s

333.91 M26prar

2001 2001 ANNUAL REPORT

to the

GOVERNMENTS OF CANADA, UNITED STATES,

SASKATCHEWAN AND MONTANA

TATE DOCUMENTS COLLECTION

DEC V 2002 MONTANA STATE LIBRARY

1515 E. 6th AVE. "^LENA, MONTANA 59620

by the

POPLAR RIVER

BILATERAL MONITORING

COMMITTEE

COVERING CALENDAR YEAR 2001

RIVER

October 2002
MONTANA STATE LIBRARY

3 0864 1001 6672
2001 ANNUAL REPORT

to the

GOVERNMENTS OF CANADA, UNITED STATES,

SASKATCHEWAN, AND MONTANA

by the

POPLAR RIVER BILATERAL MONITORING COMMITTEE

COVERING CALENDAR YEAR 2001

October 2002

Poplar River Bilateral Monitoring Committee

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

Governor's Office

State of Montana

Helena, Montana, United States

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Saskatchewan Environment and

Resource Management

Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada

Herein is tiae 2 1 st Annual Report of the Poplar River Bilateral Monitoring Committee. This report discusses the Committee activities of 2001 and presents the proposed schedule for the year 2002.

During 2001, the Poplar River Bilateral Monitoring Committee continued to fulfil the responsibilities assigned by the governments under the Poplar River Cooperative Monitoring Agreement dated September

23, 1980. Through exchange of Diplomatic Notes in March 1987, July 1992, and July 1997, the Arrangement was extended. The Monitoring Committee requested another extension through 2007.

The enclosed report summarizes current water-quality conditions and compares them to guidelines for

specific parameter values that were developed by the International Joint Commission imder the 1977

Reference fi-om Canada and the United States. After evaluation of the monitoring information for 2001, the Committee finds that the measured conditions meet the recommended objectives. The Committee notes that the flow-weighted concentration of total dissolved solids in streamflow in the East Poplar River at the

International Boundary remains close to the long-term objective of 1,000 milligrams per litre, but did not exceed the objective in 2001.

Based on UC recommendations, the United States was entitled to an on-demand release of 370 dam^ (300

acre-feet) fi-om Cookson Reservoir in 2001. A volume of 385 dam^ (312 acre-feet) was delivered to the United States during this period. In addition, most daily flows in 2001 met or exceeded the minimimi flow recommended by the UC.

During 2001, monitoring continued in accordance with Technical Monitoring Schedules outlined in the

1 992 Annual Report of the Poplar River Bilateral Monitoring Committee.

Yours sincerely.

Robert Davis

Chairman, United States SectifJh Richard KellowChairman, United States SectifJh Chairman, Chairman, Canadian Canadian Section Section

Japk^tults Chuck Bosgoed /

Member. United States Section Member. Canadian Section Chuck Bosgoed

Member,

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Highlights for 2001 iii

1.0 Introduction 1

2.0 Committee Activities 2

2.1 Membership 2

2.2 Meetings 2

2.3 Review of Water-Quality Objectives 3

2.4 Data Exchange .....4

3.0 Water and Air: Monitoring and Interpretations 6

3.1 Poplar River Power Station Operation 6

3.2 East Poplar River 6

3.2.1 Streamflow 6

3.2.2 Apportionment 7

3.2.3 Minimum Flows 7

3.2.4 On-Demand Release 8

3.2.5 Water Quality 9

3.2.5.1 Total Dissolved Solids 10

3.2.5.2 Boron 14

3.2.5.3 Other Water-Quality Variables 17

3.3 Groundwater 19

3.3.1 Operations 19

3.3.2 Ground-Water Monitoring 21

3.3.2.1 Saskatchewan 21

3.3.2.2 Montana 25

3.3.3 Ground-Water Quality 27

3.3.3.1 Saskatchewan 27

3.3.3.2 Montana 31

3.4 Cookson Reservoir 32

3.4.1 Storage 32

3.4.2 Water Quality 34

3.5 Air Quality 34

3.6 Quality Control 34

3.6.1 Streamflow 34

3.6.2 Water Quality 35 ANNEXES

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

2.0 Poplar River Cooperative Monitoring Arrangement, Technical Monitoring Schedules, 2001, Canada-United States A2

3.0 Recommended Flow Apportionment in the Poplar River Basin A3

4.0 Metric Conversion Factors A4
TABLES

Table 2.

1

Water-Quality Objectives 5 Table 3.

1

Recommended Water-Quality Objectives and Excursions, 2001 Sampling

Program, East Poplar River at International Boimdary 18 Table 3.2 Water-Quality Statistics for Water Pumped from Supplementary Water Supply Project Wells 27

Table 3.3 Water-Quality Statistics for Water Pumped from Salinity Confrol Project Wells Sampled at the Discharge Pipe 28

Table 3.4 Cookson Reservoir Storage Statistics for 2001 32

Table 3.5 Sfreamflow Measurement Results for July 16, 2001 35

Table 3.6 East Poplar River Joint Water-Quality Sample Results for August 14, 2001 36

FIGURES

Figure 3.1 Discharge during 2001 as Compared with the Median Discharge from

1931-2000 for the Poplar River at International Boundary 6

Figure 3.2 Flow Hydrograph of the East Poplar River at International Boundary 8 Figure 3.3 Cumulative Volume Hydrograph of On-Demand Release 9

Figure 3.4 TDS Concenfration for 2001 Grab Samples from East Poplar River at International Boundary 1

1

Figure 3.5 Three-Month Moving Flow-Weighted TDS Concenfration for East Poplar River at International Boundary 1

1

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

at International Boimdary 13 Figure 3.7 Daily TDS Concenfration, 1990 to 2001, East Poplar River at International Boimdary 13 Figure 3.8 Boron Concenfration for 2001 Grab Samples from East Poplar River at International Boundary 15 Figure 3.9 Three-Month Moving Flow-Weighted Boron Concenfration for East Poplar River at International Boimdary 15 Figure 3.10 Five-Year Moving Flow-Weighted Boron Concenfration for East Poplar River at International Boundary 16 Figure 3.11 Daily Boron Concentration, 1 990 to 2001 , East Poplar River at International Boundary 16 Figure 3.12 Supplementary Water Supply 19 Figure 3.13 Pumpagefrom Salinity Confrol Project 21 Figure 3.14 Drawdown for Hart Seam Aquifer as of December 2001 23

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

as of December 2001 24

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

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

Figure 3.18 Total Dissolved Solids in Samples from Montana Wells 31 Figure 3.19 Cookson Reservoir Daily Mean Water Levels for 200 1 and Median

Daily Water Levels, 1981-1991 33
HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2001

The Poplar River Power Station completed its eighteenth full year of operation in 2001. The two

300-megawatt coal-fired units generated 4,354,900 gross megawatt hours (MW/h) of electricity. The average capacity factors for Units No. 1 and 2 were 74.6 percent and 88.4 percent,

respectively. The capacity factors are based on the maximum generating rating of 305 MW/h for both Unit No. 1 and Unit No. 2.

Monitoring information collected in both Canada and the United States during 2001 was exchanged

in the spring of 2002. In general, the sampling locations, fi-equency of collection, and parameters met the requirements identified in the 2001 Technical Monitoring Schedules set forth in the 2000

annual report.

The recorded volume of the Poplar River at International Boundary fi-om March 1 to May 31, 2001 was 4,790 dam'' (3,880 acre-feet). Based on International Joint Commission (IJC) recommendations and the assumption that the recorded flow is the natural flow, the United States was

entitled to a minimvim discharge on the East Poplar River of 0.057 cubic metres per second (m^/s)

(2.0 cubic feet per second (ftVs)) for the period June 1, 2001 to August 31, 2001 and 0.028 m^/s

(1.0 ft^/s) for the period September 1, 2001 to May 31, 2002. The minimum flow of 0.028 m^/s

(1.0 ft^/s) for the period January 1 to May 31, 2001 had previously been determined on the basis of

the Poplar River flow volume for March 1 to May 31, 2000. Except for August 7, 1 1, and 12, daily flows in 2001 met or exceeded the minimum flow recommended by the IJC.

In addition to the minimum flow, the IJC apportionment recommendation entitles the United States

to an on-demand release to be delivered on the East Poplar River during the twelve-month period

commencing June 1. Based on the runoff volume of 2,080 dam^ (1,690 acre-feet) recorded at the Poplar River at International Boundary gauging station for March 1 through May 31, 2000, the United States was entifled to an additional release of 370 dam'' (300 acre-feet) fi-om Cookson

Reservoir during the succeeding twelve-month period commencing June 1, 2000. Montana

requested this release to be made between May 1 and May 31, 2001. A volume of 385 dam^ (312

acre-feet), in addition to the minimum flow, was delivered during this period.

The 2001 five-year total dissolved solids (TDS) flow-weighted concentrations were below the long-term objective of 1,000 milligrams per litre (mg/L). The maximum monthly value calculated

in 2001 was 948 mg/L, which was less than in 2000. Boron concentrations for 2001 continued to remain well below the long-term objective of 2.5 mg/L.

lU

1.0 INTRODUCTION

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

the Governments of Canada and the United States under the Poplar River Cooperative Monitoring

Arrangement dated September 23, 1980. A copy of the Arrangement is attached to this report as Annex

1. Through exchange of Diplomatic Notes, the Arrangement was extended in March 1987, July 1992, and July 1997. The current extension expires in March 2002. A more detailed account of the historical background of the Monitoring Arrangement is contained in the 1990 Annual Report of the Poplar River

Bilateral Monitoring Committee.

The Committee oversees monitoring programs designed to evaluate the potential for transboundary

impacts fi-om SaskPower's (formerly Saskatchewan Power Corporation) coal-fired thermal generating

station and ancillary operations near Coronach, Saskatchewan. Monitoring is conducted in Canada and

the United States at or near the International Boundary for quantity and quality of surface and ground

water and for air quality. Participants fi-om both countries, including Federal, State and Provincial

agencies, are involved in monitoring.

The Committee submits an annual report to Governments which summarizes the monitoring results, evaluates apparent trends, and compares the data to objectives or standards recommended by the hitemational Joint Commission (IJC) to Governments, or relevant State, Provincial, or Federal

standards. The Committee reports to Governments on a calendar year basis. The Committee is also responsible for drawing to the attention of Governments definitive changes in monitored parameters

which may require immediate attention.

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

countries and make recommendations to Governments on the Technical Monitoring Schedules. The

Schedules are updated annually for new and discontinued programs and for modifications in sampling

frequencies, parameter lists, and analytical techniques of ongoing programs. The Technical Monitoring

Schedules listed in the annual report (Annex 2) are given for the forthcoming year. The Committee will continue to review and propose changes to the Technical Monitoring Schedules as information requirements change.
2.0 COMMITTEE ACTIVITIES

2.1 Membership

The Committee is composed of representatives of the Governments of the United States of America and

Canada, the State Government of Montana, and the Provincial Government of Saskatchewan, hi addition to the representatives of Governments, two ex-officio members serve as local representatives

for the State of Montana and Province of Saskatchewan.

During 2001, the members of the Committee included: Mr. R. Davis, U.S. Geological Survey, United

States representative and Cochair; Mr. R. Kellow, Environment Canada, Canadian representative and

Cochair; Mr. J. Stults, Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, Montana

representative; Mr. C. Bosgoed, Saskatchewan Environment, Saskatchewan representative; Mr. C.W.

Tande, Daniels County Commissioner, Montana local ex-officio representative; and Mr. J.R. Totten, Reeve, R.M. of Hart Butte, Saskatchewan local ex-officio representative.

2.2 Meetin2s

The Committee met on August 28, 2001, in Helena, Montana. Delegated representatives of

Governments, with the exception of the two ex-officio members from Montana and Saskatchewan,

attended the meeting. In addition to Committee members, several technical advisors representing

Federal, State, and Provincial agencies participated in the meeting. During the meeting, the Committee

reviewed the operational status of the Poplar River Power Station and associated coal-mining activities; examined data collected in 2000 including surface-water quality and quantity, grotmd-water quality and

quantity, and air quality; established the Technical Monitoring Schedules for the year 2002; and

discussed proposed changes in water-quality objectives and the possibility of replacing the flow- weighting method currently used to compute total dissolved solids and boron.
2.3 Review of Water-Quality Objectives

The International Joint Commission in its Report to Governments, titled "Water-Quality in the Poplar River Basin", recommended that the Committee "periodically review the water-quality objectives with

the overall Basin context and recommend new and revised objectives as appropriate", hi 1991, an action item from the annual Committee meeting set in motion the review and revision of the water-quality

objectives.

In 1993, the Conmiittee approved changes in water-quality objectives recommended by the subcommittee that was formed in 1992 to review the objectives. The Committee also discussed the water-quality objectives for 5-year and 3-month flow-weighted concentrations for total dissolved solids and boron. Although the Committee agreed that calculation procedures to determine flow-weighted

concentrations are time consuming and probably scientifically questionable, no consensus was reached on alternative objectives or procedures.

In 1997, the Committee agreed to suspend the monitoring and reporting of several parameters. The

parameters affected were: dissolved aluminum, un-ionized ammonia, total chromium, dissolved copper, mercury in fish tissues, fecal coliform, and total coliform. The Committee also agreed to other minor

revisions for clarification purposes. For example, changing the designation for pH from "natural" to "ambient".

In 1 999, the Committee replaced the term "discontinued" with "suspended" in Table 2. 1

.

The Committee decided this year to suspend the monitoring of dissolved mercury and total copper. This

decision to suspend these parameters was based on data indicating concentrations or levels well below

or within the objectives. Current objectives approved by the Committee are listed in Table 2. 1

.

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

participating governments or from Committee members.
2.4 Data Exchange

The Committee is responsible for assuring exchange of data between governments. The exchange of

monitoring information was initiated in the first quarter of 1981 and was an expansion of the informal

quarterly exchange program initiated between the United States and Canada in 1976. Until 1991, data were exchanged on a quarterly basis. At the request of the Committee, the United States and Canada

agreed to replace the quarterly exchange of data with an annual exchange effective at the beginning of

the 1992 calendar year. Henceforth, data will be exchanged once each year as soon after the end of the calendar year as possible. However, unusual conditions or anomalous information will be reported and exchanged whenever warranted. No unusual conditions occurred during 2001 which warranted special

reporting.
Table 2.1 Water-Quality Objectives

Parameter
3.0 WATER AND AIR: MONITORING AND INTERPRETATIONS

3.1 Poplar River Power Station Operation

In 2001, the two 300-megawatt coal-fired units generated 4,354,900 gross megawatt hours (MW/h) of

electricity. The average capacity factors for Unit No. 1 and 2 were 74.6 percent and 88.4 percent,

respectively. The capacity factors are based on the maximum generating rating of 305 MW/h for both

Unit No. 1 and Unit No. 2.

3.2 East Poplar River

3.2.1 Streamflow

Streamflow in the Poplar River basin was below normal in 2001. The March to October recorded flow of the Poplar River at International Boundary, an indicator of natural flow in the basin, was 5,540 cubic decametres (dam^) (4,490 acre-feet), which was 55 percent of the 1931 to 2000 median seasonal flow. A comparison of 2001 monthly mean discharge with the 1931-2000 median discharge is shown in Figure 3.1.

O -Median of Monthly Mean Discharge for 1931-2000 -O^Monthly Mean Discharge for 2001

Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep

40

35 1

oI

I

25 I

30

20 I

o

15^.

10

Oct

Figure 3.1 Discharge during 2001 as Compared with the Median Discharge from

1931-2000 for the Poplar River at International Boundary.
The 2001 recorded flow volume of the East Poplar River at International Boundary was 2,510 dam''

(2,030 acre-feet). This volume is 80 percent of the median annual flow since the completion of

Morrison Dam in 1975.

3.2.2 Apportionment

In 1976 the International Souris-Red Rivers Engineering Board, through its Poplar River Task Force, completed an investigation and made a recommendation to the Governments of Canada and the United

States regarding the apportionment of waters of the Poplar River basin. Although not officially adopted

by the two countries, the Poplar River Bilateral Monitoring Committee has adhered to the Apportion- ment Recommendations in each of its annual reports. Annex 3 contains the apportiorunent

recommendation.

3.2.3 Minimum Flows

The recorded volume of the Poplar River at International Boundary from March 1 to May 31, 2001 was

4,790 dam"' (3,880 acre-feet). Based on IJC recommendations and the assumption that the recorded flow

is the natural flow, the United States was entitled to a minimum discharge on the East Poplar River of

0.057 cubic metres per second (m''/s) (2.0 cubic feet per second (ft^/s)) for the period June 1, 2001 to August 31, 2001 and 0.028 m^/s (1.0 ft^/s) for the period September 1, 2001 to May 31, 2002. The

minimum flow for the period January 1 to May 31, 2001 was 0.028 m^/s (1.0 ft''/s), determined on the

basis of the Poplar River flow volume for March 1 to May 31, 2000. A hydrograph for the East Poplar River at International Boimdary and the minimum flow as recommended by the IJC are shown in Figure

3.2.

Daily flows during 2001 met or exceeded the minimum flow recommended by the IJC throughout the

year except for August 7, 1 1, and 12, when daily flows fell slightly below the recommended minimum.
0.01 ><>>c c-s raoaatt O O $ S Z Z Q 9

CO »^ O) r* 2001

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

3.2.4 On-Demand Release

In addition to the minimum flow, the IJC apportionment recommendation entitles Montana to an on- demand release to be delivered on the East Poplar River during the twelve-month period commencing

June 1. Based on the runoff volume of 2,080 dam^ (1,690 acre-feet) recorded at the Poplar River at

International Boundary gauging station during the March 1 to May 31, 2000 period, Montana was

entitled to an additional release of 370 dam^ (300 acre-feet) from Cookson Reservoir during the succeeding twelve-month period commencing June 1 , 2000. Montana requested this release to be made

between May 1 and May 31, 2001. A volume of 385 dam^ (312 acre-feet), in addition to the minimum

flow, was delivered during this period. A hydrograph showing cumulative volume of the on-demand

release request and on-demand release delivery made at the East Poplar River at International Boundary

is shown in Figure 3.3
450

S 400

i 350

300 O 250

200

1 100

350

-On-Demand Release Delivery On-Demand Release Request

2001

Figure 3.3 Cumulative Volume Hydrograph of On-Demand Release.

3.2.5 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 IDSfor any three consecutive months in the East Poplar River at the International Boundary. For the March to October period, the long-term average offlow-weighted concentrations should be 2.5 mg/L or less for boron, and 1000 mg/L or less for TDS in the East Poplar River at the International Boundary.

For the period prior to 1982, three-month moving flow-weighted concentration (FWC) for boron and

total dissolved solids (TDS) was calculated solely from monthly monitoring results. Since the beginning

of 1982, the USGS has monitored specific conductance daily in the East Poplar River at the

International Boundary, making it possible to derive boron and TDS concentration using a linear regression relationship with specific conductance. Thus, the three-month FWC for boron and TDS for the period 1982 to 2001 was calculated from both the results of monthly monitoring (grab samples
10

collected by both Canada and the United States) and the statistical analysis of daily specific conductance

readings collected by the USGS.

The Bilateral Monitoring Committee adopted the approach that, for the ptirpose of comparison with the proposed IJC long-term objectives, the boron and TDS data are best plotted as a five-year moving FWC

which is advanced one month at a time.

Prior to 1 988, long-term averages were calculated for a five-year period in which 2.5 years preceded and

2.5 years followed each plotted point. Beginning in 1988, the FWC was calculated fi"om the five-year

period preceding each plotted point. For example, the FWC for December 2001 is calculated fi-om data generated over the period December 1995 to December 2001. The calculations are based on the results of samples collected throughout the year, and are not restricted to only those collected during the months

bracketing the period of irrigation (March to October) each year.

3.2.5.1 Total Dissolved Solids

TDS is inversely related to streamflow at the International Boundary station. During periods of high

runoff such as spring fi-eshet, TDS decreases as the proportion of streamflow derived fi-om ground water

decreases. Conversely, during times of low streamflow (late summer, winter) the contribution of ground

water to streamflow is proportionally greater. Because ground water has a higher ionic strength than the

surface water entering the river, the TDS of the stream increases markedly during low flow conditions.

TDS grab-sample data collected by Environment Canada and the USGS in 2001 are shown in Figure

3.4. The TDS ranged fi"om 881 mg/L on March 23 and May 30 to 1,055 mg/L on January 26. The

proposed short-term objective for TDS is 1,500 mg/L. A time plot of the three-month moving FWC for TDS is presented in Figure 3.5.
11

Figure 3.4: TDS Concentration for 2001 Grab Samples from East Poplar River

at International Boundary

1100

^,_^
12

The TDS objective has not been exceeded during the period of record. On inspection of the plot, it is apparent that the three-month moving FWC has been increasing gradually, year by year, up until the spring runoff of 1997, when an exceptionally heavy snowmelt contributed sufficient water of low ionic

strength to the river and the reservoir to dilute the accumulated salts built up in the system. Dissolvedsolids concentrations in 2001 decreased from January through the spring runoff period and then

gradually increased through December to near the concentration observed at the beginning of 2001

.

The five-year moving FWC for TDS (Figure 3.6) did not exceed the long-term objective of 1,000 mg/L

in 2001 . The maximum monthly value calculated in 2001 was 948 mg/L, which is less than the previous year maximum monthly value of 972 mg/L.

The daily TDS values, as generated by linear regression from the daily specific-conductance readings,

from January 1990 through December 2001 are shown in Figure 3.7. The data show an abrupt drop in TDS corresponding to the snowmelt runoff occurring during the spring of each year.

Note: There were no daily conductance data from September 13-30, 2001 and from October 1-24, 2001, inclusive. Therefore, the monthly representation samples usedfor September and October 2001 were the means calculated based on the recorded partial data for these two months. No gaps or voids

werefilled.

The relationship between TDS and specific conductance applied to data collected from 1975 to 2001 is

as follows:

TDS = (0.626 X specific conductance) + 31.542

(R^ = 0.85, n = 555)
13

1200

1000

^ 800

^ 600

ffl 400

200

Figure 3.6: Five-Year l\^oving Flow-Weighted TDS Concentration for East Poplar River

at International Boundary
14

3.2.5.2 Boron

Figure 3.8 shows that during 2001, boron concentrations in the East Poplar River at International Boundary varied from 1.32 (May 30) to 2.01 mg/L (December 10).

The three-month moving FWC for boron for the period of record is shown in Figure 3.9. The short-term

objective of 3.5 mg/L has not been exceeded over the period 1975 to 2001. It can be seen that the data derived from grab samples and that derived from regression with specific conductance are similar, with

the highs and lows in some degree of correspondence. This suggests that the regression generation of boron and TDS values is, in general terms, a valid procedure despite problems which arise from

attempting to generate representative concenfration and flow data for an entire month, based on a limited number of samples.

The five-year moving FWC for boron displayed in Figure 3.10 remained well below the long-term

objective of 2.5 mg/L. From mid- 1993 to the end of the data period there is a distinct drop in the computed boron concentrations.

It is apparent that TDS is better-correlated with specific conductance than is boron. Boron is a relatively

minor ion, and does not in itself contribute to a large degree to the total load of dissolved constituents in

the water. Accordingly, it appears likely that the standard deviation of dissolved boron (relative to the long-term mean boron concentration) may be greater than that of the major cations (sodium, potassium,

and magnesium) and anions (sulphate, bicarbonate, and chloride) around their respective long-term mean concenfrations. Daily boron concenfrations for the period January 1990 through December 2001

are shown in Figure 3.11.

The relationship between boron and specific conductance applied to data collected from 1975 to 2001 is

as follows:

boron = (0.0012 x specific conductance) - 0.034 (R^ = 0.58, n = 555)
15

Figure 3.8: Boron Concentration for 2001 Grab Samples from East Poplar River at International Boundary

2.2

» 1 .99 -<> 2.01

^1.8

-§- 1.65 S 1.6

1.83 » 1 7A

1.85 1.86

1.77

1.72

I

1.4

1.2

1.43 1.48

1.32

0.8 ^

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

River at International Boundary
16

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

at International Boundary

2.5

& 1.5

0.5
17

3.2.5.3 Other Water-Quality Variables

Table 3.1 contains the multipurpose water-quality objectives for the East Poplar River at hitemational Boundary, recommended by the International Poplar River Water Quality Board to the IJC. The table shows the number of samples collected for each parameter and the number of times over the course of

the year that the objectives were exceeded. In the table, multiple replicate samples collected during the annual quality control exercise are treated as a single sample, but where an objective was exceeded in a

replicate sample, this is charged against the single sample noted. As the table shows, all parameters were

within the appropriate objectives.
18

Table 3.1 Recommended Water-Quality Objectives and Excursions, East Poplar River at International Boundary (units in mg/L,
19

3.3 Ground Water

3.3.1 Operations

SaskPower's supplementary supply continued to operate during 2001. The majority of groimd-water

production occurred during the fall to spring period. This is a typical operational pattern for the project and is done to minimize water losses. However, pumping was maintained through the 2001 summer

period due to low spring runoff. In 2001, ground-water production increased to 5,307 dam"' from the 2000 total of 4,907 dam^ total. Production from 1991 to 2001 has now averaged 5,051 dam^ per year.

Prior to 1991, the wells used for supplementary supply were part of a dewatering network for coal- mining operations. This resulted in the high production levels experienced in the early to mid 1 980's. With the drought of the late 1980's and early 1990's, it was evident that there was a continued need for ground water to supplement water levels in Cookson Reservoir. Consequently the wells were taken over by SaskPower for use as a supplementary supply.

Poplar River Power Station - Suppiementary Supply

1974 1976 1978 1980 1982 1984 1986 1988 1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002

Figure 3.12 Supplementary Water Supply
20

SaskPower has an approval for the supplementary supply project to produce an annual volume of 5,500

dam^/year. This approval was extended by Sask Water in 1996. Future revisions to the approval will

likely include conditions requiring termination of pumping (with the exception of wells supplying

domestic users) when the reservoir is above a specified level.

SaskPower's supplementary supply well network currently consists of 21 wells with a total of 10 discharge points. No wells were added or deleted from the well field during the year.

hi addition to the supplementary supply, SaskPower also operates the Soil Salinity Project, which is

located south of Morrison Dam. The project was initiated in 1989 to alleviate soil salinity which had

developed below the dam. The salinity project consists of a network of production wells which

discharge into the cooling water canal, which in turn discharges to Cookson Reservoir. Operation of the

salinity project continued in 2001 with production of 819.4 dam"' of ground water. This was greater than

the 2000 production level of 675.9 dam^, but still below the average annual production of 880 dam^/year

since the project inception in 1990. Production remains below optimal levels due to ongoing mechanical

problems in the production wells. An ongoing well rehabilitation program is expected to restore production to the levels achieved in the early 1 990's.

Approximately 58 percent of the total volume pumped came fi"om wells PW87103 and PW87104 which

are located on the east side of the river and the remainder was produced fi-om PW90109 and PW90107

on the west side of the river.
21

Poplar River Power Station - Salinity Project

1200

1100

1000 I""

I

800

700 n

3u

c 600 1 500

» 400

200

100

1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1996 1999 2000 2001 2002

Year

Figure 3.13 Pumpage from Salinity Control Project

3.3.2 Ground-Water Monitoring

3.3.2.1 Saskatchewan

In 1996 nineteen new piezometers were installed in the Hart Coal Seam and a further eighteen

piezometers from the Frenchman aquifer testing program were added to the supplementary supply

monitoring network that year. With these extensive additions, no new piezometers have been added to

the monitoring network since that time. Currently, about 1 80 piezometers are monitored as part of this

project.

Figure 3.14 shows the drawdown in the Hart Coal seam for as of December 2001. Note that SaskPower

determined an error in their contouring for previous years. The drawdown contours on revised maps for 1999 and 2000 are similar to the contours for December 2001, with the 1-m drawdown contour extending approximately 1 kilometer south of the International Boundary. The revised drawdown

contours do not show significant changes in the cone of depression for the past several years, suggesting
22

that the system has approached a semi-equiHbrium condition. Consequently, minor drawdown

fluctuations in response to climatic and production variations can be expected.

SaskPower has undertaken a comprehensive evaluation of their entire piezometer network (including water level and water-quality piezometers). This evaluation involved compilation of geologic and

hydrogeologic data and a computer model of the area. SaskPower has asked Sask Water and Saskatchewan Environment to review the study. It is their hope that they can reduce their current monitoring levels from approximately 450 piezometers to about 150 piezometers. Sask Water intends to review and comment on the report prior to September 2002.

The goal of the Salinity Project is to lower ground-water levels in the Empress sands below Morrison

Dam to approximately pre-reservoir levels. This is equivalent to roughly two to three metres of drawdown, and was achieved by the end of 1995 and again by the end of 1996. However, reduced

production over the past six years and increased recharge from higher reservoir levels and precipitation has led to a significant contraction in the project's cone of depression. Although groimd-water

withdrawals increased over those experienced in 2000, the 2-mefre drawdown contour remains limited

to a relatively small area. Figure 3.15 shows the cone of depression in the Empress Sands as of

December 2001. There appears to be some inconsistencies which will have to be further examined.
23

Figure 3.14 Drawdown for Hart Seam Aquifer as of December 2001
24

EXPLANATION • PUMPWELL A EMPRESS

Figure 3.15 Cone of Depression in the Empress Sands Due to the Salinity Control Project as of December 2001
25

3.3.2.2 Montana

Water-levels in monitoring wells (6, 7, 9, 13, 16, 17, 19, and 22) that penetrate the Fort Union

Formation and/or Hart Coal Seam were rising during 1997 and 1998, and have leveled off or dropped

slightly during 1999, 2000, and 2001. Hydrographs of selected Fort Union/Hart Coal wells (6, 7, 17, and 1 9) are shown in figure 3.16.

Hydrograph of Selected Wells

Fort Union - Hart Coal Aquifers
26

The potentiometric surface in the Fox Hills/Hell Creek artesian aquifer (well 1 1) has shown very little

fluctuation or change throughout the 23-year (1979-2001) monitoring period.

Water levels in monitoring wells (5, 8, 10, 23, and 24) that penetrate the alluvial and/or outwash aquifer

show considerable fluctuation due to seasonal and/or pumping changes; however, they rose during the period 1996 to 1998 and leveled off during 1999, 2000, and 2001. Hydrographs of selected alluvial wells (10, 23, and 24) and Fox Hills well (11) are shown in Figure 3.17.

Hydrograph of Selected Wells

Alluvium and Fox Hills Aquifers

-3- 2430 —

^

\
27

3.3.3 Ground-Water Quality

3.3.3.1 Saskatchewan

The water quality from the Supplementary Supply Project discharge points has been consistent with no

trends indicated. A summary of the more frequently tested parameters during 2001 is provided in Table

3.2. Statistical averages of the results since 1992 are included in this table.

Table 3.2 Water-Quality Statistics for Water Pumped from Supplementary

Water Supply Project Wells*
28

Average water-quality results from the common discharge point for the Salinity Control Project for 2001, plus an average of the 1992-2001 results, are provided in Table 3.3. Results have remained

relatively consistent since 1992.

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

Sampled at the Discharge Pipe"*
29

Ground-water quality in the vicinity of the ash lagoons can potentially be affected by leachate movement through the ash lagoon liner systems. The piezometers listed in the Technical Monitoring

Schedules are used to assess leachate movement and calculate seepage rates. Piezometric water level, boron, and chloride are the chosen indicator parameters to assess leachate movement.

The ground-water monitoring program was expanded in 1994 as a result of Ash Lagoon #3 South

construction. In total, 20 new pneumatic piezometers and 28 new standpipe piezometers were

completed within their target zones. Testing of these piezometers began in 1995. The limited data so

far do not show any unusual or unexpected values.

Piezometers C867A, C868A and C871A are completed immediately above the liner system, within the ash stack of Ash Lagoon #1. The 2001 monitoring results continue to suggest confirmation of the trend

first observed in 1993 that the boron concentration decreases with depth within the ash stack. The effect of ash thickness on leachate quality is, however, not completely understood.

The chemistry of water immediately above the liner systems is therefore expected to differ fi-om the surface water of the lagoons. Meaningful information is only available from piezometers installed within Ash Lagoon #1 where ash has been deposited for many years. New piezometers C886A, C887A,

C890A and C893A have been completed above the liner system of new Ash Lagoon #3 South and are now being monitored. Monitoring of these piezometers in 2001 supports the theory that boron levels decrease with depth within the ash stacks. Future monitoring of all piezometers completed above the lagoon liner systems will continue with the piirpose of confirming the boron trend noted above and to improve the understanding of leachate quality and flow fi-om the ash lagoons.

The piezometric surface measurements for the oxidized till continue to show the presence of a groundwater mound beneath the ash lagoons. The mound extends from the west side of the Polishing Pond to the east side of Ash Lagoon No. 2. Isolated ground-water mounds have developed within the area of the oxidized ground-water mound. Piezometers located in the oxidized till suggest limited leachate activity. No seepage activity is evident in the unoxidized till.
30

The greatest changes in chloride and boron concentrations within the oxidized till have occurred where

piezometric levels have changed the most. Although increasing water levels do not automatically

suggest that the water affecting the piezometers is leachate, changing piezometric levels do suggest

ground-water movement. Oxidized till piezometers C868B and C869B located in the middle of the lagoons, between Ash Lagoon No. 1 and No.2, have shown increased piezometric levels but no chemical

information to suggest leachate influence. On the west side of the Polishing Pond, the boron levels have

changed only slightly in the oxidized till piezometers C728A and C728D, where the chloride levels have changed more significantly. The chloride level for C728A has decreased from 403 mg/L in 1983 to 253 mg/L in 2001. The chloride level for C728D has increased from 185 mg/L in 1983 to 397 mg/L in 2001. Although these piezometers are close in proximity and installed at the same level, they are being

influenced by different water. Chloride results for C728A suggest initial seepage and it is to be expected

that over time the same observation will be seen in C728D.

The piezometric surface of the Empress Gravel indicates a regional flow from northwest to southeast below Morrison Dam. As a general observation. Empress piezometers respond to changing reservoir

levels. Results for the Empress layer do not indicate seepage activity with the majority of the analyses

showing little real change in boron or chloride results.

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

remained between 25 and 38 mg/L.

Up to April 1988 the boron concenfration for C767 was increasing and peaked at 49.4 mg/L. Since this peak the boron concenfration steadily decreased to the end of 1991 where it leveled off near 5 mg/L and

has since remained with one exception, a concenfration of 1 1 .7 mg/L in October 2000.

Piezometer C712B has been monitored for several years. Historically, boron levels were below 1 mg/L.

From 1992 to 2001, boron levels have remained relatively steady around between 12 and 20 mg/L.
31

3.3.3.2 Montana

Samples were collected from monitoring wells 7, 16, and 24 during 2001. Well 7 is completed in Hart

Coal, well 16 is completed in the Fort Union Formation, and well 24 is completed in alluvium. No

significant changes in TDS were observed in monitoring wells. Changes in total dissolved solids with

time for the above wells are shown in Figure 3.18.

Total Dissolved Solids

Figure 3.18 Total Dissolved Solids in Samples from Montana Wells.
32

3.4 Cookson Reservoir

3.4.1 Storage

On January 1, 2001, Cookson Reservoir storage was 33,000 dam^ or 76% of the full supply volume. The 2001 maximum, minimum, and period elevations and volumes are shown in Table 3.4.

Inflows into the reservoir were below normal in 2001. A release was initiated in May to meet the recommended Poplar River basin demand release for the 2000-2001 apportionment year. No releases

were required to maintain the recommended apportionment target flow at the International Boundary for

the remainder of the year.

In addition to runoff, reservoir levels were augmented by ground-water pumping. Wells in the

abandoned west block mine site supplied 5,307 dam^ to Girard Creek. It is estimated that approximately

70% of this flow volume reached Cookson Reservoir. Wells in the soil salinity project area supplied

819 dam^

Table 3.4 Cookson Reservoir Storage Statistics for 2001

Date
33

The Poplar River Power Station is dependent on water from Cookson Reservoir for cooling. Power

plant operation is not adversely affected until reservoir levels drop below 749.0 metres. The dead

storage level for cooling water used in the generation process is 745.0 metres. The 2001 recorded levels

and associated operating levels are shown in Figure 3.19.

2001 Cookson Rassrvoir

Dally Mean Witw Laval*
34

3.4.2 Water Quality

The period from 1987 to 1993 saw very low volumes of surface-water runoff to Cookson Reservoir. Consequently, total dissolved solids (TDS) in the reservoir increased steadily from approximately 780

mg/L to over 1,800 mg/L. Since 1993, higher runoff volumes have improved reservoir water quality. Since 1997, the TDS levels in the reservoir have generally remained below 1,000 mg/L. The average TDS level in Cookson Reservoir in 2001 was 762 mg/L, up slightly from 2000 but still well below past

levels.

3.5 Air Quality

SaskPower's ambient SO2 monitoring for 2001 recorded no values greater than Saskatchewan

Environment's one-hour average standard of 0.17 ppm and three values greater than the 24-hour average

standard of 0.06 ppm, which occurred consecutively on May 8. Meteorological data shows that the wind on May 8 was strong from the south and southwest, which indicates that the exceedances were not

likely caused by plant emissions, rather, they were caused by either monitoring equipment problems or emissions from diesel-powered farm equipment in the immediate area. The ambient SO2 monitor was

replaced in January 2001. The 2001 geometric mean for the high-volume suspended-particulate sampler was 22.0 p,g/m^ and 2001 was the tenth consecutive year of below-average particulate readings. There were two exceedances of the Saskatchewan provincial standard of 120 ng/m"'/24 hours. Both

exceedances occurred in May, during spring seeding, and agricultural activities may have been the cause of the high particulate results. Meteorological data supports this condition.

3.6 Quality Control

3.6.1 Streamflow

Current-meter discharge measurements were made at the East Poplar River at International Boundary

site on July 16, 2001 by personnel from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and Environment Canada

(EC) to confirm streamflow measurement comparability. Data from the two current-meter discharge measurements are shown in Table 3.5. The measured discharges compared well with each other, but

varied about +9.0% from the theoretical discharge computation of 0.057 m''/s for the 90° V-notch weir due to poor measuring conditions.
35

Table 3.5 Streamflow Measurement Results for July 16, 2001

Agency
36
ANNEX 1

POPLAR RIVER

COOPERATIVE MONITORING ARRANGEMENT

CANADA-UNITED STATES

Al -1

September 23, 1980

POPLAR RIVER COOPERATIVE MONITORING ARRANGEMENT

I. PURPOSE

This Arrangement will provide for the exchange of data collected as described in the attached Technical Monitoring Schedules in water-quality, water quantity and air quality monitoring programs being 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 coimtry 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.

n. PARTICIPATING GOVERNMENTS

Governments and government agencies participating in the Arrangement are:

Government of Canada: Environment Canada Government of the Province of Saskatchewan: Saskatchewan Environment and Resource Management

Government of the United States of America: United States Geological Survey Government of the State of Montana: Executive Office

m. 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:

Al-2
A. Membership

The Committee will be composed of four representatives, one from each of the participating Governments. It will be jointly chaired by the Government of Canada and the Government of

the United States. There will be a Canadian Section and a United States Section. The

participating Governments will notify each other of any changes in membership on the Committee. Co-chairpersons may by mutual agreement invite agency technical experts to participate in the work of the Committee.

The Governor of the State of Montana may also appoint a chief elective official of local government to participate as an ex-officio member of the Committee in its technical

deliberations. The Saskatchewan Minister of the Environment may also appoint a similar local representative.

B. Functions of the Committee

The role of the Committee will be to fulfil the purpose of the Arrangement by ensuring the exchange of monitored data in accordance with the attached Technical Monitoring Schedules, and its collation and technical interpretation in reports to Governments on implementation of the Arrangement. In addition, the Committee will review the existing monitoring systems to ensure

their adequacy and may recommend to the Canadian and United States 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.

Al -3
2. Reports

(a) The Committee will prepare a joint Annual Report to the participating

governments, and may at any time prepare joint Special Reports.

(b) Annual Reports will

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

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

techniques);

iii) draw to the attention of the participating governments any recommendations

regarding the adequacy or redundancy of any scheduled monitoring operations and any proposals regarding modifications to the Technical Monitoring

Schedules, based on a continuing review of the monitoring programs including

analytical methods to ensure their comparability.

(c) Special Reports may, at any time, draw to the attention of participating

governments definitive changes in monitored parameters which may require

immediate attention.

(d) Preparation of Reports

Reports will be prepared following consultation with all committee members and

will be signed by all Committee members. Reports will be separately forwarded by the Committee Co-chairmen to the participating governments. All annual and

special reports will be so distributed.

Al -4
3. Activities of Canadian and United States Sections

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 coimtries any failiire to comply with a scheduled monitoring fimction 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.

Al -5
ANNEX

2

POPLAR RIVER

COOPERATIVE MONITORING ARRANGEMENT

TECHNICAL MONITORING SCHEDULES

2001

CANADA-UNITED STATES

A2-1

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PREAMBLE A2 - 3

CANADA

STREAMFLOW MONITORING A2 - 5

SURFACE-WATER-QUALITY MONITORING A2 - 7

GROUND-WATER PIEZOMETERS TO MONITOR

POTENTIAL DRAWDOWN DUE TO COAL SEAM DEWATERING

NEAR THE INTERNATIONAL BOUNDARY A2- 1

GROUND-WATER PIEZOMETER MONITORING

- POWER STATION AREA A2 - 1

2

GROUND-WATER PIEZOMETER MONITORING

- ASH LAGOON AREA

WATER LEVEL A2 - 14 WATER QUALITY A2 - 17 AMBIENT AIR-QUALITY MONITORING A2 - 22

UNITED STATES

STREAMFLOW MONITORING A2 - 25

SURFACE-WATER-QUALITY MONITORING A2 - 27

GROUND-WATER-QUALITY MONITORING A2 - 29

GROUND-WATER LEVELS TO MONITOR POTENTL\L

DRAWDOWN DUE TO COAL SEAM DEWATERING A2 - 3

1

A2-2

PREAMBLE

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

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

reporting to Governments. The structure of the Committee responsible for ensuring the exchange

takes place is described in the Poplar River Cooperative Monitoring Arrangement.

The monitoring locations and parameters listed herein have been reviewed by the Poplar River

Bilateral Monitoring Committee and represent the basic technical information needed to identify any definitive changes in water quantity, water-quality and air quality at the International Boundary. The Schedule was initially submitted to Governments for approval as an attachment

to the 1981 report to Governments. Changes in the sampling locations and parameters may be

made by Governments based on the recommendations of the Committee.

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

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

forms part of the pool of technical information which may be drawn upon by Governments for specific study purposes. Examples of additional information are water quantity, water-quality,

ground-water and air quality data collected at points in the Poplar River basin not of direct concern to the Committee. In addition, supplemental information on parameters such as vegetation, soils, fish and waterfowl populations and aquatic vegetation is also being collected on either a routine or specific studies basis by various agencies.

A2-3

POPLAR RIVER

COOPERATIVE MONITORING ARRANGEMENT

TECHNICAL MONITORING SCHEDULES

2001

CANADA

A2-4

STREAMFLOW MONITORING

Daily mean discharge or levels and instantaneous monthly extremes as normally

published in surface water data publications.

Responsible Agency: Environment Canada
Fife Lake \
SURFACE-WATER-QUALITY MONITORING

Sampling Locations

Responsible Agency: Environment Canada
PARAMETERS

Responsim^Agency^Environnie^

ENVIRODAT*

Code

Analytical Method Sampling Frequency

Station No. 6

10151
\.___ F/fe W^
GROUND-WATER PIEZOMETERS TO MONITOR POTENTIAL DRAWDOWN

DUE TO COAL-SEAM DEWATERING NEAR THE INTERNATIONAL BOUNDARY

Responsible Agency: Sask Water*
15 KILOMETERS

GROUND-WATER PIEZOMETERS TO MONITOR POTENTIAL

DRAWDOWN DUE TO COAL-SEAM DEWATERING

A2-11
GROUND-WATER PIEZOMETER MONITORING - POPLAR RIVER

POWER STATION AREA
(0 g

oi

b 2 lij < §

D. "" lU u ± S > Q^ UJ E O o

^2Q. S O

D. Q i ^ u 9 O >< lU o n
GROUND-WATER PIEZOMETER MONITORING—

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

ASH LAGOON AREA-WATER LEVEL
GROUND-WATER PTF7,OMETER MONITORING—

ASH LAGOON AREA-WATER LEVEL
Responsible Agency: Saskatchewan Environment

Data Collected by: SaskPower GROUND-WATER PTF7,0METER MONTTORINGASH LAGOON AREA - WATER QUALITY
GROUND-WATER PIEZOMETER MONTTORINGASH LAGOON AREA - WATER QUALITY
GROUND-WATER PIEZOMETER MONTTORINGASH LAGOON AREA - WATER QUALITY
A2-20
PARAMETERS

Responsible Agency: Saskatchewan Environment

Data Collected bv: SaskPower ESQUADAT* Code Analytical method Sampling Frequency Station No.: Piezometers

lOlOI
Ambient Air-Quality Monitoring

Responsible Agency: Saskatchewan Environment

Data Collected by: SaskPower
AMBIENT AIR-QUALITY MONITORING (CANADA)

A2-23

POPLAR RIVER

COOPERATIVE MONITORING ARRANGEMENT

TECHNICAL MONITORING SCHEDULES

2001

UNITED STATES

A2-24
STREAMFLOW MONITORING

Responsible Agency: U.S. Geological Survey 1
10 15 KILOMETERS

HYDROMETRIC GAUGING STATIONS (UNITED STATES)

A2-26
SURFACE-WATER-QUALITY MONITORING - Station Locations

Responsible Agency: U.S. Geological Survey 1
5 10 15 KILOMETERS

I

' T^ h

SURFACE-WATER-QUALITY MONITORING STATIONS (UNITED STATES)

A2-28
GROUND-WATER-QUALITY MONITORING - Station Locations

Responsible Agency: Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology |
5 10 15 KILOMETERS

I

'—H h

GROUND-WATER-QUALITY MONITORING (UNITED STATES)

A2-30
GROUND-WATER LEVELS TO MONITOR POTENTIAL

DRAWDOWN DUE TO COAL-SEAM DEWATERING

Responsible Agency: Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology |
15 KILOMETERS

GROUND-WATER PIEZOMETERS TO MONITOR POTENTIAL

DRAWDOWN DUE TO COAL-SEAM DEWATERING

A2-32

ANNEX

3

RECOMMENDED FLOW APPORTIONMENT

IN THE POPLAR RIVER BASIN

BY THE INTERNATIONAL SOURIS-RED RIVERS ENGINEERING BOARD,

POPLAR RIVER TASK FORCE (1976)

A3-1

RECOMMENDED FLOW APPORTIONMENT

IN THE POPLAR RIVER BASIN

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

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

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.

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 1 st to May 3 1 st period does not exceed 4,690 cubic decameters (3,800 acre-feet), then a continuous minimum flow of 0.028 cubic metres per second

(1.0 cubic foot per second) shall be delivered to the United

States on the East Poplar River at the International Boundary

throughout the succeeding 12 month period commencing June

1st. In addition, a volume of 370 cubic decameters (300 acrefeet) shall be delivered to the United States upon demand at any

time during the 1 2 month period commencing June 1 st.

(ii) When the total natural flow of the Middle Fork Poplar River, as determined below the confluence of Goose Creek, during the immediately preceding March 1st to May 31st period is greater than 4,690 cubic decameters (3,800 acre-feet), but does not exceed 9,250 cubic decameters (7,500 acre-feet),

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

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

A3-2
then a continuous minimum flow of 0.057 cubic metres per second

(2.0 cubic feet per second) shall be delivered to the United States on the East Poplar River at the International Boundary during the succeeding period June 1st through August 31st. A minimum

delivery of 0.028 cubic metres per second (1.0 cubic feet per second) shall then be maintained from September 1st through to May 3 1 St of the following year. In addition, a volume of 6 1 7 cubic decameters (500 acre-feet) shall be delivered to the United States upon demand at any time during the 12-month period commencing

June 1st.

(iii) When the total natural flow of the Middle Fork Poplar River, as determined below the confluence of Goose Creek, during the immediately preceding March 1st to May 31st period is greater than 9,250 cubic decameters (7,500 acre-feet), but does not exceed

14,800 cubic decameters (12,000 acre-feet), then a continuous minimimi 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 Boimdary during the succeeding period June 1st through August 31st. A minimum delivery of 0.057 cubic metres per second (2.0 cubic feet per second) shall then be

maintained from September 1st through to May 31st of the following year. In addition, a volume of 617 cubic decameters (500 acre-feet) shall be delivered to the United States upon demand

at any time during the 1 2 month period commencing June 1 st.

(iv) When the total natural flow of the Middle Fork Poplar, as determined below the confluence of Goose Creek, during the immediately preceding March 1st to May 31st period exceeds

14,800 cubic decameters (12,000 acre-feet) then a continuous minimum flow of 0.085 cubic metres per second (3.0 cubic feet per second) shall be delivered to the United States on the East Poplar River at the International Boundary during the succeeding period June 1st through August 31st. A minimum delivery of 0.057 cubic metres per second (2.0 cubic feet per second) shall then be

maintained from September 1st through to May 31st of the following year. In addition, a volume of 1,230 cubic decameters

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

demand at any time during the 12-month period commencing June

1st.

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

A3-3
The natural flow and division periods for apportionment purposes shall be

determined, unless otherwise specified, for periods of time commensurate with

the uses and requirements of both countries.

A3-4

ANNEX

4

METRIC CONVERSION FACTORS

A4-1

METRIC CONVERSION FACTORS

Ac