s 

333.91 

M26PRAR 

2002 



2002 ANNUAL REPORT 

to the 

GOVERNMENTS OF CANADA, UNITED STATES, 

SASKATCHEWAN AND MONTANA 



by the 



POPLAR RIVER 

BILATERAL MONITORING 

COMMITTEE 

COVERING CALENDAR YEAR 2002 




'MISSOURI 



RIVER 



STATE DOCUMENTS COLLECTION 
UC Z: 2003 



December 2003 



MONTANA STATE LIBRARY 



3 0864 1002 4160 6 



2002 ANNUAL REPORT 



to the 

GOVERNMENTS OF CANADA, UNITED STATES, 
SASKATCHEWAN, AND MONTANA 



by the 



POPLAR RIVER BILATERAL MONITORING COMMITTEE 
COVERING CALENDAR YEAR 2002 



December 2003 



Poplar River Bilateral Monitoring Committee 



Department of State 
Washington. D.C.. United States 



Department of Foreign Affairs 
and International Trade Canada 
Ottawa. Ontario. Canada 



Governor's Office 
State of Montana 
Helena. Montana. United States 

Ladies and Gentlemen: 



Saskatchewan Environment and 
Resource Management 
Regina, Saskatchewan. Canada 



Herein is the 22nd Annual Report of the Poplar River Bilateral Monitoring Committee. This report 
discusses the Committee activities of 2002 and presents the proposed schedule for the year 2003. 

During 2002. the Poplar River Bilateral Monitoring Committee continued to fulfil the responsibilities 
assigned by the governments under the Poplar River Cooperative Monitoring Arrangement dated September 
23. 1980. Through exchange of Diplomatic Notes in March 1987. July 1992. July 1997, and March 2002. 
the Arrangement was extended. The Monitoring Committee Arrangement is currently extended to March 
2007. 

The enclosed report summarizes current water-quality conditions and compares them to guidelines for 
specific parameter values that were developed by the International Joint Commission under the 1977 
Reference from Canada and the United States. After evaluation of the monitoring information for 2002. the 
Committee finds that the measured conditions meet the recommended objectives. The Committee notes that 
the flow-weighted concentration of total dissolved solids in streamflow in the East Poplar River at the 
International Boundary remains close to the long-term objective of 1.000 milligrams per litre, but did not 
exceed the objective in 2002. 

Based on IJC recommendations, the United States was entitled to an on-demand release of 617 dam' (500 
acre-feet) from Cookson Reservoir in 2002. Montana requested the release be made during May 1-31. 2002. 
A volume of 542 dam (439 acre-feet) was delivered to the United States during this period. In addition. 
dail\ flows in 2002 met or exceeded the minmtum flow recommended by the IJC. 

During 2002. monitoring continued in accordance with Technical Monitoring Schedules outlined in the 
1992 Annual Report of the Poplar River Bilateral Monitoring Committee. 



Yours sincerely. 



Robert Davis 

Chairman. United States Section 

7 / 



JacK Stults 

Member. United States Section 



^" o^ /<e^^ 



^T.v 



Richard Kellow 

Chairman. Canadian Section 




TABLE OF CONTENTS 

Highlights for 2002 ill 

1.0 Introduction 1 

2.0 Committee Activities 2 

2.1 Membership 2 

2.2 Meetings 2 

2.3 Review of Water-Quality Objectives 3 

2.4 Data Exchange 4 

3.0 Water and Air: Monitoring and Interpretations 6 

3.1 Poplar River Power Station Operation 6 

3.2 Surface Water 6 

3.2.1 Streamflow 6 

3.2.2 Apportionment 7 

3.2.3 Minimum Flows 7 

3.2.4 On-Demand Release 8 

3.2.5 Surface- Water Quality 9 

3.2.5.1 Total Dissolved Solids 10 

3.2.5.2 Boron 14 

3.2.5.3 Other Water-Quality Variables 17 

33 Ground Water .' 19 

3.3.1 Operations 19 

3.3.2 Ground- Water Monitoring 21 

3.3.2.1 Saskatchewan 21 

3.3.2.2 Montana 25 

3.3.3 Ground- Water Quality 27 

3.3.3.1 Saskatchewan 27 

3.3.3.2 Montana 31 

3.4 Cookson Reservoir 32 

3.4.1 Storage 32 

3.4.2 Water Quality 34 

3.5 Air Quality ' 34 

3.6 Quality Control 34 

3.6.1 Streamflow 34 

3.6.2 Water Quality 35 

ANNEXES 

1 .0 Poplar River Cooperative Monitoring Arrangement. Canada-United States A 1 

2.0 Poplar River Cooperative Monitoring Arrangement, Technical 

Monitoring Schedules. 2002, Canada-United States A2 

3.0 Recommended Flow Apportionment in the Poplar River Basin A3 

4.0 Conversion Factors A4 



TABLES 

Table 2.1 Water-Quality Objectives 5 

Table 3.1 Recommended Water-Quality Objectives and Excursions. 2002 Sampling 

Program. East Poplar River at International Boundary 18 

Table 3.2 Water-Quality Statistics for Water Pumped from Supplementary 

Water Supply Project Wells 27 

Table 3.3 Water-Quality Statistics for Water Pumped from Salinity Control Project 

Wells Sampled at the Discharge Pipe 28 

Table 3.4 Cookson Reservoir Storage Statistics for 2002 32 

Table 3.5 Streamflow Measurement Results for July 24. 2002 35 

Table 3.6 East Poplar River Joint Water-Quality Sample Results for July 31. 2002 36 

FIGURES 

Figure 3.1 Discharge during 2002 as Compared with the Median Discharge from 

1931-2000 for the Poplar River at International Boundary 6 

Figure 3.2 Flow Hydrograph of the East Poplar River at International Boundary 8 

Figure 3.3 Cumulative Volume Hydrograph of On-Demand Release 9 

Figure 3.4 TDS Concentration for 2002 Grab Samples from East Poplar River at 

International Boundary 1 1 

Figure 3.5 Three-Month Moving Flow-Weighted TDS Concentration for East Poplar 

River at International Boundary 1 1 

Figure 3.6 Five-Year Moving Flow-Weighted TDS Concentration for East Poplar River 

at International Boundary 13 

Figure 3.7 Daily TDS Concentration, 1990 to 2002. East Poplar River at International 

Boundary 13 

Figure 3.8 Boron Concentration for 2002 Grab Samples from East Poplar River at 

International Boundary 15 

Figure 3.9 Three-Month Moving Flow-Weighted Boron Concentration for East Poplar 

River at International Boundary 15 

Figure 3.10 Five-Year Moving Flow-Weighted Boron Concentration for East Poplar 

River at International Boundary 16 

Figure 3.1 1 Daily Boron Concentration. 1990 to 2002. East Poplar River at 

International Boundary 16 

Figure 3.12 Supplementary Water Supply 19 

Figure 3.13 Pumpage from Salinity Control Project 21 

Figure 3.14 Drawdown for Hart Seam Aquifer as of December 2002 23 

Figure 3.15 Cone of Depression in the Empress Sands Due to the Salinity Control Project 

as of December 2002 24 

Figure 3.16 Hydrograph of Selected Wells: Fort Union-Hart Coal Aquifers 25 

Figure 3.17 Hydrograph of Selected Wells: Alluvium and Fox Hills Aquifers 26 

Figure 3.18 Total Dissolved Solids in Samples from Montana Wells 31 

Figure 3.19 Cookson Reservoir Daily Mean Water Levels for 2002 and Median 

Dailv Water Levels. 1992-2001 33 



1.0 INTRODUCTION 

The Poplar River Bilateral Monitoring Committee was authorized for an initial period of five 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. Through exchange of Diplomatic Notes, the Arrangement was extended in March 1987, July 1992, 
July 1997, and March 2002. The current extension expires in March 2007. A more detailed account of 
the historical background of the Monitoring Arrangement is contained in the 1990 Annual Report of the 
Poplar River Bilateral Monitoring Committee. 

The Committee oversees monitoring programs designed to evaluate the potential for transboundary 
impacts from SaskPower's (formerly Saskatchewan Power Corporation) coal-fired thermal generating 
station and ancillary operations near Coronach, Saskatchewan. Monitoring is conducted in Canada and 
the United Slates at or near the International Boundary for quantity and quality of surface and ground 
water and for air quality. Participants from both countries, including Federal, State and Provincial 
agencies, are involved in monitoring. 

The Committee submits an annual report to Governments which summarizes the monitoring results, 
evaluates apparent trends, and compares the data to objectives or standards recommended by the 
International Joint Commission (IJC) to Governments, or relevant State, Provincial, or Federal 
standards. The Committee reports to Governments on a calendar year basis. The Committee is also 
responsible for drawing to the attention of Governments definitive changes in monitored parameters 
which may require immediate attention. 

A responsibility of the Committee is to review the adequacy of the monitoring 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 forthcoming year. The Committee will 
continue to review and propose changes to the Technical Monitoring Schedules as information 
requirements change. 



2.0 COMMITTEE ACTIVITIES 
2.1 Membership 



The Committee is composed of representatives of the Governments of the United States of America and 
Canada, the State Government of Montana, and the Provincial Government of Saskatchewan. In 
addition to the representatives of Governments, two ex-officio members serve as local representatives 
for the State of Montana and Province of Saskatchewan. 

During 2002. the members of the Committee included; Mr. R. Davis. U.S. Geological Survey. United 
States representative and Cochair; Mr. R. Kellow. Environment Canada. Canadian representative and 
Cochair: Mr. J. Stults, Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation. Montana 
representative; Mr. C. Bosgoed. Saskatchewan Environment. Saskatchewan representative; Mr. C.W. 
Tande. Daniels County Commissioner. Montana local ex-officio representative; and Mr. J.R. Totten. 
Reeve. R.M. of Hart Butte. Saskatchewan local ex-officio representative. i 



2.2 Meetings 



The Committee met on June 19. 2002. in Moose Jaw. Saskatchewan. Delegated representatives of 
Governments, with the exception of the two ex-officio members from Montana and Saskatchewan, 
attended the meeting. In addition to Committee members, several technical advisors representing 
Federal. State, and Provincial agencies participated in the meeting. During the meeting, the Committee 
reviewed the operational status of the Poplar River Power Station and associated coal-mining activities; 
examined data collected in 2001 including surface-water quality and quantity, ground-water quality and 
quantity, and air quality; established the Technical Monitoring Schedules for the year 2003; and 
discussed possible changes in the report presentation of water-quality objectives, a proposed reduction 
of ground water monitoring network by SaskPower. and the possibility of replacing the flow-weighting 
method currently used to compute total dissolved solids and boron. 



2.3 Review of Water-Qualitv Objectives 

The International Joint Commission in its Report to Governments, titled "Water Quality in the Poplar 
River Basin", recommended that the Committee "periodically review the water-quality objectives with 
the overall Basin context and recommend new and revised objectives as appropriate". In 1991. an action 
item from the annual Committee meeting set in motion the review and revision of the water-quality 
objectives. 

In 1993. the Committee approved changes in water-quality objectives recommended by the 
subcommittee that was formed in 1992 to review the objectives. The Committee also discussed the 
water-quality objectives for 5-year and 3-month flow-weighted concentrations for total dissolved solids 
and boron. Although the Committee agreed that calculation procedures to determine flow-weighted 
concentrations are time consuming and probably scientifically questionable, no consensus was reached 
on alternative objectives or procedures. 

In 1997. the Committee agreed to suspend the monitoring and reporting of several parameters. The 
parameters affected were: dissolved aluminum, un-ionized ammonia, total chromium, dissolved copper, 
mercury in fish tissues, fecal coliform. and total coliform. The Committee also agreed to other minor 
revisions for clarification purposes. For example, changing the designation for pH from "natural" to 
"ambient". 

In 1999. the Committee replaced the term "discontinued" with "suspended" in Table 2.1. 

In 2001. the Committee suspended the monitoring of dissolved mercury and total copper. This decision 
to suspend these parameters was based on data indicating concentrations or levels well below or within 
the objectives. Current objectives approved by the Committee are listed in Table 2.1. 

The Committee also agreed to periodically review all suspended parameters. 

Another responsibility of the Committee has included an ongoing exchange of data acquired through the 
monitoring programs. Exchanged data and reports are available for public viewing at the agencies of the 
participating governments or from Committee members. 



2.4 Data Exchange 

The Committee is responsible for assuring exchange of data between governments. The exchange of 
monitoring information was initiated in the first quarter of 1981 and was an expansion of the informal 
quarterly exchange program initiated between the United States and Canada in 1976. Until 1991, data 
were exchanged on a quarterly basis. At the request of the Committee, the United States and Canada 
agreed to replace the quarterly exchange of data with an annual exchange effective at the beginning of 
the 1992 calendar year. Henceforth, data will be exchanged once each year as soon after the end of the 
calendar year as possible. However, unusual conditions or anomalous data will be reported and 
exchanged whenever warranted. No unusual conditions occurred during 2002 which warranted special 
reporting. 



Table 2.1 Water-Quality Objecrives 



Parameter 


Present 
Objective 


Recommendation 


New Objective 


Boron, total 


3,5/2.5' 


Continue as is 


_-. 


TDS 


1500/1000' 


Continue as is 


— 


Aluminum, dissolved 


0,1 


Suspend* 


— 


Ammonia, un-ionized 


0,02 


Suspend* 


— 


Cadmium, total 


0,0012 


Continue as is 


0,0012 


Chromium, total 


0,05 


Suspend* 


— 


Copper, dissolved 


0.005 


Suspend* 


-_- 


Copper, total 


1 


Suspend* 


_-. 


Fluoride, dissolved 


1.5 


Continue as is 


1,5 


Lead, total 


0,0.3 


Continue as is 


0.03 


Mercury, dissolved 


0.0002 


Suspend* 


— 


Mercury, fish (mg/kg) 


0.5 


Suspend* 


... 


Nitrate 


10 


Continue as is 


10 


Oxygen, dissolved 


4.0/5,0- 


Objective applies only during 
open water 


4.0/5,0' 


SAR (units) 


10 


Continue as is 


10 


Sulfate, dissolved 


800 


Continue as is 


800 


Zinc, total 


0,03 


Continue as is 


0,03 


Water temperature (C) 


30.0' 


Continue as is 


30,0' 


pH (units) 


6,5^ 


Continue 


6,5^ 


Conform (no./lOO mL) 








Fecal 


2000 


Suspend* 




Total 


20000 


Suspend* 


... 


Units in mg/L except as noted. 

I Five-year average of flow -weighted concentrations (March to Octoberl should be <2.5 boron, <1.000 TD.S. 

Three-month average of flow-weighted concentration should be <3.5 boron and <1500 TDS. 
2. 5.0 (minimum .April 10 to May 1,5). 4.0 (minimum remainder of year - Fish Spawning) 
i. Natural temperature (April 10 to May 15). <.30 degree Celsius (remainder of vear) 
4. Less than 0.5 pH units above ambient, minimum pH=6,5 



*Sti.spended after review of historic data found sample concentraiioiis consi,sienily below the objective. The Committee will periodicallv 
review status of suspended objectives. 



3.0 WATER AND AIR: MONITORING AND INTERPRETATIONS 

3.1 Poplar River Power Station Operation 

In 2002. the two 300-megawatt coal-fired units generated 4,456,200 gross megawatt hours (MWh) of 
electricity. The average capacity factors for Unit No. 1 and 2 were 80.1 percent and 86.7 percent, 
respectively. The capacity factors are based on the maximum generating rating of 305 MW/h for both 
Unit No.l and Unit No. 2. Similar to other years, scheduled maintenance was completed in the spring 
and fall of 2002. 

3.2 Surface Water 

3.2.1 Streamflow 

Streamflow in the Poplar River basin was below normal in 2002. The March to October recorded flow 
of the Poplar River at International Boundary, an indicator of natural flow in the basin, was 7,010 cubic 
decametres (dam^) (5.680 acre-feet), which was 68 percent of the 1931 to 2000 median seasonal flow of 
10.290 dam' (8.340 acre-feet). A comparison of 2002 monthly mean discharge with the 1931-2000 
median monthly mean discharge is shown in Figure 3.1. 





1.1 
1 






0- Median of Monthly Mean Discharge 
— o Monthly Mean Discharge for 2002 


for 1931-2000 


1 


0.9 
0.8 










! 


0.7 


/ " 




A 




a 


0.6 
0.5 






/ \ 




1 
1 


0.4 
0.3 
0.2 


/ 


b,. 


■ "■ \ 






0.1 


7 




■ - -o ■ ■ • 


--rrC^ 



Figure 3.1 Discharge during 2002 as Compared with the Median Discharge from 
1931-2000 for the Poplar River at International Boundary. 



The 2002 recorded flow volume of the East Poplar River at International Boundary was 2.490 dam^ 
(2.020 acre-feet). This volume is 81 percent of the median annual flow of 3.060 dam (2,480 acre-feet) 
for 1975-2002 (since the completion of Morrison Dam). 

3.2.2 Apportionment 

In 1976 the International Souris-Red Rivers Engineering Board, through its Poplar River Task Force, 
completed an investigation and made a recommendation to the Governments of Canada and the United 
States regarding the apportionment of waters of the Poplar River basin. Although not officially adopted 
by the two countries, the Poplar River Bilateral Monitoring Committee has adhered to the apportion- 
ment recommendations in each of its annual reports. .Annex 3 contains the apportionment 
recommendation. 



3.2.3 Minimum Flows 

The recorded volume of the Poplar River at International Boundary from March 1 to May 31. 2002 was 
3.960 dam (3.210 acre-feet). Based on IJC recommendations and the assumption that the recorded flow 
is the natural flow, the United States was entitled to a minimum discharge on the East Poplar River of 
0.028 cubic metres per second (m /s) (1.0 cubic feet per second (ffVs)) for the period June 1. 2002 to 
August 31. 2002 and 0.028 mVs (1.0 ftVs) for the period September 1. 2002 to May 31. 2003. The 
minimum flow for the period January 1 to May 31. 2002 was 0.028 m /s (1.0 ft /s). determined on the 
basis of the Poplar River flow volume for March 1 to May 31. 2001. A hydrograph for the East Poplar 
River at International Boundary and the minimum flow as recommended by the UC are shown in Figure 
3.2. 

Daily flows during 2002 met or exceeded the minimum flow recommended by the IJC throughout the 
year. 




Figure 3.2 Flow Hydrograph of the East Poplar River at International Boundary. 



3.2.4 On-Demand Release 



In addition to the minimum flow, the IJC apportionment recommendation entitles Montana to an on- 
demand release to be delivered on the East Poplar River during the twelve-month period commencing 
June 1. Based on the runoff volume of 4,790 dam^ (3,880 acre-feet) recorded at the Poplar River at 
International Boundary gauging station during the March I to May 31, 2001 period, Montana was 
entitled to an additional release of 617 dam (500 acre-feet) from Cookson Reservoir during the 
succeeding twelve-month period commencing June 1, 2001. Montana requested this release to be made 
between May 1 and May 31, 2002. A volume of 542 dam (439 acre-feet), in addition to the minimum 
flow, was delivered during this period. A hydrograph showing cumulative volume of the on-demand 
release request and on-demand release delivery made at the East Poplar River at International Boundary 
is shown m Figure 3.3 



700 


On-DwT»nd Reteu« DHivery 


- 


600 


On-Dcma/id RH*a«e Request 


^^-^ 




- 


^^^^^ 


500 


^^^..^^^'^^ 


400 


^^,^r<^ 




300 


^^-^-""^^ 




200 


^^^^^-^^ 




100 




- 



600 

550 

500 % 

450'^ 

400 I 

350 •-. 

300 I 

o 

250 > 

v 

200 I 
150 I 
100 O 



- 50 



o> 1- 



Figure 3.3 Cumulative Volume Hydrograph of On-Demand Release. 

3.2.5 Surface-Water Quality 

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 
milligrams per litre img/L) for boron and 1500 mg/L for TDS 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 TDS in the East Poplar River at the International Boundary. 



For the period prior to 1982. three-month moving flow-weighted concentration (FWC) for boron and 
total dissolved solids (TDS) was calculated solely from monthly monitoring results. Since the beginning 
of 1982. the USGS has monitored specific conductance daily in the East Poplar River at the 
International Boundary, making it possible to derive boron and TDS concentration using a linear 
regression relationship with specific conductance. Thus, the three-month FWC for boron and TDS for 
the period 1982 to 2002 was calculated from both the results of monthly monitoring (water-quality 
samples collected by both Canada and the United States) and the statistical analysis of daily specific 



10 

conductance readings collected by the USGS. During some years, estimated monthly water-quality 
sample data may be used in order to complete regression calculations of 3-month and 5-year flow- 
weighted concentrations. Estimated monthly water-quality samples are based upon concentration data 
from neighboring water-quality samples and specific-conductance data on the date of the missing water- 
quality sample (or date midway between neighboring water-quality sample). 

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

Prior to 1988, long-term averages were calculated for a five-year period in which 2.5 years preceded and 
2.5 years followed each plotted point. Beginning in 1988, the FWC was calculated from the five-year 
period preceding each plotted point. For example, the FWC for December 2002 is calculated from data 
generated over the period December 1995 to December 2002. The calculations are based on the results 
of samples collected throughout the year, and are not restricted to only those collected during the months 
bracketing the period of irrigation (March to October) each year. 

3.2.5.1 Total Dissolved Solids 

TDS is inversely related to streamflow at the International Boundary station. During periods of high 
runoff such as spring freshet. TDS decreases as the proportion of streamflow derived from ground water 
decreases. Conversely, during times of low streamflow (late summer, winter) the contribution of ground 
water to streamflow is proportionally greater. Because ground water has a higher ionic strength than the 
surface water entering the river, the TDS of the stream increases markedly during low flow conditions. 

TDS water-quality sample data collected by Environment Canada and the USGS in 2002 are shown in 
Figure 3.4. There were seven water-quality samples obtained this year with TDS concentrations ranging 
from 702 mg/L on April 18 to 1.080 mg/L on June 13. The proposed short-term objective for TDS is 
1 .500 mg/L. 

The three-month moving FWC for TDS for the period of record is presented in Figure 3.5. The TDS 



11 



Figure 3.4: IDS Concentration for 2002 Water-Quality Samples from 
East Poplar Ri\«r at International Boundary 



Q 400 



♦ 1005 



Figure 3.5; Three-Month Moving Flow-Weighted TDS Concentration for 
East Poplar Ri\«r at International Boundary 



1600 
1400 



--J 1200 

E 



Short- Term Objective 




■ Water-quality sample derived data 
Regression derived data 



^ ^ j^ ^ 



^ y& ^ ^ ^ ^'^ ^f& ^ j& 



V V V V 



V Y ^" V ■^" 



^^^^^,.Tr^^^^^^^ 



12 

objectives have not been exceeded during the period of record. On inspection of the plot in Figure 3.5, it 
is apparent that the three-month moving FWC increased gradually, year by year, up until the spring 
runoff of 1997, when an exceptionally heavy snowmelt contributed sufficient water of low ionic strength 
to the river and the reservoir to dilute the accumulated salts built up in the system. Dissolved-solids 
concentrations were slightly lower in 2002 relative to those recorded in 2001; however, low spring 
runoff and higher contribution from ground water have kept the TDS level close to the long-term 
objective of 1.000 mg/L. 

The five-year moving FWC for TDS (Figure 3.6) did not exceed the long-term objective of 1.000 mg/L 
in 2002. The maximum monthly value calculated in 2002 was about 943 mg/L. which is slightly less 
than the previous year maximum monthly value of 948 mg/L. 

The daily TDS values, as generated by linear regression from the daily specific-conductance readings, 
from January 1990 through December 2002 are shown in Figure 3.7. The data show an abrupt drop in 
TDS corresponding to the snowmelt runoff occurring during the spring of each year. 

The relationship between TDS and specific conductance applied to data collected from 1974 to 2002 is 
as follows: 

TDS = (0.62518 x specific conductance) + 34.202 
(R- = 0.84. n = 605) 



13 



Figure 3.6: Fi\e-Year Moving Flow-Weighted TDS Concentration for 
East Poplar Ri\«r at International Boundary 




Figure 3.7: Daily TDS Concentration. 1990 through 2002: 
East Poplar Ri\^r at International Boundary (regression-deri\«d data) 




14 



3.2.5.2 Boron 

Boron water-quality sample data collected by Environment Canada and the USGS in 2002 at the East 
Poplar River at International Boundary are shown in Figure 3.8. There were seven water-quality 
samples obtained this year with boron concentrations ranging from 1.28 mg/L on May 28 to 2.06 mg/L 
on June 13. 

The three-month moving FWC for boron for the period of record is shown in Figure 3.9. The short-term 
objective of 3.5 mg/L has not been exceeded over the period 1975 to 2002. It can be seen that the data 
derived from water-quality samples and that derived from regression with specific conductance are 
similar, with the highs and lows in some degree of correspondence. This suggests that the regression 
generation of boron and TDS values is. in general terms, a valid procedure despite problems which arise 
from attempting to generate representative concentration and flow data for an entire month, based on a 
limited number of samples. 

The five-year moving FWC for boron displayed in Figure 3.10 remained well below the long-term 
objective of 2.5 mg/L. From mid- 1993 to the end of the data period there is a gradual decrease in the 
computed boron concentrations. 

Boron concentrations are not as well-correlated with specific conductance as TDS. Boron is a relatively 
minor ion. and does not in itself contribute to a large degree to the total load of dissolved constituents in 
the water. Accordingly, it appears likely that the standard deviation of dissolved boron (relative to the 
long-term mean boron concentration) may be greater than that of the major cations (sodium, potassium, 
and magnesium) and anions (sulphate, bicarbonate, and chloride) around their respective long-term 
mean concentrations. Daily boron concentrations for the period January 1990 through December 2002 
are shown in Figure 3.11. 

The relationship between boron and specific conductance applied to data collected from 1974 to 2002 is 
as follows: 

boron = (0.00129 x specific conductance) - 0.0434 
(R- = 0.58, n = 605) 



15 



Figure 3.8:. Boron Concentration for 2002 Water-Quaiity Samples from 
East Poplar Ri\«r at International Boundary 



1.6 
1.4 

1.2 



Figure 3.9: Three-Month Moving Flow-Weighted Boron Concentration for 
East Poplar River at International Boundary 



snort-Term Objective 




Water-quality sample derived data 

Regression derived data 



A CO Cb Q 



'\y\\\ya:i<p<l:><^' 



(\ f^ > <o Co 'v 



ct, <^ C>) O) P5 



<o to ^ <^ o^ 



Nffr-J&>f&-^>i&^>^>^^vT''^v?''^-^v?'-s?'^^^ 



16 



Figure 3.10: Fi\«-Year Mo^ng Flow-Weighted Boron Concentration for 
East Poplar Ri\er at International Boundary 




Figure 3.11: Daily Boron Concentration, 1990 through 2002: 
East Poplar Hw/er at International Boundary (regression-deri\«d data) 




;^: 17 

3.2.5.3 Other Water-Quality Variables 

Table 3.1 contains the multipurpose water-quality objectives for the East Poplar River at International 
Boundary, recommended by the International Poplar River Water Quality Board to the IJC. The table 
shows the number of samples collected for each parameter and the number of times over the course of 
the year that the objectives were exceeded. In the table, multiple replicate samples collected during the 
annual quality control exercise are treated as a single sample, but where an objective was exceeded in a 
replicate sample, this is charged against the single sample noted. As the table shows, all parameters were 
within the appropriate objectives. 



18 



Table 3.1 Recommended Water-Quality Objectives and Excursions, 2002 Sampling Program, 
East Poplar River at International Boundary (units in mg/L, except as otherwise noted) 



Parameter 


Objective 


No. of Samples 


Excursions 


USA Canada 


Objectives recommended by IJC to Governments 11 


Boron, dissolved 


3.5/2.5(1) 


6 


6 


1 


Total Dissolved Solids 


1.500/1.000(1) 


6 


6 


II 


Objectives recommended by Poplar River Board to the IJC 


Cadmium, total 


0.0012 


2 


6 





Fluoride, dissolved 


1.5 


6 


6 





Lead, total 


0.03 


2 


6 





Nitrate 


10.0 


6 


6 





Oxygen, dissolved 


4.0/5.0 (2) 


6 


6 





Sodium adsorption ratio 


10.0 


6 


5 





Sulphate, dissolved 


800.0 


6 


6 





Zinc, total 


0.03 


1 


6 





Water temperature (Celsius) 


30.0 (3) 


6 


6 





pH (pH units) 


6.5 (4) 


6 


6 





( 1 ) Three-month average ol flow-weighted concentrations should be <.V5 mg/L boron and <1 .500 mg/L TDS. Five-year average of | 

flow-weighted concentrations (March to October) should be <2.5 mg/L boron and <1 .000 mg/L TDS. 

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

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

(4) L^.ss than 0.5 pH units above natural, minimum pH = 6 5 



19 



3.3 Ground Water 

3.3.1 Operations 

SaskPower's supplementary water supply project continued to operate during 2002. The supplementary 
water supply project currently consists of 21 wells with a total of 10 discharge points. No wells were 
added or deleted from the well field during the year. The majority of ground-water production in 2002 
occurred during the fall to spring period. This is a typical operational pattern for the project and is done 
to minimize water losses. However, pumping was maintained through the 2002 summer period due to 
low spring runoff. In 2002. ground-water production decreased to 4.927 dam' from the 2001 total of 
5.307 dam total. Production from 1991 to 2002 has now averaged 5.040 dam' per vear. Prior to 1991. 
the wells used for supplementary supply were part of a dewatering network for coal-mining operations. 
This resulted in the high production levels experienced in the early to mid 1980's. With the drought of 
the late 1980's and early 1990's. it was evident that there was a continued need for ground water to 
supplement water levels in Cookson Reservoir. Consequently the wells were taken over by SaskPower 
for use as a supplementary supply. 



Poplar River Power Station Supplementary Supply 




1974 1976 1978 1980 198? 1984 1986 1988 1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 ?000 2002 



Figure 3.12 Supplementary Water Supply 



20 

SaskPower has an approval for the supplementary supply project to produce an annual volume of 5,500 
darn's/year. This approval was extended by Sask Water in 1996. Future revisions to the approval will 
likely include conditions requiring termination of pumping (with the exception of wells supplying 
domestic users) when the reservoir is above a specified level. 

In addition to the supplementary supply, SaskPower also operates the Soil Salinity Project, which is 
located south of Morrison Dam. The project was initiated in 1989 to alleviate soil salinity which had 
developed below the dam. The salinity project consists of a network of production wells which 
discharge into the cooling water canal, which in turn discharges to Cookson Reservoir. Operation of the 
salinity project continued in 2002 with production of 631 dam of ground water. This was much lower 
than the 2001 production level of 819 dam . and substantially lower than the average annual production 
of 880 dam^/year since the project inception in 1990. Production remains below optimal levels due to 
ongoing mechanical problems in the production wells with only PW 87104 being in service at year's 
end. An ongoing well rehabilitation program is expected to restore production to the levels achieved in 
the early 1990's. 

Approximately 65 percent of the total volume pumped came from wells PW87103 and PW87104 which 
are located on the east side of the river and the remainder was produced from PW90109 and PW90108 
on the west side of the river. 



21 



Poplar River Power Station - Salinity Project 



1000 

2 900 

I 800 
a 

700 

3 

o 

c 600 

•D 

|- 500 

3 

a. 

1 400 

3 

> 300 
200 
100 




1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 
Year 

Figure 3.13 Pumpage from Salinity Control Project 

3.3.2 Ground- Water Monitoring 

3.3.2.1 Saskatchewan 

In 1996 nineteen new piezometers were installed in the Hart Coal Seam and a further eighteen 
piezometers from the Frenchman aquifer testing program were added to the supplementary supply 
monitoring network that year. With these extensive additions, no new piezometers have been added to 
the monitoring network since that time. Currently, about 180 piezometers are monitored as part of this 
project. 



Figure 3.14 shows the drawdown contours in the Hart Coal seam aquifer as of December 2002. Note 
that the 1 -metre drawdown contour extends less than 1 kilometer south of the International Boundary. 
There have not been significant changes in the cone of depression over the past several years, suggesting 



22 

that the system has approached a semi-equilibrium condition. Consequently, only minor drawdown 
fluctuations in response to climatic and production variations are expected. 

The goal of the Salinity Project is to lower ground-water levels in the Empress sands below Morrison 
Dam to approximately pre-reservoir levels. This is equivalent to roughly two to three metres of 
drawdown, and was achieved by the end of 1995 and again by the end of 1996. However, reduced 
production over the past several years and increased recharge from higher reservoir levels and 
precipitation has led to a significant contraction in the project's cone of depression. Figure 3.15 shows 
the cone of depression in the Empress Sands as of December 2002. Under the current operational 
situation, the project is clearly falling short of its goal to lower ground-water levels along the East Poplar 
River between Morrison Dam and the International Boundary. 

SaskPower has undertaken a comprehensive evaluation of their entire piezometer network (including 
water level and water-quality piezometers). This evaluation involved compilation of geologic and 
hydrogeologic data and a computer model of the area. SaskPower has asked the Saskatchewan 
Watershed Authority and Saskatchewan Environment to review the study. It is their hope that they can 
reduce their current monitoring levels from approximately 450 piezometers to about 150 piezometers. 



23 




Figure 3.14 Drawdown for Hart Seam Aquifer as of December 2002 



24 




Figure 3.15 Cone of Depression in the Empress Sands Due to the Salinity Control Project as of 
December 2002 



25 



3.3.2.2 Montana 

Water-levels in monitoring wells (6, 7, 9. 13. 16. 17. 19. and 22) that penetrate the Fort Union 
Formation and/or Hart Coal Seam were rising during 1997 and 1998. and have leveled off or decreased 
during the last four years (1999 to 2002). Hydrographs of selected Fort Union/Hart Coal wells (6, 7. 17, 
and 19) are shown in figure 3.16. 



Hydrograph of Selected Wells 

Fort Union - Hart Coal Aquifers 




-Well 6 
-Well 7 
-Well 17 
-Well 19 



Figure 3.16 Hydrograph of Selected Wells - Fort Union-Hart Coal Aquifers 



26 



The potentiometric surface in the Fox Hills/Hell Creek artesian aquifer (well 11) has shown very little 
fluctuation or change throughout the 24-year (1979-2002) monitoring period. 

Water levels in monitoring wells (5. 8, 10, 23, and 24) that penetrate the alluvial and/or outwash aquifer 
show considerable fluctuation due to seasonal and/or pumping changes. Hydrographs of selected alluvial 
wells (10. 23, and 24) and Fox Hills well (11) are shown in Figure 3.17. 



Hydrograph of Selected Wells 

Alluvium and Fox Hills Aquifers 



2434 




-Well 10 
-Well 11 
-Well 23 
-Well 24 



0)0'-c\jcr)-^iocDr-co<T)0 



CVJOOTTLOCOI^ODCDO'-CNJCO 



r^oocoQOcocooooococx3aocr!(T)CT)CT)a>a)CT)a)cna)0000 



(D n3 <T3 TO CO CO 



cocococococococotocococococococococo 



Figure 3.17 Hydrograph of Selected Wells - Alluvium and Fox Hills Aquifers 



27 



3.3.3 Ground-Water Quality 
3.3.3.1 Saskatchewan 

The water quality from the Supplementary Supply Project discharge points has been consistent with no 
trends indicated. A summary of the more frequently tested parameters during 2002 is provided in Table 
3.2. Statistical averages of the results since 1992 are included in this table. 



Table 3.2 Water-Quality Statistics for Water Pumped from Supplementary 
Water Supply Project Wells* 





2002 Average 


1992 - 2002 Average 


pH (unit) 


8.3 


8.0 


Conductivity ((jS/cm) 


1 .385 


1.313 


Total Dissolved Solids 


988 


907 


Total Suspended Solids 


6.3 


2.9 


Boron 


1.1 


1.1 


Sodium 


203 


178 


Cyanide (|Jg/L) 


<2 


<2 


Iron 


0.1.5 


0.9 


Manganese 


0.04 


0.1 


Mercury ((Jg/L) 


<0.1 


<0.1 


Calcium 


67 


71 


Magnesium 


45 


52 


Sulfate 


221 


271 


Nitrate 


0.059 


0.3 



*A1I unii^ in mg/L, unless otherwise noted. Sampled at Site "C.)" on Girard Creek. 



28 



Average water-quality results from the common discharge point for the Salinity Control Project for 
2002, plus an average of the 1992-2002 results, are provided in Table 3.3. Results have remained 
relatively consistent since 1992. 



Table 3.3 Water-Quality Statistics for Water Pumped from Salinity Control Project Wells 

Sampled at the Discharge Pipe* 





2002 
Average 


1992-2002 
Average 


pH (units) 


7.8 


7.5 


Conductivity (|aS/cm) 


1.334 


1.422 


Total Dissolved Solids 


963 


993 


Boron 


1.4 


1.6 


Calcium 


113 


104 


Magnesium 


63 


60 


Sodium 


143 


147 


Potassium 


7.5 


7.4 


Arsenic (pg/L) 


11.5 


4.3 


Aluminum 


<0.10 


0.08 II 


Barium 


0.02 


0.03 


Cadmium 


<0.001 


<0.001 


Iron 


4.2 


4.1 


Manganese 


0.12 


0.14 


Molybdenum 


<0.005 


0.002 


Strontium 


1.6 


1.8 


Vanadium 


<0.006 


0.003 


Uranium (|ag/L) 


<0.5 


<0.117 


Mercury (^g/L) 


<0.05 


0.08 


Sulfate 


270 


311 


Chloride 


6.4 


6.3 


Nitrate 


<0.003 


0.113 



'All concentrations in mg/L. unless otherwise noted. 



29 

Ground-water quality in the vicinity of the ash lagoons can potentially be affected by leachate 
movement through the ash lagoon liner systems. The piezometers listed in the Technical Monitoring 
Schedules are used to assess leachate movement and calculate seepage rates. Piezometric water level, 
boron, and chloride are the chosen indicator parameters to assess leachate movement. 

The ground-water monitoring program was expanded in 1994 as a result of Ash Lagoon #3 South 
construction. In total. 20 new pneumatic piezometers and 28 new standpipe piezometers were 
completed within their target zones. Testing of these piezometers began in 1995. The limited data so 
far do not show any unusual or unexpected values. 

Piezometers C867A. C868A and C871A are completed immediately above the liner system, within the 
ash stack of .Ash Lagoon #1. The 2002 monitoring results continue to suggest confirmation of the trend 
first observed in 1993 that the boron concentration decreases with depth within the ash stack. The effect 
of ash thickness on leachate quality is. however, not completely understood. 

The chemistry of water immediately above the liner systems is therefore expected to differ from the 
surface water of the lagoons. Meaningful information is only available from piezometers installed 
within Ash Lagoon #1 where ash has been deposited for many years. New piezometers C886A. C887A. 
C890A and C893A have been completed above the liner system of new Ash Lagoon #3 South and are 
now being monitored. Monitoring of these piezometers in 2002 supports the theory that boron levels 
decrease with depth within the ash stacks. Future monitoring of all piezometers completed above the 
lagoon liner systems will continue with the purpose of confirming the boron trend noted above and to 
improve the understanding of leachate quality and flow from the ash lagoons. 

The piezometric surface measurements for the oxidized till continue to show the presence of a ground- 
water mound beneath the ash lagoons. The mound extends from the west side of the Polishing Pond to 
the east side of Ash Lagoon No. 2. Isolated ground-water mounds have developed within the area of the 
oxidized ground-water mound. Piezometers located in the oxidized till suggest limited leachate activity. 
No seepage activity is evident in the unoxidized till. 



30 

The greatest changes in chloride and boron concentrations within the oxidized till have occurred where 
piezometric levels have changed the most. Although increasing water levels do not automatically 
suggest that the water affecting the piezometers is leachate, changing piezometric levels do suggest 
ground-water movement. Oxidized till piezometers C868B and C869B located in the middle of the 
lagoons, between Ash Lagoon No.l and No. 2, have shown increased piezometric levels but chemical 
information does not indicate leachate influence. On the west side of the Polishing Pond, the boron 
levels have changed only slightly in the oxidized till piezometers C728A and C728D, where the chloride 
levels have changed more significantly. The chloride level for C728A has decreased from 403 mg/L in 
1983 to 246 mg/L in 2002. The chloride level for C728D has increased from 185 mg/L in 1983 to 271 
mg/L in 2002. Although these piezometers are close in proximity and installed at the same level, they 
are being influenced by different water. Chloride results for C728A suggest initial seepage and it is to 
be expected that over time the same observation will be seen in C728D. 

The piezometric surface of the Empress Gravel indicates a regional flow from northwest to southeast 
below Morrison Dam. As a general observation. Empress piezometers respond to changing reservoir 
levels. Results for the Empress layer do not indicate seepage activity with the majority of the analyses 
showing little real change in boron or chloride results. 

Sand lens piezometers C712B. C766 and C767 are located between the Polishing Pond and the cooling 
water canal. C767 is located on the top of dyke G and C766 and C712B are located at the toe of dyke G. 
These piezometers have historically been of interest as the sand lens provides a preferential pathway for 
leachate migration of boron concentrations. C766 shows an increasing trend up to October 1988 with a 
peak of 43.0 mg/L in April 1995. Since 1995 the boron levels have declined modestly and have 
remained between 25 and 38 mg/L. 

Up to April 1988 the boron concentration for C767 was increasing and peaked at 49.4 mg/L. Since this 
peak the boron concentration steadily decreased to the end of 1991 where it leveled off near 5 mg/L and 
has since remained with one exception, a concentration of 1 1.7 mg/L in October 2000. 

Piezometer C712B has been monitored for several years. Historically, boron levels were below 1 mg/L. 
From 1992 to 2002, boron levels have remained relatively steady around between 12 and 20 mg/L. 



31 



3.3.3.2 Montana 

Samples were collected from monitoring wells 7, 16, and 24 during 2002. Well 7 is completed in Hart 
Coal, well 16 is completed in the Fort Union Formation, and well 24 is completed in alluvium. No 
significant changes in TDS were observed in monitoring wells 7 and 16. The TDS in the alluvium (well 
24) has returned to the pre-1996 values. Changes in total dissolved solids with time for the above wells 
are shown in Figure 3.18. 

Total Dissolved Solids 



750 




-Well 7 
-Well 16 
-Well 24 



Figure 3.18 Total Dissolved Solids in Samples from Montana Wells. 



32 



3.4 Cookson Reservoir 

3.4.1 Storage 

On January 1. 2002. Cookson Reservoir storage was 33,480 dam or 77% of the full supply volume. 
The 2002 maximum, minimum, and period elevations and volumes are shown in Table 3.4. 

Inflows into the reservoir were below normal in 2002. A release was initiated in May to meet the 
recommended Poplar River basin demand release for the 2001-2002 apportionment year. No releases 
were required to maintain the recommended apportionment target flow at the International Boundary for 
the remainder of the year. 

In addition to runoff, reservoir levels were augmented by ground-water pumping. Wells in the 
abandoned west block mine site supplied 4,927 dam^ to Girard Creek. It is estimated that approximately 
70% of this flow volume reached Cookson Reservoir. Wells in the soil salinity project area supplied 
631 dam . 



Table 3.4 Cookson Reservoir Storage Statistics for 2002 



Date 


Elevation (m) 


Contents 
(dam^) 


January 1 (Minimum) 


751.64 


33,480 


April 16 (Maximum) 


751.97 


35,710 


December 31 


751.31 


31,300 


Full Supply Level 


753.00 


43.410 



33 



The Poplar River Power Station is dependent on water from Cookson Reservoir for cooling. Power 
plant operation is not adversely affected until reservoir levels drop below 749.0 metres. The dead 
storage level for cooling water used in the generation process is 745.0 metres. The 2002 recorded levels 
and associated operating levels are shown in Figure 3.19. 

2002 Cookson Reservoir 
Daily Mean Water Levels 



Full Supply Level 



2 749 



Ten Year Median Level Minimum Desired Operating Level 



Minimum Useable Storage Level 



741 

Jan Feb Mar 



Aug Sen Oct Nov Dec 



Figure 3.19 Cookson Reservoir Daily Mean Water Levels for 2002 and Median 
Dailv Water Levels. 1992-2001 



34 

3.4.2 Water Quality 

The period from 1987 to 1993 saw very low volumes of surface-water runoff to Cookson Reservoir. 
Consequently, total dissolved solids (TDS) in the reservoir increased steadily from approximately 780 
mg/L to over 1.800 mg/L. Since 1993. higher runoff volumes have improved reservoir water quality. 
Since 1997. the TDS levels in the reservoir have generally remained below 1,000 mg/L. The average 
TDS level in Cookson Reservoir in 2002 was 910 mg/L, up from the 2001 average level of 762 mg/L 
but still below past levels. 

3.5 Air Quality 

SaskPower's ambient SO2 monitoring for 2002 recorded no values greater than Saskatchewan 
Environment's one-hour average standard of 0.17 ppm and the 24-hour average standard of 0.06 ppm. 
The 2002 geometric mean for the high- volume suspended-particulate sampler was 18.8 |ag/m and 2002 
was the eleventh consecutive year of below-average paniculate readings. There were no exceedances of 
the Saskatchewan provincial standard of 120 ug/m /24 hours. 

3.6 Quality Control 

3.6.1 Streamflow 

Current-meter discharge measurements were made at the East Poplar River at International Boundary 
site on July 24. 2002 by personnel from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and Environment Canada 
(EC) to confirm streamflow measurement comparability. Data from the two current-meter discharge 
measurements are shown in Table 3.5. The measured discharges compared well with each other and the 
theoretical discharge computation of 0.047 m /s for the 90" V-notch weir. 



35 



Table 3.5 Streamflow Measurement Results for July 24. 2002 



Agency 


Time 
CST 


Width 
(m) 


Mean 
Area 
(m') 


Velocity 
(m/s) 


Gauge 

Height 

(m) 


Discharge 
(m'/s) 


EC 


1105 


1.2 


0.100 


0.490 


1.567 


0.049 


USGS 


1105 


1.1 


0.082 


0.585 


1.567 


0.048 



3.6.2 Water Quality 

Quality-control sampling was carried out at the East Poplar River at International Boundary on July 31, 
2002. Participating agencies included the U.S. Geological Survey, Environment Canada, and 
SaskPower. 



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 since 1986. Sample results are 
shown in Table 3.6. 



s 

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HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2002 

The Poplar River Power Station completed its nineteenth full year of operation in 2002. The two 
300-megawatt coal-fired units generated 4,456.200 gross megawatt hours (MWh) of electricity. 
The average capacity factors for Units No. 1 and 2 were 80.1 percent and 86.7 percent, 
respectively. The capacity factors are based on the maximum generating rating of 305 MW/h for 
both Unit No.l and Unit No. 2. Similar to other years, scheduled maintenance was completed in 
the spring and fall of 2002. 

Monitoring information collected in both Canada and the United States during 2002 was exchanged 
in the spring of 2003. In general, the sampling locations, frequency of collection, and parameters 
met the requirements identified in the 2002 Technical Monitoring Schedules set forth in the 2001 
annual report. 

The recorded volume of the Poplar River at International Boundary from March 1 to May 31. 2002 
was 3,960 dam (3,210 acre-feet). Based on International Joint Commission (IJC) recom- 
mendations and the assumption that the recorded flow is the natural flow, the United States was 
entitled to a minimum discharge on the East Poplar River of 0.028 cubic metres per second (m Vs) 
(1.0 cubic feet per second (ft7s)) for the period June 1. 2002 to August 31, 2002 and 0.028 m /s 
(1.0 ftVs) for the period September 1. 2002 to May 31, 2003. The minimum flow of 0.028 mVs 
(1.0 ft /s) for the period January 1 to May 31. 2002 had previously been determined on the basis of 
the Poplar River flow volume for March 1 to May 31. 2001. Daily flows in 2002 met or exceeded 
the minimum flow recommended by the IJC. 

In addition to the minimum flow, the IJC apportionment recommendation entitles the United States 
to an on-demand release to be delivered on the East Poplar River during the twelve-month period 
commencing June 1. Based on the runoff volume of 4,390 dam (3.880 acre-feet) recorded at the 
Poplar River at International Boundary gauging station for March 1 through May 31. 2001, the 
United States was entitled to an additional release of 617 dam (500 acre-feet) from Cookson 
Reservoir during the succeeding twelve-month period commencing June 1. 2001. Montana 
requested this release to be made between May 1 and May 31. 2002. A volume of 542 dam (439 
acre-feet), in addition to the minimum flow, was delivered during this period. 

The 2002 five-year total dissolved solids (TDS) flow-weighted concentrations were below the 
long-term objective of 1,000 milligrams per litre (mg/L). The maximum monthly value calculated 
in 2002 was 943 mg/L, which was less than in 2001. Boron concentrations for 2002 continued to 
remain well below the long-term objective of 2.5 mg/L. 



Ill 



AN^fEX 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 conducted in Canada and the United States at or near the International Boundary 
in response to SaskPower development. This Arrangement will also provide for the 
dissemination of the data in each country and will assure its comparability and assist in its 
technical 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 Resource Management 
Government of the United States of America: United States 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 follow ing terms of reference: 



Al -2 



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. Co-chairpersons may by mutual agreement invite agency technical experts to 
participate in the work of the Committee. 

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 fulfil the purpose of the Arrangement by ensuring the 
exchange of monitored data in accordance with the attached Technical Monitoring Schedules, 
and its collation and technical interpretation in reports to Governments on implementation of the 
Arrangement. In addition, the Committee will review the existing monitoring systems to ensure 
their adequacy and may recommend to the Canadian and United States Govemments any 
modifications to improve the Technical Monitoring Schedules. 



1. Information Exchange 

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



Al -3 



2. Reports 



(a) The Committee will prepare a joint Annual Report to the participating 
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 under 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 collation 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 including 
analytical methods to ensure their comparability. 

(c) Special Reports may, at any time, draw to the attention of participating 
governments definitive changes in monitored parameters which may require 
immediate attention. 

(d) Preparation of Reports 

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



Al -4 



3. Activities of Canadian and United States Sections 
Tlie 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 efforts 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 govemments. 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 govemments. 



Al -5 



ANNEX 2 



POPLAR RIVER 



COOPERATIVE MONITORING ARRANGEMENT 



TECHNICAL MONITORING SCHEDULES 

2002 

CANADA-UNITED STATES 



A2- 1 



TABLE OF CONTENTS 

PREAMBLE A2 - 3 

CANADA 

STREAMFLOW MONITORING A2 - 5 

SURFACE-WATER-QUALITY MONITORING A2 - 7 

GROUND- WATER PIEZOMETERS TO MONITOR POTENTIAL 
DRAWDOWN DUE TO COAL-SEAM DEWATERING NEAR THE 
INTERNATIONAL BOUNDARY A2 - 10 

GROUND-WATER PIEZOMETER MONITORING 

- POWER STATION AREA A2 - 12 

GROUND-WATER PIEZOMETER MONITORING 

- ASH LAGOON AREA 

WATER LEVEL A2 - 14 

WATER QUALITY A2 - 17 

AMBIENT AIR-QUALITY MONITORING A2 - 22 

UNITED STATES 

STREAMFLOW MONITORING A2 - 25 

SURFACE-WATER-QUALITY MONITORING A2 - 27 

GROUND-WATER-QUALITY MONITORING A2 - 29 

GROUND-WATER LEVELS TO MONITOR POTENTIAL 

DRAWDOWN DUE TO COAL-SEAM DEWATERING A2 - 31 



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, 
ground-water 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 



POPLAR RIVER 



COOPERATIVE MONITORING ARRANGEMENT 



TECHNICAL MONITORING SCHEDULES 
2002 ■ 
CANADA 



A2-4 



STREAMFLOW MONITORING 

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



Responsible Agency: Environment Canada 


No. on Map 


Station No. 


Station Name 


1* 


11AE003 
(06178500) 


East Poplar River at International Boundary 


2 


11AE013*** 


Cookson Reservoir near Coronach 


3 


11AE015*** 


Girard Creek near Coronach Cookson Reservoir 


4 


11AE014*** 


East Poplar River above Cookson Reservoir 


5 




Fife Lake Overflow** 


6* 


11AE008 
(06178000) 


Poplar River at International Boundary 



* - International gauging station 

** - Miscellaneous measurements of outflow to be made by Sask Water during 

' periods of outflow only. 
*** - Sask Water took over the monitoring responsibility effective July 1/92. 



A2-5 




CANADA 

UNITED STATES 



HYDROMETRIC GAUGING STATIONS (CANADA) 



A2-6 



SURFACE-WATER-QUALITY MONITORING 



Sampling Locations 



Responsible Agency: Environment Canada 


No. on Map 


Station No. 


Station Name 


1 


00SA11AE0008 


East Poplar River at International Boundary 



Responsible Agency: Saskatchewan Environment 1 


Data collected by: Sask Power 




No. on Map 


Station No. 


Station Name 


2 


12386 


East Poplar River at Culvert Immediately below 


■' 


Discontinued 


Cookson Reservoir 


3 


12368 


Cookson Reservoir near Dam 


4 


12377 
Discontinued 


Upper End of Cookson Reservoir at Highway 36 


5 


12412 
Discontinued 


Girard Creek at Coronach, Reservoir Outflow 


6 


7904 


Fife Lake Outflow 



A2-7 



PARAMETERS 



Responsible Agency: Environment Canada 



ENVIRODAT* 
Code 



AnalvticaJ Method 



Sampling Frequ 
Station No. I 



10151 


Alkalinily-phenolphthalein 


Potentiometric Titration 


BM 


10111 


Alkaiimiy-total 


Potentiometnc Titration 


BM 


13102 


Alummum-dlssolved 


AA Direct 


BM 


13302 


Aluminumexiracted 


AA-Direct 


BM 


07540 


Ammonia-total 


Automated Colourimetric 


BM 


33108 


Arsenic -dissolved 


ICAP-hydride 


BM 


56001 


Barium-loial 


AA-Direci 


BM 


06201 


Bicarbonates 


Calculated 


BM 


05211 


Borondissolved 


ICAP 


BM 


96360 


Bromoxynil 


Gas Chromatography 


BM 


48002 


Cadmium-lolal 


AA Solvent E.xiraction 


BM 


20103 


Calcium 


AA-Direci 


BM 


06104 


Carbon-dissoived organic 


Automated IR Detection 


BM 


06901 


Carbon-paniculate 


Elemental Analyzer 


BM 


06002 


Carbon-total organic 


Calculated 


BM 


06301 


Carbonates 


Calculated 


BM 


17206 


Chloride 


Automated Colourimetnc 


BM 


06717 


Chlorophyll a 


Spectrophotometric 


BM 


24003 


Chromium-total 


A A -Solvent E.xtraction 


BM 


27002 


Cobalt-total 


AA Solvent Extraction 


BM 


36012 


Coliform-fecal 


Membrane Filtration 


BM 


36002 


Coliform-total 


Membrane Filtration 


BM 


02021 


Colour 


Comparator 


BM 


02041 


Conductivity 


\^'heatsIone Bridge 


BM 


06610 


Cyanide 


Automated UV-Coiounmetric 


BM 


09117 


Fluoride-dissolved 


Electrometric 


BM 


06401 


Free Carbon Dioxide 


Calculated 


BM 


10602 


Hardness 


Calculated 


BM 


17811 


Hexachlorobenzene 


Gas Chromatography 


BM 


08501 


Hydroxide 


Calculated 


BM 


26104 


Iron-dissolved 


AA Direct 


BM 


82002 


Lead-total 


AA Solvent Extraction 


BM 


12102 


Magnesium 


AA- Direct 


BM 


25104 


Manganese-dissolved 


A A Direct 


BM 


07901 


N particulate 


Elemental Analyzer 


BM 


07651 


N- total dissolved 


Automated UV Coiounmetric 


BM 


10401 


NFR 


Gravimetric 


BM 


28002 


Nickel-total 


AA Solvent Extraction 


BM 


07110 


Nitrate/Nitnie 


Colourimetnc 


BM 


07603 


Nitrogen-total 


Calculated 


BM 


10650 


Non-Carbonate Hardness 


Calculated 


BM 


18XXX 


Organo Chlorines 


Gas Chromatography 


BM 


08101 


Oxygen-dissolved 


Winkler 


BM 


15901 


F paniculate 


Calculated 


BM 


15465 


P-total dissolved 


Automated Colourimetnc 


BM 


I85XX 


Phenoxy Herbicides 


Gas Chromatography 


BM 


15423 


Phosphorus-total 


Colourimetnc (TRAACS) 


BM 


19103 


Potassium 


Flame Emission 


BM 


11250 


Percent Sodium 


Calculated 


BM 


0I120I 


SAR 


Calculated 


BM 


00210 


Saturation Index 


Calculated 


BM 


34108 


Selenium-dissolved 


ICAP hydnde 


BM 


14108 


Silica 


Automated Colourimetnc 


BM 


11103 


Sodium 


Flame Emission 


BM 


00211 


Stability Index 


Calculated 


BM 


16306 


Sulphate 


Automated Colourimetnc 


BM 


00201 


TDS 


Calculated 


BM 


02061 


Temperature 


Digital Thermometer 


BM 


020T3 


Turbidity 


Nephelometry 


BM 


23002 


Vanadium-total 


AA Solvent Extraction 


BM 


30005 


Zinc -total 


AA-Solvent Extraction 


BM 


10301 


PH 


Electrometric 


BM 


92111 


Uranium 


Ruometnc 


MC 



* Computer Storage and Retrieval System 

AA Atomic Absorption 

NFR Nonfilterable Residue 

ICAP - Inductively Coupled Argon Plasma 



Environment Canada 
IR infrared 
MC Monthly Composit 



UV - Ultraviolet 

BM Bimonthly (Alternate months sampled by USGS) 



A2-8 




CANADA 
UNITED STATES 



LEGEND 

A SASKATCHEWAN ENVIRONMENT 

■ ENVIRONMENT CANADA 



SURFACE-WATER-QUALITY MONITORING STATIONS (CANADA) 



A2-9 



GROUND- WATER PIEZOMETERS TO MONITOR POTENTIAL DRAWDOWN 
DUE TO COAL-SEAM DEWATERING NEAR THE INTERNATIONAL BOUNDARY 



Responsible Agency: Sask Water* 


Measurement Frequency: Quarterly 


Piezometer 


Location 


Tip of Screen 


Perforation Zone 


Number 




Elevation (m) 


(depth in metres) 


52 


NW 14-1-27 W3 


738.43 


43 - 49 (in coal) 


506A 


SW 4-1-27 W3 


748.27 


81 -82 (in coal) 


507 


SW 6-1-26 W3 


725.27 


34-35 (in coal) 


509 


NW 11-1-27 W3 


725.82 


76 -77 (in coal) 


510 


NW 1-1-28 W3 


769.34 


28 - 29 (in layered 
coal and clay) 



* Data Collected by: SaskPower 



A2- 10 




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



A2- 11 



GROUND-WATER PIEZOMETER MONITORING - 
POPLAR RIVER 

POWER STATION AREA 


SPC Piezometer 
Number 


Completion 
Formation 


C525 


Empress 


C526 


Empress 


C527 


Empress 


C528 


Oxidized 


C539 


Empress 


C540 


Empress 


C737 


Empress 


C739 


Empress 


C740 


Empress 


C741 


Empress 


C743 


Empress 


C746 


Mottled Till 


C747 


Mottled Till 


C748 


Mottled Till 


C756 


Empress 



Water levels measured quarterly 



SPC Piezometer 
Number 


Completion 
Formation 


C739 


Empress 



Samples collected annually 



A2- 12 



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LU 


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A2- 13 



GROUND-WATER PIEZOMETER MONITORING— 
ASH LAGOON AREA-WATER LEVEL 


SPC Piezometer Number 


Completion Formation 


C529 


Empress 


C533 


Empress 


C534 


Oxidized Till 


C535 


Empress 


C536 


Empress 


C537 


Empress 


C538 


Empress 


C542 


Empress 


C653A 


Unoxidized Till 


C654 


Unoxidized Till 


C655A 


Unoxidized Till 


C655B 


Unoxidized Till 


C711 


Oxidized Till 


C712A 


Unoxidized Till 


C712B 


Intra Till Sand 


C712C 


Mottled Till 


C712D 


Oxidized Till 


C7L3 


Oxidized Till 


C714A 


Unoxidized Till 


C714B 


Mottled Till 


C714C 


Oxidized Till 


C714D 


Oxidized Till 


C714E 


Empress 


C715 


Oxidized Till 


C716 


Oxidized Till 


C717 


Oxidized Till 


C718 


Mottled Till 


1 C719 


Oxidized Till, 


C720 


Oxidized Till 


C721 


Oxidized Till 


1 C722 


Oxidized Till 


1 C723 


Oxidized Till 



A2- 14 



GROUND-WATER PIEZOMETER MONITORING— 

ASH LAGOON AREA-WATER LEVEL (Continued) | 


SPC Piezometer Number 


Completion Formation 


C724 


Mottled Till 


C725 


Oxidized Till 


C726A 


Oxidized Till 


C726B 


Mottled Till 


C726C 


Oxidized Till 


C726E 


Empress 


C727A 


Unoxidized Till 


C727B 


Mottled Till 


C727C 


Oxidized Till 


C728A 


Oxidized Till 


C728B 


Unoxidized Till 


C728C 


Mottled Till 


C728D 


Oxidized Till 


C728E 


Empress 


C731 


Empress 


C732 


Empress 


C734 


Empress 


C742 


Empress 


C745 


Oxidized Till 


C749 


Mottled Till 


C750 


Unoxidized Till 


C751 


Unoxidized Till 


C752 


Unoxidized Till 


C753 


Oxidized Till 


C757 


Unoxidized Till 


C758 


Intra Till Sand 


C763A 


Mottled Till 


C763B 


Oxidized Till 


C763C 


Mottled Till 


1 C763D 


Unoxidized Till 


C763E 


Empress 


C764B 


Mottled Till 



A2- 15 



1 GROUND-WATER PIEZOMETER MONITORING— 

ASH LAGOON AREA-WATER LEVEL (Continued) | 


SPC Piezometer Number 


Completion Formation 


C764C 


Oxidized Till 


C764D 


Unoxidized Till 


C764E 


Empress 


C765A 


Empress 


C765C 


Oxidized Till 


C765D 


Oxidized Till 


C765E 


Mottled Till 


C766 


Intra Till Sand 


C766A 


Empress 


C767 


Intra Till Sand 


C767A 


Empress 


C767B 


Unoxidized Till 


C775A 


Oxidized Till 


1 C775C 


Unoxidized Til! 


C776A 


Oxidized Till 


C776B 


Oxidized Till 


C867B 


Oxidized Till 


C867C 


Unoxidized Till 


C868B 


Oxidized Till 


C868C 


Unoxidized Till 


C869B 


Oxidized Till 


C869C 


Unoxidized Till 


C870E 


Empress 


C871B 


Oxidized Till 


C871C 


Unoxidized Till 


C872B 


Oxidized Till 


C872C 


Unoxidized Till 


C873E 


Empress 



Water levels measured quarterly 



A2- 16 



Responsible Agency: Saskatchewan Environment 
Data Collected bv: SaskPower 



GROUND-WATER PIEZOMETER MONITORING- 
ASH LAGOON AREA - WATER QUALITY 


SPC Piezometer Number 


Completion Formation 


C529 


Empress 


C532 


Empress 


C533 


Empress 


C534 


Oxidized Till 


C536 


Empress 


C538 


Empress 


C653A 


Unoxidized Till 


C655A 


Unoxidized Till 


C712A 


Unoxidized Till 


C712B 


Intra Till Sand 


C712C 


Mottled Till 


C712D 


Oxidized Till 


C713 


Oxidized Till 


C714A 


Unoxidized Till 


C714C 


Oxidized Till 


C714D 


Oxidized Till 


C714E 


Empress 


C715 


Oxidized Till 


C716 


Oxidized Till 


C718 


Mottled Till 


C719 


Oxidized Till 


C726A 


Oxidized Till 


C726C 


Oxidized Till 


C726E 


Empress 


C728A 


Oxidized Till 


C728B 


Unoxidized Till 


C728C 


Mottled Till 



A2- 17 



1 GROUND-WATER PIEZOMETER MONITORING- 1 
ASH LAGOON AREA - WATER QUALITY (Continued) 


SPC Piezometer Number 


Completion Formation 


C728D 


Oxidized Till 


C728E 


Empress 


C731 


Empress 


C732 


Empress 


C734 


Empress 


C742 


Empress 


C745 


Oxidized Till 


C749 


Mottled Till 


C750 


Unoxidized Till 


C751 


Unoxidized Till 


C752 


Unoxidized Till 


C753 


Oxidized Till 


C757 


Unoxidized Till 


C758 


Intra Till Sand 


C763A 


Mottled Till 


C763B 


Oxidized Till 


C763D 


Unoxidized Till 


C763E 


Empress 


C766 


Intra Till Sand 


C767 


Intra Till Sand 


C767A 


Empress 


C775A 


Oxidized Till 


C775C 


Unoxidized Till 


C867B 


Oxidized Till 


C867C 


Unoxidized Till 


C868B 


Oxidized Till 


C868C 


Unoxidized Till 


C869B 


Oxidized Till 


C870E 


Empress 


C871B 


Oxidized Till 



A2- li 



GROUND-WATER PIEZOMETER MONITORING- 
ASH LAGOON AREA - WATER QUALITY (Continued) | 


SPC Piezometer Number 


Completion Formation 


C871C 


Unoxidized Till 


C872B 


Oxidized Till 


C872C 


Unoxidized Till 


C873E 


Empress 



Samples collected annually. 



A2- 19 



PARAMETERS 



Responsible Agency: Saskatchewan Environment 




Data Collected bv: SaskPower 






ESQUADAT" Code Parameter 


Analytical method 


Sampling Frequency Station No.; 
Piezometers 


10101 


Alkalinit\-tot 


Pot-Tilranon 


A 


13105 


Aluminum-Oiss 


AA-Direct 


3" 


33104 


Are«nic-Diss 


Flamcless AA 


A 


56104 


Banum-Diss 


AA-Dircct 


A 


06201 


Bicarbooales 


Calculated 


A 


6106 


Boron-Diss 


Colourimetr>' 


3" 


48102 


Cadmium-Diss 


AA-Solvent Extract (MIBK) 


A 


20103 


Calcium-Diss 


AA-Direcl 


A 


06301 


Cttrbunatcs 


Calculated 


A 


17203 


Chioride-Diss 


Colourimetry 


A 


24104 


Chrommm-Dtss 


AA-Direct 


A 


27102 


Coball-Diss 


AA-Solvent Extract (MIBK) 


A 


02011 


Colour 


Comparator 


A 


02*41 


Conductivity 


Conductivity Meter 


3 


29105 


Copper-Diss 


AA-Solveni Extract (MIBK) 


A 


09103 


Fluondc-Diss 


Specific Ion F.lcclmdc 


A 


26104 


Iron-Diss 


AA-Direct 


A 


82103 


Lcad-D.ss 


AA-Solvent Extract (MIBK) 


A 


12102 


Magnesium-Diss 


AA-Direci 


A 


25104 


Manganese- Diss 


AA-Direct 


A 


42102 


Mol>b<icnum-Di;is 


AA-Solvent Extract (N-But\l 
acetate) 


A 


10301 


pH 


Electrometnc 


3" 


19103 


Polasslum-Dlss 


Flame Pholometry 


A 


34105 


Selenium-Diss 


Hydride generation 


A 


14102 


Siiica-Diss 


Colountnctrv 


A 


11103 


Sodium-Diss 


name Photometry 


A 


38101 


Stronaum-Diss 


AA-Direct 


i" 


16300 


Sulphate- Diss 


Colounmetry 


3" 


10451 


TDS 


Gravimetric 


3" 


92 in 


Unmium-Oiss 


Fluorometry 


!•• 


23104 


Vanadium-Diss 


AA-Dircct 


A 


97025 


Water Level 




•> 


30105 


Zmc - Diss. 


AA-Solvent Extract (MIBK) 


A 



* Computer storage and retrieval system -Saskatchewan Environment No zinc or iron for Piezometers C531 to C538. 
SYMBOLS: AA-Atomic Absorption A-Annually "Analyze annually for these Piezometers Nos AA - solvent extract 
(MIBK) - sample acidified and extracted with Methyl isobutyl Ketone. 4-4 times/year 3-3 times/year. 



A2-21 



Ambient Air-Quality Monitoring 



Responsible Agency: Saskatchewan Environment and Resource Management 
Data Collected by: SaskPower j 


No. On Map 


Location Parameters 


Reporting Frequency 


1 


Coronach (Discontinued) 


Sulphur Dioxide 


Continuous monitoring with hourly 
averages as summar\ statistics. 






Total Suspended 
Parti cuJ ate 


24-hour samples on 6-day cycle, 
corresponding to the national air 
pollution surveillance sampling 
schedule 


2 


International Boundan- 


Sulphur Dioxide 


Continuous monitoring with hourly 
averages as suniman statistics. 






Total Suspended 
Particulate 


24-hour samples on 6-day cycle, 
corresponding to the national air 
pollution surveillance sampling 
schedule 


3 


PRPS Site 


Wind Speed and 
Du-ection 


Continuous monitonng with hourly 
averages as suiiimar> statistics 


METHODS 


Sulphur Dioxide 


Saskatchewan Environment and Resource Management 
Pulsed fluorescence 


Total Suspended Particulate 


Saskatchewan Environment and Resource Management 
High Volume Method 



A2-22 



I 


\^^__^ Fife V/ 


) 


-^ 




\ 


~Yx '-'3'"^ /•■/ 




V <i 




V-, 


Rockglen " ^ 


-^ 


\ 33 






^, -C^. 


^-^^. 


^ ( 1 






\ c \ \ 




Coronacn ) / 




I 


\ -c. \ >, 


— 


\ ° ^ 




r- 


0\ \ 


\ Q- 


\ 17 Cookson \ 
VV 1 \ Reservoir ) 




\ 


^"^^^^^x^^^/X 


N 


'•% ( 




CANADA V^ 


^~"\l^ 


_\ 


2jiL.._^_. 




UNITED STATES 


5 10 

1 ' ' 


II 

15 KILOMETERS 
1 1 


\\ Scobey 




1 1 

5 


10 MILES 




AMBIENT AIR-QUALITY MONITORING (CANADA) 





A2-23 



POPLAR RIVER 



COOPERATIVE MONITORING ARRANGEMENT 



TECHNICAL MONITORING SCHEDULES 

2002 

LINITED STATES 



A2-24 



STREAMFLOW MONITORING 



Responsible Agency: U.S. Geological Survey 


No. on Map 


Station Number 


Station Name 


1* 


06178000 (11AE008) 


Poplar River at International Boundary 


2* 


06178500 (11 AE003) 


East Poplar River at International 
Boundary 



* International Gauging Station 



A2-25 




CANADA 
UNITED STATES 



5 10 15 KILOMETERS 

I ' — H ^ 

5 10 MILES 



HYDROMETRIC GAUGING STATIONS (UNITED STATES) 



A2-26 



SURFACE-WATER-QUALITY MONITORING 


" Station Locations 


Responsible Agency: U.S. Geological Survey 


No. On Map 


uses Station No. 


STATION NAME 


1 


06178000 


Poplar River at Intemalionai Boundary 


2 


06178500 


East Poplar River at Iniemational Bountdary 


PARAMETERS | 




Annual Sampling Frequency 1 


Analytical 
Code 


Parameter 


Analytical Method 


Site 1 


Site 2 


29801 


Alkalinity - lab 


Elect. Titration 


5 


6 


01106 


Aluminum - diss 


ICP 


2 


2 


00625 


Ammonia +Org N-iot 


Colorimetric 


5 


6 


01000 


Arsenic ■ diss 


AA. hydride 


2 


2 


01002 


Arsenic - tot 


AA, hydride 


1 


1 


01010 


Beryllium - diss 


.AA. flame 


2 


2 


01012 


Beryllium - toi/rec 


A.A. flame 


1 


1 


01020 


Boron - diss 


ICP 


5 


6 


01025 


Cadmium - diss 


AA. GF 


2 


2 


01027 


Cadmium - toi/rec 


AA. GF - Persulfate 


1 


2 


00915 


Calcium - diss 


AA. flame 


5 


6 


00680 


Carbon - tot Org 


Wet 0\idation 


1 


1 


00940 


Chloride - diss 


IC 


5 


6 


01030 


Chromium ■ diss 


AA. GF 


2 


2 


0103-4 


Chromium - lot/rec 


AA. GF 


1 


2 


00080 


Color 


Electromeiric. visual 


5 


6 


00095 


Conductivity 


Wheaistone Bridge 


5 


C 


01040 


Copper - diss 


AA. GF 


2 


2 


00061 


Discharge - inst 


Direct measurement 


5 


6 


00950 


Fluoride ■ diss 


Colormeiric. ISE 


5 


6 


01046 


Iron ■ diss 


.AA. flame 


5 


6 


01045 


iron - tot/rec 


AA. name 


1 


2 


01049 


Lead - diss 


AA. GF 


2 


2 


01051 


Lead ■ toi/rec 


AA. GF ■ Persulfate 


1 


2 


00925 


Magnesium - diss 


AA. flame 


5 


2 


01056 


Manganese ■ diss 


.A.A. flame 


2 


2 


01055 


Manganese - toi/rec 


.AA. name 


1 


2 


01065 


Nickel ■ diss 


,AA. GF 


2 


2 


01067 


Nickel ■ tot/rec 


AA. GF- Persulfate 


1 


2 


00613 


Nitrite ■ diss 


Colorimetric 


5 


6 


00631 


Nitrate + Nitrite - diss 


Colorimetric 


5 


6 


00300 


Ox\gen-diss 


Oxygen membrane 


5 


6 


00400 


pH' 


Electromeiric 


5 


6 


00671 


Phos, Ortho-diss 


Colorimetric 


5 


6 


00665 


Phosphorous - tot 


Colorimetric 


5 


6 


00935 


Potassium - diss 


.AA. flame 


5 


6 


00931 


SAR 


Calculated 


5 


6 


80154 


Sediment - cone. 


Filtration-Gravimetric 


5 


6 


80155 


Sediment - load 


Calculated 


5 


6 


01145 


Selenium ■ diss 


.AA. hydride 


2 


2 


01147 


Selenium tot 


AA. hydride 


1 


1 


00955 


Silica -diss 


Colorimetric 


5 


6 


00930 


S<xJium - diss 


AA. flame 


5 


6 


00945 


Sulphate - diss 


IC 


5 


6 


70301 


Total Dissolved Solids 


Calculated 


5 


6 


00010 


Temp Water 


Stem Thermometer 


5 


6 


00020 


Temp Air 


Stem Thermometer 


5 


6 


00070 


Turbidity 


.Nephelometric 


5 


6 


22703 


Lranium • diss 


LIP 




MC 


01090 


Zinc ■ diss 


AA. flame 


2 


2 


01092 


Zinc - tot/rec 


AA. flame 


1 


2 



^ ^v,ntinuous; MC - monthly composite; GF - graphite furnace: AA - atomic absorption; tot/rec • total recoverable; diss 
dissolved: \E • atomic emission: ICP - inductively coupled plasma, IC - ion e,\change chromatography; LIP - Laser Induced 
Phosphorescence; Org - organic 



A2-27 




5 10 15 KILOMETERS 
I ' r^ ^ 



SURFACE-WATER-QUALITY MONITORING STATIONS (UNITED STATES) 



A2-28 



GROUND-WATER-QUALITY MONITORING - Station Locations 



Respons 


ble Agency: Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology 




Map 


Well 


Total Depth (a) 


Casing 
Diameter 


Aquifer 


Perforation Zone 


Number 


Location 


(m) 




(m) 








(cm) 






7 


37N47E12BBBB 


44.1 


10.2 


Han Coal 


39-44 


16 


37N46E3ABAB 


25.5 


10.2 


Fort Union 


23-25 


24 


37N48E5AB 


9.6 


10.2 


Alluvium 


9.2-9.6 


Paramete 


rs 








Storet 










** 


Parameter 


Analytical Method 


Sampling Frequency Station No. 




Code 










00440 


Bicarbonaies 


Electrometric Titration 


Sample collection is annually for 




01020 


Boron-diss 


Emission Plasma. ICP 


all locations identified above. 




009 1 5 


Calcium 


Emission Plasma 






00445 


Carbonaies 


Electrt)metric Titration 


The analytical method descriptions 




00940 


Chloride 


Ion Chromatography 


are those of the Montana Bureau of 




00095 


Conductivity 


VV'heatstone Bridge 


Mines and Geology Laboratory where 




00950 


Fluoride 


Ion Chromatography 


the samples are analysed. 




01046 


Iron-diss 


Emission Plasma. ICP 






01049 


Lead-diss 


Emission Plasma. ICP 






01130 


Lithium-diss 


Emission Plasma. ICP 






00925 


Magnesium 


Emission Plasma. ICP 






01056 


Manganese-diss 


Emission Plasma. ICP 






01060 


Molybdenum 


Emission Plasma. ICP-.MS 






00630 


Nitrate 


Ion Chromatography 






00400 


PH 


Electrometric 






00935 


Potassium 


Emission Plasma. ICP 






00931 


SAR 


Calculated 






01145 


Selen.um-diss 


ICP-MS 






00955 


Sihca 


Emission Plasma. ICP-.MS 






00930 


Sixlium 


Emission Plasma. ICP 






01080 


Sirontium-diss 


Emission Plasma. ICP 






00445 


Sulphate 


Ion Chromatography 






00190 


Zinc -diss 


Emission Plasma. ICP 






70301 


TDS 


Calculated 







SVMBOLS; 

** - Computer storage and retrieval system ■- EPA 

ICP - MS • Inductively Coupled Plasma • Mass Spectrometry 



ICP ■ Inductively Coupled Plasma Unit 



A2-29 




CANADA 
UNITED STATES 



5 10 15 KILOMETERS 
I 1 ^-1 U 



GROUND-WATER-QUALITY MONITORING (UNITED STATES) 



A2-30 



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



Responsible Agency: Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology | 


No. on Map 


Sampling 


5,6.7,8.9,10,11,13,16,17.19.22.23,24 


Determine water levels quarterly 



A2-31 




CANADA 
UNITED STATES 



10 15 KILOMETERS 



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



A2-32 



ANNEX 3 

RECOMMENDED FLOW APPORTIONMENT 

IN THE POPLAR RIVER BASIN 

BY THE INTERNATIONAL SOURIS-RED RIVERS ENGINEERING BOARD, 

POPLAR RIVER TASK FORCE (1976) 



A3-1 



*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 conditions of this division are 
as follows: 

(a) Canada shall deliver to the United States a minimum of 60 percent of 
the natural flow of the Middle Fork Poplar River at the Intemational 

' ■ 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 foot per second) shall be delivered to the United 
States on the East Poplar River at the Intemational 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), 

• Canada-United States. 1976, Joint studies for flow apponionmenl. Poplar River Basin. Montana-Saskatchewan: Main 

Report. International Souris-Red Rivers Board. Poplar River Task Force. 43 pp. 



A3-2 



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. 



(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 
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. 

(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 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 
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. 



A3-3 



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. 



A3-4 



ANNEX 4 



CONVERSION FACTORS 



A4-1 



CONVERSION FACTORS 

Ac = 4,047 m^ = 0.04047 ha 

ac-ft = 1,233.5 m' = 1.2335 dam^ 

C° = 5/9(P-32) 

cm = 0.3937 in. 

cm^ = 0.155 in" 

dam^ = 1 ,000 m^ = 0.8 1 07 ac-ft 

ft^ = 28.3171 X 10 V 

ha = 10,000 m- = 2.471 ac 

hm = 100 m = 328.08 ft 

hm^ = lxlO*m^ 

I.gpm = 0.0758 L/s 

in = 2.54 cm 

kg = 2.20462 lb = 1.1 X 10^ tons 

km = 0.62137 miles 

km^ = 0.3861 mi' 

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

L/s = 0.035 cfs= 13.193 I.gpm = 15.848 U.S. gpm 

m = 3.2808 ft 

m^ = 10.765 ft- 

m^ = 1.000L = 35.3144ft^ = 219.97I.gal= 264.2 U.S. gal 

m^/s = 35.314 cfs 

mm = 0.00328 ft 

tonne = 1 ,000 kg = 1 . 1 023 ton (short) 

U.S. gpm = 0.0631 L/s 

For Air Samples 

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



A4-2