Data from Anaconda - 7th Grade Fieldtrip (May 15, 2008)

On May 15, 2008, the students from Bob Orrino's class in Anaconda went on a CFWEP Fieldtrip. They visited the following two sites: an less-impacted site (Warm Springs Creek at Washoe Park); and an impacted site (Silver Bow Creek at Fairmont Crackerville Road). Below is a summary/average of the data gathered during the fieldtrip.

Warm Springs Creek at Washoe Park (Less-Impacted)
Warm Spring Creek at Washoe Park is located behind the fish hatchery.

Water Chemistry - During the visit to Warm Springs Creek, the air temperature was about 14 degrees Celsius, and the water temperature was about 9.10 degrees Celsius according to the data gathered at the site. The temperatures were measured using GLX Probes. The pH readings of the creek showed that the creek was slightly basic on the day of the fieldtrip. The dissolved oxygen was about 16 mg/l. Concentrations of Iron and Nitrates were measured using test strips. The Iron concentration was about 0.05 ppm and the Nitrate concentration was about 0.63 ppm.

Vegetation - The vegetation in the riparian area consisted of mostly grasses with some small trees located about 20 feet of the river.

Pollution Tolerance Index - The pollution tolerance score for this area was 30, which means the water quality is excellent. The top three most popular macro-invertebrates were Mayflies, Stoneflies, and Caddisflies.

Silver Bow Creek at Crackerville Road, Fairmont (Impacted)
Silver Bow Creek at Crackerville Road, Farimont is classified as residential, agricultural, partially urban/partially rural, and is a Superfund site. The area has been impacted by development, mining, agriculture (stock watering/crossing, irrigation/diversion), vegetation removal/maintenance, and remediation/restoration.

Water Chemistry - During the site visit the air temperature was 22 degrees Celsius and the water was approximately 12 degrees Celsius. The dissolved oxygen was measured at 20 mg/l and the turbidity was measured at 300 NTU. The iron and nitrates concentrations were 0.10 ppm and 1.63 ppm respectively.

Vegetation - The main vegetation in the area consisted of grasses, forbs, and trees.

Pollution Tolerance Index - The pollution tolerance index score calculated during the fieldtrip was 25. This suggests that the water quality of the creek is excellent. The top three macro-invertebrates seen were Snipeflies, Caddisflies, and Midges.