for invertebrates, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, Creek; Cyn, Canyon; MF, Middle Fork; mi, miles; N, north; NF, North Fork; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. MeHg, methylmercury; THg, total 

mercury. n, number of organisms; g, gram; μg/g, microgram per gram; , not determined]
Table 11A 207

Station 

map ID Station name Collection date 

Common 

name

Order Family

Sample 

size

(n)

Live 

weight

(g)

Moisture 

(percent)

Total

mercury

(μg/g wet)

Methylmercury

(μg/g wet)

MeHg/THg 

(percent) Age

BY147 NF MF Missouri Cyn nr Chicago Park 9/25/00 Dragonfly Odonata Cordulegastridae 1 0.92 82.6  0.36  Immature

BY147 NF MF Missouri Cyn nr Chicago Park 9/15/01 Dragonfly Odonata Gomphidae 12 2.88 80.7 0.37 0.34 92 Immature

BY147 NF MF Missouri Cyn nr Chicago Park 9/15/01 Dragonfly Odonata Aeshnidae 3 1.69 82.0 0.32 0.29 93 Immature

BY147 NF MF Missouri Cyn nr Chicago Park 9/15/01 Dragonfly Odonata Cordulegastridae 2 2.42 83.7 0.28 0.26 94 Immature

BY86 Poore Mine Creek ab tunnel nr Grass 

Valleyley 

9/26/00 Dragonfly Odonata Gomphidae 5 1.28 78.5  0.049  Immature

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel effluent nr Grass 

Valleyley 

8/13/99 Dragonfly Odonata Cordulegastridae 9 1.27 81.4  0.022  Immature

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel effluent nr Grass 

Valleyley 

8/21/00 Dragonfly Odonata Cordulegastridae 2 1.86 82.6  0.037  Immature

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

10/17/01 Dragonfly Odonata Cordulegastridae 5 4.63 81.4 0.036 0.027 75 Immature

BY115 SF Greenhorn Cr bl Boston Mine nr 

Nevada City

9/13/01 Dragonfly Odonata Cordulegastridae 1 0.92 72.8 0.35 0.33 95 Immature

BY124 Starr Mine tunnel outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

8/21/00 Dragonfly Odonata Cordulegastridae 3 2.10 85.0  0.042  Immature

BY148 Starr Pit pond nr Grass Valley 8/12/99 Dragonfly Odonata Aeshnidae 2 1.83 86.4  0.011  Immature

BY148 Starr Pit pond nr Grass Valley 8/21/00 Dragonfly Odonata Aeshnidae 6 4.32 79.1  0.015  Immature

BY148 Starr Pit pond nr Grass Valley 8/21/00 Dragonfly Odonata Aeshnidae 16 1.72 82.8  0.015  Immature

BY148 Starr Pit pond nr Grass Valley 8/21/00 Dragonfly Odonata Libellulidae 5 2.40 85.5  0.013  Immature

BY130 Tom Jerry Mine drain at tunnel outlet 

nr Nevada City

8/23/00 Dragonfly Odonata Cordulegastridae 4 1.76 82.2  0.18  Immature

BY130 Tom Jerry Mine drain at tunnel outlet 

nr Nevada City

9/13/01 Dragonfly Odonata Cordulegastridae 3 1.84 83.8 0.29 0.31 107 Immature

BY130 Tom Jerry Mine drain at tunnel outlet 

nr Nevada City

9/13/01 Dragonfly Odonata Cordulegastridae 5 0.87 84.2 0.34 0.41 120 Immature

BY130 Tom Jerry Mine drain at tunnel outlet 

nr Nevada City

9/13/01 Dragonfly Odonata Cordulegastridae 3 2.33 84.3 0.033 0.036 108 Immature

BY131 Tom Jerry Mine drainage pond nr 

Nevada City 

9/13/01 Dragonfly Odonata Cordulegastridae 4 2.62 83.0 0.016 0.014 90 Immature

BY131 Tom Jerry Mine drainage pond nr 

Nevada City 

9/13/01 Dragonfly Odonata Cordulegastridae 3 2.49 78.2 0.019 0.018 97 Immature

BY131 Tom Jerry Mine drainage pond nr 

Nevada City 

9/13/01 Dragonfly Odonata Aeshnidae 5 1.47 82.4 0.021 0.022 106 Immature

BY131 Tom Jerry Mine drainage pond nr 

Nevada City 

9/13/01 Dragonfly Odonata Cordulegastridae 3 3.03 87.1 0.019 0.022 115 Immature

BY75 Missouri Cyn Cr 1.2 mi ab Greenhorn 

Cr nr Chicago Park

8/31/99 Giant Water 

Bug

Hemiptera Belostomatidae 1 3.27 66.4 0.33 0.34 102 Adult

BY75 Missouri Cyn Cr 1.2 mi ab Greenhorn 

Cr nr Chicago Park

8/21/00 Giant Water 

Bug

Hemiptera Belostomatidae 1 3.95 63.9  0.47  Adult

Table 11A. Mercury and methylmercury concentration data for invertebrates, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, Creek; Cyn, Canyon; MF, Middle Fork; mi, miles; N, north; NF, North Fork; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. MeHg, methylmercury; THg, total 

mercury. n, number of organisms; g, gram; μg/g, microgram per gram; , not determined]
208 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001

Station 

map ID Station name Collection date 

Common 

name

Order Family

Sample 

size

(n)

Live 

weight

(g)

Moisture 

(percent)

Total

mercury

(μg/g wet)

Methylmercury

(μg/g wet)

MeHg/THg 

(percent) Age

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

8/12/99 Predaceous 

diving 

beetle

Coleoptera Dytiscidae 10 1.01 49.9  0.31  Adult

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

8/12/99 Predaceous 

diving 

beetle

Coleoptera Dytiscidae 10 1.02 48.9  0.22  Adult

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

8/21/00 Predaceous 

diving 

beetle

Coleoptera Dytiscidae 22 2.14 57.3  0.50  Adult

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

9/13/01 Predaceous 

diving 

beetle

Coleoptera Dytiscidae 7 0.49 53.6 0.61 0.30 49 Adult

BY21 Boston Mine wetlands pond nr Grass 

Valley 

8/12/99 Predaceous 

diving 

beetle

Coleoptera Dytiscidae 5 1.10 58.8  0.31  Adult

BY21 Boston Mine wetlands pond nr Grass 

Valley 

9/13/01 Predaceous 

diving 

beetle

Coleoptera Dytiscidae 20 1.30 61.5 0.049 0.031 63 Adult

BY22 Buckeye Flat Mine drain 0.1 mi ab 

Greenhorn Cr

9/29/99 Predaceous 

diving 

beetle

Coleoptera Dytiscidae 20 1.77 55.1 0.036 0.030 82 Adult

BY58 Buckeye Flat Mine main drain 0.45 

mi ab Greenhorn Cr

8/22/00 Predaceous 

diving 

beetle

Coleoptera Dytiscidae 40 1.47 48.0  0.11  Adult

BY58 Buckeye Flat Mine main drain 0.45 

mi ab Greenhorn Cr

8/22/00 Predaceous 

diving 

beetle

Coleoptera Dytiscidae 12 0.79 47.2  0.060  Adult

BY58 Buckeye Flat Mine main drain 0.45 

mi ab Greenhorn Cr

9/13/01 Predaceous 

diving 

beetle

Coleoptera Dytiscidae 15 0.96 51.6 0.080 0.029 36 Adult

BY58 Buckeye Flat Mine main drain 0.45 

mi ab Greenhorn Cr

9/13/01 Predaceous 

diving 

beetle

Coleoptera Dytiscidae 30 1.14 52.5 0.082 0.038 47 Adult

BY116 Buckeye Flat Mine pond drain 0.15 

mi ab SF Greenhorn Cr

8/22/00 Predaceous 

diving 

beetle

Coleoptera Dytiscidae 26 1.75 55.2  0.12  Adult

BY116 Buckeye Flat Mine pond drain 0.15 

mi ab SF Greenhorn Cr

9/12/01 Predaceous 

diving 

beetle

Coleoptera Dytiscidae 9 0.70 53.3 0.089 0.050 57 Adult

BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine S drain to SF 

Greenhorn Cr Grass Valley

8/22/00 Predaceous 

diving 

beetle

Coleoptera Dytiscidae 40 1.52 50.8 0.18 0.17 94 Adult

Table 11A. Mercury and methylmercury concentration data for invertebrates, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, Creek; Cyn, Canyon; MF, Middle Fork; mi, miles; N, north; NF, North Fork; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. MeHg, methylmercury; THg, total 

mercury. n, number of organisms; g, gram; μg/g, microgram per gram; , not determined]
Table 11A 209

Station 

map ID Station name Collection date 

Common 

name

Order Family

Sample 

size

(n)

Live 

weight

(g)

Moisture 

(percent)

Total

mercury

(μg/g wet)

Methylmercury

(μg/g wet)

MeHg/THg 

(percent) Age

BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine S drain to SF 

Greenhorn Cr Grass Valley

9/12/01 Predaceous 

diving 

beetle

Coleoptera Dytiscidae 11 0.76 50.6 0.11 0.078 68 Adult

BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine S drain to SF 

Greenhorn Cr Grass Valley

9/12/01 Predaceous 

diving 

beetle

Coleoptera Dytiscidae 29 0.96 50.1 0.15 0.12 78 Adult

BY25 Buckeye Flat Mine upper drain 10/19/01 Predaceous 

diving 

beetle

Coleoptera Dytiscidae 10 0.75 55.0 0.13 0.078 61 Adult

BY144 Coon Hollow Cr drain tunnel outlet nr 

Dutch Flat 

9/26/00 Predaceous 

diving 

beetle

Coleoptera Dytiscidae 23 1.54 53.6  0.11  Adult

BY146 Missouri Cyn 1.6 mi ab Greenhorn Cr 

nr Chicago Park

9/25/00 Predaceous 

diving 

beetle

Coleoptera Dytiscidae 20 1.34 58.4  0.11  Adult

BY145 Missouri Cyn Cr Tributary nr Chicago 

Park 

9/25/00 Predaceous 

diving 

beetle

Coleoptera Dytiscidae 20 1.45 55.0  0.10  Adult

BY147 NF MF Missouri Cyn nr Chicago Park 9/25/00 Predaceous 

diving 

beetle

Coleoptera Dytiscidae 20 1.32 55.2  0.21  Adult

BY147 NF MF Missouri Cyn nr Chicago Park 9/25/00 Predaceous 

diving 

beetle

Coleoptera Dytiscidae 20 1.31 55.0  0.14  Adult

BY147 NF MF Missouri Cyn nr Chicago Park 9/15/01 Predaceous 

diving 

beetle

Coleoptera Dytiscidae 25 1.80 56.0 0.23 0.17 73 Adult

BY90 Poore Mine Seep above ground sluice 

nr Grass Valley 

9/26/00 Predaceous 

diving 

beetle

Coleoptera Dytiscidae 20 1.45 54.5  0.034  Adult

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main drain Gulch 01 

nr Quaker Hill 

8/24/99 Predaceous 

diving 

beetle

Coleoptera Dytiscidae 25 1.76 51.7 0.039 0.032 83 Adult

BY148 Starr Pit pond nr Grass Valley 8/21/00 Predaceous 

diving 

beetle

Coleoptera Dytiscidae 11 2.29 62.6  0.23  Adult

BY130 Tom Jerry Mine drain at tunnel outlet 

nr Nevada City

8/23/00 Predaceous 

diving 

beetle

Coleoptera Dytiscidae 20 1.88 53.5  0.18  Adult

BY130 Tom Jerry Mine drain at tunnel outlet 

nr Nevada City

8/23/00 Predaceous 

diving 

beetle

Coleoptera Dytiscidae 9 0.63 55.5  0.041  Adult

Table 11A. Mercury and methylmercury concentration data for invertebrates, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, Creek; Cyn, Canyon; MF, Middle Fork; mi, miles; N, north; NF, North Fork; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. MeHg, methylmercury; THg, total 

mercury. n, number of organisms; g, gram; μg/g, microgram per gram; , not determined]
Station 

map ID Station name Collection date 

Common 

name

Order Family

Sample 

size

(n)

Live 

weight

(g)

Moisture 

(percent)

Total

mercury

(μg/g wet)

Methylmercury

(μg/g wet)

MeHg/THg 

(percent) Age

BY130 Tom Jerry Mine drain at tunnel outlet 

nr Nevada City

9/13/01 Predaceous 

diving 

beetle

Coleoptera Dytiscidae 13 1.16 57.6 0.18 0.11 61 Adult

BY130 Tom Jerry Mine drain at tunnel outlet 

nr Nevada City

9/13/01 Predaceous 

diving 

beetle

Coleoptera Dytiscidae 15 1.01 49.9 0.12 0.083 69 Adult

BY131 Tom Jerry Mine drainage pond nr 

Nevada City 

9/13/01 Predaceous 

diving 

beetle

Coleoptera Dytiscidae 30 1.07 50.9 0.070 0.055 78 Adult

BY57 Greenhorn Cr 0.3 mi bl Sailor Flat 

West drain nr Nevada City 

9/29/99 Predaceous 

stonefly

Plecoptera Perlidae 10 2.01 74.3  0.026  Immature

BY57 Greenhorn Cr 0.3 mi bl Sailor Flat 

West drain nr Nevada City 

9/29/99 Predaceous 

stonefly

Plecoptera Perlidae 10 2.36 72.4  0.045  Immature

BY53 Greenhorn Cr ab SF Greenhorn Cr nr 

Nevada City 

9/14/01 Predaceous 

stonefly

Plecoptera Perlidae 25 0.95 79.8 0.13 0.084 65 Immature

BY56 Greenhorn Cr bl SF Greenhorn Cr nr 

Nevada City 

9/14/01 Predaceous 

stonefly

Plecoptera Perlidae 11 0.90 78.0 0.15 0.094 64 Immature

BY59 Greenhorn Crk at You Bet Rd nr 

Nevada City

8/31/99 Predaceous 

stonefly

Plecoptera Perlidae 13 1.21 73.0  0.047  Immature

BY75 Missouri Cyn Cr 1.2 mi ab Greenhorn 

Cr nr Chicago Park

8/21/00 Predaceous 

stonefly

Plecoptera Perlidae 10 0.44 75.1  0.14  Immature

BY75 Missouri Cyn Cr 1.2 mi ab Greenhorn 

Cr nr Chicago Park

9/15/01 Predaceous 

stonefly

Plecoptera Perlidae 16 0.39 72.7 0.23 0.19 84 Immature

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

8/13/99 Predaceous 

stonefly

Plecoptera Perlidae 7 1.08 71.4  0.044  Immature

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

10/17/01 Predaceous 

stonefly

Plecoptera Perlidae 6 0.52 70.1 0.043 0.036 84 Immature

BY114 SF Greenhorn Cr 0.7 mi ab Greenhorn 

Cr nr Nevada City

8/22/00 Predaceous 

stonefly

Plecoptera Perlidae 10 2.52 71.7  0.14  Immature

BY114 SF Greenhorn Cr 0.7 mi ab Greenhorn 

Cr nr Nevada City

9/13/01 Predaceous 

stonefly

Plecoptera Perlidae 6 1.31 70.4 0.23 0.17 73 Immature

BY114 SF Greenhorn Cr 0.7 mi ab Greenhorn 

Cr nr Nevada City

9/13/01 Predaceous 

stonefly

Plecoptera Perlidae 12 1.05 75.0 0.15 0.12 81 Immature

BY113 SF Greenhorn Cr 0.8 mi ab Greenhorn 

Cr nr Nevada City

8/22/00 Predaceous 

stonefly

Plecoptera Perlidae 10 2.28 75.2  0.040  Immature

BY113 SF Greenhorn Cr 0.8 mi ab Greenhorn 

Cr nr Nevada City

9/13/01 Predaceous 

stonefly

Plecoptera Perlidae 12 1.43 77.0 0.11 0.059 55 Immature

BY113 SF Greenhorn Cr 0.8 mi ab Greenhorn 

Cr nr Nevada City

9/13/01 Predaceous 

stonefly

Plecoptera Perlidae 5 1.07 76.5 0.11 0.081 76 Immature

BY115 SF Greenhorn Cr bl Boston Mine nr 

Nevada City

9/28/99 Predaceous 

stonefly

Plecoptera Perlidae 14 1.61 73.1  0.20  Immature

BY115 SF Greenhorn Cr bl Boston Mine nr 

Nevada City

8/21/00 Predaceous 

stonefly

Plecoptera Perlidae 11 1.27 72.5 0.40 0.31 79 Immature

Table 11A. Mercury and methylmercury concentration data for invertebrates, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, Creek; Cyn, Canyon; MF, Middle Fork; mi, miles; N, north; NF, North Fork; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. MeHg, methylmercury; THg, total 

mercury. n, number of organisms; g, gram; μg/g, microgram per gram; , not determined]

210 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
Station 

map ID Station name Collection date 

Common 

name

Order Family

Sample 

size

(n)

Live 

weight

(g)

Moisture 

(percent)

Total

mercury

(μg/g wet)

Methylmercury

(μg/g wet)

MeHg/THg 

(percent) Age

BY115 SF Greenhorn Cr bl Boston Mine nr 

Nevada City

9/13/01 Predaceous 

stonefly

Plecoptera Perlidae 10 0.53 78.6 0.47 0.52 109 Immature

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

8/12/99 Water strider Hemiptera Gerridae 26 1.36 61.3  0.26  Adult

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

8/21/00 Water strider Hemiptera Gerridae 14 0.81 58.3  0.22  Adult

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

9/13/01 Water strider Hemiptera Gerridae 13 0.73 56.9 0.35 0.24 68 Adult

BY21 Boston Mine wetlands pond nr Grass 

Valley 

8/12/99 Water strider Hemiptera Gerridae 50 1.13 62.3  0.061  Adult

BY21 Boston Mine wetlands pond nr Grass 

Valley 

8/21/00 Water strider Hemiptera Gerridae 24 0.58 58.7  0.13  Adult

BY22 Buckeye Flat Mine drain 0.1 mi ab 

Greenhorn Cr

9/29/99 Water strider Hemiptera Gerridae 20 1.39 55.9  0.090  Adult

BY58 Buckeye Flat Mine main drain 0.45 

mi ab Greenhorn Cr

8/22/00 Water strider Hemiptera Gerridae 34 1.78 65.3  0.068  Adult

BY58 Buckeye Flat Mine main drain 0.45 

mi ab Greenhorn Cr

9/13/01 Water strider Hemiptera Gerridae 25 1.64 60.5 0.12 0.13 106 Adult

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N drain to 

Greenhorn Cr Grass Valley

8/22/00 Water strider Hemiptera Gerridae 25 1.61 68.6  0.093  Adult

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N drain to 

Greenhorn Cr Grass Valley

8/22/00 Water strider Hemiptera Gerridae 25 1.62 66.0  0.087  Adult

BY116 Buckeye Flat Mine pond drain 0.15 

mi ab SF Greenhorn Cr

8/22/00 Water strider Hemiptera Gerridae 32 2.02 62.8 0.14 0.16 111 Adult

BY116 Buckeye Flat Mine pond drain 0.15 

mi ab SF Greenhorn Cr

9/12/01 Water strider Hemiptera Gerridae 25 1.79 58.9 0.18 0.11 59 Adult

BY116 Buckeye Flat Mine pond drain 0.15 

mi ab SF Greenhorn Cr

9/12/01 Water strider Hemiptera Gerridae 25 1.77 61.8 0.15 0.12 80 Adult

BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine S drain to SF 

Greenhorn Cr Grass Valley

8/26/99 Water strider Hemiptera Gerridae 32 1.93 59.7 0.52 0.55 107 Adult

BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine S drain to SF 

Greenhorn C Grass Valley

8/22/00 Water strider Hemiptera Gerridae 25 1.65 60.6  0.16  Adult

BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine S drain to SF 

Greenhorn Cr Grass Valley

9/12/01 Water strider Hemiptera Gerridae 25 1.56 60.2 0.19 0.12 64 Adult

BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine S drain to SF 

Greenhorn Cr Grass Valley

9/12/01 Water strider Hemiptera Gerridae 25 1.53 63.1 0.15 0.11 73 Adult

BY25 Buckeye Flat Mine upper drain 10/19/01 Water strider Hemiptera Gerridae 25 1.62 58.1 0.13 0.081 61 Adult

BY144 Coon Hollow Cr drain tunnel outlet nr 

Dutch Flat 

9/26/00 Water strider Hemiptera Gerridae 30 1.84 57.2  0.15  Adult

BY144 Coon Hollow Cr drain tunnel outlet nr 

Dutch Flat 

9/26/00 Water strider Hemiptera Gerridae 30 1.80 58.6  0.14  Adult

Table 11A. Mercury and methylmercury concentration data for invertebrates, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, Creek; Cyn, Canyon; MF, Middle Fork; mi, miles; N, north; NF, North Fork; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. MeHg, methylmercury; THg, total 

mercury. n, number of organisms; g, gram; μg/g, microgram per gram; , not determined]

Table 11A 211
212 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001

Station 

map ID Station name Collection date 

Common 

name

Order Family

Sample 

size

(n)

Live 

weight

(g)

Moisture 

(percent)

Total

mercury

(μg/g wet)

Methylmercury

(μg/g wet)

MeHg/THg 

(percent) Age

BY55 Greenhorn Cr 0.1 mi bl Sailor Flat 

West drain nr Nevada City 

9/29/99 Water strider Hemiptera Gerridae 20 1.08 56.0  0.076  Adult

BY180 Greenhorn Cr 0.2 mi bl The Narrows 10/17/01 Water strider Hemiptera Gerridae 25 1.39 59.0 0.10 0.091 90 Adult

BY57 Greenhorn Cr 0.3 mi bl Sailor Flat 

West drain nr Nevada City 

9/29/99 Water strider Hemiptera Gerridae 24 1.31 59.0  0.080  Adult

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You Bet Rd nr 

Nevada City

8/31/99 Water strider Hemiptera Gerridae 23 1.54 53.2  0.11  Adult

BY60 Greenhorn Creek bl Buckeye drain nr 

Nevada City

9/29/99 Water strider Hemiptera Gerridae 25 1.53 61.2  0.089  Adult

BY146 Missouri Cyn 1.6 mi ab Greenhorn Cr 

nr Chicago Park

9/25/00 Water strider Hemiptera Gerridae 30 1.85 56.6  0.20  Adult

BY75 Missouri Cyn Cr 1.2 mi ab Greenhorn 

Cr nr Chicago Park

8/31/99 Water strider Hemiptera Gerridae 21 1.13 61.8  0.10  Adult

BY75 Missouri Cyn Cr 1.2 mi ab Greenhorn 

Cr nr Chicago Park

8/21/00 Water strider Hemiptera Gerridae 22 1.25 65.8  0.30  Adult

BY75 Missouri Cyn Cr 1.2 mi ab Greenhorn 

Cr nr Chicago Park

8/21/00 Water strider Hemiptera Gerridae 25 1.47 64.5  0.12  Adult

BY75 Missouri Cyn Cr 1.2 mi ab Greenhorn 

Cr nr Chicago Park

9/15/01 Water strider Hemiptera Gerridae 25 1.50 62.4 0.10 0.069 72 Adult

BY145 Missouri Cyn Cr Tributary nr Chicago 

Park 

9/25/00 Water strider Hemiptera Gerridae 30 1.86 57.1  0.34  Adult

BY147 NF MF Missouri Cyn nr Chicago Park 9/25/00 Water strider Hemiptera Gerridae 30 1.78 55.9  0.27  Adult

BY147 NF MF Missouri Cyn nr Chicago Park 9/15/01 Water strider Hemiptera Gerridae 25 1.65 60.6 0.30 0.17 58 Adult

BY86 Poore Mine Creek ab tunnel nr Grass 

Valley 

9/26/00 Water strider Hemiptera Gerridae 25 1.68 53.8  0.11  Adult

BY86 Poore Mine Creek ab tunnel nr Grass 

Valley 

9/26/00 Water strider Hemiptera Gerridae 25 1.52 53.8  0.11  Adult

BY90 Poore Mine Seep above ground sluice 

nr Grass Valley 

9/26/00 Water strider Hemiptera Gerridae 20 1.16 57.6  0.13  Adult

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

8/21/00 Water strider Hemiptera Gerridae 22 1.21 66.2  0.16  Adult

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

10/17/01 Water strider Hemiptera Gerridae 25 1.50 59.6 0.13 0.12 92 Adult

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main drain Gulch 01 

nr Quaker Hill 

8/24/99 Water strider Hemiptera Gerridae 22 1.41 53.8  0.089  Adult

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main drain Gulch 01 

nr Quaker Hill 

8/24/99 Water strider Hemiptera Gerridae 21 1.31 56.8  0.075  Adult

BY114 SF Greenhorn Cr 0.7 mi ab Greenhorn 

Cr nr Nevada City

8/22/00 Water strider Hemiptera Gerridae 36 2.28 58.0  0.16  Adult

BY114 SF Greenhorn Cr 0.7 mi ab Greenhorn 

Cr nr Nevada City

9/13/01 Water strider Hemiptera Gerridae 25 1.52 62.4 0.25 0.17 69 Adult

Table 11A. Mercury and methylmercury concentration data for invertebrates, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, Creek; Cyn, Canyon; MF, Middle Fork; mi, miles; N, north; NF, North Fork; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. MeHg, methylmercury; THg, total 

mercury. n, number of organisms; g, gram; μg/g, microgram per gram; , not determined]
Table 11A 213

Station 

map ID Station name Collection date 

Common 

name

Order Family

Sample 

size

(n)

Live 

weight

(g)

Moisture 

(percent)

Total

mercury

(μg/g wet)

Methylmercury

(μg/g wet)

MeHg/THg 

(percent) Age

BY114 SF Greenhorn Cr 0.7 mi ab Greenhorn 

Cr nr Nevada City

9/13/01 Water strider Hemiptera Gerridae 25 1.53 59.7 0.25 0.21 84 Adult

BY113 SF Greenhorn Cr 0.8 mi ab Greenhorn 

Cr nr Nevada City

8/22/00 Water strider Hemiptera Gerridae 21 1.33 57.6  0.074  Adult

BY113 SF Greenhorn Cr 0.8 mi ab Greenhorn 

Cr nr Nevada City

9/13/01 Water strider Hemiptera Gerridae 25 1.42 57.4 0.10 0.065 64 Adult

BY115 SF Greenhorn Cr bl Boston Mine nr 

Nevada City

9/28/99 Water strider Hemiptera Gerridae 20 1.22 57.1  0.18  Adult

BY115 SF Greenhorn Cr bl Boston Mine nr 

Nevada City

8/21/00 Water strider Hemiptera Gerridae 28 1.57 62.6  0.22  Adult

BY115 SF Greenhorn Cr bl Boston Mine nr 

Nevada City

9/13/01 Water strider Hemiptera Gerridae 25 1.29 63.5 0.20 0.21 107 Adult

BY124 Starr Mine tunnel outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

8/21/00 Water strider Hemiptera Gerridae 9 0.48 57.5  0.12  Adult

BY148 Starr Pit pond nr Grass Valley 8/12/99 Water strider Hemiptera Gerridae 15 0.58 51.7  0.10  Adult

BY148 Starr Pit pond nr Grass Valley 8/21/00 Water strider Hemiptera Gerridae 35 0.98 63.9  0.10  Adult

BY130 Tom and Jerry Mine drain at tunnel 

outlet nr Nevada City

8/23/00 Water strider Hemiptera Gerridae 22 1.22 64.3  0.13  Adult

BY130 Tom and Jerry Mine drain at tunnel 

outlet nr Nevada City

8/23/00 Water strider Hemiptera Gerridae 30 1.86 65.8  0.073  Adult

BY130 Tom and Jerry Mine drain at tunnel 

outlet nr Nevada City

9/13/01 Water strider Hemiptera Gerridae 17 1.13 53.8 0.25 0.31 127 Adult

BY130 Tom and Jerry Mine drain at tunnel 

outlet nr Nevada City

9/13/01 Water strider Hemiptera Gerridae 25 1.64 57.2 0.090 0.064 71 Adult

BY131 Tom and Jerry Mine drainage pond nr 

Nevada City 

9/13/01 Water strider Hemiptera Gerridae 16 1.03 54.5 0.066 0.066 99 Adult

Table 11A. Mercury and methylmercury concentration data for invertebrates, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, Creek; Cyn, Canyon; MF, Middle Fork; mi, miles; N, north; NF, North Fork; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork. MeHg, methylmercury; THg, total 

mercury. n, number of organisms; g, gram; μg/g, microgram per gram; , not determined]
Station

map ID Station name Collection date Common name Order Family

Sample 

size

(n)

Live

weight

(g)

Moisture 

(percent)

Total

mercury

(μg/g wet)

Methylmercury

(μg/g wet)

MeHg/THg 

(percent) Age

BY199 Bear River at Highway 20 nr Emigrant Gap 9/21/00 Dobsonfly Megaloptera Corydalidae 1 1.52 74.9 0.035 0.038 109 Immature

BY199 Bear River at Highway 20 nr Emigrant Gap 9/15/01 Dobsonfly Megaloptera Corydalidae 4 3.48 75.7 0.040 0.029 73 Immature

BY199 Bear River at Highway 20 nr Emigrant Gap 9/15/01 Dobsonfly Megaloptera Corydalidae 4 0.61 79.6 0.041 0.04 98 Immature

BY199 Bear River at Highway 20 nr Emigrant Gap 8/23/02 Dobsonfly Megaloptera Corydalidae 2 3.03 71.2 0.05 0.048 96 

BY199 Bear River at Highway 20 nr Emigrant Gap 9/15/01 Dragonfly Odonata Aeshnidae 7 3.89 81.9 0.022 0.014 64 Immature

BY199 Bear River at Highway 20 nr Emigrant Gap 8/23/02 Dragonfly Odonata Aeshnidae 8 3.63 79.9 0.024 0.026 108 Immature

BY199 Bear River at Highway 20 nr Emigrant Gap 9/15/01 Giant water 

bug

Hemiptera Belostomatidae1 4.47 72.6 0.022 0.015 68 Adult

BY199 Bear River at Highway 20 nr Emigrant Gap 9/15/01 Predaceous 

diving beetle

Coleoptera Dytiscidae 24 1.07 54.8 0.061 0.041 67 Adult

BY199 Bear River at Highway 20 nr Emigrant Gap 9/15/01 Predaceous 

diving beetle

Coleoptera Dytiscidae 7 0.59 57.6 0.14 0.15 107 Adult

BY199 Bear River at Highway 20 nr Emigrant Gap 8/23/02 Predaceous 

diving beetle

Coleoptera Dytiscidae 11 0.75 56.7 0.14 0.14 100 Adult

BY199 Bear River at Highway 20 nr Emigrant Gap 10/1/99 Predaceous 

stonefly

Plecoptera Perlidae 14 1.94 69.2 0.037 0.039 105 Immature

BY199 Bear River at Highway 20 nr Emigrant Gap 9/21/00 Predaceous 

stonefly

Plecoptera Perlidae 5 1.2 68.9  0.067  Immature

BY199 Bear River at Highway 20 nr Emigrant Gap 9/15/01 Predaceous 

stonefly

Plecoptera Perlidae 12 2.5 69.3 0.076 0.060 79 Immature

BY199 Bear River at Highway 20 nr Emigrant Gap 9/15/01 Predaceous 

stonefly

Plecoptera Perlidae 12 1.7 72.2 0.056 0.058 104 Immature

BY199 Bear River at Highway 20 nr Emigrant Gap 8/23/02 Predaceous 

stonefly

Plecoptera Perlidae 12 1.5 68.8 0.052 0.044 85 Immature

BY199 Bear River at Highway 20 nr Emigrant Gap 10/1/99 Water strider Hemiptera Gerridae 21 1.1 57.2  0.027  Adult

BY199 Bear River at Highway 20 nr Emigrant Gap 9/21/00 Water strider Hemiptera Gerridae 26 1.3 76.1 0.028 0.027 96 Adult

BY199 Bear River at Highway 20 nr Emigrant Gap 9/15/01 Water strider Hemiptera Gerridae 25 1.3 64.7 0.070 0.050 71 Adult

BY199 Bear River at Highway 20 nr Emigrant Gap 8/23/02 Water strider Hemiptera Gerridae 25 1.4 63.0 0.045 0.041 91 Adult

Table 11B. Mercury and methylmercury concentration data for invertebrates at baseline site, Nevada County, California.

[Station name abbreviations: nr, near. MeHg, methylmercury; THg, total mercury. n, number of organisms; g, gram; μg/g, microgram per gram; , not determined]

214 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
Appendix A. Map of Tunnel Locations and Photographs of Field Sites, 

Greenhorn Creek Drainage, Nevada County, California

(Note: Additional descriptions of photographs in figures A2 through A26 are in table C3.) 

Appendix A 215
Figure A1. Locations of mine tunnels, hydraulic pits, and lands managed by federal land management agencies, 

Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, California. Boundaries of public lands provided by the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Department of Agriculture−Forest Service. Tunnel locations accurate to within approximately 300 

feet.

216 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001

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Figure A2. Main drainage gulch at Sailor Flat (station BY105) with visible mercury bead about 

one inch in diameter, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, California.

Figure A3. Sailor Flat main drainage to Greenhorn Creek (station BY106), Nevada County, 

California.

Appendix A 217
218 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001

Figure A4. Tom and Jerry Mine tunnel outlet (station BY130), Greenhorn Creek drainage, 

Nevada County, California.

Figure A5. Buckeye main drain entering Greenhorn Creek (station BY58), Nevada County, 

California.
Appendix A 219

Figure A7. Historical photograph of Boston Mine (station BY21), Greenhorn Creek drainage, 

Nevada County, California. Photograph courtesy of the Bancroft Library, University of California, Berkeley. 

Figure A6. mercury beads on bedrock at Boston Mine tunnel outlet (station BY20), Greenhorn 

Creek drainage, Nevada County, California.
220 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001

Figure A8. Dscharge from Boston Mine tunnel outlet (station BY20), 

Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, California.
Appendix A 221

Figure A9. Iron precipitate in ground sluice at Poore Mine (station BY88), Greenhorn 

Creek drainage, Nevada County, California.

Figure A10. Poore Mine pit lake (station BY89), Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, 

California.
222 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001

Figure A11. Poore Mine tunnel outlet (station 

BY91), Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada 

County, California.

Figure A12. Starr Mine tunnel inlet 

area (station BY122), Greenhorn Creek 

drainage, Nevada County, California.
Appendix A 223

Figure A13. Midway station in Starr Mine tunnel (station BY123), Greenhorn Creek drainage, 

Nevada County, California.

Figure A14. Starr Mine tunnel, near outlet (station BY124), Greenhorn Creek 

drainage, Nevada County, California.
224 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001

Figure A16. Missouri Canyon ground sluice (station BY146), Greenhorn Creek drainage, 

Nevada County, California.

Figure A15. Starr Mine pit lake (station BY148), Greenhorn Creek drainage, 

Nevada County, California.
Appendix A 225

Figure A17. Missouri Canyon ground sluice above creek (station BY75), Greenhorn Creek 

drainage, Nevada County, California.

Figure A18. Greenhorn Creek at You Bet Road (station BY59), Nevada County, California.
226 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001

Figure A19. Confluence of Little Greenhorn Creek with Greenhorn Creek upstream of You Bet 

Road (station BY59), Nevada County, California.

Figure A20. Streambank showing flood incision of gravels, Greenhorn Creek at the Narrows (station BY180), Nevada County, California.
Appendix A 227

Figure A21. Greenhorn Creek at the Narrows, looking downstream (station BY180), Nevada 

County, California.

Figure A22. Hunts Hill drainage tunnel outlet, near Buckeye Ford in Greenhorn Creek, Nevada 

County, California.
228 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001

Figure A23. Confluence of Gas Canyon with Greenhorn Creek (station BY52), Nevada County, 

California.

Figure A24. Greenhorn Creek at Buckeye Drain, looking upstream (station BY60), Nevada 

County, California.
Appendix A 229

Figure A25. Greenhorn Creek at Red Dog Road crossing, Nevada County, 

California. 

Figure A26. Pit lake at Buckeye Flat Mine, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, California.
INTENTIONALLY BLANK PAGE
Appendix B 231

Appendix B. Quality Assurance and Quality Control Plots for Chemical 

Analyses of Water Samples from the Greenhorn Creek Drainage, 

Nevada County, California
232 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001

Figure B1. Correlation plot 

of observed values versus 

reported values for erbium, 

europium, holmium, lutetium, 

terbium, thulium, and ytterbium 

determined in standard 

reference materials. 

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Figure B2. Correlation plot of 

observed values versus reported 

values for cerium, dysprosium, 

gadolinium, lanthanum, neodymium, 

praseodymium, samarium, tellurium, 

and yttrium determined in standard 

reference materials.
Appendix B 233

Figure B3. Correlation plot 

of observed values versus 

reported values for bismuth, 

rubidium, selenium, and uranium determined in standard 

reference materials.

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Figure B4. Correlation plot of 

observed values versus reported 

values for arsenic, beryllium, 

cadmium, cobalt, lead, thallium, and 

vanadium determined in standard 

reference materials.
234 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001

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Figure B5. Correlation plot of 

observed values versus reported 

values for aluminum, antimony, 

chromium, copper, lithium, nickel, 

and zinc determined in standard 

reference materials.

Figure B6. Correlation plot of 

observed values versus reported 

values for barium, boron, manganese, molybdenum, and strontium 

determined in standard reference 

materials.
Appendix B 235

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Figure B7. Correlation plot of observed values versus reported values for mercury determined in 

standard reference materials.
236 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001

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Figure B9. Bar graph plotting recovery 

(in percent) for mercury (Hg) spiked 

in blanks for selected analysis dates. 

ng/L, nanogram per liter.

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Figure B8. Bar graph plotting 

recovery (in percent) for arsenic 

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and zinc (Zn) spiked in blanks for 

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Appendix B 237

Figure B10. Graph plotting recovery (in percent) for beryllium (Be), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), 

and zinc (Zn) spiked in samples for selected analysis dates. μg/L, microgram per liter.

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238 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001

Figure B11. Plotting recovery (in percent) for mercury spiked in samples for selected analysis 

dates. ng/L, nanogram per liter.

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Figure B12. Field replicate analyses of six elements: arsenic (As), barium (Ba), beryllium (Be), calcium (Ca), cobalt (Co), 

and copper (Cu). [Each replicate sample analyzed in triplicate; mean value shown with standard 

deviation.]
240 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001

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Figure B13. Correlation plots of field replicate analyses of six elements: mercury (Hg), holmium (Ho), manganese (Mn), 

neodymium (Nd), lead (Pb), and uranium (U). [Each replicate sample analyzed in triplicate; mean value shown with 

standard deviation.]
Appendix B 241

Figure B14. Percent relative standard deviation versus concentration for six elements: cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), gadolinium 

(Gd), mercury (Hg), magnesium (Mg), and lead (Pb). MDL, method detection limit.

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242 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001

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Figure B15. Total mercury concentrations in unfiltered water showing relation of replicate 1 of 2 and replicate 2 of 2. [Each replicate analyzed in triplicate; mean value shown with standard deviation.]
Appendix B 243

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Figure B16. Total mercury concentrations in filtered water showing relation of replicate 1 of 2 and replicate 2 of 2. [Each replicate analyzed in triplicate; mean value shown with standard deviation.]
244 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001

Figure B17. Relation of specific conductance with sum of microequivalent concentrations of chloride, sulfate, and 

bicarbonate alkalinity.

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Appendix C 245

Appendix C. Locations and Characteristics of Sampling Stations and 

Tunnels, Greenhorn Creek Drainage, Nevada County, California
246 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001 Station map ID Station name Station number Site characteristic Township (North) Range (East) Section Latitude Longitude Elevation (in feet) County BY199 Bear River at Highway 20 nr Emigrant Gap 391823120404101 River 17 12 20 39°18′23′′ 120°40′41′′ 4,560 Nevada BY20 Boston Mine tunnel outlet nr Grass Valley 391346120540901 Tunnel 16 10 30 39°13′46′′ 120°54′09′′ 2,560 Nevada BY21 Boston Mine wetlands pond nr Grass Valley 391343120541101 Pit lake 16 10 30 39°13′43′′ 120°54′11′′ 2,630 Nevada BY22 Buckeye Flat Mine drain 0.1 mi ab Greenhorn Cr 391418120540401 Stream 16 10 19 39°14′18′′ 120°54′04′′ 2,590 Nevada BY58 Buckeye Flat Mine main drain 0.45 mi ab Greenhorn Cr 391425120534101 Stream 16 10 19 39°14′25′′ 120°53′41′′ 2,930 Nevada BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N drain to Greenhorn Cr Grass Valley 391446120534201 Tunnel 16 10 18 39°14′46′′ 120°53′42′′ 2,970 Nevada BY116 Buckeye Flat Mine pond drain 0.15 mi ab SF Greenhorn Cr 391416120532001 Stream 16 10 19 39°14′16′′ 120°53′20′′ 2,939 Nevada BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine S drain to SF Greenhorn Cr Grass Valley 391415120533701 Tunnel 16 10 19 39°14′15′′ 120°53′37′′ 2,950 Nevada BY25 Buckeye Flat Mine upper drain 391453120534801 Stream 16 10 18 39°14′53′′ 120°53′48′′ 3,100 Nevada BY144 Coon Hollow Cr drain tunnel outlet nr Dutch Flat 391239120540001 Tunnel 16 10 31 39°12′39′′ 120°54′00′′ 2,760 Nevada BY180 Greenhorn Cr 0.2 mi bl the Narrows 391329120543801 Stream 16 9 25 39°13′29′′ 120°54′38′′ 2,468 Nevada BY52 Greenhorn Cr 0.3 mi ab Buckeye Ford nr Nevada City 391434120541001 Stream 16 10 19 39°14′34′′ 120°54′10′′ 2,580 Nevada BY55 Greenhorn Cr 0.1 mi bl Sailor Flat west drain nr Nevada City 391553120532901 Stream 16 10 7 39°15′53′′ 120°53′29′′ 2,860 Nevada BY57 Greenhorn Cr 0.3 mi bl Sailor Flat west Drain nr Nevada City 391542120533701 Stream 16 10 7 39°15′42′′ 120°53′37′′ 2,860 Nevada BY53 Greenhorn Cr ab SF Greenhorn Cr nr Nevada City 391401120541201 Stream 16 10 19 39°14′01′′ 120°54′12′′ 2,513 Nevada BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You Bet Rd nr Nevada City 391116120562501 Stream 15 9 2 39°11′16′′ 120°56′25′′ 2,200 Nevada BY60 Greenhorn Cr bl Buckeye drain nr Nevada City 391411120540901 Stream 16 10 19 39°14′11′′ 120°54′09′′ 2,520 Nevada BY56 Greenhorn Cr bl SF Greenhorn Cr nr Nevada City 391347120542201 Stream 16 10 30 39°13′47′′ 120°54′22′′ 2,520 Nevada BY51 Greenhorn Cr nr headwaters nr Scotts 

Flat Reservoir 

391657120493101 Stream 16 10 2 39°16′57′′ 120°49′31′′ 4,262 Nevada

BY146 Missouri Cyn 1.6 mi ab Greenhorn Cr nr 

Chicago Park 

391254120534001 Ground sluice 16 10 31 39°12′54′′ 120°53′40′′ 2,750 Nevada

BY75 Missouri Cyn Cr 1.2 mi ab Greenhorn Cr 

nr Chicago Park 

391259120535801 Ground sluice 16 10 30 39°12′59′′ 120°53′58′′ 2,600 Nevada

Table C1. Locations, descriptions, and characteristics of sampling stations, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, California.[Latitude and longitude are referenced to NAD 27; elevation is NGVD 29. Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, Creek; Cyn, Canyon; MF, Middle Fork; mi, miles; E, east; N, north; NF, North Fork; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork; W, west. USGS, U.S. Geological Survey; BLM, Bureau of Land Management; USDA−FS, U.S. Department of Agriculture−Forest Service. 

, not determined]
Appendix C. Table C1 247

Station 

map ID Station name Station number Site characteristic Township (North) Range (East) Section Latitude Longitude Elevation (in feet) County

BY145 Missouri Cyn Cr tributary nr Chicago 

Park 

391253120531801 Ground sluice 16 10 31 39°12′53′′ 120°53′18′′ 2,840 Nevada

BY147 NF MF Missouri Cyn nr Chicago Park 391258120531801 Ground sluice 16 10 30 39°12′58′′ 120°53′18′′ 2,850 NevadaBY86 Poore Mine creek ab tunnel nr Grass 

Valley 

391346120545101 Stream 16 9 24 39°13′46′′ 120°54′51′′ 2,640 Nevada

BY87 Poore Mine creek bl tunnel nr Grass 

Valley 

391343120544201 Stream 16 9 25 39°13′43′′ 120°54′42′′ 2,510 Nevada

BY88 Poore Mine ground sluice nr Grass 

Valley 

391351120544901 Ground sluice 16 9 24 39°13′51′′ 120°54′49′′ 2,660 Nevada

BY89 Poore Mine pit lake nr Grass Valley 391354120544301 Pit lake 16 9 24 39°13′54′′ 120°54′43′′ 2,740 NevadaBY90 Poore Mine seep above ground sluice nr 

Grass Valley 

391352120544601 Ground sluice 16 9 24 39°13′52′′ 120°54′46′′ 2,680 Nevada

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

391347120544301 Tunnel 16 9 24 39°13′47′′ 120°54′43′′ 2,600 Nevada

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main drain Gulch 01 nr 

Quaker Hill 

391620120532201 Ground sluice 16 10 7 39°16′20′′ 120°53′22′′ 3,180 Nevada 

BY106 Sailor Flat Mine main drainage to 

Greenhorn Cr, Gulch 03 

391615120531501 Ground sluice 16 10 8 39°16′15′′ 120°53′15′′ 3,200 Nevada

BY114 SF Greenhorn Cr 0.7 mi ab Greenhorn 

Cr nr Nevada City 

391401120534001 Stream 16 10 19 39°14′01′′ 120°53′40′′ 2,600 Nevada

BY113 SF Greenhorn Cr 0.8 mi ab Greenhorn 

Cr nr Nevada City 

391405120532901 Stream 16 10 19 39°14′05′′ 120°53′29′′ 2,600 Nevada

BY115 SF Greenhorn Cr bl Boston Mine nr 

Nevada City 

391351120541101 Stream 16 10 19 39°13′51′′ 120°54′11′′ 2,520 Nevada

BY122 Starr Mine tunnel inflow nr Grass Valley 391327120542001 Ground sluice 16 10 30 39°13′27′′ 120°54′20′′ 2,670 NevadaBY123 Starr Mine tunnel midway nr Grass 

Valley 

391329120543001 Tunnel 16 9 25 39°13′29′′ 120°54′30′′ 2,540 Nevada

BY124 Starr Mine tunnel outlet nr Grass Valley 391330120543301 Tunnel 16 9 25 39°13′30′′ 120°54′33′′ 2,510 NevadaBY148 Starr Pit pond nr Grass Valley 391327120541901 Pit lake 16 10 30 39°13′27′′ 120°54′19′′ 2,640 NevadaBY129 Tom and Jerry Mine drain at tunnel inlet 

nr Nevada City 

391627120524901 Ground sluice 16 10 5 39°16′27′′ 120°52′49′′ 3,200 Nevada

BY130 Tom and Jerry Mine drain at tunnel 

outlet nr Nevada City 

391627120524801 Tunnel 16 10 5 39°16′27′′ 120°52′48′′ 3,200 Nevada

BY131 Tom and Jerry Mine drainage pond nr 

Nevada City 

391628120524401 Pit lake 16 10 5 39°16′28′′ 120°52′44′′ 3,240 Nevada

Table C1. Locations, descriptions, and characteristics of sampling stations, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.[Latitude and longitude are referenced to NAD 27; elevation is NGVD 29. Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, Creek; Cyn, Canyon; MF, Middle Fork; mi, miles; E, east; N, north; NF, North Fork; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork; W, west. USGS, U.S. Geological Survey; BLM, Bureau of Land Management; USDA−FS, U.S. Department of Agriculture−Forest Service. , not determined]
248 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001 Table C1. Locations, descriptions, and characteristics of sampling stations, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, California

Continued.

[Latitude and longitude are referenced to NAD 27; elevation is NGVD 29. Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, Creek; Cyn, Canyon; MF, Middle Fork; mi, miles; E, east; N, north; NF, North Fork; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork; W, west. USGS, U.S. Geological Survey; BLM, Bureau of Land Management; USDA−FS, U.S. Department of Agriculture−Forest Service. 

, not determined]

Station 

map ID Station name USGS 7.5 minute quadrangle Station description

BY199 Bear River at Highway 20 nr 

Emigrant Gap

Blue Canyon The sample location is downstream of the Highway 20 crossing of the Bear River. The site is located 1 mi N of Emigrant Gap.

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel outlet nr Grass 

Valley 

Chicago Park The sample location is in a pool directly below the portal of the Boston mine drainage tunnel that is accessed by trail 

on the north side of the hydraulic pit. The site is located 8.5 mi E of the town of Grass Valley and 1 mi SE of the Buckeye Flat−Greenhorn Cr crossing, in the Bear River drainage.

BY21 Boston Mine wetlands pond nr 

Grass Valley 

Chicago Park The sample location is on the north east side of the pond due south of the portal of the Boston mine drainage tunnel in the hydraulic pit. The site is located 8.5 mi E of the town of Grass Valley, and 1 mi SE of the Buckeye 

Flat−Greenhorn Cr Crossing, in the Bear River drainage.

BY22 Buckeye Flat Mine drain 0.1 mi ab 

Greenhorn Cr

Chicago Park The sample location is in Buckeye Drain 200 meters upstream from its discharge to Greenhorn Cr. The site is located 8 

mi SE of Nevada City, in the Bear River drainage.

BY58 Buckeye Flat Mine main drain 0.45 

mi ab Greenhorn Cr

Chicago Park Located in a ravine draining the southwestern section of Buckeye Diggings, this site is immediately adjacent to and 

below Buckeye Road, 7.6 mi NE of Chicago Park.

BY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N drain to 

Greenhorn Cr Grass Valley 

Chicago Park The sample location is in a steeply incised slate bedrock gulch in a step pool at the Tahoe National Forest Boundary about 750 feet below the drainage tunnel portal that is located at the far west side of the northern hydraulic 

pit (Buckeye Flat North). The site is located 8 mi NE of the town of Grass Valley and 1 mi E of the Buckeye Flat−Greenhorn Cr Crossing, in the Bear River drainage.

BY116 Buckeye Flat Mine pond drain 0.15 

mi ab SF Greenhorn Cr

Chicago Park This is a steeply incised bedrock gulch draining the Buckeye Ridge below Buckeye Diggings. Located 8 mi SE of 

Nevada City.

BY24 Buckeye Flat Mine S drain to SF 

Greenhorn Cr Grass Valley 

Chicago Park The sample location is in a steeply incised slate bedrock gulch in a step pool below the confluence of 2 drainage tunnels and a large surface drainage feature about 2,000 feet south east of a large pit lake in the southern hydraulic pit. 

The site is located 8 mi NE of the town of Grass Valley and 1 mi E of the Buckeye Flat−Greenhorn Cr Crossing in the Bear River drainage.

BY25 Buckeye Flat Mine upper drain Chicago Park Northwest corner of Buckeye diggings in Tahoe National Forest north of Buckeye Ridge, 8 mi NE of Grass Valley, and 

1 mi E of Buckeye Flat−Greenhorn Crossing.

BY144 Coon Hollow Cr drain tunnel outlet 

nr Dutch Flat 

Chicago Park Located in a ravine draining the middle portion of the Red Dog−You Bet Diggings towards the west and into Missouri 

Cyn. This site is 0.2 mi SW of the fork of Red Dog Rd and Chalk Bluff Rd and is 5.5 mi NE of Chicago Park.

BY180 Greenhorn Cr 0.2 mi bl The 

Narrows

Chicago Park The sample location is in the middle of Greenhorn Cr just below where the bedrock “pinches” to form a slot, about 

2,000 feet upstream of the Red Dog Rd crossing. The site is 6.5 mi NE of the town of Grass Valley in the Bear River drainage.

BY52 Greenhorn Cr 0.3 mi ab Buckeye 

Ford nr Nevada City 

Chicago Park Site is located on right bank 0.3 mi upstream from Buckeye Ford.

BY55 Greenhorn Cr 0.1 mi bl Sailor Flat 

west drain nr Nevada City 

North Bloomfield The sample location is in Greenhorn Cr 150 meters below the discharge of the Sailor Flat West drain. The site is located 8 mi NE of town of Nevada City and 1.5 mi SE of Scotts Flat Reservoir, in the Bear River drainage. 

BY57 Greenhorn Cr 0.3 mi bl Sailor Flat 

west Drain nr Nevada City 

North Bloomfield The sample location is in Greenhorn Cr 500 meters below confluence with Sailor Flat West Drain, 8 mi NE of town of 

Nevada City, in the Bear River drainage.

BY53 Greenhorn Cr ab SF Greenhorn Cr 

nr Nevada City 

Chicago Park Located on the built-up gravelized tailings filling the Greenhorn Cr canyon running from NE to SW. This site is 160 

meters upstream of the confluence of Greenhorn Cr and the South Fork of Greenhorn Cr.

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You Bet Rd nr 

Nevada City 

Chicago Park The sample location is in Greenhorn Cr below the You Bet Road bridge crossing. The site is located 6.5 mi SE of Grass 

Valley in the Bear River drainage.

BY60 Greenhorn Cr bl Buckeye drain nr 

Nevada City 

Chicago Park The sample location is in Greenhorn Cr 200 meters below the discharge from Buckeye Drain. The site is located 7 mi 

NE of town of Nevada City, in the Bear River drainage.
Appendix C. Table C1 249

Station 

map ID Station name USGS 7.5 minute quadrangle Station description

BY56 Greenhorn Cr bl SF Greenhorn Cr 

nr Nevada City 

Chicago Park Located on the built-up gravelized tailings filling the Greenhorn Cr canyon running from NE to SW. This site is 160 

meters downstream of the confluence of Greenhorn Cr and the South Fork of Greenhorn Cr. 

BY51 Greenhorn Cr nr headwaters nr 

Scotts Flat Reservoir 

Washington Site is located on upper left fork of creek, 0.31 mi upstream from where Greenhorn Cr forks. Drive 0.24 mi N on light 

duty road off of Chalk Bluff Rd in center of Chalk Bluff Ridge and 0.7 mi down first W trending dirt road that parallels drainage.

BY146 Missouri Cyn 1.6 mi ab Greenhorn 

Cr nr Chicago Park 

Chicago Park Located in Missouri Cyn serving as the western drainage of the middle portion of Red Dog−You Bet Diggings. This 

site is 0.3 mi upstream of the intersection of Missouri Cyn and Red Dog Rd, approximately 6 mi NE of Chicago Park.

BY75 Missouri Cyn Cr 1.2 mi ab 

Greenhorn Cr nr Chicago Park 

Chicago Park The sample location is in Missouri Cyn Drain downstream from Red Dog Rd crossing. The site is located 8.5 mi E of 

the town of Grass Valley, in the Bear River drainage.

BY145 Missouri Cyn Cr tributary nr 

Chicago Park 

Chicago Park Located in Missouri Cyn serving as the western drainage of the middle portion of Red Dog−You Bet Diggings. This 

site is 0.5 mi upstream from the intersection of Missouri Cyn and Red Dog Rd, 0.1 mi north of Chalk Bluff Rd. and approximately 6 mi NE of Chicago Park.

BY147 NF MF Missouri Cyn nr Chicago 

Park 

Chicago Park Located in Missouri Cyn serving as the western drainage of the middle portion of Red Dog−You Bet Diggings. This 

site is 0.5 mi upstream from the intersection of Missouri Cyn and Red Dog Rd, approximately 6 mi NE of Chicago Park 

BY86 Poore Mine creek ab tunnel nr Grass 

Valley 

Chicago Park The sample location is in a pool about 100 feet upstream of the confluence of the drainage from the portal of the Poore 

Mine and about 0.25 mi upstream from the confluence with Greenhorn Cr. The site is located 6.5 mi E of the town of Grass Valley and 0.5 mi NE of the Narrows in Greenhorn Cr, in the Bear River drainage.

BY87 Poore Mine creek bl tunnel nr Grass 

Valley 

Chicago Park The sample location is in a pool about 100 feet upstream of the confluence with Greenhorn Cr. The site is located 6.5

mi E of the town of Grass Valley, and 0.5 mi NE of the Narrows in Greenhorn Cr, in the Bear River drainage.

BY88 Poore Mine ground sluice nr Grass 

Valley 

Chicago Park The sample location is in a pool about 150 feet below the unworked gravel highwall in an incised drainage feature on 

the west side of the Poore Mine hydraulic pit. The site is located 6.5 mi E of the town of Grass Valley, and 0.5 mi NE of the Narrows in Greenhorn Cr, in the Bear River drainage.

BY89 Poore Mine pit lake nr Grass Valley Chicago Park The sample location is in a pond at the far southwest end of the hydraulic pit at the base of the highwall. The site is 

located 6.5 mi E of the town of Grass Valley and 0.5 mi NE of the Narrows in Greenhorn Cr, in the Bear River drainage.

BY90 Poore Mine seep above ground 

sluice nr Grass Valley 

Chicago Park The sample location is in an incised mine cut at the base of a 110-foot-high cemented gravel “highwall” about 150 feet 

north of an old ground sluice. The site is located 6.5 mi E of the town of Grass Valley, and 0.5 mi NE of the Narrows in Greenhorn Cr, in the Bear River drainage.

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel effluent nr Grass 

Valley 

Chicago Park The sample location is in a pool about 50 feet below the portal of the Poore Mine. The site is 6.5 mi E of the town of 

Grass Valley and 0.5 mi NE of the Narrows in Greenhorn Cr in the Bear River drainage.

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main drain Gulch 

01 nr Quaker Hill 

North Bloomfield The sample location is at the far northwest side of the hydraulic pit 15 feet below the surface exposed bedrock in a 

deeply incised slate bedrock gulch, 10 mi NE of the town of Grass Valley, Bear River drainage.

BY106 Sailor Flat Mine main drainage to 

Greenhorn Cr, Gulch 03

North Bloomfield South edge of Sailor Flat Strip Mine, 0.25 mi north of Greenhorn Cr in Tahoe National Forest, 10 mi NE of Grass Valley.

BY114 SF Greenhorn Cr 0.7 mi ab 

Greenhorn Cr nr Nevada City 

Chicago Park This site is within the canyon of the South Fork of Greenhorn Cr about 100 meters downstream of the ravine draining 

the southern section of the Buckeye Diggings. Approximately 0.6 mi upstream of the confluence with Greenhorn Cr and approximately 7 mi NE of Chicago Park.

BY113 SF Greenhorn Cr 0.8 mi ab 

Greenhorn Cr nr Nevada City 

Chicago Park This site is within the canyon of the South Fork of Greenhorn Cr about 75 meters upstream of the ravine draining the 

southern section of the Buckeye Diggings. Approximately 0.8 mi upstream of the confluence with Greenhorn Cr and approximately 7 mi NE of Chicago Park. 

Table C1. Locations, descriptions, and characteristics of sampling stations, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.[Latitude and longitude are referenced to NAD 27; elevation is NGVD 29. Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, Creek; Cyn, Canyon; MF, Middle Fork; mi, miles; E, east; N, north; NF, North Fork; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork; W, west. USGS, U.S. Geological Survey; BLM, Bureau of Land Management; USDA−FS, U.S. Department of Agriculture−Forest Service. , not determined]
250 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001 Station map ID Station name USGS 7.5 minute quadrangle Station description BY115 SF Greenhorn Cr bl Boston Mine nr Nevada City Chicago Park The sample location is in the South Fork Greenhorn Cr, 250 feet upstream of the confluence of South Fork Greenhorn Cr and Greenhorn Cr and 500 feet downstream of the Boston Mine. The site is located 7 mi E of Nevada City, in the Bear River drainage. BY122 Starr Mine tunnel inflow nr Grass Valley Chicago Park The sample location is in a sump at the base of the confluence of 3 large ground sluices in the middle of the hydraulic pit, about 40 feet below the exposed bedrock surface. The site is located 8.5 mi SE of the town of Grass Valley, and 1 mi S of the Narrows in Greenhorn Cr, in the Bear River drainage. BY123 Starr Mine tunnel midway nr Grass Valley Chicago Park The sample location is in about 500 feet from the portal of the Starr mine drainage tunnel (also known as the Birdseye tunnel) at a small riffle below an old wooden sluice box cross support. The site is located 8.5 mi SE of the town of Grass Valley and 0.5 mi S of the Narrows in Greenhorn Cr, in the Bear River drainage. BY124 Starr Mine tunnel outlet nr Grass Valley Chicago Park Located about 0.2 mi east and above Greenhorn Cr, this site is the western drainage of the Starr Pit Mine. The tunnel outlet is about 0.3 mi ENE of the Red Dog Rd ford at Greenhorn Cr and is 6.1 mi NE from Chicago Park. BY148 Starr Pit pond nr Grass Valley Chicago Park Located about 0.3 mi east and above Greenhorn Cr atop a table 0.5 mi west of the northernmost section of the Red Dog−You Bet Diggings. The mine pit is 0.5 mi ENE of the Red Dog Rd ford at Greenhorn Cr and approximately 6 mi NE of Chicago Park. BY129 Tom and Jerry Mine drain at tunnel inlet nr Nevada City North Bloomfield At the drain tunnel intlet of Tom and Jerry placer diggings within a moderately incised ravine 0.3 mi above the conflu- ence of Fowler Spring Cr and Greenhorn Cr. Tom and Jerry diggings are 1.3 mi NE of Quaker Hill and 7.2 mi west of Nevada City. BY130 Tom and Jerry Mine drain at tunnel outlet nr Nevada City North Bloomfield At the drain tunnel outlet of Tom and Jerry placer diggings within a moderately incised ravine 0.3 mi above the conflu- ence of Fowler Spring Cr and Greenhorn Cr. Tom and Jerry diggings are 1.3 mi NE of Quaker Hill and 7.2 mi west of Nevada City. BY131 Tom and Jerry Mine drainage pond nr Nevada City North Bloomfield This is a small pond at the base of the hydraulic pit at Tom and Jerry diggings 100 meters upstream from the drain tun- nel inlet and 75 meters from the access road. Tom and Jerry diggings are 1.3 mi NE of Quaker Hill and 7.2 mi west of Nevada City. Table C1. Locations, descriptions, and characteristics of sampling stations, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, California

Continued.

[Latitude and longitude are referenced to NAD 27; elevation is NGVD 29. Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, Creek; Cyn, Canyon; MF, Middle Fork; mi, miles; E, east; N, north; NF, North Fork; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork; W, west. USGS, U.S. Geological Survey; BLM, Bureau of Land Management; USDA−FS, U.S. Department of Agriculture−Forest Service. 

, not determined]
Appendix C. Table C1 251

Station 

map ID Station name Ownership Watershed Nearest stream Mining district

BY199 Bear River at Highway 20 nr Emigrant Gap Public access Bear River Greenhorn Cr NoneBY20 Boston Mine tunnel outlet nr Grass Valley BLM Bear River Greenhorn Cr Red DogBY21 Boston Mine wetlands pond nr Grass Valley BLM Bear River Greenhorn Cr Red DogBY22 Buckeye Flat Mine drain 0.1 mi ab Greenhorn Cr USDA−FS Bear River Greenhorn Cr Buckeye HillBY58 Buckeye Flat Mine main drain 0.45 mi ab Greenhorn Cr USDA−FS Bear River Greenhorn Cr Buckeye HillBY23 Buckeye Flat Mine N drain to Greenhorn Cr Grass Valley USDA−FS Bear River Greenhorn Cr Buckeye HillBY116 Buckeye Flat Mine pond drain 0.15 mi ab SF Greenhorn Cr Private Bear River SF Greehnorn Cr Buckeye HillBY24 Buckeye Flat Mine S drain to SF Greenhorn Cr Grass Valley USDA−FS Bear River Greenhorn Cr Buckeye HillBY25 Buckeye Flat Mine upper drain USDA−FS Bear River Greenhorn Cr Buckeye HillBY144 Coon Hollow Cr drain tunnel outlet nr Dutch Flat Private Bear River Missouri Cyn You Bet/Red DogBY180 Greenhorn Cr 0.2 mi bl The Narrows Private Bear River Greenhorn Cr You Bet/Red DogBY52 Greenhorn Cr 0.3 mi ab Buckeye Ford nr Nevada City USDA−FS Bear River Greenhorn Cr Scotts FlatBY55 Greenhorn Cr 0.1 mi bl Sailor Flat west drain nr Nevada City USDA−FS Bear River Greenhorn Cr Scotts FlatBY57 Greenhorn Cr 0.3 mi bl Sailor Flat west Drain nr Nevada City USDA−FS Bear River Greenhorn Cr Scotts FlatBY53 Greenhorn Cr ab SF Greenhorn Cr nr Nevada City USDA−FS Bear River Greenhorn Cr Scotts FlatBY59 Greenhorn Cr at You Bet Rd nr Nevada City Nevada Irrigation District Bear River Greenhorn Cr You Bet/Red DogBY60 Greenhorn Cr bl Buckeye drain nr Nevada City USDA−FS Bear River Greenhorn Cr Scotts FlatBY56 Greenhorn Cr bl SF Greenhorn Cr nr Nevada City USDA−FS Bear River Greenhorn Cr Scotts FlatBY51 Greenhorn Cr nr headwaters nr Scotts Flat Reservoir USDA−FS Bear River Greenhorn Cr Scotts FlatBY146 Missouri Cyn 1.6 mi ab Greenhorn Cr nr Chicago Park BLM Bear River Missouri Cyn You Bet/Red DogBY75 Missouri Cyn Cr 1.2 mi ab Greenhorn Cr nr Chicago Park Private Bear River Greenhorn Cr You Bet/Red DogBY145 Missouri Cyn Cr tributary nr Chicago Park BLM Bear River Missouri Cyn You Bet/Red DogBY147 NF MF Missouri Cyn nr Chicago Park BLM Bear River Missouri Cyn You Bet/Red DogBY86 Poore Mine creek ab tunnel nr Grass Valley BLM Bear River Greenhorn Cr Hunts HillBY87 Poore Mine creek bl tunnel nr Grass Valley BLM Bear River Greenhorn Cr Hunts HillBY88 Poore Mine ground sluice nr Grass Valley BLM Bear River Greenhorn Cr Hunts HillBY89 Poore Mine pit lake nr Grass Valley BLM Bear River Greenhorn Cr Hunts HillBY90 Poore Mine seep above ground sluice nr Grass Valley BLM Bear River Greenhorn Cr Hunts HillBY91 Poore Mine tunnel effluent nr Grass Valley BLM Bear River Greenhorn Cr Hunts HillBY105 Sailor Flat Mine main drain Gulch 01 nr Quaker Hill USDA−FS Bear River Greenhorn Cr Sailor FlatBY106 Sailor Flat Mine main drainage to Greenhorn Cr, Gulch 03 BLM Bear River Greenhorn Cr Sailor FlatBY114 SF Greenhorn Cr 0.7 mi ab Greenhorn Cr nr Nevada City USDA−FS Bear River SF Greehnorn Cr Red DogBY113 SF Greenhorn Cr 0.8 mi ab Greenhorn Cr nr Nevada City USDA−FS Bear River SF Greehnorn Cr Red DogBY115 SF Greenhorn Cr bl Boston Mine nr Nevada City USDA−FS Bear River SF Greehnorn Cr Red DogBY122 Starr Mine tunnel inflow nr Grass Valley Private Bear River Greenhorn Cr Red DogBY123 Starr Mine tunnel midway nr Grass Valley Private Bear River Greenhorn Cr Red DogBY124 Starr Mine tunnel outlet nr Grass Valley Private Bear River Greenhorn Cr Red DogBY148 Starr Pit pond nr Grass Valley Private Bear River Greenhorn Cr Red DogBY129 Tom and Jerry Mine drain at tunnel inlet nr Nevada City USDA−FS Bear River Greenhorn Cr Sailor FlatBY130 Tom and Jerry Mine drain at tunnel outlet nr Nevada City USDA−FS Bear River Greenhorn Cr Sailor FlatBY131 Tom and Jerry Mine drainage pond nr Nevada City USDA−FS Bear River Greenhorn Cr Sailor Flat

Table C1. Locations, descriptions, and characteristics of sampling stations, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, CaliforniaContinued.[Latitude and longitude are referenced to NAD 27; elevation is NGVD 29. Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, Creek; Cyn, Canyon; MF, Middle Fork; mi, miles; E, east; N, north; NF, North Fork; nr, near; Rd, Road; S, south; SF, South Fork; W, west. USGS, U.S. Geological Survey; BLM, Bureau of Land Management; USDA−FS, U.S. Department of Agriculture−Forest Service. , not determined]
Map 

ID 

(fig. 

A1)

Tunnel Alternate 

name

Mining district

Tunnel inlet Tunnel outlet Length 

(feet)

Condition

(open/

blocked) Notes Visible mercury

Discharge,

gal/min

(date)

Land

status

Latitude Longitude Bearing Latitude Longitude Bearing Outlet Inlet

A Sailor Flat 

East

Tom and 

Jerry

Scotts Flat 39°16′27′′ 120°52′49′′ S80W 39°16′27′′ 120°52′48′′ N80E 110

O

O Tunnel removed 

during site restoration in 2003

yes 10 (3/15/00) USDA−FS

B Buckeye 

FS North

Scotts Flat 39°14′53′′ 120°53′48′′ N85W 



 S83W



O

O Extensive ground 

sluices leading to tunnel

trace 10 (4/9/01) 

ponded (10/18/01) ponded (9/9/03) 

USDA−FS

C Buckeye N Scotts Flat 39°14′44′′ 120°53′32′′ N85W 39°14′43′′ 120°53′40′′ S80E



O

O Extensive ground 

sluices leading to tunnel; low pH (3.4)

trace 7.5 (6/18/99) 

4.8 (8/22/00) ponded (9/8/03)

USDA−FS

D Buckeye S Scotts Flat



 S40W 39°14′17′′ 120°53′33′′ N40E



O

B Small pit lake 

and wetlands at blocked inlet

no 0.5 (8/22/00) 

0.2 (9/9/03)

USDA−FS

E Boston California 

Placer Mine Lot 80

Red Dog



 N30E 39°13′46′′ 120°54′09′′ S30W

185

O

B Seasonal pit lake at 

blocked inlet

yes - 

abundant 

Hg panned

2.5 (6/18/99) 

6 (12/14/99) 1 (9/8/03)

BLM

F Boston S California 

Placer Mine Lot 80

Red Dog





 39°13′39′′ 120°54′11′′ S75W

160

O

B Blocked by muck 

from roof cavein; thin mud layer on tunnel floor

yes BLM

G Darling Cr N Red Dog 39°13′43′′ 120°53′40′′ S30W







300

O

O Outlet end of 

tunnel filled with sediment 

trace 1 (4/7/03) BLM

H Darling Cr S Hussey 

Diggins 

Red Dog 39°13′37′′ 120°53′37′′ N5E







130

O

O Tunnel complex 

extending from base of Chalk Bluff to Darling Cr

trace 2 (4/7/03) Private

J Missouri 

Canyon

Arkansas 

Ravine

Red Dog 39°13′08′′ 120°54′25′′ N20E 39°13′10′′ 120°54′25′′ S20W



O

O Two short tunnels 

drain west side of Red Dog pit near old cemetary

trace dry (9/8/03) BLM

Table C2. Characteristics of tunnels at hydraulic mines in the Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, California.[Mining districts based on classification by Clark (1963). Bearing indicates direction of travel when entering tunnel. O, open; B, blocked; Cr, Creek; N, north; PB, partially blocked; S, south; E, east; W, west; USDA−FS, United States Department of Agriculture−Forest Service; FS, Forest Service; BLM, Bureau of Land Management; Hg, mercury. gal/min, gallon per minute; 

, not determined; 

, greater than or equal to]

252 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
Map 

ID 

(fig. 

A1)

Tunnel Alternate 

name

Mining district

Tunnel inlet Tunnel outlet Length 

(feet)

Condition

(open/

blocked) Notes Visible mercury

Discharge,

gal/min

(date)

Land

status

Latitude Longitude Bearing Latitude Longitude Bearing Outlet Inlet

K Red Dog 

Lot 81

Red Dog 

Lot 81 

Red Dog 39°13′14′′ 120°54′23′′  39°13′13′′ 120°54′23′′ N20W 55 O O Water flows into 

tunnel inlet when pond fills to top of dam, then spills over top

trace 3.5 (4/7/03) BLM

L Starr Tunnel 

(Main)

Birdseye Red Dog 39°13′23′′ 120°54′20′′ N10E 39°13′29′′ 120°54′33′′ S85E 900 O O Numerous seasonal 

pit lakes within extensive ground sluice network; remnant sluice box in tunnel

yes - 

abundant 

Hg panned

15 (12/15/99) 

3 (9/8/03)

Private

M Starr Tunnel 

(SW)

Red Dog    39°13′28′′ 120°54′35′′ S72E  PB B 75% blocked 5 (2/21/03)

 dry (9/8/03)

Private

P Poore Gouge 

Eye

Hunts Hill 

(Scotts Flat)

   39°13′45′′ 120°54′40′′ N25E  O B Seasonal pit lake at 

blocked inlet

trace 5 (1/17/99) 

10 (12/15/99)

BLM

Q Sargent 

Jacobs

Gas 

Canyon 

Quaker Hill 

(Scotts Flat)

   39°14′38′′ 120°54′24′′ N70W  O B Drift tunnel 

with abundant discharge in Gas Canyon

20 (9/9/03) Private

R Upper 

Missouri Canyon

Hussey 

Diggins 

Red Dog 39°13′03′′ 120°53′04′′ N80W 39°13′04′′ 120°53′05′′ S85E 150 B O Inlet end of tunnel 

filled with sediment 

trace 1 (4/7/03) Private

Table C2. Characteristics of tunnels at hydraulic mines in the Greenhorn Creek drainage, Bear River watershed, CaliforniaContinued.[Mining districts based on classification by Clark (1963). Bearing indicates direction of travel when entering tunnel. O, open; B, blocked; Cr, Creek; N, north; PB, partially blocked; S, south; E, east; W, west; USDA−FS, United States Department of Agriculture−Forest Service; FS, Forest Service; BLM, Bureau of Land Management; Hg, mercury. gal/min, gallon per minute; , not determined; , greater than or equal to]

Appendix C. Table C2 253
Station 

map ID Station name Photograph description Figure number

Headwaters

BY51 Greenhorn Cr nr headwaters nr Scotts Flat 

Reservoir 

A1

Sailor Flat / Tom and Jerry

BY105 Sailor Flat Mine main drain gulch 01 nr 

Quaker Hill

Elemental mercury on bedrock in plunge pool at interface 

between metamorphic bedrock and alluvium. Major divisions 

on ruler are one inch; total length of ruler approximately 4.8 

inches.

A2

BY106 Sailor Flat Mine main drainage to Greenhorn Cr, 

gulch 03

Rick Humphreys (SWRCB) panning sediment in drainage gulch A3

BY130 Tom and Jerry Mine drain at tunnel outlet nr 

Nevada City

Looking at drain tunnel outlet from inside tunnel A4

Buckeye

BY22 Buckeye Flat Mine drain 0.1 mi ab Greenhorn Cr Buckeye Flat Mine, main drainage at Greenhorn Cr A5

*** Buckeye Flat Mine Pit lake A26

Boston Mine

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel outlet nr Grass Valley Elemental mercury beads on bedrock in plunge pool below 

tunnel

A6

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel outlet nr Grass Valley Historical photo of hydraulic mining operations at the Boston 

Mine

A7

BY20 Boston Mine tunnel outlet nr Grass Valley Boston Mine discharge A8

Poore Mine

BY88 Poore Mine ground sluice nr Grass Valley Iron precipitate in ground sluice A9

BY89 Poore Mine pit lake nr Grass Valley Small pit lake in bottom of Poore Mine hydraulic pit A10

BY91 Poore Mine tunnel effluent nr Grass Valley Poore Mine drainage tunnel outlet A11

Starr Mine

BY122 Starr Mine tunnel inflow nr Grass Valley Water flowing toward tunnel in bottom of Starr pit; note truck 

on right for scale

A12

BY123 Starr Mine tunnel midway nr Grass Valley Remnant sluice support railing (horizontal feature in top third of 

photograph) and sediments

A13

BY124 Starr Mine tunnel outlet nr Grass Valley Old “mine rail” riffles from bottom of sluice near tunnel outlet A14

BY148 Starr pit pond nr Grass Valley Flooded pit floor and ground sluice visible on left A15

Missouri Canyon

BY146 Missouri Cyn 1.6 mi ab Greenhorn Cr nr 

Chicago Park 

Ground sluice in bottom of Missouri Canyon A16

BY75 Missouri Cyn Cr 1.2 mi ab Greenhorn Cr nr 

Chicago Park 

Old ground sluice above Missouri Canyon Creek A17

Greenhorn Creek−Main stem

BY180 Greenhorn Cr 0.2 mi bl the Narrows Flood incision in gravels at Narrows A20

BY180 Greenhorn Cr 0.2 mi bl the Narrows Flood incision in gravels, looking downstream A21

BY52 Greenhorn Cr 0.3 mi ab Buckeye Ford nr 

Nevada City

Confluence of Gas Canyon and Greenhorn Cr A23

BY60 Greenhorn Cr bl Buckeye drain nr Nevada City Debris fan of tailings from Buckeye Flat Mine visible at top A24

∗∗∗ Greenhorn Cr Hunts Hill tunnel outlet, near Buckeye Ford A22

∗∗∗ Greenhorn Cr Greenhorn Cr at Red Dog Road Crossing A25

Integrator

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You Bet Road nr Nevada City Sampling water, Greenhorn Cr below You Bet Road A18

BY59 Greenhorn Cr at You Bet Road nr Nevada City Little Greenhorn Cr entering Greenhorn Cr upstream of 

You Bet Road

A19

Table C3. Descriptions of photographs of sampling stations, Greenhorn Creek drainage, Nevada County, California.

[Station name abbreviations: ab, above; bl, below; Cr, Creek; Cyn, Canyon; mi, mile; nr, near; Rd, Road; ***, not USGS station. SWRCB, State Water 

Resources Control Board]

254 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
Appendix D 255

Appendix D. Quality Assurance and Quality Control Information for Chemical 

Analyses of Samples from the Greenhorn Creek Drainage, Nevada County, 

California
Table D1. Trace elements analyzed by inductively coupled plasma–

mass spectrometry, and corresponding median detection limits. 

[Elements defined in front matter and in Tables 4A and 4B. n, number of analyses during 1999−2001. μg/L, microgram per liter]

Element

Dectection

limit

(μg/L)

n

Al 0.2 419

As 0.05 415

B 11 420

Ba 0.02 446

Be 0.03 459

Bi 0.003 447

Cd 0.009 430

Ce 0.0005 449

Co 0.007 447

Cr 0.3 432

Cs 0.01 442

Cu 0.03 445

Dy 0.001 472

Er 0.0009 467

Eu 0.0005 476

Gd 0.001 463

Ho 0.0002 471

La 0.0007 452

Li 0.07 421

Lu 0.0002 466

Mn 0.06 436

Mo 0.03 442

Nd 0.001 464

Ni 0.03 443

Pb 0.008 399

Pr 0.0004 472

Rb 0.003 449

Re 0.001 475

Sb 0.004 450

Se 0.4 423

Sm 0.002 474

Sr 0.1 434

Tb 0.0003 469

Te 0.02 462

Th 0.0006 436

Tl 0.005 439

Tm 0.0003 460

U 0.001 453

V 0.1 414

Y 0.0008 451

Yb 0.0007 472

Zn 0.2 425

Zr 0.003 444

256 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
Table D2. Selected trace elements and regression correlation coefficients (R2

) for correlation 

plots of observed versus reported values of 

analyses of standard reference materials.

Element R2

Al 0.9995 

As 0.9996 

B 0.9903 

Ba 0.9986 

Be 1.000 

Cd 0.9999 

Co 0.9996 

Cr 0.9995 

Cu 0.9974 

Li 0.9997 

Mn 0.9881 

Mo 0.9998 

Ni 0.9980 

Pb 0.9999 

Sb 1.000 

Se 0.9955 

Sr 0.9998 

Tl 0.9989 

U 0.9965 

V 0.9998 

Zn 0.9994 

Appendix D. Table D2 257
Blank type Replicate Date Time

Total mercury

value s.d.

(ng/L) (ng/L)

Source Blank - Deionized Water - MilliQ 1 of 2 11/30/99 11:00 3.3 0.2

Source Blank - Deionized Water - MilliQ 2 of 2 11/30/99 11:00 2.1 0.4

Equipment Blank - Teflon-lined Churn 1 of 2 12/1/99 10:30 3.8 0.0

Equipment Blank - Teflon-lined Churn 2 of 2 12/1/99 10:30 <0.6 0.3

Equipment Blank - Teflon-lined Churn 1 of 1 1/26/00 5:00 0.9 0.2

Equipment Blank - Churn #5 1 of 1 1/26/00 5:00 1.2 0.1

Equipment Blank - Jerrican BY01 1 of 1 1/26/00 5:00 0.5 0.4

Equipment Blank - Jerrican BY02 1 of 1 1/26/00 5:00 <0.6 0.0

Equipment Blank - Jerrican BY03 1 of 1 1/26/00 5:00 <0.6 0.1

Equipment Blank - MilliQ Holding Bottle 1 of 1 1/26/00 5:00 1.6 0.1

Equipment Blank - Holding Bottle #4 1 of 1 1/26/00 5:00 0.8 0.3

Process Blank - Churn 2 FB-C2 1 of 1 2/27/00 10:45 <0.4 0.2

Process Blank - Churn 2 FB-C2 1 of 1 2/28/00 11:30 <0.4 0.1

Table D3. Data for total mercury in blanks.

[value, mean of triplicate analyses; MilliQ is water deionization unit manufactured by Millipore, Inc.; s.d., standard deviation of triplicate 

analyses; ng/L, nanogram per liter; <, less than]

258 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001
Table D4. Data for methylmercury in blanks.

[ng/L, nanogram per liter; <, less than; —, not determined)

Type of blank Date Time 

Methylmercury

Unfiltered

(ng/L)

Filtered

(ng/L)

Equipment Blank - Churn # HT-1 6/17/1999 14:00 <0.04 —

Equipment Blank - Holding Bottle #4 6/17/1999 14:30 <0.04 —

Equipment Blank - Holding Bottle #3 8/21/2000 20:30 <0.04 —

Process Blank - Holding Bottle #2 8/21/2000 18:45 <0.04 —

Process Blank - Holding Bottle #4 8/21/2000 18:45 <0.04 —

Process Blank 6/6/2001 14:45 <0.04 0.04

Appendix D. Table D4 259
260 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001 Blank type Date Aluminum (Al)

(μg/L)

Arsenic

(As)

(μg/L)

Boron

(B) 

(μg/L)

Barium

(Ba)

(μg/L)

Beryllium

(Be)

(μg/L)

Bismuth

(Bi)

(μg/L)

Calcium

(Ca)

(mg/L)

Cadmium

(Cd)

(μg/L)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

Process blank- unfiltered 

- quartz still HCl

3/6/2000 2.4 0.9 <20 10 6 3 0.05 0.03 0.44 0.03 0.006 0.003 < 0.05 0.07 0.037 0.001

Process blank- filtered 

(Ultrex HCl)

3/7/2000 4.5 0.9 <20 10 <2 1 0.19 0.03 0.31 0.00 0.039 0.002 < 0.05 0.02 0.046 0.005

Process blank- unfiltered 

(Ultrex HCl)

3/7/2000 3.1 0.6 <20 10 4 2 0.13 0.01 0.21 0.02 0.018 0.003 0.06 0.05 0.026 0.003

Process blank1%HNO3+HCl-pressurenew bottle 1/29/2001 33 1 <20 10 <400 100 0.61 0.06 <0.1 0.0 0.15 0.03 <0.1 0.1 <0.08 0.00 Process blank1%HNO3+HCl-vacuumnew bottle 1/31/2001 5 1 <10 10 <40 10 0.14 0.03 <0.2 0.1 0.024 0.007 0.12 0.11 <0.08 0.04Process blank - unfiltered 

(whole water)

6/11/2001



 <30 20 <5 1 <0.06 0.02 <0.04 0.06 0.08 0.06 <0.05 0.03 <0.04 0.01

Filter blank 6/12/2001



 <30 30 8 14 <0.06 0.01 <0.04 0.09 <0.03 0.01 0.09 0.12 <0.04 0.01

Filter blank 6/12/2001



 <30 10 18 4 <0.06 0.05 <0.04 0.03 <0.03 0.01 0.09 0.10 <0.04 0.02

Process blank - unfiltered 

(whole water)

6/12/2001



 <30 30 <5 6 <0.06 0.02 <0.04 0.02 <0.03 0.02 <0.05 0.01 <0.04 0.01

Process blank - unfiltered 

(whole water)

6/12/2001



 <30 30 5 5 <0.06 0.05 <0.04 0.02 0.04 0.03 <0.05 0.01 <0.04 0.01

Process blank - unfiltered 

(whole water)

6/12/2001



 <30 20 8 4 <0.06 0.04 <0.04 0.04 <0.03 0.01 <0.05 0.04 <0.04 0.01

Table D5. Data for trace elements in process blanks.[value, mean of triplicate analyses; s.d., standard deviation of triplicate analyses. HCl, hydrochloric acid; HNO3, nitric acid; μg/L, microgram per liter; mg/L, milligram per liter; 

, not determined; <, less than]
Appendix D. Table D5 261

Table D5. Data for trace elements in process blanksContinued.[value, mean of triplicate analyses; s.d., standard deviation of triplicate analyses. HCl, hydrochloric acid; HNO3, nitric acid; μg/L, microgram per liter; mg/L, milligram per liter; , not determined; <, less than]

Blank type Date

Cerium

(Ce)

(μg/L)

Cobalt

(Co)

(μg/L)

Chromium

(Cr) 

(μg/L)

Cesium

(Cs)

(μg/L)

Copper

(Cu)

(μg/L)

Dysprosium

(Dy)

(μg/L)

Erbium

(Er)

(mg/L)

Europium

(Eu)

(μg/L)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

Process blank- unfiltered 

- quartz still HCl

3/6/2000 0.002 0.003 0.16 0.01 <0.4 0.6 <0.2 0.0 0.16 0.02 <0.003 0.000 <0.006 0.000 <0.001 0.001 

Process blank- filtered 

(Ultrex HCl)

3/7/2000 0.005 0.007 0.45 0.01 <0.4 0.3 <0.2 0.1 0.19 0.03 <0.003 0.000 <0.006 0.004 <0.001 0.001 

Process blank- unfiltered 

(Ultrex HCl)

3/7/2000 0.004 0.005 0.34 0.03 <0.4 0.4 <0.2 0.0 0.09 0.00 <0.003 0.002 <0.006 0.004 <0.001 0.001 

Process blank1%HNO3+HCl-pressurenew bottle 1/29/2001 0.16 0.02 <0.02 0.01 <2 1 0.17 0.06 3.2 0.1 0.007 0.002 <0.004 0.003 0.003 0.001 Process blank1%HNO3+HCl-vacuumnew bottle 1/31/2001 0.021 0.004 <0.03 0.02 <1 1 <0.08 0.01 0.8 0.4 <0.003 0.004 0.003 0.002 0.002 0.001 Process blank - unfiltered 

(whole water)

6/11/2001 0.011 0.003 <0.03 0.01 1.5 0.7 <0.2 0.0 1.1 0.2 <0.005 0.001 <0.002 0.001 <0.002 0.001 

Filter blank 6/12/2001 0.005 0.000 <0.03 0.02 <0.7 0.2 <0.2 0.0 0.8 0.0 <0.005 0.002 0.003 0.002 <0.002 0.001 Filter blank 6/12/2001 0.007 0.001 <0.03 0.02 <0.7 0.1 0.3 0.2 0.8 0.1 <0.005 0.002 0.002 0.001 <0.002 0.001 Process blank - unfiltered 

(whole water)

6/12/2001 0.010 0.004 <0.03 0.02 0.7 0.3 2.5 2.7 0.8 0.2 <0.005 0.001 <0.002 0.002 <0.002 0.001 

Process blank - unfiltered 

(whole water)

6/12/2001 0.007 0.004 <0.03 0.02 1.6 0.6 0.3 0.1 0.9 0.1 <0.005 0.002 <0.002 0.001 <0.002 0.001 

Process blank - unfiltered 

(whole water)

6/12/2001 0.008 0.003 <0.03 0.01 1.1 0.4 <0.2 0.2 0.9 0.1 <0.005 0.002 <0.002 0.002 <0.002 0.001 

Appendix D. Table D5 261
262 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001 Blank type Date Iron (Fe) (μg/L) Gadolinium (Gd) (μg/L) Holmium (Ho) (μg/L) Potassium (K) (mg/L) Lanthanum (La) (μg/L) Lithium (Li) (μg/L) Lutetium (Lu) (μg/L) Magnesium (Mg) (mg/L) value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. Process blank- unfiltered - quartz still HCl 3/6/2000 7 0 <0.004 0.001 <0.001 0.001 <0.03 0.01 <0.002 0.001 0.07 0.00 <0.001 0.001 0.06 0.02 Process blank- filtered (Ultrex HCl) 3/7/2000 10 13 <0.004 0.001 <0.001 0.000 <0.03 0.02 0.002 0.002 0.06 0.04 <0.001 0.001 <0.04 0.02 Process blank- unfiltered (Ultrex HCl) 3/7/2000 6 12 <0.004 0.002 <0.001 0.000 <0.03 0.03 <0.002 0.002 0.06 0.02 <0.001 0.001 <0.04 0.05 Process blank-1%HNO3+HCl- pressure-new bottle 1/29/2001 35 1 0.006 0.004 <0.001 0.000 <0.06 0.03 0.095 0.004 0.3 0.1 <0.001 0.000 <0.1 0.0 Process blank-1%HNO3+HCl- vacuum-new bottle 1/31/2001 13 11 <0.004 0.002 <0.009 0.0003 <0.08 0.01 0.010 0.002 0.5 0.1 <0.0006 0.0005 0.04 0.04 Process blank - unfiltered (whole water) 6/11/2001 7 3 <0.006 0.002 <0.008 0.0007 <0.02 0.01 <0.004 0.001 <0.1 0.1 <0.0007 0.0002 <0.07 0.07 Filter blank 6/12/2001 15 15 <0.006 0.001 <0.008 0.0005 0.02 0.03 <0.004 0.001 <0.1 0.1 <0.0007 0.0007 <0.07 0.00 Filter blank 6/12/2001 14 14 <0.006 0.003 <0.008 0.0006 0.04 0.04 <0.004 0.001 <0.1 0.2 <0.0007 0.0003 <0.07 0.02 Process blank - unfiltered (whole water) 6/12/2001 3 1 <0.006 0.001 <0.008 0.0010 <0.02 0.01 <0.004 0.001 0.2 0.1 <0.0007 0.0004 <0.07 0.00 Process blank - unfiltered (whole water) 6/12/2001 6 2 <0.006 0.002 <0.008 0.0004 <0.02 0.01 <0.004 0.001 0.2 0.1 <0.0007 0.0006 <0.07 0.06 Process blank - unfiltered (whole water) 6/12/2001 6 4 <0.006 0.001 <0.008 0.0004 <0.02 0.01 <0.004 0.001 0.4 0.0 <0.0007 0.0007 <0.07 0.04 Table D5. Data for trace elements in process blanksContinued. [value, mean of triplicate analyses; s.d., standard deviation of triplicate analyses. μg/L, microgram per liter; mg/L, milligram per liter; 

, not determined; <, less than]
Appendix D. Table D5 263

Blank type Date

Manganese

(Mn)

(μg/L)

Molybdenium

(Mo)

(μg/L)

Sodium

(Na)

(mg/L)

Neodymium

(Nd)

(μg/L)

Nickel

(Ni)

(μg/L)

Lead

(Pb)

(μg/L)

Praseodymium

(Pr)

(μg/L)

Rubidium

(Rb)

(μg/L)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

Process blank- unfiltered - 

quartz still HCl

3/6/2000 0.9 1.1 0.15 0.13 <0.1 0.0 <0.004 0.002 0.24 0.04 0.10 0.05 <0.001 0.000 0.007 0.004

Process blank- filtered 

(Ultrex HCl)

3/7/2000 <0.6 0.2 0.14 0.09 <0.1 0.1 <0.004 0.006 0.11 0.02 0.05 0.01 <0.001 0.001 0.051 0.005

Process blank- unfiltered 

(Ultrex HCl)

3/7/2000 <0.6 0.3 <0.06 0.07 <0.1 0.1 0.007 0.004 0.06 0.01 0.03 0.00 <0.001 0.001 0.038 0.002

Process blank-1%HNO3+HClpressure-new bottle 1/29/2001 <0.2 0.2 0.6 0.7 0.07 0.01 0.067 0.007 1.4 0.1 2.1 0.1 0.018 0.000 0.08 0.01Process blank-1%HNO3+HClvacuum-new bottle 1/31/2001 <0.4 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.079 0.027 0.007 0.006 0.5 0.1 <0.1 0.0 0.003 0.001 0.028 0.002Process blank - unfiltered 

(whole water)

6/11/2001 0.7 0.4 0.2 0.2 <0.02 0.05 <0.005 0.003 1.9 0.1 <0.2 0.1 <0.002 0.001 <0.02 0.03

Filter blank 6/12/2001 0.7 0.1 <0.2 0.2 0.33 0.39 <0.005 0.003 1.2 0.0 <0.2 0.1 <0.002 0.001 <0.02 0.01Filter blank 6/12/2001 0.6 0.2 <0.2 0.2 0.35 0.40 <0.005 0.005 1.3 0.1 <0.2 0.0 <0.002 0.000 <0.02 0.01Process blank - unfiltered 

(whole water)

6/12/2001 <0.5 0.3 0.4 0.6 <0.02 0.04 <0.005 0.002 2.0 0.2 <0.2 0.1 <0.002 0.000 <0.02 0.01

Process blank - unfiltered 

(whole water)

6/12/2001 <0.5 0.1 0.5 0.7 0.10 0.04 <0.005 0.002 1.6 0.3 <0.2 0.1 <0.002 0.001 0.02 0.01

Process blank - unfiltered 

(whole water)

6/12/2001 <0.5 0.1 <0.2 0.3 0.21 0.07 <0.005 0.004 1.5 0.0 <0.2 0.2 <0.002 0.000 0.03 0.01

Table D5. Data for trace elements in process blanksContinued.[value, mean of triplicate analyses; s.d., standard deviation of triplicate analyses. μg/L, microgram per liter; mg/L, milligram per liter; , not determined; <, less than]
264 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001 Blank type Date Rhenium (Re) (μg/L) Sulfur (S) (mg/L) Antimony (Sb) (μg/L) Selenium (Se) (μg/L) Silica (SiO2

)

(mg/L)

Samarium

(Sm)

(μg/L)

Strontium

(Sr)

(μg/L)

Terbium

(Tb)

(μg/L)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

Process blank- unfiltered - 

quartz still HCl

3/6/2000 <0.002 0.002 <0.1 0.1 0.020 0.012 <0.2 0.6 <0.2 0.0 <0.006 0.002 <0.07 0.06 <0.001 0.000 

Process blank- filtered 

(Ultrex HCl)

3/7/2000 <0.002 0.002 <0.1 0.1 0.021 0.005 <0.2 0.1 <0.2 0.0 <0.006 0.001 0.09 0.04 <0.001 0.000 

Process blank- unfiltered 

(Ultrex HCl)

3/7/2000 <0.002 0.001 <0.1 0.0 0.012 0.005 <0.2 0.1 <0.2 0.1 <0.006 0.005 <0.07 0.04 <0.001 0.001

Process blank-1%HNO3+HClpressure-new bottle 1/29/2001 <0.003 0.001 <0.2 0.0 0.08 0.03 <0.7 1.3 <0.3 0.2 0.010 0.005 <0.2 0.2 0.003 0.0001Process blank-1%HNO3+HClvacuum-new bottle 1/31/2001 0.002 0.001 0.10 0.15 0.078 0.035 <1 1 <0.2 0.1 <0.007 0.003 <0.3 0.1 <0.001 0.000 Process blank - unfiltered 

(whole water)

6/11/2001 <0.002 0.001 <0.2 0.1 <0.03 0.01 <2 0 <0.05 0.04 <0.005 0.002 <0.3 0.2 <0.001 0.001

Filter blank 6/12/2001 <0.002 0.001 <0.2 0.1 <0.03 0.02 <2 1 0.07 0.11 <0.005 0.001 <0.3 0.1 <0.001 0.000 Filter blank 6/12/2001 <0.002 0.001 <0.2 0.0 <0.03 0.02 <2 0 <0.05 0.06 <0.005 0.001 <0.3 0.1 <0.001 0.001Process blank - unfiltered 

(whole water)

6/12/2001 <0.002 0.000 <0.2 0.1 <0.03 0.03 <2 0 0.07 0.10 <0.005 0.003 <0.3 0.1 <0.001 0.001

Process blank - unfiltered 

(whole water)

6/12/2001 <0.002 0.000 <0.2 0.0 0.13 0.01 <2 1 <0.05 0.03 <0.005 0.001 <0.3 0.2 <0.001 0.000 

Process blank - unfiltered 

(whole water)

6/12/2001 <0.002 0.001 <0.2 0.1 <0.03 0.01 <2 0 <0.05 0.02 <0.005 0.001 <0.3 0.0 <0.001 0.000 

Table D5. Data for trace elements in process blanksContinued.[value, mean of triplicate analyses; s.d., standard deviation of triplicate analyses. μg/L, microgram per liter; mg/L, milligram per liter; 

, not determined; <, less than]
Appendix D. Table D5 265

Blank type Date

Tellurium

(Te)

(μg/L)

 Thorium

(Th)

(μg/L)

Thallium

(Tl)

(μg/L)

Thulium

(Tm)

(μg/L)

Uranium

(U) 

(μg/L)

Vanadium

(V) 

(μg/L)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

Process blank- unfiltered - 

quartz still HCl

3/6/2000 <0.05 0.02 <0.005 0.002 0.004 0.008 <0.001 0.000 <0.002 0.000 <2 1

Process blank- filtered 

(Ultrex HCl)

3/7/2000 <0.05 0.01 <0.005 0.002 <0.003 0.002 <0.001 0.001 <0.002 0.002 <2 0 

Process blank- unfiltered 

(Ultrex HCl)

3/7/2000 <0.05 0.02 <0.005 0.002 <0.003 0.003 <0.001 0.001 <0.002 0.000 <2 1

Process blank-1%HNO3+HClpressure-new bottle 1/29/2001 <0.1 0.0 0.004 0.000 <0.02 0.02 <0.0005 0.0001 0.010 0.001 <1 0 Process blank-1%HNO3+HClvacuum-new bottle 1/31/2001 <0.08 0.06 0.006 0.002 <0.02 0.00 <0.0008 0.0003 0.0049 0.0048 <1 1Process blank - unfiltered 

(whole water)

6/11/2001 <0.03 0.02 <0.002 0.001 <0.01 0.00 <0.001 0.000 <0.005 0.006 <2 1

Filter blank 6/12/2001 <0.03 0.06 <0.002 0.000 <0.01 0.02 <0.001 0.001 <0.005 0.005 <2 1Filter blank 6/12/2001 <0.03 0.01 <0.002 0.001 <0.01 0.01 <0.001 0.001 <0.005 0.001 <2 1Process blank - unfiltered 

(whole water)

6/12/2001 <0.03 0.03 <0.002 0.001 <0.01 0.01 <0.001 0.001 <0.005 0.003 <2 0 

Process blank - unfiltered 

(whole water)

6/12/2001 <0.03 0.01 <0.002 0.001 <0.01 0.02 <0.001 0.001 <0.005 0.002 <2 0 

Process blank - unfiltered 

(whole water)

6/12/2001 <0.03 0.05 <0.002 0.001 <0.01 0.01 <0.001 0.000 <0.005 0.003 <2 1

Table D5. Data for trace elements in process blanksContinued.[value, mean of triplicate analyses; s.d., standard deviation of triplicate analyses. μg/L, microgram per liter; mg/L, milligram per liter; , not determined; <, less than]
266 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001 Blank type Date Yttrium (Y) (μg/L) Ytterbium (Yb) (μg/L) Zinc (Zn) (μg/L) Zirconium (Zr) (μg/L) value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. Process blank- unfiltered - quartz still HCl 3/6/2000 0.009 0.001 <0.002 0.001 11 1 0.018 0.002 Process blank- filtered (Ultrex HCl) 3/7/2000 0.007 0.004 <0.002 0.001 2.4 0.3 0.080 0.008 Process blank- unfiltered (Ultrex HCl) 3/7/2000 0.005 0.001 <0.002 0.001 1.8 0.1 0.054 0.006 Process blank-1%HNO3+HCl-pressure- new bottle 1/29/2001 0.028 0.004 <0.003 0.003 40 1 0.03 0.01 Process blank-1%HNO3+HCl-vacuum- new bottle 1/31/2001 0.003 0.001 0.002 0.002 2.6 0.5 0.013 0.003 Process blank - unfiltered (whole water) 6/11/2001 0.002 0.000 <0.003 0.002 3 0 <0.01 0.00 Filter blank 6/12/2001 <0.001 0.001 <0.003 0.003 <2 1 <0.01 0.00 Filter blank 6/12/2001 <0.001 0.001 <0.003 0.000 3 1 <0.01 0.01 Process blank - unfiltered (whole water) 6/12/2001 <0.001 0.001 <0.003 0.001 <2 1 <0.01 0.00 Process blank - unfiltered (whole water) 6/12/2001 <0.001 0.001 <0.003 0.001 3 3 <0.01 0.01 Process blank - unfiltered (whole water) 6/12/2001 <0.001 0.000 <0.003 0.001 3 0 <0.01 0.00 Table D5. Data for trace elements in process blanksContinued. [value, mean of triplicate analyses; s.d., standard deviation of triplicate analyses. μg/L, microgram per liter; mg/L, milligram per liter; 

, not determined; <, less than]
Appendix D. Table D6 267

Blank type Date

Aluminum (Al)

(μg/L)

Arsenic (As)

(μg/L)

Boron (B)

(μg/L)

Barium (Ba)

(μg/L)

Beryllium (Be)

(μg/L)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

Equipment blank-1L poly 2/10/1999 <0.1 0.17 <0.01 0.01 <1 0 <0.01 0.02 <0.01 0.01Source blank-MilliQ 2/10/1999 <0.1 0.25 <0.01 0.01 <1 1 <0.01 0.01 <0.01 0.01Equipment blank-churn 2/12/1999 0.24 0.2 <0.01 0.01 <1 0 0.02 0.01 <0.01 0Process blank 2/21/1999 1.35 0.15 <0.02 0.02 <9 1 0.05 0 <0.02 0.01Source blank-MilliQ 11/30/1999 <0.1 0 <0.01 0.01 4 3 <0.007 0.005 <0.005 0.001Source blank-MilliQ 11/30/1999 <0.1 0.1 <0.01 0.01 7 1 <0.007 0.002 <0.005 0.004Source blank-MilliQ 11/30/1999 <0.1 0.02 <0.01 0.01 4.35 2.98 <0.01 0.01 <0.01 0Source blank-MilliQ 11/30/1999 <0.1 0.08 <0.01 0.01 7.45 1.1 <0.01 0 <0.01 0Equipment blank-field-new churn 12/1/1999 <0.1 0 <0.01 0 2 2 <0.007 0.001 <0.005 0.004Equipment blank-field-new churn 12/1/1999 0.4 0.5 <0.01 0 3 2 <0.007 0.004 <0.005 0.003Equipment blank-field-new churn 12/1/1999 <0.1 0.03 <0.01 0 2.32 1.71 <0.01 0 <0.01 0Equipment blank-field-new churn 12/1/1999 0.38 0.55 <0.01 0 2.88 1.92 <0.01 0 <0.01 0Equipment blank-2L holding bottle #4 1/26/2000 <0.1 0.1 <0.01 0 3 3 <0.007 0.004 <0.005 0.006Equipment blank-2L holding bottle #4 1/26/2000 <0.1 0.08 <0.01 0 3.42 2.87 <0.01 0 <0.01 0.01Equipment blank-jerrican 1/26/2000 <0.1 0 <0.01 0.01 3 2 <0.007 0.002 <0.005 0.003Equipment blank-jerrican 1/26/2000 <0.1 0 <0.01 0 <2 0 <0.007 0.002 <0.005 0.003Equipment blank-jerrican 1/26/2000 <0.1 0.1 <0.01 0.01 3 2 <0.007 0.002 <0.005 0.004Equipment blank-jerrican 1/26/2000 <0.1 0.01 <0.01 0.01 3.07 2.09 <0.01 0 <0.01 0Equipment blank-jerrican 1/26/2000 <0.1 0.02 <0.01 0 <2 0 <0.01 0 <0.01 0Equipment blank-jerrican 1/26/2000 <0.1 0.07 <0.01 0.01 3.17 1.87 <0.01 0 <0.01 0Source blank-MilliQ 1/26/2000 <0.1 0 <0.01 0 <2 0 <0.007 0.001 <0.005 0.002Source blank-MilliQ 1/26/2000 <0.1 0.04 <0.01 0 <2 0 <0.01 0 <0.01 0Equipment blank-new Teflon churn 1/26/2000 <0.1 0 <0.01 0.01 <2 2 <0.007 0.004 <0.005 0.002Equipment blank-new Teflon churn 1/26/2000 <0.1 0.01 <0.01 0.01 <2 2 <0.01 0 <0.01 0Equipment blank-USGS churn #5 1/26/2000 <0.1 0 <0.01 0.01 <2 1 <0.007 0.005 <0.005 0.001Equipment blank-USGS churn #5 1/26/2000 <0.1 0.03 <0.01 0.01 <2 1 <0.01 0 <0.01 0Equipment blank-field churn #2 3/16/2000 <0.9 0.24 <0.1 0.03 <5 2 0.04 0.06 <0.05 0.05

Table D6. Data for trace elements in source blanks and equipment blanks.[value, mean of triplicate analyses; MilliQ is a water deionization unit manufactured by Millipore, Inc.; s.d., standard deviation of triplicate analyses. μg/L, microgram per liter; mg/L, milligram per liter; , not determined; <, less than]
268 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001 Blank type Date Bismuth (Bi)

(μg/L)

Calcium (Ca)

(mg/L)

Cadmium (Cd)

(μg/L)

Cerium (Ce)

(μg/L)

Cobalt (Co)

(μg/L)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

Equipment blank-1L poly 2/10/1999

 0.03 0.04







Source blank-MilliQ 2/10/1999

 0.03 0.06







Equipment blank-churn 2/12/1999

 0.03 0.05 0.01 0  0.01 0.02

Process blank 2/21/1999

 0.01 0 

 0.02 0

Source blank-MilliQ 11/30/1999 <0.002 0 0.15 0.17 <0.002 0 <0.0002 0.0001 <0.0008 0.0011Source blank-MilliQ 11/30/1999 <0.002 0 <0.01 0 <0.002 0.001 <0.0002 0 <0.0008 0.0004Source blank-MilliQ 11/30/1999

 0.15 0.17







Source blank-MilliQ 11/30/1999

 <0.01 0 





Equipment blank-field-new churn 12/1/1999 <0.002 0.001 0.03 0.02 <0.002 0.001 <0.0002 0.0001 <0.0008 0.0002Equipment blank-field-new churn 12/1/1999 <0.002 0 0.02 0.03 0.002 0.002 <0.0002 0.0001 <0.0008 0.0003Equipment blank-field-new churn 12/1/1999

 0.03 0.02







Equipment blank-field-new churn 12/1/1999

 0.02 0.03







Equipment blank-2L holding bottle #4 1/26/2000 <0.002 0.001 0.05 0.08 <0.002 0.001 <0.0002 0.0001 <0.0008 0.0008Equipment blank-2L holding bottle #4 1/26/2000

 0.05 0.08







Equipment blank-jerrican 1/26/2000 0.004 0 0.08 0.08 <0.002 0.001 <0.0002 0.0001 <0.0008 0.0002Equipment blank-jerrican 1/26/2000 <0.002 0.002 0.02 0.02 <0.002 0.001 <0.0002 0.0002 <0.0008 0.0006Equipment blank-jerrican 1/26/2000 <0.002 0 0.03 0.04 <0.002 0 <0.0002 0.0001 <0.0008 0.0002Equipment blank-jerrican 1/26/2000

 0.08 0.08







Equipment blank-jerrican 1/26/2000

 0.02 0.02







Equipment blank-jerrican 1/26/2000

 0.03 0.04







Source blank-MilliQ 1/26/2000 <0.002 0.002 0.04 0.05 <0.002 0 <0.0002 0.0002 <0.0008 0.0003Source blank-MilliQ 1/26/2000

 0.04 0.05







Equipment blank-new Teflon churn 1/26/2000 <0.002 0.001 0.04 0.03 <0.002 0.001 0.0002 0.0001 <0.0008 0.0003Equipment blank-new Teflon churn 1/26/2000

 0.04 0.03







Equipment blank-USGS churn #5 1/26/2000 <0.002 0.001 <0.01 0.02 <0.002 0.001 <0.0002 0.0001 <0.0008 0.0004Equipment blank-USGS churn #5 1/26/2000

 <0.01 0.02







Equipment blank-field churn #2 3/16/2000

 <0.02 0.01 0.01 0  <0.01 0.01

Table D6. Data for trace elements in source blanks and equipment blanksContinued.[value, mean of triplicate analyses; MilliQ is a water deionization unit manufactured by Millipore, Inc.; s.d., standard deviation of triplicate analyses. μg/L, microgram per liter; mg/L, milligram per liter; 

, not determined; <, less than]
Appendix D. Table D6 269

Blank type Date

Chromium (Cr)

(μg/L)

Cesium (Cs)

(μg/L)

Copper (Cu)

(μg/L)

Dysprosium (Dy)

(μg/L)

Erbium (Er)

(μg/L)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

Equipment blank-1L poly 2/10/1999 <0.1 0.05  <0.03 0.01  Source blank-MilliQ 2/10/1999 <0.1 0.03  <0.03 0.13  Equipment blank-churn 2/12/1999 <0.1 0.03  <0.03 0.16  Process blank 2/21/1999 0.4 0.15  0.05 0.05  Source blank-MilliQ 11/30/1999 <0.1 0 <0.0009 0.0002 <0.04 0.02 <0.0006 0.0002 <0.0007 0.0004Source blank-MilliQ 11/30/1999 <0.1 0 <0.0009 0 <0.04 0.01 <0.0006 0.0001 <0.0007 0.0001Source blank-MilliQ 11/30/1999 <0.1 0.03  <0.04 0.02  Source blank-MilliQ 11/30/1999 <0.1 0.04  <0.04 0.01  Equipment blank-field-new churn 12/1/1999 <0.1 0 <0.0009 0.0002 <0.04 0.01 <0.0006 0.0002 <0.0007 0.0003Equipment blank-field-new churn 12/1/1999 <0.1 0 0.0014 0.0016 <0.04 0.02 <0.0006 0.0002 <0.0007 0.0002Equipment blank-field-new churn 12/1/1999 <0.1 0.02  <0.04 0.01  Equipment blank-field-new churn 12/1/1999 <0.1 0.02  <0.04 0.02  Equipment blank-2L holding bottle #4 1/26/2000 <0.1 0 <0.0009 0.0003 <0.04 0.01 <0.0006 0.0004 <0.0007 0.0003Equipment blank-2L holding bottle #4 1/26/2000 <0.1 0.05  <0.04 0.01  Equipment blank-jerrican 1/26/2000 <0.1 0 0.0011 0.0009 <0.04 0 <0.0006 0.0002 <0.0007 0.0002Equipment blank-jerrican 1/26/2000 <0.1 0 <0.0009 0.0003 <0.04 0.02 <0.0006 0.0001 <0.0007 0.0001Equipment blank-jerrican 1/26/2000 <0.1 0 <0.0009 0.0004 <0.04 0 <0.0006 0.0004 <0.0007 0.0001Equipment blank-jerrican 1/26/2000 <0.1 0.01  <0.04 0  Equipment blank-jerrican 1/26/2000 <0.1 0.03  <0.04 0.02  Equipment blank-jerrican 1/26/2000 <0.1 0.04  <0.04 0  Source blank-MilliQ 1/26/2000 <0.1 0 0.0022 0.0002 <0.04 0 <0.0006 0.0001 <0.0007 0.0002Source blank-MilliQ 1/26/2000 <0.1 0.02  <0.04 0  Equipment blank-new Teflon churn 1/26/2000 <0.1 0 <0.0009 0.0003 <0.04 0.01 <0.0006 0.0002 <0.0007 0.0003Equipment blank-new Teflon churn 1/26/2000 <0.1 0.04  <0.04 0.01  Equipment blank-USGS churn #5 1/26/2000 <0.1 0.1 <0.0009 0 <0.04 0.01 <0.0006 0.0001 <0.0007 0.0002Equipment blank-USGS churn #5 1/26/2000 <0.1 0.08  <0.04 0.01  Equipment blank-field churn #2 3/16/2000 <0.4 0.3 <0.5 0.13 0.16 0.11  

Table D6. Data for trace elements in source blanks and equipment blanksContinued.[value, mean of triplicate analyses; MilliQ is a water deionization unit manufactured by Millipore, Inc.; s.d., standard deviation of triplicate analyses. μg/L, microgram per liter; mg/L, milligram per liter; , not determined; <, less than]
270 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001 Blank type Date Europium (Eu)

(μg/L)

Iron (Fe)

(μg/L)

Gadolinium (Gd)

(μg/L)

Holmium (Ho)

(μg/L)

Potassium (K)

(mg/L)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

Equipment blank-1L poly 2/10/1999

 <2 0 

 0.01 0

Source blank-MilliQ 2/10/1999

 <2 0 

 <0.01 0.01

Equipment blank-churn 2/12/1999

 <2 1 

 <0.01 0

Process blank 2/21/1999

 12.04 1.4



 <0.01 0

Source blank-MilliQ 11/30/1999 <0.0002 0.0001 0.6 0.7 <0.0004 0.0001 <0.0001 0 0.007 0.01Source blank-MilliQ 11/30/1999 <0.0002 0 0.5 0.4 <0.0004 0.0003 <0.0001 0 <0.006 0.009Source blank-MilliQ 11/30/1999

 0.6 0.66



 0.01 0.01

Source blank-MilliQ 11/30/1999

 0.45 0.45



 <0.01 0.01

Equipment blank-field-new churn 12/1/1999 <0.0002 0.0002 <0.4 0 <0.0004 0.0001 <0.0001 0.0001 0.007 0.007Equipment blank-field-new churn 12/1/1999 <0.0002 0.0001 <0.4 0.3 <0.0004 0.0001 <0.0001 0 <0.006 0.007Equipment blank-field-new churn 12/1/1999

 <0.4 0.03



 0.01 0.01

Equipment blank-field-new churn 12/1/1999

 <0.4 0.35



 <0.01 0.01

Equipment blank-2L holding bottle #4 1/26/2000 <0.0002 0.0001 <0.4 0.1 0.0004 0.0001 <0.0001 0.0001 <0.006 0.003Equipment blank-2L holding bottle #4 1/26/2000

 <0.4 0.07



 <0.01 0

Equipment blank-jerrican 1/26/2000 <0.0002 0.0001 <0.4 0.4 <0.0004 0.0001 <0.0001 0.0001 <0.006 0.004Equipment blank-jerrican 1/26/2000 <0.0002 0.0001 1 1.1 <0.0004 0.0002 <0.0001 0.0001 <0.006 0.001Equipment blank-jerrican 1/26/2000 <0.0002 0 <0.4 0.3 <0.0004 0.0002 <0.0001 0.0001 0.009 0.011Equipment blank-jerrican 1/26/2000

 <0.4 0.39



 <0.01 0

Equipment blank-jerrican 1/26/2000

 1.04 1.14



 <0.01 0

Equipment blank-jerrican 1/26/2000

 <0.4 0.31



 0.01 0.01

Source blank-MilliQ 1/26/2000 <0.0002 0.0002 1 1.1 <0.0004 0.0003 <0.0001 0.0001 <0.006 0Source blank-MilliQ 1/26/2000

 1.01 1.07



 <0.01 0

Equipment blank-new Teflon churn 1/26/2000 <0.0002 0 <0.4 0.1 <0.0004 0.0005 <0.0001 0.0001 0.007 0.006Equipment blank-new Teflon churn 1/26/2000

 <0.4 0.12



 0.01 0.01

Equipment blank-USGS churn #5 1/26/2000 <0.0002 0.0001 <0.4 0.1 <0.0004 0.0002 <0.0001 0.0001 <0.006 0.004Equipment blank-USGS churn #5 1/26/2000

 <0.4 0.1



 <0.01 0

Equipment blank-field churn #2 3/16/2000

 0.81 0.79



 <0.03 0.01

Table D6. Data for trace elements in source blanks and equipment blanksContinued.[value, mean of triplicate analyses; MilliQ is a water deionization unit manufactured by Millipore, Inc.; s.d., standard deviation of triplicate analyses. μg/L, microgram per liter; mg/L, milligram per liter; 

, not determined; <, less than]
Appendix D. Table D6 271

Blank type Date Lanthanum (La)

(μg/L)

Lithium (Li)

(μg/L)

Lutetium (Lu)

(μg/L)

Magnesium (Mg)

(mg/L)

Manganese (Mn)

(μg/L)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

Equipment blank-1L poly 2/10/1999  <0.01 0.05  <0.03 0.02 0.04 0.05Source blank-MilliQ 2/10/1999  <0.01 0.04  <0.03 0.01 <0.02 0.04Equipment blank-churn 2/12/1999  <0.01 0.01  <0.03 0.04 0.4 0.26Process blank 2/21/1999  <0.02 0.01  <0.01 0 0.51 0.2Source blank-MilliQ 11/30/1999 <0.0004 0.0002 0.008 0.007 <0.0002 0 <0.0006 0.0004 0.009 0.003Source blank-MilliQ 11/30/1999 <0.0004 0.0001 0.009 0.003 <0.0002 0 <0.0006 0.0005 0.01 0.001Source blank-MilliQ 11/30/1999  0.01 0.01   0.01 0Source blank-MilliQ 11/30/1999  0.01 0   0.01 0Equipment blank-field-new churn 12/1/1999 <0.0004 0 0.005 0.003 <0.0002 0 <0.0006 0 0.003 0.001Equipment blank-field-new churn 12/1/1999 <0.0004 0.0002 0.004 0.002 <0.0002 0.0001 <0.0006 0.0002 0.008 0.003Equipment blank-field-new churn 12/1/1999  0.01 0   Equipment blank-field-new churn 12/1/1999     0.01 0Equipment blank-2L holding bottle #4 1/26/2000 <0.0004 0.0001 0.007 0.008 <0.0002 0 <0.0006 0 <0.002 0.003Equipment blank-2L holding bottle #4 1/26/2000  0.01 0.01   Equipment blank-jerrican 1/26/2000 <0.0004 0.0002 <0.004 0.003 <0.0002 0.0001 <0.0006 0.0002 0.004 0.001Equipment blank-jerrican 1/26/2000 <0.0004 0.0001 0.007 0.007 <0.0002 0.0001 <0.0006 0.0001 <0.002 0.002Equipment blank-jerrican 1/26/2000 <0.0004 0.0002 0.005 0.004 <0.0002 0 <0.0006 0.0001 0.006 0.005Equipment blank-jerrican 1/26/2000     Equipment blank-jerrican 1/26/2000  0.01 0.01   Equipment blank-jerrican 1/26/2000  0.01 0   0.01 0.01Source blank-MilliQ 1/26/2000 <0.0004 0.0001 <0.004 0.004 <0.0002 0.0001 <0.0006 0.0001 0.007 0.005Source blank-MilliQ 1/26/2000     0.01 0Equipment blank-new Teflon churn 1/26/2000 <0.0004 0.0002 0.006 0.004 <0.0002 0.0001 <0.0006 0.0002 0.013 0.008Equipment blank-new Teflon churn 1/26/2000  0.01 0   0.01 0.01Equipment blank-USGS churn #5 1/26/2000 <0.0004 0.0001 <0.004 0.005 <0.0002 0 <0.0006 0.0001 0.013 0.011Equipment blank-USGS churn #5 1/26/2000     0.01 0.01Equipment blank-field churn #2 3/16/2000  <0.2 0.05  <0.01 0.01 0.07 0.06

Table D6. Data for trace elements in source blanks and equipment blanksContinued.[value, mean of triplicate analyses; MilliQ is a water deionization unit manufactured by Millipore, Inc.; s.d., standard deviation of triplicate analyses. μg/L, microgram per liter; mg/L, milligram per liter; , not determined; <, less than]
272 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001 Blank type Date Molybdenum (Mo)

(μg/L)

Sodium (Na)

(mg/L)

Neodymium (Nd)

(μg/L)

Nickel (Ni)

(μg/L)

Lead (Pb)

(μg/L)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

Equipment blank-1L poly 2/10/1999 0.02 0.02 <0.05 0.06

 <0.05 0.12



Source blank-MilliQ 2/10/1999 <0.02 0.01 0.05 0.03

 <0.05 0.11



Equipment blank-churn 2/12/1999 <0.02 0.01 <0.05 0.04

 0.64 0.11 0.01 0.03

Process blank 2/21/1999 0.03 0.01 0.09 0.05

 1.01 0.03 0.01 0

Source blank-MilliQ 11/30/1999 0.12 0.03 0.001 0.002 <0.0006 0.0004 0.01 0.004 0.007 0.004Source blank-MilliQ 11/30/1999 0.05 0.06 0.026 0.006 0.0007 0.0001 0.006 0.003 0.006 0Source blank-MilliQ 11/30/1999 0.12 0.03



 0.01 0 0.01 0

Source blank-MilliQ 11/30/1999 0.05 0.06 0.03 0.01

 0.01 0 0.01 0

Equipment blank-field-new churn 12/1/1999 <0.04 0.03 0.002 0.001 <0.0006 0.0004 0.003 0.002 <0.004 0.002Equipment blank-field-new churn 12/1/1999 <0.04 0.04 0.003 0.002 <0.0006 0.0003 0.012 0.005 0.005 0.003Equipment blank-field-new churn 12/1/1999 <0.04 0.03









Equipment blank-field-new churn 12/1/1999 <0.04 0.04



 0.01 0 

Equipment blank-2L holding bottle #4 1/26/2000 <0.04 0.04 0.003 0.003 <0.0006 0.0006

 0.004 0.003

Equipment blank-2L holding bottle #4 1/26/2000 <0.04 0.04









Equipment blank-jerrican 1/26/2000 <0.04 0.03 0.003 0.002 <0.0006 0.0001 0.011 0.003 0.008 0.003Equipment blank-jerrican 1/26/2000 <0.04 0.04 0.001 0.002 <0.0006 .0001 0.005 0.006 <0.004 0.004Equipment blank-jerrican 1/26/2000 0.05 0.07 0.002 0 <0.0006 0.0002 0.007 0.002 0.007 0.005Equipment blank-jerrican 1/26/2000 <0.04 0.03



 0.01 0 0.01 0

Equipment blank-jerrican 1/26/2000 <0.04 0.04



 0.01 0.01



Equipment blank-jerrican 1/26/2000 0.05 0.07



 0.01 0 0.01 0

Source blank-MilliQ 1/26/2000 <0.04 0.02 0.003 0.004 <0.0006 0.0003 0.008 0.001 0.006 0.003Source blank-MilliQ 1/26/2000 <0.04 0.02



 0.01 0 0.01 0

Equipment blank-new Teflon churn 1/26/2000 0.04 0.05 0.002 0.002 <0.0006 0.0007 0.008 0.003 0.007 0.003Equipment blank-new Teflon churn 1/26/2000 0.04 0.05



 0.01 0 0.01 0

Equipment blank-USGS churn #5 1/26/2000 <0.04 0.04 0.002 0.001 <0.0006 0.0003 0.009 0.002 0.007 0.003Equipment blank-USGS churn #5 1/26/2000 <0.04 0.04



 0.01 0 0.01 0

Equipment blank-field churn #2 3/16/2000 0.02 0.02 0.01 0 <0.01 0 0.17 0.13 0.02 0.01

Table D6. Data for trace elements in source blanks and equipment blanksContinued.[value, mean of triplicate analyses; MilliQ is a water deionization unit manufactured by Millipore, Inc.; s.d., standard deviation of triplicate analyses. μg/L, microgram per liter; mg/L, milligram per liter; 

, not determined; <, less than]
Appendix D. Table D6 273

Blank type Date

Praseodymium (Pr)

(μg/L)

Rubidium (Rb)

(μg/L)

Rhenium (Re)

(μg/L)

Sulfur (S)

(mg/L)

Antimony (Sb)

(μg/L)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

Equipment blank-1L poly 2/10/1999     Source blank-MilliQ 2/10/1999     Equipment blank-churn 2/12/1999     Process blank 2/21/1999     Source blank-MilliQ 11/30/1999 <0.0001 0 <0.0005 0.0007 <0.0003 0.0002  0.0046 0.0027Source blank-MilliQ 11/30/1999 <0.0001 0 <0.0005 0.0006 <0.0003 0.0001  0.0082 0.0047Source blank-MilliQ 11/30/1999     Source blank-MilliQ 11/30/1999     0.01 0Equipment blank-field-new churn 12/1/1999 <0.0001 0.0001 <0.0005 0.0003 <0.0003 0.0001  0.0035 0.0034Equipment blank-field-new churn 12/1/1999 <0.0001 0.0001 0.001 0.0009 <0.0003 0.0001  0.0033 0.0015Equipment blank-field-new churn 12/1/1999     Equipment blank-field-new churn 12/1/1999     Equipment blank-2L holding bottle #4 1/26/2000 <0.0001 0.0001 <0.0005 0 <0.0003 0.0003  0.0054 0.0018Equipment blank-2L holding bottle #4 1/26/2000     0.01 0Equipment blank-jerrican 1/26/2000 0.0002 0.0002 <0.0005 0.0004 <0.0003 0.0001  0.0038 0.0011Equipment blank-jerrican 1/26/2000 <0.0001 0.0001 <0.0005 0.0008 <0.0003 0  0.0034 0.002Equipment blank-jerrican 1/26/2000 <0.0001 0.0001 0.0007 0.0001 <0.0003 0.0001  0.0053 0.0031Equipment blank-jerrican 1/26/2000     Equipment blank-jerrican 1/26/2000     Equipment blank-jerrican 1/26/2000     0.01 0Source blank-MilliQ 1/26/2000 0.0011 0.0001 0.001 0.0003 <0.0003 0  0.0027 0.0011Source blank-MilliQ 1/26/2000     Equipment blank-new Teflon churn 1/26/2000 <0.0001 0.0001 <0.0005 0.0001 <0.0003 0.0001  0.006 0.0013Equipment blank-new Teflon churn 1/26/2000     0.01 0Equipment blank-USGS churn #5 1/26/2000 <0.0001 0.0001 <0.0005 0.0001 <0.0003 0.0001  0.0023 0.0024Equipment blank-USGS churn #5 1/26/2000     Equipment blank-field churn #2 3/16/2000  <0.01 0  0.05 0.01 0.05 0

Table D6. Data for trace elements in source blanks and equipment blanksContinued.[value, mean of triplicate analyses; MilliQ is a water deionization unit manufactured by Millipore, Inc.; s.d., standard deviation of triplicate analyses. μg/L, microgram per liter; mg/L, milligram per liter; , not determined; <, less than]
274 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001 Blank type Date Selenium (Se)

(μg/L)

Silica (SiO2

)

(mg/L)

Samarium (Sm)

(μg/L)

Strontium (Sr)

(μg/L)

Terbium (Tb)

(μg/L)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

Equipment blank-1L poly 2/10/1999 <0.08 0.01 0.05 0.07

 <0.02 0.12



Source blank-MilliQ 2/10/1999 <0.08 0.58 <0.03 0.01

 <0.02 0.12



Equipment blank-churn 2/12/1999 <0.08 0.05 <0.03 0.04

 <0.02 0.09



Process blank 2/21/1999 0.4 0.27 0.02 0.01

 <0.1 0.06



Source blank-MilliQ 11/30/1999 <0.05 0.05 0.06 0.04 <0.0007 0.0002 <0.01 0.01 <0.0002 0.0001Source blank-MilliQ 11/30/1999 <0.05 0.07 0.03 0.02 <0.0007 0.0002 <0.01 0.01 <0.0002 0Source blank-MilliQ 11/30/1999 <0.05 0.05 0.06 0.04

 <0.01 0.01



Source blank-MilliQ 11/30/1999 <0.05 0.07 0.03 0.02

 <0.01 0.01



Equipment blank-field-new churn 12/1/1999 <0.05 0.05 0.02 0.02 <0.0007 0.0002 <0.01 0.01 <0.0002 0Equipment blank-field-new churn 12/1/1999 0.06 0.03 0.03 0.01 <0.0007 0.0005 <0.01 0 <0.0002 0.0001Equipment blank-field-new churn 12/1/1999 <0.05 0.05 0.02 0.02

 <0.01 0.01



Equipment blank-field-new churn 12/1/1999 0.06 0.03 0.03 0.01

 <0.01 0 

Equipment blank-2L holding bottle #4 1/26/2000 <0.05 0.03 0.02 0.02 <0.0007 0.0006 <0.01 0 <0.0002 0Equipment blank-2L holding bottle #4 1/26/2000 <0.05 0.03 0.02 0.02

 <0.01 0 

Equipment blank-jerrican 1/26/2000 <0.05 0.06 0.03 0.02 <0.0007 0.0003 <0.01 0 <0.0002 0.0001Equipment blank-jerrican 1/26/2000 <0.05 0.1 <0.02 0.02 <0.0007 0.0003 <0.01 0.01 <0.0002 0.0001Equipment blank-jerrican 1/26/2000 <0.05 0.03 0.04 0.03 <0.0007 0.0003 <0.01 0.01 <0.0002 0Equipment blank-jerrican 1/26/2000 <0.05 0.06 0.03 0.02

 <0.01 0 

Equipment blank-jerrican 1/26/2000 <0.05 0.1 <0.02 0.02

 <0.01 0.01



Equipment blank-jerrican 1/26/2000 <0.05 0.03 0.04 0.03

 <0.01 0.01



Source blank-MilliQ 1/26/2000 <0.05 0.04 0.02 0.02 <0.0007 0.0004 <0.01 0.01 <0.0002 0Source blank-MilliQ 1/26/2000 <0.05 0.04 0.02 0.02

 <0.01 0.01



Equipment blank-new Teflon churn 1/26/2000 0.06 0.07 0.04 0.04 <0.0007 0.0003 <0.01 0.01 <0.0002 0Equipment blank-new Teflon churn 1/26/2000 0.06 0.07 0.04 0.04

 <0.01 0.01



Equipment blank-USGS churn #5 1/26/2000 <0.05 0.07 0.02 0.03 <0.0007 0.0004 <0.01 0.01 <0.0002 0.0001Equipment blank-USGS churn #5 1/26/2000 <0.05 0.07 0.02 0.03

 <0.01 0.01



Equipment blank-field churn #2 3/16/2000 <0.8 0.26 <0.3 0.15

 <0.1 0.01



Table D6. Data for trace elements in source blanks and equipment blanksContinued.[value, mean of triplicate analyses; MilliQ is a water deionization unit manufactured by Millipore, Inc.; s.d., standard deviation of triplicate analyses. μg/L, microgram per liter; mg/L, milligram per liter; 

, not determined; <, less than]
Appendix D. Table D6 275

Blank type Date

Tellurium (Te)

(μg/L)

Thorium (Th)

(μg/L)

Thallium (Tl)

(μg/L)

Thulium (Tm)

(μg/L)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

Equipment blank-1L poly 2/10/1999    Source blank-MilliQ 2/10/1999    Equipment blank-churn 2/12/1999    Process blank 2/21/1999 <0.01 0.01   Source blank-MilliQ 11/30/1999 <0.01 0.003 <0.0002 0 0.0008 0.0016 <0.0001 0Source blank-MilliQ 11/30/1999 <0.01 0.001 <0.0002 0.0001 0.0078 0.0066 <0.0001 0Source blank-MilliQ 11/30/1999 <0.01 0   Source blank-MilliQ 11/30/1999 <0.01 0  0.01 0.01 Equipment blank-field-new churn 12/1/1999 <0.01 0.004 <0.0002 0.0001 0.0003 0.0004 <0.0001 0Equipment blank-field-new churn 12/1/1999 <0.01 0.004 <0.0002 0.0001 0.0004 0.0002 <0.0001 0Equipment blank-field-new churn 12/1/1999 <0.01 0   Equipment blank-field-new churn 12/1/1999 <0.01 0   Equipment blank-2L holding bottle #4 1/26/2000 <0.01 0 <0.0002 0 0.0016 0.0014 <0.0001 0.0001Equipment blank-2L holding bottle #4 1/26/2000 <0.01 0   Equipment blank-jerrican 1/26/2000 <0.01 0.004 <0.0002 0 0.0009 0.0011 <0.0001 0Equipment blank-jerrican 1/26/2000 <0.01 0.002 <0.0002 0.0001 0.0006 0.0005 <0.0001 0.0001Equipment blank-jerrican 1/26/2000 <0.01 0.001 <0.0002 0.0001 0.0005 0.0007 <0.0001 0Equipment blank-jerrican 1/26/2000 <0.01 0   Equipment blank-jerrican 1/26/2000 <0.01 0   Equipment blank-jerrican 1/26/2000 <0.01 0   Source blank-MilliQ 1/26/2000 <0.01 0.003 <0.0002 0.0001 0.0013 0.0016 <0.0001 0Source blank-MilliQ 1/26/2000 <0.01 0   Equipment blank-new Teflon churn 1/26/2000 <0.01 0.004 <0.0002 0.0003 0.0024 0.0017 <0.0001 0.0001Equipment blank-new Teflon churn 1/26/2000 <0.01 0   Equipment blank-USGS churn #5 1/26/2000 <0.01 0.003 <0.0002 0.0002 0.0013 0.0008 <0.0001 0.0001Equipment blank-USGS churn #5 1/26/2000 <0.01 0   Equipment blank-field churn #2 3/16/2000 <0.06 0.04  0.01 0.01 

Table D6. Data for trace elements in source blanks and equipment blanksContinued.[value, mean of triplicate analyses; MilliQ is a water deionization unit manufactured by Millipore, Inc.; s.d., standard deviation of triplicate analyses. μg/L, microgram per liter; mg/L, milligram per liter; , not determined; <, less than]
276 Mercury Contamination from Historical Gold Mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, Calif., 1999−2001 Blank type Date Uranium (U)

(μg/L)

Vanadium (V)

(μg/L)

Yttrium (Y) 

(μg/L) 

Ytterbium (Yb)

(μg/L)

Zinc (Zn)

(μg/L)

Zirconium (Zr)

(μg/L)

value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d. value s.d.

Equipment blank-1L poly 2/10/1999

 <0.06 0.03



 <0.07 0.19



Source blank-MilliQ 2/10/1999

 <0.06 0.01



 <0.07 0.17



Equipment blank-churn 2/12/1999

 <0.06 0.03



 0.13 0.19



Process blank 2/21/1999

 <0.07 0.08



 0.33 0.04



Source blank-MilliQ 11/30/1999 <0.0005 0.0001 <0.1 0.09 0.0002 0.000 <0.0004 0.0001 0.79 0.11 0.0017 0.0006Source blank-MilliQ 11/30/1999 0.0012 0.0007 <0.1 0.14 <0.0001 0.000 <0.0004 0.0001 1.2 0.3 <0.0008 0.0003Source blank-MilliQ 11/30/1999

 <0.1 0.09



 0.79 0.11



Source blank-MilliQ 11/30/1999

 <0.1 0.14



 1.18 0.31



Equipment blank-field-new 

churn

12/1/1999 <0.0005 0.0004 <0.1 0.07 <0.0001 0.000 <0.0004 0.0001 0.94 0.11 <0.0008 0.0001

Equipment blank-field-new 

churn

12/1/1999 <0.0005 0.0004 <0.1 0.13 <0.0001 0 <0.0004 0.0002 1.1 0 <0.0008 0.0005

Equipment blank-field-new 

churn

12/1/1999

 <0.1 0.07



 0.94 0.11



Equipment blank-field-new 

churn

12/1/1999

 <0.1 0.13



 1.12 0.01



Equipment blank-2L holding 

bottle #4

1/26/2000 <0.0005 0.0002 <0.1 0.14 <0.0001 0.000 <0.0004 0.0003 0.97 0.02 <0.0008 0.0003

Equipment blank-2L holding 

bottle #4

1/26/2000

 <0.1 0.14



 0.97 0.02



Equipment blank-jerrican 1/26/2000 <0.0005 0.0001 <0.1 0.07 <0.0001 0.000 <0.0004 0.0002 1.3 0.4 <0.0008 0.0003Equipment blank-jerrican 1/26/2000 <0.0005 0.0001 <0.1 0.07 0.0001 0 <0.0004 0.0003 0.91 0.16 <0.0008 0.0005Equipment blank-jerrican 1/26/2000 <0.0005 0.0001 <0.1 0.14 <0.0001 0.000 <0.0004 0.0001 0.79 0.09 <0.0008 0.0005Equipment blank-jerrican 1/26/2000

 <0.1 0.07



 1.26 0.41



Equipment blank-jerrican 1/26/2000

 <0.1 0.07



 0.91 0.16



Equipment blank-jerrican 1/26/2000

 <0.1 0.14



 0.79 0.09



Source blank-MilliQ 1/26/2000 <0.0005 0.0002 <0.1 0.06 0.0001 0 <0.0004 0.0001 0.95 0.19 <0.0008 0.0004Source blank-MilliQ 1/26/2000

 <0.1 0.06



 0.95 0.19



Equipment blank-new Teflon 

churn

1/26/2000 <0.0005 0.0006 <0.1 0.16 0.0003 0 <0.0004 0.0001 1.3 0.1 <0.0008 0.0004

Equipment blank-new Teflon 

churn

1/26/2000

 <0.1 0.16



 1.29 0.1



Equipment blank-USGS 

churn #5

1/26/2000 <0.0005 0.000 <0.1 0.09 <0.0001 0.000 <0.0004 0.0001 0.85 0.14 <0.0008 0.0006

Equipment blank-USGS 

churn #5

1/26/2000

 <0.1 0.09



 0.85 0.14



Equipment blank-field churn 

#2

3/16/2000

 <0.3 0.12



 1.72 0.38



Table D6. Data for trace elements in source blanks and equipment blanksContinued.[value, mean of triplicate analyses; MilliQ is a water deionization unit manufactured by Millipore, Inc.; s.d., standard deviation of triplicate analyses. μg/L, microgram per liter; mg/L, milligram per liter; 

, not determined; <, less than]
Glossary

amalgamation The process by which a metal 

is united in an alloy with mercury. Metals 

known to amalgamate include gold, silver, 

copper, and tin.

bench deposit Gravel deposits located anywhere from tens to several hundreds of feet 

above a stream channel or flood plain. 

bioaccumulation The process by which a 

chemical constituent derived from the environment builds up in the tissues of an organism.

cemented gravels Gravels and sand particles 

bound together in a sedimentary formation 

by geological materials usually containing 

calcium, silica, or iron.

detritivore An animal that consumes decomposing organic particles (detritus), deriving 

nutrition primarily from microbes on the 

particles.

elemental mercury The pure form of 

mercury, the only element to be stable as a 

liquid at room temperature; also known as 

quicksilver.

equal width increment (EWI) method A 

method for collecting an integrated crosssectional sample of a flowing river or stream. 

The sample is obtained by collecting a volume 

proportional to the amount of flow at each 

of several equally spaced verticals in a cross 

section. 

“hot spot” An area characterized by an 

anomalously high concentration of one or 

more contaminants of interest. In this study, 

mercury and methylmercury concentrations in 

water, sediment, and biota were considered in 

defining “hot spots.”

hydraulic mining A method of mining in 

which a bank of gold-bearing earth or gravel 

is washed away by a powerful jet of water and 

carried into sluices, where the gold drops out 

because of its higher density.

mercury load The amount (mass) of mercury 

transported by a river or stream passing a 

specific location during a given time; typical 

units for mercury load are grams per day and 

kilograms per year. 

methylmercury (MeHg) An organic form of 

mercury (formula CH3Hg+) that is readily bioaccumulated. It is more toxic to humans and 

other biota than native (elemental) mercury.

placer gold Gold grains or flakes in an 

unconsolidated sediment deposit. Also known 

as alluvial gold.

predatory insect An insect that feeds on 

another species of insect (or, rarely, on a 

member of the same species) 

remediation Remedying or mitigating the 

effects of pollution of lands or waters, or 

restoring land or waters to their former state.

retort (1) (verb) to distill or decompose by 

heat; (2) (noun) vessel in which gold-mercury 

amalgam is heated to drive off the mercury 

as vapor. The mercury vapor is cooled in a 

condenser pipe and is recovered as a liquid. A 

similar process was used to extract mercury 

from cinnabar (mercury sulfide) ores and 

concentrates.

RPD Relative Percentage Difference Quantity computed for the evaluation of precision 

(or variability) of laboratory analytical data 

using randomly submitted split samples.

RPD dif fe rence between reported values

ave rage repo rted value = ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- × 100

RSD Relative Standard Deviation A quantity 

computed for the evaluation of precision (or 

variability) of data. Relative standard deviation is the standard deviation of a series of 

measurements divided by the average of those 

measurements times 100:

RSD s dard tan deviation

ave rage repo rted value = ------------------------------------------------------------------ × 100

Glossary 277
sluice (1) (verb) To mine an alluvial deposit 

using hydraulic mining methods (2) (noun) 

A long, trough-like box set on a gentle slope 

of about 1:20, through which placer gravel is 

carried by a stream of water. The sand, gravel, 

and finer sediments are carried away while 

most of the gold and other heavy minerals are 

caught in riffles. Amalgamation (reaction with 

mercury) is commonly practiced by putting 

native (elemental) mercury between riffles.

stamp mill An apparatus, and the building 

containing it, in which rock is crushed by 

descending pestles (stamps), operated by 

water power or steam power. Amalgamation (reaction with mercury) was commonly 

combined with crushing to recover gold and 

(or) silver. 

tenor The percentage or average content 

of metal or precious metal in an ore. As 

commonly used, it is synonymous with an 

approximate concentration.

Tertiary channel deposit Ancient gravel 

deposit, commonly auriferous (gold-bearing), composed of stream alluvium of Tertiary 

age (1.8 to 65 million years before present). 

Tertiary channel deposits are abundant in the 

Sierra Nevada gold belt of California where 

many have been covered by extensive volcanic eruptions and subsequently elevated by 

mountain uplifts. They are now deeply-buried 

channels, high above the present stream beds.

total mercury (THg) The sum of all forms or 

species of mercury in a sample of water, sediment, or biota.

278 MercuryContaminationfromHistoricalGoldMining,GreenhornCreek,NevadaCounty,Calif.,1999-2001
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