S Poplar River Bilateral

333.91 Monitoring

M26prar Annual report of the

1982 governments of Canada,

United States,

1982 ANNUAL REPORTr^T^ i^ocuments collection TEB 7 1990

MONTANA STATE LIBRARY

1515 E. 6th AVE. HELENA, MONTANA 59620 to the

GOVERNMENTS OF CANADA, UNITED STATES,

SASKATCHEWAN AND MONTANA

by the

POPLAR RIVER BILATERAL MONITORING COMMITTEE

COVERING CALENDER YEAR 1982

PLEASE RETURN

[arch, 1983
Montana state Ljbraty

3 0864 1004 5792 1
POPLAR RIVER BILATERAL MONITORING COMMITTEE

REPORT TO GOVERNMENTS OF CANADA, UNITED STATES,

SASKATCHEWAN AND MONTANA

FOR

CALENDAR YEAR 1982

MARCH, 1983

POPLAR RIVER BILATERAL MONITORING COMMITTEE

Department of State Washington, B.C., United States Governor's Office, State of Montana

Helena, Montana, United States

Department of External Affairs

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Saskatchewan Environment

Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada

Gentlemen:

The Poplar River Bilateral Monitoring Committee continues to address those

responsibilities assigned to it by Governments under the Poplar River Cooperative

Monitoring Arrangement dated September 23, 1980. Water quantity, water quality

and air quality data of significance to impacts at the International Boundary were exchanged between countries on a quarterly basis. The monitoring information

exchanged were in accordance with the locations, frequency and parameters detailed

in the Technical Monitoring Schedule.

The Committee has examined and evaluated the monitoring for 1982 and concludes

the measured conditions fall within accepted objectives or norms for the parameters

involved. No major trends are yet apparent at the International Boundary.

This second annual report to Governments covers the calendar year 1982 , roughly

corresponding to the second year of operation of the Saskatchewan Power Corporation

300 MW coal-fired thermal generating stations located on the East Poplar River.

The results of the monitoring program are summarized and narrative descriptions

relative to pre-project conditions, and guidelines for specific parameters that

may have been developed as joint activities under International Joint Commission

references are included.

The Committee, in accordance with recommendations of the International Joint

Commission has devised a flow-weighting scheme for boron and total dissolved

solids. The results are presented in this report. Yours sincerely.

R. C. AVERETT

Chairman, United States Section

^Q.9)cu^

D. A. DAVIS

Chairman, Canadian Section

E. GALLAGt Member, United State4_^ection

^^^^^^^>

DWARD

jt>S»-

^

Member, CaWdi^ Section

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Letter of Transmittal i 1982 Highlights 1 Introduction 3 Poplar River Power Station 5 Operation 5 Construction 5 Surface Water Quantity 6 Natural Flow 6 Minimum Flows 6 Reservoir Storage 7 On Demand Release 9 Surface Water Quality 9 Flow-Weighted Concentrations 9 Flow-Weighted Concentrations—Long-Term Objective 10 Flow-Weighted Concentrations—Short-Term Objective 10 Data Compatibility 10

East Poplar River at International Boundary 11 Boron 11

Total Dissolved Solids 15 Other Water Quality Characteristics 15 Cookson Reservoir 16 Ground Water Quantity 17 Coal Seam Dewatering Saskatchewan 17 Montana 17 Ground Water Quality 19 Montana 19 Saskatchewan 21 Ash Lagoon Quality and Quantity 22 Air Quality 24 Montana 24 Saskatchewan 25

Table 1 - Recommended Water Quality Objectives and Exceedences 12 Figure 1 - Mean Daily Discharge East Poplar River at International Boundary, 1982 8 Figure 2 - Long Term Flow-Weighted Concentrations for Boron and TDS 13 Figure 3 - Short Term Flow-Weighted Concentrations for Boron and TDS 14 Figure 4 - Water Level Decline in Hart Coal Seam 18 Figure 5 - Major Chemical Composition of Water in Montana Wells 20 Annex 1 - Poplar River Cooperative Monitoring Arrangement Annex 2 - Poplar River Cooperative Monitoring Arrangement - —

Technical Monitoring Schedule Annex 3 - Metric Conversions

11

'^*-' ; 1982 HIGHLIGHTS

The first 300 MW coal-fired electrical generating unit at the Saskatchewan

Power Corporation Poplar River Power Station began commercial operation

in July 1981.

The quarterly exchange of monitoring information collected by both countries

was carried out during I982. In general, the frequency, location and type

of information exchanged met the requirements identified by both countries

in the Technical Monitoring Schedule.

The United States received a continuous discharge in the East Poplar River

throughout the year and in addition was entitled to an on demand release of

up to 1,230 cubic decameters between June 1, 1982 and May 31, 1983. As of

December 31, 1982 this release had not been requested. The snowmelt runoff

was much above normal in I982 and resulted in large spill volumes from Cookson

Reservoir. Recorded flow below Cookson Reservoir was less than the minimum

discharge recommended by the International Joint Commission (IJC) 19 percent

of the time.

The ground-water drawdown associated with coal seam dewatering was shown to have no impact closer than one-half mile north of the International Boundary.

Boron and total dissolved solids (TDS) vary widely in the ground water with

generally poorer quality water in the lower aquifers.

Boron and TDS in the East Poplar River were below the long-term and shortterm objectives recommended to Governments by the IJC. There was no discernible trend from pre-project conditions. Water quality met the objectives for other parameters recommended by the International Poplar River Water Quality

Board to the IJC with one exceedence being observed for total zinc.

Water quality in piezometers near the Saskatchewan Power Corporation ash

lagoons was highly variable, with questionable results reported. Steps are

proposed by the Committee to improve results.

1.
Ground-water seepage from the ash lagoon was computed to be less than

the construction standards established by Saskatchewan.

Plant stack emissions did not cause or contribute to violation of Montana,

Saskatchewan and the United States ambient air-quality standards.

2.
INTRODUCTION

The Poplar River Bilateral Monitoring Committee was authorized by the Governments of Canada and the United States under the Poplar River Cooperative

Monitoring Arrangement dated September 23, I98O. A copy of the Arrangement

is attached to this report as Annex 1.

The Committee is composed of representatives of the Government of Canada,

Province of Saskatchewan, Government of the United States of America, and State of Montana. 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 I982 the members and ex-officio members of the Committee were:

Mr. R. C. Averett Mr. D. A. Davis

U.S. Geological Survey Environment Canada

Co-chairman, U.S. Section Co-Chairman, Canadian Section

Mr. T. E. Gallagher Mr. G. W. Howard Governor's Office Saskatchewan Environment

Montana Member, U.S. Section Member, Canadian Section

Mr. C. W. Tande Mr. J. R. Totton

Daniels County Commissioner Reeve, R.M. of Hart Butte Ex-Officio Member, Montana Ex-Officio Member, Saskatchewan

The Committee met in Regina, Saskatchewan in March I982 to prepare the

1981 Annual Reports to Governments. An ad hoc technical group met in Denver,

Colorado in December I982 for the purpose of reviewing monitoring information,

quality assurance programs, and the progress to date on development of flowweighting procedures. The contents of the I982 report to Governments was also

discussed.

The responsibilities of the Committee include an ongoing quarterly exchange

of the results of water quantity, water quality and air-quality monitoring

programs being conducted in Canada and the United States at or near the International Boundary. The monitoring program is in response to the con- struction of Saskatchewan Power Corporation's coal -fired thermal generating

3.
station near Coronach, Saskatchewan and to the concerns of transboundary

impacts. The exchange of monitoring information was initiated with the first

quarter of I98I, and is an expansion of the informal quarterly information program instituted between Canada and the United States in 1976- The data

exchanged are documented in a Technical Monitoring Schedule attached as Annex 2. The data are available for public review at agencies of the participating governments or from Committee members.

The Committee is also required to prepare an annual report to Governments which draws to the attention of Governments any definitive changes in the monitored parameters based on evaluation of the data made available by both

countries. The Committee has decided to report to Governments on a calendar

year basis. The first report covered I98I and was issued in March I982. Issuance of this I982 report roughly corresponds to the second year of

operation of the first 300 MW Unit of the coal-fired thermal electric gener- ating station operated by Saskatchewan Power Corporation on the East Poplar

River near Coronach, Saskatchewan. Subsequent sections of this report

summarize the findings and comment on the results in relation to pre-project

conditions, and to objectives or standards recommended 'by the International

Joint Commission.

Another responsibl I tiy of the Committee is to review the adequacy of the monitoring programs in both countries and make recommendations to Governments

on the Technical Monitoring Schedule. The Technical Monitoring Schedule

proposed for I983 is attached as Annex 2, and the concurrence of Governments

with the proposed Schedule Is requested. It can be expected that the Committee will continue to review and propose changes to the Technical

Monitoring Schedule In future years as Information requirements change.
POPLAR RIVER POWER STATION

Operation

The first 300 MW unit was commissioned in June 1981 and commenced commercial

operation July 1, I98I. The unit operated for the full twelve months of

1982. The station's electrical production statistics for the period were:

Hours of operation 7310 Gross MWh generated l.Sy't.SOO

Availability (hours) 83. 'S^ Capacity Factor 76.6?^

Number of startups 35 Coal consumed 1,689,624 tonnes

Oil consumed 5, 85'*, '•83 litres

Failures in the ash-collection system resulted in eight spills; the last of

which occurred on August 6, I982. With the exception of one case when an estimated two cubic meters entered the reservoir, all ash spills were contained

on site.

Spill containment structures were completed in the fall and are now operational.

Construction

Construction of the second 300 MW unit at the Poplar River Power Station was

at a virtual standstill from May to December I982 due to a construction

trades strike. Boil out and acid clean for the second unit was scheduled for

February 1983; first fire on coal May 1983; and commercial operation is scheduled

for July 1983.

5.
SURFACE WATER QUANTITY

Natural Flow

The natural flow in the Poplar River basin was well above normal in 1982,

assuming the recorded flow of the Poplar River at International Boundary is a good indicator of basin runoff conditions. Snow accumulation prior to runoff was above normal, and combined with a late melt and rapid warming,

resulted in a maximum instantaneous discharge of the Poplar River that was the

5th highest on record; 113 cubic meters per second (m /s) on April 13, 1982.

The volume of runoff in the Poplar River between March 1 and October 31, 1982 was 29,500 cubic decametres (dam ) compared to a long term mean volume of

3 17,200 dam . The recorded runoff volume of the Poplar River during the March 1 to May 31 period, used as an indicator in setting the minimum and on demand

releases in the East Poplar River under the International Joint Commission

apportionment recommendations, was 27,^00 dam .

Minimum Flows

Based on the apportionment recommendations of the International Joint Commission,

the United States would be entitled to a minimum discharge of 0.028m /s from

3 3 January until May 31; O.O85 m /s from June 1 until August 31; and 0.057 m /s

from September 1 to December 31, 1982 on the East Poplar River at the Inter- national Boundary. This stream regime is designed to enhance instream environmental values during the summer period in years when spring runoff is high.

The minimum discharge in the East Poplar River during the period January 1 to

J May 31 was 0.023 m /s, with this flow occurring from January 16 to January 25. During the January to May period the recorded flow was marginally below the recommended minimum flow for 46 days, all under ice conditions. Cold temperatures during this period caused large accumulations of ice in the channel

between Cookson Reservoir and the International Boundary which reduced flows

to less than what had previously been measured. The flow was below the recom- mended minimum for 2k days in August when a discharge of 0.076 m /s was recorded

on August 6 and August 9 to 31. The minimum flow during the period September 1
3 to December 31, 1982 was 0.076 m /s, well above the recommended flow of 0.057 m /s for that time period. During the year the recorded flow was below the recommended minimum flow approximately 19 percent of the time. However, the average flow for each of the three periods exceeded the recommended

minimums.

The hydrograph of the East Poplar River at the International Boundary is depicted in Figure 1, along with the International Joint Commission recommended

minimum flows. As can be noted from the hydrograph, there was a large and

3 sustained snowmelt runoff during I982. Of the total volume of 29,000 dam

3 recorded for the year, 22,500 dam occurred in April.

Reservoir Storage

Cookson Reservoir Was at elevation 751.867 m on January 1, rising to 753-026 m during the peak of the snowmelt runoff on April 15. The reservoir level was

held steady, near full supply levels for several months with the highest

level for the year recorded on June 2 at elevation 753-160 m. The reservoir

declined slightly over the summer months and the reservoir level at year end was 752.681 m. The corresponding volumes of stored water were:

Full Supply Level 43,^00 dam^ (elevation 753-000 m)

3 January 1 35,000 dam

April 15 't3,600 dam^

" 3 June 2 44,700 dam-^

3 December 31 41,000 dam"^

3 The increase in storage over the year was 6,000 dam , with only small reservoir

drawdown in the summer and fall, primarily because coal-seam dewatering discharge entering Cookson Reservoir through Girard Creek was of sufficient

volume to help offset evaporative losses and releases from the reservoir. Because of the near full supply level conditions at the end of the year, the reservoir will not have a major modifying influence on the I983 spring runoff

in the East Poplar River.
r 100-*-

0.20 opporfionment recommendationy

(or minimum (low- ,, 0.028 mVi—,^r" ^— "*-0.oe5 nfitx „ „.- ,,

' ,0.057m'/j- JAN I FEB I MAR I APR | IVIAY | JUN | JUL | AUG | SEP | OCT | NOV | DEC

1982 - EAST POPLAR RIVER AT INTERNATIONAL BOUNDARY

Figure 1 : Mean daily discharge of the East Poplar River at International

Boundary.
On Demand Release

The 1982 runoff volume on the Middle Fork of the Poplar River at the Inter- national Boundary from March 1 to May 31 was 27, ^^tO dam . Based on the apportionment recommendations of the International Joint Commission, the United States would be entitled to an on-demand release of up to a maximum

of 1,230 dam-^ during the period from June 1, I982 to May 31, I983. As of

December 31, 1982 no request had been received for this on-demand release.

All past commitments for on-demand releases have been met.

SURFACE WATER QUALITY

Surface water quality has been assessed using the data exchanged under the terms of the Technical Monitoring Schedule. Additional data on conductivity,

collected by the United States Geological Survey from March to October, was

used in regression equations for determining flow-weighted concentrations.

Flow-Weighted Concentrations

In order to assess compliance of the East Poplar River quality with the recommended IJC objectives for boron and TDS, flow-weighted concentrations

must be computed. The IJC report recommends: (1) a long-term objective

computed as a five-year moving flow-weighted concentration, and (2) a shortterm objective for any given year computed as a three-month moving flow-weighted

concentration. The objectives apply to the March to October period which the

IJC determined to be the maximum time interval over the annual cycle in which

water may be used for irrigation purposes. Flow-weighted concentrations have

been computed using the following concept:

^0 =

C,Q, + C2O2 + C3Q3 + . . . C^Q^

Q, + Q2 -^ O3 +. . . . 0^

where C^. = Flow-weighted concentration

C. = Instantaneous concentration at mean daily flow Q.

Q, = Mean daily flow for C,

n = Last observation for the period of record
Consideration was given to using different combinations of daily and montlily

flows, instantaneous and mean concentrations, and advancing the time period

for computing the moving averages either by one day, month or year. The techniques used and the results can be obtained by writing the Canadian

Chairman of the Poplar River Bilateral Monitoring Committee.

Flow-Weighted Concentrations for Comparison to the Long-Term Objective

The Committee has adopted the approach that for the purpose of determining

compliance of the East Poplar River Water Quality with the recommended IJC long-term objective, the data are best presented as a five-year moving average,

advancing one month at a time.

It should be noted that in addition to the instantaneous sample data, daily

boron and TDS concentrations have been calculated using a regression with daily

electrical conductivity values. Eventually, the long-term average will be computed using the approximately 240 data points from each annual eight-month

irrigation period rather than from the present sixteen (tVvo samples per month).

Flow-Weighted Concentrations for Comparison to the Short-Term Objective

To determine compliance of the East Poplar River boron and TDS quality with

the recommended short-term IJC objective, the Committee adopted the approach

of computing three-month (90 day) moving flow-weighted concentrations advancing

one month at a time while dropping the first month in the time period. This

method has been applied to the entire period of data record and was based on data from instantaneous samples. The only exception to this was during 1982,

when calculated daily boron and TDS were obtained using a regression with

electrical conductivity. These 1982 calculated concentrations were then used to compute the short-term (90 day) moving flow-weighted concentrations while advancing

one day at a time throughout the period March to October.

Data Compatibi 1 i ty

Environment Canada and the United States Geological Survey improved their

knowledge on data compatibility by exchanging and splitting water samples

10.
during June 1982. For most relevant parameters reported there was agreement

between agencies. The TDS and boron data compared extremely well, but some discrepancies in pH and electrical conductivity results remained; the reason

for these discrepancies are being investigated. The agencies will be repeating

the entire intensive quality-control project, with some minor improvements in project design during I983.

East Poplar River at international Boundary

Table 1 presents the water quality objectives recommended by the IJC and

the larger set of objectives recommended to the IJC by the International Poplar

River Water Quality Board. The corresponding number of samples collected for the East Poplar River near the International Boundary by governments are also

shown in Table 1

.

t' Boron

The two principle data bases (USGS and Environment Canada) report dissolved

boron, although it is believed the IJC recommended objective is for total boron. The Committee has taken the position that total and dissolved boron

concentrations are essentially equal and is utilizing the more commonly

reported dissolved boron for the purpose of monitoring and determining com- pliance with the IJC recommended objectives.

The long-term five-year moving flow-weighted concentration is presented in Figure 2. Note that each point is plotted as the midpoint of a five-year

period, advancing one month at a time throughout the data set, which consist

of March to October data. The five-year moving flow-weighted concentrations

for boron have not exceeded 1.5 mg/L, which is below the recommended long-term

objective of 2.5 mg/L. The sharp decline occurring in 1979 resulted because

of the above normal snowmelt runoff in April I982, which had a boron level of

0.73 mg/L.

The three-month moving flow-weighted concentrations for boron have not exceeded

the recommended short-term objective of 3^5 mg/L for any given year as shown in Figure 3. The trend in each annual curve is similar. As autumn approaches,

the boron three-month flow-weighted concentrations gradually rise as the

11
Table 1 .--Recommended water-quality objectives and exceedences and the I982 sampling program (units in milligrams per liter except as otherwise

noted)

.
1600-
1600-

1440

1280

1120- ^ 960- 6 800- 2 640

I- 460

320-

ISO

IJC Rtoomintndid Short Ttrm 0b|«etiv« (ISOOmg/L)

N».j.>»o||l l l l ll|l l l l lll| I IUI II

|

l l l llll 1975 I 1976 I 1977 i 1978 I 1979 nrm

1980 rrm

/

V

1981 nrm1982

4.0-

3.6

3.2

2.8

2.4

2.0

1.6

1.2

0.8

0.4

0.0

-
ground-water contribution to streamflow increases. The I982 calendar year

data are also presented using daily boron concentrations estimated using

2 the regression equation: Boron = 0.001^7 x Conductivity - 0.2538; r = 0.82.

Based on sample data, the maximum boron concentration during I982 for the irrigation period (March through October) was 2.0 mg/L on March 9th. For comparison, the maximum concentration was 1.93 on March 3 and 19, 1982 using

the regression equation. The maximum sample concentration of boron for the entire year was 2.2 mg/L on February 11, I982.

Total Dissolved Solids

The long-term five-year moving average for TDS ranged from 529 to 753 mg/L, never exceeding the recommended long-term objective of 1,000 mg/L (Figure 2).

The maximum sample concentration (during the irrigation period) during I982 was 1,050 mg/L recorded on September 27, whereas the maximum for the entire

year was 1,210 mg/L recorded on February 11, I982.

Based on the available data, the recommended short-term objective of 1,500 mg/L

has not been exceeded during 1975 to 1982. The maximum three-month flow-weighted

concentrations for the period of record occurred during the period of June to October I98O when a level of 971 mg/L was measured. During the irrigation

period of I982, the maximum three-month flow-weighted concentration was 905

or 891 mg/L depending on whether the method of computation used sample data or estimated concentrations, respectively. The regression equation for estimating

daily total dissolved solids concentrations is: TDS = 0.647^ (conductivity) - 4.018; r^ = 0.9^

Other Water Quality Characteristics

With the exception of zinc, the multi-purpose objectives recommended by the

IJC International Poplar River Water Quality Board for the East Poplar River

near the International Boundary were achieved during I982 (Table 1). The

concentration of zinc exceeded the recommended objective of 0.03 mg/L in one of sixteen samples. The mercury content of the river is still uncertain

because the two principle data bases do not compare. The Environment Canada

data indicated that the mercury content was at or below the analytical

detection limit of 0.02 ug/L. The United States Geological Survey data appear

15.
to reflect possible sample contamination and have been withdrawn until their

reliability is determined. Investigations into identifying possible sources of contamination are being conducted by the United States Geological Survey.

Uranium data obtained by the Environment Canada show that concentrations in the East Poplar River near the International Boundary are typical of background

concentrations found in surface waters. The concentrations are below the Canadian Drinking Water Quality Guideline of 20 ug/L.

An assessment of the metal characteristics of the river ecosystem can be improved utilizing collaborative biological data. Environment Canada plans

on conducting studies of metals in water, sediment and biota of Cookson

Reservoir during 1983. It is interesting to note that during low-flow periods,

the East Poplar River water quality is influenced by ground-water inflow in the area immediately below the reservoir. This is substantiated by the higher sulphates in the East Poplar River than what was observed in the reser- voir itself during these low-flow periods. A typical example is the August

sulphate concentrations of 292 and 108 mg/L at the International Boundary and

Cookson Reservoir sites, respectively.

Cookson Reservoir

Samples collected quarterly by Saskatchewan Environment indicate that the TDS content of Cookson Reservoir discharge was predominantly less than 1,000 mg/L.

The boron concentrations approached 1.85 mg/L during February and were as low

as 0.73 mg/L during May. There was variability in chemical characteristics

between the upper and lower ends of the reservoir. The rather sparse data

set does not, however, permit an evaluation of the variations between the different sampling sites on the reservoir. No unusual quality characteristics

have been observed. Cookson Reservoir remains a Fish-For-Fun zone, largely

because no information concerning mercury in fish were collected in 1982. Environment Canada intends to conduct a comprehensive survey during 1983 to determine the levels of mercury (and other metals) in fish, water, and sediment

within the reservoir ecosystem.

16.
GROUND WATER QUANTITY

Coal Seam Dewatering Saskatchewan

Data on ground-water levels were exchanged for five piezometers in Sasi<atchewan near the International Boundary for the purpose of monitoring drawdown due to coal seam dewatering at the Poplar River Mine, A decrease in 198z of 0.56 meters

was observed in piezometer 52, closest to the mine. Levels at the four other

piezometers increased from 0.13 to O.AO meters.

A map of the cone of depression, prepared for the Saskatchewan Department of

Environment Is shown in Figure k. Near the mine site the drawdown cone exceeds

20 meters. The cone of depression extends south to about one-half mile of the International Boundary. The Committee will maintain close scrutiny of any expansion of the cone of depression, and in I983, will endeavor to undertake

activities to relate the initial ground-water model to the monitoring results.

That is, the Committee recommends that the United States initiate water-level

monitoring near the International Boundary south of the point of maximum

expansion of the cone of depression. Additional test wells may be required.

Montana

Ten wells which penetrate the following formations were monitored and sampled

in the United States portion of the East Poplar River basin near the International

Boundary. The wells penetrate the following formations: Alluvium (0-15 meters

in thickness); Flaxville (0-26 meters in thickness); Fort Union, including the Hart coal seam, (2kk plus meters in thickness); Fox Hills (26-36 meters in thickness); Hell Creek (67-85 meters in thickness). Water level observations

were made quarterly. Four of the wells were equipped with continuous water- evel recorders.

Small increases and decreases in water levels have occurred in all wells during

the two and one-half year observation period, but no trends are noticeable.

During April and May I982, small increases were noted in shallow wells 5, 6, and 10, probably due to above average precipitation. Dewatering of the Hart

coal seam north of the International Boundary has, to date, no apparent effect

on any of the U.S. observation wells.

17.
49''00-

Figure A : Map showing water level decline in meters in the Hart Coal seam

as of December 1982.

18.
GROUND WATER QUALITY

Montana

The ten observation wells on the United States side of the International

Boundary have been sampled during October on an annual basis since I98O. Wells 2, 3, and h have a casing diameter of 3-8 centimeters and this small diameter has precluded adequate pumping for obtaining a reliable sample. Thus,

analytical results from these wells are considered unreal iable and have not been included in characterization of the water quality. Wells 5-11 have larger

diameter casings and sufficient pumping prior to sample collection was possible

to provide reliable water-quality results.

Throughout the sampling period the wells had little change in their major ion water chemistry (Figure 5). Wells 6 and 7, from the Hart coal seam, were

similar in major ion chemistry with the cations dominated by calcium and magnesium with sodium contributing less than 30 percent of the total. The

anions were strongly dominated by bicarbonate. Total dissolved solids concentrations were near 500 mg/L and boron concentrations were near 0.8 mg/L. Water

from alluvial wells 5, 7, and 8 had similar chemical compositions as those

from the Hart coal seam, especially with respect to anion ratios and TDS concentrations. The cation ratios and boron concentrations were slightly more

diverse. Waters from wells that penetrate the Fort Union and Fox Hills-Hell

Creek aquifers (wells 9 and 11, respectively) had a sodium bicarbonate type water. The total dissolved solids concentrations from both wells was near 900 mg/L and the boron concentrations were slightly higher than 1.8 mg/L.

Concentrations of nitrate nitrogen were usually low except for alluvial well

number 5 where the 3 samples (1980, I98I , and I982) ranged from I.8I to 7.58 mg/L. The maximum concentration was below 10 mg/L which is the recommended

upper limit for domestic water supplies. Fluoride concentrations were always

less than 1 mg/L except for well number 11 where concentrations up to 3.1 mg/L were measured.

Trace element concentrations from all samples met drinking-water standards.

But, the following elements showed slightly higher concentrations in the wells

listed as compared to the average of all wells.

19.
24

2220

18

16

14

le

10

e

6

4

2

-

Boron, in milligram* pwlitar

•HCO,

1.62

0.26
Arsenic - well no. 10: concentration 11.^ microgram per liter (ug/L)

Copper - well no. 5: concentration 41 ug/L

- well no. 7; concentration 48 ug/L

- well no. 11; concentration 110 ug/L

Mercury - well no. 5; concentration .24 ug/L

Selenium - well no. 5; concentration 10 ug/L

Zinc - well no. 5; concentration 1,070 ug/L

All uranium values were near detection levels in I982.

Saskatciiewan

Ground-water quality was determined in 14 of the 18 piezometers included in tiie monitoring scliedule. The remaining four piezometers were dry at the time of

sampling (October). Scatter diagrams of concentrations plotted linearly against

time were used to interpret all available data. The following parameters showed

wide concentration variability in seven or more piezometers: specific conductivity, calcium, iron, arsenic, copper, aluminum, lead, zinc, color, and total dissolved sol ids.

Piezometer C712B (Station 2a in oxidized till) showed increasing trends from

seven parameters: barium, calcium, chloride, sulphate, strontium, uranium,

and vanadium. Piezometer C726B (Station 8a in mottled till) showed increased

concentrations for four parameters: barium, conductivity, manganese, and lead. Piezometer C726E also showed increased concentrations for five parameters:

calcium, lithium, magnesium, total alkalinity and total hardness. These three

piezometers are located next to the ash lagoons and the changes may be due to seepage. However, the values fluctuate too much to allow any conclusion to be made at this time.

The question of sampling, analytical precision, and variability of the local ground-water quality was raised by the Poplar River Bilateral Monitoring

Committee in its I98I Annual Report. A follow-up investigation by the Saskatchewan Power Corporation was undertaken in 1982. The data are still

variable and it is not clear whether the results represent the natural state

of ground-water quality or are the result of problems in sampling handling,

or methods at the laboratories. It is proposed, therefore, that the Committee

conduct more investigations in I982 into the question of data variability.

21.
ASH LAGOON QUALITY AND QUANTITY

Seepage calculation for ash lagoons No. 1 and 2, and the polishing pond were

made in the fourth quarter of I982 and subsequently reviewed by the consultant

who developed the initial calculations, Thomas A. Prickett, P. Eng., of Urbana,

Illinois. The effect of No. 2 lagoon was considered since approximately 0.5

meters of water now covers the bottom of this lagoon. Total seepage from the lagoons (including polishing ponds) was calculated to be 0.182 liters/second.

Flow to Cookson Reservoir from the oxidized till adjacent to the polishing

pond was zero. The leachate front has advanced O.65 meters since the pond was

first filled. The leachate flow in the Empress formation to the Poplar River

was zero. The leachate front in the Empress formation has now advanced to a point 261.0 meters to the south of the ash lagoons.

Permeability of the liners has remained in the same order of magnitude (10 cm/s)

as orginally calculated by T. A. Prickett. This was confirmed by computed lower seepage rates.

The concentrations of the ions in the ash lagoons and polishing ponds were

expected to increase with time. This did not occur for all ions. The concentrations of 11 parameters increased in the polishing pond water, whereas 5 parameters in the ash lagoons increased in concentration. These measurements

provide a basis for comparing future changes in adjacent ground-water quality.

All samples should be filtered so as to minimize the effect that suspended

particles may have on the analyses. In addition, the Committee recommends

split samples be collected and analyzed annually by United States and Canadian

laboratories. In recognizing the importance that fly-ash quality has on

22.
water quality, the Committee also recommends that samples of the ash in the ponds be analyzed on an annual basis.

Parameters that increased in concentration in the ash lagoons were: boron,

fluoride, molybdenum, and strontium. The pH also increased. In addition,

increased concentrations were observed in the polishing pond for barium,

chloride, selenium, sodium, sulphate, and vanadium.

Ground-water elevations were monitored in 66 piezometers in the vicinity of

the ash lagoons and in the area southward to the International Boundary. Six

wells were dry at the time of measurement in October 1982.

Increased ground-water elevations were observed in 52 piezometers and decreased

elevations were observed for six piezometers (6a. , 8a-, 8c,, 8c„, 9b_ and OSS'*). The range of increases were 0.11 to 1.6 meters in the till and 0.1 to 0.85 meters

in the Empress formation. The water level decline was most pronounced in piezo- meters 8c. (4.31 meters) and 9b„ (4.08 meters) and are anomalously large considering

the water level readings reported for the third quarter of 1982. These two piezometers are reported to have low recovery characteristics.

23.
AIR QUALITY

Montana

The State of Montana continued to operate three air monitoring sites in the Poplar River area of Montana during I982. The parameters monitored include:

sulphur dioxide, Beta scattering coefficient, total suspended particulates,

sulphates and nitrates.

During I982, sulphur dioxide concentrations remained below both Montana and

United States ambient air-quality standards. The maximum one-hour concentration

of 6.0 parts per hundred million (pphm) was recorded at the International Boundary

site during September. This concentration is approximately one-eighth of the Montana standard. The highest Z't-hour concentration of 2.0 pphm occurred in

March, also at the International Boundary site. The Montana 2A-hour sulphur

dioxide standard is 10 pphm. A comparison of sulphur dioxide concentrations

with Class II Prevention of Significant Deterioration increment, demonstrates

that the 24-hour concentration is the averaging time which consumes the most

increment. The 2.0 pphm 24-hour average at the International Boundary site

would consume 57 percent of the available increment.

The Montana 24-hour standard for total suspended particulates was exceeded

on May 5, I982. On that date a concentration of 234 micrograms per cubic meter

I (ug/m ) was recorded at the International Boundary site. An examination of

the sample and Montana meteorological data indicated that May 5, 1982 was characterized by high winds, which resulted in excessive wind-blown dust off

agricultural fields. This concentration also exceeded the United States

secondary standard but did not exceed the health-based primary standard.

2A.
Although several 24-hour concentrations of total suspended particulates exceeded

the Class II Prevention of Significant Deterioration increment, it is likely

that the Sasi<atchewan power plant is only a minor contributor. The major source

of particulates is fugitive dust from agricultural fields and unpaved roads.

The annual geometric and arithmetic means for total suspended particulates

returned to the low levels experienced prior to I98I; a drought year that was

associated with frequent dust storms. The Montana Air Quality Bureau considers

that the I982 values are close to normal. These particulates are also well below Montana and United States ambient air-quality standards. In addition,

the sulphate and nitrate levels were low and typical of remote unpolluted

areas. Visibility measurements taken at the International Boundary site show

an average Beta scattering coefficient of 1.9 x 10 per meter for I982.

Although the Poplar River area is designated Class II under the Prevention of

Significant Deterioration increment program, the average scattering coefficient

-5 -5 of 1.9 X 10 per meter is well below the Montana standard of 3 x 10 per meter,

which applies only to pristine Class I areasSaskatchewan

Ambient sulphur dioxide monitoring began near Coronach in July 1979- To date

a few detectable concentrations have been recorded at this site. The highest

concentration recorded in I982 was 3-9 pphm on June 4, which is below Saskatchewan

Environment's one-hour air-quality standard of 17 pphm.

The 24-hour average suspended particulate concentrations in Coronach exceeded

Saskatchewan Environment's air-quality standards on three occasions in I982.

25.
Weather Information for the three days indicates that strong winds were blowing

from a northerly direction. The power plant was not likely the source of

these elevated levels, but quite probably dust from fields north of the monitoring site was responsible. The I982 annual geometric mean concentration

for suspended particulates was below the Saskatchewan standard of 70 ug/m .

In-stack monitoring results have shown variability due to plant operation and

difficulties and changes in coal quality. In addition, considerable monitor

downtime was experienced during the year; however, instrument serviceability

has improved in the last half of I982.

On the occasions when bunker oil was used as a fuel at the plant, unusually

high stack opacities were the result. This is attributed to a coating effect

which the oil has on the precipitator. Dally average opacities have generally

ranged from 20 to kO percent, with the lowest values occurring during uninterrupted coal firing. The SPC has an ongoing program of precipitator tuning and

experimentation with electrode and plate rapping sequences which has Improved

the performances of the unit. Precipitator efficiency was measured at greater

than 99 percent In June of I982.

In-stack nitrogen oxides concentrations remained relatively constant, averaging

3 about 700 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m ) . Daily average sulphur dioxide

3 3 concentrations have ranged from about 2000 mg/m to about 4000 mg/m , corresponding

to changes In the sulphur content of the coal. The relationship of sulphur

dioxide emissions to the firing with bunker oil is being investigated.

26.
ANNEX 1

POPLAR RIVER

COOPERATIVE MONITORING ARRANGEMENT

CANADA - UNITED STATES

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 quantity 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

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. Co-Chairmen may by mutual agreement

invite agency technical experts to participate in the work of the

Committee.

- 1 -
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 Co-chairman will be responsible for transmitting to his

counterpart Co-chairman 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

1) 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.

- 2 -
(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 sections 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. TERM 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.

- 3 -

ANNEX 2

POPLAR RIVER

COOPERATIVE MONITORING ARRANGEMENT

TECHNICAL MONITORING SCHEDULES

CANADA - UNITED STATES

March 8, 1983 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

Commi ttee

.

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.

- 1 -
- 2

-
POPLAR RIVER

COOPERATIVE MONITORING

ARRANGEMENT

TECHNICAL MONITORING SCHEDULE

CANADA
STREAMFLOW MOM I TOR IMG,

Responsible Agency: Environment Canada

Daily mean discharge or levels and instantaneous monthly extremes

as normally published in surface water data publications.

No. on Map Station No. Station Name

1. 11AE003 East Poplar River at (06178500) International Boundary

2. 11AE013 Cookson Reservoir near Coronach

3. 11AE015 Girard Creek near Coronach

4. 11AE014 East Poplar River above

Cookson Reservoir

Responsible Agency: Saskatchewan Environment

5. * Fife Lake Overflow

* - Miscellaneous measurements of outflow to be made by

SDOE during periods of outflow only.
CANADA

U. iA.

V

HYDROMETRIC GAUGING STATIONS

5

-
SURFACE WATER QUALITY MONITORING

Sampling Locations

No. on Map r~

2

34

5

Responsible Agency: Saskatchewan Environment

Station No. Station Name

CI1SK02000002 Fife Lake Overflow

00SK02000012 Girard Creek South of Town of Coronach 05SK02000008 Upper End of Cookson Reservoir at Highway 36 05SK02000004 Cookson Reservoir near Dam OOSK02000003 East Poplar River at culvert immediately below

Cookson Reservoir Responsible Agency: Environment Canada 00SA11AE0008 East Poplar River at International Boundary Parameters
PARAMETERS (Continued)

Rtsponslblt Agency: Envtronment Cinadi

r

LeesMO A ENVIRONMENT SASKATCHEWAN

ENVIRONMENT CANADA

SURFACE WATER QUALITY MONITORING STATIONS

- 9-
GROUNDWATER QUALITY MONITORING

Sampling Locations

Responsible Agency: Saskatchewan Environment

Sampling Frequency: Annually

Station Description
R.27 R26

GROUNDWATER QUALITY MONITORING

T7
GROUNDWATER PIEZOMETERS TO MONITOR

POTENTIAL DRAWDOWN DUE TO COAL

SEAM DEWATERING

Responsible Agency: Saskatchewan Environment

Measurement Frequency: Quarterly

SPC Piezometer
^

GROUNDWATER PIEZOMETERS TO MONITOR POTENTIAL DRAWDOWN DUE TO COAL SEAM DEWATERING

- T3
GROUNDWATER PIEZOMETER LEVEL MONITORING - ASH LAGOON AREA SCHEDULE A - PIEZOMETERS IN TILL Responsible Agency: Saskatchewan Environment

Frequency of Measurement

Piezometer

la
R.27 R.26

USA. POPLAR RIVER POWER STATION ^SH LAGOON MONITORING STUDY

PIEZOMETER INSTALLATION SITES ^ SCHEDULE "A"! PIEZOMETERS IN TILL
GROUNDWATER PIEZOMETER LEVEL MONITORING - ASH LAGOON AREA AND INTERNATIONAL 6CiuNbARY ^kIK

SCHEDULE B - PIEZOMETERS IN EMPRESS GRAVEL Responsible Agency: Saskatchewan Environment

Frequency of Measurement Piezometer

Immediate Ash Laqoon Area
R.27 R.26

USA. POPLAR RIVER POWER STATION ASH LAGOON MONITORING STUDY

PIEZOMETER INSTALLATION SITES

' SCHEDULE "B" PIEZOMETERS IN EMPRESS GRAVEL
AMBIENT AIR QUALITY MONITORING

Responsible Agency: Saskatchewan Environment

No. on Map Location

1 Coronach

Parameters Sulphur

Dioxide

Total suspended

Particulates

Reporting Frequency

Continuous monitoring with

hourly averages as summary

statistics.

24 hour samples on a 6 day cycle. METHODS

Sulfur Dioxide

Total Suspended

Particulates

Saskatchewan Environment - Permit to Operate R197R1, issued 15 January 1982 -Colourimetric Titration

Saskatchewan Environment - Permit to operate R197R1, issued 15 January 1982,

EPS AP-73-2 January 1973, High Volume

Method.

- 18
H AMSIENT AIR QUALITY MONITORINS

AMBIENT AIR QUALITY MONITORING

19 -
SOURCE EMISSION MONITORING

Responsible Agency: Saskatchewan Environment

No. on Map Station Location Parameters

1 At Poplar River

Power Plant

Sulfur Dioxide

Nitrogen Dioxide,

Opacity.

Sampling Frequency

Continuous reported

as Hourly Averages

METHODS Sulfur Dioxide

Nitrogen Dioxide

Opacity

Saskatchewan Environment - Permit to operate R197R1, 15 January 1982,

Ultraviolet Absorption

Saskatchewan Environment - Permit to operate R197R1, 15 January 1982,

Chemi luminescence

Saskatchewan Environment - Permit to operate R197R1, 15 January 1982, Optical

- 20 -
R.27 R26

;;
- 22
POPLAR RIVER

COOPERATIVE MONITORING

ARRANGEMENT

TECHNICAL MONITORING SCHEDULE

UNITED STATES

23 -
STREAMFLOW MONITORING

Responsible Agency: United States Geological Survey

No. on Map Station Number Station Name

1 06178000 (11AE008) Poplar River at International Boundary

24 -
CANADA

U.S.A.

HYDROMETRIC GAUGING STATIONS

25
SURFACE WATER QUALITY MONITORING

Station Location

Responsible Agency: U.S. Geological Survey

No. on Map

12

3

USGS Station

No.

06178000

06178500

06179000

Station Name

Poplar River at International Boundary

East Poplar River at International Boundary

East Poplar River near Scobey

Vparameters

j<-.

uamw

CM.
CANADA

U. S.A.

SURFACE WATER QUALITY N50NIT0RING STATIONS

- 27
GROUND WATER QUALITY MONITORING

Station Locations

Responsible Agency: United States Geological Survey

Map
GROUNDWATER QUALITY MONITORiNG

- 29 -
GROUNDWATER LEVELS TO MONITOR

POTENTIAL DRAWDOWN DUE TO

COAL SEAM DEWATERING

Responsible Agency: United States Geological Survey

No. on Map Sampling

2 to 11 Determine water levels quarterly

Note: All wells will be monitored on a quarterly basis for levels in 1982.

- 30
^

GROUNDWATER PIEZOMETERS TO MONITER POTENTIAL DRAWDOWN DUE TO COAt SEAM DEWATERING

31 -
No. on Map

1

AMBIENT AIR QUALITY MONITORING

Responsible Agency: State of Montana Air Quality Bureau

Location

International

Boundary

Parameters

Sulfur Dioxide, Total

Suspended Particles,

Visibility Wind,

Speed and Direction

Sampling Frequency

and Reporting

Hourly averages Summary statistics

(24-hour for TSP)

Hanrahan

Ft. Peck

Reservation

Scobey

Sulfur Dioxide, Total

Suspended Particles

Sulfur Dioxide Total

Suspended Particles

Total Suspended

Particles

Hourly

averages Summary

statistics

(24-hour for TSP)

Hourly averages Summary statistics

(24-hour for TSP)

24-hour average

for TSP

METHODS

Sulfur Dioxide

Total Suspended

Visibility •

EPA Equivalent Mehtod EQSA-0276-009

EPA Reference Method CFR Title 40 Part 50 Appendix B (State of Montana QA Manual Section

1.1.10 and 1.2.10) 24-hour sample once/6 days

State of Montana QA Manual Section 1.1.7 and

1.2.7 (Nephelometer) - continuous

32 -
U.S.AAMBIENT AIR QUALITY MONITORING

- 33 -

ANNEX 3

METRIC CONVERSIONS

METRIC CONVERSION FACTORS

4(