A Review of the Squaw Creek Aquatic Monitoring Program, The Geysers, California
- Key words
- Environmental; USA; California; Sonoma; The Geysers; Water Quality; Biological Impact; Boron; Priority Metals; Habitat
- Location
- The Geysers, California
- Conference
- Geothermal Resources Council Transactions
- Year
- 1989
- Session
- Environmental aspects; Water quality; Ecology
- Language
- English
Abstract
The Squaw Creek Aquatic Monitoring Program has been in operation since the summer of 1984, during initial development of the geothermal resource in the extreme northeast portion of Sonoma County, California. Several water quality parameters have exceeded various accepted standards and may stress biological components of the streams. Substantial variations in fish populations appear to be associated with extremes in stream flows. Benthic macroinvertebrate populations exhibit high variation but are indicative of productive stream conditions. A general increase in fine sediments has not been detected, inferring a positive effect form the engineering practices employed. Natural phenomena strongly influence the Squaw Creek drainage and tend to swamp many possible effects of development.
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