S Annual report of the

333 91 Governments of M26prar Canada, United States. 1991 Saskatchewan and Montana. >91 ANNUAL REPORT

tofte

GOVERNMENTS OF CANADA, UNITED STATES,

SASKATCHEWAN AND MONTANA

STATE DOCUMENTS COLLECTIOtl Mi 2 - 1993

MONTANA STATE LIBRARY

1515 E. 6th AVE. HELENA, MONTANA 59620

by the

POPLAR RIVER

BILATERAL MONITORING COMMTITEE

MBSOOBIIVn COVERING CAI£NDQl YEAR 1991

Fetnayl993

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m ^^^i ^^-'.

v^ ii I s\.
Montana State Library

3 0864 1004 5764
1991 ANNUAL REPORT

to the GOVERNMENTS OF CANADA, UNITED STATES,

SASKATCHEWAN AND MONTANA

by the

POPLAR RIVER

BILATERAL MONITORING COMMTTTEE

IflSSOUn KIVES COVERING CAIBJDER YEAR 1991

Fehruary 1993

POPLAR RIVER BILATERAL MONITORING COMMITTEE

Department of State

Washington, D.C., United States Department of External Affairs

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Governor's Office

State of Montana

Helena, Montana, United States

Saskatchewan Environment and

Public Safety

Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada

Ladies and Gentleman:

During 1991, the Poplar River Bilateral Monitoring Committee continued to fulfil

the responsibilities assigned by the governments under the Poplar River

Cooperative Monitoring Arrangement dated September 23, 1980. Water quantity, water quality, and air quality relevant to the International Boundary were

monitored in accordance with the 1991 Technical Monitoring Schedule. The

monitoring data were exchanged on a quarterly basis.

This annual report is the eleventh of a series covering the period 1981-91. The

report summarizes environmental conditions in the basin and discusses Committee

activities for 1991. Conditions are compared to guidelines for specific

parameter values that were developed by the International Joint Commission under

the 1977 Reference from Canada and the United States. References are made to

State, Provincial, or Federal standards or objectives where these are relevant.

After examination and evaluation of the monitoring information for 1991, the

Committee finds that the measured conditions meet the recommended objectives.

During 1991, monitoring continued with only minor changes in the schedules from

1990. Ash surcharging was implemented to reduce the need for building new

lagoops.

In March 1991, the five-year extension of the Cooperative Monitoring Arrangement

expired. Steps were taken to extend the arrangement for another five years. Herein is the eleventh annual report of the Poplar River Bilateral Monitoring

Committee.

Yours sincerely.

J./R. Knapton /

Chair, United States Section

R. A. Halliday

V

Chair, Canadian Section

7/ , / A. Wittich

Member, United States Section

/.

D. D. Nargang

Member, Canadian Section

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Highlights for 1991 vii

1 .0 Introduction 1

2.0 Poplar River Power Station 4

2.1 Operations 4

2.2 Construction 5

2.3 Unusual Events 7

2.4 LIFAC 7

2.5 Scribner Dam 8

3.0 East Poplar River 10

3.1 Streamflow 10

3.2 Apportionment 10

3.3 Minimum Flows 11 3.4 On-Demand Release 12

3.5 Water Quality 13

3.5.1 Total Dissolved Solids 14

3.5.2 Boron 18

3.5.3 Other Water Quality Variables 21

3.6 Quality Control 23

3.6.1 Streamflow 23

3.6.2 Water Quality 23

4.0 Supplementary Water Supply (Old Coal Mine Dewatering) 25

4.1 Operations 25

4.2 Pumpage Volumes 25

4.3 Groundwater Levels 26

4.3.1 Saskatchewan 26

4.3.2 Montana 28

4.4 Groundwater Quality 29

4.4.1 Saskatchewan 29

4.4.2 Montana 32

5.0 Soil Salinity Project Below Morrison Dam 33

5.1 Operations 33

5.2 Pumpage Volumes 33

5.3 Groundwater Levels 35

5.3.1 Saskatchewan 35

5.3.2 Montana 35

- 1 -
5.4 Groundwater Quality 36

5.4.1 Saskatchewan 36

5.4.2 Montana 38

6.0 Cookson Reservoir 39

6.1 Storage 39

6.2 Water Quality 41 6.3 Mercury In Cookson Fish 46

6.4 Morrison Dam Inspection 48

7.0 Ash Lagoons 49

7.1 Operations 49

7.2 Ash Lagoon Inspections 49

7.3 Dyke Stability 50

7.4 Lagoon Water Levels 51

7.5 Lagoon Seepage Estimates 52

7.6 Lagoon Water Quality 54

7.7 Interceptor Trench 64

7.8 Leachate Review 67

7.9 Ash Surcharging 69

8.0 Sewage Holding Pond 73

8.1 Operations 73

8.2 Pond Quality 73

9.0 Air Quality 75

9.1 Saskatchewan Environment and Public Safety 75

9.2 SaskPower 77

9.3 In-Stack Monitoring 78

10.0 References Cited 79

ANNEXES

1.0 Cooperative Monitoring Arrangement A1-1 Canada-United States

2.0 Technical Monitoring Schedules A2-1

3.0 Reports Reviewed A3-1

4.0 Recommended Flow Apportionment A4-1

5.0 Leachate Review A5-1

6.0 Metric Conversions A6-1
TABLES

Table 1.1
FIGURES

Figure 2.1 Production History 1981 - 1991, Poplar River Power Station 5

Figure 2.2 Fuel Consumption 1981 - 1991, Poplar River Power Station 6

Figure 3.1 Discharge during 1991 Compared with the Median Discharge for 1961-1990 for the Poplar River at the International Boundary 11

Figure 3.2 Flow Hydrograph of the East Poplar River at the International Boundary 12

Figure 3.3 TDS Concentrations for 1991 Grab Samples from East Poplar River

at the International Boundary 15

Figure 3.4 Three-Month Moving, Flow-Weighted TDS Concentration for East Poplar River at the International Boundary T5

Figure 3.5 Five-Year Moving, Flow-Weighted TDS Concentration for East

Poplar River at the International Boundary 17

Figure 3.6 Sen Slope Estimate for TDS at East Poplar River at the International Boundary 17

Figure 3.7 Boron Concentrations for 1991 Grab Samples from East Poplar

River at the International Boundary 19

Figure 3.8 Three-Month Moving, Flow-Weighted Boron Concentration for East

Poplar River at the International Boundary 19

Figure 3.9 Five-Year Moving, Flow Weighted Boron Concentration for East Poplar River at the International Boundary 20

Figure 3.10 Sen Slope Estimate for Boron at East Poplar River at the

International Boundary 20

Figure 4.1 Cone of Depression in the Hart Coal Seam from Dewatering

Activities as of December 1991 27

Figure 4.2 Hydrographs for Selected Wells, 1979 to 1991 29

Figure 4.3 TDS for Selected Discharge Points, 1990 and 1991 31

Figure 4.4 Boron for Selected Discharge Points, 1990 and 1991 31

- iv -
Figure 4.5 TDS for Selected Wells in the Hart Seam 32

Figure 5.1 Water Quality Data from Discharge Pipe Location, South of Morrison Dam, 1990 and 1991 36

Figure 6.1 Cookson Reservoir Mean Daily Water Levels for 1991 and

Median Monthly Water Levels for 1981-1990 40

Figure 6.2 Cookson Reservoir Water Quality Data for Boron, 1983 to 1991 42

Figure 6.3 Cookson Reservoir Water Quality Data for Sulphate, 1983 to 1991 ... 42

Figure 6.4 Cookson Reservoir Water Quality Data for Sodium, 1983 to 1991 .... 43

Figure 6.5 Cookson Reservoir Water Quality Data for Chloride, 1983 to 1991 ... 43

Figure 6.6 Cookson Reservoir Water Quality Data for TDS, 1983 to 1991 44

Figure 6.7 Cookson Reservoir Water Quality Data for Manganese, 1983 to 1991 . 44

Figure 6.8 Cookson Reservoir Water Quality Data for Strontium and Fluoride,

1983 to 1991 45

Figure 6.9 Box and Whisker Plots of Tissue Mercury Concentration in Fish from Cookson Reservoir from 1979 to 1991 47

Figure 7.1 Ash Lagoon Water Levels and Polishing Pond Level, 1983 to 1991 . . 51

Figure 7.2 Lagoon Water Quality Data for Conductivity and Polishing Pond

Volume, 1983 to 1991 56

Figure 7.3 Lagoon Water Quality Data for Vanadium and Polishing Pond

Volume, 1983 to 1991 56

Figure 7.4 Lagoon Water Quality Data for Chromium and Polishing Pond

Volume, 1983 to 1991 57

Figure 7.5 Lagoon Water Quality Data for Fluoride, Molybdenum and Polishing

Pond Volume, 1983 to 1991 57

Figure 7.6 Lagoon Water Quality Data for Sodium, Sulphate and Polishing

Pond Volume, 1983 to 1991 59

V

-
Figure 7.7 Lagoon Water Quality Data for Potassium, Strontium and Polisliing

Pond Volume, 1983 to 1991 59

Figure 7.8 Lagoon Water Quality Data for Uranium and Polishing Pond Volume,

1983 to 1991 60

Figure 7.9 Lagoon Water Quality Data for Calcium and Polishing Pond Volume,

1983 to 1991 60

Figure 7.10 Lagoon Water Quality Data for Calcium and Polishing Pond pH,

1983 to 1991 61

Figure 7.1 1 Lagoon Water Quality Data for Magnesium and Polishing Pond pH,

1983 to 1991 61

Figure 7.12 Lagoon Water Quality Data for Boron and Polishing Pond Volume,

1983 to 1991 63

Figure 7.13 Lagoon Water Quality Data for Boron and Polishing Pond pH,

1983 to 1991 63

Figure 7.14 Boron in Piezometer C712B 70

Figure 7.15 Chloride in Piezometer C712B 70

Figure 7.16 Dykes on Ash Lagoons, December 31, 1991 72

Figure 9.1 Maximum Daily SO2 Air Quality Data, Coronach Water Treatment

Plant, 1981 to 1991, (Saskatchewan 24-hour standard) 76

Figure 9.2 Maximum Hourly SOj Air Quality Data, Coronach Water Treatment

Plant, 1981 to 1991, (Saskatchewan 1-hour standard) 76

VI
HIGHLIGHTS FOR 1991

The Poplar River Power Station completed its eighth full year of operation in 1991. The

two 300-megawatt coal-fired units generated 4 534 000 gross megawatt hours of

electricity with the average capacity factors for Units No. 1 and 2 recorded at 88.7% and

86.2% respectively.

Monitoring information collected in both Canada and the United States was exchanged

quarterly. In general, the sampling locations, frequency of collection, and parameters met

the requirements identified in the 1991 Technical Monitoring Schedules set forth in the

1990 annual report.

Regional drought conditions continued, resulting in below normal streamflow in the Poplar

River basin for the fifth consecutive year. The March to October recorded flow at the

International Boundary was 3 720 cubic dam^ or 37% of the 1931 to 1990 median

seasonal flow. A volume of 459 dam^ was delivered to Montana between May 1 and May

30 to meet the apportionment recommendations of the IJC.

On January 1 , 1 991 , Cookson Reservoir storage was only 54% of the full-supply volume.

Reservoir contents reached a maximum of 26 700 dam^ in July. 1991 reservoir levels

were below ten-year median levels. The net effect of little spring runoff over the last

several years has been a decrease in reservoir water quality.

VII
The concentrations of total dissolved solids (TDS) and boron in the East Poplar River

were below the long-term and short-term objectives recommended to Governments by

the International Joint Commission. However, the five-year flow-weighted concentrations

(FWCs) for TDS increased to 950 mg/L, only slightly below the long-term objective of

1000 mg/L TDS. The five-year boron FWCs remained well below the long-term objective

of 2.5 mg/L boron. The 4.0 mg/L objective for dissolved oxygen was exceeded once.

Quality control sample splits showed less than acceptable comparability between

Canadian and United States laboratories for some water quality variables.

The water quality of the common discharge point from the salinity wells is better than that

of the reservoir.

Suspended particulate concentrations exceeded Saskatchewan Environment and Public

Safety's 24-hour standard on two occasions. However, these exceedances are believed

to have been caused by field-blown dust.

An estimated 487 830 m^ of ash and 224 200 m^ of supply water were added to the ash

lagoons in 1 991 . Regular inspections showed no signs of dyke misalignment or seepage.

A more detailed inspection, conducted by an outside consultant, confirmed that the lagoon

dykes and liners have good integrity and the ash is contained effectively.

Extensive testing of the LIFAC desulphurization process took place in the first half of the

VIII
year. Operation of the LIFAC unit, built in 1 990 to help reduce sulphur dioxide emissions,

is based on a limestone injection system.

V-w^-.j

-IX-

1.0 INTRODUCTION

The Poplar River Bilateral Monitoring Committee was authorized for an initial period of

five years by the Governments of Canada and the United States under the Poplar River

Cooperative Monitoring Arrangement dated September 23, 1980. A copy of the

Arrangement is attached to this report as Annex 1 . On March 12, 1987, the Arrangement

was extended by the Governments for four years to March 1991 . The Arrangement was

further extended for another five years to March 1996, following a request from the

Committee in 1991. A more detailed account of the historical background of the

Monitoring Arrangement is contained in the 1990 Annual Report of the Poplar River

Bilateral Monitoring Committee.

The Committee is composed of representatives of the Government of the United States

of America, the State of Montana, and the Government of Canada and the 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 1991. the member and ex-officio members of the Committee were:

Table 1.1 1991 Membership of the Poplar River Bilateral Monitoring Committee

United States Section
3 on a calendar year basis, with the report for 1991 being the eleventh 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.

A responsibility of the Committee is to review the adequacy of the monitoring programs

In both countries and make recommendations to Government 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.

Another responsibility of the Committee has included an ongoing quarterly exchange of

data acquired through the monitoring programs. The exchange of monitoring information

was initiated with the first quarter of 1 981 , and was an expansion of the informal quarterly

information exchange program initiated between Canada and the United States in 1976.

At the request of the Committee, the two governments approved replacement of the

quarterly data exchange by an annual exchange effective at the start of the 1 992 calendar

year. Special reports dealing with aspects of monitoring and monitoring results requested

by the Committee are sometimes published. Reports reviewed by the Committee during

1991 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.
2.0 POPLAR RIVER POWER STATION

2.1 Operations

Table 2.1 provides monthly capacity factors for each of the two units at the Poplar River

Power Station. In 1991 , the average capacity factors for Units No. 1 and 2 were 88.7%

and 86.2%. The capacity is based on the maximum rating of 297.8 MW/h for unit No. 1

and 294 MW/h for Unit No. 2. Figure 2.1 illustrates a historical view of gross MW/h for

each unit from 1981.

Table 2.1 1991 Monthly Capacity Factors, Poplar River Power Station.
2.5
Table 2.2 1991 Monthly Gross MW/h and Fuel Consumption,

Poplar River Power Station.
7

about 3 metres, this in turn allows higher operating levels for Ash Lagoon No. 3 North.

The pump pad was constructed by adding material to the dyke, no portion of the dyke

was excavated.

Historically, surface flow from the switch yard, located north of the Poplar River Power

Station, flowed north unobstructed to Cookson Reservoir. In the last quarter of 1991 , the

drainage from this area was redirected south to the power station's surface water

drainage system which is controlled by Scribner Dam. Advantages of this change include

routine testing of water originating from the switch yard before release and more

importantly, a means of containment in the case of oil leaks from a transformer.

2.3 Unusual Events

There were no reportable spills during 1991.

2.4 LIFAC

In 1989, SaskPower entered into a joint venture with Tampella Ltd. of Finland to build a

demonstration unit for Tampella's LIFAC desulphurization process. The intent of the

project is to allow SaskPower an opportunity to fully evaluate the technology for possible

future applications while offering Tampella an opportunity to demonstrate the process to

other potential customers.
8

The demonstration unit was added to Unit No. 1 at the Poplar River Power Station.

Constnjction occurred during the first eight months of 1990 and the system was

commissioned in September 1990. initial testing of the LIFAC process took place from

late October 1990 to the first week of December 1990.

Extensive testing of the LIFAC process took place in the first half of 1991, more

specifically from Februarys, 1991 to April 19, 1991 and then from June 16, 1991 to July

3, 1991. Following these periods there was very little LIFAC testing was done. There

is no scheduled testing of LIFAC planned for 1992.

2.5 Scribner Dam

In July 1991, the "Release Management Procedure of Scribner Dam" was updated to

include oil and grease testing. In addition to the routine testing for conductivity and pH,

a visible check for oil and grease will be done and a sample will be taken for oil and

grease analysis. Oil and grease analysis was added to make sure no petroleum-based

products are added to the reservoir.

In 1991, there were twelve releases from Scribner Dam as compared to only three in

1990. This increase can largely be accounted for by the above average rains from April

1991 to July 1991. In the last quarter of 1991 , excess water from a domestic well was

directed to Scribner Dam and accounts for the releases during this time. Table 2.3

provides a summary of the testing completed during 1991 for Scribner Dam. On each

occasion, the contents were released to the reservoir.
Table 2.3 Scribner Dam Testing - 1991, Poplar River Power Station.

10

3.0 EAST POPLAR RIVER

3.1 Streamflow

Streamflow in the Poplar River basin was below normal during 1991. The March to

October recorded volume of the Poplar River at the International Boundary, an indicator

of natural flow in the basin, was 3 720 cubic decameters (dam^) or 37% of the 1931 to

1990 median seasonal flow. For the fifth consecutive year, the flow has been below

normal which is indicative of the prolonged drought in the great plains. A comparison of

1991 with the 1961-90 median flow is shown in Figure 3.1.

The recorded volume for the East Poplar River at the International Boundary was 2 110

dam^ in 1991. This volume is 61% of the median annual flow since the completion of

Morrison Dam in 1975.

3.2 Apportionment

In 1976 the International Souris-Red Rivers Engineering Board, through its Poplar River

Task Force, completed an investigation and made a recommendation to the governments

of Canada and the United States regarding the apportionment of waters in the Poplar

River basin. Although Canada and the United States have not officially adopted the

Apportionment Recommendation, the Poplar River Bilateral Monitoring Committee has

adhered to the recommendation in each of its annual reports. Annex 4 contains the

apportionment recommendation.
11

1.000

0.000MAR

—

— MEDIAN OF MONTHLY MEAN DISCHARGE FOR 1 961 -1 990 MONTHLY MEAN DISCHARGE FOR 1991

-4>

APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT

Figure 3.1 Discharge During 1991 Compared with the l\/ledian Discharge for 1961-1990 for the Poplar River at the International Boundary.

3.3 Minimum Flows

The recorded volume of the Poplar River at the International Boundary from March 1 to May 31 , 1991 was 2 740 dam^ Based on the IJC recommendations and the assumption

that the recorded flow is the natural flow, the United States entitlement is a minimum

discharge on the East Poplar River of 0.028 m^/s for the period June 1 , 1 991 to May 31

,

1992. The minimum flow for the period January 1 to May 31 , 1991 had previously been

determined on the basis of the Poplar River flow volume for March 1 to May 31 , 1990. A hydrograph of the East Poplar River at the International Boundary and the minimum

flow as recommended by the IJC are shown in Figure 3.2. All dally flows during 1991
12

T 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 r

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

1991

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

Boundary.

were above the recommended minimum with the exception of January 1 . Icing as a

result of extremely cold weather reduced the flow to 0.026 mVs on this day.

3.4 On-Demand Release

In addition to the minimum flow, the IJC apportionment recommendation entitles Montana

to an on-demand release to be delivered during the 12 month period commencing June

1 , 1991. Based on the runoff volume of the Middle Fork Poplar River during the March

1 to May 31 , 1990 period, Montana was entitled to a release of 370 dam^ from Cookson

Reservoir. Montana requested this release be delivered between May 1 and May 30,

1991. A volume of 459 dam^ was delivered during this period.
13

3.5 Water Quality

The 1981 report by the IJC to Governments recommended:

For the March to October period, the maximum flow-weighted

concentrations should not exceed 3.5 milligrams per litre (mg/L) for boron

and 1500 mg/L for TDS for any three consecutive months in the East Poplar

River at the International Boundary. For the fi/farch to October period, the long- term average of flow-weighted concentrations should be 2.5 mg/L or less for boron, and 1000 mg/L or less for TDS in the East Poplar River at the

International Boundary.

For the perfod prior to 1982, three-month moving flow-weighted concentrations

(FWC) for boron and TDS were calculated solely from monthly monitoring results. Since

the beginning of 1982, the USGS has monitored conductivity 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 conductivity. Thus,

three-month FWCs for the period 1 982 to 1 988 have been calculated from both the

results of monthly monitoring and the daily concentration estimates.

The Bilateral Monitoring Committee adopted the approach that for the purpose of

comparison with the proposed IJC long-term objectives, the boron and TDS data are best

plotted as five-year moving FWCs which were advanced one month at a time.

Beginning in 1988, FWCs were calculated from the five year period preceding each

plotted point. Prior to 1988, long-term averages were calculated from a five year

period in which 2.5 years preceded and 2.5 years followed each plotted point. For
14

example, the FWC for December 1 991 refers to the FWC of the period December 1 986

to December 1991. It should be emphasized that the calculations have been based on

the results of all samples collected for the three-month and five-year periods, and not

restricted to samples collected during March to October.

3.5.1 Total Dissolved Solids

There is an inverse relationship between IDS and stream flow at the International

Boundary station. During periods of high runoff, such as spring freshet, IDS drops as

the proportion of stream flow derived ultimately from groundwater decreases. Conversely,

during times of low stream flow (late summer, winter) the contribution of groundwater to

stream flow is proportionally greater. Because the natural groundwater has a higher ionic

strength than the surface water entering the river, the TDS of the stream increases

mari<edly during low flow conditions.

TDS grab sample data collected by Environment Canada and the USGS in 1991 are

shown in Figure 3.3. TDS ranged from 866 mg/L (March 14) to 1144 mg/L (May 16). The proposed short-term objective for TDS is 1500 mg/L. A time plot of the three-month

moving FWCs for TDS is presented in Figure 3.4. No exceedences of the objective have

been observed during any three month period since 1975. The three-month FWCs

remained confined within a narrow range centred around a mean of approximately 900

mg/L during 1991.
15

ma

l<iUU
16

Five-year FWCs for TDS (Figure 3.5) remained below tine long-term objective of 1000

mg/L A 200 mg/L increase in the five-year FWCs which occurred in early 1988 was

increased further in 1991 to approximately 950 mg/L. This corresponds to a decline in

high spring flows over that period of time. A similar increase in TDS was seen during

mid-1987, as a remnant of the 1982 discharge. Relatively low spring discharges have

occurred since 1 984. If this trend continues, it is expected that FWCs will soon approach

the 1 000 mg/L objective.

Using the Seasonal Kendall Tau test for trend assessment, TDS showed a statistically

significant increase from 1981 to 1991 (90% confidence level). The Seasonal Kendall

Sen Slope estimates the approximate TDS increase to be 2.63 mg/L/year (Figure 3.6).

This positive trend could be explained by the drought conditions that occurred over the

later half of the data record. The TDS increase comes from salt buildup in the reservoir

as a result of water being used for cooling. High evaporation of this water (as a result

of drought conditions) causes salts to remain within the reservoir. In addition, low flow

conditions (when flows are derived largely from groundwater sources) likely increase TDS

concentrations and yields a positive TDS trend in the data.

The relationship between TDS and conductivity generated from data collected from 1 975

to 1991 is as follows:

TDS = (0.640 X specific conductance) + 12.149

(R2=0.87, n=422)
o

17

1200

1100

900

BOO -

700

600

400

'

I '

I

'

I 'I I I

' I

' I'

I

' I'

I

' I

Long-Term Objective (.1000 mgA)

,1.1,1,1.1 I I I I I

'

I 1974 1976 1978 1980 1982 1984 1986 1988 1990

1975 1977 1979 1981 1983 1985 1987 1989 1991 Figure 3.5 Five-Year Moving, Flow-Weigiited TDS Concentration for East Poplar

River at the Internationai Boundary.

1500

COQ

1350 -

1200 -

1050 -

900

750

800 -

450 -

300

150

•r •-.-\T

Sen Slope Estimate (2.63 mg/L/year)

1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 Figure 3.6 Sen Slope Estimate for TDS at East Poplar River at the International

Boundary.
18

3.5.2 Boron

During 1 991 , boron concentrations in the East Poplar River at tine International Boundary

varied from 1.63 mg/L (Nov. 14) to 2.1 mg/L (Jun. 18 and Dec. 18) (Figure 3.7).

Three-month boron FWCs for the period of record are shown in Figure 3.8. The short

term objective of 3.5 mg/L boron was not exceeded for the period 1975-1991. The

similarity in shape between the TDS and boron plots (Figures 3.4 and 3.8) is a strong

indication of the significance of discharge in FWC functions.

The five-year boron FWCs, displayed in Figure 3.9, remained well below the long-term

objective of 2.5 mg/L boron. From mid-1988 to the end of 1990, there was a slight

increase in the five-year boron FWC. In first quarter of 1991 the five-year boron FWC

increased to 1 .9 mg/L. As was the case with TDS, the five-year calculations for boron

were significantly influenced by the relatively large discharge during 1985 and the low

discharges in 1986.

The relationship between boron and conductivity at the East Poplar River sampling

location during the period 1975-1991 is described by the equation:

boron = (0.00148 x specific conductance) - 0.256

(R'=0.70, n=422)

As shown in Figure 3.10, boron levels undergo a statistically significant increase from
19

2.4

2.2 -

qB 2.0

oO 1-8

1.6 -

1.4

• •-

• • • • -

• -

1991 F D 1992

Figure 3.7 Boron Concentrations for 1991 Grab Samples from East Poplar River

at the International Boundary.

4.5

4.0

3.5

c

o

t^om

'

I II '

I

'

I II

'

I

I I '

I

Short-Term Objective (3.5 mg/L)

from sample analysis

from regression

1974 1976 1978 1980 1982 1984 1986 1988 1990

1975 1977 1979 1981 1983 1985 1987 1989 1991 Figure 3.8 Three-Month Moving, Flow-Weighted Boron Concentration for East

Poplar River at the International Boundary.
20

DO

c

o

s^om

-I—I I

I

'—I ' 3.0 I

2.6

2.2

1.8

1.0

0.2 ' ' '

' '

Long-Term Objective (2.5 mg/L)

I . I I I . I '

I I I 1974 1976 1978 1980 1982 1984 1986 1988 1990

1975 1977 1979 1981 1983 1985 1987 1989 1991 Figure 3.9 Five-Year Moving, Flow Weighted Boron Concentration for East Poplar

River at the International Boundary.

^

a

o

Sio

03

3.5

3.0 -

2.5

2.0 -

1.5 -

0.5 -

0.0

1 r
21

1 981 to 1 991 (90% confidence level). The boron Increase, as calculated by the Seasonal

Kendall Sen Slope Estimate, is approximately 0.0250 mg/Uyear. As with TDS, this trend may be explained by the drought conditions in addition to consumptive use of water for

cooling and natural evaporation from Cookson Reservoir.

3.5.3 Other Water Quality Variables

Table 3.1 contains the multipurpose water quality objectives for the East Poplar River at

the International Boundary, recommended by the International Poplar River Water Quality

Board to the IJC. One exceedence of the multipurpose objectives occurred in 1 991 . The

4.0 mg/L objective for dissolved oxygen was exceeded for an Environment Canada

sample collected on January 15, 1991 (2.5 mg/L). It is believed that the extensive ice

cover coupled with low flow conditions drastically inhibited the aeration process.

Environment Canada monitored the East Poplar River for phenoxyacid herbicides and

organochlorine compounds during 1991. Trace concentrations of 2,4-D (in two of nine

samples), gamma-BHC (in one of nine samples), alpha-BHC (in three of nine samples),

and Dicamba (in one of nine samples) were recorded. The presence of these compounds

in prairie surface waters is well documented (Integrated Environments Ltd., 1991). All

other organic compounds monitored were below analytical detection limits.
22

Table 3.1 Recommended Water Quality Objectives and Excursions, 1991

Sampling Program, East Poplar River at the International Boundary

(units in mg/L except as otherwise noted).

Parameter
23

3.6 Quality Control

3.6.1 Streamflow

To test the quality of streamflow calculations made by the United States Geological

Survey and Environment Canada, similar measurements were made on the East Poplar

at the International Boundary on May 30, 1991, by personnel from both agencies. The

discharges, as shown in Table 3.2, are within measurement error.

Table 3.2 Streamflow Measurement Results for May 30, 1991,

Agency
24

Safety and SaskPower.

Sets of triplicate samples were split from USGS sampling churns and submitted to the

respective agency laboratories for analyses. Field procedures were identical to those

used since 1986.

Most parameters showed good reproducibility. Results for total Kjeldahl nitrogen,

dissolved iron and total molybdenum are not comparable. For total phosphoms, TDS and

total chromium, one set of results is noticeably high compared to the other reported sets.

Similarly, one of the reported data sets is low for silica and dissolved aluminum. The

results reported by one agency for magnesium showed unacceptable variability. The

USGS and Saskatchewan Environment and Public Safety's relatively high detection limits

for nitrate/nitrite make it difficult to evaluate the results for these parameters.

Environment Canada has completed a detailed evaluation of all of the available data from

past quality control exercises.

25

4.0 SUPPLEMENTARY WATER SUPPLY (OLD COAL MINE DEWATERING)

4.1 Operations

Since January 1, 1990, SaskPower has been operating the old Prairie Coal mine

dewatering network for the purpose of using groundwater to supplement surface flows into

Cookson Reservoir. Since taking over the network, SaskPower has undertaken a

significant amount of work in the area. This work includes: repair, closing or

abandonment of existing wells, accurate quantification of pumping rates, replacement of damaged piezometers, a hydrogeological evaluation of the East Poplar River basin and

a numerical model.

In 1991, a total of 21 wells were in operating status, 5 were closed and 20 were

abandoned. The wells that have been closed can still be made available for future use

if the need arises. Welte that were on private land, but were scheduled for abandonment,

were initially offered to the landowner for their private use. Two of these wells were taken

over by the landowner and the remainder were abandoned.

4.2 Pumpaqe Volumes

A summary of monthly pumpages is shown in Table 4.1
26

Table 4.1 Supplementary Supply Monthly Pumpages.

MONTH
27
28

approximately one kilometre from the boundary. However, the majority of the expansion

of the cone of depression has been to the northwest in the area of Fife Lake. Typically

water levels have dropped 0.1 m to 0.3 m. Given the dry conditions in the area and the

small magnitude of drawdowns, it is difficult to isolate man induced changes from natural

changes.

The groundwater investigation and modelling undertaken by SaskPower have been

completed. As the results of the report are being reviewed by Sask Water (formerly

Saskatchewan Water Corporation), it would be premature to discuss the findings of the

report.

4.3.2 Montana

Hydrographs reflecting water level measurements for selected wells in the Hart coal seam

are presented in Figure 4.2. These wells continue to show trends of decline in water

levels although these trends have levelled-off in 1991.

Water levels for wells 2, 8, 9, 11, and 21 continue to show no trends in water level

change.
29

2455

2454

E 2453

<3 2452

5 2451

-1 1- -79 Jan-81 Jan-83 Jan-85 Jan-87 Jan-89 Jan-91 JonFigure 4.2 Hydrographs for Selected Wells, 1979 to 1991.

4.4 Groundwater Quality

4.4.1 Saskatchewan

The water quality from the discharge points has been consistent with no trends indicated. A summary of the more frequently tested parameters during 1991 is provided in Table

4.2. Included in this table are the average and standard deviation of the results from

January 1 990 to December 1 991 . TDS and boron results for several discharge points are

illustrated in Figures 4.2 and 4.3 for 1990 and 1991 to show the consistent results of the

pumpwell analysis.
30

Table 4.2 Poplar River Power Station, Supplementary Water Supply Project to Cookson Reservoir Discharge Pipe Average Analysis - 1991.
31

-rOTA.l_ DISSOLVED SOLIDS (mg/l)

1 ./'SO

IVI IV/1 J

SO

DOS —t— D09

S N J IVI IVl J S

D1 8 — <3lll=J/\F=JD OFREEK "CO"

Figure 4.3 TDS for Selected Discharge Points, 1990 and 1991. BORON Cmg/I)

JIVIIVIJ SNJIVIIS/IJ S

90 I 91 — DOS —t— DOS -»*- D1 8 -"- C3ll=l/\.F=ID CSFIEEK "Ci3

N

Figure 4.4 Boron for Selected Discharge Points, 1990 and 1991.
32

4.4.2 Montana

Sampling for water quality was performed on wells 5-11, 15, 16 and 1 9 in 1 991 . A graph

of TDS versus time, for selected wells, is presented in Figure 4.5. There continues to be

no significant changes in water quality.

1200

200

Jan-79 Jan-81 Jan-83 Jan-85 Jan-87 Jan-89 Jan-91 Jon-93

Date

Figure 4.5 TDS for Selected Wells In the Hart Seam.
33

5.0 SOIL SALINITY PROJECT BELOW MORRISION DAM

5.1 Operations

Since September 1989, SaskPower has been operating a network of dewatering wells

below Cookson Reservoir. The purpose of these wells is to lower the water table below

the dam in an attempt to reduce salinity. At the present time the majority of the pumpage

has come from four wells, with minor contributions from two additional wells.

5.2 Pumpage Volumes

Table 5.1 summarizes monthly pumpages for the salinity project. Table 5.2 summarizes

the pumpage volumes for individual salinity project wells. The 1991 pumped volume of

947 dam' represents an increase of 181 dam' over 1990 volumes. This increase in total pumpage is due to an influx of 206 dam' from well PW 90108, which is located on the

west side of the Poplar River. On the east side of the river, production from 87,102

decreased by 30 dam'.
34

Table 5.1 Salinity Project, Monthly Pumpages.

MONTH
35

5.3 Groundwater Levels

5.3.1 Saskatchewan

Drawdowns for the salinity project are similar to those for the year 1 990. Small changes

in pumping patterns resulted in a slight decrease in drawdown on the east side of the

river and a slight westward expansion of the cone of depression.

5.3.2 Montana

In 1990, two wells were installed to monitor effects of pumping the alluvial aquifers along

the East Fork of Poplar River for salinity control. An attempt was made to install wells,

one on each side of the East Fork of the Poplar River in the alluvium, but work on well

(23) on the east side could not be completed.

Water levels in well 24 are approximately one metre below the land surface and show a

decline of approximately fifteen centimetres for 1991.
36

5.4 Groundwater Quality

5.4.1 Saskatchewan

As a general statement, the water quality of the common discharge point from the salinity

wells is better than the water quality of the reservoir. Average results from the common

discharge point for 1991 are provided in Table 5.3 along with a summary of the results

for 1 990 and 1 991 . Results for boron and TDS were consistent in 1 990 and 1 991 (Figure

5.1).

1 ,750

Figure 5.1 Water Quality Data from Discharge Pipe Location,

South of Morrison Dam, 1990 and 1991.
37

Table 5.3 Poplar River Power Station, Salinity Project South of Morrison Dam

Water Quality from Discharge Pipe Location - 1991.
38

5.4.2 Montana

Sampling of wells 23 and 24 for water quality was initiated in September of 1991. The

TDS was 628 mg/L for well 24 and 2600 mg/L for well 23. Alluvial wells have TDS values

that are about 600 mg/L while glacial till wells have values that are about 2600 mg/L.
39

6.0 COOKSON RESERVOIR

6.1 Storage

On January 1 , 1 991 , Cookson Reservoir storage was 23 300 dam^ or only 54% of the fullsupply volume. During the year, precipitation was below normal resulting in below normal

inflows. Reservoir contents reached a maximum of 26 700 dam^ on July 6. Elevations

and corresponding volumes for several dates are shown in Table 6.1. In addition to

runoff, reservoir volumes were supported and maintained by ground water pumping.

Wells in the abandoned west block mine site supplied 5 700 dam^ to Girard Creek;

approximately one half of this volume was estimated to have reached Cookson Reservoir.

Wells in the soil salinity project area supplied 947 dam^ directly to the reservoir.

Table 6.1 Cookson Reservoir Storage Statistics for 1991.

1 Date
40

The Poplar River Power Station is dependent on water from Cool<son Reservoir for

cooling. Power plant operation is adversely affected when reservoir levels drop below

749 metres. The dead storage level for cooling water used in the generation process is

745 metres. The 1991 recorded levels and associated operating levels are shown In

Figure 6.1. As indicated in Figure 6.1, 1991 reservoir levels are below ten-year median

levels.

_, 756

Zj 754

i$ 7S3

7S2

(/) > 751

CO 749 UJ

aC 748 ^ 747 Z 746 -£ 74S Q 744 ^ 743 3 742 ^ 741

y Full Supply Level

"VMinimum Desired Operating Level

''Unusable Storage Level

MEAN DAILY WATER LEVEL FOR 1 991 — MEDIAN OF MONTHLY MEAN ELEVATION FOR 1 981 -1 990

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

1991

71500
41

6.2 Water Quality

Inflow to the reservoir originates from two sources, GIrard Creek and the East Poplar

River North. The Girard Creek sampling point is located at the Coronach Reservoir

overflow (PFRA dam). This inflow location shows strong seasonal fluctuations with no

trends evident in water quality. Normally, water flows by this sample point year round as

the majority of the water originates from the supplementary pumpwells described in

Chapter 4.0 of this report.

The reservoir monitoring sites include the Highway No. 36 location and the Cookson

Reservoir at Morrison Dam location. Strong seasonal fluctuations are evident for the

upstream Highway No. 36 location. Less seasonal variation was observed for the

reservoir at the Morrison Dam location due to the large volume of water involved.

The net effect of little spring runoff over the last several years has been a decrease in

reservoir water quality. Figures 6.2 to 6.8 show the decreasing water volume of the

reservoir and the increasing concentration of boron, sulphate, sodium, chloride, TDS,

manganese, and strontium. The deterioration in water quality will continue unless there

is an above average runoff in the spring of 1992.
42

50

^ 40

^ 30 CD

LU?20

Q 10

FULL SUPPLY VOLUME

3.0

2.5

2.0

RESERVOIR-B

•a-

^'.

' / i'

E

1.5

1 .0

o

oCO

0.5

MMMMMMMMM 0.0

83 I 84 I 85 I 86 I 87 I 88 I 89 I 90 I 91

Figure 6.2 Cookson Reservoir Water Quality Data for Boron, 1983 to 1991.

MMMMMMMMM

83 I 84 I 85 I 86 I 87 I 88 I 89 I 90 I 91

Figure 6.3 Cookson Reservoir Water Quality Data for Sulphate, 1983 to 1991.
43 —,400

300

200

Qo

100

MMMMMMMMM

83 I 84 I 85 I 86 I 87 I 88 I 89 I 90 I 91

Figure 6.4 Cookson Reservoir Water Quality Data for Sodium, 1983 to 1991.

MMMMMMMMM

83 I 84 I 85 I 86 I 87 I 88 I 89 I 90 I 91

Figure 6.5 Cool<son Reservoir Water Quality Data for Cliloride, 1983 to 1991.
44

CO

LU

50

40

yo 30 CDo

^ 20

o 10

FULL SUPPLY VOLUME jU\ ^ A^-fi

RESERVOIR-TDS RESERVOIR VOLUME

1,400

1,200 _

1,000 fQ

800 w

QLU 600 §

400

200

MMMMMMMMM

83 I 84 I 85 I 86 I 87 I 88 I 89 I 90 I 91

Figure 6.6 Cookson Reservoir Water Quality Data for TDS, 1983 to 1991.

o

50

CO
45

1.0 1 .0

'MMMMMMMMM

83 I 84 I 85 I 86 I 87 I 88 | 89 | 90 | 91

Figure 6.8 Cookson Reservoir Water Quality Data for Strontium and Fluoride,

1983 to 1991.

Reservoir outflow is monitored at the culvert immediately below the Cookson Reservoir

on the East Poplar River. The primary sources of the outflow location are dam seepage

and riparian leakage. Seasonal trends are noted for this location during periods of water

release from the dam. Historically the water quality at this location has been poorer than

that of the reservoir but is now of better quality. The quality at this location has not

improved but the reservoir quality has decreased.
46

6.3 Mercury in Cookson Fish

Mercury levels in fish in the Cookson Reservoir have been measured on five occasions,

In 1979, 1983 and 1991 by Environment Canada (Water Quality Branch 1980, Munro

1985, Shaw 1991, in prep) and in 1980 (Waite et al.) and 1984 by Saskatchewan

Environment and Public Safety. Samples were collected to assess the safety of the fish

in the reservoir for human consumption. These populations are confined to Cookson

Reservoir and as such could only travel downstream as a result of a high runoff event. As suggested by Waite etaj. (1 980), based on observations from other reservoirs flooding

throughout the world, high initial mercury levels in fish would be expected as a

consequence of organic decay and methylation of sediment-borne metal. Elevated

mercury concentrations in fish tissues would decline to pre-flooding background levels as

organic matter was assimilated.

Mercury concentrations in edible tissue of two size-classes of walleye ( Stizostedion

vitreum) from 1979 to 1991 (Figure 6.9) followed the expected pattern. Mercury burden

in edible tissue of smaller classes of walleye (25-35 cm) declined rapidly from a median

concentration of 0.85 mg/Kg in 1979 to 0.29 mg/Kg in 1983. Likewise, the mercury

concentration in larger fish (35-50 cm), while remaining higher than in the smaller fish,

declined from 1 .32 mg/Kg in 1 979 to 0.42 mg/Kg in 1 984. Mercury concentration of white

suckers (Catastomus commersoni) from Cookson reservoir was low (median 0.25-0.29 mg/Kg Hg) and showed a slight but significant decline from 1979 to 1991 (Kruskal-Wallis

2-sample test, p=0.61).
47

2.0 n 9
48

6.4 Morrison Dam Inspection

On September 25, 1 991 a field inspection of Morrison Dam was conducted by SaskPower

personnel. The entire exposed surface of the embankment and those uncovered parts

of the stmcture were examined as well as the channel area immediately downstream of

the dam. The pore pressure for the three instrumentation sections were also plotted and

reviewed.

The dam and spillways were found to be working satisfactorily and generally to be in

good condition. A complete check of the spillway gates is recommended in the report

and this wori< is scheduled to be completed in 1992.
49

7.0 ASH LAGOONS

7.1 Operations

Operations during 1991 were similar to the last several years. Ash Lagoon No. 1 was

used during winter months and Ash Lagoon No. 3 North was utilized in the summer. Ash

Lagoon No. 2 continues to be used as backup when the other two lagoons are not

available.

The total amount of ash that was deposited into the lagoons during 1991 is estimated at

487 830 m^ An estimated 224 200 m^ of supply water was added during 1991.

At the start of October 1991 , all ash was directed to Ash Lagoon No. 3 North. With the

colder weather experienced in the last half of October 1991 , ash was redirected to Ash

Lagoon No. 2, but pumping from No. 3 North continued to return as much water to the

remaining lagoons as possible before freeze up. In the last week of November 1 991 , Ash

Lagoon No. 1 was put into service and remained in service to the end of the year.

7.2 Ash Lagoon Inspections

Daily and monthly ash lagoon inspections were conducted. There was no sign of dyke

misalignment or seepage.
50

An annual inspection to assess the condition of the ash lagoon dykes was conducted on

October 03, 1991. The Inspection was conducted by Edward A. Wilson, P. Eng.

representing Clifton Associates Ltd., of Regina, Saskatchewan. Mr. Wilson has been

responsible for several annual inspections in the past and is familiar with the site.

The conclusion of his report is that the lagoon dykes and liners have good integrity and

the ash Is contained effectively. The lagoon system is performing as designed. The

report restates the recommendations that were made in 1990 but had not yet been

complied with: (i) the installation of additional monitoring piezometers, and (ii) the

dredging of ash by the No. 2 outlet structure. SaskPower plans to complete the

installation of the additional monitoring piezometers in the summer of 1992. Dredging by

the No. 2 discharge structure is at this time not viewed as a critical issue and has not yet

been scheduled.

7.3 Dyke Stability

There are three inclinometers located along the toe of Dyke "G" designated SI 101 , 102,

and 103, respectively. On an annual basis, these inclinometers are measured and the

results are compared to previous readings to determine possible movement over time. The measurements for this reporting period were completed June 19, 1991 . There was

no indication of movement in any of the inclinometers.

The 1982 Ash Lagoon Dyke Slope Stability Study, which was prepared by Clifton
51 Associates Limited and illustrated cross sections of the dykes, indicated a reduction in

dyke stability. The water level is not exceeding the critical failure surface. A review of

the hydrographs for October 1991 , on piezometers associated with these cross sections

does not indicate an increasing trend that would suggest the critical failure surface line

will be reached.

7.4 Lagoon Water Levels

Figure 7.1 illustrates operating levels for Ash Lagoon No. 1, Ash Lagoon No. 2, Ash

Lagoon No. 3 North and the polishing pond for the period 1 983 to 1 991 . Freeboard limits

were not exceeded during this reporting period for Ash Lagoon No. 2, Ash Lagoon No.

3 North and the polishing pond.

767

753MMMMMMMMM

83 I 84 I 85 I 86 I 87 I 88 I 89 I 90 I 91

Figure 7.1 Ash Lagoon Water Levels and Polishing Pond Level, 1983 to 1991.
52

7.5 Lagoon Seepage Estimates

In 1990, SaskPower submitted tlie report entitled "Hydrogeological Evaluation - Ash

Storage Lagoon" prepared by Clifton Associates Ltd., of Regina. A purpose of the report was to review the existing seepage calculations and recommend changes, if required, to

the existing method or propose a new method that would increase the accuracy of the

calculation.

The existing method for estimating seepage was confirmed to be acceptable but adopting

an updated method was recommended. Before an updated method can be adopted, it

will be necessary to obtain additional piezometer level information from within the lagoon

area. Installations of new piezometers are planned for the summer of 1992. The existing

calculations will be used until newer methods of completing the seepage calculations are

approved. In the last quarter of 1991 , comments of the report were received supporting

the findings and recommendations of the report.

Results of these 1991 seepage calculations are summarized in Table 7.1 along with the

results of previous calculations from 1984. The total calculated seepage was determined

to be 1 .267 L/s and is a large increase over the 1990 calculated value of 0.991 Us. This

increase can mostly be attributed to the growth in calculated seepage rates for Ash

Lagoon No. 3 North from 0.144 L/s in 1990 to 0.332 L/s in 1991. This was expected

because of the elevated operating levels for Ash Lagoon No. 3 during 1991. This was

the first year that ash was directed from both units to this lagoon for the entire summer.
Table 7.1 Ash Lagoon Seepage Rates and Liner Permeabilities,

Poplar River Power Station, October 1991.

53
54

Total seepage rates and permeabilities of the liners are in the same order of magnitude

as originally calculated by T.A. Prickitt.

7.6 Lagoon Water Quality

During the last two years, test results for many parameters have changed significantly

with most sharing a common pattern of declining and then increasing. An investigation

has not revealed a specific factor as to the cause of the changes but rather has indicated

a series of events that may have influenced the changes. By the end of 1991, tests

results were moving towards pre-1990 levels.

The graphs contained in this section illustrate the results of thirteen parameters for the

polishing pond from 1983 to 1991. On many of the graphs, polishing pond volume and

pH have been added for reference. Figure 7.2 illustrates polishing pond conductivity and

displays the overall general condition of the polishing pond from 1983 to 1991.

Historically, there has been an inverse relationship between polishing pond conductivity

and polishing pond volume. An increase in polishing pond levels resulting from the

addition of supply or melt-water normally results in an improvement in water quality.

From 1985 to 1988, conductivity was consistent at about the 3000 ^is/cm level. In mid1988, conductivity increased as volumes within the lagoons decreased due to very high

evaporation rates that year. Over the winter of 1990 and 1991, conductivity reached

historic levels of 6000 |is/cm before decreasing sharply in early 1991 in response to

supply water being added to the lagoon system. At the end of 1991, polishing pond
55

conductivity was around 3000 |is/cm.

The levels of both vanadium and chromium have been in the 0.1 to 0.4 mg/L range.

During the winter of 1990/91 , test results for both parameters decreased sharply below

0.1 mg/L but have since increased to near previous levels. From 1 984 to 1 988, a modest

increasing trend was noted for molybdenum with steady values of between 3.0 and 4.0

mg/L for 1988 to 1990. From late 1990 to mid-1991 , values were declining but by the

end of 1991 molybdenum results had returned to pre-1990 levels.

Fluoride and sodium appear to have followed the same pattern as the other parameters

during 1990 and 1991. From 1983 to 1989, fluoride results moved between the 5 and

15 mg/L levels with the occasional spike to 25 mg/L. In early 1990, results dropped

sharply and remained low to late 1991 when fluoride results started to move up. From

1988, sodium results have remained stable at about 600 mg/L. In the second quarter of

1991, sodium results dropped to 446 mg/L, but like fluoride, sodium results were

increasing by the end of the year. The results for chromium, sodium, vanadium, fluoride

and molybdenum do not appear to be strongly influenced by polishing pond water

volumes.

Sulphate results have historically moved between a wide range of 500 to 1500 mg/L.

Contrary to what was observed for other parameters, there is a good relationship between

sulphate results and polishing pond volumes.
56

1,000

800

600 -^

-- 400

200

M M M M

83 I 84 I 85 I 86

M M

87 I 88

M M

89 I 90

M

91

O>

Figure 7.2 Lagoon Water Quality Data for Conductivity and Polishing Pond Volume,

1983 to 1991.

0.5

0.1 ^

POLISHING POND-V

1,000

800

600 -sr

400

200
57

0.4

0.3

1 ,000

C3) E

0.2

O

o

0.1

600 -^

M M M M

83 I 84 I 85 I 86

M M M

87 I 88 I 89

M

90

M

91

J o

Figure 7.4 Lagoon Water Quality Data for Chromium and Polishing Pond Volume,

198310 1991.
58

As shown in Figure 7.7, potassium results were increasing from 1983 to 1988. A large

spike of 135 mg/L was observed in August 1988, followed by steady results of about 60

mg/L to 1990. Like other test results, potassium levels dropped in early 1991 and by the

end of the year had increased to previous levels.

Strontium and uranium values have shown little change from 1988 levels. Uranium levels

in the lagoons have rarely exceeded detection limits (less than 0.1 ng/L). Strontium

values have been decreasing from 1988 and are now consistently below 0.5 mg/L.

Figure 7.9 to Figure 7.1 1 illustrate calcium and magnesium results compared to changing

polishing pond volume and pH results. There is an apparent softening trend of the

lagoons from 1988. From 1989, magnesium levels have consistently been below 1 mg/L

compared to 5 to 25 mg/L from 1983 to 1988. Calcium levels are also lower after 1988

and exhibit a much wider range of fluctuations than previously seen. In February 1991

,

calcium concentration was 236 mg/L but in May had dropped to 2.7 mg/L. Polishing pond

volumes have likely influenced results for both calcium and magnesium. Solubilities of

magnesium may be linked to elevated pH (over 10). However, high pH levels poorly

explain calcium results.

One of the most interesting trends has been the sudden decrease in boron results from

1990. Historically, boron results were increasing from 1983 to 1985. This was expected

as boron concentration reached solubility limits. From 1985 to 1990, boron

concentrations moved within an established range of between 70 and 90 mg/L.
59

<

Q-co

e8QOCO

2,000

1,500

1,000

500

POLISHING POND - S04

POLISHING POND - Na

1 ,000

800

600 -sr

400

200

MMMMMMMMM

83| 84 I 85 I 86 I 87 I 88 I 89 I 90 I 91

Figure 7.6 Lagoon Water Quality Data for Sodium, Sulphate and

Polishing Pond Volume, 1983 to 1991.

140 _ 120

E

:r 100

o 80

CO

oa 60

CO

CO 40

20

POLISHING POND-K

POLISHING POND-Sr

1,000

800

600 -^

400

200

M M M M

83 I 84 I 85 I 86

M M M M M

87 I 88 I 89 I 90 I 91

Figure 7.7 Lagoon Water Quality Data for Potassium, Strontium and

Polishing Pond Volume, 1983 to 1991.
60

1,000

800

600 -^

400

200

MMMMMMMM

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

M

91

O

Figure 7.8 Lagoon Water Quality Data for Uranium and Polishing Pond Volume,

1983 to 1991.

400

300

t

200

100

POLISHING POND-Ca

1,000

M M M

83 I 84 I 85

M M M

86 I 87 I 88

M M M

89 I 90 I 91

Figure 7.9 Lagoon Water Quality Data for Calcium and Polishing Pond Volume,

1983 to 1991.
61

MMMMMMMMM

83 I 84 I 85 I 86 I 87 I 88 I 89 I 90 I 91

Figure 7.10 Lagoon Water Quality Data for Calcium and Polishing Pond pH,

1983 to 1991.

35

>^iK'Mllf^.'^7

14

MMMMMMMMM

83 I 84 I 85 I 86 I 87 I 88 I 89 I 90 I 91

Figure 7.11 Lagoon Water Quality Data for Magnesium and Polishing Pond pH,

1983 to 1991.
62

Boron results moved opposite to polishing pond water levels (Figure 7.12) and by the end

of 1990, boron had decreased dramatically to 20 mg/L.

Discussion presented in 1990, suggested the sudden decrease in boron during 1990

could be explained by the pH of the lagoons. With a pH greater than 10.0, boron

solubility drops rapidly as shown in Figure 7.13. Information collected in 1991 still

supports this suggestion. In May 1 991 , the polishing pond pH was over 1 1 .8, while at the same time the boron level was near a historic low of 3.61 mg/L. By mid-1991 , pH levels

in the lagoon had dropped and boron levels were increasing. At the end of 1991 , the pH

in the polishing pond had decreased to 10.1 while the boron level was 18.1 mg/L.

One possible influence of the unusual trends seen during 1990 and 1991 , is the different

operating conditions seen at this time compared to other years. SaskPower has been

experimenting with a limestone (CaCOa) injection system called "LIFAC" to help reduce

sulphur dioxide emissions. Testing of the system started in the last quarter of 1990 and

lasted to the end of June 1991. It was during this time that a lot of the unusual results

were seen. The chemistry of the polishing pond was known to be changing. The scaling

potential of the ash water had suddenly increased and this was confirmed as the ash

recirculating pumps had to be cleaned of scale regularly.

Another factor influencing lagoon water quality in 1991 was the addition in March and

April of approximately 224 200 m' of supply water. This had a positive influence on water

quality.
63

120

100

80

60

40

20

POLISHING POND-B

ji i J POLISHING POND-VOLUME

^^'\

ii1 ,000

800

600 -sr

400

200

MMMMMMMMM

83 I 84 I 85 I 86 I 87 I 88 I 89 I 90 I 91

Figure 7.12 Lagoon Water Quality Data for Boron and Polishing Pond Volume,

1983 to 1991.

120

100

E

O

oCD

POLISHING POND %

\!^.A:!}l.l.r^.:j^

14

13

"in I2I

11

10

9

8

o

M M M

83 I 84 I 85

Figure 7.13 Lagoon Water Quality Data for Boron and Polishing Pond pH,

1983 to 1991.
64

7.7 Interceptor Trench

When Ash Lagoon No. 3 North was built, two separate interceptor trenches were also

constmcted along the toe side of Dykes "H" and "I". Each interceptor trench consists of

two legs that drain into a manhole. The west interceptor trench's manhole (designated

DG1 ) is at junction of Dykes "D" and "H". One leg extends south from the manhole along

Dyke "D" to the end of the dyke. The other leg extends east to about the half way point

along Dyke "H".

The second manhole is located at the junction of Dykes "H" and "I", (designated DG2).

One leg extends west along Dyke "H" and stops before it hits the west interceptor trench. The second leg goes northeast along Dyke "I".

Draining of the interceptor trenches is expected to keep the area downstream of Ash

Lagoons No. 2 and No. 3 North from becoming saturated. This is desirable because this

area will eventually become Ash Lagoon No. 3 South. It will be easier and less

expensive to build this lagoon if the soil is not saturated.

During the summer of 1989, electric pumps and discharge piping were installed in each

manhole. The west manhole discharges in Ash Lagoon No. 2 and the east manhole into

Ash Lagoon No. 3 North. Both pumps are activated by level controllers. The pumps

were commissioned and put into service in December 1989.
65

Both pumps were in service during 1 990. In the first quarter of 1 990, discharge flow from

the west manhole was regular and over the course of the year a noticeable decline in

discharge flow was observed.

A similar pattern was observed for the east manhole but by mid-year no discharge flow was occurring. When Investigated further it was determined there was no flow was

coming in from the interceptor trenches feeding the east manhole. This is because

groundwater levels surrounding the east manhole do not show gradients towards the east

interceptor trench.

The 1990 year end pumping patterns continued throughout 1991 for both manholes. The

east pumpwell rarely discharged as the west pumpwell discharged at a regular pace.

Poplar River Power Station started testing these manholes in May 1989, before pumping was started and have continued to do so on a quarterly basis. The water quality of both

manholes is poor and of similar quality to that of the oxidized till piezometers. The poor

water quality is because both manholes draw water from the upper horizons. Table 7.2

summarizes the data and compares information from the two manholes before and after

pumping was started.

Since pumping has started, the water quality of the west manhole has declined for most

tests. The increasing boron levels indicate there may be seepage activity from the

lagoons towards the west interceptor trench but more analysis is needed to support this
66

Table 7.2 Water Quality for Lagoon Pumpwells DG1 and DG2, at Poplar River

Power Station.
67

conclusion. For example, seepage activity should reduce chloride levels to equal those

of the ash lagoons but instead chloride levels are increasing.

7.8 Leachate Review

Historically, the leachate review has been presented through the aid of graphs to show

developing trends. This report uses maps to show changes in piezometric surface, in

chloride and boron for the oxidized, unoxidized and Empress layers. A total of eighteen

maps are provided in Appendix 5 of this report to demonstrate these changes.

The piezometric surface for the oxidized strata shows a groundwater mound beneath the

lagoons. As shown on the change in piezometric surface map, the groundwater mound

extends from the east side of Ash Lagoon No. 2 where a six metre increase has been

noted, to the west side of the polishing pond where levels have increased about four

metres. Moving toward the reservoir, the oxidized till piezometers have shown a

decreasing trend, reacting to lower reservoir levels.

The largest changes in chloride and boron levels in the oxidized till have occurred where

the piezometric levels have changed the most. This would be expected because

changing water levels does suggest water movement. The increasing boron results on

the east and south side of Ash Lagoon No. 2 along with the decreasing chloride levels

suggests a leachate influence. On the west side of the polishing pond, the boron levels

have changed little but the chloride levels have increased greatly, moving opposite to
68

lagoon chloride levels. A waterfront may be moving through this area ahead of a

leachate front.

There has been little change in boron or chloride levels for most of the oxidized till

piezometers located by the reservoir. The only significant change in any of these

piezometers has been C719 where chloride levels have decreased to 87 mg/L. The

calculated groundwater movement in the oxidized till from the polishing pond to the

reservoir is about 18 metres from 1981 to 1991. This is theoretically not yet far enough

to affect this piezometer.

Like for the oxidized layer, a groundwater mound has also developed for most of the

unoxidized till piezometers extending from the east side of Ash Lagoon No. 2 to the west

side of the polishing pond. The size of mound does not extend as far as the oxidized

layer and not all unoxidized till piezometers are affected. For example, unoxidized till

piezometer C764D is located within the mound area but has historically reacted to the

reservoir and is showing a decreasing level. An examination of the boron and chloride

levels does not indicate any distinct trends.

The piezometric surface of the Empress gravels indicates a regional flow from west to

south east below Morrison Dam. Around the lagoon area, there is a noticeable drop in

piezometric head at the east side of Ash Lagoon No. 2. There is also an increasing

mound at the east end of Ash Lagoon No. 3 North.
69

As a general observation, the closer the Empress piezometer is to the reservoir, the

larger the decrease in water levels have been from 1983 to 1991. There appears to be

less of a decrease beneath rather than around the lagoons. This may be due to upper

horizon influences such as leachate movement or pore pressure or the water mound on

the east of Ash Lagoon No. 3 North.

The boron and chloride results for the Empress layer do not indicate significant changes.

The largest change in boron near the lagoons is 0.48 mg/L.

Leachate movement was also reviewed at piezometer C71 2B in the intra till sands on the

north side of the polishing pond. Boron levels continue to show an increasing trend

(Figure 7.14) and chloride results have been steady over the last several years (Figure

7.15). A slug of leachate is probably affecting this piezometer rather than a continuous

plume. Comprehensive monitoring should continue at this location.

7.9 Ash Surcharging

From October 26, 1991, to November 16, 1991, the dykes on Ash Lagoon No. 1 were

built up making room for future ash stacking operations. Most of the activity during this

period was concentrated at the south end of the lagoon, and the south half of the east

ash dyke. The ash dykes in these areas were raised about two metres.
70

C712B

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

SAMPLE DATE RANGE

Figure 7.14 Boron in Piezometer C712B.

C712B

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

Figure 7.15 Chloride in Piezometer C712B.
71

Following the completion of the work, the ash surcharge was surveyed to determine the

slope of the ash. No slope was determined to be greater than 25%.

While the work was being done on Ash Lagoon No. 1 , a small ash dyke was constructed

at the south end of Ash Lagoon No. 2. This action became necessary to prevent ash or

ash water discharging from Ash Lagoon No. 1 over Dyke "C" at the south of Ash Lagoon

No. 2. Over the next several years it is anticipated that more ash dykes will be built on Ash Lagoon No. 2, as the surcharging project continues. Figure 7.16 shows the built up

dykes on Ash Lagoons No. 1 and No. 2 as well as the condition of the other cells for December 31, 1991.
72

E

Q>OO

a

s

en

c

o

(0

0)>« Q

d>

UL
73

8.0 SEWAGE HOLDING POND

8.1 Operations

There was no change in the operation of the sewage holding pond during 1991 . Effluent

fronn the sewage treatnnent plant is disposed of in the polishing pond after a period in the sewage holding pond. The total amount of sewage transferred in 1991 is estimated at

1955 m^. Neither ash nor ash water was added during 1991

.

8.2 Pond Quality

Table 8.1 provides the results from the various points comprising the sewage facilities.

There is no indication of an increasing trend in the polishing pond that would suggest an

impact from the sewage facilities.
74

Table 8.1 Waste Water Data, November 1991, Poplar River Power Station.

Parameter'
75

9.0 AIR QUALITY

9.1 Saskatchewan Environment and Public Safety

During 1991 , ambient sulphur dioxide monitoring recorded no violations of Saskatchewan

Environment and Public Safety's hourly and 24 hour average standards of 0.17 and 0.06

ppm, respectively. The highest recorded hourly value of 0.137 ppm SOg was recorded

on September 27 at 1 6:00 hours, as compared to 0.085 ppm SOg recorded in July, 1 990. The highest 24-hour average, reading of 0.011 ppm occurred on September 6 as

compared to 1990's highest average reading of 0.012 ppm. There was no downtime for

the monitor during the 12-month period, compared to 1990's 1.8%. Figures 9.1 and 9.2

display maximum hourly and daily (24-hour) average readings obtained at the monitoring

station during the last five years.

Suspended particulate concentrations obtained from the high volume monitor at the same

site for the 12-month period exceeded Saskatchewan Environment and Public Safety's

24-hour average standard of 120 |ig/m^/24 hours on two occasions, September 3 and

October 21 at 162.2 [ig/m^ and 197.7 ^g/m^ respectively. Wind data for October 21

indicated that winds were blowing from the south to southeast indicating that the power

plant could have been a possible source. The annual geometric mean of 31 .3 |ig/m^ is

well below the provincial standard of 70.0 and is lower than 1990's annual geometric mean of 35.4 ^ig/m^. Downtime for the monitor was 3.3% compared to 23% in 1990.
76

CMo

CO

1981 1982 1983 1984 1986 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 Figure 9.1 Maximum Daily SOj Air Quality Data, Coronach Water Treatment Plant,

1981 to 1991, (Saskatchewan 24-hour standard).

1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 Figure 9.2 Maximum Hourly SO2 Air Quality Data, Coronach Water Treatment Plant,

1981 to 1991, (Saskatchewan 1-hour standard).
77

9.2 SaskPower

Ambient SOj monitoring conducted at SaskPower's station which is located 8.0 kilometres

southeast of the plant, near the 49th parallel, showed no violation for 1991 , the same as

in 1990. The highest hourly reading of 0.081 ppm occurred on October 17, 1991 at 4:00

hours. Weather data recorded by Environment Canada's weather station located at

Rockglen (37 kilometres northwest of the plant) indicated winds blowing from the plant

towards the monitor at the time. This reading compares to the highest hourly reading of

0.049 ppm recorded in 1990. Downtime for the monitor was 5.6%, as compared to the

1990"s 1.3%.

Suspended particulate concentrations at SaskPower's monitoring station exceeded

Saskatchewan Environment and Public Safety's 24-hour standard on two occasions in

1991, compared to five in 1990. The highest recorded value of 173.8 |ig/m^/24 hours

occurred on September 3. This, as well as the other violation, were probably caused by

field-blown dust as no specific episodes of heavy particulate release from the plant stack

on violation days could be determined. The annual geometric mean of 26.8 ^ig/m^ is well

below the provincial standard of 70.0 and compares with the 1990 mean of 35.4. Downtime for the sampler was 6.7%, as compared to 1 990's 1 .7%.
78

9.3 In-Stack Monitoring

Sulphur dioxide averages in 1991 were very similar to those in 1990. Daily

concentrations ranged from a low of 1 165 mg/m^ to a high of 4421 mg/m^ (corrected to 3% O2) with an averaged yearly concentration of 2876 mg/m^ as compared to 2896

mg/m^ in 1990. Downtime for the SOg in stack monitor was 19%, slightly higher than

1990's 16%. Nitrogen oxide averages in 1991 were similar to those in 1990, with daily

concentrations ranging from a low of 440 mg/m' to a high of 1047 mg/m^ (corrected to 3% O2) with an average yearly concentration of 719 as compared to 741 in 1990.

Downtime for the NO^ in-stack monitor was 24%, up from 1990's 16%. Daily opacity

readings ranged from to 100%, with a yearly average of 45% compared to 37% in

1 990. Downtime for the opacity monitor was 1 % as compared to 1 990's 4%. Stack gas

flow rates ranged from a low of 466 mVs to a high of 714 mVs, with an average flow of

651 m^/s in 1991. Downtime for the 12-month period in 1991 was 1%, the same as

1990's.

Units No. 1 and No. 2 operated with yearly average capacity factors of 88.7 and 86.2%

respectively, compared to 88.1% and 88.4% in 1990. Totals combining both units were

as follows:

Coal - 3 841 000 kg in 1991, compared to 3 821 978 kg in 1990.

Oil - 1823 m^ in 1991, compared to 2102 m^ in 1990.

Gross Megawatt Hours - 4 534 100 in 1991 compared to 4 574 700 in 1990.
79

10.0 REFERENCES CITED

Integrated Environments Limited. 1991. The Use of the Tydac SPANS GIS in the Assessment and Review of Pesticide Residues Detected in Surface Waters of the Prairie Provinces and the Northwest Territories. Calgary, Alberta, March 31

,

1991, 138 pp.

Irvine, J.A., Whitaker, S.H., and Broughton, P.L 1978. Coal Resources of Southern

Saskatchewan - A Model for Evaluation Methodology. (Note: this report is listed three ways), Geological Survey of Canada Economic Geology Report 30

or Department of Mineral Resources Report 209, or Saskatchewan Research

Council Report 20; Part I, 151 pp. Part II, 56 oversize plates.

Munro, D. 1985. Report on Mercury in the Cookson Reservoir. Water Quality

Branch, Inland Waters Directorate, Environment Canada, Regina,

Saskatchewan, WQB-WNR-85-02, 25 pp. Shaw, D.P. 1991 (in prep.). Mercury in fish from Cookson Reservoir. Water Quality

Branch, Inland Waters Directorate, Environment Canada, Regina,

Saskatchewan, October 1991.

Walte, D.T., G.W. Dunn and R.J. Stedwill. 1980. Mercury in the Cookson Reservoir. Saskatchewan Department of Environment and Public Safety, Water Pollution Control Section, Report WPC No. 23.

Water Quality Branch. 1980. Cookson Reservoir Aquatic Quality Baseline Survey,

1979. Prepared for Saskatchewan Power Corporation, Contract E-021, Inland Waters Directorate, Environment Canada, Regina, Saskatchewan.

ANNEX 1

POPLAR RIVER

COOPERATIVE MONITORING ARRANGEMENT

CANADA-UNITED STATES

A1 - 1
September 23, 1980

POPLAR RIVER COOPERATIVE MONITORING ARRANGEMENT

I. PURPOSE

This Arrangement will provide for the exchange of data collected as described in the attached Technical Monitoring Schedules in water quality, water quantity and air quality

monitoring programs being conducted in Canada and the United States at or near the

International Boundary in response to SaskPower development. This Arrangement will also provide for the dissemination of the data in each country and will assure its comparability and assist in its technical interpretation.

The Arrangement will replace and expand upon the quarterly information exchange

program instituted between Canada and the United States in 1976.

II. PARTICIPATING GOVERNMENTS

Governments and government agencies participating in the Arrangement are:

Government of Canada: Environment Canada

Government of the Province of Saskatchewan:

Saskatchewan Environment and 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. Co-chairpersons may by mutual agreement invite agency

technical experts to participate in the work of the Committee.

A1 - 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 Co-chairperson will be responsible for transmitting to his counterpart Co-chairperson on a regular, and not less than quarterly basis, the data provided by the cooperative

monitoring agencies in accordance with the Technical Monitoring Schedules.

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);

ill) 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.

A1 -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 respective jurisdictions provide on an ongoing basis all scheduled

monitored data for which they are responsible.

V. TERMS OF THE ARRANGEMENT

The Arrangement will be effective for an initial term of five years and may be amended

by agreement of the participating governments. It will be subject to review at the end of the initial term and will be renewed thereafter for as long as it is required by the

participating governments.

A1 -4
ANNEX 2

POPLAR RIVER

COOPERATIVE MONITORING ARRANGEMENT

TECHNICAL MONITORING SCHEDULES

1992

CANADA-UNITED STATES

A2- 1
TABLE OF CONTENTS

PREAMBLE A2 - 3 CANADA

STREAMFLOW MONITORING A2 - 5 SURFACE WATER QUALITY MONITORING A2 - 7 GROUND WATER QUALITY MONITORING A2 - 1

1

GROUND WATER PIEZOMETERS TO MONITOR

POTENTIAL DRAWDOWN DUE TO COAL SEAM DEWATERING A2 - 13 GROUND WATER PIEZOMETERS LEVEL MONITORING

- ASH LAGOON AREA

SCHEDULE A - PIEZOMETERS IN TILL A2 - 15 GROUND WATER PIEZOMETER LEVEL MONITORING

- ASH LAGOON AREA AND INTERNATIONAL BOUNDARY AREA

SCHEDULE B - PIEZOMETERS IN EMPRESS GRAVEL A2 - 17 AMBIENT AIR QUALITY MONITORING A2 - 19 SOURCE EMISSION MONITORING A2 - 21

UNITED STATES

STREAMFLOW MONITORING

" A2 - 24 SURFACE WATER QUALITY MONITORING A2 - 26 GROUND WATER QUALITY MONITORING A2 - 28 GROUND WATER LEVELS TO MONITOR POTENTIAL

DRAWDOWN DUE TO COAL SEAM DEWATERING A2 - 30

A2-2
PREAMBLE

The Technical Monitoring Schedule lists those water quantity, water quality and air quality

monitoring locations and paranneters which form the basis for information exchange and

reporting to Governments. The stmcture 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 Governments. Changes in the sampling locations and parameters may be made by Governments based on the recommendations of the committee.

Significant additional information is being collected by agencies on both sides of the

International Boundary, primarily for project management or basin-wide baseline data purposes. This additional information is usually available upon request from the collecting

agency and forms part of the pool of technical information which may be drawn upon by

Governments for specific study purposes. Examples of additional information are water

quantity, water quality, groundwater and air quality data collected at points in the Poplar

River basin not of direct concern to the Committee. In addition, supplemental information on parameters such as vegetation, soils, fish and waterfowl populations and aquatic

vegetation is also being collected on either a routine or specific studies basis by various

agencies.

A2-3

POPLAR RIVER

COOPERATIVE MONITORING ARRANGEMENT

TECHNICAL MONITORING SCHEDULES

1992

CANADA

A2-4
STREAMFLOW MONITORING

Responsible Agency: Environment Canada

Daily mean discharge or levels and instantaneous monthly extremes as normally

published in surface water data publications.

No. on Map
5 10 15 Km

HYDROMETRIC GAUGING STATIONS (CANADA)

A2- 6
SURFACE WATER QUALITY

Sampling Locations

Responsible Agency: Saskatchewan Environment and Public Safety
PARAMETERS

Responsible Agency: Saskatchewan Environment and Public Safety
PARAMETERS (Continued)
Jkk ENVIRONMENT SASKATCHEWAN

ENVIRONMENT CANADA A

SCALE

SURFACE WATER QUALITY MONITORING STATIONS (CANADA)

A2- 10
GROUND WATER QUALITY MONITORING

SAMPLING LOCATIONS

Responsible Agency: Saskatchewan Environment and Public Safety
PARAMETERS

Responsible Agency: Saskatchewan Environment and Public Safety
GROUND WATER PIEZOMETERS TO MONITOR POTENTIAL DRAWDOWN

DUE TO COAL SEAM DEWATERING

Responsible Agency: Saskatchewan Environment and Public Safety
5 10 15 Km

GROUNDWATER PIEZOMETERS TO MONITOR POTENTIAL DRAWDOWN DUE TO COAL SEAM DEWATERING

A2- 14
GROUNDWATER PIEZOMETER LEVEL MONITORING -- ASH LAGOON AREA

Schedule A -- Piezometers in Til! Responsible Agency: Saskatchewan Environment and Public Safety
R.27

LEGEND: n SINGLE PIEZOMETER IN TILL B NESTED PIEZOMETER IN TILL 5 SITE NUMBER

/N\

SCALE

500 1000 METRES

0.5 10 MILE

U.S.A. PIEZOMETER INSTALLATION SITES-SCHEDULE "A" PIEZOMETERS IN TILL A2- 16
GROUNDWATER PIEZOMETER LEVEL MONITORING

ASH LAGOON AREA AND INTERNATIONAL BOUNDARY AREA

Schedule B - Piezometers in Empress Gravel

Responsible Agency: Saskatchewan Environment and Public Safety
r

T.I

R.27

LEGEND:

PIEZOMETERS EMPRESS GR« A PIEZOMETERS IN MERT SEAM 5 SITE NUMBER A

SCALE

1000 METRES

5 1.0 MILE

U.S.A. PIEZOMETER INSTALLATION SITES-SCHEDULE "B" PIEZOMETERS IN EMPRESS GRAVEL

A2- 18
AMBIENT AIR QUALITY MONITORING

Responsible Agency: Saskatchewan Environment and Public Safety
5 10 15 Km

AMBIENT AIR QUALITY MONITORING (CANADA)

A2-20
SOURCE EMISSION MONITORING

Responsible Agency: Saskatchewan Environment and Public Safety
T.I

R.27

/N\

SCALE

500 1000 METRES

0.5 1.0 MILE

SOURCE EMISSION MONITORING

U.S.

A

A2- 22

POPLAR RIVER

COOPERATIVE MONITORING ARRANGEMENT

TECHNICAL MONITORING SCHEDULES

1992

UNITED STATES

A2- 23
STREAMFLOW MONITORING

Responsible Agency: United States Geological Survey
SCALE

5 10 15 Km

HYDROMETRIC GAUGING STATIONS (UNITED STATES)

A2-25

5 10 15 Km

1 5 10 Miles

SURFACE WATER QUALITY MONITORING STATIONS (UNITED STATES)

A2- 27
GROUND WATER QUALITY MONITORING - Station Locations

Responsible Agency: Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology
"^

GROUND WATER QUALITY MONITORING (UNITED STATES)

A2- 29
GROUND WATER LEVELS TO MONITOR POTENTIAL

DRAWDOWN DUE TO COAL SEAM DEWATERING

Responsible Agency: Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology
15 Km

10 Miles GROUNDWATER PIEZOMETERS TO MONITOR POTENTIAL DRAWDOWN DUE TO COAL SEAM DEWATERING

A2- 31

ANNEX 3

REPORTS REVIEWED DURING 1991

BY THE POPLAR RIVER BILATERAL MONITORING COMMITTEE

A3- 1
REPORTS REVIEWED DURING 1991

BY THE POPLAR RIVER BILATERAL MONITORING COMMITTEE

Collerson, K.D., D.J. Gregor, D. McNaughton and A.S. Baweja, 1991, Effect of Coal

Dewatering and Coal use on the Water Quality of the East Poplar River,

Saskatchewan: A Literature Review, Regina, Saskatchewan, Inland Waters

Directorate, Scientific Series No. 177, 58 pp.

Integrated Environments Ltd., March 31 , 1991 , The use of the Tydac SPANS GIS in the assessment and review of pesticide residues detected in surface waters of the Prairie Provinces and the Northwest Territories, Calgary Alberta, 138 pp.

Phillips, Glenn R., Patricia A. Medvick, Donald R. Skaar and Denise E. Knight, 1987,

Factors affecting the mobilization, transport and bioavailability of mercury in reservoirs of the Upper Missouri River Basin, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,

Technical Report 10, 64 pp.

A3 -2
ANNEX 4

RECOMMENDED FLOW APPORTIONMENT

IN THE POPLAR RIVER BASIN

BY THE INTERNATIONAL SOURIS-RED RIVERS ENGINEERING BOARD,

POPLAR RIVER TASK FORCE (1976)

A4- 1
* RECOMMENDED FLOW APPORTIONMENT

IN THE POPLAR RIVER BASIN

The aggregate natural flow of all streams and tributaries in the Poplar River Basin

crossing the International Boundary shall be divided equally between Canada and the United States subject to the following conditions:

1

.

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

2. The total natural flow of all remaining streams and tributaries in the Poplar River

Basin crossing the International Boundary shall be divided equally between

Canada and the United States. Specific conditions of this division are as follows:

(a) Canada shall deliver to the United States a minimum of 60 percent of the

natural flow of the Middle Fork Poplar River at the International Boundary, as determined below the confluence of Goose Creek and Middle Fork.

(b) The delivery of water from Canada to the United States on the East Poplar

River shall be determined on or about the first day of June of each year as

follows:

(I) When the total natural flow of the Middle Fork Poplar River, as

determined below the confluence of Goose Creek, during the immediately preceding March 1st to May 31st period does not exceed 4,690 cubic decameters (3,800 acre-feet), then a continuous

minimum flow of 0.028 cubic metres per second (1 .0 cubic feet per

second.) shall be delivered to the United States on the East Poplar

River at the International Boundary throughout the succeeding 12 month period commencing June 1st. In addition, a volume of 370

cubic decameters (300 acre-feet) shall be delivered to the United

States upon demand at any time during the 12 month period

commencing June 1st.

(ii) When the total natural flow of the Middle Fork Poplar River, as

determined below the confluence of Goose Creek, during the immediately preceding March 1st to May 31st period is greater than

4,690 cubic decameters (3,800 acre-feet), but does not exceed

* 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.

A4- 2
9,250 cubic decameters (7,500 acre-feet), then a continuous minimum flow

of 0.057 cubic metres per second (2.0 cubic feet per second) shall be

delivered to the United States on the East Poplar River at the International Boundary during the succeeding period June 1st through August 31st. A

minimum delivery of 0.028 cubic metres per second (1.0 cubic feet per second) shall then be maintained from September 1st through to May 31st

of the following year. In addition, a volume of 617 cubic decameters (500

acre-feet) shall be delivered to the United States upon demand at any time

during the 12-month period commencing June 1st.

(iii) When the total natural flow of the Middle Fori< Poplar River, as determined

below the confluence of Goose Creek, during the immediately preceding

March 1 st to May 31 st period is greater than 9,250 cubic decameters (7,500

acre-feet), but does not exceed 14,800 cubic decameters (12,000 acrefeet), 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 1 st through to May 31 st of the following year. In addition, a volume of 617 cubic decameters (500 acre-feet) shall be delivered to the United States upon demand at any time during the 12 month period

commencing June 1st.

(iv) When the total natural flow of the Middle Fork Poplar, as determined below

the confluence of Goose Creek, during the immediately preceding March

1st to May 31st period exceeds 14,800 cubic decameters (12,000 acresfeet) 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 1 st through to May 31 st of the following year. In addition, a volume of 1 ,230 cubic decameters (1 ,000 acre-feet) shall be delivered to the United States upon demand at any time during the 12-month period

commencing June 1st.

(c) The natural flow at the International Boundary in each of the remaining

individual tributaries shall not be depleted by more than 60 percent of its natural flow. The natural flow and division periods for apportionment purposes shall be

determined, unless othenwise specified, for periods of time commensurate with the uses and requirements of both countries.

A4- 3

ANNEX 5

LEACHATE REVIEW

A5- 1
A5-2
i^

A5-3
A5 - 4
A5- 5
GO

[Y

A5-6
n

A5-7
/

/ A5 - 8

< <]

i/i

A5- 10
CO

CL

<I <

in

ail A5- 11
cif
Q-

<1 <]

OJ

^j

A5- 13
A5- 14
C-0

A5- 15
A5- 16
C/0

Cl

A5- 17
<:

[
A5- 19

ANNEX 6

METRIC CONVERSIONS

A6- 1
METRIC CONVERSION FACTORS

ac - 4,047 m^ - 0.04047 ha

ac-ft - 1,233.5 m' -1.2335 dam' ' C - 5/9(F''-32) cm - 0.3937 in.

cm* - 0.155 in^

dam' - 1,000 m'- 0.8107 ac-ft

If - 28.3171 X 10'm'

ha - 10.000 m'- 2.471 ac hm - 100 m -328.08 ft

hm* - 1x10*m'

l.gpm - 0.0758 Us

in - 2.54 cm

kg - 2.20462 lb - 1.1 X 10' tons km - 0.62137 miles

km* - 0.3861 mf*

L - 0.3532 ft' -0.21997 I. gal -0.26420 U.S. gal Us m 0.035 cfs- 13.193 l.gpm = 15.848 U.S. gpm m - 3.2808 ftm^ = 1 0.7636 ft^

m* - 1,000 L- 35.3144 ft' -219.97 I. gal- 264.2 U.S. gal

m'/8 - 35.314 cfs mm - 0.00328 ft

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

U.S. gpm . 0.0631 L/s

For Air Samples ppm - 100 pphm - 1000 x (Molecular Weight of substance/24.45) mg/m'

A6-2