General Subject Matter Flashcards
Detrimental effect of sediment in streams?
Sediment destroys aquatic habitat, smothers aquatic invertibrates, creates turbidity that detracts from the beneficial use of the water, may violate the IN Water Quality Standards and increases water treatment cost
What damage will occur if turbidity increases in a stream?
Turbidity degrades the usefulness of water. Turbidity increases the cost of the water treatment. Turbidity decreases the amount of sunlight reaching aquatic plants, thereby decreasing oxygen available to fish and aquatic invertibrates.
Why is the use of ammonia for acid neutralization undesirable from a water quality viewpoint?
Ammonia is toxic to fish and also depletes oxygen in the stream.
Sediment transportation and deposition is influenced by the flow of characteristics of the water course and the nature of the particles transported. How are the flow characteristics determined?
By the velocity and turbulence of the moving water.
What are generally the major sources of sediment from surface mine operations?
They are disturbed areas such as those with soils removed, soil or spoil stockpile areas, and those on which active operation is in progress.
What does the phrase “mine drainage” mean as it pertains to NPDES permits?
Mine drainage is any drainage, and any water pumped or siphoned, from the active mining area or post-mining area.
What is “Reclamation”
Reclamation is the process of converting mined land to its former state and/or other productive uses.
What does the phrase “1 year, 24-hour precipitation event” mean?
It means the maximum 24-hour precipitation event with a probable recurrence interval of once a year.
