Background hydrologic information in potential lignite mining areas in Mississippi, August 1981

The U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with the Mississippi Bureau of Geology is conducting a hydrologic data-collection program in potential lignite-producing areas in Mississippi. During the period August 24-31, 1981, hydrologic data consisting of channel characteristics and stream discharge were collected at 18 sites, and water and channel bottom material samples were collected at 15 sites on small streams draining potential lignite mining areas in east-central Mississippi. Main channel widths ranged from 100 feet on Mill Creek near Louisville to 30 feet on Spring Creek near Bond. Maximum water depths varied from 12.5 feet on Pawticfaw Creek to 0.2 foot on Beasha Creek. Three sites had no discharge. Specific conductance ranged from 100 micromhos on Lonsilocher Canal near Philadelphia to 24 micromhos on Jofuska Creek near Arlington. Water temperatures varied from 22.5 to 26 degrees Celsius. The highest pH was 7.6 on Fulton and Lonsilocher Canals. The dissolved oxygen concentration was 3.8 milligrams per liter or higher at all sites. Channel bottom-material samples commonly contained iron, manganese, and zinc. (USGS)