s

333.91 M26PRAR

2002

2002 ANNUAL REPORT

to the

GOVERNMENTS OF CANADA, UNITED STATES,

SASKATCHEWAN AND MONTANA

by the

POPLAR RIVER

BILATERAL MONITORING

COMMITTEE

COVERING CALENDAR YEAR 2002

'MISSOURI RIVER

STATE DOCUMENTS COLLECTION UC Z: 2003 December 2003
MONTANA STATE LIBRARY

3 0864 1002 4160 6
2002 ANNUAL REPORT

to the

GOVERNMENTS OF CANADA, UNITED STATES,

SASKATCHEWAN, AND MONTANA

by the

POPLAR RIVER BILATERAL MONITORING COMMITTEE

COVERING CALENDAR YEAR 2002

December 2003

Poplar River Bilateral Monitoring Committee

Department of State Washington. D.C.. United States Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada

Ottawa. Ontario. Canada

Governor's Office

State of Montana

Helena. Montana. United States

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Saskatchewan Environment and Resource Management

Regina, Saskatchewan. Canada

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

During 2002. the Poplar River Bilateral Monitoring Committee continued to fulfil the responsibilities assigned by the governments under the Poplar River Cooperative Monitoring Arrangement dated September

23. 1980. Through exchange of Diplomatic Notes in March 1987. July 1992. July 1997, and March 2002.

the Arrangement was extended. The Monitoring Committee Arrangement is currently extended to March

2007.

The enclosed report summarizes current water-quality conditions and compares them to guidelines for specific parameter values that were developed by the International Joint Commission under the 1977

Reference from Canada and the United States. After evaluation of the monitoring information for 2002. the Committee finds that the measured conditions meet the recommended objectives. The Committee notes that the flow-weighted concentration of total dissolved solids in streamflow in the East Poplar River at the International Boundary remains close to the long-term objective of 1.000 milligrams per litre, but did not exceed the objective in 2002.

Based on IJC recommendations, the United States was entitled to an on-demand release of 617 dam' (500

acre-feet) from Cookson Reservoir in 2002. Montana requested the release be made during May 1-31. 2002. A volume of 542 dam (439 acre-feet) was delivered to the United States during this period. In addition.

dail\ flows in 2002 met or exceeded the minmtum flow recommended by the IJC.

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

Yours sincerely.

Robert Davis Chairman. United States Section 7 /

JacK Stults Member. United States Section

^" o^ /<e^^^T.v

Richard Kellow

Chairman. Canadian Section

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Highlights for 2002 ill

1.0 Introduction 1

2.0 Committee Activities 2

2.1 Membership 2

2.2 Meetings 2

2.3 Review of Water-Quality Objectives 3 2.4 Data Exchange 4

3.0 Water and Air: Monitoring and Interpretations 6

3.1 Poplar River Power Station Operation 6

3.2 Surface Water 6

3.2.1 Streamflow 6

3.2.2 Apportionment 7

3.2.3 Minimum Flows 7 3.2.4 On-Demand Release 8

3.2.5 Surface- Water Quality 9

3.2.5.1 Total Dissolved Solids 10

3.2.5.2 Boron 14

3.2.5.3 Other Water-Quality Variables 17 33 Ground Water .' 19

3.3.1 Operations 19

3.3.2 Ground- Water Monitoring 21

3.3.2.1 Saskatchewan 21

3.3.2.2 Montana 25

3.3.3 Ground- Water Quality 27

3.3.3.1 Saskatchewan 27

3.3.3.2 Montana 31

3.4 Cookson Reservoir 32

3.4.1 Storage 32

3.4.2 Water Quality 34

3.5 Air Quality ' 34

3.6 Quality Control 34

3.6.1 Streamflow 34

3.6.2 Water Quality 35 ANNEXES

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

2.0 Poplar River Cooperative Monitoring Arrangement, Technical Monitoring Schedules. 2002, Canada-United States A2

3.0 Recommended Flow Apportionment in the Poplar River Basin A3

4.0 Conversion Factors A4
TABLES

Table 2.1 Water-Quality Objectives 5 Table 3.1 Recommended Water-Quality Objectives and Excursions. 2002 Sampling

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

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

Table 3.4 Cookson Reservoir Storage Statistics for 2002 32

Table 3.5 Streamflow Measurement Results for July 24. 2002 35

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

Figure 3.1 Discharge during 2002 as Compared with the Median Discharge from 1931-2000 for the Poplar River at International Boundary 6

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

Figure 3.3 Cumulative Volume Hydrograph of On-Demand Release 9

Figure 3.4 TDS Concentration for 2002 Grab Samples from East Poplar River at International Boundary 1

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

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

at International Boundary 13 Figure 3.7 Daily TDS Concentration, 1990 to 2002. East Poplar River at International Boundary 13

Figure 3.8 Boron Concentration for 2002 Grab Samples from East Poplar River at International Boundary 15 Figure 3.9 Three-Month Moving Flow-Weighted Boron Concentration for East Poplar River at International Boundary 15 Figure 3.10 Five-Year Moving Flow-Weighted Boron Concentration for East Poplar River at International Boundary 16

Figure 3.1 1 Daily Boron Concentration. 1990 to 2002. East Poplar River at International Boundary 16

Figure 3.12 Supplementary Water Supply 19

Figure 3.13 Pumpage from Salinity Control Project 21 Figure 3.14 Drawdown for Hart Seam Aquifer as of December 2002 23

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

as of December 2002 24

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

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

Figure 3.18 Total Dissolved Solids in Samples from Montana Wells 31 Figure 3.19 Cookson Reservoir Daily Mean Water Levels for 2002 and Median

Dailv Water Levels. 1992-2001 33
1.0 INTRODUCTION

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

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

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

1. Through exchange of Diplomatic Notes, the Arrangement was extended in March 1987, July 1992,

July 1997, and March 2002. The current extension expires in March 2007. A more detailed account of

the historical background of the Monitoring Arrangement is contained in the 1990 Annual Report of the Poplar River Bilateral Monitoring Committee.

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

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

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

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

water and for air quality. Participants from both countries, including Federal, State and Provincial agencies, are involved in monitoring.

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

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

which may require immediate attention.

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

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

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

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

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

2.1 Membership

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

for the State of Montana and Province of Saskatchewan.

During 2002. the members of the Committee included; Mr. R. Davis. U.S. Geological Survey. United

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

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

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

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

2.2 Meetings

The Committee met on June 19. 2002. in Moose Jaw. Saskatchewan. Delegated representatives of Governments, with the exception of the two ex-officio members from Montana and Saskatchewan,

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

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

reviewed the operational status of the Poplar River Power Station and associated coal-mining activities; examined data collected in 2001 including surface-water quality and quantity, ground-water quality and

quantity, and air quality; established the Technical Monitoring Schedules for the year 2003; and

discussed possible changes in the report presentation of water-quality objectives, a proposed reduction

of ground water monitoring network by SaskPower. and the possibility of replacing the flow-weighting

method currently used to compute total dissolved solids and boron.
2.3 Review of Water-Qualitv Objectives

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

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

objectives.

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

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

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

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

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

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

In 2001. the Committee suspended the monitoring of dissolved mercury and total copper. This decision

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

the objectives. Current objectives approved by the Committee are listed in Table 2.1.

The Committee also agreed to periodically review all suspended parameters.

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

participating governments or from Committee members.
2.4 Data Exchange

The Committee is responsible for assuring exchange of data between governments. The exchange of monitoring information was initiated in the first quarter of 1981 and was an expansion of the informal

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

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

the 1992 calendar year. Henceforth, data will be exchanged once each year as soon after the end of the calendar year as possible. However, unusual conditions or anomalous data will be reported and exchanged whenever warranted. No unusual conditions occurred during 2002 which warranted special

reporting.
Table 2.1 Water-Quality Objecrives

Parameter
3.0 WATER AND AIR: MONITORING AND INTERPRETATIONS

3.1 Poplar River Power Station Operation

In 2002. the two 300-megawatt coal-fired units generated 4,456,200 gross megawatt hours (MWh) of

electricity. The average capacity factors for Unit No. 1 and 2 were 80.1 percent and 86.7 percent,

respectively. The capacity factors are based on the maximum generating rating of 305 MW/h for both Unit No.l and Unit No. 2. Similar to other years, scheduled maintenance was completed in the spring and fall of 2002.

3.2 Surface Water

3.2.1 Streamflow

Streamflow in the Poplar River basin was below normal in 2002. The March to October recorded flow

of the Poplar River at International Boundary, an indicator of natural flow in the basin, was 7,010 cubic decametres (dam^) (5.680 acre-feet), which was 68 percent of the 1931 to 2000 median seasonal flow of 10.290 dam' (8.340 acre-feet). A comparison of 2002 monthly mean discharge with the 1931-2000 median monthly mean discharge is shown in Figure 3.1.
The 2002 recorded flow volume of the East Poplar River at International Boundary was 2.490 dam^

(2.020 acre-feet). This volume is 81 percent of the median annual flow of 3.060 dam (2,480 acre-feet)

for 1975-2002 (since the completion of Morrison Dam).

3.2.2 Apportionment

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

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

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

recommendation.

3.2.3 Minimum Flows

The recorded volume of the Poplar River at International Boundary from March 1 to May 31. 2002 was

3.960 dam (3.210 acre-feet). Based on IJC recommendations and the assumption that the recorded flow

is the natural flow, the United States was entitled to a minimum discharge on the East Poplar River of 0.028 cubic metres per second (m /s) (1.0 cubic feet per second (ffVs)) for the period June 1. 2002 to August 31. 2002 and 0.028 mVs (1.0 ftVs) for the period September 1. 2002 to May 31. 2003. The

minimum flow for the period January 1 to May 31. 2002 was 0.028 m /s (1.0 ft /s). determined on the

basis of the Poplar River flow volume for March 1 to May 31. 2001. A hydrograph for the East Poplar River at International Boundary and the minimum flow as recommended by the UC are shown in Figure

3.2.

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

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

3.2.4 On-Demand Release

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

June 1. Based on the runoff volume of 4,790 dam^ (3,880 acre-feet) recorded at the Poplar River at

International Boundary gauging station during the March I to May 31, 2001 period, Montana was

entitled to an additional release of 617 dam (500 acre-feet) from Cookson Reservoir during the succeeding twelve-month period commencing June 1, 2001. Montana requested this release to be made

between May 1 and May 31, 2002. A volume of 542 dam (439 acre-feet), in addition to the minimum

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

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

is shown m Figure 3.3
700
10

conductance readings collected by the USGS. During some years, estimated monthly water-quality

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

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

which is advanced one month at a time.

Prior to 1988, long-term averages were calculated for a five-year period in which 2.5 years preceded and

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

period preceding each plotted point. For example, the FWC for December 2002 is calculated from data generated over the period December 1995 to December 2002. The calculations are based on the results

of samples collected throughout the year, and are not restricted to only those collected during the months

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

3.2.5.1 Total Dissolved Solids

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

runoff such as spring freshet. TDS decreases as the proportion of streamflow derived from ground water

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

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

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

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

1 .500 mg/L.

The three-month moving FWC for TDS for the period of record is presented in Figure 3.5. The TDS
11

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

Q 400

1005

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

1600

1400

--J 1200 E

Short- Term Objective

Water-quality sample derived data Regression derived data

^ ^ j^ ^ ^ y& ^ ^ ^ ^'^ ^f& ^ j& V V V V V Y ^" V ^" ^^^^^,.Tr^^^^^^^
12

objectives have not been exceeded during the period of record. On inspection of the plot in Figure 3.5, it

is apparent that the three-month moving FWC increased gradually, year by year, up until the spring runoff of 1997, when an exceptionally heavy snowmelt contributed sufficient water of low ionic strength

to the river and the reservoir to dilute the accumulated salts built up in the system. Dissolved-solids concentrations were slightly lower in 2002 relative to those recorded in 2001; however, low spring runoff and higher contribution from ground water have kept the TDS level close to the long-term

objective of 1.000 mg/L.

The five-year moving FWC for TDS (Figure 3.6) did not exceed the long-term objective of 1.000 mg/L

in 2002. The maximum monthly value calculated in 2002 was about 943 mg/L. which is slightly less than the previous year maximum monthly value of 948 mg/L.

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

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

as follows:

TDS = (0.62518 x specific conductance) + 34.202

(R- = 0.84. n = 605)
13

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

Figure 3.7: Daily TDS Concentration. 1990 through 2002: East Poplar Ri\^r at International Boundary (regression-deri\«d data)
14

3.2.5.2 Boron

Boron water-quality sample data collected by Environment Canada and the USGS in 2002 at the East Poplar River at International Boundary are shown in Figure 3.8. There were seven water-quality

samples obtained this year with boron concentrations ranging from 1.28 mg/L on May 28 to 2.06 mg/L

on June 13.

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

objective of 3.5 mg/L has not been exceeded over the period 1975 to 2002. It can be seen that the data derived from water-quality samples and that derived from regression with specific conductance are

similar, with the highs and lows in some degree of correspondence. This suggests that the regression

generation of boron and TDS values is. in general terms, a valid procedure despite problems which arise from attempting to generate representative concentration and flow data for an entire month, based on a

limited number of samples.

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

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

Boron concentrations are not as well-correlated with specific conductance as TDS. Boron is a relatively

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

the water. Accordingly, it appears likely that the standard deviation of dissolved boron (relative to the

long-term mean boron concentration) may be greater than that of the major cations (sodium, potassium, and magnesium) and anions (sulphate, bicarbonate, and chloride) around their respective long-term mean concentrations. Daily boron concentrations for the period January 1990 through December 2002

are shown in Figure 3.11.

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

as follows:

boron = (0.00129 x specific conductance) - 0.0434

(R- = 0.58, n = 605)
15

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

1.6

1.4

1.2

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

snort-Term Objective

Water-quality sample derived data Regression derived data

A CO Cb Q '\y\\\ya:i<p<l:><^' (\ f^ > <o Co 'v

ct, <^ C>) O) P5 <o to ^ <^ o^ Nffr-J&>f&-^>i&^>^>^^vT''^v?''^-^v?'-s?'^^^
16

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

Figure 3.11: Daily Boron Concentration, 1990 through 2002: East Poplar Hw/er at International Boundary (regression-deri\«d data)
;^: 17

3.2.5.3 Other Water-Quality Variables

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

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

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

within the appropriate objectives.
18

Table 3.1 Recommended Water-Quality Objectives and Excursions, 2002 Sampling Program,

East Poplar River at International Boundary (units in mg/L, except as otherwise noted)

Parameter
19

3.3 Ground Water

3.3.1 Operations

SaskPower's supplementary water supply project continued to operate during 2002. The supplementary

water supply project currently consists of 21 wells with a total of 10 discharge points. No wells were

added or deleted from the well field during the year. The majority of ground-water production in 2002

occurred during the fall to spring period. This is a typical operational pattern for the project and is done

to minimize water losses. However, pumping was maintained through the 2002 summer period due to low spring runoff. In 2002. ground-water production decreased to 4.927 dam' from the 2001 total of 5.307 dam total. Production from 1991 to 2002 has now averaged 5.040 dam' per vear. Prior to 1991.

the wells used for supplementary supply were part of a dewatering network for coal-mining operations. This resulted in the high production levels experienced in the early to mid 1980's. With the drought of

the late 1980's and early 1990's. it was evident that there was a continued need for ground water to supplement water levels in Cookson Reservoir. Consequently the wells were taken over by SaskPower

for use as a supplementary supply.

Poplar River Power Station Supplementary Supply

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

Figure 3.12 Supplementary Water Supply
20

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

darn's/year. This approval was extended by Sask Water in 1996. Future revisions to the approval will

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

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

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

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

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

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

salinity project continued in 2002 with production of 631 dam of ground water. This was much lower

than the 2001 production level of 819 dam . and substantially lower than the average annual production

of 880 dam^/year since the project inception in 1990. Production remains below optimal levels due to ongoing mechanical problems in the production wells with only PW 87104 being in service at year's

end. An ongoing well rehabilitation program is expected to restore production to the levels achieved in

the early 1990's.

Approximately 65 percent of the total volume pumped came from wells PW87103 and PW87104 which

are located on the east side of the river and the remainder was produced from PW90109 and PW90108

on the west side of the river.
21

Poplar River Power Station - Salinity Project

1000

2 900

I 800 a

700 3o

c 600

•D

|- 500

3

a.1

400

3> 300

200

100

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

Year

Figure 3.13 Pumpage from Salinity Control Project

3.3.2 Ground-Water Monitoring

3.3.2.1 Saskatchewan

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

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

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

the monitoring network since that time. Currently, about 180 piezometers are monitored as part of this

project.

Figure 3.14 shows the drawdown contours in the Hart Coal seam aquifer as of December 2002. Note

that the 1 -metre drawdown contour extends less than 1 kilometer south of the International Boundary. There have not been significant changes in the cone of depression over the past several years, suggesting
22

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

fluctuations in response to climatic and production variations are expected.

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

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

production over the past several years and increased recharge from higher reservoir levels and

precipitation has led to a significant contraction in the project's cone of depression. Figure 3.15 shows

the cone of depression in the Empress Sands as of December 2002. Under the current operational

situation, the project is clearly falling short of its goal to lower ground-water levels along the East Poplar River between Morrison Dam and the International Boundary.

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

hydrogeologic data and a computer model of the area. SaskPower has asked the Saskatchewan Watershed Authority and Saskatchewan Environment to review the study. It is their hope that they can

reduce their current monitoring levels from approximately 450 piezometers to about 150 piezometers.
23

Figure 3.14 Drawdown for Hart Seam Aquifer as of December 2002
24

Figure 3.15 Cone of Depression in the Empress Sands Due to the Salinity Control Project as of December 2002
25

3.3.2.2 Montana

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

Formation and/or Hart Coal Seam were rising during 1997 and 1998. and have leveled off or decreased

during the last four years (1999 to 2002). Hydrographs of selected Fort Union/Hart Coal wells (6, 7. 17, and 19) are shown in figure 3.16.

Hydrograph of Selected Wells

Fort Union - Hart Coal Aquifers

-Well 6

-Well 7 -Well 17 -Well 19

Figure 3.16 Hydrograph of Selected Wells - Fort Union-Hart Coal Aquifers
26

The potentiometric surface in the Fox Hills/Hell Creek artesian aquifer (well 11) has shown very little

fluctuation or change throughout the 24-year (1979-2002) monitoring period.

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

show considerable fluctuation due to seasonal and/or pumping changes. Hydrographs of selected alluvial

wells (10. 23, and 24) and Fox Hills well (11) are shown in Figure 3.17.

Hydrograph of Selected Wells

Alluvium and Fox Hills Aquifers 2434

-Well 10

-Well 11 -Well 23

-Well 24

0)0'-c\jcr)-^iocDr-co<T)0 CVJOOTTLOCOI^ODCDO'-CNJCO r^oocoQOcocooooococx3aocr!(T)CT)CT)a>a)CT)a)cna)0000

(D n3 <T3 TO CO CO cocococococococotocococococococococo

Figure 3.17 Hydrograph of Selected Wells - Alluvium and Fox Hills Aquifers
27

3.3.3 Ground-Water Quality

3.3.3.1 Saskatchewan

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

trends indicated. A summary of the more frequently tested parameters during 2002 is provided in Table

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

Table 3.2 Water-Quality Statistics for Water Pumped from Supplementary

Water Supply Project Wells*
28

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

relatively consistent since 1992.

Table 3.3 Water-Quality Statistics for Water Pumped from Salinity Control Project Wells Sampled at the Discharge Pipe*
29

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

Schedules are used to assess leachate movement and calculate seepage rates. Piezometric water level,

boron, and chloride are the chosen indicator parameters to assess leachate movement.

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

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

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

far do not show any unusual or unexpected values.

Piezometers C867A. C868A and C871A are completed immediately above the liner system, within the

ash stack of .Ash Lagoon #1. The 2002 monitoring results continue to suggest confirmation of the trend

first observed in 1993 that the boron concentration decreases with depth within the ash stack. The effect

of ash thickness on leachate quality is. however, not completely understood.

The chemistry of water immediately above the liner systems is therefore expected to differ from the

surface water of the lagoons. Meaningful information is only available from piezometers installed

within Ash Lagoon #1 where ash has been deposited for many years. New piezometers C886A. C887A.

C890A and C893A have been completed above the liner system of new Ash Lagoon #3 South and are now being monitored. Monitoring of these piezometers in 2002 supports the theory that boron levels

decrease with depth within the ash stacks. Future monitoring of all piezometers completed above the lagoon liner systems will continue with the purpose of confirming the boron trend noted above and to improve the understanding of leachate quality and flow from the ash lagoons.

The piezometric surface measurements for the oxidized till continue to show the presence of a 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.l and No. 2, have shown increased piezometric levels but chemical

information does not indicate leachate influence. On the west side of the Polishing Pond, the boron

levels have changed only slightly in the oxidized till piezometers C728A and C728D, where the chloride

levels have changed more significantly. The chloride level for C728A has decreased from 403 mg/L in 1983 to 246 mg/L in 2002. The chloride level for C728D has increased from 185 mg/L in 1983 to 271 mg/L in 2002. Although these piezometers are close in proximity and installed at the same level, they

are being influenced by different water. Chloride results for C728A suggest initial seepage and it is to be expected that over time the same observation will be seen in C728D.

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

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

showing little real change in boron or chloride results.

Sand lens piezometers C712B. C766 and C767 are located between the Polishing Pond and the cooling water canal. C767 is located on the top of dyke G and C766 and C712B are located at the toe of dyke G. These piezometers have historically been of interest as the sand lens provides a preferential pathway for

leachate migration of boron concentrations. C766 shows an increasing trend up to October 1988 with a peak of 43.0 mg/L in April 1995. Since 1995 the boron levels have declined modestly and have remained between 25 and 38 mg/L.

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

has since remained with one exception, a concentration of 1 1.7 mg/L in October 2000.

Piezometer C712B has been monitored for several years. Historically, boron levels were below 1 mg/L. From 1992 to 2002, boron levels have remained relatively steady around between 12 and 20 mg/L.
31

3.3.3.2 Montana

Samples were collected from monitoring wells 7, 16, and 24 during 2002. Well 7 is completed in Hart

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

significant changes in TDS were observed in monitoring wells 7 and 16. The TDS in the alluvium (well

24) has returned to the pre-1996 values. Changes in total dissolved solids with time for the above wells

are shown in Figure 3.18.

Total Dissolved Solids

750

-Well 7 -Well 16 -Well 24

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

3.4 Cookson Reservoir

3.4.1 Storage

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

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

the remainder of the year.

In addition to runoff, reservoir levels were augmented by ground-water pumping. Wells in the abandoned west block mine site supplied 4,927 dam^ to Girard Creek. It is estimated that approximately

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

631 dam .

Table 3.4 Cookson Reservoir Storage Statistics for 2002

Date
33

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

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

storage level for cooling water used in the generation process is 745.0 metres. The 2002 recorded levels and associated operating levels are shown in Figure 3.19.

2002 Cookson Reservoir

Daily Mean Water Levels

Full Supply Level

2 749 Ten Year Median Level Minimum Desired Operating Level

Minimum Useable Storage Level

741 Jan Feb Mar Aug Sen Oct Nov Dec

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

Dailv Water Levels. 1992-2001
34

3.4.2 Water Quality

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

but still below past levels.

3.5 Air Quality

SaskPower's ambient SO2 monitoring for 2002 recorded no values greater than Saskatchewan

Environment's one-hour average standard of 0.17 ppm and the 24-hour average standard of 0.06 ppm. The 2002 geometric mean for the high- volume suspended-particulate sampler was 18.8 |ag/m and 2002 was the eleventh consecutive year of below-average paniculate readings. There were no exceedances of

the Saskatchewan provincial standard of 120 ug/m /24 hours.

3.6 Quality Control

3.6.1 Streamflow

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

site on July 24. 2002 by personnel from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and Environment Canada

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

theoretical discharge computation of 0.047 m /s for the 90" V-notch weir.
35

Table 3.5 Streamflow Measurement Results for July 24. 2002

Agency
s

S

"a

E

es .^9
HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2002

The Poplar River Power Station completed its nineteenth full year of operation in 2002. The two

300-megawatt coal-fired units generated 4,456.200 gross megawatt hours (MWh) of electricity. The average capacity factors for Units No. 1 and 2 were 80.1 percent and 86.7 percent,

respectively. The capacity factors are based on the maximum generating rating of 305 MW/h for both Unit No.l and Unit No. 2. Similar to other years, scheduled maintenance was completed in the spring and fall of 2002.

Monitoring information collected in both Canada and the United States during 2002 was exchanged

in the spring of 2003. In general, the sampling locations, frequency of collection, and parameters met the requirements identified in the 2002 Technical Monitoring Schedules set forth in the 2001

annual report.

The recorded volume of the Poplar River at International Boundary from March 1 to May 31. 2002 was 3,960 dam (3,210 acre-feet). Based on International Joint Commission (IJC) recommendations and the assumption that the recorded flow is the natural flow, the United States was

entitled to a minimum discharge on the East Poplar River of 0.028 cubic metres per second (m Vs) (1.0 cubic feet per second (ft7s)) for the period June 1. 2002 to August 31, 2002 and 0.028 m /s (1.0 ftVs) for the period September 1. 2002 to May 31, 2003. The minimum flow of 0.028 mVs

(1.0 ft /s) for the period January 1 to May 31. 2002 had previously been determined on the basis of

the Poplar River flow volume for March 1 to May 31. 2001. Daily flows in 2002 met or exceeded

the minimum flow recommended by the IJC.

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

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

commencing June 1. Based on the runoff volume of 4,390 dam (3.880 acre-feet) recorded at the Poplar River at International Boundary gauging station for March 1 through May 31. 2001, the United States was entitled to an additional release of 617 dam (500 acre-feet) from Cookson

Reservoir during the succeeding twelve-month period commencing June 1. 2001. Montana

requested this release to be made between May 1 and May 31. 2002. A volume of 542 dam (439

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

The 2002 five-year total dissolved solids (TDS) flow-weighted concentrations were below the long-term objective of 1,000 milligrams per litre (mg/L). The maximum monthly value calculated

in 2002 was 943 mg/L, which was less than in 2001. Boron concentrations for 2002 continued to remain well below the long-term objective of 2.5 mg/L.

Ill

AN^fEX 1

POPLAR RIVER

COOPERATIVE MONITORING ARRANGEMENT

CANADA-UNITED STATES

Al - 1

September 23, 1980

POPLAR RIVER COOPERATIVE MONITORING ARRANGEMENT

I. PURPOSE

This Arrangement will provide for the exchange of data collected as described in the attached Technical Monitoring Schedules in water-quality, water quantity and air quality monitoring programs being conducted in Canada and the United States at or near the International Boundary

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

The Arrangement will replace and expand upon the quarterly information exchange program

instituted between Canada and the United States in 1976.

II. PARTICIPATING GOVERNMENTS

Governments and government agencies participating in the Arrangement are:

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

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

III. POPLAR RIVER MONITORING COMMITTEE: TERMS OF REFERENCE

A binational committee called the Poplar River Bilateral Monitoring Committee will be

established to carry out responsibilities assigned to it under this Arrangement. The Committee

will operate in accordance with the follow ing terms of reference:

Al -2
A. Membership

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

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

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

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

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

B. Functions of the Committee

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

their adequacy and may recommend to the Canadian and United States Govemments any

modifications to improve the Technical Monitoring Schedules.

1. Information Exchange

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

agencies in accordance with the Technical Monitoring Schedules.

Al -3
2. Reports

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

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

(b) Annual Reports will

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

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

techniques);

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

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

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

analytical methods to ensure their comparability.

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

governments definitive changes in monitored parameters which may require

immediate attention.

(d) Preparation of Reports

Reports will be prepared following consultation with all committee members and

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

special reports will be so distributed.

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

Tlie Canadian and United States section will be separately responsible for:

(a) dissemination of information within their respective countries, and the arrangement of any discussion required with local elected officials;

(b) verification that monitoring operations are being carried out in accordance with

the Technical Monitoring Schedules by cooperating monitoring agencies;

(c) receipt and collation of monitored data generated by the cooperating monitoring

agencies in their respective countries as specified in the Technical Monitoring

Schedules;

(d) if necessary, drawing to the attention of the appropriate government in their respective countries any failure to comply with a scheduled monitoring function on the part of any cooperating agency under the jurisdiction of that government,

and requesting that appropriate corrective action be taken.

IV. PROVISION OF DATA

In order to ensure that the Committee is able to carry out the terms of this Arrangement, the participating governments will use their best efforts to have cooperating monitoring agencies, in

their respective jurisdictions provide on an ongoing basis all scheduled monitored data for which

they are responsible.

V. TERMS OF THE ARRANGEMENT

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

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

Al -5
ANNEX 2

POPLAR RIVER

COOPERATIVE MONITORING ARRANGEMENT

TECHNICAL MONITORING SCHEDULES

2002

CANADA-UNITED STATES

A2- 1

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PREAMBLE A2 - 3

CANADA

STREAMFLOW MONITORING A2 - 5

SURFACE-WATER-QUALITY MONITORING A2 - 7

GROUND-WATER PIEZOMETERS TO MONITOR POTENTIAL

DRAWDOWN DUE TO COAL-SEAM DEWATERING NEAR THE

INTERNATIONAL BOUNDARY A2 - 10

GROUND-WATER PIEZOMETER MONITORING

- POWER STATION AREA A2 - 12

GROUND-WATER PIEZOMETER MONITORING

- ASH LAGOON AREA

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

UNITED STATES

STREAMFLOW MONITORING A2 - 25

SURFACE-WATER-QUALITY MONITORING A2 - 27

GROUND-WATER-QUALITY MONITORING A2 - 29

GROUND-WATER LEVELS TO MONITOR POTENTIAL

DRAWDOWN DUE TO COAL-SEAM DEWATERING A2 - 31

A2-2

PREAMBLE

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

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

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

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

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

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

to the 1981 report to Governments. Changes in the sampling locations and parameters may be made by Governments based on the recommendations of the Committee.

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

International Boundary, primarily for project management or basin-wide baseline data purposes. This additional information is usually available upon request from the collecting agency and forms part of the pool of technical information which may be drawn upon by Governments for specific study purposes. Examples of additional information are water quantity, water-quality,

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

A2-3

POPLAR RIVER

COOPERATIVE MONITORING ARRANGEMENT

TECHNICAL MONITORING SCHEDULES

2002

CANADA

A2-4

STREAMFLOW MONITORING

Daily mean discharge or levels and instantaneous monthly extremes as nomially

published in surface water data publications.

Responsible Agency: Environment Canada
CANADA

UNITED STATES

HYDROMETRIC GAUGING STATIONS (CANADA)

A2-6
SURFACE-WATER-QUALITY MONITORING

Sampling Locations

Responsible Agency: Environment Canada
PARAMETERS

Responsible Agency: Environment Canada

ENVIRODAT*

Code

AnalvticaJ Method Sampling Frequ

Station No. I

10151
CANADA

UNITED STATES

LEGEND

A SASKATCHEWAN ENVIRONMENT

ENVIRONMENT CANADA

SURFACE-WATER-QUALITY MONITORING STATIONS (CANADA)

A2-9
GROUND-WATER PIEZOMETERS TO MONITOR POTENTIAL DRAWDOWN

DUE TO COAL-SEAM DEWATERING NEAR THE INTERNATIONAL BOUNDARY

Responsible Agency: Sask Water*
GROUND-WATER PIEZOMETERS TO MONITOR POTENTIAL

DRAWDOWN DUE TO COAL-SEAM DEWATERING

A2- 11
GROUND-WATER PIEZOMETER MONITORING - POPLAR RIVER

POWER STATION AREA
(0 CO

a:

LUo

Q.

Q£

UJ>

Of<

Q.o

Q.

h- «>« < S

So:

LU O CD

Q£ LU O o

LU !=l H
GROUND-WATER PIEZOMETER MONITORING—

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

ASH LAGOON AREA-WATER LEVEL (Continued) |
1 GROUND-WATER PIEZOMETER MONITORING—

ASH LAGOON AREA-WATER LEVEL (Continued) |
Responsible Agency: Saskatchewan Environment

Data Collected bv: SaskPower GROUND-WATER PIEZOMETER MONITORINGASH LAGOON AREA - WATER QUALITY
1 GROUND-WATER PIEZOMETER MONITORING- 1 ASH LAGOON AREA - WATER QUALITY (Continued)
GROUND-WATER PIEZOMETER MONITORINGASH LAGOON AREA - WATER QUALITY (Continued) |

PARAMETERS

Responsible Agency: Saskatchewan Environment
Ambient Air-Quality Monitoring

Responsible Agency: Saskatchewan Environment and Resource Management

Data Collected by: SaskPower j
I

POPLAR RIVER

COOPERATIVE MONITORING ARRANGEMENT

TECHNICAL MONITORING SCHEDULES

2002

LINITED STATES

A2-24
STREAMFLOW MONITORING

Responsible Agency: U.S. Geological Survey
CANADA

UNITED STATES

5 10 15 KILOMETERS

I

'—H ^

5 10 MILES HYDROMETRIC GAUGING STATIONS (UNITED STATES)

A2-26
SURFACE-WATER-QUALITY MONITORING
5 10 15 KILOMETERS

I

' r^ ^

SURFACE-WATER-QUALITY MONITORING STATIONS (UNITED STATES)

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

Respons
CANADA

UNITED STATES

5 10 15 KILOMETERS

I

1 ^-1 U

GROUND-WATER-QUALITY MONITORING (UNITED STATES)

A2-30
GROUND-WATER LEVELS TO MONITOR POTENTIAL

DRAWDOWN DUE TO COAL-SEAM DEWATERING

Responsible Agency: Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology |
CANADA

UNITED STATES

10 15 KILOMETERS

GROUND-WATER PIEZOMETERS TO MONITOR POTENTIAL

DRAWDOWN DUE TO COAL-SEAM DEWATERING

A2-32

ANNEX 3

RECOMMENDED FLOW APPORTIONMENT

IN THE POPLAR RIVER BASIN

BY THE INTERNATIONAL SOURIS-RED RIVERS ENGINEERING BOARD,

POPLAR RIVER TASK FORCE (1976)

A3-1

*RECOMMENDED FLOW APPORTIONMENT

IN THE POPLAR RIVER BASIN

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

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

1. The total natural flow of the West Fork Poplar River and all its tributaries crossing the International Boundary shall be divided equally between Canada

and the United States but the flow at the International Boundary in each

tributary shall not be depleted by more than 60 percent of its natural flow.

2. The total natural flow of all remaining streams and tributaries in the Poplar River Basin crossing the International Boundary shall be divided equally

between Canada and the United States. Specific conditions of this division are

as follows:

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

the natural flow of the Middle Fork Poplar River at the Intemational

' Boundary, as determined below the confluence of Goose Creek and Middle Fork.

(b) The delivery of water from Canada to the United States on the East Poplar River shall be determined on or about the first day of June of each year as follows:

(i) When the total natural flow of the Middle Fork Poplar River, as determined below the confluence of Goose Creek, during the immediately preceding March 1st to May 31st period does not exceed 4,690 cubic decameters (3,800 acre-feet), then a continuous minimum flow of 0.028 cubic metres per second

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

States on the East Poplar River at the Intemational Boundary

throughout the succeeding 12 month period commencing June

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

time during the 12 month period commencing June 1st.

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

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

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

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

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

delivery of 0.028 cubic metres per second (1.0 cubic feet per second) shall then be maintained from September 1st through to May 31st of the following year. In addition, a volume of 617 cubic decameters (500 acre-feet) shall be delivered to the United States upon demand at any time during the 12-month period commencing

June 1st.

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

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

maintained from September 1st through to May 31st of the following year. In addition, a volume of 617 cubic decameters

(500 acre-feet) shall be delivered to the United States upon demand

at any time during the 12 month period commencing June 1st.

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

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

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

(1,000 acre-feet) shall be delivered to the United States upon demand at any time during the 12-month period commencing June

1st.

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

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

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

the uses and requirements of both countries.

A3-4

ANNEX 4

CONVERSION FACTORS

A4-1

CONVERSION FACTORS

Ac = 4,047 m^ = 0.04047 ha

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

C° = 5/9(P-32) cm = 0.3937 in. cm^ = 0.155 in" dam^ = 1 ,000 m^ = 0.8 1 07 ac-ft

ft^ = 28.3171 X 10 V

ha = 10,000 m- = 2.471 ac hm = 100 m = 328.08 ft hm^ = lxlO*m^

I.gpm = 0.0758 L/s

in = 2.54 cm

kg = 2.20462 lb = 1.1 X 10^ tons km = 0.62137 miles km^ = 0.3861 mi' L = 0.3532ft^ = 0.21997I. gal = 0.26420 U.S. gal

L/s = 0.035 cfs= 13.193 I.gpm = 15.848 U.S. gpm m = 3.2808 ft m^ = 10.765 ft- m^ = 1.000L = 35.3144ft^ = 219.97I.gal= 264.2 U.S. gal m^/s = 35.314 cfs mm = 0.00328 ft tonne = 1 ,000 kg = 1 . 1 023 ton (short)

U.S. gpm = 0.0631 L/s

For Air Samples

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

A4-2