Effect of placer mining on suspended sediment in reaches of sensitive fish habitat

Abstract The McQuesten River system in central Yukon Territory, Canada, contains placer mines and reaches of sensitive fish habitat. Suspended sediment is supplied to the system by erosion of previously mined disturbed areas, bank erosion, resuspension of placer sediment deposited on bars, and active placer-mine discharges. Direct discharge from active placer mines did not have a large impact on suspended sediment in reaches of sensitive fish habitat in 1994–1995, although only two mines were active and concentrations did periodically exceed water quality objectives. Erosion of previously mined disturbed areas had a pronounced effect on suspended sediment during spring snowmelt and summer rainstorms in 1994–1995. Deposits in previously mined areas should be stabilized to reduce erosion and its downstream impact on fish habitat.