Note: this page compiled by the Spokane County Water Quality
Management Program office.
SPOKANE VALLEY - RATHDRUM PRAIRIE AQUIFER,
GENERAL SPOKANE COUNTY GROUND WATER, AND
SPOKANE RIVER PUBLICATIONS
Annotated Bibliography
Part. I. The Spokane Valley - Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer
Bolke, E. L., & J. J. Vaccaro, 1979, Selected Hydrologic Data for the Spokane Valley, Spokane, Washington, 1977-78, United States Geological Survey, Open File Report 79-333, In cooperation with the Spokane County Engineers Office, Tacoma, WA, 98 pages
This report summarizes the characteristics of 186 wells and springs in the Spokane Valley - Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer. Information includes use of well, diameter of well, depth to water, pumping rate, and ownership. A listing of monthly water level readings for the study period for nearly 120 wells is included. Available historic water level data is also included. Quality data gathered on a semi-annual basis is also provided.
Bolke, E. L., & J. J. Vaccaro, 1981, Digital Model Simulation of the Hydrologic Flow System, with Emphasis on Ground Water, in the Spokane Valley, Washington and Idaho, United States Geological Survey, Open File Report No. 80-1300, In cooperation with the Washington State Department of Ecology and the Spokane County Engineers Office, Tacoma, WA, 43 pages
The model described in this report describes the flow characteristics of the Spokane Valley - Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer and its interchange with the Spokane River due to the large grid size, an area of about 150 square miles is covered by a grid of 500 elements, only gross flow patterns are discernible.
CH2M Hill, Inc., 1997, City of Spokane Wellhead Protection Report: unpublished report to the City of Spokane, nonpaginated.
Describes a computer model of the Spokane Valley - Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer and the data collection for the model. The model uses a finite-element grid with 7042 nodes and 13,355 elements. A contaminant inventory is also included.
Cline, D. R., 1969, Ground-Water Resources and Related Geology, North Central Spokane and Southeastern Stevens Counties, of Washington, Department of Water Resources, Water Supply Bulletin No. 27, In Cooperation with the USGS, Olympia, WA, 195 pages
This document provides drillers' logs for a large number of the wells tapping the Aquifer in the North Spokane, and North Spokane Valley areas. A limited amount of ground water quality data is also included. The document is mainly of interest to those interested in locating water supplies outside the area of the Spokane Valley Aquifer.
Crosby, J. W. III, et al., 1968, Migration of Pollutants in a Glacial Outwash Environment, Water Resources Research, 4 (5):1095-1114
This paper reports the results of a study designed to determine the movement of moisture and contaminants beneath a drainfield in the soils of the Spokane Valley. Contaminants studied include: bacteria, chloride and nitrate-nitrogen. Little contaminant movement is noted. The study was conducted during the summer of 1967.
Crosby, J. W. III, D. L. Johnstone, & R. L. Fenton, 1971, Migration of Pollutants in a Glacial Outwash Environment: II, Water Resources Research, 7 (1):204-208
This paper reports the results of a study to determine the movement of moisture and contaminants beneath a cattle feedlot in the Spokane Valley. The contaminants evaluated were the same as those in the earlier study. Movement of moisture and contaminants is reported as being greater than under the drainfield.
Crosby, J. W. III, D. L. Johnstone, & R. L. Fenton, 1971, Migration of Pollutants in a Glacial Outwash Environment: III, Water Resources Research, 7 (3):713-720
This paper reports the results of studies to determine the movement of moisture and contaminants in the soil beneath a community drainfield and adjacent to a gravel mining operation. In addition to providing information similar to that of the companion studies for the new study environments, the paper provides additional information for the study reported in 1968, and provides new interpretations of that information.
Crosby, J. W. III, et al., 1971, Final Report, Investigations for Techniques to provide Advance Warning of Groundwater Pollution Hazards with Special References to Aquifers in Glacial Outwash, OWWR Project No.: B-005-WASH
This is a project completion report for the agencies funding the studies described int he three papers, by the same authors, previously listed.
Department of the Army, Corps of Engineers & Kennedy-Tudor Engineers, 1976, Water Resources Study Metropolitan Spokane Region, 13 Volumes
This extensive survey of water resources int he Spokane area evaluates all aspects of water supply and use. Major emphasis is placed in describing sources of water, identifying activities with high Aquifer contamination potential and developing plans to protect water sources for future use. The report consists of a Summary, a Technical Report and eleven technical appendixes. The Spokane River and other surface water is described in Appendix A. The Spokane Valley - Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer is described in Appendix B.
Drost, B. W. & H. R. Seitz, 1978, Spokane Valley - Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer - Washington and Idaho, Untied States Geological Survey, Open File Report 77-829, Tacoma, WA, 79 pages, 10 plates
This report is often referred to as the "sole source report." It was prepared by the Geologic Survey at the request of the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency as a source of data to use in reviewing the petition to declare the Spokane Valley - Rathdrum Prairie a sole source aquifer under section 1424(e) of the Safe Drinking Water Act. The report contains a fairly complete summary on the historic water quality of the Aquifer and details most of the known Aquifer contamination incidents.
Engineering and Economic Services, Inc., 1981, Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan, Prepared for Spokane County
This plan proposes several alternatives for providing sewer service to the currently unserved urban area, selects a most feasible alternative, proposes an implementation schedule for that alternative and recommends funding mechanisms for the construction program. The plan also describes an on-site system maintenance program to be used until locations are served by the central sewer system.
Engineering and Economic Services, Inc., 1980, Spokane County Coordinated Water System Plan, Prepared for the Spokane County Utilities Department, 107 pages
This is a general plan intended to coordinate the efforts of the
many public water suppliers in Spokane. Includes a listing of all
group A systems and known group B system operators. Establishes service
area boundaries for all group A systems.
Environmental Protection Agency, 1974, Ground Water Monitoring - Spokane Valley Washington, 62 pages
This is a summary of water quality monitoring results from samples taken from 18 wells and springs in the Aquifer during the 1973-1974 water year. Includes drinking water inorganics including metals and some organic chemical data for each point.
Esvelt, L. A., 1978, "Spokane Aquifer Cause and Effect Report, Summary Report of '208' Water Quality Results and Cause and Effect Relationships for Water Quality in the Spokane - Rathdrum Aquifer", Spokane Water Quality Management Program, Spokane County Engineers Office, Spokane, WA 74 pages
This document describes the water quality sampling network and the test procedures used during the '208' Study monitoring program. It presents water quality data and draws conclusions regarding the causes of the noted decline in water quality with time. The report describes other water quality indicators of the effect human activity on the land surface has on ground water quality.
Esvelt, L. A., 1979, the Spokane - Rathdrum Aquifer, In: F. B. DeWalle, Ed., Northwest Ground Water Short Course, Public Health Aspects of Ground Water Management, March 13, 14, University of Washington, Seattle, WA , 243 pages
This is a summary paper on the planning process used during the Spokane '208' Study. It presents some of the water quality monitoring results and summarizes the aquifer protection measures recommended.
Hammond, R.E., 1974, Ground—water Occurrence and Movement in the Athol Area and the Northern Rathdrum Prairie, Nortehrn Idaho, Water Information Bulletin No. 35, U. S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with Idaho Department of Water Administration, Boise, ID, 90 pages
This document summarizes the results of technical studies using gravity data and test drilling that indicate ground water movement I only two of three buried channels south of Athol. Water moves through the west channel [west of Round Mountain] and through the Chilco channel. Based on a total flow of 200 million gallons per day, an estimated 170 million gallons flows through the west channel and 30 million gallons flows through the Chilco channel. Water level observations indicate that water use at current rates has not affected water levels.
Hathhorn, W. E. & T. R. Wubbena, 1994, Groundwater Risk Assessment for the Spokane Valley Aquifer, Report A-18-WASH, Project Completion Report Submitted to the State of Washington Water Research Center, U. S. Department of Interior and Spokane County Water Quality Management Program, State of Washington Water Research Center, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 82 pages
This document reports on a method for risk ranking facilities that store liquid critical materials over the Spokane Valley Aquifer.
Jehn, P. et. al, 1988, Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer Technical Report, Idaho Division of Health and Welfare, Division of Environmental Quality, Boise, ID, 90 pages
This document summarizes the results of technical studies which show signs of degradation in the Aquifer.
Jones, E. O. & K. W. Lustig, 1977, Ground Water Quality Monitoring - Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer Technical Report, Panhandle Health District No. 1, Coeur d'Alene, ID, 94 pages
This report describes the ground water quality monitoring portion of the North Idaho '208' Study. The document presents an overview of several previously published documents, describes the procedures used, tabulates the data collected, and draws several conclusions on the nature and source of contamination in the Rathdrum Aquifer.
Kennedy Engineers, 1979, North Spokane Wastewater Facilities Plan, Prepared for Spokane County
This plan includes a design for a sanitary sewer system to serve the North Spokane suburbs and a portion of the City of Spokane. This document was used as a source of information for the current sewer program.
Kiesler, J. P., 1973, Earth Resistivity as a Technique for Monitoring Drainfield Pollution in Spokane Outwash, Masters Thesis, Washington State University, Department of Geology, Pullman, WA, 36 pages
The thesis describes and evaluates the use of earth resistivity (the resistance of the soil to the flow of electricity) in the area of a septic tank drainfield in the Spokane Valley to determine moisture movement and contaminant transport. The results indicate that the method may be useful.
League of Women Voters of the Spokane Area, 1977, The Spokane - Rathdrum Aquifer, Spokane, WA 15 pages
This is a general information document written for the general public. It provides a good review of aquifer study activity up to its time of publication. The publication is currently (1983) being revised.
Martin, L. J., 1983, Ground Water in Washington, State of Washington Water Research Center, Report No. 40, Washington State University/University of Washington, Pullman, WA
This publication provides a general description of ground water in Washington. Several major aquifers, including the Spokane Valley - Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer, are described.
Miller, S. A., & L. A. Esvelt, 1979, Control of Pollutants in Runoff from Impervious Surfaces in the Spokane Valley - Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer Sensitive Area, Presented at the 46th Annual Conference of the Pacific Northwest Pollution Control Association, Ridpath Hotel, Spokane, WA
This paper describes several pollution control alternatives for dealing with chemical contamination of the Aquifer. Special emphasis is given to storm runoff controls. Costs of several storm runoff control measures are compared.
Miller, S. A., 1983, Potential of ground water impacts resulting from
storm water runoff disposal in Spokane County: unpublished report to Washington
Department of Ecology, 36 p.
Molenaar, D., 1988, The Spokane Aquifer Washington: Its geologic Origin and Water—Bearing and Water—Quality Characteristics, Water Supply Paper 2265, U. S. Geological Survey , Tacoma, WA
This a non-technical language version of the reports prepared by USGS on the Aquifer between 1979 and 1983. It provides an excellent description of the hydrogeology of the region as it was reported in the Technical Reports on which it is based.
Newcomb, R. C., et al., 1953, Seismic Cross Sections across the Spokane Valley and the Hillyard Trough, Idaho and Washington, United states Geologic Survey
This brief report provides technical data generated for two seismic cross sections of the Spokane Valley. This data is interpreted as two cross section diagrams.
Painter, Brian,1991, Ground Water Contamination and Monitoring Activities on the Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer, Kootenai County, Ground Water Quality Status Report No. 1, Idaho Division of Health and Welfare, Division of Environmental Quality, Coeur d'Alene Field Office, Coeur d'Alene, ID, 32 pages + appendix
This document summarizes the results of technical studies which show signs of degradation in the Aquifer. It generally updates earlier work done for the Water Quality Management Plan eg. Jones & Lustig, 1978 and Panhandle Area Council of Governments, 1979.
Panhandle Area Council of Governments, 1978, Water Quality Management Plan - Rathdrum Aquifer, Coeur d' Alene, ID, 139 pages + appendix
This document summarizes the results of technical studies which show signs of degradation in the Aquifer and provides a set of actions needed to protect the Aquifer from further contamination.
Panhandle Area Council of Governments, 1979, Summaries for North Idaho, Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer and Lake and Stream Water Quality Management Plans, Coeur d'Alene, ID, 64 pages
This is the summary document for the combined plan to protect North Idaho waters from further degradation. It includes a brief discussion of the Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer and measures needed to protect it.
Rieber, F. R., & D. S. Turner, 1963, Drilling and Completion Report of the Hillyard Trough Well No. 1, Prepared by: Ball Associates, Ltd., Denver, CO, for The Washington Water Power Company, Spokane, WA, 33 pages
This project completion report describes the drilling and completion
operations for a deep well used to evaluate the potential for using Hillyard
Trough sediments for natural gas storage. The document contains a
detailed well log for depths between 345 ft. and 760 ft. below the ground
surface.
Sagstad, S. R., & D. R. Ralston, 1976, Analysis of a Ground-Water Flow System in Northern Idaho Related to Heavy Metal Concentrations, Proceedings of the 14th Annual Engineering Geology and Soils Engineering Symposium
This study describes the use of ground water chemistry to evaluate recharge characteristics of the Aquifer. Ground water metals concentrations, particularly zinc, show that most of the ground water in the Coeur d'Alene - Post Falls area comes from river recharge.
Spokane County Health District, 1978, Study Accomplished by SCHD in Conjunction with the '208' Program, Interdepartmental Memorandum, Spokane, WA, 7 pages
This memorandum presents data on the failure of septic tank drainfields placed in soils over the Spokane Valley - Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer. The cause of failure is reported where known.
Spokane Water Quality Management Program, 1979, Spokane Aquifer Water Quality Management Plan, Spokane County Engineers Office, Spokane, WA 133 pages
This document summarizes all aspects of the development of the Water Quality Management Plan including administration, generation of technical data, and citizen participation. The major component of the document is a detailed listing of aquifer protection measures and the agencies assigned to implement them.
Todd, D. K., 1975, The Effect of Applied Surface Waters on Ground Water Quality in the Spokane Valley, Report prepared for the Water Resources Study Metropolitan Spokane Region, Department of the Army, Corps of Engineers and Kennedy-Tudor Engineers, 40 pages
This report uses the Thornthwaite-Mather method for estimating a water balance for the Spokane Valley under typical rainfall conditions. The results show that an excess of precipitation over evapotranspiration is available for Aquifer recharge. The author concludes that contaminants from land surface disposal must be reaching the Aquifer. Existing ground water quality data is reviewed.
Vaccaro, J. J., & E. L. Bolke, 1982, Evaluation of Water Quality Characteristics of Part of the Spokane Aquifer, Washington and Idaho, USGS Open File Report 82-769, In cooperation with: Spokane County Engineers, Tacoma, WA (Preliminary Draft)
This document describes a water quality model of the Spokane River/Spokane Aquifer system from Post Falls, Idaho to the Little Spokane River and Nine Mile Dam. The model traces the flow of a conservative ion introduces on the land surface or injected int the river through the hydrologic system. The model can provide an indication of changes in Aquifer quality resulting from changes in contaminant loading. The model is useful only for making predictions on a regional basis.
Annotated Bibliography
Part II. General Spokane County Ground Water
Ader, M. J., 1996, Hydrogeology of the Green Bluff Plateau Spokane County, Washington, Open File Technical Information Report 96-03, Shorelands and Water Resources Program, Washington State Department of Ecology, Olympia, WA, 27 pages + appendices.
aa
Anderson, M. P. and Woessner, W. W., 1992, Applied groundwater modeling, simulation of flow and advective transport: Academic Press, Inc., San Diego, 381 p.
aa
Boese, R. M. & J. P. Buchanan, 1996, Aquifer Delineation and Baseline Groundwater Quality Investigation of a Portion of North Spokane County, Washington, Final Project Report Prepared for Spokane County, Department of Geology, Eastern Washington University, Cheney, WA, 200 pages.
aa
Buchanan, J. P., 1997, Seismic reflection survey of Hangman Valley aquifer and estimation of recharge to the lower Spokane Aquifer addendum to R&A Technical Services and Hydrometrics, Final Wellhead Protection Plan, Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington: unpublished report to Fairchild Air Force Base, 10 p.
aa
CH2M Hill, 1997, Hydrogeologic and geotechnical report in Ramm Associates, Inc., Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Graham Road recycling and disposal facility expansion: unpublished report, nonpaginated.
aa
Dames and Moore, Inc. & Cosmopolitan Engineering Group, 1995, Draft Initial Watershed Assessment Water Resources Inventory Area 55, Little Spokane River Watershed, Open-File Technical Report 95-15, In cooperation with the Washington State Department of Ecology, 33 p.
aa
Deobald, W. B., & J. P. Buchanan, 1995, Hydrogeology of the West Plains Area of Spokane County, Washington, Final Project Report Prepared for Spokane County, Department of Geology, Eastern Washington University, Cheney, WA, 201 pages.
aa
Ecology and Environment, Inc., 1994, Final Investigation Continuation Report, Riverside State Park Spokane, Washington, Prepared for U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle District, Contract No.: DACA67-92-D-1000, Seattle, WA,
aa
Emcon Northwest, 1992, Deer Park Ground Water Characterization Study, Draft Hydrogeologic Summary Report, Prepared for Spokane County, Emcon Northwest, Bothell, WA,
aa
Emcon Northwest, 1992, Deer Park Ground Water Characterization Study, Draft Hydrogeologic Report Volume I, Prepared for Spokane County, Emcon Northwest, Bothell, WA.
Emcon Northwest, 1992, Deer Park Ground Water Characterization Study, Draft Hydrogeologic Report Volume II, Prepared for Spokane County, Emcon Northwest, Bothell, WA.
This contains well logs and other raw data used in preparing Volume I described above
GeoEngineers, 1996, Report of hydrogeologic services county rights-of-way flooding Eaglewood area, Washington: unpublished report to Spokane County, nonpaginated.
Halliburton Nus, 1993, Remedial investigation report priority one operable units for Fairchild Air Force Base: unpublished report to Fairchild Air Force Base, nonpaginated.
aa
ICF Technology Inc., 1993, Regional ground water modeling study at Fairchild Air Force Base: unpublished report to Fairchild Air Force Base, nonpaginated.
aa
Landau Associates, Inc., 1997, Eaglewood hydrogeologic study Spokane County, Washington: unpublished report to Spokane County, nonpaginated.
aa
Landau Associates, Inc., 1995, Remedial Investigation of the WWP Central Steam Plant, unpublished report to Washington Water Power, nonpaginated.
aa
Landau Associates, Inc., 1991, Final phase I engineering report Colbert Landfill remedial design / remedial action Spokane County, Washington: unpublished report to Spokane County, nonpaginated.
aa
Lane, R. C. and Whiteman, K. J., 1989, Ground-water levels spring 1985, and ground-water level changes spring 1983 to spring 1985, in three basalt units underlying the Columbia Plateau, Washington and Oregon: U. S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 88-4018, 4 sheets.
Potentiometric surface maps of aquifers in three basalt units - Saddle Mountains, Wanapum, and Grande Ronde.
Olson, T. M. et. al., 1975, Geology, Groundwater, and Water Quality of a part of Southern Spokane County, Washington, Technical Information Bulletin 15, Water Resources Information System, Washington State Department of Ecology, Olympia, WA, 146 pages, 2 plates.
This document focuses on water balance and water supply issues. It provides a good general evaluation of recharge to the various units available for water supply. The study found that the current withdrawals were less that the total recharge. However, the study anticipated well interference would occur if proper spacing of extraction wells was not considered. The discussion of water quality is limited to the results of bacteria and nitrate sampling.
Olson, T. M., 1979, Ground Water, Resources of Five Mile Prairie Spokane County, Washington, Technical Information Bulletin 23, Water Resources Information System, Washington State Department of Ecology, Olympia, WA, 30 pages, 2 plates.
This document focuses on water balance and water supply issues. It provides a good general evaluation of
Sceva, J. E., 1953, Ground Water in the Vicinity of Geiger Field, Spokane County, Washington, Unpublished Report, Division of Water Resources, USGS, Tacoma, WA, 25 pages, 4 plates.
aa
Waquar, R., 1994, Finite-difference groundwater flow model of the sand aquifer in Minnie Creek and Marshall Creek valleys, Spokane County, Washington: unpublished Master's thesis, Eastern Washington University, Cheney, Washington, 112 p.
aa
Whiteman, K. J., Vaccaro, J. J., Gonthier, J. B., and Bauer, H. H.,
1994, The hydrogeologic framework and geochemistry of the Columbia Plateau
Aquifer system, Washington, Oregon, and Idaho: U. S. Geological Survey
Professional Paper 1413-B, 73 p.
Annotated Bibliography
Part III. The Spokane River - Surface Water
Funk, W. H., H. L. Gibbons, D. A. Morency, S. K. Bhagat, G. C. Bailey, J. E. Ongerth, D. Martin, and P. J. Bennett, 1975, Determination, Extent, and Nature of Nonpoint Source Enrichment of Liberty Lake and Possible Treatment, Report N. 23, State of Washington Water Research Center, Pullman, WA 163 pages
This document contains a detailed compilation of several years' worth of in lake water quality data. The sources of nutrients in Liberty Lake are also discussed.
Funk, W. H., F. W. Rabe, R. Filby, Et. al., 1973, Biological Impact of Combined Metallic and Organic Pollution in the Coeur d'Alene - Spokane River Drainage System, Washington State University - University of Idaho, Joint Project Completion Report, 188 pages
The information provided in this report describes the metal and organic contaminant loading rates for the combined river system. A discussion of the sediment character of Coeur d'Alene Lake is included. Emphasis is placed on the effect of contaminants on the biological system.
Funk, W. H., F. W. Rabe, R. Filby, et. al., 1975, An Integrated Study on the Impact of Metallic Trace Element Pollution in the Coeur d'Alene - Spokane Rivers - Lake Drainage System, Joint Project Completion report, Washington State University - of Idaho, 332 pages
This is an update of the previous report including much of the previous material. The results of several additional studies with the same focus as the earlier work are also included.
Hall, T. L., 1991, Effects of Hillslope Development on Quantity and Quality of Recharge to the Spokane Aquifer Spokane, Washington, M.S. Thesis presented to Eastern Washington University, Department of Geology, Cheney, WA, 133 pages.
Data on storm water quality and quantity in two sub-basins along the north slope of the Spokane Aquifer is provided. Runoff quality and quantity from seven storm events in 1987 and 1988 were used along with base flow to calculate runoff volumes and contaminant loading from a developed and an undeveloped basin.
Kennedy, Michael A. Engineers, 1985, Liberty Lake Restoration Project Final Report for the Stormwater Management Study with Watershed Management Guidelines, Prepared for the Liberty Lake Sewer District, 91 pages
Data on storm water quality and quantity in several sub-basins within the Liberty Lake basin is provided. Quality data is limited to that for nutrients. Guidelines for preventing excessive nutrient runoff into the lake are proposed.
Patmont, C. R., G. J. Pelletier M.E. Harper, et. al., 1985, Phosphorus Attenuation in the Spokane River, Project completion report prepared for the State of Washington, Dept. of Ecology, 144 pages
The report describes the process of developing and calibrating a model to simulate the fate of phosphorus loads to the Spokane River between Coeur d'Alene and Long Lake. Data on river flow and nutrient sources is provided.
Singleton, L. R., 1981, Spokane River Wasteland Allocation Study - Supplemental Report for Phosphorus Allocation, Washington State Department of Ecology Report #81-15, Water Quality Investigations Section, WDOE, Olympia, WA, 37 pages
This is an agency refinement of the model developed by URS Company that is intended for use in the actual allocation of phosphorus loads to dischargers.
URS Company, 1981, Spokane River Wasteload Allocation Study: Phase I, Prepared for the Washington State Department of Ecology, Olympia, WA
This report includes a detailed evaluation of the dynamics of the Spokane River - Long Lake system. Detailed information on river flow and phosphorus loading is provided. A model describing the impact of Spokane River phosphorus conditions on Long Lake is provided.
Wyman, S., 1993, The Potential for Heav Metal Migration From Sediments of Lake Coeur d'Alene into the Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer, Kootenai County, Idaho, Research Technical Completion Report, Idaho Water Resources Research Institute, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, 139 pages
This study describes nature of sediments in Lake Coeur d'Alene, the level of metals in the sediment and the theoretical transport mechanisms available for moving metals from those sediments to the water of the Spokane Aquifer. Field work conducted to evaluate water quality indicated that metals were reaching the aquifer at the surface water – ground water interface. Studies did not examine water quality away from the inteface zone.
Zheng, Y., 1995, Distribution of Major and Trace Metals in Groundwater of the Spokane Aquifer, Northeastern Washington: Water Quality and River/Aquifer Interaction, M.S. Thesis presented to Eastern Washington University, Department of Geology, Cheney, WA, 123 pages.
Concentration of 26 metals were determined both ground water from
the Spokane Valley Aquifer (3 sampling periods) and the Spokane River (2
sampling periods). Analysis was performed using flame Atomic Adsorption,
ICP – AES and ICP – MS techniques. Ground water concentrations of
trace metals are generally low. Zinc while within drinking water
limits is elevated in both the Aquifer and the River. Distribution
patterns of major metal cations in ground water show evidence of
significant ground water surface water interactions. Seasonal variations
in calcium concentrations in the Spokane River indicate that some reaches
of the River are strongly influenced by ground water influx at low flow.
Seasonal variations in trace metal concentrations in the Spokane River
indicate some indication that levels are in part controlled by inflows
from the Coeur d'Alene basin.
Additional References
Aller, L., Bennett, T., Lehr, J. H., Petty, R. J., Hackett, G., 1985, DRASTIC: A standardized system for evaluation ground water pollution potential using hydrogeologic settings: National Water Well Association, 455 p.
Anderson, A. L., Some Miocene and Pleistocene drainage changes in northern Idaho, Id., Bur. Mines and Geol., Pamphlet. 18, 1927.
Anderson, A. L., Geology and metalliferous deposits of Kootenai County, Idaho, Id. Bur. Mines and Geol., Pamphlet. 53, 1940.
Anderson, K. E., Geology and ground-water resources of the Rathdrum Prairie project and contiguous area, Idaho-Washington, unpublished. U. S. Bur. Reclamation., Report., 1951.
Bauer, H. H. and Vaccaro, J. J., 1990, Estimates of ground-water recharge to the Columbia Plateau regional aquifer system, Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, for predevelopment and current land-use conditions: U. S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 88-4108, 37 p., 2 plates.
Bretz, J. H., Glacial drainage on the Columbia Plateau, Geol. Soc. Am. Bull., 34, 1923.
Bretz, J. H., The age of the Spokane glaciation, Am. J. Sci., 5th Ser., 8, 336-342, 1924.
Crosby, J. W. III; Johnstone; D. L., Drake; C. H., and Fenton, R. L.; Migration of pollutants in a glacial outwash environment, Water Resour. Res., 4 (5), 1968.
Crosby, J. W. III, Johnstone, D. L., and Fenton, R. L., Migration of pollutants in glacial outwash environment, 2, Water Resources., Res., 7 (1), 1971.
Crosby, J. W. III, Johnstone, D. L., and Fenton, R. L., Migration of pollutants in glacial outwash environment, 3, Water Resources., Res., (in press), 1971a.
Crosby, J. W. III; Johnstone, O. L.; Fenton, R. L.; Drake, C. H.,; Purves, W. J.; Kiesler, J. P.; Ko. C.; Weakly, E. C.; Investigation of techniques to provide advance warning of ground water pollution hazards with special reference to aquifers in glacial outwash, OWRR Project No., B-005 Wash., 1971.
Davenport, R. W. Coeur d' Alene Lake, Idaho and the overflow lands, U. S. Geol. of Survey. Water Supply Paper 500-A, 1921.
Donaldson, N. C., Giese, L. C., 1968, Soil survey of Spokane County, Washington: U. S. Department of Agriculture, 143 p, 149+ plates.
Eardley, A. J., Structural Geology of North America, Haper and Bros., New York, 743 pp., 1951.
Esvelt and Saxton, Public Health relationships of the Minnehaha Sewer District and the greater Spokane community, Engr. report. prep. for City of Spokane, Wash., 33 pp., 1964.
Fader, S. W., Water levels in wells and lakes in Rathdrum Prairie and contiguous areas, Bonner and Kootenai Counties, northern Idaho, U. S. Geol. Surv. Basic Data Rept., 90 pp., 1951.
Fetter, C. W., 1988, Applied hydrogeology, 2nd edition: New York, Macmillan Publishing Company, 592 p.
Fosdick, E. R. 1931, A study of Ground Water in the Spokane & Rathdrum Valleys, The Washington Water Power Company.
Frink, J. W., An appraisal of potential ground water supply for Avondale and Hayden Lake irrigation districts, Rathdrum Prairie Project, Idaho, U. S. Bur. of Reclam., 1968.
Gerda, C. P., Wallis, C., Melnick, J. L., Viruses in Water: The problem, some solutions, Environ. Sci., & Tech. Dec. 1975.
Griggs, A. B., Reconnaissance geologic map of the west half of the Spokane (ANS) quadrangle: Lincoln, Spokane, Stevens, and Whitman Counties, Washington and Bonner, Kootenai, Benewah and Latah Counties, Idaho, U. S. Geol. Survey. Misc. Geol. Inv. Map I-464, 1965.
Hammond, R. E., Ground-Water occurrence and movement in the Athol area and the northern Rathdrum Prairie, Northern Idaho, U. S. Geol. Survey., Water Information Bulletin No. 35, 1974.
Johnson, B. R., Derkey, P. D., Frost, T. P., Derkey, R. E., and Lackaff, B. B., 1997 (in review), Digital geology of Spokane County and vicinity, Washington and Idaho: U. S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 97- xxx, 23p.
Mace, R. L., and Fader, S. W., Records of wells on Rathdrum Prairie, Bonner and Kootenai Counties, northern Idaho, U. S. Geol. Survey., Basic Data Report., 50 pp., 1950.
Newcomb, R. C., Groundwater of the Spokane urban area, U. S. Army Corps of Eng. Water Resources Study, Metropolitan Spokane Region, 1975.
Newcomb, R. C., Seismic cross sections across the Spokane River Valley and the Hillyard Trough, Idaho a nd Washington, U. S. Geol. Survey. Ground Water Branch, Portland, Ore., 16 pp., 18 pl., 1953.
Pardee, J. T., and Bryan, K., Geology of the Latah Formation in relation to the lavas of the Columbia Plateau near Spokane, Washington, U. S. Geol. Surv. Prof. Paper 140-A, 1-16, 1926.
Piper, A. M., and Huff, L. C., Some ground water features of Rathdrum Prairie, Spokane Valley area, Washington-Idaho, with respect to seepage loss from Pend Oreille Lake, U. S. Geol. Surv., Open- File Rept., 13 pp., 1943.
Piper, A. M., and LaRocque, G. A. Jr., Water table fluctuations in the Spokane Valley and contiguous area, Washington-Idaho, U. S. Geol. Surv., Water Supp. Paper 889-B, 137 pp., 1944.
Pitt, W. A. J., Mattraw, H. C. and Klein, H.; Ground water quality in selected areas serviced by septic tanks, Dade County, Florida, U. S. Geol. Surv., Open File Report 75-607, 1975.
Pluhowski, E. J., and Thomas, C. A., A water balance equation for the Rathdrum Prairie ground water reservoir, near Spokane, Washington, Geol. Surv., Res., U. S. Geol. Surv. Prof. Paper 600 D, D75- D78.
Quan, E. L., Sweet, H. R., and Illian, J. R., Subsurface sewage disposal and contamination of ground water in East Portland, Oregon. Paper presented at Second Natl. Ground Water Quality Symposium, Denver, Colo., 1974.
Richmond, G. M., Fryxell, R., Neff, G. E., and Weis, P. L., The Cordilleran ice sheet of the northern Rocky Mountains, and the related Quaternary history of the Columbia Plateau, in The Quaternary of the United States, Princeton, N. J., Princeton Univ. Press, 231-241, 1965.
Simmons, W. D., et. al., Subsurface facilities of water management and patterns of supply - type area studies, Ch. 10, Spokane - Coeur d'Alene River basin, Washington-Idaho, The physical and economic foundation of natural resources, Int. and Ins., Aff. Comm., House of Rep., U. S. Congress, 162-185, 1953.
Sisco, H. G., Ground water levels and well records for current observation wells in Idaho, 1922-73, U. S. Geol. Survey., 1974.
Sagsted, S. R., and Ralston, D. R., Analysis of a ground water flow system in northern Idaho related to heavy metal concentrations. Masters Thesis, Univ. of Idaho, 1976.
Thomas, C. A., Investigation of the inflow to the Rathdrum Prairie - Spokane Valley aquifer, U. S. Geol. Surv., Open File Rept., Water Res. Div., Boise, Idaho 46 pp., 1963.
Todd, D. K., The effect of applied surface waters on ground water quality in the Spokane Valley. U. S. Army Corps of Engineers Water Resources Study Metropolitan Spokane Region, 1975.
U. S. Bureau of Reclamation, Rathdrum Prairie project, Prairie division, each Greenacres unit., Idaho, U. S. Bur. Recl. Feasibility report, 54 pp., append., 1966.
U. S. Environmental Protection Agency, A Manual of Laws, Regulations, and Institutions for Control of Ground Water Pollution. Final Report June 6, 1976 EPA - 44019-76-006.
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Salo, J., et. al., 1985, REMOVAL OF CONTAMINANTS IN URBAN RUNOFF BY GROUND WATER RECHARGE BASINS. Fresno, California -
A NURP study of pollutants, metal and organic, in urban runoff, soil water and ground water. Contaminant concentrations were shown to decrease with depth, especially over turf. Some basin soil with high lead levels were defined as hazardous waste.
Barrett, T., BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES FOR USE OF MUNICIPAL SEWAGE SLUDGE, September, 1982 - A guide for land application of sludge. Woody plants are generally more tolerant of metals, and are less likely to develop metal toxicities. Suggested limits of heavy metal concentrations are given.
Engomoen, M., STORM WATER MANAGEMENT EMPHASIZES "SOFT" IMPROVEMENTS, Public Works, July, 1985 - "The water quality of storm runoff is generally improved by contact with natural surfaces at relatively low flow velocities, and temporary storage in detention ponds permits settling of suspended pollutants."
Field, R., and R. Turkeltaub, DON'T UNDERESTIMATE URBAN RUNOFF PROBLEMS, Water and Waste Engineering, October, 1980, pg. 48-52 - Urban runoff is identified as a major source of pollutants, including heavy metals and carcinogenic petroleum hydrocarbons.
REVISIONS TO GUIDELINES FOR STORMWATER MANAGEMENT, 1984
ANALYZING URBAN RUNOFF, Public Works, December, 1985 - Street cleaning improved the quality of runoff by a maximum of only 10 percent in Bellevue, Washington.
Kercher, W., et. al., GRASSY SWALES PROVE COST EFFECTIVE FOR WATER POLLUTION CONTROL, Public Works, April, 1983 - Grassy swales are shown to remove 99 percent of the studied pollutants including nitrate, phosphorus, iron, and lead. Off-site storm water runoff is also reduced.
Clark, D., B. Mar, COMPOSITE SAMPLING OF HIGHWAY RUNOFF YEAR 2, January, 1980 - Design criteria and sampling procedures are presented for a composite sampler.
Mar, B., et. al., YEAR 4 RUNOFF WATER QUALITY, August 1980 - August 1981 - Trace organics were surveyed from highway runoff at two Seattle sites. Grassy channels of 60 m lengths were shown to remove 80-90 percent of the initial lead concentration. Mud channels and paved conduits allowed most pollutants to pass through.
Galvin, D., and R. Moore, TOXICANTS IN URBAN RUNOFF, December, 1982 - Data was collected on both metal and trace organic concentrations in storm water runoff, in sources to storm water runoff, and in the receiving environment. It was found that the metals were almost completely associated with storm water particles. Toxicant rich particles accumulate in grassy swales. "Periodic maintenance is required to remove the accumulated materials in order to prevent a delayed release of most or all of these particles in a later runoff event."
Yousef, Y., et. al., REMOVAL OF HIGHWAY CONTAMINANTS BY ROADSIDE SWALES,
Surface Drainage and Highway Runoff Pollutants, 1985 - Highway runoff was
compared to runoff that passed through grassy swales. Removal efficiencies
for dissolved heavy metals appeared to be higher than for nitrogen and
phosphorous.