Tracing the hydrologic connection between Turquoise Lake and local mine dewatering tunnels with dissolved sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆)
Date
2004
Authors
Engblom, Josiah N., author
Sanford, William E., author
Stednick, John D., author
Colorado State University, publisher
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Abstract
To determine the potential hydraulic connection of Turquois Lake to water movement in and through the mines and related fractures of the Sugar Loaf mining district, 166 moles of the gas sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) were injected into Turquoise Lake in July 2003. High lake levels were long suspected for contributing to the growth and appearance of wetlands developed at the mouths of several area dewatering tunnels, including the Dinero and Bartlett. The tracer effectively tagged the reservoir with detectable concentrations lasting over 4 months. SF6 was detected in the Bartlett tunnel 45 days after the injection, suggesting a flow rate of 13 m day-1 for water moving from the lake. The detection at the Bartlett tunnel confirms a hydraulic connection to the water of Turquoise Lake. Although a similar response was expected at the Dinero tunnel, no tracer was ever detected. Degassing along the flow path is suspected for loss of the SF6.
Description
24th annual AGU hydrology days was held at Colorado State University on March 10-12, 2004.
Includes bibliographical references.
Includes bibliographical references.