Geology topics

W. G. Stelz

Publications and source records attributed to W. G. Stelz.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

USGS1984

Aldicarb-pesticide contamination of ground water in eastern Suffolk County, Long Island, New York

Aldicarb, a toxic oxime-carbamate pesticide that was believed incapable of reaching ground water, was used in potato-farming areas of eastern Suffolk County, New York during 1975-80. In 1979, aldicarb was found in substantial concentrations in ground water throughout the area. The New York State Department of Health set a limit of 7 micrograms per liter for aldicarb in drinking water. Extensive ground-water sampling into 1980 showed widespread contamination ranging from small amounts to as much as 515 micrograms per liter. In 1980, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency banned the use of aldicarb on Long Island at the manufacturer 's request. A 1982 sampling study found aldicarb to have penetrated to about 40 feet below the water table in concentrations ranging from below detection limit to 239 micrograms per liter. Despite reputed toxicity, no instance of aldicarb poisoning on Long Island has been documented. The excessive aldicarb concentrations in the ground water of eastern Long Island may persist for decades; the duration has not been precisely determined and remains under investigation. (USGS)

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗

USGS1982

Geohydrology of the valley-fill aquifer in the Jamestown area, Chautauqua County, New York

This report is the sixth in a series of 11 map sets depicting geohydrologic conditions in selected aquifers in upstate New York. Geohydrologic data are compiled on six maps at 1:24,000 scale. Together, the maps provide a comprehensive overview of a major valley-fill aquifer in southeastern Chautauqua County. The maps include surficial geology, geologic sections, water-infiltration potential of soil zone, aquifer thickness, potentiometric-surface elevations and land use. The valley-fill deposits consist of alluvial silt and sand, glacial-outwash (sand and gravel), ice-contact sand and gravel, till, and lacustrine silt and clay. The sand and gravel beds have relatively high permeabilities whereas the till, silt and clay deposits have relatively low permeabilities. Water-table conditions prevail in u nconfined sand and gravel beds along the valley margin. Artesian conditions prevail in confined sand and gravel buried under silt and clay in the middle of the valley. Recharge occurs mainly along the margin of the valley, where the land surface is highly permeable and runoff from the hillsides is concentrated. The use of land overlying the aquifer is predominantly agricultural and residential with lesser amounts of commercial and industrial uses. (USGS)

New York↗

USGS1982

Geohydrology of the valley-fill aquifer in the Sprout and Fishkill creeks area, Dutchess County, New York

This report is the fifth in a series of 11 map sets depicting geohydrologic conditions in selected aquifers in upstate New York. Geohydrologic data are compiled on six maps at 1:24,000 scale. Together the maps provide a comprehensive overview of a major valley-fill aquifer in southwestern Dutchess County and a small part of Putnan County. The maps include surficial geology, geologic sections, water-infiltration potential of soil zone, aquifer thickness, water-table elevations and land use. The valley-fill deposits consist of alluvial silt and sand, glacial-outwash (sand and gravel), ice-contact sand and gravel, till, and lacustrine silt and clay. The sand and gravel have relatively high permeabilities whereas the till, silt and clay deposits have relatively low permeabilities. Saturated layers of sand and gravel underlie confining layers of silt and clay, and also underlie confining till. The water-infiltration potential of the soil zone of the valley-fill varies widely. Aquifer thickness data is sparse, especially data on the lower confined aquifer layers. Water-table elevations within the surface aquifer are gently sloping, directing ground-water flow towards streams into which discharge occurs. The use of land overlying the aquifer is predominantly agricultural and residential, with lesser amounts of commercial and industrial uses. (USGS)

Open-File Report↗