/^ Poplar River

'333.91 Bilateral

i|26prar Monitoring

^,^ Annual report of

•"' ' the governments ot

Canactat United

StateSf

1987 ANNUAL REPORT

STATE DOCUMENTS COLLECTION

to the FEB / 1990

MONTANA STATE LIBRARY

1515 E. 6th AVE. HELENA, MONTANA 59520 GOVERNMENTS OF CANADA, UNITED STATES,

SASKATCHEWAN AND MONTANA

by the

POPLAR RIVER BILATERAL MONITORING COMMITTEE

COVERING CALENDAR YEAR 1987

PLEASE RETURN

June, 1988
Montana State Ubrai iiiiiiiiiiiiii

3 0864 1004 5787 1
1987 ANNUAL REPORT

to the

GOVERNMENTS OF CANADA, UNITED STATES,

SASKATCHEWAN AND MONTANA

by the

POPLAR RIVER BILATERAL MONITORING COMMITTEE

COVERING CALENDAR YEAR 1987

June 1988

POPLAR RIVER BILATERAL MONITORING COMMITTEE

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

Governor's Office, State of Montana

Helena, Montana, United States

Department of External Affairs

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Saskatchewan Environment and

Public Safety

Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada

Gentlemen:

During 1987, 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. Through the exchange of Diplomatic Notes, on March 12, 1987, the Arrangement was extended to March 1991. Water quantity, water quality,

and air quality relevant to the International Boundary were monitored in accordance to the 1987 Technical Monitoring Schedule. The monitoring data were exchanged on a quarterly

basis. Herein is the report of activities of 1987 and the proposed monitoring schedule for 1988. The report summarizes current conditions relative to pre-project conditions and compares

current conditions 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 1987, the Committee finds that the measured conditions are within the norms of the accepted

objectives.

During 1987, monitoring continued with only minor changes in site locations and schedules from 1986. In September 1987 following the environmental assessment of two new mining

areas to the east and north of Cookson Reservoir, Ministerial Approval was issued under the Saskatchewan Environmental Assessment Act. Construction of the infrastructure is planned

for 1988 with active mining in the South Block commencing in 1989. Yours sincerely,

J./R. Knapton / Chairman, United States Section

R. A. Halliday

Chairman, Canadian Section

R. E. u^^ar

Member, United States Section

D. A. Fast Member, Canadian Section
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL i TABLE OF CONTENTS ii

1987 HIGHLIGHTS V INTRODUCTION 1 POPLAR RIVER POWER STATION 4 Operations 4 Construction 5 Mining 5 SURFACE WATER QUANTITY 7 Streamf low 7 Quality Control 8 Reservoir Storage 9 Apportionment 9 Minimum Flows 9 On-Demand Release 11 SURFACE WATER QUALITY 12 East Poplar River 12 Total Dissolved Solids 13 Boron 15 Other Water Quality Variables 17 Girard Creek and Cookson Reservoir 17 Quality Control 20 GROUND WATER QUANTITY 21 Saskatchewan 21 Coal Mine Dewatering 21 Water Levels 22 Montana 22 GROUND WATER QUALITY 25 Saskatchewan 25 Water Quality in the Tills 25 Water Quality in the Empress Gravels 27 Montana 29 ASH LAGOON QUALITY AND QUANTITY 34 AIR QUALITY 37 Saskatchewan 37 Montana 41
TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued)

Page

Table 1 - 1987 Operating Statistics for Generating Units

No . 1 and No . 2 *

2 - Simultaneous Streamflow Measurement Results 8

3 - Cookson Reservoir Storage Statistics for 1987 9

4 - Recommended Water Quality Objectives and Excursions,

1987 Sampling Program, East Poplar River at the

International Boundary 18

5 - 1987 Monthly Pvimpages from Mine Dewatering

Activities 21

6 - Chemical Data from GWQQC Observation Wells 31, 32, 33

7 - SPC-PRPSS Ash System, 1987 Calculated Seepage Rates . . 34

8 - Sulphur Dioxide in Ambient Air, Montana 42

9 - Sulfation Rate - Milligrams Sulphur Trioxide per

100 Square Centimetres per day 43

Figure 1 - Poplar River Mine—Location Map 6

2 - Discharge during 1987 Compared with Median

Discharge for 1951-80 for the Poplar River at International Boundary 7

3 - Hydrograph of Water Discharge of the East Poplar

River at the International Boundary and

Recommended Minimum Flow 10

4 - 1987 TDS Grab Sample Data, East Poplar River at International Boundary 13

5 - TDS Three-Month Moving Flow-Weighted Concentration

East Poplar River at International Boundary 14

6 - TDS Five-Year Moving Flow-Weighted Concentration

East Poplar River at International Boundary 14

- Ill -
TABLES OF CONTENTS (Continued)

Page

Figure 7 - 1987 Boron Grab Sample Data East Poplar River

at International Boundary 15

8 - Boron Three-Month Moving Flow-Weighted

Concentration East Poplar River at International Boundary 16

9 - Boron Five-Year Moving Flow-Weighted

Concentration East Poplar River at International Boundary 16

10 - Variation in TDS Concentrations with

Reservoir Volume 19

11 - Cone of Depression in the Hart Coal Seam

from Dewatering Activities as of December,

1987 23

12 - Water Levels of Selected Wells in the United

States 24

13 - Total Dissolved Solids Concentrations in Poplar

River Monitoring Piezometers 2.8

14 - Saskatchewan Maximum Hourly SO2 Air

Quality Data Coronach Water Treatment

Plant 1983 - 1987 38

15 - Saskatchewan Maximum Daily SO2 Air

Quality Data Coronach Water Treatment

Plant, 1983 - 1987 38
1987 HIGHLIGHTS

In 1987 the Poplar River Power Station operated for the fourth full

year. The two 300 megawatt coal-fired units generated 4 364 500 gross megawatt hours of electricity, up 10 percent from 1986. Because the number of plant startups increased, the consumption of

oil decreased 362 tonnes or 18 percent from 1986.

Monitoring information collected in both Canada and the United

States was exchanged on a quarterly basis. In general the sampling

locations, frequency of collection, and parameters met the

requirements identified in the 1987 Technical Monitoring Schedules

set forth in the 1986 annual report. An exception was continuous

air quality monitoring in Saskatchewan at the Coronach monitoring

station where there was an interruption from the beginning of the

year until March 10 because of relocation to approximately one kilometre east of the previous location.

The United States received a continuous flow in the East Poplar

River throughout the year. All aspects of the International Joint

Commission's apportionment recommendations were met.

The concentrations of boron and total dissolved solids on the East Poplar River were below the long-term and short-term objectives

recommended to Government by the International Joint Commission.

There were no excursions of other water quality objectives

recommended by the International Poplar River Water Quality Board

to the International Joint Commission. Continued efforts at quality control showed improved water quality data comparability

between Canadian and United States laboratories.
The outer limit of the cone depression from coal seam dewatering

remained about the same distance north of the International

Boundary and total pumpage increased 10 percent.

The total estimate of seepage from the ash lagoons and polishing

ponds was 0.75 litre per second, well below the seepage limits

proposed by the International Poplar River Water Quality Board.

The leachate front was calculated to have advanced 8.31 metres

towards Cookson Reservoir since the ponds were first filled.

Plant stack emissions did not cause or contribute to violation of Montana, United States or Saskatchewan ambient air quality

standards

.
INTRODUCTIOH

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, Government of

Canada and Province of Saskatchewan. In addition to the

representatives of Governments, two ex-officio members who are local representatives of the State of Montana and Province of Saskatchewan participate in the activities of the Committee.

During 1987, the members and ex-officio members of the Committee

were:

Mr. J. R. Knapton

U.S. Geological Survey

Chairman, United States Section

Mr. R.E. Driear

Governor's Office

Member, United States Section

Mr. C.W. Tande

Daniels County Commissioner

Ex-Officio Member, Montana

R.A. Halliday

Environment Canada

Chairman, Canadian Section

Mr. D.A. Fast Saskatchewan Environment and

Public Safety

Member, Canadian Section

Mr. J.R. Totton

Reeve, R.M. of Hart Butte Ex-officio Member, Saskatchewan
- 2 -

The monitoring programs are in response to potential impacts of a transboundary 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 water and ground water and for air

quality. Participants from both countries, including Federal,

Provincial, and State agencies, are involved in monitoring.

A responsibility of the Committee includes an ongoing quarterly

exchange of data acquired through the monitoring programs. The

exchange of monitoring information was initiated with the first

quarter of 1981, and is an expansion of the informal quarterly

information exchange program initiated 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 1987 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.

The Committee also is responsible for an amnual 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, with

the report for 1987 being the seventh report in the series. The

Committee is also responsible for drawing to the attention of Governments definitive changes in monitored parameters which may

require immediate attention.
- 3 -

Another 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.
- 4 -

POPLAR RIVER POWER STATIOM

Operations

The 1987 operating statistics for the two units at Poplar River are shown in Table 1. Unit No. 1 operated at 92.9 percent capacity for

the year which was the highest since the unit was commissioned. An extensive overhaul during the second quarter of 1987 accounts for

the lower capacity factor of Unit Ho. 2.

Table 1. 1987 Operating Statistics for Generating Units Ho. 1 and

Mo. 2.

Unit 1 Unit 2

Hours of Operation 8143 6415

Gross HWH Generated 2 425 600 1 938 900

Availability (Hours) (percent) 95.3 78.6

Capacity Factor (percent) 92.9 75.3

Number of Start-ups 8 11 Coal Consumed (tonnes) 2 014 742 1 610 384

Oil Consumed (tonnes) 979 1 380 Hours in Period 8 760 8 760

The average sulphur content of the coal was 0.60 percent. Analyses

were conducted by the Poplar River Power Station laboratory.

Analyses of the monthly duplicate coal samples by an independent

laboratory according to ASTM procedure D3167 indicated, on average,

a 0.12 percent lower value. The sulphur content of the fuel oil was 0.08 percent.
- 5 -

There were no reportable spills during 1987.

Ash Lagoon No. 3 North was put into service for the first time in

the third quarter of 1987 . Although this lagoon " saw limited

service in 1987, the lagoon is expected to be used regularly in 1988.

The Poplar River Power Station continued to surcharge ash in Ash

Lagoon No. 1 during 1987. A revegetation project was initiated in

1987. The goal of the project is to select suitable vegetation to be used to cover exposed ash surfaces after surcharging is

completed.

Construction

There was no construction activity in 1987

,

Mining

Coal mining continued to the west of Girard Creek and will move in

a northwesterly direction until 1989 or later. Prairie Coal

Limited (PCL) conducted an environmental assessment of two new

mining areas to the east and north of Cookson Reservoir

(Figure 1). Ministerial Approval under The Environmental Assessment Act was issued in September of 1987 . PCL plans to begin

construction of the infrastructure in 1988 and expects to begin

mining in the South Block in 1989.
- 6 -

o
- 7 -

SURFACE WATER QUANTITY

Streamf low

Streamflow in the Poplar River basin was below normal during 1987,

assximing the recorded flow of the Poplar River at the International

Boundary is a good indicator of basin runoff conditions. The March

to October recorded flow volvune at the gauge was 4 350 cubic

3 decametres (dam ), or 27 percent of the long-term average. A comparison of the flows of 1987 with those of the 1951-80 median

flow is shown in Figure 2.

MEDIAN OF MONTHLY MEAN DISCHARGE FOR 1951-80 I MONTHLY MEAN DISCHARGE FOR 1987

0.1 r

0.001MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT

Figure 2 —Discharge during 1987 Compared with Median Discharge for

1951-80 for the Poplar River at International Boundary

The recorded flow volume of the East Poplar River at the

3 International Boundary for 1987 was 3 700 dam , or 31 percent of the mean annual flow since the completion of Morrison Dam in 1975.
- 8 -

Quality Control

Two sets of simultaneous streamflow measurements were made on the East Poplar River at the International Boundary on April 22, 1987,

by personnel of the Water Survey of Canada, Environment Canada, and

The U.S. Geological Survey. All measurement results were within

expected differences for the given measuring conditions. The

results are shown in Table 2.

Table 2. Simultaneous Streamflow Measurement Results

Cross Width Area Mean Velocity Gauge Height Discharge

Agency Section m/s m"^/s

WSC
- 9 -

Reservoir Storase

Cookson Reservoir was near the full-supply level throughout the

3 first half of the year, but contents decreased to 34 700 dam by

December 31, because of below normal precipitation for the year. Elevations and contents for selected dates are given in Table 3.

Table 3. Cookson Reservoir Storage Statistics for 1987

Elevation Contents

Date (1987) (metres) (cubic decametres)

January 1 752.446 39 200

April 8 (maximum) 752.814 42 000

December 31 751.827 34 700

Full-Supply Level 753.000 43 400

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 an apportionment of waters of the Poplar

River basin. Although not officially adopted by the two countries,

the Poplar River Bilateral Monitoring Committee has ascribed to the

Apportionment Recommendations in each of its annual reports. Annex 4 contains the Apportionment Recommendation.

Minimum Flows

The recorded runoff volume of the Poplar River at the International

3 Boundary from March 1 to May 31, 1987 was 3 960 dam . For the

purposes of interpreting the apportionment recommendations of the

IJC, the recorded flow is assumed to be the natural flow. Based on
- 10 -

these recommendations, this volume entitled the United States to a

3 minimum discharge of 0.028 cubic metre per second (ra /s) from

June 1, 1987, to May 31, 1988, on the East Poplar at the

3 International Boundary. The minimum flow of 0.057 m /s for the

first 5 months of 1987 had previously been determined on the basis

of the March 1 to May 31, 1986 Poplar River flow volume.

A hydrograph of flow in the East Poplar River at the International

Boundary and the minimum flow as recommended by the IJC is shown in

Figure 3.

0.057 m3/* 0.028 mV*

Apportionment recommendation for minimum flow'

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

1987

Figure 3. —Hydrograph of Water Discharge of the East Poplar River at the International Boundary and Recommended Minimum Flow.
- 11 -

On-Demand Release

Based on the apportionment recommendations of the IJC, the United

3 States is entitled to an on-demand volmtie of 370 dam at any time

from June 1, 1987 to May 31, 1988, As of December 31, 1987 Montana

had not requested this release. The on-demand volume entitlement

3 for 1986 of 1 230 dam was requested on March 30, 1987, to be

3 delivered April 16 to May 31. A volume of 1 570 dam was delivered during this period.
- 12 -

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 rag/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 for boron and total dissolved solids (TDS) have been

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,

allowing estimates of daily boron and TDS concentration to be

derived from regression relationships with specific conductance.

Thus, three-month flow-weighted concentrations for the period 1982

to 1987 have been calculated from both the results of monthly

monitoring and the daily concentration estimates.

The Bilateral Monitoring Committee has 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 flow-weighted moving averages which are advanced one month at a time. Each point represents the flow-weighted

concentration for the previous five-year period. The methods used
- 13 -

for computing flow-weighted concentration have been documented in

"Evaluation of Transboundary TDS and Boron Water Quality Objectives

for the East Poplar River" (Environment Canada, April 1988). It should be emphasized that the calculations have been based on the

results of all samples collected, and not restricted to samples

collected during March to October.

Total Dissolved Solids

Analyzed TDS concentrations during 1987 ranged from 837 mg/L

(May 5) to 970 mg/L (September 15). 1987 TDS results are presented

in Figure 4.

• • • :

Figure 4

.

1987 TDS Grab Sample Data, East Poplar River at International Boundary

The proposed short-term objective for TDS is 1 500 mg/L. Time

plots of three-month moving flow-weighted TDS concentration based

on grab sample data and regression computed data are presented in

Figure 5. The relationship (database to 1987 inclusive) is:
- 14 -

TDS = (0.638 X specific conductance) + 12.396

(r2=0,87, n=322)

No excursions of the short-tetm TDS objective have been observed to date using either dataset.

Short-Term ODjsctlve (1300 nig/U

ts7a lOTa 1077 lara laao laat from aampla analyses

+ from ragraaalon

Figure 5. TDS Three-Month Moving Flow-Weighted Concentration

East Poplar River at International Boundary

Five-year flow-weighted TDS concentrations (Figure 6) remained well

below the proposed long-term objective of 1 000 mg/L. April 1982

3 was a period of extremely high discharge (approaching 90 m /s)

and low TDS (350 rag/L) . As a result of this high discharge period,

the flow-weighted TDS concentration was decreased approximately

150 mg/L for five years after the event.

Long-Term Objective (1000 mg/U

ia7a t*77 iwn iwn

Figure 6 . TDS Five-Year Moving Flow-Weighted Concentration

East Poplar River at International Boundary
- 15 -

Boron

During 1987, boron concentrations in the East Poplar River at the

International Boundary varied from 1.4 mg/L (May 19) to 2.2 mg/L

(August 5) (Figure 7).

• • •

Figure 7. 1987 Boron Grab Sample Data, East Poplar River at International Boundary

Three-month flow-weighted boron concentrations using grab sample

and regression computed data for the period of record are shown in

Figure 8. The relationship between boron and specific conductance

at the East Poplar River sampling location during the period

1975-1987 is described by the equation: Boron = (0.00146 X specific conductance) - 0.277

r2=0.73, n=322)

The short-term objective of 3.5 mg/L boron has not been exceeded in

the period 1975-1987. The effect of flow is evident in low boron

concentrations occurring during the high spring flow events of 1976, 1979, 1982, 1983 and 1986. A trend in boron concentrations

is not discernible in the historical data base.

The five-year flow-weighted concentrations are presented in

Figure 9 . The five-year flow weighted concentrations remain well
- 16 -

below the proposed long-term objective of 2.5 mg/L boron. As was

the case with TDS, the five-year calculations for boron were significantly influenced by samples collected during a high

discharge period in April 1982 (boron concentrations were approximately 0.7 mg/L during that time).

Short-Term Objective (3.S mg/U

from sample analysea

from regression

Figure 8. Boron Three-Month Moving Flow-Weighted Concentration

Bast Poplar River at International Boundary

Long-Term OtJlectlve (2.3 mg/L)

H , 1 , 1 , 1 , 1 1 1 , 1 : 1 laTe laTa tmrr iwn ia7« taat !• la

Figure 9 . Boron Five-Year Moving Flow-Weighted Concentration

East Poplar River at International Boundary
- 17 -

Other Water Quality Variables

Table 4 contains the multi-purpose water quality objectives for the East Poplar River at the International Boundary, recommended by the

International Poplar River Water Quality Board to the IJC. No excursions of the multi-purpose objectives occurred in 1987.

Environment Canada monitored the East Poplar River for phenoxy-acid

herbicides and organochlorine compounds during 1987 . Trace

concentrations of the phenoxy-acid herebicide, MCPA (in two of twelve samples) and the organochlorine compound, alpha-BHC (in six

of twelve samples) were recorded. Traces of these compounds are common in prairie waters, and the concentrations measured are not considered a hazard. All other organic compounds monitored were

less than analytical detection.

Girard Creek and Cookson Reservoir

Saskatchewan Environment and Public Safety reported quarterly on the water quality at four locations in the Poplar River Basin

during 1987. 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

all water quality variables to be within the recommended water

quality objectives for the East Poplar River (Table 4).

From 1983 to 1985, the average runoff to Cookson Reservoir was

6 3 4.9 X 10 m , about one-third of the long-term average. The

low runoffs resulted in a concentrating trend for several analytes.
18 -

Table 4. Recommended Water Quality Objectives and Excursions, 1987

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

Objectives recommended by IJC to Governments:

Boron-total

Total Dissolved Solids

3.5,
- 19 -

The

6 1986 spring runoff was about normal in volume (13.5 x

3. 10" m~) which resulted in approximately one-quarter to one-third of the reservoir volume being turned over. This had a diluting effect on the reservoir and consequently improved its water quality.

The 1987 spring runoff was only 20 percent of normal and had little

influence in improving reservoir water quality. Full supply volvime was not reached during 1987. During the remainder of 1987 the water level continued to decrease and by the end of 1987 the water

volume was down 20 percent from full supply volume, the lowest

volume since 1982. As expected, there was a modest increasing

trend for several analytes (TDS, sulphate, and conductivity).

Figure 10 illustrates how the total dissolved solids concentration

changes inversely with reservoir volume. If the histbrical trend

continues and there is no significant runoff in 1988, the water

quality of the reservoir will be lower during 1988.

COOKSON RESERVOIR - POPLAR RIVER POWER STATION

Water Volume and T.O.S. (mg/L)

^.S.L. /^o/umej

' I I I I I I 1 1 I I I I I I I I ) I 1 1 1 1 1 1 II I I I I I I I < I I 1 1 I I I I I I I Jon 1982 Jon 1983 Jon 1984 Jan 1985 YEARS

Jon 1986 Jon 1987

Figure 10. Variation in TDS Concentrations with Reservoir Volume
- 20 -

Quality Control

Quality control sampling was carried out at the East Poplar River

at the International Boundary on October 7, 1987. Participating

agencies included the United States Geological Survey, Environment

Canada, Saskatchewan Environment and Public Safety, and SaskPower.

Sets of triplicate samples were split from USGS sampling chums and

submitted to the respective agency laboratories for analyses.

The majority of parameters showed good reproducibility between

laboratories. The results for a number of trace metals were more

variable, with order of magnitude differences existing between

agencies. The differences relate to the respective techniques used

by various laboratories, and to poorer method reproducibility at concentrations near the detection limit.
- 21 -

GROUNDWATER QUANTITY

Saskatchewan

Coal Mine Dewataring

3 Due to coal mine dewatering activities, a total of 5 532 dam

(4 485 acre-feet) of groundwater was discharged during 1987. This amounts to 10 percent more pumpage than in the previous year. A summary of the monthly pumpages from all the coal dewatering wells

is shown in Table 5

.

Table 5. 1987 Monthly PtJinpages from Mine Dewatering Activities

Month Total (dam3)

Pumpages

Rate (L/s)

January

February

March

April

May

June July

August

September

October

November

December

Total

322 120

519 194

592 221 572 221

467 174

469 181

574 215

538 201

463 179

338 126 344 133

334 125

5 532 dam3 (4 485 acre-feet)

The ground water was discharged at 16 locations during 1987. Fourteen discharge points were to Girard Creek, one directly to Cookson Reservoir, and one was into a tributary of Goose Creek. No water from the latter reached the mainstera channel of Goose Creek.
- 22 -

Water Levels

Two piezometric pressure maps, dated June and December, 1987, were prepared by Prairie Coal Ltd. Figure 11 was compiled from the

December map and shows the cone of depression formed by the

pressure contours in the Hart Coal Seam. The southern extent of the cone of depression at the end of 1987 is unchanged from its

position in the previous year. The position of the one metre

contour therefore remains at 1.8 kilometres north of the

International Boundary.

Montana

Locations of the Montana monitoring wells are shown in the

Technical Monitoring Schedule. During 1987 quarterly water levels were obtained from 21 wells located in Montana. Hydrographs for

wells 5, 7, and 9, which are completed in alluvium. Hart Coal, and Fort Union ( Ravenscrag ) , respectively, are presented in Figure 12. The water levels fluctuate within one foot of their average. The

minor fluctuations are mainly attributed to regional climatic

conditions rather than to any impact resulting from the mining of

coal for the Poplar Power Plant. Although some minor fluctuation

has occurred, a trend in water levels has not been established.
- 23 -
- 24 -

HYDROGRAPH

WELL 7
- 25 -

GROUND WATER QUALITY

Saskatchewan

Ground water sampling continued in 1987 at the locations specified

in the Technical Monitoring Schedule.

Water Quality in the Tills

The quality of ground waters from the tills is expressed in

Figure 13 as temporal plots of total dissolved solids (TDS) for

each piezometer for the period of record. Higher and more variable

TDS concentrations are associated with the tills, compared to the

Empress Gravels. This is due principally to the presence of soluble minerals such as gypsum and calcite in the till matrix and

on fracture surfaces.

At location 2a, on the north edge of Ash Lagoon No. 2, no significant trends have been observed in parameters analyzed from

piezometer C712B of the oxidized till.

At locations 2b (piezometer C718) and 2c (piezometer C719) near the

north end of the Polishing Lagoon, there have been no consistent

water quality trends over the period of record. Although these two sites are close together, there are large differences in the

quality of water from C718 (mottled till) and C719 (oxidized

till) . The presence of gypsum, distributed unevenly throughout the till, is indicated by the much higher sulphate concentrations in

C719 (3 260 mg/L, July 1987) compared to C718 (198 mg/L, July 1987).
- 26 -

At location 8a, west of Ash Lagoon No. 1, piezometers C726A and

C726C display very consistent differences in water quality. In C726A there appears to have been an overall trend to lower

dissolved alvuninum and sulphate levels since 1984. Aluminum fell

from 14.8 mg/L in 1981 to the detection limit of 0.01 mg/L in

1987. In March, 1983 a sulphate value of 396 rag/L was recorded in

C726A. The sulphate concentration for July, 1987 is 162 mg/L, and

readings in the interval show a fairly consistent decrease over

time. There are no other visible trends in water quality from

either piezometer.

Piezometers C728B and C728C, on the west edge of the Polishing

Lagoon show no consistent water quality trends over the period of

record.

Piezometer C534 is located to the south of the ash lagoons. The

total dissolved solids concentration has remained fairly constant

at around 4 500 mg/L. The 1987 data indicate the continuance of a general trend to lower dissolved aluminum values over the period

1984 to 1987 (from 0.43 ug/L in 1984, to less than detection in

1987). No trends are seen in the other species monitored.
- 27 -

Water Quality in the Empress Gravels

Figure 13 shows that there are no significant trends in total

dissolved solids in the Empress Gravels. Piezometer C726E, located

at the west side of Ash Lagoon No. 1, displays a greater

variability in TDS concentration than the other Empress

piezometers , possibly due to variable recharge from the overlying

tills under certain conditions.

Ground water quality characteristics of the Empress gravels,

located to the north Ash Lagoon No. 2 (C726) are generally similar

to C728E, west of the Polishing Lagoon. Boron remains consistently

higher in C728E (1.2 mg/L) than in C726E (0.7 mg/L) . At location

C533, south of Ash Lagoon No. 1, there are no trends evident in any

of the water quality parameters monitored.

In C741, to the southwest of Morrison Dam, dissolved aluminum has

decreased from more than 1 mg/L in 1981 to the detection limit

(0.01 mg/L) in 1987. In C742, one kilometre south, it has

decreased from 0.46 over the same time period. In C742 Boron has

decreased from 0.99 mg/L in 1983 to 0.56 mg/L in July, 1987.

The trends in the concentration of aluminum and other species over

time are not observed over short intervals because fluctuations in

concentrations occur from year to year that may mask the long-term

trends

.
- 28 -

Groun4 Wotan from Empr«a» Osv«l«

!!

I I I I I I I I I I I I Jun-M >lu«-ai Ut-ea 0«-U IMo-M Om-M J«n-«7

Ground Wetara frvm T1U

1 Av""-^

Crewn4 Wotar* from Till

Om-M Joit-a7

Figure 13. Total Dissolved Solids Concentrations in Poplar River

Monitoring Piezometers.
- 29 -

Montana

Seventeen samples were collected in Montana south of the

international boundary during August, 1987, for purposes of

characterizing ground water levels and quality. The samples do not show any major changes from prior years.

The data for this year's samples are included with previous years

data in Table 6 . The sample from GWQQC Well 14 is not included

because the polyphosphate solution, used to develop the well after

1986 sampling, had not been adequately purged from the well. In almost all cases for all constituents, the current year's data fall

within the range established by prior values. Some exceptions

occur with the newer wells which only have two or three analyses,

however, the most striking aspect of the data is their similarity

to the results from prior years. One does not see any indications

of a systematic change with one possible exception. The exception

is mercury, which is discussed below.

Mercury data for most of the older wells show the highest values in

the years 1981 and 1986, while the 1987 data have no concentration

above the detection limit of 40 parts per trillion. If next year's

samples show the same low values (verified by referee laboratory

results on two or three of the statistically high valued wells), it

is recommended that the low sulphate wells completed in the coal seam have the mercury determinations discontinued, and that the

other wells be reviewed two years later to evaluate the

continuation of mercury analyses.

There is a sound theoretical reason for not expecting to have

detectable mercury in the water from the deeper coal horizons.

These waters are typically reduced from their contact with organic matter and much of their sulphate has been reduced to sulphide.

Inorgamic mercury is exceptionally insoluble in the presence of
- 30 -

sulphide and unless a very stable organic form is present, mercury

should not be detectable in these waters. The analytical data

collected to date do not suggest that significant quantities of mercury of either an organic or inorganic origin are present.
- 31 -

5 1.

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o U

X J:

izsm :s::sx3 ::;«:«$ sisss:; ;s:s:::2

S2S2SS 2ISSSS3

J3 !-^

iS22S 22SgS22 i2222S2 2222222 2222222 2223225

i:r
- 32 -

! = :is;n i;;3s;;3 jinsis zzizjzf.

3 12 :=c??;i »sr:;j3 iSSSiSJ =s

;s isssisi i'lzsg;

C .

J35 ?^ =

:::::; :::::«: |::ssss s::^::: ::::::: i:si::: ::::::: s:::::: 3::iSj: 3:s:ss:

ss;5ii :il?33s 5ssJ~ga ;5i;;SS i:i;;S; isitiis SHiSHsS -SiS^i; ItiS^iS 2si=:is

::s»il S2:s32s sS:s8si sirssss siSlisi si:sj2i sjSssss liSsIss ssSis's siSssSI
- 33
- 34 -

ASH LAGOON QUALITY AND QUANTIiy

The ash lagoon system at the Poplar River Power Station continues

to be operated on a closed system basis with no discharges to surface waters. During 1987, most of the sluiced ash was directed

to the north end of Ash Lagoon No. 1, The normal operation has

been the use of Ash Lagoon No. 1, Ash Lagoon No. 2 and the

Polishing Lagoon in series operation. Water from the Polishing

Lagoon is returned to the plant for ash sluicing. During 1987,

maximum and minimum water depths in Ash Lagoon No . 1 and 2 and the

Polishing Lagoon ranged between 6.2 and 5.2, 5.6 and 4.4, and 5.2

and 4.2 m, respectively.

Ash Lagoon No. 3 North was put into service for approximately three

weeks during September, 1987. The maximum water depth in Ash

Lagoon No. 3 North was 1.8 m during 1987.

Seepage calculations were made in 1987 using the methods developed

by T.A. Priekett, P.E., of Urbana, Illinois. Results of the

calculations for Ash Lagoons No. 1, 2 and 3 and the Polishing

Lagoon are shown in Table 7. In 1987, seepage calculations were

included for Ash Lagoon No. 3 for the first time.

Table 7 . SPC-PRPSS Ash System, 1987 Calculated Seepage Rates

Source Rate (L/s)

Polishing Lagoon 0.278

Ash Lagoon No. 1 0.172

Ash Lagoon No. 2 0.299

Ash Lagoon No. 3 0.002

Total Seepage 0.751
- 35 -

The 1987 calculated seepage was approximately the same as that

calculated for 1986 . The calculated total seepage is well below

the seepage limits (5.0 L/s to Cookson Reservoir and 2.0 L/s to the East Poplar River) proposed in 1979 by the International Poplar

River Water Quality Board of the International Joint Commission.

The permeability of the Ash Lagoons No. 1 and 2 and Polishing

Lagoon liners was calculated and found to be the same order of

-9 magnitude (2 to 11 x 10 cm/s) as originally calculated by

T.A. Prickett. The linear permeability for Ash Lagoon Mo. 3 North

-9 was found to be 0.17 x 10 cm/s.

The advancement of the seepage front towards the reservoir in the

oxidized till was calculated to be 8.31 m since the lagoons were

initially filled, which is an increase of 2.20 m since 1986. The

< seepage front in the Empress formation was calculated to have

advanced 912 ra southeast of the lagoons, an increase of 135 m since

1986. However, examination of Empress formation and till water

chemistry continue to show no significant changes attributable to lagoon seepage. Thus, leachate flow into Cookson Reservoir and

into the East Poplar River has not been measurable.

The Saskatchewan Department of Environment and Public Safety

requires that the Saskatchewan Power Corporation 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, 1987. Some recommendations were made regarding remedial measures for erosion

protection and locations for further observation. SPC intends to implement their recommendations during 1988. The freeboard

requirements were exceeded during May and June, 1988 to minimize

ash blowing problems from Ash Lagoon No. 1. Satisfactory freeboard

maintenance has been subsequently practised.
- 36 -

Saskatchewan Power continues to esqjeriment with the surcharging of

dry ash into the lagoons . An experimental program began in 1987 to determine suitable types of vegetation for the exposed ash. Two species of grass showed some promise for this purpose. Further

testing will continue in 1988.

Saskatchewan Power has, since Hay, 1983, undertaken analyses on filtered ash lagoon water samples to obtain appropriate information

on potential leachate quality. Generally, the water quality data

show increases in the Ash and Polishing Lagoons for sodium,

potasium, sulphate, fluoride, boron and molybdenum; and continued

variability in the levels for uranium, and vanadium. In addition,

there were some decreases noted for other measured variables such

as strontium and chromium. The changes are to be expected in a closed system of this type.
- 37 -

AIR QUALITY

Saskatchewan

As a result of construction at the water treatment plant, the

Coronach air quality monitoring station was dismantled in

September, 1986 and not relocated until the beginning of 1987. Sulphur dioxide monitoring commenced once again on February 5, 1987. Particulate monitoring began March 10, 1987. Both instruments are presently located at a site approximately one kilometre northeast of the previous location.

Ambient sulphur dioxide monitoring began at Coronach in July 1979. To date, a number of detectable concentrations have been recorded

at this site, however, violations of Saskatchewan's hourly or

24 hour standards (0.17 parts per million (ppra) and 0.06 ppm, respectively) which could be attributed to power plant operations

have not occurred. The highest hourly value in 1987 was 0.071 ppm

which occurred on September 25 at 1400 hours. Weather information

for this day indicates winds blowing from the southern quadrants,

which suggests the power plant as the most probable source. The

highest 24 hour value of 0.009 ppm occurred on July 30. Weather

data indicates winds occurring from the southern quadrants 66% of the time, again pointing to the power plant as the most probable

source. Figures 14 and 15 provide a summary of the maximum hourly

and daily SO concentrations measured during the past 5 years.

Violations of Provincial sulphur dioxide standards have not occurred at Saskatchewan Power Corporation's monitoring station near the Montana border. This year's highest hourly value of

0.054 ppm occurred on February 28, 1987 at 1300 hours. Weather

information indicates winds blowing from the northwest which

suggests the power plant as the probable source.
- 38 -

———— mMiia SAT*

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 >MJJASOltOJPNAMJJAfOHOJPl1AflJJASOtlOjrMAHJJASOHOJPNAMJJAfONO

Figure 14. Saskatchewan Maximum Hourly SO Air Quality Data Coronach Water Treatment Plant, 1983-1987

.0«« —

.0«« —

.0)5-

.030 —

.015 —

.OJO—

.OlS—

.010—

.005 —

.000—

SAIKATCIM1MM 34 IW. 9TAMUUI0'^.

aiutaa OATA

I I M M I I I I I I I I M I M I I I I I I I t

Figure 15. Saskatchewan Maximum Daily SO Air Quality Data Coronach Water Treatment Plant, 1983-1987
- 39 -

Air suspended particulate concentrations at Coronach were similar

to those obtained in past years. Saskatchewan's 24 hour average

standard was exceeded on two occasions in April 1987 . Weather data

indicates strong north winds during these days with the result that

wind blown dust is the likely cause of the violations. The annual

geometric mean increased from 25 . 2 micrograms per cubic metre

3 3 . . (ug/m ) in 1986 to 36.0 ug/m for the 10 month monitoring

period in 1987, however the mean continues to be well below the

3 Saskatchewan standard of 70.0 ug/m .

Suspended particulate concentrations at Saskatchewan Power

Corporation's monitoring Station exceeded Saskatchewan's 24 hour

average standard on seven occasion in 1987 . The highest recorded

3 value of 494.2 ug/m occurred on April 15. Weather data

indicates strong winds from variable quadrants throughout the day

which suggests wind blown dust as the most probable cause. As

well, this portion of the province has been extremely dry in the

past few years with little snow cover or rainfall to prevent

episodes of blowing dust. The annual geometric mean recorded at Saskatchewan Power Corporation's particulate monitoring site during

3 1987 was 34.6 ug/m .

In-stack monitoring data obtained in 1987 were similar to the

results of previous years. Daily nitrogen oxides concentrations

3 ranged from 1465 to 2285 milligrams per cubic metre (mg/m ) with

3 an average yearly concentration of 806 mg/m as compared to

3 898 mg/m in 1986. Ongoing improvements to the sample

conditioning system have considerably improved the operation of the

nitrogen oxides monitor in the past two years. The monitor was operational 82 per cent of the time in 1986 and 1987 as compared

to 387o of the time in 1985 . Daily sulphur dioxide concentrations

3 ranged from 1 124 to 3 975 mg/m with an average yearly

3 concentration of 2 556 mg/ra as compared to 3 688 in 1986. The

sulphur dioxde monitor was available 85 per cent of the time in 1987.
- 40 -

Average daily opacity readings ranged from to 100 per cent, with

a yearly average of 26 per cent as compared to 16 per cent in 1986. Saskatchewan's opacity standard is 40 per cent. In most

instances opacity violations occur during unit start up or shutdown

sequences . The reason for this is that the precipitators are not normally energized while a unit is fired on oil, in order to minimize fouling of the precipitator plates and to improve overall

collection efficiency. During 1987 there were approximately 22 occasions, lasting for an average of just under 9 hours, when one

of the units was firing on oil and the precipitators were not

energized. These events gave rise to the majority of the opacity

violations that were recorded.

On September 29, 1987, a manual stack gas survey was conducted at this Poplar River Power. Plant. Using the results from this

verification survey, the annual average stack emission values can

be represented as follows:

sulphur dioxide - 741.8 nanograms per joule of heat input or

1.72 pounds per million Btu of heat input

nitrogen oxides - 223.0 nanograms per joule of heat input or

0.52 pounds per million Btu of heat input

particulates 23.8 nanograms per joule of heat input or

0.06 pounds per million Btu of heat input
- 41 -

Montana

Beginning September 1986, and concluding in June 1987, the Montana

Department of Health & Environmental Studies (DHES) conducted an ambient air quality monitoring study near Scobie, Montana. Funds

for the study were appropriated from Montana's Resource Indemnity

Trust Fund (RIT) by the State's 1985 legislation.

The DHES operated one primary air monitoring site and eight

additional sulfation rate sites in the Poplar River area in

1986-87. The parameters that were monitored included sulphur

dioxide, total suspended particulates, sulfation rate, wind speed,

with direction, and temperature. The primary site was located at the Don Marlenee Ranch which is approximately four miles south of the U.S. - Canadian border and one mile east of Highway 13.

During the year of monitoring, sulphur dioxide concentrations

remained less than both the Montana and national ambient air

quality standards. The maximum 1-hour concentration of 0.075 ppm

was recorded at the Marlenee Ranch site during October, 1986. This

concentration is 15 per cent of the Montana standard. The highest

3-hour concentration of 0.042 ppm occurred during October, 1986. The highest 24-hour concentration of 0.008 ppm occurred during

March and April, 1987. Most of the higher sulphur dioxide

concentrations occurred with northwest or north-northwest winds

indicating the Saskatchewan Power Corporation generating facility

as the probable source. Table 8 sximmarizes the SO. data.

The Montana and U.S. Federal standards for total suspended

particulates were not exceeded at the monitoring site. The highest

3 24-hour concentration was 144 ug/m recorded on January 21, 1987;

3 the second highest was 140 ug/m recorded on November 10, 1986. The reading on January 21, 1987 was caused by fugitive dust

emissions associated with high wind speeds.
- 42 -

Table 8. Sulphur Dioxide in Ambient Air, Montana

(Parts per Million)
- 43 -

Table 9. Sulfation Rate - Milligrams Sulphur Trioxide

per 100 Square Centimetres per Day

1987

Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May June

Scobey - Border

Scobey - Richardson

Scobey - Hanrahan Ranch

Microwave Tower

Flaxville

TV Tower Hill

Scobey Downtown

Four Buttes

0.03

.ANNEX 1

POPLAR RIVER

COOPERATIVE MONITORING ARRANGEMENT

CANADA - UNITED STATES

- 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 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 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 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. Cochairmen may by mutual agreement

invite agency technical experts to participate in the work of the

Committee.

- 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 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 Governments any modifications to improve the Technical Monitoring Schedules.

1. Information Exchange

Each Cochairman will be responsible for transmitting to his counterpart 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 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.

- 3 -
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.

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 efforts to have cooperating monitoring agencies, in their re- spective 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 governments.

- 4 -
ANNEX 2

POPLAR RIVER

COOPERATIVE MONITORING ARRANGEMENT

TECHNICAL MONITORING SCHEDULES

1988

CANADA - UNITED STATES

June 1988
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page PREAMBLE 3 CANADA 5 STREAMFLOW MONITORING 6 SURFACE WATER QUALITY MONITORING 8 GROUND WATER QUALITY MONITORING 12 GROUND WATER PIEZOMETERS TO MONITOR POTENTIAL DRAWDOWN 14 DUE TO COAL SEAM DEWATERING

GROUND WATER PIEZOMETER LEVEL MONITORING - ASH LAGOON 16 AREA, SCHEDULE A - PIEZOMETERS IN TILL GROUND WATER PIEZOMETER LEVEL MONITORING - ASH LAGOON 18 AREA AND INTERNATIONAL BOUNDARY AREA, SCHEDULE B - PIEZOMETERS IN EMPRESS GRAVEL AMBIENT AIR QUALITY MONITORING 20 SOURCE EMISSION MONITORING 22

UNITED STATES 25 STREAMFLOW MONITORING 26 SURFACE WATER QUALITY MONITORING 28 GROUND WATER QUALITY MONITORING 30 GROUND WATER LEVELS TO MONITOR POTENTIAL DRAWDOWN DUE 32 TO COAL SEAM DEWATERING AMBIENT AIR QUALITY MONITORING 34

- 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.

- 3 -

POPLAR RIVER

COOPERATIVE MONITORING ARRANGEMENT

TECHNICAL MONITORING SCHEDULES

1988

CANADA

- 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
HYOROMETRIC GAUGING STATIONS (CANADA)

- 7 -
SURFACE WATER QUALITY MONITORING

Saopllng LocaClons

R«aponslbl« Agency: Saskatchewan Envlronoenc and Public Safety

No. on Map

1234

5

Station No. U1SKU2U0UUU2

OSSK02000007 05SK02000008

OSSIC02000004 0SSi:02000003

0OSA11AE00O8

Station Wane

f'Lte Lake Overflow

Glrard Creek at Coronach Reservoir Outflow

Upper Cad of Cookson Reservoir at Highway 36 Cookson Reservoir near Oaa East Poplar River at culvert Immediately below Cookson Reservoir

Responsible Agency: Environment Canada

Cast Poplar River at International Boundary

Parameters Responsible Agency: Saskatchewan Environment and Public Safety

ESQOADAT*
PARAMETERS (Conclnued)

Rcaponalbla Agency: Envlronacnc Canada

Code

L £S£/tO ENVIRONMENT SASKATCHEWAN

ENVIRONMENT CANADA

CANADA

U. S.A.

SURFACE WATER QUALITY MONITORING STATIONS (CANADA)

- 11 -
GROUND WATER QUALITY MONITORING

Sampling Locations Responsible Agency: Saskatchewan Environment and Public Safety Station Description Map
R.ZT 11.26

as.A.

GROUND WATER QUALITr MONITORING (CANADA)

- 13 -
GROUHD WATER PIEZOMETERS TO MONITOR

POTENTIAL DRAWDOWN DUE TO COAL

SEAM DEWATERING

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

Piezometer
GROUNDWATER PIEZOMETERS TO MONITOR POTENTIAL DRAWDOWN DUE TO COAL SEAM DEWATERING

- 15 -
GROUND WATER PIEZOMETER LEVEL MONITORING - ASH LAGOON AREA

SCHEDULE A - PIEZOMETERS IN TILL

Responsible Agency: Saskatchewan Environment and Public Safety

Station
R.27

T.I

R.2S L£G£NO

Q Sia«l« Plaiaaar la Till a NaatM PiataaiXara ia Till 8 Sit

SCALE

CANADA

a&A.

PIEZOMETER INSTALLATION SITES - SCHEDULE 'A* PIEZOMETERS IN TILL

- 17 -
GROUND WATER PIEZOMETER LEVEL MONITORING - ASH LAGOON AREA AND

INTERNATIONAL BOUNDARY AREA

SCHEDULE B - PIEZOMETERS IN EMPRESS GRAVEL

Responsible Agency: Saskatchewan Environment and Public Safety

Frequency of Measurement

All piezometers are monitored quarterly

Station
R. 27 R.26

as. A.

PIEZOMETER INSTALLATION SITES - SCHEDULE "B" PIEZOMETERS IN EMPRESS GRAVEL
AMBIENT AIR QUALITY MONITORING

Responsible Agency: Saskatchewan Environment and Public Safety

No. on Map
LESSNO

AMBIENT AIR QUALITY MONITOmNe

AMBIENT AIR QUALITY MONITORING (CANADA)

- 21 -
SOURCE EMISSION MONITORING

Responsible Agency: Saskatchewan Environment and Public Safety

No« on Map Station Location

At Poplar River

Power Plant

Parameters Sulphur Dioxide,

Nitrogen Dioxide,

Opacity.

Sampling Frequency

Continuously reported

as Hourly Averages

METHODS

Sulphur Dioxide

Nitrogen Dioxide

Opacity

Saskatchewan Environment and Public Safety

Ultraviolet Absorption

Saskatchewan Environment and Public Safety

Chemi 1 uminescence Saskatchewan Environment and Public Safety

Optical

- 22 -
R. 27 R.26

T.I

Uaqoons

SCALt Ha io«o itcTact

CANADA

USA.

J..

SOURCE EMISSION MONITORING

- 23 -

POPLAR RIVER

COOPERATIVE MONITORING ARRANGEMENT

TECHNICAL MONITORING SCHEDULES

1988

UNITED STATES

- 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

- 26 -
CANADA

U.S. A.

HYOROMETRIC GAUGING STATIONS (UNITED STATES)

- 27 -
SURFACE WATER QUALITY MONITOHING

Station Location

Responsible Agency: U.S. Geological Survey

USGS

No. on Station

Map No. 06178000

06178500

06179000

Station Name Poplar Rivec at International Boundary

East Poplar River at International

Boundary

East Poplar River near Scobey

FAKAMEmS

WATSTOK*
CANADA

J. S.A.

SURFACE WATER QUALITY MONITORING STATIONS (UNITED STATES)

J

- 29 -
CIIOUHD WATEK qUALITT MONITORIWC

Station Locationa Raaponaibl* A(«ncy: Montana Surtau of Hinaa and Caolofy
CANADA

U.S. A.

GROUND WATER QUALITY MONITORING (UNITED STATES)

- 31 -
GROUND WATER LEVELS TO MONITOR

POTENTIAL DRAWDOWN DUE TO

COAL SEAM DEWATERING

Responsible Agency: Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology

„ Sampling

No. on Map *

„ ^ -„ Determine water levels

2 to 2Z _ 1 quarterly

- 32 -
GROUNDWATER PIEZOMETERS TO MONITOR POTENTIAL DRAWDOWN DUE TO COAL SEAM DEWATERING

- 33 -
AMBIENT AIR QUALITY MONITORING

Responsible Agency: State of Montana

Air Quality Bureau

No. on Map Location

1 International Boundary

2 Richardson

3 Hanrahan

4 Microwave Tower

5 Flaxville

6 TV Tower Hill

7 Scobey Downtown

8 Four Buttes

TYPES OF SAMPLING

Sulfation Rate - Monthly Averages

METHODS

Methods of Air Sampling and Analysis. 2nd Edition . "Tentative Method of

Analysis of the Sulfation Rate of the Atmosphere (Lead Dioxide Plate

Method - Turbidimetric Analysis," p. 691.

- 34 -
AMBIENT AIR QUALITY MONITORING (UNITED STATES)

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ANNEX 3

REPORTS REVIEWED DURING 1987

BY THE POPLAR RIVER BILATERAL MONITORING COMMITTEE

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REPORTS REVIEWED DURING 1987

BY THE POPLAR RIVER BILATERAL MONITORING COMMITTEE

Pasloske, G. R. , P. Eng., 1986, Hydrogeological Evaluation of the

Poplar River Mine Relocation, Prepared for Prairie Coal Limited,

pp. 38.

2. Sternberg, S. , 1987, Poplar River Basin Air Monitoring Project

1986-87, Air Quality Bureau, Montana Department of Health and

Environmental Sciences.

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ANNEX 4

RECOMMENDED FLOW APPORTIONMENT

IN THE POPLAR RIVER BASIN

BY THE INTERNATIONAL SOURIS^ED RIVERS ENGINEERING BOARD,

POPLAR RIVER TASK FORCE (1976)

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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. Ihe 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 International Boundary, as determined below the con- fluence 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 decametres (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 suceeding 12 month period commencing June 1st. In addition, a volume of 3 70 cubic decametres (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 decametres (3,800

acre-feet), but does not exceed 9,250 cubic decametres

7,500 acre-feet), then a continuous minimum flow of 0.057

*Canada-United States, 1976, Joint studies for flow apportionment. Poplar

River Basin, Montana-Saskatchewan: Main Report, International Souris-Red

Rivers Board, Poplar River Task Force, 43 pp.

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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

decametres (500 acre-feet) shall be delivered to the United

States upon demand at any time during the 12-month period

commencing June 1st. Hi) 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 decametres (7,500

acre-feet), but does not exceed 14,800 cubic decametres

(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 decametres (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 decametres (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 suceeding 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 decametres

(1,000 acre-feet) shall be delivered to the United States

upon demand at any time during the 12-month period com- mencing 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.

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.

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ANNEX 5

METRIC CONVERSIONS

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METRIC CONVERSION FACTORS

ac =• 4,047 m2 = 0.4047 ha

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

C - 1.8 F* CO = 0.3937 in.

cm^ > 0.155 in^

daa^ - 1,000 m^ - 0.8107 ac-ft

ft^ - 28.3171 X 10~V

ha » 10,000 m2 - 2.471 ac hm - 100 m » 328.08 ft

hm^ - 1 X 10^ m^ I.gpm . = 0.0758 L/s

in =« 2.54 cm

kg =« 2.20462 lb = 1.1 X 10"^ tons km = 0.62137 miles

ka2 = 0.3861 mi^ L » 0.3532 ft3 - 0.21997 I. gal - 0.26420 U.S. gal

L/s - 0.035 cfs - 13.193 I.gpm » 15.848 U.S. gpm o - 3.2808 ft

m^ - 10.7636 ft^

V? » 1,000 L » 35.3144 ft^ - 219.97 I. gal - 264.2 U.S. gal

m^/s - 35.314 cfs mo = 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 3ubstance/24.45) mg/m^

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