Excerpts: The U.S. Forest Service is investigating the impact on water quality of past and present mining activities on Forest Service lands. During Phase I of the investigation, a list of potential contaminants from mining and processing was developed. Wright Consultants, Inc. (WCI) was tasked to conduct Phase II of the investigation, which entailed a comprehensive literature review to assess the toxicity of the potential water contaminants identified in Phase I. The chemicals are presented in alphabetical order, within three groupings: inorganics, organics (divided into xanthates, dithiophosphates, and other organics), and non compound-specific organics. For each chemical, general information on chemical origin and usage is presented, followed by a brief overview of data availability. A synopsis of available toxicological information regarding effects on humans.
