Scarcity of imported fuel led to oil production from alum shale in the Kvarntorp area, 200 km west of Stockholm, during 1941-1966. Remains from this are a 100 meter high waste deposit, Kvarntorpshogen, consisting mostly of shale ash and water filled open pits. As this shale is rich in sulphur and trace metals such as U, Ni and Mo, leaching from the waste deposit is feared. To elucidate the important question whether Kvarntorpshgen is the most important concern, or to what extent other sources might contribute with contamination, water sampling was extended to contain more localities than the ordinary control program. A new approach was the sulphur isotope analysis. The results point towards an area too complex for using sulphur isotopes for mixing calculations. Isotope fractionation during oil production is shown by the delta(34) difference between shale and shale ash. Current isotope fractionation indicates sulphate reduction. Some localities indicate pyrite weathering and others rather show buffer capacities due to the presence of lime. Sr concentrations also suggest weathering. It is indicated that Kvarntorpshgen has an impact on the surroundings, but also that the water filled open pits as well as an industrial area affect the water quality. It is concluded that Kvarntorpshgen is one of the most important contributors of metal dispersion, but other point sources cannot be discarded as environmental risks.