Abstract: The report summarizes progress on geologic and hydrologic research related to the disposal of radioactive wastes. The research is described according to whether it is related most directly to (1) high-level and transuranic wastes; (2) low-level wastes, or (3) uranium mill tailings. Included is research applicable to the identification and geohydrologic characterization of waste-disposal sites, to investigations of specific sites where wastes have been stored, and to studies of regions or environments where waste-disposal sites might be located. A significant part of the activity is concerned with techniques and methods for characterizing disposal sites and studies of geologic and hydrologic processes related to the transport and (or) retention of waste radionuclides.

Abstract: Water shortages are expected in the Upper Colorado River Basin because of increasing water demands for various uses. Ground-water supplies can help to reduce water shortages but ground-water reservoirs have not been studied in detail. The regional aquifer systems analysis of the Upper Colorado River Basin is a study of the major ground-water resources of the region. Aquifers occur in the sedimentary rock sequences in basins and uplifted regions, in volcanic-rock regions, and in stream-valley alluvium. The project work will include collection and compilation of existing geologic, geophysical, hydrologic, and geochemical data. These data will be used to assess the hydrologic characteristics of the aquifer systems and to estimate the hydrologic effects of discharge from, or recharge to, selected aquifers.

From purpose and scope: This report summarizes the hydrology in and near the 11 Special Tar Sand Areas which were designated by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management. The 11 areas are in eastern Utah where normal annual precipitation generally ranges from less than 6 to about 20 inches and runoff is minimal.

From purpose and scope: The hydrology of coal-resource areas in the southern Wasatch Plateau in central Utah (fig. 1) was studied by the U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with the U.S. Bureau of Land Management. The study area contains large coal reserves, and much of the area was unleased for mining in 1980. In general, study objectives were to define the surface- and ground-water hydrology and to predict, where possible, the effects of coal mining on the hydrologic system. Watersheds and aquifers that were the sole source of supply for public use were to be identified. The objectives were designed to provide the hydrologic information needed by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management to make sound decisions concerning the leasing of Federal lands for coal mining.