S Poplar River 

333*91 Bilateral 

Mibprar Monitoring 

19&u Annual report ox 
the governments of 
Canada* United 



States* 



1990 ANNUAL REPORT 



to the 



GOVERNMENTS OF CANADA, UNITED STATES, 
SASKATCHEWAN AND MONTANA 



STATE DOCUMENTS COLLECTION 



FEB 1-', 1992 

MONTANA STATE LIBRARY 

1515 E. 6th AVE- 
HELENA. MONTANA 59620 



by the 




POPLAR RIVER 
BILATERAL MONITORING COMMITTEE 



Poplar 



COVERING CALENDAR YEARS 1981-90 



PLEA 






• 



3 1 



December 1991 



Montana Stale Library 



3 0864 1004 5763 2 



1990 ANNUAL REPORT 



to the 



GOVERNMENTS OF CANADA, UNITED STATES, 
SASKATCHEWAN AND MONTANA 



by the 



POPLAR RIVER BILATERAL MONITORING COMMITTEE 
covering calendar years 1981-90 



December 1991 



POPLAR RIVER BILATERAL MONITORING COMMITTEE 

Department of State Department of External Affairs 

Washington, D.C., United States Ottawa, Ontario, Canada 

Governor' s Office Saskatchewan Environment and 

State of Montana Public Safety 

Helena, Montana, United States Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada 



Ladies and Gentlemen: 

During 1990, the Poplar River Bilateral Monitoring Committee continued to fulfill 
the responsibilities assigned by the governments under the Poplar River Cooperative 
Monitoring Arrangement dated September 23, 1980. Water quantity, water quality, 
and air quality relevant to the International Boundary were monitored in accordance 
with the 1990 Technical Monitoring Schedule. The monitoring data were exchanged on 
a quarterly basis. 

This annual report is the tenth of a series covering the period 1981-90. The 
report summarizes environmental conditions in the basin during 1981-90 and dis- 
cusses Committee activities for 1990. Conditions are compared to guidelines for 
specific parameter values that were developed by the International Joint Commission 
under the 1977 Reference from Canada and the United States. References are made to 
State, Provincial, or Federal standards or objectives where these are relevant. 
After examination and evaluation of the monitoring information for 1990, the 
Committee finds that the measured conditions meet the recommended objectives. 

In March 1991, the three year extension of the Cooperative Monitoring Arrangement 
expired. It is respectfully suggested that the Monitoring Arrangement be extended 
until the water apportionment and the water-quality objectives are formally adopted 
by the governments or until such time that the governments have finalized arrange- 
ments for another body to monitor developments in the Poplar River basin. 

Herein is the tenth annual report of the Poplar River Bilateral Monitoring Com- 
mittee. 

Yours sincerely, 



<y.)K- \\A^^Cfcr 




J. R. Knapton R. A. Halliday 

Chair, United States Section Chair, Canadian Section 



.(^M^- /,.£. 




A. Wittich D. D. Nargang 

Member, United States Section Member, Canadian Section 



TABLE OF CONTENTS 

HIGHLIGHTS FOR 1981-90 vi 

INTRODUCTION 1 

POPLAR RIVER POWER STATION 5 

Operations 5 

Construction 10 

Mining 10 

SURFACE WATER QUANTITY 12 

Streamflow 12 

Apportionment 13 

Reservoir Storage 14 

Minimum Flows and On-Demand Releases 14 

Quality Control 16 

1981-90 SURFACE WATER QUALITY 17 

East Poplar River 17 

Total Dissolved Solids 17 

Boron 24 

Mercury in Cookson Fish 29 

Other Water Quality Variables 31 

1990 SURFACE WATER QUALITY 33 

East Poplar River 33 

Total Dissolved Solids 33 

Boron 33 

Other Water Quality Variables 34 

Girard Creek and Cookson Reservoir 36 

1981-1990 36 

1990 38 

Quality Control 41 

GROUND WATER QUANTITY 42 

Saskatchewan 42 

Cookson Reservoir Supplementary Supply 42 

Salinity Dewatering Project 47 

Montana 50 

GROUND WATER QUALITY 52 

Saskatchewan 52 

West Side of Lagoon 52 

Location 8a (West of Cell #1) 52 

Location 9a (West of the Polishing Pond) 55 

North Side of Lagoon 58 

Location 2a (North of the Polishing Pond) 58 

Locations 2b and 2c (North of the Polishing Pond) ... 61 

Locations 24, 25, and 26 (North of Cell 3) 61 

South Side of Lagoon 62 

Locations 22 and 23 (South of Cell #1) 62 

Locations 26, 27, and 28 (South of Cell #3) 64 

Southwest of Morrison Dam 67 

Locations 18 and 21 67 

Montana 69 



ASH LAGOON QUALITY AND QUANTITY 71 

AIR QUALITY 82 

Saskatchewan 82 

Saskatchewan Environment and Public Safety 82 

Sask Power 86 

In-Stack Monitoring 87 

Stack Sampling 88 

Startup and Trip Conditions 89 

Montana 90 

REFERENCES CITED 91 

Tables 

Table 1. 1990 Membership of the Poplar River Bilateral 

Monitoring Committee 3 

Table 2. 1990 Operating Statistics for Generating Unit No. 

1 and No. 2 5 

Table 3. Recommended Water Quality Objectives and Excursions, 1981- 
90 monitoring, East Poplar River at the International 
Boundary 32 

Table 4. Recommended Water Quality Objectives and Excursions, 1990 
Sampling Program, East Poplar River at the International 
Boundary 35 

Table 5. Historical quality summary, Cookson Reservoir near 

Morrison Dam 37 

Table 6. Yearly abstraction of ground water for supplementary 

supply to Cookson Reservoir 43 

Table 7. 1990 monthly pumpage for supplementary supply to Cookson 

Reservoir 44 

Table 8. Poplar River Power Station salinity project 1990 pumpage 

volumes 4 8 

Table 9. Ash lagoon seepage rates and liner permeabilities at the 

Poplar River Power Station, 1984-90 73 

Table 10. Sulfation rates for five Montana sites operated during 

1990 90 

Figures 

Figure 1. Annual operating hours for the Poplar River Power Station 

Units 1 and 2 6 

Figure 2. Annual power production for Poplar River Power Station 

Units 1 and 2 7 



Figure 3. Annual fuel consumption for fuel oil and coal at the 

Poplar River Power Station 8 

Figure 4. Map showing past, present, and future coal mines used 

to supply the Poplar River Power Station 11 

Figure 5. March through October runoff for 1981-90 as compared to 
the 1931-80 mean and median runoff on the Poplar River 
at International Boundary 12 

Figure 6. Monthend contents and elevations for Cookson Reservoir . .13 

Figure 7 . Recorded discharge of the East Poplar River at Interna- 
tional Boundary as compared to the total minimum flow 
recommendation 15 

Figure 8 . TDS grab sample data for East Poplar River at Interna- 
tional Boundary for period 1981-90 19 

Figure 9. Box plot of annual TDS concentrations for East Poplar 

River at International Boundary for period 1981-90 . . . .19 

Figure 10 . Mean daily discharge for water quality sampling dates 

for East Poplar River at International Boundary 20 

Figure 11. Box plots of monthly TDS concentrations for East Poplar 

River at International Boundary for period 1981-90 . . . .20 

Figure 12 . Monthly boxplots of streamf lows for samples collected 
at East Poplar River at International Boundary for 
period 1981-90 21 

Figure 13. Distribution of TDS concentrations for East Poplar 

River at International Boundary for period 1981-90 ... .22 

Figure 14. Sen Slope estimate for TDS at East Poplar River at 

International Boundary 22 

Figure 15. Three-month moving, flow-weighted TDS concentration for 

East Poplar River at International Boundary 23 

Figure 16. Five-year moving, flow-weighted TDS concentration for 

East Poplar River at International Boundary 24 

Figure 17. Boron grab sample data for East Poplar River at Inter- 
national Boundary for period 1981-90 25 

Figure 18. Box plots of annual boron concentrations for East 
Poplar River at International Boundary for period 
1981-90 25 

Figure 19. Box plots of monthly boron concentrations for East 
Poplar River at International Boundary for period 
1981-90 26 

Figure 20 . Distribution of boron concentrations for East Poplar 

River at International Boundary for period 1981-90 ... .27 



Figure 21. Sen Slope estimate for boron at East Poplar River at 

International Boundary 27 

Figure 22. Three-month moving, flow-weighted boron concentration 

for East Poplar River at International Boundary 28 

Figure 23. Five-year moving, flow-weighted boron concentration for 

East Poplar River at International Boundary 29 

Figure 24. Box plots of mercury levels in edible fish in Cookson 

Reservoir from 1979 to 1983 30 

Figure 25. TDS concentrations for 1990 grab samples from East 

Poplar River at International Boundary 33 

Figure 26. Boron concentrations for 1990 grab samples from East 

Poplar River at International Boundary 34 

Figure 27. TDS concentrations in Cookson Reservoir at Morrison Dam 

for the period 1981-90 38 

Figure 28 . Boron concentrations in Cookson Reservoir at Morrison 

Dam for the period 1981-90 39 

Figure 29. Sulphate concentrations in Cookson Reservoir at Morrison 

Dam for the period 1981-90 40 

Figure 30 . Cone of depression in the Hart Coal Seam from dewatering 

activities as of December 1990 45 

Figure 31. Cone of depression in the Hart Coal Seam from dewatering 

activities as of 1988 46 

Figure 32 . Cone of depression in Empress aquifer from dewatering 

activities of salinity project as of December 1990 . . . .49 

Figure 33. Hydrographs for selected coal wells completed in Hart 

Coal Bed 50 

Figure 34. Hydrographs for GWQQC 5, GWQQC 10, and GWQQC 16 51 

Figure 35. TDS in till piezometers C726A and C726C 53 

Figure 36. TDS in Empress piezometers C726E and C728E 54 

Figure 37. Water levels in Empress piezometers C726E and C728E. . . .54 

Figure 38. TDS in till piezometers C728A, C278B, C728C, and C728D . .56 

Figure 39. Chloride in till piezometers C728A, C728B, C728C, and 

C728D 56 

Figure 40. Boron in till piezometers C728A, C728B, C728C, and 

C728D 57 

Figure 41. Water levels in till piezometers C728A, C728B, C728C, 

and C728D 57 



figure 42. Boron in intra-till sand piezometer C712B 58 

Figure 43. TDS in piezometer C712B and till piezometers C718 and 

C719 59 

Figure 44. Chloride in piezometer C712B 59 

Figure 45. Zinc in piezometer C712B 60 

Figure 46. Water levels in piezometer C712B 60 

Figure 47. Chloride in till piezometers C718 and C719 61 

Figure 48. TDS in till piezometers C714A and C714D 62 

Figure 49. TDS in Empress piezometer C714E 63 

Figure 50. TDS in Empress piezometer C533 and till piezometer C534. .63 

Figure 51. TDS in till piezometers C774B and C775A 64 

Figure 52. Boron in till piezometers C774B and C775A 65 

Figure 53. Chloride in till piezometers C774B and C775A 65 

Figure 54. TDS in Empress piezometer C775D 66 

Figure 55. Chloride in Empress piezometer C775D 66 

Figure 56. Boron in Empress piezometer C775D 67 

Figure 57. TDS in Empress piezometers C741 and C742 68 

Figure 58. Water levels in Empress piezometers C741 and C742 68 

Figure 59. Concentrations of major ions in milliequivalents per 

liter in water from four major aquifers 69 

Figure 60 . Total dissolved solids concentrations for water from 

selected wells during the period of sampling 70 

Figure 61. Ash lagoon seepage rates at the Poplar River Power 

Station, 1984-1990 72 

Figure 62 . Water-quality data from the Polishing Pond and Ash 

Lagoon No. 2 for selected constituents, 1983-1990 76 

Figure 63. Saskatchewan maximum hourly sulphur dioxide air quality 

data during 1989-90, Coronach water treatment plant. . . .83 

Figure 64 . Saskatchewan maximum daily sulphur dioxide air quality 

data during 1980-1990, Coronach water treatment plant. . .83 

Figure 65. Saskatchewan maximum hourly sulphur dioxide air quality 

data during 1985-90, Coronach water treatment plant. . . .84 

Figure 66. Saskatchewan maximum daily sulphur dioxide air quality 

data during 1986-90, Coronach water treatment plant. . . .84 

- v - 



Annexes 

Annex 1. Poplar River Cooperative Monitoring Arrangement, Canada- 
United States Al-1 

Annex 2. Poplar River Cooperative Monitoring Arrangement, Tech- 
nical Monitoring Schedules, 1989, Canada-United States . .A2-1 

Annex 3. Reports Reviewed during 1988 by the Poplar River 

Bilateral Monitoring Committee A3-1 

Annex 4 . Recommended Flow Apportionment in the Poplar River Basin 
by the International Souris-Red Rivers Engineering Board, 
Poplar River Task Force (1976) A4-1 

Annex 5. Metric Conversions A5-1 



HIGHLIGHTS FOR 1981-90 
Monitoring information collected in Canada and the United States has been 
officially exchanged on a quarterly basis during the past 10 years. 
Sampling schedules, frequency of collection, and parameters were modified 
throughout this period as recommended by the Bilateral Monitoring 
Committee. These modifications were documented in Technical Monitoring 
Schedules that were updated annually. 

Divisions of transboundary waters on the East Poplar River have been 
carried out by Saskatchewan and Montana according to apportionment 
recommendations made in 1976 by the Poplar River Task Force of the 
International Souris-Red River Engineering Board. Only unintentional 
minor deviations from the prescribed formula have occurred. The water 
divisions were done voluntarily without a formal apportionment agreement 
between the two countries. 

Regional drought prevailed during much of the 1980' s with conditions 
worsening in the last half of the decade. Using the Poplar River at the 
International Boundary as an indicator of basin runoff conditions, the 
years of 1987, 1988, and 1989 had respective flow volumes of 27, 7, and 
28 percent of long-term averages. The 1990 runoff was 35 percent of 
long-term average. Recent volumes of Cookson Reservoir remain much less 
than full supply volume and rely to a large extent on contributions of 
ground-water pumpage from the abandond Coronach mine. 

The concentrations of total dissolved solids and boron on the East Poplar 
River at the International Boundary have remained below short-term and 
long-term objectives as recommended by the International Joint 
Commission (IJC) . Calculations of trends from the 10-year data base 

- vii - 



indicate that total dissolved solids and boron had an average annual 
increase of 3.75 milligrams per liter (mg/L) and 0.0285 mg/L, respec- 
tively. Minor excursions of other water-quality objectives have occurred 
on occasion, but no excursions remained consistent with time. Concentra- 
tions of total dissolved solids and boron have increased with time up- 
stream in Cookson Reservoir. 

Monitoring of ground-water levels indicated that dewatering activities of 
the Coronach coal mine created a cone of depression that currently is 
fluctuating with the 1 metre drawdown contour approximately 1.8 
kilometers north of the International Boundary. From 1987 through 1989, 
pumpage at the mine decreased by 62.4 percent. Pumpage for 1990 
reflected an increase of 56 percent over that of 1989. 

The calculated total seepage from the ash lagoons remains well below the 
seepage limits proposed in 1979 by the International Poplar River Water 
Quality Board of the International Joint Commission. The advancement of 
the groundwater front towards Cookson Reservoir in the oxidized till was 
calculated to be 15.42 metres since the lagoons were initially filled. 
The front in the Empress Gravel formation was calculated to have advanced 
1,269 metres southeast of the lagoons. 

In 1989, Prairie Coal Limited moved mining operations to the South Block 
(Willow Bunch Mine) which was developed in 1988. The Willow Bunch Mine 
will require little dewatering and therefore, not provide supplemental 
water to Cookson Reservoir. Although decreased from past pumpage, ground 
water continued to be pumped from the abandoned Coronach mine during 1990 
to supplement Cookson Reservoir water supply. 

- viii - 



Downstream from Cookson Reservoir and contiguous to the East Poplar 
River, the hydraulic head in a near-surface, semi-confined aquifer has 
increased over pre-reservoir times. During 1989-90, Sask Power installed 
a series of wells and initiated pumpage to lower the water table and 
reduce soil salinity. Pumped water is piped back to the reservoir. 
Monitoring wells were installed during 1990 in Montana near the Inter- 
national Boundary on both sides of the East Poplar River to measure 
potential trans-boundary affects of salinity and increased water levels. 

Monitoring of air quality at designated sites in Saskatchewan began with 
startup of the first generating unit and has continued through 1990. 
Monitoring results in 1990 did not show any ambient sulphur dioxide 
excursions above Saskatchewan standards. There were no excursions from 
the suspended particulate monitor that could be attributed to power 
station activity. Air quality monitoring at three primary sites in 
Montana continued through 1986. After 1986, monitoring gradually was 
decreased and in 1990 Montana air-quality monitoring was discontinued. 
Monitoring results in Montana indicated that total suspended particulate 
standards for Montana and the United States were not exceeded at any of 
the three monitoring sites and that levels generally observed were low 
and representative of rural Montana. 



INTRODUCTION 

Sask Power (formerly Saskatchewan Power Corporation) applied to the 
Province of Saskatchewan in March 1972 for permission to store and use 
water from the East Poplar River. In July 1972, the Province reserved 
7,400 cubic decametres (dam 3 ) (6,000 acre feet) of water annually for a 
period of five years for this purpose. In September 1974, Sask Power 
announced plans for the construction of a coal-fired thermal-electric 
generating station and ancillary facilities including a reservoir on the 
East Poplar River and a lignite coal mine at Coronach, Saskatchewan near 
the International Boundary. Subsequently, Morrison Dam (Cookson Reser- 
voir impoundment) was completed in September 1976 and the first of two 
300 megawatt generating units commenced commercial operation in June 1981 
followed by the second unit in July 1983. 

The IJC, through the Souris-Red Rivers Engineering Board, was advised of 
the proposal early in the process. The IJC advised the Governments of 
the United States and Canada in February 1975 that it had asked its 
International Souris-Red Rivers Engineering Board to review the proposal 
in light of a 1948 Reference dealing with water apportionment. The 
Commission also advised Governments that the project might adversely 
affect air quality and the quality of Poplar River water crossing the 
International Boundary and suggested that the Governments review the 
matter in light of the provisions of Article IV of the Boundary Waters 
Treaty. Water quantity, water quality, and air quality issues were 
raised in early 1975 in a diplomatic note from the Government of the 
United States to the Government of Canada. 

The Poplar River Task Force of the International Souris-Red Rivers 
Engineering Board was formed in April 1975 to investigate the 
apportionment question pursuant to the 1948 Reference dealing with water 



- 2- 
apportionment . In a subsequent report, the IJC recommended that trans- 
boundary flows be divided equally between the United States and Canada in 
accordance with a prescribed apportionment formula. To date, this recom- 
mendation has not been formalized by Provincial, State and Federal 
Governments . 

In August 1977, the Governments of the United States and Canada, pursuant 
to Article IX of the Boundary Waters Treaty of 1909, referred the matter 
of water quality in the Poplar River Basin to the IJC. The reference 
specifically requested the IJC to examine and report on the water quality 
of the Poplar River, including the transboundary water quality implica- 
tions of the thermal power station of Sask Power and its ancillary 
facilities. A study was completed by a multi-disciplinary team of 
scientists from Canada and the United States and a summary of findings 
and recommendations was published in January 1981. 

The Poplar River Bilateral Monitoring Committee was authorized for an 
initial period of 5 years by the Governments of Canada and the United 
States under the Poplar River Cooperative Monitoring Arrangement dated 
September 23, 1980. A copy of the Arrangement is attached to this report 
as Annex 1. On March 12, 1987 the Arrangement was extended by the 
Governments for 4 years to March 1991. 

The Committee is composed of representatives of the Government of the 
United States of America, State of Montana, and Government of Canada and 
Province of Saskatchewan. In addition to the representatives of Govern- 
ments, two ex-officio members from the State of Montana and Province of 
Saskatchewan who reside in the Poplar River basin participate in the 
activities of the Committee. Table 1 lists the members and ex-officio 
members of the Committee during 1990. 



- 3 - 



Table 1. 1990 MEMBERSHIP OF THE POPLAR RIVER 
BILATERAL MONITORING COMMITTEE 


UNITED STATES SECTION 


CANADIAN SECTION 


Mr. J.R. Knapton 

U.S. Geological Survey 

Chair 


Mr. R.A. Halliday 
Environment Canada 
Chair 


Mr. A. Wittich 
Governor's Office 
Member 


Mr. D.D. Nargang 
Saskatchewan Environment 
Member 


Mr. C.W. Tande 

Daniels County Commissioner 

Ex-Officio Member, Montana 


Mr. J.R. Totton 

Reeve, R.M. of Hart Butte 

Ex-Officio Member, Saskatchewan 



The monitoring programs are in response to potential impacts of a trans- 
boundary nature resulting from Sask Power' s coal-fired thermal generating 
station and ancillary operations near Coronach, Saskatchewan. Monitoring 
is conducted in Canada and the United States at or near the International 
Boundary for quantity and quality of both surface and ground water and 
for air quality. Participants from both countries, including Federal, 
Provincial, and State agencies, are involved in monitoring. 



The Committee submits an annual report to Governments that summarizes the 
monitoring results, evaluates apparent trends, and compares data to 
objectives or standards recommended by the IJC or to relevant Federal, 
State, or Provincial standards. The Committee is also responsible for 
drawing to the attention of Governments definitive changes in monitored 
parameters which may require immediate attention. Reports submitted to 
the Governments normally cover activities of the preceding year. Be- 
cause 1990 is the tenth year of Committee involvement, this report in- 
cludes a compilation of data for the period of 1981-90. 



- 4 - 

A responsibility of the Committee is to review the adequacy of the moni- 
toring programs in both countries and make recommendations to Governments 
on the Technical Monitoring Schedules. The Schedules are updated 
annually for new and discontinued programs and for modifications in 
sampling frequencies, parameter lists, and analytical techniques of 
ongoing programs. The Technical Monitoring Schedules listed in the 
annual report (Annex 2) are given for the following year. The Committee 
will continue to review and propose changes to the Technical Monitoring 
Schedules as information requirements change. 

Another responsibility of the Committee includes a quarterly exchange of 
data acquired through the monitoring programs. The exchange of moni- 
toring information was initiated with the first quarter of 1981, and is 
an expansion of the informal quarterly information exchange program ini- 
tiated between Canada and the United States in 1976. Special reports 
dealing with aspects of monitoring and monitoring results requested by 
the Committee are sometimes published. Any such reports are reviewed 
annually by the Committee. Reports reviewed by the Committee during 1990 
are identified in Annex 3. Exchanged data and reports are available for 
public viewing at the agencies of the participating governments or from 
Committee members. 



- 5 - 
POPLAR RIVER POWER STATION 

Operations 

Operations at the Poplar River Power Station during 1990 were similar to 
previous years with both generating units providing base load capacity. 
Operating statistics for 1990 are shown in Table 2. No change in plant 
operations are anticipated for the next several years. 

A historical review of the operations at the Poplar River Power Station 
from 1981 are provided in Figures 1, 2, and 3. Hours of operation for 
each unit are shown in Figure 1 and gross terawatt hours generated in 
Figure 2. The total coal burned and fuel oil used per year is 
illustrated on Figure 3. 



Table 2. — 1990 Operating Statistics for Generating 
Unit No. 1 and No. 2. 



Unit No. 1 



Unit No. 2 



Hours of Operation 
Gross MHW generated 
Availability (hours) [percent] 
Capacity Factor (percent) 
Number of Start-ups 
Coal Consumed (tonnes) 
Oil Consumed (tonnes) 
Hours in period 



7,989 




8,012 


2,299,100 




2,275,600 


91. 


18 


91.47 


88. 


07 


88.36 


5 




5 


1,920,821 




1,901,697 


972 




1,129 


8,760 




8,760 



- 6 - 




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- 9 - 
The average sulphur content of the coal in 1990 was 0.70 percent. 
Analysis was conducted by the Poplar River Power Station laboratory. 
Analysis of a monthly duplicate coal sample by an independent laboratory 
indicated, on average, a 0.1 percent lower value. Testing for both 
laboratories was done in accordance with ASTM procedure D3176. The 
sulphur content of the fuel oil was 0.08 percent. 

General operations of the ash lagoons were similar to previous years. 
Ash Lagoon No. 1 was used in the winter, with ash split between Ash 
Lagoon No. 1 and Ash Lagoon No. 3 North in the summer. The Poplar River 
Power Station continues to surcharge ash in Ash Lagoon No. 1. 

Similar operations are scheduled for 1991 but with more extensive use of 
Ash Lagoon No . 3 North planned over the summer months . 

There was one reportable spill in 1990 due to human error. This spill 
involved the discharge of ash/ash water. All clean up activity related 
to this spill has been completed. No long term environmental damage as a 
result of this spill is likely. The ash line monitoring program 
continued. 

In 1989 the "Soil Salinity Project South of Morrison Dam" was initiated 
with construction of four pumpwells and a connecting pipeline on the east 
side of the East Poplar River. Initial pumping to Cookson Reservoir 
started with one pump placed in service September 198 9. By December, 
1989, two more pumpwells were placed into service. Three pump operation 
continued to the end of 1990. Results for drawdown of groundwater eleva- 
tions on the east side of the Poplar River have been encouraging. 



- 10 - 

In 1990, Sask Power assumed responsibility for the dewatering operations 
at the abandoned west block mine site. Water from this pumping is used 
to supplement the water supply in the Cookson Reservoir and to provide 
local domestic requirements. 

Construction 

Construction of a demonstration scale LIFAC flue gas desulfurization unit 
was completed on Poplar River's Unit No. 1 in the third quarter of 1990. 
The system was commissioned in September 1990 and extensive testing was 
done in the last quarter of 1990. Results of testing have been encourag- 
ing. Further testing is planned in 1991. 

In 1990, four pumpwells and connecting pipeline were added to the "Soil 
Salinity Project South of Morrison Dam". These pumpwells were placed on 
the west side of the East Poplar River. Construction was completed in 
October 1990. By the end of 1990, two pumps were in service. 

Mining 

During 1990, Prairie Coal Limited provided coal to the Poplar River Power 
Station from the south block mine site located east of Coronach, Saskat- 
chewan. Reclamation of the mined area at the west block mine site con- 
tinued in 1990 and should be complete in 1992. 

The mineable coal supply at the south block mine site is limited to three 
to four more years. As a result, Prairie Coal Limited plans to relocate 
mining in 1994 to the north block mine area located north of Coronach, 
Saskatchewan. Pre-mine development of the north block mine is scheduled 
for 1992. The overview of the three mining areas is provided by the map 
in Figure 4 . 



- 11 




Figure 4. — Map showing past, present, and future coal mines used to 
supply the Poplar River Power Station. 



- 12 - 

SURFACE WATER QUANTITY 

Streamflow 

Streamflow in the Poplar River basin was much below normal during 1981- 
90 . Median March to October runoff at the gaging station on the Poplar 
River at the International Boundary for the period was only 40 percent of 
the median of the previous 50 years of record. Streamflow was well below 
the long-term mean in all but two of ten years. Winter snowfall, spring 
rains, and summer thundershowers were all noticeably absent during the 
period. A comparison of the March-October runoff for 1981-90 with the 
long-term mean and median is shown in Figure 5. 



30.000 



in 

Ld 

on 

H 

Ul 

< 

o 

UJ 
Q 

O 

CD 
=5 
O 



20,000 



15,000 



10,000 



5,000 




m 




A v, 






2. 




1931-80 mean 
March— October runoff 



1931-80 median 
March— October runoff 



V777X 



% 



1981 



82 83 84 85 



86 87 88 89 1990 



Figure 5. — March through October runoff for 1981-90 as compared to the 
1931-80 mean and median runoff on the Poplar River at 
International Boundary. 



- 13 - 

Streamflow in the Poplar River basin was below normal during 1990. The 
March to October recorded flow volume of the Poplar River at the Inter- 
national Boundary was 5,410 cubic decametres (dam 3 ), or 32 percent of the 
1931-80 mean. 

Reservoir Storag e 

Cookson Reservoir, the source of cooling water for the Poplar River Power 
Station, was at full-supply level (FSL) for only three short periods in 
the period 1981-90. By the end of 1990, the contents of the reservoir 
had dropped to a ten-year low of 23,200 dam 3 , or 53 percent of capacity. 
Full power plant production requires 18,000 dam 3 of water in the reser- 
voir. The monthend contents and elevations for Cookson Reservoir for 
1981-90 are shown in Figure 6. 



754 



749 



-i 1 1 1 1 1 1 r 




j 1 i i_ 



-1 L 



_1 i_ 



51,900 



1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 

YEAR 



19.100 



Figure 6. — Monthend contents and elevations for Cookson Reservoir 



- 14 - 

Reservoir storage during the 1981-90 period was supplemented by ground 
water pumping for purposes of mine dewatering. In most of those years, 
the pumping exceeded the amount of water contributed by natural flow. An 
average of 5,400 dam 3 was pumped from the mine annually. 

Apportionment 

In 1976, the International Souris-Red Rivers Engineering Board, through 
its Poplar River Task Force, completed an investigation and made a rec- 
ommendation to the governments of Canada and the United States regarding 
apportionment of the waters of the Poplar River basin. Although not 
officially adopted by the two countries, Canada has attempted to follow 
the apportionment recommendations. 

The apportionment of the East Poplar River is determined on the basis of 
the natural flow of the Poplar River. Through 1990, the recorded flow of 
the Poplar River at the International Boundary was considered to be the 
natural flow. The recorded flow for the March-May period each year is 
used to determine the minimum flow and on-demand release requirements on 
the East Poplar River for the succeeding 12 months. Generally, the 
greater the flow in the Poplar River, the greater the releases into the 
East Poplar River. The complete apportionment recommendation is given in 
Annex 4 . 

Minimum Flows and On-Demand Releases 

During the ten-year period, the flow in the East Poplar River has gen- 
erally exceeded minimum flow requirements. However, flows did drop below 
the recommended minimum for short periods in 1982, 1986, and 1990. Main 



- 15 - 

causes of these shortages have been severe ice conditions, beaver 
activity, and miscommunication. 

On-demand releases have been made as requested during the ten-year 
period. Inability to accurately control small releases from Cookson 
Reservoir has occasionally resulted in an extension of the requested 
release period. With the exception of 1981, when two consecutive 
releases were made, each year' s on-demand release has been requested and 
made in April or May of the following year. 

Figure 7 shows the recorded flow of the East Poplar River as compared to 
the combined minimum flow and on-demand release volume as given in the 
apportionment recommendation for 1981-90. 



12.000 

to 

Ld 
DC 
uj 10,000 

< 

o 

Ul 

Q 

o 

00 

=> 
o 



DC 

< 

X 

o 

CO 
Q 
_J 

o 



8,000 - 



6,000 - 



4.000 - 



2,000 - 



29,000 



EZl RECOMMENDED MINIMUM FLOW AND RELEASE . 
ES RECORDED 




1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 

YEAR 

Figure 7. — Recorded discharge of the East Poplar River at International 

Boundary as compared to the total minimum flow recommendation. 



- 16 - 

In 1990, the recommended minimum daily flow of 0.028 cubic metres per 
second (m 3 /s) was met or exceeded except on June 12 and December 30, 31. 
Releases to meet the on-demand volume of 370 dam 3 were made May 1-31. A 
salinity-control pumping project downstream from Cookson Reservoir and 
upstream from the International Boundary has lowered the groundwater 
table and, consequently, reduced the groundwater contribution to the flow 
of the East Poplar River at the International Boundary. A total of 705 
dam 3 was pumped back into Cookson Reservoir from this project in 1990. 

Quality Control 

Simultaneous discharge measurements have been made by personnel from the 
U.S. Geological Survey and Water Survey of Canada annually since 1987. 
To date, all measurement results have been within acceptable limits, and 
many have compared exceptionally well. 



- 17 - 

1981-90 SURFACE WATER QUALITY 
East Poplar River 

The 1981 report by the IJC to Governments recommended: 

For the March to October period, the maximum flow-weighted 
concentrations should not exceed 3.5 mg/L for boron and 
1500 mg/L for total dissolved solids for any three 
consecutive months in the East Poplar River at the 
International Boundary. For the March to October period, 
the long-term average of flow-weighted concentrations 
should be 2.5 mg/L or less for boron, and 1000 mg/L or less 
for total dissolved solids in the East Poplar River at the 
International Boundary. 

For the period prior to 1982, three-month moving flow-weighted 
concentrations (FWC) for boron and total dissolved solids (TDS) were 
calculated solely from monthly monitoring results. Since the beginning 
of 1982, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has monitored specific 
conductance daily in the East Poplar River at the International Boundary, 
allowing estimates of daily boron and TDS concentration to be derived 
from regression relationships with specific conductance. Thus, three- 
month FWCs for the period 1982 to 1988 have been calculated from both the 
results of monthly monitoring and the daily concentration estimates. 

The Bilateral Monitoring Committee adopted the approach that for the 
purposes of comparison with the proposed IJC long-term objectives, the 
boron and TDS data are best graphically plotted as five-year moving FWCs 
which were advanced one month at a time. 

Beginning in 1988, FWCs were calculated from the five year period 
preceding each plotted point. Prior to 1988, long-term averages were 
calculated from a five year period in which 2.5 years preceded and 2.5 
years followed each plotted point. For example, the FWC for December 



- 18 - 

1989 refers to the FWC of the period December 1984 to December 1989. It 
should be emphasized that the calculations have been based on the results 
of all samples collected for the three-month and five-year period, and 
not restricted to samples collected during March to October. 

Total Dissolved Solids 
There is an inverse relationship between TDS and streamflow at the 
International Boundary station. During periods of high runoff, such as 
spring freshet, TDS drops as the proportion of streamflow derived 
ultimately from groundwater decreases. Conversely, during times of low 
streamflow (late summer, winter) the contribution of groundwater to 
streamflow is proportionally greater. Because the natural groundwater 
has a higher ionic strength than the surface water entering the river, 
the TDS of the stream increases markedly during low flow conditions. 

TDS grab sample data collected by Environment Canada and the USGS from 
January 1981 to December 1990 are shown in Figure 8. In Figure 9, 
individual years are simplified by annual box plots. For any one year 
the maximum and minimum values are displayed by lines extending from a 
box. The box displays the 25th, 50th (median), and 75th percentiles for 
that year. Except for 1982 and 1983, the data ranges remain somewhat 
close to the median. In 1982 and 1983, high flow conditions (Figure 10) 
likely explain the extremely low TDS values. The TDS observations at the 
higher end of the concentration range are probably a consequence of 
groundwater contributions to streamflow during low flow conditions. 
Seasonally, the lowest TDS concentrations occur from March to May 
coinciding with high flow conditions (Figures 11 and 12) . 



- 19 - 



1500 

1350 

1200 

1050 

\ 900 

§, 750 

^ 600 

450 

300 

150 





1 


i 


■' - 1 1 1 ■ 1 1 1 ] 


• 




• 

• 


* 


. • 


• * 3 • • 


:• 




• 








V 


_ 


• • 






•*. 


• 


- 


• 


• 


" 


i 


1 


1 1 1 1 1 1 1 



1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 

Year 



Figure 8 



--TDS grab sample data for East Poplar River 
at International Boundary for period 1981-90 



1500 
1350 

1200 - 
1050 - 



\ 900 

en 

£ 750 - 

00 600 

Q 

I- 450 

300 

150 





I 



$ ^ y ^ M ? 



1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 

Year 



Figure 9. — Box plots of annual TDS concentrations for East Poplar 
River at International Boundary for period 1981-90. 



- 20 







1 


• 


1 1 I 1 1 1 1 1 


p 

2 

O 












10' 






- 


OS 


10° 




• 


• 
• 


Uj 
Id 

s 

U 

M 

CQ 
D 
O 


10-1 


• 


• 

• 

• 
• 

V- 


• • 

• 
• * • • 






A 


i i i i i i ii 



1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 

Year 



Figure 10. — Mean daily discharge for water-quality sampling dates 
for East Poplar River at International Boundary. 



O 



500 
350 
200 
050 
900 
750 
600 
450 
300 
150 




1 1 r~ 
ii 


T 



JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JJL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC 

Month 



Figure 11. — Box plots of monthly TDS concentrations for East Poplar 
River at International Boundary for period 1981-90. 



- 21 - 



10 1 






- 


100 


] 








I I 


10-1 






! 








I 


1 




^ ^ ^ £p ^ ep" 



JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SFP OCT NOV DEC 

Month 



Figure 12. — Monthly boxplots of streamflows for samples collected at East 
Poplar River at International Boundary for period 1981-90. 



A histogram and summary statistics for TDS are shown in Figure 13. The 
data are not normally distributed (90% confidence level), showing a sig- 
nificant negative skew. Using the Seasonal Kendall Tau test for trend 
assessment, TDS statistically increases significantly from 1981 to 1990 
(90% confidence level) . The Seasonal Kendall Sen Slope estimates the 
approximate TDS increase to be 3.75 mg/L/year (Figure 14). This posi- 
tive trend could be explained by the drought conditions that occurred 
over the later half of the data record. Low flow conditions (when flows 
are derived largely from groundwater sources) likely increased TDS con- 
centrations and yielded a positive TDS trend in the 1981-90 data. In 
addition, increases in TDS come from salt buildup in the reservoir as a 
result of evaporation. Natural reservoir evaporation is augmented by 
heat transfer from the generating units to the reservoir as water is used 
for cooling purposes . 



- 22 - 



u 

c 

3 60 

cr 

0) 




minimum 


187 


maximum 


1223 


mean 


881 


stand, dev. 


137 


percentiles: 




10th 


734 


25th 


842 


50th 


914 


75th 


959 


90th 


997 


n = 246 sarr 


pies 



187-290 291-394 395-497 498-601 602-705 706-808 809-912 913-1015 1016-1119 1120-1223 

TDS (mg/L) 

Figure 13. — Distribution of TDS concentrations for East Poplar 
River at International Boundary for period 1981-90. 



1500 
1350 
1200 
1050 

\ 900 

en 

E^ 750 

^ 600 

450 

300 

150 





i i i i — r 1 i 1 1 


: 


-■-I'-i. 1 _ j. -.1 _• i*l - -\.i : l.J'U»'Sl - -.- '^'-'.Ah li'-L-.u-il--^:^'-- -.^:~ 


-. :. 


. 'i 


- 


Sen Slope Estimate (3.75 mg/L/year) 


1 _i i i i i i i i 



1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 

Year 



Figure 14. — Sen Slope estimate for TDS at East Poplar 
River at International boundary. 



- 23 - 

The proposed short-term objective for TDS is 1,500 mg/L. A time plot of 
the three-month moving FWCs for TDS is presented in Figure 15. No ex- 
ceedances of the objective have been observed during any three month 
period since 1975. The three-month FWCs remained confined within a 
narrow range centered around a mean of approximately 900 mg/L during 
1990. 



o^ 



1600 
1500 
1400 
1300 
1200 
1100 
1000 
900 



w 800 
g 700 
•- 600 
500 
400 
300 
200 
100 



t — i — i — i — i — i — i — i — i — i — i — i — i — i — i — i — i — i — i — i — i — i — i — i — i — r 
Short-Term Objective (1 500 mg/L) 




1 974 1 975 1 976 1 977 1 978 1 979 1 980 1 981 1 982 1 983 1 984 1 985 1 986 1 987 1 988 1 989 1 990 

Year 



Figure 15. — Three-month moving, flow-weighted TDS concentration 
for East Poplar River at International Boundary. 



Five-year FWCs for TDS (Figure 16) remained below the long-term objective 
of 1,000 mg/L. A 200 mg/L increase in the five-year FWCs which occured 
in early 1988 was maintained throughout 1990. This corresponds to a 
decline in high 1984 spring flows over that period of time. A similar 
increase in TDS was seen during mid 1987, as a remnant of 1982 discharge. 
Relatively low spring discharges have occurred since 1984. If this trend 
continues, it is expected that FWCs will increase slightly or remain near 
the present concentration level. 



- 24 - 



1300 

1200 
1100 
1000 

— 900 

_i 

\ 800 

JL 700 

co 600 

Q 

*~ 500 

400 

300 

200 

100 



-i — | — i — | — i 1 1 1 1 — | 1 — | — i — | — i 1 1 1 — i 1 1 — | — i — | — i — | — I — | 1 — i — i — | — r 



Long-Term Objective (1 000 mg/L) 



' ' i__i i i i i i i i i i i I i i i i i i i 

1 974 1 975 1 976 1 977 1 978 1 979 1 980 1 981 1 982 1 983 1 984 1 985 1 986 1 987 1 988 1 989 1 990 

Year 



Figure 16. — Five-year moving, flow-weighted TDS concentration 
for East Poplar River at International Boundary. 



The relationship between TDS and specific conductance generated from data 
collected from 1975 to 1990 is as follows: 

TDS = (0.640 x specific conductance) + 10.701 
(R 2 =0.87, n=398) 



Boron 



Figure 17 displays monthly boron data collected from Jan. 1981 to Dec. 
1990 by Environment Canada and the USGS . In Figure 18, individual years 
are simplified by annual box plots. Within any year, boron displays a 
marked variability about the median. The lowest boron concentrations 
occurred in 1982, 1983, and 1986 presumably as a result of high flow 



25 - 



3.5 

3.0 

if 2.5 

Cn 

& 2.0 

§ '- 5 

M 

5 1.0 
PQ 

0.5 
0.0 







I 




1 1 ! i 


1 


r i "t — 




• 










• 


• 














m 


• 




• 
















• 




• 






Z.« . 


• •• * • • * 

• • • « • 

• • — • 


•• — 










• • • 






•• • • « 


• 


*• •• *m • • • 
•*• • • •• • • • • *•• 


a ** . r 


•• • 


,• . ' " 




• • 




• • • • 


• • ** 






• 




• • • 

• • • •• 
• • • • 


•• m 




1 


-• 1 


•. 






9 

i 


• 












• • • 






• 








• 








- • 


• 


•i 










- 


i 


■ 


• 




• 








• 




















• 

1 




1 1 


1 


1 I I 





1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 

Year 



Figure 17. — Boron grab sample data for East Poplar River at 
International Boundary for period 1981-90. 




19B1 



982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 
Year 



Figure If 



— Box plots of annual boron concentrations for East Poplar 
River at International Boundary for period 1981-90. 



- 26 - 

conditions (Figure 10) . The highest boron concentrations occurred in 
1981, 1986, and 1988 and are likely the product of low flow conditions. 
The seasonal boron pattern observed in Figure 19 closely resembles that 
of TDS (Figure 11) ; the lowest boron concentrations occur from March to 
July coinciding with high flow conditions. 



3.5 
3.0 
2.5 



2.0 



c§ i.o 



0.5 - 



0.0 






JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC 

Month 



Figure 19. --Box plots of monthly boron concentrations for East Poplar 
River at International Boundary for period 1981-90. 



The histogram and summary statistics for boron are shown in Figure 20. As 
with TDS, boron data are not normally distributed (90% confidence level) , 
showing a significant negative skew. As shown in Figure 21, boron levels 
undergo a statistically significant increase from 1981 to 1990 (90% con- 
fidence level) . The boron increase, as calculated by the Seasonal Ken- 
dall Sen Slope Estimate, is approximately 0.0285 mg/L/year. As with TDS, 
this trend may be explained by the drought conditions in addition to con- 
sumptive use of water for cooling and natural evaporation from Cookson 
Reservoir . 



27 



3 50 



minimum 


0.30 


maximum 


2.9 


mean 
stand, dev 


1.8 
0.37 


percentiles: 
10th 
25th 
50th 
75th 
90th 


2.1 
1.6 
1.8 
1.9 

1.2 


n = 246 somples 









0.30-0.56 0.56-0.82 0.83-1.08 1.09-1.34 1.35-1.60 1.61-1.86 1.87-2.12 2.13-2.38 2.39-2.64 2.65-2.90 

Boron (mg/L) 

Figure 20. — Distribution of boron concentrations for East Poplar 
River at International Boundary for period 1981-90. 



3.5 
3.0 

2.5 



J 



u 

O 1.0 
0.5 

0.0 



Sen Slope Estimate (0.0285 mg/L/year) 



1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 

Year 



Figure 21. — Sen Slope estimate for boron at East 

Poplar River at International Boundary. 



- 28 - 

Three-month boron FWCs for the period of record are shown in Figure 22 . 
The short term objective of 3.5 mg/L boron was not exceeded for the 
period 1975-1990. The similarity in shape between the TDS and boron 
plots (Figures 15 and 22) is a strong indication of the significance of 
discharge in FWC functions. 




from sample analysis 

x from regression 

l_j I i I i I i_J i I L. 



1 974 1 975 1 976 1 977 1 978 1 979 1 980 1 981 1 982 1 983 1 984 1 985 1 986 1 987 1 988 1 989 1 990 

Year 



Figure 22. — Three-month moving, flow-weighted boron concentration 
for East Poplar River at International Boundary. 



The five-year boron FWCs, displayed in Figure 23, remained well below the 
long-term objective of 2 . 5 mg/L boron. From mid-1988 to the end of 1990, 
there was a slight increase in the five-year boron FWC. As was the case 
with TDS, the five-year calculations for boron were significantly 
influenced by the relatively large discharge during the spring of 1985. 



29 - 



3.0 

2.6 

►^ 2.2 

E 1.8 

C 1 .4 
O 
U 

O 1.0 
PQ 

0.6 
0.2 



i — | — i — | — i — | — i — | — i — | — i — | — i — | — i — | — i — | — i — | — i — | — i — | — i — | — i — | — i — | — i — | — r 



Long-Term Objective (2.5 mg/L) 



-i I i I i L 



J l I l L 



J I I i I I L 



1 974 1 975 1 976 1 977 1 978 1 979 1 980 1 981 1 982 1 983 1 984 1 985 1 986 1 987 1 988 1 989 1 990 

Year 



Figure 23 . --Five-year moving, flow-weighted boron concentration 
for East Poplar River at International Boundary. 



The relationship between boron and specific conductance at the East 
Poplar River sampling location during the period 1975-1990 is described 
by the equation: 

boron = (0.00149 x specific conductance) - 0.275 
(R 2 =0.71, n=398) 



Mercury in Cookson Fish 

Mercury levels in fish in the Cookson Reservoir have been measured on 
four occasions, in 1979 and 1983 by Environment Canada (Water Quality 
Branch, 1980; Munro, 1985), and in 1980 and 1984 by Saskatchewan Environ- 
ment (Waite and others, 1980) . These fish were collected for the purpose 
of meeting consumptive guidelines. The fish are confined to Cookson 



- 30 - 

Reservoir and as such could only travel downstream as a result of a high 
runoff event. As suggested by Waite and others (1980), based on patterns 
in other reservoir flooding throughout the world, high initial mercury 
levels in fish would be expected as a consequence of organic decay and 
methylation of sediment-borne metal. Elevated mercury concentrations in 
fish tissues would decline to pre-flooding background levels as organic 
matter was assimilated. 

Mercury concentration in edible tissue of two size-classes of walleye 
(Stizostedion vitreum) from 1979 to 1983 (Figure 24) followed the 



2.0-i 


Walleye 


White Sucker 




25-35 cm i ,35-50 cm 


25-40 cm 


CD 




JL 






| 1.5- 










CD 










E 


i ! 




* 




CD 






T I 




o 


^ 




n i 






>. 






o 


I 0.5 - 





..J. j r 




* * 








on - 


Tq! : 




e* 


U.U i i i i i i i ill 


Sampling Year 



Figure 24. — Box plots of mercury levels in edible fish in Cookson 
Reservoir from 1979 to 1983. Data from Water Quality 
Branch (1980), Waite and others (1980) and Munro (1985). 
Dashed horizontal line indicates current consumption 
guideline of 0.5 mg/kg. 



- 31 - 

expected pattern. Mercury in the edible tissue of smaller classes of 
walleye (25-35 cm) rapidly declined from a median concentration of 0.85 
milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) in 1979 to 0.14 mg/kg in 1983. Likewise, 
the mercury concentration in larger fish (35-50 cm), while remaining 
higher than the smaller fish, declined from 1.32 mg/kg in 1979 to 0.42 
mg/kg in 1984 . Mercury concentration of Cookson Reservoir white suckers 
{Catastomus commersoni) was low (median 0.25-0.29 mg/kg) and unchanged 
from 1979 to 1983 (Kruskal-Wallis 2-sample test, p=0.61). Munro (1985) 
also reported on several species of "forage fish", such as brassy minnow 
(Hybognathus hankinsoni) and less than one year old carp (Cyprinus 
carpio) and suckers. Values for these three fish species ranged from 
0.03 to 0.25 mg/kg. 

Other Water Quality Variables 

Table 3 contains a summary of excursions, for the period 1981 to 1990, to 
the multi-purpose water quality objectives for the East Poplar River at 
the International Boundary. There were no exceedances of the objectives 
recommended by the IJC for TDS and boron. The following exceedances were 
observed for the objectives recommended by the International Poplar River 
Board to the IJC: 



Parameter 





Sample 


Objective 


value 


(mg/L) 


(mg/L) 


0.1 


0.11 


5.0/4.0 


3.6 


5.0/4.0 


1.6 


5.0/4.0 


2.8 


5.0/4.0 


1.8 


.03 


.10 



Sampling 
Date 



Agency 



Dissolved aluminum 
Dissolved oxygen 
Dissolved oxygen 
Dissolved oxygen 
Dissolved oxygen 
Total zinc 



June 19, 1984 Environment Canada 

July 15, 1988 USGS 

Jan. 11, 1989 Environment Canada 

Feb. 8, 1989 Environment Canada 

March 6, 1989 Environment Canada 

April 15, 1982 USGS 



- 32 - 

Table 3. — Recommended water quality objectives and excursions, 
1981-90 monitoring, East Poplar River at the International Boundary 

[units in mg/L except as otherwise noted] 



Parameter 



No. of samples 



Objective 



USA 



Canada 



Excursions 
(No. /Year) 



Objectives recommended by IJC to Governments 



Boron-total 

Total dissolved solids 



3.5/2.5(') 113 134 
1,500/1, 000 < l ) 113 133 



nil 
nil 



Objectives recommended by Poplar River Board to IJC 



Aluminum-dissolved 

Ammonia un-ionized (as N) 

Cadmium- total 

Chromium- total 

Copper -dissolved 

Copper-total 

Fluoride-dissolved 

Lead-total 

Mercury-dissolved 

Mercury-whole fish (mg/kg) 

Nitrate (as N) 

Oxygen -dissolved 

Sodium adsorption ratio 

Sulf ate-dissolved 

Zinc-total 

Water temperature (Celsius) 

pH (pH units) 

Coliform 
Fecal (no. per 100 mL) 
Total (no. per 100 mL) 





0.1 


31 




.2 


114 




.0012 


15 




.05 


28 




.005 


20 




1.0 


27 




1.5 


114 




.03 


30 




.0002 


15 




.5 


— 




10.0 


108 


4 


.0/5. 0( 3 ) 


112 




10 


114 




800 


114 




.03 


35 




30.0 ( 4 ) 


118 




6.5( 5 ) 


110 


2, 


,000 


11 


20, 


,000 


11 



97 


1/1984 


128 


nil 


127 


nil 


104 


nil 


— 


nil 


126 


nil 


123 


nil 


126 


nil 


114 ( 2 ) 


nil 


56 


4/1983 


128 


nil 


117 


1/1988; 3/1989 


98 


nil 


126 


nil • 


124 


1/1982 


113 


nil 


123 


nil 


107 


nil 


100 


nil 



'Five-year average of flow-weighted concentrations (March to October) should 
be <2 . 5 boron and <1,000 TDS . Three-month average of flow-weighted 
concentrations should be <3.5 boron and <1, 500 TDS. 

2 Mercury sampled by Environment Canada as total mercury. 

3 5.0 (minimum April 10 to May 15), 4.0 (minimum remainder of year). 

4 Natural temperature (April 10 to May 15), <30 degrees Celsius (remainder of 
year) . 



Less than . 5 pH units above natural, minimum pH = 6.5. 



- 33 - 

1990 SURFACE WATER QUALITY 

East Poplar River 

Total Dissolved Solids 

Analyzed TDS concentrations in 1990 ranged from 783 mg/L (April 10) to 

1,110 mg/L (May 11). 1990 TDS results are presented in Figure 25. As 

mentioned in the 1981-90 section, there were no exceedences in 1990 of 
either the three-month FWCs or the five-year FWCs for TDS. 



1200 



1100 - 



1000 - 



E^ 900 - 

CO 
Q 
>- 800 



700 



600 



• • • 



1990 



J J A 
Month 



D 1991 



Figure 25. — TDS concentrations for 1990 grab samples from 
East Poplar River at International Boundary. 



Boron 



During 1990, boron concentrations in the East Poplar River at the Inter- 
national Boundary varied from 1.6 mg/L (April 10) to 2.1 mg/L (May 11) 
(Figure 26) . In 1990, boron did not exceed either the three-month FWCs 
or the five-year FWCs. 



- 34 - 



2.4 



2.2 






2.0 



C 

O 1.8 
U 
O 
CQ 
1.6 



1.4 



• • • • 

. • ... 



1990 



J J 

Month 



1991 



Figure 26. — Boron concentrations for 1990 grab samples from 
East Poplar River at International Boundary. 



Other Water Quality Variables 

Table 4 compares the concentration values for the remaining water quality 
variables to the multipurpose water quality objectives recommended by the 
International Poplar River Water Quality Board to the IJC. In 1990, 
there were no exceedences of these objectives. 



Environment Canada monitored the East Poplar River for phenoxyacid 
herbicides and organochlorine compounds during 1990. Trace 
concentrations of 2,4-D (in one of eight samples), and alpha BHC (in one 
of nine samples) were recorded. The presence of these compounds in 
prairie surface waters is well documented (Integrated Environments 
Limited, 1991) . All other organic compounds monitored were below 
analytical detection limits. 



- 35 - 

Table 4. — Recommended water quality objectives and excursions, 
1990 sampling program, East Poplar River at the International Boundary 

[units in mg/L except as otherwise noted] ) 



Parameter 



Objective 



No. of samples 
USA Canada 



Excursions 
(No. /Year) 



Objectives recommended by IJC to Governments 



Boron-total 

Total dissolved solids 



3.5/2.5(» ) 

1, 500/1, 000(» ) 



nil 
nil 



Objectives recommended by Poplar River Board to IJC 



Aluminum-dissolved 

Ammonia un-ionized (as N) 

Cadmium-total 

Chromium- total 

Copper -dissolved 

Copper-total 

Fluoride-dissolved 

Lead-total 

Mercury-dissolved 

Mercury-whole fish (mg/kg) 

Nitrate (as N) 

Oxygen-dissolved 

Sodium adsorption ratio 

Sulfate-dis solved 

Zinc-total 

Water temperature (Celsius) 

pH (pH units) 

Coliform 
Fecal (no. per 100 mL) 
Total (no. per 100 mL) 



0.1 


4 


9 


nil 


.2 


9 


9 


nil 


.0012 


1 


9 


nil 


.05 


3 


9 


nil 


.005 


2 


— 


nil 


1.0 


3 


9 


nil 


1.5 


9 


9 


nil 


.03 


3 


9 


nil 


.0002 


— 


— 


nil 


.5 


— 


— 


nil 


10 


3 


9 


nil 


4.0/5.0( 2 ) 


9 


7 


nil 


10 


9 


9 


nil 


800 


9 


9 


nil 


.03 


2 


9 


nil 


30.0 ( 3 ) 


9 


7 


nil 


6.5( 4 ) 


9 


9 


nil 


2,000 





9 


nil 


20,000 


— 


9 


nil 



•Five-year average of flow-weighted concentrations (March to October) should 
be <2.5 boron and 1,000 TDS . Three-month average of flow-weighted 
concentrations should be <3.5 boron and <1,500 TDS. 

2 5.0 (minimum April 10 to May 15), 4.0 (minimum remainder of year). 

3 Natural temperature (April 10 to May 15), <30 degrees Celsius (remainder of 
year) . 



4 Less than . 5 pH units above natural, minimum pH = 6.5, 



- 36 - 

Girard Creek and Cookson Reservoir 
1981-1990 

The 1981-90 Cookson Reservoir data for TDS and boron collected prior to 
freezeup conditions illustrate increasing trends. A review of concurrent 
reservoir volumes and the declining trend over the past four years 
suggest the low inflows may have exacerbated the upward trend. During 
the same review period, the East Poplar and Girard Creek inflows 
demonstrated annual variability but long term trends were not apparent. 

The major ion compositions in early winter samples collected in 1980, 
1981, 1985, and 1990 from Cookson Reservoir near Morrison Dam and at 
Highway 36, and Girard Creek were examined. The ionic characteristics 
have remained generally similar although some subtle changes in 
composition have occurred. The shifts have primarily related to the 
magnesium, sodium plus potassium, bicarbonate and sulphate ions. 

Over the 1981-90 period, the water quality has essentially been within 
the objectives established for the East Poplar River at the international 
boundary (Table 5) . Apart from TDS and boron, percentile ranges and 
trends for the remaining variables have been as listed in Table 5. 



- 37 - 

Table 5 . --Historical quality summary, Cookson Reservoir near Morrison Dam 
[Note: Units in mg/L unless noted. Trends based on fall data.] 









Percentile Range 




Parameter 


Record 


Analyses 


10th 


90th 


Trend 


Aluminum- total 


8004-9011 


63 


0.08 


0.88 


nil 


Ammonia (As N) -total 


8004-9011 


58 


.06 


.37 


nil 


Cadmium-total 


8004-9011 


55 


<.001 


<.001 


nil 


Chromium- total 


8004-9011 


90 


<.001 


.005 


nil 


Copper-total 


8004-9011 


100 


.001 


.006 


nil 


Fluoride-dissolved 


8004-9011 


59 


.17 


.50 


post 85 
increase 


Lead-total 


8004-9011 


31 


<.004 


.006 


nil 


Mercury-total 


8004-9011 


55 


<.0001 


.0002 


nil 


Nitrate/Nitrite (as N) 


8004-9011 


68 


.02 


.32 


nil 


Oxygen-dissolved 


8004-9011 




6.2 


10.7 


— 


Sulphate-dissolved 


8004-9011 


67 


160 


360 


increasing 


Zinc-total 


8004-9011 


89 


.002 


.031 


nil 


Temperature, °C 


8004-9012 


140 


3.0 


24.5 


— 


pH, units 


8004-9012 


269 


8.68 


8.8 


increasing 


Total Coliform/dL 


8004-9011 


65 


<1 


50 


nil 


Fecal Coliform/dL 


8004-9011 


65 


<1 


2 


nil 



- 38 - 

1990 

Saskatchewan Environment and Public Safety reported quarterly on the 
water quality at four locations in the Poplar River Basin during 1990. 
Sites included Girard Creek south of Coronach, Cookson Reservoir at 
Highway 36, Cookson Reservoir near Morrison Dam, and East Poplar River 
immediately below Morrison Dam. Sampling at these sites was carried out 
in February, May, August, and November. 

A review of the data from these locations showed concentrations of vir- 
tually all water quality variables to be within the recommended water- 
quality objectives for the East Poplar River (Table 4) . At the Girard 
Creek station, single anomalous excursions were noted for zinc and chro- 
mium. Spring runoff in 1990 was much below the long term normal. Res- 
ervoir water quality (dissolved salts) improved only marginally in the 
spring relative to the preceding winter water quality. Figures 27, 28, 




Figure 27. — TDS concentrations in Cookson Reservoir at 
Morrison Dam for the period 1981-90. 



- 39 - 



i r 




Figure 28. — Boron concentrations in Cookson Reservoir 
at Morrison Dam for the period 1981-90. 



and 29 illustrate the increasing concentrations for TDS, boron, and 
sulphates, respectively. 



To alleviate the elevated water table south of the reservoir and the 
attendant soil salinity concerns, Sask Power undertook a soil salinity 
project south of Morrison Dam. With the intent to lower the water table 
to pre-reservoir levels, wells were installed in a reach approximately 
2.5 km below the dam. Phase 1 involved the installation of four wells on 
the east side of the River in 1989 and in 1990 four wells were placed on 
the west side as Phase 2. Discharge is returned to the reservoir through 
a common line. Three wells on the east side were operated during 1990 
and pump testing for the west side wells was initiated in late 1990. 



- 40 - 




1981 



982 



1983 



1984 



1985 1986 
Year 



1987 



1988 



1989 



1990 



Figure 29. — Sulphate concentrations in Cookson Reservoir 
at Morrison Dam for the period 1981-90. 



Return groundwater quality and volumes were measured. From startup in 
September, 1989, through December 1990, the total pumpage was approxi- 
mately 896 dam 3 - less than 5% of the 1990 reservoir volumes. Water 
quality measurements have indicated slightly lower concentrations of 
total dissolved solids and boron than were present in the reservoir. 



In 1990, Sask Power assumed responsibility for the regional dewatering 
system west of Coronach. Pumped volumes to Girard Creek and water qual- 
ity measurements immediately downstream of the majority of pump wells 
were obtained. During 1990, this supplementary water supply provided 
approximately 4,693 dam 3 , less than 20% of the 1990 Reservoir volume. 
The water quality is characterized by lower total dissolved salts and 



- 41 - 

boron concentrations (means of 943 and 1.28 mg/L respectively) than in 
Cookson Reservoir. 

Quality Control 

Quality control sampling was carried out at the East Poplar River at the 
International Boundary on September 13, 1990. Participating agencies 
included the United States Geological Survey, Environment Canada, 
Saskatchewan Environment and Public Safety and Sask Power. 

Sets of triplicate samples were split from USGS sampling churns and 
submitted to the respective agency laboratories for analyses. Field 
procedures were identical to those used to 1986, 1987, 1988, and 1989. 

The results were subsequently distributed to all participants for review 
by both field and analytical personnel. Most parameters showed good 
reproducibility. Results for total Kjeldahl nitrogen, dissolved iron and 
total molybdenum are not comparable. For total phosphorus, TDS and total 
chromium, one set of results is noticeably high compared to the other 
reported sets. Similarly, one of the reported data sets is low for 
silica and dissolved aluminum. The results reported by one agency for 
magnesium showed unacceptable variability. The USGS and Saskatchewan 
Environment and Public Safety's relatively high detection limits for 
nitrate/nitrite make it difficult to evaluate the results for these 
parameters . 

Environment Canada will do a more detailed evaluation of all of the 
available historical data for this comparative quality control exercise 
and report to the Committee in early 1992. 



- 42 - 

GROUND WATER QUANTITY 
Saskatchewan 

Cookson Reservoir Supplementary Supply 

On January 1, 1990, Sask Power took over responsibility for the network 
of coal mine dewatering wells south and west of Coronach. Sask Power 
assumed this responsibility for the purpose of using the network to 
supplement surface flows into Cookson Reservoir. Previously, this 
network had been operated and maintained by Prairie Coal for the purpose 
of dewatering the Hart coal seam to allow mining. 

Most wells were in poor state of repair when taken over by Sask Power. 
Therefore, during the summer of 1990, approximately 25 wells were 
repaired and used as pump wells in 1990, with ten discharge points being 
used. In addition, five piezometers were replaced and five new 
piezometers were constructed. 

Sask Power informed Saskatchewan Water Corporation that previous dis- 
charge volume measurements were possibly 30 to 50 percent in error. 
Saskatchewan Water Corporation and Sask Power were in agreement that this 
deficiency must be addressed. In order to more accurately determine 
pumped volumes, flow meters were installed in 1990 to verify flow 
volumes. Accurate quantification will greatly assist in long term 
decisions on aquifer yield. 

Table 6 shows that groundwater pumpage from the well network peaked in 
the early to mid-1980' s followed by continuing decrease in pumping in 
1986 to 1989. This trend was reversed in 1990 with total abstraction for 



- 43 - 

the supplementary supply reaching 4,693 dam 3 (3,804 acre/ft). This rate 
of abstraction is expected to be maintained through 1991. The return to 
higher abstraction rates reflected the well network's new role as a 
supplementary supply during an extended period of drought and low surface 
runoff. Saskatchewan Water Corporation had granted Sask Power a 
temporary allocation of 5,000 dam 3 for 1990 and an additional 5,000 dam 3 
for 1991. A summary of the monthly pumpages from all supplementary 
supply wells is shown in Table 7. 



Table 6. — yearly abstraction of ground water for 

supplementary supply to Cookson Reservoir. 

Year Volume (dam 3 ) Volume (acre/ft) 



Pre-1980 11,351 9,202 

1980 4,064 3,295 

1981 5,696 4,618 

1982 5,993 4,858 

1983 8,348 6,765 

1984 7,764 6,294 

1985 7,083 5,742 

1986 5,032 4,080 

1987 5,532 4,485 

1988 3,492 2,831 

1989 2,078 1,685 

1990 4,693 3,804 



Pumping was initiated in 1976, 



- 44 - 



Table 7. — 1990 monthly pumpage for supplementary 
supply to Cookson Reservoir . 



Month 



Pumps 
working 



Average 








flow 


Volume 




Y.T.D. 


(m 3 /h) 


(m 3 ) 




(dam 3 ) 


390.26 


270,560 




270.56 


379.31 


254,896 




525.45 


379.31 


279,677 




805.13 


369.73 


258,021 


1, 


063.1 


369.73 


275,079 


1, 


338.2 


681.76 


269,009 


1, 


.607.24 


681.76 


435,137 


2, 


042.38 


759.15 


491,793 


2, 


,534.17 


759.15 


487,491 


3, 


.021.66 


759.15 


562,623 


3, 


.584.28 


759.15 


546,588 


4, 


,130.87 


759.15 


562,066 


4, 


,692.94 



January 

February 

March 

April 

May 

June 

July 

August 

September 

October 

November 

December 



11 

11 

9 

9 

9 

16 

16 

17 

11 

21 

21 

21 



Sask Power has assumed the responsibilities for compiling and submitting 
drawdown maps for the Hart Coal Seam. Figure 30 shows the drawdowns as 
of December 1990 while, for comparative purposes Figure 31 shows the 1988 
drawdowns. The one metre drawdown contour has not significantly advanced 
in the past year, and currently is approximately 1.8 kilometers from the 
International Boundary. Piezometers south of the border have begun to 
show drawdown effects of approximately 0.3 metres. This is most likely a 
function of continued pumping for the supplementary supply. However, 
some water level decreases may be attributed to a continuation of the 
drought. These drawdown effects will reguire close monitoring. 



Comparison of Figures 30 and 31 indicates that the drawdown is continuing 
to expand in a northwesterly direction towards Fife Lake. The one metre 
drawdown appears to have reached the vicinity of Fife Lake, but the 
monitoring network is presently inadeguate to accurately delineate the 
contour. The magnitude of the drawdown in the area of Fife Lake should 



- 45 - 




en <v 
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-H 

M C 
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4-> 
(0 to 

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g M 
(0 P 
d) O 
CO 4-> 
C 

■H o 
n3 cj 
o 
o 

4-> o 
M en 

(TJ CTl 

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- 46 



\ 


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17 


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IS 


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IS 


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18 


17 


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!"■"**-- 


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S. 7 


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TWF 


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TWP 


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361 


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— rr— 


16 


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*7 


13 


IB 

IORRI 


J <\ 
SOW* 
































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7 


8 


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RG 


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26 


1 














w : 


2 M 


M 


DNTAN 


A U. 8 


A. 


W 


2 M ■ 







Figure 31. — Cone of depression in the Hart Coal Seam from dewatering 
activities of 1988. Contour interval in meters. 



- 47 - 

not be enough to have significant impacts on residents. Nonetheless, 
well inventories and the monitoring network may have to be extended in 
the area. In addition, possible interactions with Fife Lake may have to 
be addressed. There also seems to have been minor expansion of the cone 
of depression easterly towards Cookson Reservoir. 

In order to obtain additional knowledge of the area, Sask Power has 
undertaken a groundwater modeling study for the supplementary supply. It 
is hoped that this study will provide additional information on the yield 
of the aquifer and possible impacts on the International Boundary and the 
area northwest of the supplementary supply wells. 

Salinity Dewatering Project 

A second groundwater project is being undertaken by Sask Powei near 

Cookson Reservoir. This is a dewatering project which is intended to 

reduce a salinity build-up that appears to have resulted from an increase 

in the water table below the dam following the filling of the reservoir. 

The project went into operation in the fall of 1989, with three wells in 
operation. A total of 131 dam 3 (106 acre/ft) was pumped from the three 
wells in 1989. During the fall of 1990, an additional 4 wells were 
installed and one was put into operation. Total pumpage from all 
salinity project wells for 1990 was 706 dam 3 (572 acre/ft) . Table 8 
shows monthly pumpages for 1990 from each well. Van der Kamp and 
Maathuis (1989) concluded that dewatering rates up to 1,100 dam 3 /year 
(890 acre/ft/year) are possible. 



- 48 - 

Table 8. — Poplar River Power Station salinity project 
1990 monthly pumpage volumes 

[cubic metres] 



Month 


PW87102 


PW87103 


PW87104 


PW90106 


PW90108 


January 


10,290 


17,693 


36,065 










February 


13,306 


18,144 


33,143 










March 


14,999 


21,159 


36,158 










April 


8,297 


20,607 


36,867 










May 


2,215 


16,840 


24,659 










June 


5,835 


21,318 


32,695 










July 


3,927 


16,749 


30,205 










August 


2,924 


17,590 


32,384 










September 


5,062 


21,155 


38,141 










October 


3,835 


16,892 


18,664 










November 


3,524 


18,255 


30,888 







20,528 


December 


4,817 


22,430 


27,696 


5, 


.302 


33,504 


Total volume 














pumped to date 


79,031 


228,932 


398,565 


5, 


302 


54,032 


Total 


705,528 m 3 


(572 acre-ft) 











Van der Kamp and Maathuis (1989) concluded that a lowering of water 
levels by 1 to 3 metres would be possible. This would roughly correspond 
to pre-reservoir levels. Figure 32 shows the development of two meter 
drawdown contours around PW87102, PW87103, and PW90108 and demonstrates 
that the project has shown a reasonable degree of success. Pumping from 
PW9010 6 should begin to increase drawdowns on the northwest side of the 
river. The 1.0 metre drawdown is approximately 1 kilometre north of the 
International Boundary, while the 0.5 metre drawdown crosses the 
boundary. 



- 49 - 



NOTE: 

CONTOUR ELEWIONS 

ARE IN metres 




FROZEN 

RGE 26W2M 



TP1 



LEGEND 



HART-SEAM 
CORONACH SEAM 
EMPRESS GRAVEL 
DESTROYED 
OTHER 
PUMPWELL 



Figure 32. — Cone of depression in Empress aquifer from dewatering 
activities of salinity project as of December 1990. 
Contour in metres. 



- 50 - 

Montana 

The Montana groundwater monitoring program consisted of 10 wells (GWQQC 
2-11) from 1978 until 1984, when 11 additional wells (GWQQC 12-22) were 
installed. Well 4 was dropped from the schedule in September 1990 when 
it was found plugged. In 1990, two additional wells were installed to 
monitor effects of pumping the Empress Gravels for salinity control. 



Hydrographs reflecting water level measurements for selected wells 
completed in the Hart coal are presented in Figure 33, and measurements 
along with recorder readings for other wells are presented in Figure 34. 

Hydrographs of selected wells 



19 -x- 17 



2458 

J. 2456 
1 2454 



>*F> 




Figure 33 . --Hydrographs for selected coal wells 
completed in Hart Coal Bed. 



Beginning in 1987 and 1988, trends of water-level decline have developed 
in several wells. Water levels in wells completed in the Hart coal bed 
have declined approximately 1 foot thus far, the apparent greatest 
decline (well 6) occurring at the International Boundary south of Cookson 
Reservoir. Wells 5 and 10, also located at the border and completed in 
unconsolidated beds, show variable water-levels. The variability is 
probably attributable to the pumping associated with salinity control 
pumpage below Cookson Reservoir . 



- 51 - 



GWQQC 5 



w5 recorder 



measured 



^| 2453 

c 2452 
o 

=5 2451 

-I 2450 

_a> 2449 

-D 2 ** 8 

I 2447 

^ 2446 

2445 



Jan— 86 
Date 



2437 
2436 
2435 
2434 
2433 
2432 
243 1 
2430 
2429 
2428 



2530 

| 2525 
o 

§ 2520 
"5 

-| 251 5 



GWQQC 1 O 
'lO recorder -*- measured 



-W^-*. *- 



"V^V. 



Jan— 8 6 
Oats 



GWQQC 1 6 



wl 6 recorder 



measured 



v>~^ 



Jan— 8 6 
Date 



Figure 34. — Hydrographs for GWQQC 5, GWQQC 10 nd GWQQC 16 



- 52 - 

A water-level decline in well 16, located to the west in the Middle Fork 
of the Poplar drainage, of approximately 5 feet is not explainable at 
this time. 

Other wells being monitored (4, 8, 9, 11 and 18) which includes two in 
the Fox Hills-Hell Creek aquifer, have shown no trends in water-level 
change . 

GROUND WATER QUALITY 
Saskatchewan 

Ground water sampling continued in 1990 at the locations specified in the 
Technical Monitoring Schedule. The ground water quality and water levels 
were compared to historical data for each of the piezometers in the 1990 
Monitoring Schedule. 

A number of graphs are presented for total dissolved solids, chloride, 
boron, and water level measurements to illustrate the results of moni- 
toring to date. Chloride was selected because it is a conservative 
constituent in ground water systems and boron because it is a significant 
contaminant in the ash lagoon waters. A statistical trend analysis was 
performed on selected parameters. The following discussion of ground 
water quality is organized by piezometer locations relevant to the ash 
lagoon . 

West Side of Lagoon 

Location 8a (West of Cell #1) 

Piezometers, C726A and C726C are completed in the till. There have been 
no significant water quality changes in these piezometers. A plot of 



- 53 - 

total dissolved solids (TDS) -vs-time is shown in Figure 35 for these 
piezometers. Piezometer C726E, in the Empress Gravels, shows no 
significant water quality changes. TDS-vs-time is plotted for this 
piezometer in Figure 36. Water levels have decreased in C726E as shown 
in Figure 37. This is consistent with water level results for 
piezometers in the Empress Gravels at other locations. 



1400 

1200 

1000 

< 800 

E 

H 600 + 

400 

200 













C726C 
C726A 



5/25/79 2/18/82 11/14/84 8/11/87 5/7/90 
SAMPLE DATE RANGE 



1/31/93 



Figure 35. — TDS in till piezometers C726A and C726C, 



- 54 - 



1200 




r-H 



C728E 
C726E 



5/25/79 2/18/82 11/14/84 8/11/87 5/7/90 1/31/93 

SAMPLE DATE RANGE 

Figure 36. — TDS in Empress piezometers C726E and C728E. 



752.5 



T 



752 
751.5 4 

751 
750.5 * 

750 
749.5 

749 4- 




I 



h 




\ 



5/25/79 2/18/82 11/14/84 8/11/87 5/7/90 1/31/93 

SAMPLE DATE RANGE 



Figure 37. — Water levels in Empress piezometers C726E and C728E, 



- 55- 

Location 9a (West of the Polishing Pond) 

Piezometers C728A, C728B, C728C, and C728D are in the till. Piezometers 
C728A and C728D, in the oxidized till, have been monitored for water 
quality since April, 1986. TDS levels have been steady for C728A and 
indicate an increasing trend for C728D as shown in Figure 38. The 
results are elevated compared to the till piezometers at location 8a. 
Chloride (CI) results have decreased for C728A, and C728D indicates an 
increasing trend as shown in Figure 39. Boron (B) results have been 
steady for both of these piezometers as shown in Figure 40. Water levels 
for these piezometers seem to be stabilized after a significant increase 
for a number of years as shown in Figure 41. 

Piezometer C728C is in the mottled till and C728B is in the unoxidized 
till. C728C indicates a slight increase for TDS in Figure 38. C728B 
shows a steady trend for TDS in Figure 38. CI results have been steady 
for C728B and slight increasing trend for C728C as shown in Figure 39. B 
results are steady for both piezometers as shown in Figure 40. Uranium 
concentrations increased in C728C in 1984. However, results since 1984 
are typical of piezometers completed in the mottled till. Water levels 
are increased for C728C and have been steady for C728B as shown in Figure 
41. 

Piezometer C728E is in the Empress Gravels. TDS have been variable with 
no trends as shown in Figure 36. The results are similar to TDS for 
C726E in the Empress Gravels at location 8a. Other water quality param- 
eters for C728E have shown no consistent changes. Water levels for 
C728E have been decreasing as shown in Figure 37. 



- 56 - 



8000 
7000 
6000 
5000 t 
E 4000 
3000 - 
2000 
1000 - 




U-fjlfu 



Aj^ 



y 3 



-qf 



5/25/79 2/18/82 11/14/84 8/11/87 5/7/90 

SAMPLE DATE RANGE 



— ■- C728D 

—a— C728C 

— ♦— C728B 

C728A 



1/31/93 



Figure 38. — TDS in till piezometers C728A, C728B, C728C, and C728D, 



450 



400 
350 

_, 300 
E 250 f 

§ 200 J 

^ i 

w 150 

100 -■ 

50 



V 



7£ 



/♦■• 



. a, ,-^X /v. , . ~.„-0.. c- 



y--axy-Ojj-njy AJ n3 



5/25/79 



2/18/82 11/14/84 8/11/87 5/7/90 

SAMPLE DATE RANGE 



-* C728A 

■P C728B 

■♦ C728D 

- C728C 



1/31/93 



Figure 39. —Chloride in till piezometers C728A, C728B, C728C, and C728D, 



- 57 - 



1.6 
1.4 
1.2 t 

1 

0.8 
0.6 
0.4 
0.2 



•A 






V 



/ u u 



\n\ 



4 







5/25/79 



2/18/82 11/14/84 8/11/87 5/7/90 

SAMPLE DATE RANGE 



-» — C728A 

-a — C728B 

♦ C728C 

C728D 



1/31/93 



Figure 40. — Boron in till piezometers C728A, C728B, C728C, and C728D, 



T 



758 
756 
754 

E 

d 752 i 

£ 750 | 

748 j 

746 i 

744 i- 



c&^.^r'- 



OO ooc* 



VVU t 



U Lfr 



P 




5/25/79 2/18/82 11/14/84 8/11/87 5/7/90 

SAMPLE DATE RANGE 



-* C728D 

■° C728C 

-• C728B 

< C728A 



1/31/93 



Figure 41. — Water levels in till piezometers C728A, 
C728B, C728C, and C728D. 



s 



- 58 - 

North Side of Lagoon 

Location 2a (North of the Polishing Pond) 

Piezometer C712B which is in the intra till sand, shows increasing B 
levels in Figure 42. TDS results have gradually decreased after signifi- 
cantly increasing from 1980 to 1983 as shown in Figure 43. CI levels 
show a decreasing trend in Figure 44. The sample result for zinc (Zn) in 
1990 decreased to concentrations obtained in 1986 and 1987 as shown in 
Figure 45. Water levels have been steady as indicated in Figure 46. 

A review of the leachate movement at piezometer C712B was done during the 
leachate review of the ash lagoons conducted by Clifton Associated Ltd. 
for Sask Power. The leachate review was combined with the seepage calcu- 
lation review and forwarded to the Poplar River Bilateral Monitoring Com- 
mittee members for comments. The leachate review noted that a slug of 
leachate is probably affecting the sand lens piezometers. 

C712B 

16 

14 
12 + 

10 
8 

6 4 
4 
2 4- 




5/25/79 10/6/80 2/18/82 7/3/83 11/14/84 3/29/86 8/11/87 12/23/88 5/7/90 9/19/91 

SAMPLE DATE RANGE 



Figure 42. — Boron in intra-till sand piezometer C712B, 



- 59 - 



8000 ; 

I 

7000 - 

I 
6000 T 

5000 

£f 4000 

3000 J 

2000 -- 

1000 

4 



/s 



A N 

/ \ / 



, w% 



\ N* * 



f^^rb cld-- on-tita^-tn ann-^M^x^v^ 



H H 



■ C719 

-a--— C 718 
--•— C712B 



7/29/78 6/28/80 5/29/82 4/28/84 3/29/86 2/27/88 1/27/90 12/28/91 
SAMPLE DATE RANGE 

Figure 43. — TDS in piezometer C712B and till piezometers C718 and C719. 



C712B 



250 

i 

200 j 

I 

If 150 t 

■on | 

£ 100 ; 

50 | 



A 



■ — ■ 



5/25/79 10/6/80 2/18/82 7/3/83 11/14/84 3/29/86 8/11/87 12/23/88 5/7/90 9/19/91 

SAMPLE DATE RANGE 



Figure 44. — Chloride in piezometer C712B. 



60 - 



C712B 



0.2 
0.18 | 
0.16 | 
0.14 r 
0.12 ; 

0.1 | 
0.08 : 
0.06 - 
0.04 j 
0.02 - 

2/18/82 



/ I 



■ - 



/ 



/ 



7/3/83 11/14/84 3/29/86 8/11/87 

SAMPLE DATE RANGE 



12/23/88 5/7/90 9/19/91 



Figure 45. — Zinc in piezometer C712B, 



C712B 



753.4 

753.2 

753 



752.8 



23 752.6 - m~* 
* I \ 

~ 752.4 t 

752.2 j 

752 



1% 



M Pi ft \fo 



751.8 4- 



' 



5/25/79 10/6/80 2/18/82 7/3/83 11/14/84 3/29/86 8/11/87 12/23/88 5/7/90 9/19/91 

SAMPLE DATE RANGE 



Figure 46. — Water levels in piezometer C712B. 



- 61 - 

Locations 2b and 2c (north of the Polishing Pond) 

Piezometer C718 and C719 at location 2b and 2c, respectively, are in the 
till. TDS have increased slightly in C719 and have been steady in C718. 
CI results have been decreasing in C719 and steady in C718 as indicated 
in Figure 47. C719 has shown an increasing trend for sulphates and also 
an increase in uranium results until 1985 with a steady trend since then. 



160 i 
140 } 
120 T 
100 

80 

60 

40 

20 





10/6/80 






A 

* . \ 



D-C 



■ C719 

-a C718 



L 

\ r 

j-LHJ 



2/18/82 7/3/83 11/14/84 3/29/86 8/11/87 12/23/88 5/7/90 9/19/91 
SAMPLE DATE RANGE 



Figure 47. — Chloride in till piezometers C718 and C719 



Locations 24. 25. and 26 (North of Cell 3) 



Piezometers C714A and C714D in the till are at locations 24 and 25 
respectively. TDS have increased in C714A and have been steady in C714D 
as shown in Figure 48. Other water quality parameters have shown no 
consistent changes. 



- 62 - 



6000 

5000 

4000 

E 3000 t 

O 

2000 
1000 



H 



LH^g 



■ * ■ 



rA f{ q a^ 



U LP i_y 






H 



C714D 
71 4A 



7/29/78 6/28/80 5/29/82 4/28/84 3/29/86 2/27/88 1/27/90 12/28/91 
SAMPLE DATE RANGE 

Figure 48. — TDS in till piezometers C714A and C714D. 

Piezometer C714E in the Empress Gravels is at location 26. TDS have been 
steady as shown in Figure 49 with a slightly lower-than-normal concentra- 
tion compared to the Empress piezometers. 



South Side of Lagoon 

Locations 22 and 23 (South of Cell #1) 

Piezometer C533 is in the Empress Gravels at Location 22 and piezometer 
C534 is in the till at location 23. TDS have not shown any trends to 
lower or higher concentrations as indicated in Figure 50. TDS have 
fluctuated over a wide range for C534 with values similar to other till 
piezometers. CI and B results have shown no significant trends. 



- 63 - 



6000 
5000 t 
4000 
3000 4- 
2000 - 
1000 
i 




A-Vj 



3-^Q^n^r^ft-^^r^t^cjfw^^.r^-^ 



_i 1 



8/28/76 5/25/79 2/18/82 11/14/84 8/11/87 5/7/90 1/31/93 
SAMPLE DATE RANGE 

Figure 49. — TDS is Empress piezometer C714E. 



C534 
C533 



900 
850 
*SjS 800 + 

CO 

a 750 | 

700 

i 
650 I 



11/14/84 



A 



C714E 



A 



/ 
/ \ 



A 



^ 



3/29/86 



8/11/87 12/23/88 

SAMPLE DATE RANGE 



5/7/90 



9/19/91 



Figure 50.--TDS in Empress piezometer C533 and till piezometer C534 



- 64 - 

Locations 26. 27. and 28 (South of Cell #3) 

Piezometer C774B is in the oxidized till at location 26 and piezometer 
C775A is in the oxidized till at location 27. TDS have shown no con- 
sistent changes for these piezometers as noted in Figure 51. B concen- 
trations have appeared to decrease with time for C775A as show in Figure 
52 . CI concentrations as indicated in Figure 53 for both piezometers, 
have been steady. 

Piezometer 775D is in the Empress Gravels at location 28. TDS, as shown 
in Figure 54, have been steady since 1987 after a significant increase 
from 1985 and 1986 results. CI shows trends similar to TDS as noted in 
Figure 55. B results seem to be decreasing slightly as shown in Figure 
56. Other water quality parameters show no significant changes. 



7000 T 
6000 - 



5000 y 



< 4000 

E 

S 3000 
2000 



1000 

f ^» 

3/29/86 



^ l - 



^H 



XT 



8/11/87 12/23/88 5/7/90 
SAMPLE DATE RANGE 



- C774B 

- C775A 



9/19/91 



Figure 51. — TDS in till piezometers C774B and C775A. 



- 65 



1.2 
1 
0.8 
0.6 
0.4 t 
0.2 



d 



Lk. 



4— 
3/29/86 



°-D-^. 



h 



^ 



Y 






8/11/87 12/23/88 5/7/90 

SAMPLE DATE RANGE 




9/19/91 



Figure 52. — Boron in till piezometers C774B and C775A. 



250 



200 



150 



100 







C775A 
C774B 



50 t 



3/29/86 8/11/87 12/23/88 5/7/90 

SAMPLE DATE RANGE 



9/19/91 



Figure 53. — Chloride in till piezometers C774B and C775A. 



- 66 - 



1600 



1400 - 
1200 
1000 
i 800 } 

- 600 t 
400 J 
200 i 



r- 



C775D 



V 



12/19/85 7/7/86 1/23/87 8/11/87 2/27/88 9/14/88 4/2/89 10/19/89 5/7/90 11/23/90 

SAMPLE DATE RANGE 

Figure 54. — TDS in Empress piezometer C775D. 



C775D 



35 

30 

25 

E 20 

| 15 
x 

10 

5 



- 




12/19/85 7/7/86 1/23/87 8/11/87 2/27/88 9/14/88 4/2/89 10/19/89 5/7/90 11/23/90 

SAMPLE DATE RANGE 



Figure 55. — Chloride in Empress piezometer C775D. 



- 67 - 



C775D 



1.6 
1.4 
1.2 

1 - 
0.8 
0.6 
0.4 
0.2 4 



% 



12/19/85 7/7/86 1/23/87 8/11/87 2/27/88 9/14/88 4/2/89 10/19/89 5/7/90 11/23/90 

SAMPLE DATE RANGE 

Figure 56. --Boron in Empress piezometer C775D. 

Southwest of Morrison Dam 
Locatio ns 18 and 21 

Piezometers C741 and C742 are in the Empress Gravels at locations 18 and 
21, respectively. TDS as shown in Figure 57, have not indicated any 
significant changes since the higher values in 1983-84. There are no 
significant trends for other water quality parameters for these piezom- 
eters. Water levels for these piezometers as shown in Figure 58, are 
decreasing since 1986 similar to other Empress Gravel piezometers. 



Overall TDS and CI concentrations are higher and more variable in the 
till than the Empress Gravels. However, B concentrations are typically 
higher in the Empress Gravels than the till. 



- 68 - 



1400 
1200 - 
1000 : 

^2 800 

E 

g 600 
400 
200 - 



. 



*fy^ 



% 



V 



-mynj 



£vo- a^ 



jn 




11/6/78 1/14/81 3/25/83 6/2/85 8/11/87 10/19/89 12/28/91 

SAMPLE DATE RANGE 

Figure 57. — TDS in Empress piezometers C741 and C742 



748 
747.5 

747 

js 

S3 746.5 
x 746 



F rj d fa > 



*.* 



h a ft 




745.5 [ 

i 
745 | 

744.5 J I 1 

7/29/78 6/28/80 5/29/82 4/28/84 3/29/86 2/27/88 1/27/90 12/28/91 

SAMPLE DATE RANGE 



Figure 58. — Water levels in Empress piezometers C741 and C742 



- 69 - 



Montana 



Groundwater from the different sources has unique water quality charac- 
teristics as illustrated by Figure 59. Water in the Fox Hills-Hell Creek 
(Frenchman-Whitemud-Eastend) regional aquifer has characteristics typi- 
cal of those for the rest of the region. The water has undergone cation 
exchange and sulfate reduction, leaving very low concentrations of cal- 
cium, magnesium, and sulfate. The chloride concentrations are higher 
than those occurring in eastern Montana but are not atypicial for this 
locale (Montana Groundwater Information Center data, Butte) . Predominant 
constituents are therefore sodium, chloride, and bicarbonate. 

-*■ wt -«-w1l -»-w5 -e-w6 -*-»t0 




Ug No+K 

Fox Hills-Hell Creek 




Unconsolidated 




Fort Union non-coal 




Figure 59 . --Concentrations of major ions in milliequivalents 
per liter in water from four major aquifers. 



- 70 - 

High concentrations of sodium and bicarbonate also occur in the Fort 
Union (Ravenscrag) Formation but chloride concentrations are substan- 
tially lower than those in the Fox Hills-Hell Creek aquifer. Most of the 
Hart coal wells in the Fort Union Formation have higher concentrations of 
calcium and magnesium than sodium, but water quality in a localized group 
of wells (13 and 15) resembles that of other Fort Union beds suggesting 
hydraulic continuity between the coal and non-coal aquifers. 

Water quality of the shallow unconsolidated deposits resembles that of 
the Fort Union, suggesting a common flow system for these units. 

Sampling for water quality was performed annually on wells listed in the 
quantity section until 1989, when the schedule was reduced to wells 5-11 
13, 15, and 19. 

There has been little variability over time in the toal dissolved solids 
at selected wells as indicated in Figure 60. 




Figure 60. — Total dissolved solids concentrations for water from 
selected wells during the period of sampling. 



- 71 - 

The concentrations show no significant trends over the period of record. 
A change from an average of 1,500 mg/L to 660 mg/L was observed for well 
4 in 1986. The casing was found broken at ground surface allowing sur- 
face water to enter the well. The 1.5 inch diameter casing makes purging 
difficult. This well has been dropped from the sampling schedule. 

ASH LAGOON QUALITY AND QUANTITY 

The ash lagoon system at the Poplar River Power Station continues to be 
operated on a closed system basis with no discharge to surface waters. 
During 1990, an estimated 577,800 m 3 of ash was deposited to the ash 
lagoons. Approximately 346,700 m 3 of water was used for sluicing. The 
sluiced ash was usually directed to the west or east side of Ash Lagoon 
No. 1 or the southeast corner of Ash Lagoon No. 3. Occasionally, sluiced 
ash was directed to the west side of Ash Lagoon No. 2. When ash is 
directed to Ash Lagoon No. 1, the normal series operation is Ash Lagoon 
No. 1, Ash Lagoon No. 2, and the Polishing Pond. When ash is directed to 
Ash Lagoon No. 3, water from that lagoon is pumped to Ash Lagoon No. 2 
where it flows by gravity to the Polishing Pond. When ash is directed to 
Ash Lagoon No. 2, water flows by gravity directly to the polishing pond. 
In all cases, water from the polishing pond is returned to the plant for 
sluicing. 

During 1990, maximum and minimum water depths were 7.0 and 5.3m in Ash 
Lagoon No. 1, 5.9 and 4.5 m in Ash Lagoon No. 2, 1.93 and 0.8 m in Ash 
Lagoon No. 3, and 4.1 and 1.7 in the polishing pond. 



- 72 - 

During 1990, approximately 3,200 metres of ash line was replaced. Most 
of the replaced pipe was heavier walled than the pipe that was originally 
installed. Where possible, the ash lines were placed inside the lagoon 
dykes so that any leaks would be contained within the lagoon system. 

In November 1990, the ash dykes on Ash Lagoon No. 1 were built up to make 
room for future operations. The discharge structure was also modified 
accordingly. 

Seepage calculation using the methods developed by T.A. Prickett, P.E., 
of Urbana, Illinois, were slightly modified in 1989 to address the loss 
of piezometer series C730 associated with Ash Lagoon No. 1. The same 
modifications which involve estimating data for C730 series piezometers 
were used in 1990. Also, as in 1989, piezometer level measurements were 
used rather than calculating the change in water levels per year. Re- 
sults of the seepage calculations for Ash Lagoon No. 1, 2, and 3 and the 
polishing pond are shown in table 9. A graph of annual seepage rates is 
shown in Figure 61. 




TOTAL SEEPAGE 
ASH LAGOON No. 2 
POLISHING POND 
ASH LAGOON No t 
ASH LAGOON No. 3 NORTH 



Figure 61. — Ash lagoon seepage rates at the Poplar 
River Power Station, 1984-1990. 



- 73 - 



Table 9. — Ash lagoon seepage rates and liner permeabilities 
at the Poplar River Power Station, 1984-90 



Liner 

Permeability 
(cm/s) 



Vertical 
(L/s) 



Seepage Rate 



Horizontal 
(L/s) 



Total 
(L/s) 



Polishing Pond 






1984 Oct. 


8.13 x lO" 


0.055 


1985 Oct. 


8.70 x lO" 9 


0.064 


1986 Oct. 


10.8 x 10"* 


0.062 


1987 Oct. 


14.4 x 10"" 


0.078 


1988 Oct. 


28.7 x 10"' 


0.087 


1989 Oct. 


20.6 x 10" 


0.066 


1990 Oct. 


18.6 x 10" 


0.072 


Ash Lagoon No. 


1 




1984 Oct. 


2.20 x 10-' 


0.075 


1985 Oct. 


3.66 x 10"' 


0.085 


1986 Oct. 


1.95 x 10"' 


0.083 


1987 Oct. 


2.36 x 10-' 


0.092 


1988 Oct. 


4.00 x 10"' 


0.121 


1989 Oct. 


2.88 x 10"' 


0.135 


1990 Oct. 


3.00 x 10" 


0.160 


Ash Lagoon No. 


2 




1984 Oct. 


3.8 x 10"' 


0.116 


1985 Oct. 


9.22 x 10" 


0.189 


1986 Oct. 


10.5 x 10"' 


0.199 


1987 Oct. 


11.0 x 10" 


0.219 


1988 Oct. 


16.0 x 10"' 


0.236 


1989 Oct. 


7.8 x 10" 


0.250 


1990 Oct. 


6.6 x 10"' 


0.260 


Ash Lagoon No. 


3 North 




1987 Oct. 


0.17 x 10" 


0.002 


1988 Oct. 


1 


0.022 


1989 Oct. 


11.8 x 10" 


0.030 


1990 Oct. 


23.6 x 10" 


0.042 


Total Seepage 


1984 - 0.556 (L/s) 

1985 - 0.750 (L/s) 

1986 - 0.746 (L/s) 

1987 - 0.751 (L/s) 

1988 - 0.898 (L/s) 

1989 - 0.906 (L/s) 

1990 - 0.991 (L/s) 





0.128 
0.175 
0.188 
0.200 
0.226 
0.214 
0.206 



0.068 
0.087 
0.070 
0.080 
0.125 
0.179 
0.076 



0.114 

0.15 

0.144 

0.080 

0.081 

0.073 

0.073 



0.0 
0.0 
0.059 
0.102 



0.183 
0.239 
0.250 
0.278 
0.313 
0.280 
0.278 



0.143 
0.172 
0.153 
0.172 
0.246 
0.214 
0.236 



0.230 
0.339 
0.343 
0.299 
0.317 
0.323 
0.333 



0.002 
0.022 
0.089 
0.144 



Permeability for Ash Lagoon No. 3 North could not be calculated because 
of negative gradients. 



- 74 - 

An extensive review of the seepage calculations has been completed by 
Sask Power. Several different methods were used to calculate estimated 
seepage rates and lagoon liner permeabilities. The seepage rate values 
obtained were higher but in the same order of magnitude as the seepage 
rates obtained by the existing method. While this confirms the existing 
method of seepage calculation, Sask Power still recommends proceeding 
with the adoption of an updated method following acquisition of 
additional piezometric information. 

The Saskatchewan Department of Environment and Public Safety requires 
that Sask Power maintain the stability of the ash lagoon system dykes. 
In addition to the regular visual inspections, an annual investigation by 
a geotechnical engineer was conducted in October 1990. The geotechnical 
consultant indicated that the ash lagoon dykes and liners have good 
integrity and the ash is contained effectively. The consultant noted 
that the lagoon system is performing as designed. No special recommen- 
dations were made other than continued routine monitoring. The freeboard 
limits were not exceeded during 1990 for Ash Lagoon No. 2, Ash Lagoon No. 
3, and the Polishing Pond. Freeboard limits were exceeded on Ash Lagoon 
No. 1 during 1990; however, the intent of the freeboard limit was no 
longer relevant due to the ash dykes within the clay dykes. The 
freeboard limit for Ash Lagoon No. 1 was removed from the new permit 
issued by Saskatchewan Environment and Public Safety in November 1990. 

Sask Power continued to experiment with the surcharging of ash into the 
lagoons. A geotechnical review of the ash surcharging project was com- 
pleted in 1990. The report indicates that slopes of 25 percent should 
pose no problems. The report also recommended that the ash stacks be 



- 75 - 

limited to 10 m in height without special ash stacking procedures. The 
experimental program which was started in 1978 to determine suitable 
types of vegetation for the exposed ash, continued in 1990. Three 
species of grass continued to show good results. 

The water quality data continued to show slight increasing trends in 
sodium and molybdenum; however, a leveling trend for these parameters may 
be developing. Sulphate and fluoride concentrations have been fairly 
erratic but appear to be developing a slight decreasing trend. Chromium 
and strontium have both shown decreasing trends in recent years but now 
appear to be leveling off. Vanadium has historically been quite stable 
at fairly low levels but has decreased to below detection in 1990. 

Uranium levels have historically been quite variable but have rarely 
exceeded detection (0.1 ng/L) in 1990. Considerably higher pH levels 
were noted in the ponds during 1990. This was accompanied by reduced 
boron values. Further testing in 1991 will provide more information on 
the pH and boron values. Generally, the quality variations of the 
filtered ash lagoon water are not unexpected in a closed system of this 
type. Ash lagoon water quality is shown in Figure 62. 



- 76 - 



POLISHING POND 




I I I I I I I I I I 1 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I M I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I H I I I I I I I I I I 1 I I I I I I I 

83MAY 84MAY 85MAY 86MAY 87MAY 88MAY 89MAY 90MAY 

YEARS 



10-r 



E a 



>j 4-- 



POLISHING POND 
ASH LAGOON #2 





' I I I I I I i I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I It I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I H I I I 
83MAY 84MAY 85MAY 86MAY 87MAY 88MAY 89MAY 90MAY 

YEARS 

Figure 62. — Water-quality data from the Polishing Pond and Ash 
Lagoon No. 2 for selected constituents, 1983-1990. 



- 77 - 



POUSHINO POND 
ASH LAGOON #2 





aoo ' M I I I I I I I 1 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I H I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 

23MAY 84MAY 85MAY 86MAY 87MAY 88MAY 89MAY 90MAY 

YEARS 

30 



POLISHING POND 
ASH LAGOON #2 




o ' I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II 1 1 n I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 

83MAY 84MAY 85MAY 86MAY 87MAY 88MAY 89MAY 90MAY 

YEARS 

Figure 62 . --Water-quality data from the Polishing Pond and Ash Lagoon 
No. 2 for selected constituents, 1983-1990 — Continued 



- 78 - 



POLISHING POND 
ASH LAGOON #2 




1 1 1 1 I i I i 1 1 i i 1 1 i i i I i 1 1 i i i i i 1 1 1 1 i i I i 1 1 I I i 1 1 I i 1 1 1 1 1 1 i i 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 I 1 1 1 i i 1 1 1 1 I » I 1 1 1 I i i 1 1 i 1 1 
83MAY 84MAY 85MAY 86MAY 87MAY 88MAY 89MAY 90MAY 

YEARS 



E 



POLISHING POND 
ASH LAGOON #2 




o ' I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 1 1 n I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 1 1 1 

83MAY 84MAY 85MAY 86MAY 87MAY 88MAY 89MAY 90MAY 

YEARS 

Figure 62. — Water-quality data from the Polishing Pond and Ash Lagoon 
No. 2 for selected constituents, 1983-1990 — Continued 



- 79 - 



E 



POUSHING POND 
ASH LAGOON #2 





o ' I I i i I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 1 1 p 

83MAY 84MAY 85MAY 86MAY 87MAY 88MAY 89MAY QOMAY 

YEARS 



30 



POLISHING POND 



ASH LAGOON #2 




o 1 1 I I I I I I I 



83MAY 



84MAY 85MAY 86MAY 87MAY 

YEARS 



88MAY 



89MAY 



QOMAY 



Figure 62 . --Water-quality data from the Polishing Pond and Ash Lagoon 
No. 2 for selected constituents, 1983-1990 — Continued 



- 80 - 




o ' i i i m 1 1 1 i i i i i m i i i i 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 i nn 1 1 1 hi i n i i in ii 1 1 1 1 n i n i i i i n 1 1 1 1 i i i i i i n in i in 1 1 i i 1 1 ii 1 1 1 
83MAY 84MAY 85MAY 86MAY 87MAY 88MAY 89MAY 90MAY 

YEARS 




Z5 ^-^ 

d £ 
> | 

64 

o ° 

its 
a ° 

Q_ 



o m 1 1 1 1 hi m i i l l i i nn i i i i n i i ii 1 1 1 mi 1 1 ii i 1 1 1 1 1 1 i n i ii i i 1 1 1 i i i i h 1 1 1 i i i mi m i ii n ii i i i n i i 
83MAY 84MAY 85MAY 86MAY 87MAY 88MAY 89 MAY 90MAY 

YEARS 



Figure 62. — Water-quality data from the Polishing Pond and Ash Lagoon 
No. 2 for selected constituents, 1983-1990 — Continued 



- 81 - 



! 




POLISHING POND 
ASH LAGOON #2- 



1 1 in ii 1 1 1 1 1 1 ii i i i i i n nun ii i in 1 1 mi i n i i i m i in 1 1 m i i i mil i n tt 1 1 i i i ii hi i i i in in n 1 1 o 
83MAY 84-MAY 85MAY 86MAY 87MAY 88MAY 89MAY QOMAY 

YEARS 



POLISHING POND 
ASH LAGOON #2 




1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 



83MAY 



84MAY 



85MAY 



86MAY 87MAY 88MAY 89MAY 90MAY 

YEARS 



Figure 62 . --Water-quality data from the Polishing Pond and Ash Lagoon 
No. 2 for selected constituents, 1983-1990--Continued 



- 82 - 

AIR QUALITY 
Saskatchewan 

Saskatchewan Environment and Public Safety 

Ambient air monitoring to determine sulphur dioxide (S0„) levels in the 
vicinity of the Poplar River Power Plant began in 1979. The monitoring 
station is located on the southern outskirts of the town of Coronach, 
approximately 4.0 kilometres directly north of the power plant which in 
turn is 5.0 kilometres north of the Canada/USA border. Saskatchewan 
Environment and Public Safety's hourly and 24-hour average standards for 
sulphur dioxide are 0.17 parts per million (ppm) and 0.06 ppm, 
respectively. There have been no recorded violations of the 24-hour 
average over the past 10 years. The hourly standard has been violated 
twice during the same period. Both violations occurred on June 22, 1984, 
at 1100 and 1200 hours with consecutive readings of 0.20 ppm. Weather 
information obtained at the station indicated winds blowing from the 
southeast quadrant at the time. As the power plant is located south of 
the monitoring locations, it was the most probable source. Down time for 
the monitor during the past 11 years has ranged from a low of 1.8% to a 
high of 54% , for an average of 15.9%. Figures 63 and 64 show in 
graphical form, maximum hourly and daily (24-hour) average readings, for 
the past 10 years. 

Suspended particulate concentrations obtained from the high volume 
monitor at the same location during the past 10 years indicate at total 
of 26 violations of the provincial standard of 120 micrograms per cubic 
meter (mg/m 3 /24 hrs) . The highest yearly number of violations occurred 
in 1981, with a total of 8. The largest single concentration of 1,276 
micrograms (M.g) occurred in 1981, on April 16, during a severe dust 



- 83 - 



E 

Q. 

a. 

O 
W 




1984 1985 

YEARS 



1987 1988 1989 1990 



Figure 63. — Saskatchewan maximum hourly sulphur dioxide air quality 
data during 1989-90, Coronach water treatment plant. 



E 
a 
a. 

c\j 
O 
£0 




1)07 

1930 nisi 1082 m: 



D84 K)3 r i 

YEARS 



.000 
086 1987 1938 1989 1990 



Figure 64. — Saskatchewan maximum daily sulphur dioxide air quality 
data during 1980-1990, Coronach water treatment plant. 



- 84 - 

storm. The remaining 25 violations cannot be attributed to the opera- 
tions of the power plant and were likely caused by wind blown field 
dusts. The provincial geometric mean of 70 H-crM 3 has not to date been 
exceeded, with the highest mean of 48 ng' s occurring in 1981. Annual 
down time for the monitor during the same period has ranged from a low of 
10% to a high of 26%, for an 18% average. 

During 1990, ambient sulphur dioxide monitoring recorded no violations of 
Saskatchewan Environment and Public Safety's hourly and 24-hour average 
standards of 0.17 and 0.06 ppm, respectively. The highest recorded hour- 
ly value of 0.085 ppm SO„ was recorded on July 16 at 1200 hours, as com- 
pared to 0.112 ppm SO ? recorded in August of 1989. Weather information 
obtained from the site indicated that winds at the time were blowing from 
the southeast. As the power plant is located south of the monitoring 
locations, it is the most probable source. The highest 24-hour average 
reading of 0.010 ppm occurred on August 23, as compared to 1989' s highest 
4-hour average reading of 0.017 ppm. Downtime for the monitor during the 
12-month period was 1.8%, compared to 1989' s 2.2%. Figures 65 and 66 
show in graphical form, maximum hourly and daily (24-hour) average 
readings obtained at the monitoring station during the last five years. 

Suspended particulate concentrations obtained from the high volume 
monitor at the same site for the 12-month period exceeded Saskatchewan 
Environment and Public Safety's 24-hour average standard of 120 ng/m 3 /24 
hrs on two occasions, October 2 and 26. Wind data for both dates 
discount the plant as the source. The annual geometric mean of 35.4 
|ig/m 3 is well below the provincial standard of 70.0 and is higher than 
1989' s 20.8. Downtime for the monitor was 23% compared to 13% in 1989. 



- 85 - 



0.21 

0.20 
0.19 

o.ie 

9.17 

0.16 



0.12 



ft°' U 
"" 0.10 

8 0.09 

0.06 

0.07 

0.06 

0.05 

0.04 

0.03 

0.02 

0.01 

0.00 



SASKATOIHIAN ONE HOUR STANDARD 




missis :a'.A 



JFMAHJJASONDJFMAHJjJ. nOHDJFMAHJJASCNDOFMAMJJASONDJt'HAMJJASONP 



Figure 65. — Saskatchewan maximum hourly sulphur dioxide air quality 
data during 1985-90, Coronach water treatment plant. 



0.065 
0.060 
0.055 
0.050 
0.045 
0.040 
0.035 
0.030 
0.025 
0.020 
0.015 
0.010 
0.005 
0.000 



SASKATCHEWAN 24 HOUR STANDARD 
4^- 



A- - ' ' 




ITSSIfiS DAT* 



L l piii]]iJo t !ij; ( J.iiJJiio l JJJjM l A l „ l JjA l JJJJJJjAUjjAUclJ [ ]J^U, 



Figure 66. — Saskatchewan maximum daily sulphur dioxide air quality 
data during 1986-90, Coronach water treatment plant. 



- 86 - 

Sask Power 

Sask Power began ambient air monitoring in 1981 near the East Poplar 
River near the International Boundary to determine sulphur dioxide and 
suspended particulate concentrations. There have been no recorded 
violations of the provincial 24-hour ambient S0„ standard of 0.06 ppm, 
over the last 10 years. The highest maximum hourly reading during this 
period of 0.138 ppm occurred on January 7, 1989 at 0300 hours. Weather 
data gathered for that day indicated northerly winds for that period of 
time. As the air monitoring station is located south of the plant, the 
plant is the most probable source. Down time for the monitor during the 
past ten years has ranged from a low of less than 1% to a high of 31% , 
for an average of 7%. 

Suspended particulate concentrations, including the average of 4 samplers 
in use from 1981 to 1984 and 1 sampler from 1985 to present, indicate a 
total of 87 violations of the provincial standard. The highest yearly 
number of violations during the 10 year period totaled 34, in 1984. The 
largest single concentration of 3,240 \iq also occurred during a severe 
dust storm on May 10, 1989. The remaining violations could not be 
attributed to the power plant operations. The 10 year average geometric 
mean of 43.0 is well below the provincial standard of 70.0 ng/m 3 , with 
the highest mean of 43.0 occurring in 1989. Annual down time for the 
samplers over the 10 year period ranged from a low of 2% to a high of 
36%, for a 9% average. 

During 1990, ambient SO- monitoring conducted at the Sask Power station 
located near the International Boundary showed no violations, the same as 
1989. The highest hourly reading of 0.049 ppm occurred on September 30, 



- 87 - 

1989 at 1200 hours. Weather data recorded by Environment Canada's 
weather station located at Rockglen (37 kilometres northwest of the 
plant), indicated winds blowing from the plant towards the monitor at the 
time. This reading compares to the highest hourly reading recorded in 
1989 of 0.138 ppm. Down time for the monitor was 1.3% , as compared to 
1989's 3.2% . 

Suspended particulate concentrations at the monitoring station exceeded 
Saskatchewan Environment and Public Safety's 24-hour standard on 5 
occasions in 1990, the same as 1989. The highest recorded value of 1,409 
M-g/m 3 /24 hrs occurred on October 26. This, as well as the other 
violations were probably caused by field blown dusts, as no specific 
episodes of heavy particulate release from the plant stack on violation 
days could be determined. The annual geometric mean of 35.4 ng/m 3 is 
well below the provincial standard of 70.0 and compares with the 1989 
mean of 42.8. Down time for the sampler was 1.7% compared to 1989' s 
4.5%. 

In-Stack Monitoring 

Sulphur dioxide averages in 1990 were higher than those in 1989. Daily 

concentrations ranged from a low of 1,782 to a high of 3,769 mg/m 3 

(corrected to 3% 0„ with an average yearly concentration of 2,895 as 

compared to 2,663 in 1989. Down time for the S0 ? in-stack monitor of 16% 

was the same as 1989' s. Nitrogen oxide averages in 1990 were virtually 

the same as those in 1989 with daily concentrations ranging from a low of 

336 to a high of 1,225 mg/m 3 (corrected to 3% 0„) with an average yearly 

concentration of 741 as compared to 774 in 1989. Down time for the NO 

x 

in-stack monitor was the same as 1989' s 16%. 



Daily opacity readings ranged from to 100%, with a yearly average of 
37% compared to 21% in 1989. Saskatchewan's opacity standard of 40% was 
exceeded 2,265 times in 1990, significantly more than 1989' s 768 
exceedances. Down time for the opacity monitor was 4% as compared to 
1989' s 6%. Stack gas flow rates ranged from a low of 354 to a high of 
687 m 3 /second, with an average flow of 590 in 1990 which is close to 
1989' s 606. Down time for the 12-month period in 1990 was 1%, down 
considerabley from 29% in 1989. 

Units No. 1 and No. 2 operated with yearly average capacity factors of 
88.1% and 88.4% respectively, compared to 93.8% and 93.1% in 1989. 
Totals combining both units were as follows: 

Coal - 3,821,978 Mg in 1990, compared to 4,172,493 in 1989. 
Oil - 2,102 m 3 in 1990, compared to 1,754 in 1989. 
Gross Megawatt Hours - 4,574,700 in 1990 compared to 4,851,700 
in 1989. 

Stack Sampling 

A stack sampling survey, as per Condition 17 of Sask Power's Permit to 

Operate #197R6 was conducted on August 23, 1990. The results of the 

sampling for SO„, NO , and particulates were as follows: 

S0 9 - 3,057 ng/m 3 (@ 3% 0„) in 1990, compared to 2,680 mg/m 3 in 
1989. 

NO x - 744 mg/m 3 (@ 3% 2 ) in 1990, compared to 712 mg/m 3 in 1989. 

Particulates - 474 kg/hr in 1990, compared to 351 kg/hr in 1989. 



- 89 - 

The results, as compared to Sask Power's continuous in-stack results for 
corresponding time periods are as shown below. 

Stack Survey In-Sta ck M onitors % Agreement 

S0„ 3,057 2,971 within 3% 

NO 744 671 within 9% 

x 

Startup and Trip Conditions 

There were a number of startup and trip conditions throughout 1990. 
Various turbine trips occurred caused by primary air heater leaks, 
turbine repairs, boiler leaks, scheduled or non-scheduled maintenance 
overhauls or operational problems. Oil firing during startup conditions 
of various lengths always results in opacity level increases for periods 
up to 24 hours following startup. 

Using the above 1990 stack emission figures and based on operations of 
24-hrs/day, 292 days/yr (80% average capacity figures for Units 1 and 2) 
emission totals would be as follows: 

Particulates - 3,322 tonnes/yr vs 2,856 tonnes in 1989 
Sulphur Dioxide - 48,776 tonnes/yr vs 45,610 tonnes in 1989 
Nitrogen Oxides - 11,963 tonnes/yr vs 12,643 tonnes in 1989 



- 90 - 

Montana 

During 1990, the Montana Department of Health and Environmental Sciences, 
Air Quality Bureau (AQB) operated five sulfation plate sampling sites in 
the Scobey, Montana area. These were: (1) Richardson Residence; (2) 
Flaxville; (3) TV Tower Hill; (4) Scobey Downtown; and (5) Four Buttes. 
The sites were chosen to monitor potential sulfation level increases in 
the area due to the Sask Power generating plant near Coronach, Saskatche- 
wan. Table 10 summarizes 1990 sulfation plate data. 



Table 10 . --Sul fation rates for five Montana sites operated during 1990. Values of 

sulfation rate are in mg/100 cm* /day 

Site Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. 

Richardson 0.00 0.00 0.02 0.04 0.00 0.00 0.02 0.00 *N.D. N.D. N.D. 0.02 

Flaxville 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.01 0.02 

TV Tower 0.00 0.04 0.10 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.03 0.00 0.00 0.03 0.01 0.01 

Scobey 0.00 0.00 0.03 0.00 N.D. N.D. 0.00 N.D. 0.00 0.00 N.D. 0.00 

Four Buttes 0.00 0.00 0.04 0.02 0.00 N.D. 0.01 N.D. 0.00 0.00 N.D. 0.00 

'Indicates no data available. 



There are no federal or state standards for sulfation rate, but readings 
greater than 0.5 mg/100 cm 2 /day indicate potential sulfation problems. 
Since the highest reading experienced during 1990 was only 0.1 mg/100 
cm 2 /day during March (TV Tower site), sulfation rates during the entire 
year were obviously well below the potential problem rate. In light of 
the low sulfation rates experienced over the decade-long sampling period, 
it was decided by the AQB to terminate the sulfation plate sampling net- 
work after December, 1990. 



- 91 - 

In addition to sulfation plate monitoring stations in the later 1980' s, 
the Air Quality Bureau operated from one to three continuous air-quality 
monitoring stations from 1981-87. Parameters monitored included sulfur 
dioxide, Beta scattering coefficient, total suspended particulate, sul- 
fates, nitrates, wind direction, and wind speed. The continuous moni- 
toring stations were gradually phased out after determining that United 
States and Montana air quality standards were not being violated. 

REFERENCES CITED 

Integrated Environments Limited, 1991, The use of the TYDAC SPANS GIS in 
the assessment and review of pesticide residues detected in surface 
waters of the Prairie Provinces and the Northwest Territories: (pre- 
pared for Environment Canada, Inland Waters Directorate, Western and 
Northern Region, Water Quality Branch, Regina, Saskatchewan, 133 p.). 

Irvine, J. A., Whitaker, S.H., and Broughton, P.L., 1978, Coal resources 
of southern Saskatchewan - A model for evaluation methodology: Note : 
this report is listed three ways) Geological Survey of Canada Eco- 
nomic Geology Report 30, Department of Mineral Resources Report 209, 
or Saskatchewan Research Council Report 20; Part I, P. 151, Part II, 
56 oversize plates. 

Munro, D., 1985, Report on Mercury in the Cookson Reservoir. Environment 
Canada, Western and Northern Region, WQB-WNR-85-02 . 25 p. 

Vanderkamp, G., and Maathuis, H., 1989, Evaluation of proposal for 
groundwater dewatering project below Cookson Reservoir, Saskatchewan 
Research Council. 



- 92 - 

Waite, D.T., Dunn, G.W., and Stedwill, R.J., 1980, Mercury in the Cookson 
Reservoir. Saskatchewan Department of the Environment, Water 
Pollution Control Section, Report #WPC 23. 

Water Quality Branch, 1980. Cookson Reservoir Aquatic Quality Baseline 
Survey, 1979. Environment Canada, Inland Waters Directorate, Regina . 
Prepared for Saskatchewan Power Corporation, Contract E-021. 



ANNEX 1 



POPLAR RIVER 



COOPERATIVE MONITORING ARRANGEMENT 



CANADA-UNITED STATES 



Al - 1 



September 23, 1980 
POPLAR RIVER COOPERATIVE MONITORING ARRANGEMENT 



I. PURPOSE 

This Arrangement will provide for the exchange of data collected as 
described in the attached Technical Monitoring Schedules in water 
quality, water quantity and air quality monitoring programs being con- 
ducted in Canada and the United States at or near the International 
Boundary in response to the Saskatchewan Power Corporation development . 
This Arrangement will also provide for the dissemination of the data in 
each country and will assure its comparability and assist in its techni- 
cal interpretation. 

The Arrangement will replace and expand upon the quarterly information 
exchange program instituted between Canada and the United States in 1976. 

II. PARTICIPATING GOVERNMENTS 

Governments and government agencies participating in the Arrangement are: 

Government of Canada: Environment Canada 
Government of the Province of Saskatchewan: 

Saskatchewan Environment and Public Safety 
Government of the United States of America: U.S. Geological Survey 
Government of the State of Montana: Executive Office 

III. POPLAR RIVER MONITORING COMMITTEE: TERMS OF REFERENCE 

A binational committee called the Poplar River Bilateral Monitoring 
Committee will be established to carry out responsibilities assigned to 
it under this Arrangement . The Committee will operate in accordance with 
the following terms of reference: 

A. Membership 

The Committee will be composed of four representatives, one from each of 
the participating Governments. It will be jointly chaired By the 
Government of Canada and the Government of the United States. There will 
be a Canadian Section and a United States Section. The participating 
Governments will notify each other of any changes in membership on the 
Committee. Cochairpersons may by mutual agreement invite agency technical 
experts to participate in the work of the Committee. 



Al - 2 



The Governor of the State of Montana may also appoint a chief elective 
official of local government to participate as an ex-officio member of 
the Committee in its technical deliberations. The Saskatchewan Minister 
of the Environment may also appoint a similar local representative. 

B. Functions of the Committee 

The role of the Committee will be to fulfill the purpose of the 
Arrangement by ensuring the exchange of monitored data in accordance with 
the attached Technical Monitoring Schedules, and its collation and tech- 
nical interpretation in reports to Governments on implementation of the 
Arrangement. In addition, the Committee will review the existing monitor- 
ing systems to ensure their adequacy and may recommend to the Canadian 
and United States Governments any modifications to improve the Technical 
Monitoring Schedules. 

1. Information Exchange 

Each Cochairperson will be responsible for transmitting to his counter- 
part Cochairman on a regular, and not less than quarterly basis, the data 
provided by the cooperative monitoring agencies in accordance with the 
Technical Monitoring Schedules. 

2. Reports 

(a) The Committee will prepare a joint Annual Report to the par- 
ticipating governments, and may at any time prepare joint 
Special Reports. 

(b) Annual Reports will 

i) summarize the main activities of the Committee in the year un- 
der Report and the data which has been exchanged under the 
Arrangement ; 

ii) draw to the attention of the participating governments any 
definitive changes in the monitored parameters, based on colla- 
tion and technical interpretation of exchanged data (i.e. the 
utilization of summary, statistical and other appropriate 
techniques) ; 

iii) draw to the attention of the participating governments any 
recommendations regarding the adequacy or redundancy of any 
scheduled monitoring operations and any proposals regarding 
modifications to the Technical Monitoring Schedules, based on a 
continuing review of the monitoring programs inluding analyti- 
cal methods to ensure their comparability. 



Al - 3 



c) S pecial Reports may, at any time, draw to the attention of par- 
ticipating governments definitive changes in monitored 
parameters which may require immediate attention. 

d) Preparation of Reports 

Reports will be prepared following consultation with all com- 
mittee members and will be signed by all Committee members. 
Reports will be separately forwarded by the Committee 
Cochairmen to the participating governments. All annual and 
special reports will be so distributed. 

3. Activities of Canadian and United States Sections 

The Canadian and United States section will be separately responsible 
for: 

(a) dissemination of information within their respective countries, 
and the arrangement of any discussion required with local 
elected officials; 

(b) verification that monitoring operations are being carried out 
in accordance with the Technical Monitoring Schedules by 
cooperating monitoring agencies; 

(c) receipt and collation of monitored data generated by the 
cooperating monitoring agencies in their respective countries 
as specified in the Technical Monitoring Schedules; 

(d) if necessary, drawing to the attention of the appropriate 
government in their respective countries any failure to comply 
with a scheduled monitoring function on the part of any 
cooperating agency under the jurisdiction of that government, 
and requesting that appropriate corrective action be taken. 

IV. PROVISION OF DATA 

In order to ensure that the Committee is able to carry out the terms of 
this Arrangement, the participating governments will use their best ef- 
forts to have cooperating monitoring agencies, in their respective 
jurisdictions provide on an ongoing basis all scheduled monitored data 
for which they are responsible. 

V. TERMS OF THE ARRANGEMENT 

The Arrangement will be effective for an initial term of five years and 
may be amended by agreement of the participating governments. It will be 
subject to review at the end of the initial term and will be renewed 
thereafter for as long as it is required by the participating govern- 
ments . 



Al - 4 



ANNEX 2 

POPLAR RIVER 
COOPERATIVE MONITORING ARRANGEMENT 

TECHNICAL MONITORING SCHEDULES 

1991 

CANADA-UNITED STATES 



A2 - 1 



TABLE OF CONTENTS 

PREAMBLE A2 - 3 

CANADA 

STREAMFLOW MONITORING A2 - 6 

SURFACE WATER QUALITY MONITORING A2 - 8 

GROUND WATER QUALITY MONITORING A2 - 12 

GROUND WATER PIEZOMETERS TO MONITOR 

POTENTIAL DRAWDOWN DUE TO COAL SEAM DEWATERING A2 - 14 

GROUND WATER PIEZOMETERS LEVEL MONITORING 

- ASH LAGOON AREA 

SCHEDULE A - PIEZOMETERS IN TILL A2 - 16 

GROUND WATER PIEZOMETER LEVEL MONITORING 

- ASH LAGOON AREA AND INTERNATIONAL BOUNDARY AREA 

SCHEDULE B - PIEZOMETERS IN EMPRESS GRAVEL A2 - 18 

AMBIENT AIR QUALITY MONITORING A2 - 20 

SOURCE EMISSION MONITORING A2 - 22 

UNITED STATES 

STREAMFLOW MONITORING A2 - 26 

SURFACE WATER QUALITY MONITORING A2 - 28 

GROUND WATER QUALITY MONITORING A2 - 30 

GROUND WATER LEVELS TO MONITOR POTENTIAL 

DRAWDOWN DUE TO COAL SEAM DEWATERING A2 - 32 



A2 - 2 



PREAMBLE 
The Technical Monitoring Schedule lists those water quantity, water 
quality and air quality monitoring locations and parameters which form 
the basis for information exchange and reporting to Governments. The 
structure of the Committee responsible for ensuring the exchange takes 
place is described in the Poplar River Cooperative Monitoring 
Arrangement . 

The monitoring locations and parameters listed herein have been reviewed 
by the Poplar River Bilateral Monitoring committee and represent the 
basic technical information needed to identify any definitive changes in 
water quantity, water quality and air quality at the International 
Boundary. The Schedule was initially submitted to Governments for 
approval as an attachment to the 1981 report to Governments. Changes in 
the sampling locations and parameters may be made by Governments based on 
the recommendations of the committee. 

Significant additional information is being collected by agencies on both 
sides of the International Boundary, primarily for project management or 
basin-wide baseline data purposes. This additional information is 
usually available upon request from the collecting agency and forms part 
of the pool of technical information which may be drawn upon by 
Governments for specific study purposes. Examples of additional 
information are water quantity, water quality, groundwater and air 
quality data collected at points in the Poplar River basin not of direct 
concern to the Committee. In addition, supplemental information on 
parameters such as vegetation, soils, fish and waterfowl populations and 
aquatic vegetation is also being collected on either a routine or 
specific studies basis by various agencies. 

A2 - 3 



A2 - 4 



POPLAR RIVER 
COOPERATIVE MONITORING ARRANGEMENT 

TECHNICAL MONITORING SCHEDULES 

1991 

CANADA 



A2 - 5 



STREAMFLOW MONITORING 

Responsible Agency: Environment Canada 

Daily mean discharge or levels and instantaneous monthly extremes as 
normally published in surface water data publications. 



No . on Map 



Station No. 



Station Name 



11AE003 
(06178500) 

11AE013 
11AE015 

11AE014 



**Fife Lake Overflow 

11AE008 
(06178000) 



East Poplar River at 
International Boundary 

Cookson Reservoir near 
Coronach 

Girard Creek near 

Coronach 
Cookson Reservoir 

East Poplar River above 
Cookson Reservoir 



Poplar River at Interna- 
tional Boundary 



* International gauging station 

** Miscellaneous measurements of outflow to be made by Saskatchewan 
Water during periods of outflow only. 



A2 - 6 



HYDROMETRIC GAUGING STATIONS (CANADA) 




A2 - 7 



SURFACE WATER QUALITY 



Sampling Locations 



Responsible Agency: Saskatchewan Environment and Public Safety 



No . on Map 



Station No 



Station Name 



01SK02000002 
05SK02000007 

05SK02000008 

05SK02000004 
05SK02000003 



Fife Lake Overflow 

Girard Creek at Coronach Reservoir 
Outflow 

Upper End of Cookson Reservoir at 
Highway 36 

Cookson Reservoir near Dam 

East Poplar River at culvert 
immediately below Cookson 
Reservoir 



Responsible Agency: Environment Canada 



00SA11AE0008 



East Poplar River at International 
Boundary 



A2 - 8 



PARAMETERS 
Responsible Agency: Saskatchewan Environment and Public Safety 



ESQUADAT* 

Code Parameter 



Analytical Method 



Sampling Frequency 
Station No. 











1 


2 


3 


4 


5 


10151 


Alkalinity-pheno 


Pot. Titration 




OF 


Q 


Q 


Q 


Q 


10101 


Alkalinity-tot 


Pot. Titration 




OF 


Q 


Q 


Q 


Q 


13004 


Aluminum tot 


AA-direct 






A 


A 


A 


A 


33004 


Arsenic-tot 


Flameless-A.A. 






A 


A 


A 


A 


06201 


Bicarbonates 


Calculated 




OF 


Q 


Q 


Q 


Q 


05451 


Boron -tot 


ICPA 




W 


Q 


Q 


Q 


Q 


48002 


Cadmium-tot 


AA-Solvent extract 


(MIBK) 




A 


A 


A 


A 


20103 


Calcium 


AA-direct 




OF 


Q 


Q 


Q 


Q 


06052 


Carbon-tot Inorg. 


IR 




OF 




Q 


Q 


Q 


06005 


Carbon-tot Org. 


IR 




OF 




Q 


Q 


Q 


06301 


Carbonates 


Calculated 




OF 


Q 


Q 


Q 


Q 


17203 


Chloride 


Colourimetry 




OF 


Q 


Q 


Q 


Q 


06711 


Chlorophyll 'a' 


Colourimetry 






Q 


Q 


Q 


Q 


24004 


Chromium-tot 


AA-Direct 






A 


A 


A 


A 


36012 


Coliform-fec 


MF 




OF 


Q 


Q 


Q 


Q 


36002 


Colif orm-tot 


MF 




OF 


Q 


Q 


Q 


Q 


02041 


Conductivity 


Conductivity Meter 




W 


Q 


Q 


Q 


Q 


29005 


Copper-tot 


AA-Solvent extract 


(MIBK) 




A 


A 


A 


A 


09105 


Flouride 


Specific ion electrode 




A 


A 


A 


A 


82002 


Lead-tot 


AA-Solvent extract 


(MIBK) 




A 


A 


A 


A 


12102 


Magnesium 


AA-Direct 




OF 


Q 


Q 


Q 


Q 


80011 


Mercury -tot 


Flameless AA 






A 


A 


A 


A 


42005 


Molybdenum 


AA-Solvent extract 


(MIBK) 




A 


A 


A 


A 


07015 


N-TKN 


Colourimetry 




OF 


Q 


Q 


Q 


Q 


10401 


NFR 


Gravimetric 




OF 


Q 


Q 


Q 


Q 


10501 


NFR (F) 


Gravimetric 




OF 


Q 


Q 


Q 


Q 


28002 


Nickel-tot 


AA-Solvent extract 


(MIBK) 


OF 


Q 


Q 


Q 


Q 


07110 


Nitrate + N02 


Colourimetry 




OF 


Q 


Q 


Q 


Q 


06521 


Oil and Grease 


Pet. Ether Extract: 


.on 




A 


A 


A 


A 


08102 


Oxygen-diss 


Meter 




OF 


Q 


Q 


Q 


Q 


15406 


Phophorus-tot 


Colourimetry 




OF 


Q 


Q 


Q 


Q 


19103 


Potassium 


Flame Photometery 




OF 


Q 


Q 


Q 


Q 


34005 


Selenium-Ext 


Hydride Generation 






A 


A 


A 


A 


11103 


Sodium 


Flame Photometry 




OF 


Q 


Q 


Q 


Q 


16306 


Sulphate 


Colourimetry 




OF 


Q 


Q 


Q 


Q 


10451 


TDS 


Gravimetric 




OF 


Q 


Q 


Q 


Q 


02061 


Temperature 


Thermometer 




OF 


Q 


Q 


Q 


Q 


23004 


Vanadium-tot 


AA-Direct 






A 


A 


A 


A 


30005 


Zinc-tot 


AA-Solvent extract 


(MIBK) 




A 


A 


A 


A 


10301 


PH 


Electrometric 




W 


Q 


Q 


Q 


Q 



* Computer storage and retrieval system - Saskatchewan Environment and Public 
Safety. 

Symbols: W - Weekly during overflow; OF - Once during each period of overflow 
greater than 2 weeks' duration; Q - Quarterly; A - Annually in the 
fall; AA - Atomic absorption; IR - Infrared; Pot - Potent iometric; 
NFR - Nonf ilterable residue; ICPA - Plasma emission; MF - Membrane 
filtration. NFRF - Nonf ilterable residue, fixed; AA - Solvent Extract 
(MIBK) - Sample digested with HN03 and extracted with methyl isobutyl 
ketone; 



PARAMETERS (Continued) 
Responsible Agency: Environment Canada 



NAQUADAT 
Code 



Analytical Method 



Sampling Frequency 
Station No. 6 



10151 


Alkalinity-pheno 


Potent iometric 


10111 


Alkalinity-tot 


Potent iomet r ic 


13102 


Aluminum-Diss . 


AA-Direct 


13302 


Aluminum-ext 


AA-Direct 


07570 


Ammonia-Free 


Calculated 


07540 


Ammonia-tot 


Colourimetric 


33108 


Arsenic-diss 


Plasma 


56001 


Barium-tot 


AA-Direct 


06201 


Bicarbonates 


Calculated 


05009 


Boron-diss 


I CAP 


48002 


Cadmium-tot 


AA Solv. Ext. 


20103 


Calcium 


AA-Direct 


06104 


Carbon-diss org 


IR Detector 


06901 


Carbon -pa rtic 


Elemental Analyzer 


06002 


Carbon-tot Org 


Calculated 


06301 


Carbonates 


Calculated 


17206 


Chloride 


Colourimetric 


06717 


Chlorophyll a 


Spect r ophot omet ric 


24003 


Chromium-tot 


AA-Solv. Ext. 


27002 


Cobalt -tot 


AA-Solv. Ext. 


36012 


Coliform-fec 


MF 


36002 


Coliform-tot 


MF 


02021 


Colour 


Comparator 


02041 


Conductivity 


Wheatstone Bride 


29005 


Copper -tot 


AA-Solv. Ext. 


06610 


Cyanide 


UV-Colou rimet ric 


09117 


Fluoride -diss 


Electrometric 


10602 


Hardness 


Calculated 


08501 


Hydroxide 


Calculated 


26104 


Iron-diss 


AA-Direct 


82002 


Lead-tot 


AA-Solv. Ext. 


12102 


Magnesium 


AA-Direct 


25104 


Manganese-diss 


AA-Direct 


80011 


Mercury-tot 


Flameless AA 


07901 


N-particulate 


Elemental Analyzer 


07651 


N-tot diss 


UV Colourimetric 


10401 


NFR 


Gravimetric 


28002 


Nickel-tot 


AA-Solv. Ext. 


07110 


Nitrate/Nitrite 


Colourimetric 


07603 


Nitrogen-tot 


Calculated 


180XX 


Organo Chlorines 


GC 


08101 


Oxygen-diss 


Winkler 


15901 


P-particulate 


Calculated 


15465 


P-tot diss 


Colourimetric 


185XX 


Phenoxy Herbicides 


GC 


15423 


Phosphor us -tot 


Colourimetric (TRAACS) 


19103 


Potassium 


Flame Emission 


11250 


Percent Sodium 


Calculated 


00210 


Sat Index 


Calculated 


34108 


Selenium-diss 


Plasma 


14108 


Silica 


Colourimetric 


11103 


Sodium 


Flame Emission 


00211 


Stab Index 


Calculated 


16306 


Sulphate 


Colourimetric 


00201 


TDS 


Calculated 


02061 


Temperature 


Digital Thermometer 


02081 


Turbidity 


Nephelometric 


23002 


Vanadium-tot 


AA-Solv. Ext. 


30005 


Zinc-tot 


AA-Solv. Ext. 


10301 


pH 


Electrometric 


92111 


Uranium 


Fluometric 



BM 
BM 
BM 
BM 
BM 
BM 
BM 
BM 
BM 
BM 
BM 
BM 
BM 
BM 
BM 
BM 
BM 
BM 
BM 
BM 
BM 
BM 
BM 
BM 
BM 
BM 
BM 
BM 
BM 
BM 
BM 
BM 
BM 
BM 
BM 
BM 
BM 
BM 
BM 
BM 
BM 
BM 
BM 
BM 
BM 
BM 
BM 
BM 
BM 
BM 
BM 
BM 
BM 
BM 
BM 
BM 
BM 
BM 
BM 
BM 
MC 



Computer Storage and Retrieval System — Environment Canada 



AA - Atomic Absorption MF 
UV - Ultraviolet NFR 

MC - Monthly Composite BM 



Membrane Filtration IR - Infrared 

Nonf ilterable Residue GC - Gas Chromatography 

Bimonthly (Alternate months sampled by U.S.G.S.) 



SURFACE WATER QUALITY MONITORING STATIONS (CANADA) 




L EOEND 
ENVIRONMENT SASKATCHEWAN 
ENVIRONMENT CANADA 



A2 - 11 



GROUND WATER QUALITY MONITORING 
SAMPT.TNG LOCATIONS 



Responsible Agency: Saskatchewan Environment and Public Safety 



Station Description 



Map 


SPC 


Location No. 


Piezometer No 


8a 


C726A 




C726C 


8a 


C726E 


9a 


C728A 




C728B 




C728C 




C728D 


9a 


C728E 


2a 


C712B 


2b 


C718 


2c 


C719 


22 


C533 


23 


C534 


18 


C741** 


21 


C742** 


24 


C714A 


25 


C714D 


26 


C714E 


27 


C774B 


28 


C775A 


29 


C775D 



Tip of Screen 
Elevation (m) 



746.338 
752.739 
738.725 
753.405 
743.265 
747.645 
752.305 
739.912 
746.112 
748.385 
747.715 
740.441 
753.449 
735.153 
741.800 
745.333 
750.459 
738.230 
749.370 
753.320 
740.190 



unoxidized till 
oxidized till 
Empress gravel 
oxidized till 
unoxidized till 
mottled till 
oxidized till 
Empress gravel 
oxidized till 
mottled till 
oxidized till 
Empress gravel 
till 

Empress gravel 
Empress gravel 
unoxidized till 
oxidized till 
Empress gravel 
oxidized till 
oxidized till 
Empress gravel 



PARAMETERS 
Responsible Agency: Saskatchewan Environment and Public Safety 



Sampling Frequency 



ESQUADAT 


* 


Analytical 




Station 


Code 


Parameter 


Method 


No 


. Piezometers 


10101 


Alkalinity-tot 


Pot-Titration 




A 


13105 


Aluminum-Diss 


AA-Direct 




3** 


33104 


Arsenic-Diss 


Flameless AA 




A 


56104 


Barium-Diss 


AA-Direct 




A 


06201 


Bicarbonates 


Calculated 




A 


05106 


Boron-Diss 


Colourimetry 




3** 


48102 


Cadmium-Diss 


AA-Solvent Extract 


(MIBK) 


A 


20103 


Calcium-Diss 


AA-Direct 




A 


06301 


Carbonates 


Calculated 




A 


17203 


Chloride-Di3S 


Colourimetry 




A 


24104 


Chromium-Diss 


AA-Direct 




A 


27102 


Cobalt-Diss 


AA-Solvent Extract 


(MIBK) 


A 


02011 


Colour 


Comparator 




A 


02041 


Conductivity 


Conductivity Meter 




3** 


29105 


Copper-Diss 


AA-Solvent Extract 


(MIBK) 


A 


09103 


Fluoride-Diss 


Specific Ion Electrode 


A 


26104 


Iron-Diss 


AA-Direct 




A 


82103 


Lead-Diss 


AA-Solvent Extract 


(MIBK) 


A 


12102 


Magnesium-Diss 


AA-Direct 




A 


25104 


Manganese-Diss 


AA-Direct 




A 


80111 


Mercury-Diss 


Flameless AA 




A 


42102 


Molybdenum-Diss 


AA-Solvent Extract 


(N-Butyl acetate) 


A 


10301 


pH 


Electrometric 




3** 


19103 


P ot a ss ium-Di ss 


Flame Photometry 




A 


34105 


Selenium-Diss 


Hydride generation 




A 


14102 


Silica-Diss 


Colourimetry 




A 


11103 


Sodium-Diss 


Flame Photometry 




A 


38101 


Strontium-Diss 


AA-Direct 




3** 


16306 


Sulpha te-Diss 


Colourimetry 




3«* 


10451 


TDS 


Gravimetric 




3*. 


92111 


Uranium-Diss 


Fluorometry 




3** 


23104 


Vanadium-Diss 


AA-Direct 




A 


97025 


Water Level 






A 


30105 


Zinc-Diss 


AA-Solvent Extract 


(MIBK) 


A 



No zinc or iron for Piezometers C533 or C534. 
* Computer storage and retrieval system 
— Saskatchewan Environment and Public Safety 
** Analyze annually only for Piezometers Nos. 
C741 and C742 



SYMBOLS: AA - Atomic absorption 
A - Annually. 3 -3 
times/year 

AA - Solvent Extract 
(MIBK) - sample 
acidified and extracted 
with Methyl Isobutyl 
Ketone. 



GROUND WATER QUALITY MONITORING (CANADA) 



A»h 
Lagoons 



CANADA 
US. A. 



A 



•oo woo wrait 




A2 - 13 



GROUND WATER PIEZOMETERS TO MONITOR POTENTIAL DRAWDOWN 
DUE TO COAL SEAM DEWATERING 



Responsible Agency: Saskatchewan Environment and Public Safety 
Measurement Frequency: Quarterly 



Piezometer 
Number 



Location 



Tip of Screen 
Elevation (m) 



Perforation Zone 
(depth in metres) 



52 
506A 
507 
509 
510 



NW 14-1-27 W3 
SW 4-1-27 W3 
SW 6-1-26 W3 
NW 11-1-27 W3 
NW 1-1-28 W3 



738. 


,43 


43 - 49 


(in coal) 


748, 


.27 


81 - 82 


(in coal) 


725, 


.27 


34 - 35 


(in coal) 


725, 


.82 


76 - 77 


(in coal) 


769, 


.34 


28 - 29 (in 
layered coal 
and clay) 



A2 - 14 



GROUNDWATER PIEZOMETERS TO MONITOR POTENTIAL 
DRAWNDOWN DUE TO COAL SEAM DEWATERING 




A2 - 15 



Piezometer No. 


Frequency of 
Measurement. 


C716 
C717 


All piezometer levels 
are measured 
quarterly. 



GROUNDWATER PIEZOMETER LEVEL MONITORING -- ASH LAGOON AREA 
Schedule A — Piezometers In Till 

Responsible Agency: Saskatchewan Environment and Public Safety 

Station 

la 
lb 

lc 

2a C712A 

2a 2 C712B 

2a } C712C 

2a 4 C712D 

2b C71B 

2c C719 

3a C713 

3b C720 

3c C721 



6a C7 63A 

1 

6a 2 C763B 

6a, C763C 

6a C7 63D 



7a, C729A 

7a 2 C729B 

7a C729C 
3 

7a 4 C729D 

C534 C534 



8a C730A 

1 

8a 2 C730B 

8a, C730C 

8a 4 C730D 

8b C727A 

1 

8bj C727B 

8b, C727C 

8c C726A 

1 

8c 2 C726B 

8c, C726C 

8d C748 

9a C764A 

I 

9a 2 C764B 

9a, C764C 

9a 4 C764D 

9b C728A 

1 

9b, C728B 

9b, C728C 

9b 4 C728D 



PIEZOMETER INSTALLATION SITES 
- SCHEDULE "A" PEIZOMETERS IN TILL 



R.2« 

LEGEND 

Q Single Pitiomtr In Till 
(I Nntt« Pl<n«liri Ik Till 
8 Sit* Numbtt 



Ash 
LoqooA 



C534 



CANADA 
USA 



A 




A2 - 17 



GROUNDWATER PIEZOMETER LEVEL MONITORING 
— ASH LAGOON AREA AND INTERNATIONAL BOUNDARY AREA 

Schedule B - Piezometers in Empress Gravel 

Responsible Agency: Saskatchewan Environment and Public Safety 



Station 



Piezometer No. 



Frequency of Measurement 



1 

6a 

6b 

C529 

C530 

C532 

C533 

C538 

8 

9 



IMMEDIATE ASH LAGOON AREA 

C731 

C763 

C765A 

C529 

C530 

C532 

C533 

C538 

C730E 

C728E 



All piezometers are 
monitored quarterly 



11 
14 
16 



WEST OF ASH LAGOON AREA 

C743 
C740 
C756 



C525 
C526 
C527 
C539 
C540 
18 

20* 

21 

22 

23 

24 



SOUTH OF ASH LAGOON AREA 

C525 
C526 
C527 
C539 
C540 
C741 

C736 
C742 
C733 
C732 
C734 



Inactive as of 1989 



A2 - li 



PIEZOMETER INSTALLATION SITES 
SCHEDULE "B" PIEZOMETERS IN EMPRESS GRAVEL 



LEGCNO 

'in 

It* 

A PMMMlWt * Mart Imp 
8 Silt N»»b.r 




A 



11 (Die 



(9 

C525 '• C527 

17 C539 C540 

li m a 



@18 




gi9 



3 20 



1)21 



Q22 



A2 - 19 



AMBIENT AIR QUALITY MONITORING 
Responsible Agency: Saskatchewan Environment and Public Safety 



No. on map Location Parameters 



Reporting frequency 



Coronach Sulphur Dioxide 



Wind speed and 
direction 



Total Suspended 
Particulates 



Interna- Sulphur Dioxide 
tional 
Boundary* 



Continuous monitoring with 
hourly averages as summary 
statistics . 

Continuous monitoring with 
hourly averages as summary 
statistics . 

24-hour samples on a 6-day 
cycle, corresponding to 
the National Air Pollution 
Surveillance Sampling 
Schedule. 

Continuous monitoring with 
hourly averages as summary 
statistics . 



Total Suspended 
Particulates 



24-hour samples on 6-day 
cycle, corresponding to 
the National Air Pollution 
Surveillance Sampling 
Schedule. 



METHODS 



Sulphur Dioxide 



Total Suspended 
Particulates 



Saskatchewan Environment and Public Safety 

Colourimetric Titration, Pulsed Fluorescence 

Saskatchewan Environment and Public Safety 
High Volume Method 



This station operated by Sask Power. 



A2 - 20 



AMBIENT AIR QUALITY MONITORING (CANADA) 




A2 - 21 



SOURCE EMISSION MONITORING 
Responsible Agency: Saskatchewan Environment and Public Safety 

Sampling 
No. on map Station Location Parameters Frequency 

1 At Poplar River Sulphur Dioxide, Continuously 

Power Plant Nitrogen Dioxide, reported as Hourly 
Opacity. Averages 



METHODS 

Sulphur Dioxide Saskatchewan Environment and Public Safety 

- Ultraviolet Absorption 

Nitrogen Dioxide Saskatchewan Environment and Public Safety 

- Chemiluminescence 

Opacity Saskatchewan Environment and Public Safety 

- Optical 



A2 - 22 



SOURCE EMISSION MONITORING 




Polithinq 

Lagoon 



Ash 
lo goons 



A 



SCALt 

3 too loooNinn 
I ' 1 1 - 1 



4 



CANADA 
US. A. 



A2 - 23 



A2 - 24 



POPLAR RIVER 
COOPERATIVE MONITORING ARRANGEMENT 

TECHNICAL MONITORING SCHEDULES 

1991 

UNITED STATES 



A2 - 25 



STREAMFLOW MONITORING 
Responsible Agency: United States Geological Survey 

No. on 
Map Station Number Station Name 

1* 06178000 (11AE008) Poplar River at International Boundary 

2* 06178500 (11AE003) East Poplar River at International Boundary 

♦International Gauging Station 



A2 - 26 



HYDROMETRIC GAUGING STATIONS (UNITED STATES) 




A2 - 27 



SURFACE WATER QUALITY MONITORING 

Station Location 

Responsible Agency: U.S. Geological Survey 



No. 


pn Map 


tlSGS Station No. 


1 




06178000 


2 




06178500 


3 




06179000 



Station Name 

Poplar River at International Boundary 
East Poplar River at International Boundary 
East Poplar River near Scobey 



PARAMETERS 



Parameter 



Analytical Method 



Sampling 
frequency no. 



90410 Alkalinity - lab 

01106 Aluminum - diss 

00610 Ammonia - tot 

00625 Ammonia +Org N-tot 

01000 Arsenic - diss 

01002 Arsenic - tot 

01010 Beryllium - diss 

01012 Beryllium - tot/rec 

01020 Boron - diss 

01025 Cadmium - diss 

01027 Cadmium - tot/rec 

00915 Calcium 

00680 Carbon - tot Org 

00940 Chloride - diss 

01030 Chromium - diss 

01034 Chromium - tot/rec 

00080 Color 

00095 Conductivity 

01040 Copper - diss 

01042 Copper - tot/rec 

00061 Discharge - inst 

00950 Fluoride 

01046 Iron - diss 

01045 Iron - tot/rec 

01049 Lead - diss 

01051 Lead - tot/rec 

00925 Magnesium - diss 

01056 Manganese - diss 

01055 Manganese - tot/rec 

01065 Nickel - diss 

01067 Nickel - tot/rec 

00615 Nitrite - tot 

00630 Nitrate + Nitrite - tot 

00300 Oxygen-diss 

70507 Phos, Ortho-tot 

00400 pH 

00665 Phosphorous - tot 

00935 Potassium - diss 

00931 SAR 

80154 Sediment - cone. 

80155 Sediment - load 
01145 Selenium - diss 
01147 Selenium tot 
00955 Silica 

00930 Sodium 

00945 Sulfate - diss 

70301 Total Dissolved Solids 

00010 Temp Water 

00020 Temp Air 

00076 Turbidity 

80020 Uranium - diss 

01090 Zinc - diss 

01092 Zinc - tot/rec 



Elect. Titration 

AE, DC Plasma 

Colorimetric 

Colorimetric 

AA, hydride 

AA, hydride 

ICP 

AA - Persulfate 

AE, DC Plasma 

AA, GF 

AA, GF - Persulfate 

ICP 

Wet Oxidation 

Colorimetric 

AE, DC Plasma 

AE, DC Plasma Persulfate 

Electrometric, visual 

Wheatstone Bridge 

AA, GF 

AA, GF - Persulfate 

Direct measur. 

Electrometric 

AE, ICP 

AA-Persulfate 

AA, GF 

AA, GF - Persulfate 

AA 

ICP 

AA-Persulfate 

AA, GF 

AA, GF - Persulfate 

Colorimetric 

Colorimetric 

Winkler/meter 

Colorimetric 

Electrometric 

Colorimetric 

AA 

Calculated 

Filtration-Gravimetric 

Calculated 

AA, hydride 

AA, hydride 

ICP 

ICP 

Turbimetry 

Calculated 

Stem Therm. 

Stem Therm. 

Nephelometric 

Spectrometry 

ICP 

AA-Persulfate 



SA 
BM 



A 

BM 



SA 
A 



SA 


SA 


SA 


A 


A 


A 


BM 


BM 


BM 


SA 


SA 


SA 


A 


A 


A 


SA 


SA 


SA 


A 


A 


A 


BM 


BM 


BM 


BM 


BM 


BM 


BM 


BM 


BM 


BM 


BM 


BM 


BM 


BM 


BM 


BM 


BM 


BM 


BM 


BM 


BM 


BM 


BM 


BM 


BM 


BM 


BM 


BM 


BM 


BM 


SA 


SA 


SA 


A 


A 


A 


BM 


BM 


BM 


BM 


BM 


BM 



BM 
BM 



SA 
A 



Computer storage and 
retrieval system — USGS 



C - continuous; D - daily; M - monthly; 
BM - bimonthly; MC- monthly composite; 
A - annually at high flow; SA - semi- 
annually low and high flow; AA - atomic 
absorption; tot - total; rec - recoverable; 
diss - dissolved; AE - atomic absorption; 
DC - direct current; ICP - inductively 
coupled plasma; GF - graphite furnace 



SURFACE WATER QUALITY MONITORING STATIONS (UNITED STATES) 




A2 - 29 



GROUND WATER QUALITY MONITORING 





Responsible 


Agency: 


Montana Bureau of 


Mines and Geology 










Total 
















Depth 


Casing 






Map 


Well 




(a) 


Diameter 




Perforation 


Number 


Location 




(m) 


(at 


>> 


Aquifer 


Zone (m) 


2* 


37N47E17DABB 




79 


3.8 PVC 


Hart Coal 


76-79 


3* 


37N47E23AADD 




36 


3.8 PVC 


Hart Coal 


33-36 


4* 


37N48E23BBCC 




104 


3.8 PVC 


Fox Hills - Hell Creek 


102-104 


5 


37N47E1ABBB1 




16 


10.2 


PVC 


Alluvium 


10-15 


6 


37N47E1ABBB2 




25 


10.2 


PVC 


Hart Coal 


19-25 


7 


37N47E12BBBB 




14 


10.2 


PVC 


Hart Coal 


39-45 


8 


37N47E13AADD 




63 


10.2 


PVC 


Alluvium 


10-13 


9 


37N47E13ADAA0] 


L 


13 


10.2 


PVC 


Fort Union 


16-62 


10 


37N48E5BABB 




67 


10.2 


PVC 


Alluvium -Coal 


7-13 


11 


37N48E5AAAA 




26 


15.2 


STEEL 


Fox Hills - Hell Creek 


65-67 


12* 


37N47E Sec 11 


DDDD 


62.5 


5.08 




Hart Coal 


15-18 


13* 


37N47E Sec 3 


CCCC 


82.6 


10.2 




Hart Coal 


56-59 


14* 


37N47E Sec 4 


BBAB 


89 


10.2 




Hart Coal 


75-78 


15 


37N47E Sec 3 


BBAA 


26 


10.2 




Hart Coal 


83-86 


16 


37N46E Sec 3 


ABAB 


88 


10.2 




Fort Union 


24-25 


17* 


37N47E Sec 16 


DDDD 


90 


10.6 




Hart Coal 


80-83 


18* 


37N46E Sec 1 


BBBA 


59 


10.2 




Hart Coal 


80-82 


19 


37N47E Sec 15 


AAAB 


22 


10.2 




Hart Coal 


54-56 


20* 


37N47E Sec 24 


CCCC 


106 


5.08 




Hart Coal 


19-22 


21* 


37N47E Sec 6 


DBAA 


21 


10.2 




Hart Coal 


100-103 


22* 


37N47E Sec 9 


CBCC 




10.2 




Fort Union 


18-21 



Storet 
Code 



Parameter 



Analytical 
Method 



Sampling Frequency Station No. 



00440 


Bicarbonates 


01020 


Boron-diss 


00915 


Calcium 


00445 


Caronates 


00940 


Chloride 


00095 


Conductivity 


01040 


Copper-diss 


00950 


Fluoride 


01046 


Iron-diss 


01049 


Lead-diss 


01130 


Lithium-diss 


00925 


Magesium 


01056 


Manganese-diss 


01060 


Molybdenum 


00630 


Nitrate 


00400 


PH 


00935 


Potassium 


01145 


Selenium-diss 


00955 


Silica 


00930 


Sodium 


01080 


Strontium-diss 


00445 


Sulphate 


00190 


Zinc-diss 


70301 


TDS 



Electrometric Titration 
Emission Plasma, ICP 
Emission Plasma 
Electrometric Titration 
Ion Chromatography 
Wheatstone Bridge 
Emission Plasma, ICP 
Ion Chromatography 
Emission Plasma, ICP 
Emission Plasma, ICP 
Emission Plasma, ICP 
Emission Plasma, ICP 
Emission Plasma, ICP 
Emission Plasma, ICP 
Ion Chromatography 
Eletrometric 
Emission Plasma, ICP 
AA 

Emission Plasma, ICP 
Emission Plasma, ICP 
Emission Plasma, ICP 
Ion Chromatography 
Emission Plasma, ICP 
Calculated 



Sample collection is annually for all active 
stations. 



The analytical method descriptions are those of 
the Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology 
Laboratory where the samples are analyzed. 



* - Inactive as of 1989 

** - Computer storate and retrieval system — USGS 

SYMBOLS 

AA - Atomic Absorption; ICP - Inductively Coupled Plasma Unit 



GROUND WATER QUALITY MONITORING (UNITED STATES) 




CANADA 
U.S.A 



v_ 



A2 - 31 



GROUND WATER LEVELS TO MONITOR POTENTIAL DRAWDOWN 
DUE TO COAL SEAM DEWATERING 

Responsible Agency: Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology 
No. on Map Sampling 

2 to 22 Determine water levels quarterly 



A2 - 32 



GROUNDWATER PIEZOMETERS TO MONITOR POTENTIAL 
DRAWDOWN DUE TO COAL SEAM DEWATERING 



^ 




CANADA 
USA 



A2 - 33 



A2 - 34 



ANNEX 3 

REPORTS REVIEWED DURING 1990 
BY THE POPLAR RIVER BILATERAL MONITORING COMMITTEE 



A3 - 1 



REPORTS REVIEWED DURING 1990 
BY THE POPLAR RIVER BILATERAL MONITORING COMMITTEE 

Clifton Associates, 1990, Poplar River Power Station; Hydrogeological 
evaluation, ash storage lagoon, Coronach, Saskatchewan, Sask Power, 
File AD 18.14.1, 89 p. 

Clifton Associates, 1990, Poplar River Power Station; Ash Stacking Study, 
Coronach, Saskatchewan, Sask Power, File: AD 18.14., 35 p. 

Schmidt, Ffed and Sholes, Brenda, 1990, final report; Poplar River 
Monitoring: Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology, Open-File Report 
No. 226, 164 p. 



A3 - 2 



ANNEX 4 



RECOMMENDED FLOW APPORTIONMENT 
IN THE POPLAR RIVER BASIN 
BY THE INTERNATIONAL SOURIS-RED RIVERS ENGINEERING BOARD, 
POPLAR RIVER TASK FORCE (197 6) 



A4 - 1 



* RECOMMENDED FLOW APPORTIONMENT IN THE POPLAR RIVER BASIN 

The aggregate natural flow of all streams and tributaries in the Poplar 
River Basin crossing the International Boundary shall be divided equally 
between Canada and the United States subject to the following conditions: 

1. The total natural flow of the West Fork Poplar River and all its 
tributaries crossing the International Boundary shall be divided 
equally between Canada and the United States but the flow at the 
International Boundary in each tributary shall not be depleted by 
more than 60 percent of its natural flow. 

2 . The total natural flow of all remaining streams and tributaries in 
the Poplar River Basin crossing the International Boundary shall be 
divided equally between Canada and the United States. Specific con- 
ditions of this division are as follows: 

(a) Canada shall deliver to the United States a minimum of 60 per- 
cent of the natural flow of the Middle Fork Poplar River at the 
International Boundary, as determined below the confluence of 
Goose Creek and Middle Fork. 

(b) The delivery of water from Canada to the United States on the 
East Poplar River shall be determined on or about the first day 
of June of each year as follows: 

(i) When the total natural flow of the Middle Fork Poplar 
River, as determined below the confluence of Goose Creek, 
during the immediately preceding March 1st to May 31st 
period does not exceed 4,690 cubic decameters (3,800 acre- 
feet), then a continuous minimum flow of 0.028 cubic 
metres per second (1.0 cubic feet per second) shall be 
delivered to the United States on the East Poplar River at 
the International Boundary throughout the succeeding 12 
month period commencing June 1st. In addition, a volume of 
370 cubic decameters (300 acre-feet) shall be delivered to 
the United States upon demand at any time during the 12 
month period commencing June 1st. 

(ii) When the total natural flow of the Middle Fork Poplar 
River, as determined below the confluence of Goose Creek, 
during the immediately preceding March 1st to May 31st 
period is greater than 4,690 cubic decameters (3,800 acre- 
feet), but does not exceed 9,250 cubic decameters (7,500 
acre-feet), then a continuous minimum flow of 0.057 cubic 
metres per second (2.0 cubic feet per second) shall be 
delivered to the United States on the East Poplar River at 
the International Boundary during the succeeding period 
June 1st through August 31st. A minimum delivery of 0.028 
cubic metres per second (1.0 cubic feet per second) shall 
then be maintained from September 1st through to May 31st 
of the following year. In addition, a volume of 617 cubic 
decameters (500 acre-feet) shall be delivered to the 
United States upon demand at any time during the 12-month 
period commencing June 1st. 

* Canada-United States, 1976, Joint studies for flow apportionment, 
Poplar River Basin, Montana-Saskatchewan: Main Report, Interna- 
tional Souris-Red Rivers Board, Poplar River Task Force, 43 pp. 

A4 - 2 



(iii) When the total natural flow of the Middle Fork Poplar 
River, as determined below the confluence of Goose 
Creek, during the immediately preceding March 1st to May 
31st period is greater than 9,250 cubic decameters 
(7,500 acre-feet), but does not exceed 14,800 cubic 
decameters (12,000 acre-feet), then a continuous minimum 
flow of 0.085 cubic metres per second (3.0 cubic feet 
per second) shall be delivered to the United States on 
the East Poplar River at the International Boundary 
during the succeeding period June 1st through August 
31st. A minimum delivery of 0.057 cubic metres per 
second (2.0 cubic feet per second) shall then be main- 
tained from September 1st through to May 31st of the 
following year. In addition, a volume of 617 cubic 
decameters (500 acre-feet) shall be delivered to the 
United States upon demand at any time during the 12 
month period commencing June 1st. 

(iv) When the total natural flow of the Middle Fork Poplar, 
as determined below the confluence of Goose Creek, 
during the immediately preceding March 1st to May 31st 
period exceeds 14,800 cubic decameters (12,000 acres- 
feet) then a continuous minimum flow of 0.085 cubic 
metres per second (3.0 cubic feet per second) shall be 
delivered to the United States on the East Poplar River 
at the International Boundary during the succeeding 
period June 1st through August 31st. A minimum delivery 
of 0.057 cubic metres per second (2.0 cubic feet per 
second) shall then be maintained from September 1st 
through to May 31st of the following year. In addition, 
a volume of 1,230 cubic decameters (1,000 acre-feet) 
shall be delivered to the United States upon demand at 
any time during the 12-month period commencing June 1st. 



(c) The natural flow at the International Boundary in each of the 
remaining individual tributaries shall not be depleted by more 
than 60 percent of its natural flow. 

The natural flow and division periods for apportionment purposes 
shall be determined, unless otherwise specified, for periods of time 
commensurate with the uses and requirements of both countries. 



A4 - 3 



ANNEX 5 
METRIC CONVERSIONS 

ac = 4,047 m 3 = 0.04047 ha 

ac-ft = 1,233.5 m 3 = 1.2335 dam 3 

Cx = 1.8 Fx 

cm = 0.3937 in. 

cm 2 = 0.155 in 2 

dam 3 = 1,000 m 3 = 0.8107 ac-ft 

ft 3 = 28.3171 x 10-3m 3 

ha = 10,000 m 2 = 2.471 ac 

hm = 100 m = 328.08 ft 

hm 3 l x 106 m 3 

I.gpm = 0.0758 L/s 

in = 2.54 cm 

k 9 = 2.20462 lb = 1.1 x 10-3 tons 

km = 0.62137 miles 

km 2 = 0.3861 mi 2 

L = 0.3532 ft 3 = 0.21997 I. gal = 0.26420 U.S. gal 

L/s " 0-035 cfs = 13.193 I.gpm = 15.848 U.S. gpm 

m = 3.2808 ftm 2 = 10.7636 ft 2 

11,3 " 1.000 L = 35.3144 ft 3 = 219.97 I. gal = 264.2 U S 

gal 

m 3 /s = 35.314 cfs 

mm = 0.00328 ft 

tonne = 1,000 kg = 1.1023 ton (short) 

U.S. gpm = 0.0631 L/s 

For Air Samples 

ppm = 100 pphm = 1000 x (Molecular Weight of substance/24.45) mg/m390 

A5 - 2