Changes in the Benthic Community of Lake Creek, MT, Resulting From Mine Tailings Contamination

The benthos of Lake Creek, Lincoln County, Montana were sampled in 1984-85 to determine the effects of a 2.5 years old tailings impoundment located adjacent to the stream. Sampling results were compared spatially in the 1984-85 data set, and temporally with a baseline data set collected three years prior to installation of the impoundment. Lack of replication in the baseline sampling design precluded the use of two-way ANOVA for analysis of temporal changes. Therefore temporal comparisons were made on the basis of changes downstream of the impoundment relative to changes upstream, as measured over time. Spatial comparisons upstream and downstream were made by oneway ANOVA.