Clear Creek is a
[U.S. Geological Survey. National Hydrography Dataset high-resolution flowline data]
The National Map
, accessed March 15, 2011 tributary of the
San Benito River
The San Benito River is a long river flowing northwesterly between the Diablo Range and the Gabilan Range, on the Central Coast of California.U.S. Geological Survey. National Hydrography Dataset high-resolution flowline dataThe National Map acce ...
in
California
California () is a U.S. state, state in the Western United States that lies on the West Coast of the United States, Pacific Coast. It borders Oregon to the north, Nevada and Arizona to the east, and shares Mexico–United States border, an ...
, in the United States. The creek is the site of Clear Creek Management Area, operated by the
BLM, and is known for its mineral abundance. The headwaters area of the creek is the only known location of gem quality
benitoite
Benitoite () is a rare blue barium titanium cyclosilicate mineral, found in hydrothermally altered serpentinite. It forms in low temperature, high pressure environments typical of subduction zones at convergent plate boundaries. Benitoite flu ...
, the designated California State Gem.
In 1998 the creek was identified as containing high levels of
mercury in excess of water quality standards. The creek and the surrounding area have ongoing issues with several types of
asbestos
Asbestos ( ) is a group of naturally occurring, Toxicity, toxic, carcinogenic and fibrous silicate minerals. There are six types, all of which are composed of long and thin fibrous Crystal habit, crystals, each fibre (particulate with length su ...
and other carcinogens. The area is known for having the largest deposit of asbestos in the United States and is designated as a
Superfund
Superfund is a United States federal environmental remediation program established by the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA). The program is administered by the United States Environmental Pro ...
site.
See also
*
List of rivers of California
This is a list of rivers in the U.S. state of California, grouped by region. Major lakes and reservoirs, if applicable, are indicated in italics.
North Coast (north of Humboldt Bay)
Rivers and streams between the Oregon border and Humboldt Bay t ...
References
External links
Clear Creek Management Area
Rivers of San Benito County, California
Rivers of Northern California
Superfund sites in California
{{California-river-stub