Modeling the transport and fate of copper in Keswick Reservoir, Shasta County, California

The transport and fate of copper discharged with acidic mine drainage from Iron Mountain Mine into Keswick Reservoir, Shasta County, California, are being simulated using coupled finite element hydrodynamic and water quality models. The water quality model, modified to represent the physical and chemical processes determining the fate of copper in the reservoir, will be applied to obtain preliminary estimates of principal species and concentrations of copper present in the water column and their distribution in sediments. Model results will be calibrated against field observations of water quality and copper concentrations in the water column and sediment deposits. The models developed will provide a predictive tool for systematic evaluation of factors that lead to toxic levels of copper in releases to the Sacramento River downstream.