s

333.91 M26prar

2000

2000 ANNUAL REPORT

to the

GOVERNMENTS OF CANADA, UNITED STATES,

SASKATCHEWAN AND MONTANA

by the

POPLAR RIVER

BILATERAL MONITORING

COMMITTEE

COVERING CALENDAR YEAR 2000

STATE DOCUMENTS COLLECTION

FEB 7 2002 MONTANA STATE LIBRARY

1515 E 6th AVC HELENA, MONTANA 59620

November 2001
MONTANA STATE LIBRARY

3 0864 0015 3164 2
2000 ANNUAL REPORT

to the

GOVERNMENTS OF CANADA, UNITED STATES,

SASKATCHEWAN, AND MONTANA

by the

POPLAR RIVER BILATERAL MONITORING COMMITTEE

COVERING CALENDAR YEAR 2000

November 2001

Poplar River BOateral Monitoring Committee

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

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Governor's Office Saskatchewan Environment and

State of Montana Resource Management

Helena, Montana, United States Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Herein is the 20* Annual Report of the Poplar River Bilateral Monitoring Committee. This report discusses

the Committee activities of 2000 and presents the proposed schedule for the year 2001.

During 2000, the Poplar River Bilateral Monitoring Committee continued to fulfil the responsibilities assigned by the governments imder 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. Because of an imcertainty about the expiration date for the latest extension as the Canadian and United States exchange of Notes for the extensions had different dates, it is unclear if the Arrangement has already expired or will expire in March 2002. Consequently, the Monitoring Committee

has agreed to the request for another extension. That request will be made to the Department of State and

the Department of Foreign Affairs in the near future.

The enclosed report summarizes current water-quality conditions and conq)ares them to guidelines for

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

Reference fix)m Canada and the United States. After evaluation of the monitoring information for 2000, 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 Boimdary remains close to the long-term objective of 1,000 milligrams per litre, but did not exceed the objective in 2000.

Based on UC recommendations, the United States was entitled to an on-demand release of 1,230 dam'

(1,000 acre-feet) from Cookson Reservoir in 2000. A volume of 1,180 dam' (957 acre-feet) was delivered

to the United States during this period. In addition, except for April 28, daily flows in 2000 met or exceeded

the minimum flow recommended by the UC.

During 2000, 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 ., Richard Kellow

Chairman, United States Sectio^ Chairman, Canadian Section

-O^

Jack5tults Chuck Bosgoed

Member, United States Section Member, Canadian Section

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Highlights for 2000 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, 2000, 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, 2000 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 Control Project

Wells Sampled at the Discharge Pipe 28

Table 3.4 Cookson Reservoir Storage Statistics for 2000 32

Table 3.5 Streamflow Measurement Results for September 19, 2000 35

Table 3.6 East Poplar River Joint Water-Quality Sample Results for July 1 0, 2000 36 FIGURES

Figure 3.1 Discharge during 2000 as Compared with the Median Discharge from

1931-1990 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 2000 Grab Samples from East Poplar River at International Boundary 1

1

Figure 3.5 Three-Month Moving Flow-Weighted TDS Concentration for East Poplar

River at International Boimdary 1

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, 1 989 to 2000, East Poplar River at International Boundary 13 Figure 3.8 Boron Concentration for 2000 Grab Samples from East Poplar River at International Boimdary 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 3.11 Daily Boron Concentration, 1 989 to 2000, 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 2000 23

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

as of December 2000 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 3

1

Figure 3.19 Cookson Reservoir Daily Mean Water Levels for 2000 and Median

Monthly Water Levels, 1981-1991 33
HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2000

The Poplar River Power Station completed its seventeenth full year of operation in 2000. The two

300-megawatt coal-fired units generated 4,454,500 gross megawatt hours (MW/h) of electricity. The average capacity factors for Units No. 1 and 2 were 73.9 percent and 90.6 percent,

respectively. The capacity factors are based on the maximum generating rating of 305 MW/h for Unit No.l and 310 MW/h for Unit No. 2. Similar to other years, scheduled maintenance was

completed in the fall and spring of 2000.

Monitoring information collected in both Canada and the United States during 2000 was exchanged

in the spring of 2001. In general, the sampling locations, frequency of collection, and parameters met the requirements identified in the 2000 Technical Monitoring Schedules set forth in the 1 999

annual report.

The recorded volume of the Poplar River at International Boundary fi-om March 1 to May 31, 2000 was 2,080 dam'' (1,690 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^/s)

(1.0 cubic foot per second (ftVs)) for the period June 1, 2000 to May 31, 2001. The minimum flow of 0.057 m^/s (2.0 ft^/s) for the period January 1 to May 31, 2000 had previously been determined on the basis of the Poplar River flow volume for March 1 to May 31, 1999. Except for April 28, daily flows in 2000 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 31,740 dam'' (25,730 acre-feet) recorded at the Poplar River at International Boundary gauging station for March 1 through May 31, 1999, the United States was entitied to an additional release of 1,230 dam^ (1,000 acre-feet) from Cookson

Reservoir during the succeeding twelve-month period commencing June 1, 1999. Montana

requested this release to be made between May 1 and May 31, 2000. A volume of 1,180 dam^

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

The 2000 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 2000 was 972 mg/L, which was less than in 1999. Boron concentrations for 2000 continued to remain well below the long-term objective of 2.5 mg/L.

m

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 1 990 Annual Report of the Poplar River

Bilateral Monitoring Conmiittee.

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 svmimarizes 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 aimually for new and discontinued programs and for modifications in sampling

fi-equencies, 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 ACTIVmES

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-ofBcio members serve as local representatives

for the State of Montana and Province of Saskatchewan.

During 2000, 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 and Resource Management, 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 rq)resentative.

2.2 Meetings

The Committee met on July 18* and 19*, 2000, in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. Delegated repre- sentatives 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 Power Plant and associated coal mining

activities; examined data collected in 1999 including surface-water quality and quantity, ground-water

quality and quantity, and air quality; established the Technical Monitoring Schedules for the year 2001;

discussed proposed changes in water-qiiality 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 within

the overall Basin context and recommend new and revised objectives as appropriate", hi 1991, the Committee undertook a review of water-quality objectives.

The Committee approved changes in water-quality objectives recommended by the 1991 subcommittee

which was formed to review the objectives. Revised objectives approved by the Committee are listed in Table 2.1.

The Committee 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. Some of the discussions and decisions that were made at this meeting include: Suspending most of the parameters

that were recommended for discontinuance in 1991 such as dissolved aluminum, bacteria, pH, mercury

in fish, and im-ionized ammonia. Canada has expressed concern about the need for the flow-weighted

boron and TDS objectives given the uncertainty of the scientific validity of how the objectives are

calculated.

According to the IJC report titled, "Water-Quality in the Poplar River Basin", the Committee can "recommend new and revised objectives as appropriate". After a lengthy discussion, members agreed

not to remove any objectives at this time. Instead, the Committee decided to suspend the monitoring and reporting of several parameters after reviewing the water-quality objectives. The suspended

parameters are: dissolved aluminum, un-ionized ammonia, total chromium, dissolved copper, mercury in

fish, fecal coliform, and total coliform. The decision to suspend these parameters was based on data

indicating concentrations or levels well below or within the objectives. In addition, the Committee

agreed there was a need to review the flow-weighted objectives for boron and TDS. The Committee

also agreed to other minor revisions to the water-quality objectives for clarification. For example,

changing the designation for pH fi-om "natural" to "ambient".
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 begirming 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, imusual conditions or anomalous information will be reported and exchanged whenever warranted. No unusual conditions occurred during 2000 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 2000, the two 300-megawatt coal-fired units generated 4,454,500 gross megawatt hours (MW/h) of

electricity. The average capacity factors for Unit No. 1 and 2 were 73.9 percent and 90.6 percent,

respectively. The capacity factors are based on the maximum generating rating of 305 MW/h for Unit No. 1 , and 3 1 MW/h for Unit No. 2.

3.2 East Poplar River

3.2.1 Streamflow

Streamflow in the Poplar River basin was below normal in 2000. 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 69 percent of the 1931 to 1990 median seasonal flow. A comparison of 2000 monthly mean discharge with the 1931-90 median discharge is shown in Figure

3.1.

2.5

1.5

0.5

MAR

'Median of Monthly Mean Discharge for 1931-90 'Monthly Mean Discharge for 2000

1* O.

-o— =8=

APR AUG SEP

140

(0 100 K

80 !"

lU 40 O

20 <0

OCT

Figure 3.1 Discharge during 2000 as Compared with the Median Discharge from

1931-1990 for the Poplar River at International Boundary.
The 2000 recorded flow volume of the East Poplar River at International Boundary was 3,420 dam^

(2,770 acre-feet). This volume is 112 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 apportionment

recommendation.

3.2.3 Minimum Flows

The recorded volume of the Poplar River at International Boundary from March 1 to May 31, 2000 was

2,080 dam^ (1,690 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 (ft^/s)) for the period June 1, 2000 to May 31, 2001. The minimum flow for the period January 1 to May 31, 2000 was 0.057 m^/s (2.0 ft^/s), determined on the basis of the Poplar River flow volume for March 1 to May 31, 1999. A hydrograph

for the East Poplar River at International Boundary and the minimum flow as recommended by the IJC

are shown in Figure 3.2.

Daily flows during 2000 met or exceeded the minimum flow recommended by the IJC throughout the year except for April 28 when daily flows fell slightly below the recommended minimum.
I I I

~ i *

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

Jime 1. Based on the runoff volume of 31,740 dam^ (25,730 acre-feet) recorded at the Poplar River at hitemational Boundary gauging station during the March 1 to May 31, 1999 period, Montana was

entitled to an additional release of 1,230 dam^ (1,000 acre-feet) from Cookson Reservoir during the succeeding twelve-month period commencing June 1, 1999. Montana requested this release to be made

between May 1 and May 31, 2000. A volume of 1,180 dam^ (957 acre-feet), in addition to the mini- mum flow, was delivered dxiring 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

10

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 fi-om the five-year

period preceding each plotted point. For example, the FWC for December 2000 is calculated fi-om data generated over the period December 1995 to December 2000. 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 Intemational Boundary station. During periods of high

runoff such as spring fi-eshet, TDS decreases as the proportion of streamflow derived fi"om groimd 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 2000 are shown in Figure

3.4. The TDS ranged fi-om 720 mg/L on May 26 to 1,050 mg/L on December 20. 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. Note that grab-sample-derived data are now plotted with dot symbols.
11

Figure 3.4: TDS Concentration for 2000 Grab Samples from East Poplar River

at International Boundary

1200

1000

f 800

1 600

Q 400 S

200

879

938 934 935 ^ ^^ 936

1021

<> 1050

720

Figure 3.5: Three-Month Moving Flow-Weighted TDS Concentration for East

Poplar River at International Boundary

1600

1400 i 1200

E.

•o 1000 -

800

(S 600 -

o 400

Gratxample^erived data

Regressioixierived data

Q}Q)Q}Q)Q)0)Q)Q)

"^ 'nJ 00 00 00 00

00 CD O -^ rO 03 8 iS

D) D) lU fl> Q} (O (OC COtf> Q O 00(0 0-'
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. Dissolved

solids declined slightly in 1 999 and remained lower in 2000.

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

in 2000. The maximum monthly value calculated in 2000 was 972 mg/L, which is less than the previous

year maximum monthly value of 989 mg/L.

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

from December 1989 to December 2000 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 1975 to 2000 is

as follows:

TDS = (0.626 X specific conductance) + 31.542

(R^ = 0.85, n = 555)
13

Figure 3.6: Five-Year Moving Flow-Weighted TDS Concentration for East Poplar River
14

3.2.5.2 Boron

Figure 3.8 shows that during 2000, boron concentrations in the East Poplar River at International Boundary varied from 0.961 (May 26) to 2.01 mg/L (June 12).

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 2000. 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 concentrations. Daily boron concentrations for the period December 1989 to December 2000 are shown in Figure 3.1 1.

The relationship between boron and specific conductance at the East Poplar River sampling location during the period 1975 to 2000 is described by the equation:

boron = (0.0013 x specific conductance) - 0.034 (R^ = 0.58, n = 555)
15

Figure 3.8: Boron Concentration for 2000 Grab Samples from East Poplar River at International Boundary

^ 1-8

S 1.6

-2^1

1.88 1.89 -4^1-

1.74

1.69

1.65 1.57 ^,.55

0.8

1.46

0.961

1.85

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

River at International Boundary

3.5

3

-

2.5 —

1.5

0.5 -

0)0}&>D>D)fi}fl)Q)0}Q>

CO O -» S 2

03 (0 (O CO 09

-* ro w ^ oi 8 2
16

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

River at International Boundary

2.5

1.5

0.5

-r -^ -^ -^ -^ -^ ^ */ ^ ^ ^ % ^ ^ <%> ^ •% */ "^ •%> •% % "%« •?> <%) -%> ^ ^/

Figure 3.11 : Daily Boron Concentration, 1989 to 2000

E£ist Poplar River at International Boundary

(regression-derived data)

3.00

0.00

V^iH^wl
f 17

3.2.53 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 UC. 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 dxuing the aimual quality control exercise are treated as a single sample, but where an objective was exceeded in a

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

within the appropriate objectives. Dissolved-oxygen concentration can be low during winter as a result ofice cover and during low-flow conditions in summer as a result ofbiological activity.
t8

Table 3.1 Recommended Water-Quality Objectives and Excursions, 2000 Sampling Program,

East Poplar River at International Boundary (units in mg/L, except as otherwise noted)
19

3J Groundwater

3J.1 Operations

SaskPower's supplementary supply continued to operate during 2000, with the majority of ground-water

production occurring during the fall to spring period. This is a typical operational pattern for the project and is done to minimize water losses. Limited production occurs during the summer months in order to supply domestic users, including the Town of Coronach. In 2000, ground-water production increased to 4,907 dam^ from the 1999 total of 4,410 dam^ total. Production from 1991 to 2000 has now averaged

5,026 dam^ per year. Prior to 1990, 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 groxmd 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 Plant Supplementary Supply

1976 1977 1978 1979 1960 1981 1962 1983 1964 1985 1986 1987 1968 1969 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 Yur

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 SaskWater 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. SaskWater is currently undertaking a study to determine the best reservoir level for a ground-water pumping cutoff.

SaskPower's supplementary supply well network currently consists of 2 1 wells with a total of 1 discharge points. No wells were added or deleted from the well field during the year.

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 2000 with production of 675.9 dam'' of ground water. This was well below

both the 1999 production level of 881.1 dam^ and the average annual production of 886 dam^/year since

the project inception in 1990. Production was at its lowest level since the inception of the project. The

reduced production is due to increased mechanical problems in the production wells. A well

rehabilitation program for 2001 and 2002 is expected to result in production reaching the levels achieved

in the early 1990's.

Approximately 70 percent of the total volume pumped came from wells PW87103 and PW87104 which

are located on the east side of the river and most of the remainder (25 percent) was produced from

PW90109 on the west side of the river.
21

Poplar River Power Station

Salinity Project

I 800

1995 Yur

1999 2000

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 as of December 2000. There were no significant

changes in the magnitude and extent of drawdowns from previous years. The one metre drawdown

contour currently remains about two kilometres north of the hitemational Boundary. There have not been significant changes in the cone of depression for the past several years, suggesting that the system
22

has approached a semi-equilibrium condition. Consequently, minor drawdown fluctuations in response

to climatic and production variations can be 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 five years and increased recharge fi-om higher reservoir levels and precipitation has led to a significant contraction in the project's cone of depression. At the end of 2000 one metre of

drawdown was only achieved on the west side of the river, while on the east side drawdowns were less than one metre. Figure 3.15 shows the cone of depression in the Empress Sands as of December 2000.

Increased salinity in the project area has resulted in questions as to whether the current project design is

sufficient to control salinity. SaskPower conducted a study ofthe salinity project which provided

recommendations for a long term solution for the operation of the project. The well rehabilitation program is a result of those recommendations.
23

Figure 3.14 Drawdown for Hart Seam Aquifer as of December 2000
24

Figure 3.15 Cone of Dcprcnion in the Emprcu Sands due to the Salinity Control Project at of December 2000
25

3J.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 and 2000. Hydrographs of selected Fort Union/Hart Coal wells (6, 7, 17, and 19)

are shown in figure 3.16.

2456

a 2450

Hydrograph of Selected Wells

Fort Union - Hart Coal Aquifers

-W19

Jan-79 Jan-81 Jan-83 Jan-85 Jan-87 Jan-89 Jan-91 Jan-93 Jan-95 Jan-97 Jan-99 Jan-01 Date

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

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

fluctuation or change throughout the 21 year (1979-2000) 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 and 2000. Hydrographs of selected alluvial wells (10, 23, and 24) and Fox Hills well (1 1) are shown in Figure 3.17.

Hydrograph of Selected Wells

Alluvium and Fox Hills Aquifers

I

2428 c1

I

2426

UJI

^-^
27

3.3.3 Ground-Water Quality

333.1 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 2000 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 2000, plus an average of the 1992-2000 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

Groundwater 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 groundwater 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 C871 A are completed immediately above the liner system, within the ash stack of Ash Lagoon #1. The 2000 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. Meaningfiil information is only available fi"om 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 2000 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 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 fi-om the west side of the Polishing

Pond to the east side of Ash Lagoon No. 2. Isolated groundwater mounds have developed within the area of the oxidized groundwater 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

groundwater movement. Oxidized till piezometers C868B and C869B located in the middle ofthe

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 fi"om 403 mg/L in 1 983 to 244

mg/L in 2000. The chloride level for C728D has increased from 185 mg/1 in 1983 to 372 mg/L in 2000. 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 fi-om 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 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 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 2000, 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 2000. 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), however, increased about 100 mg/L during the years 1996 through 1998, but has decreased about 90 mg/L during 1999 and 2000 approaching the pre- 1996 values. Changes in total dissolved solids with time for the above wells are shown in Figure 3.18.

Total Dissolved Solids

-GWQQC16

Jan-80 Jan-82 Jan-84 Jan-B6 Jan-88 Jan-90 Jan-92 Jan-94 Jan-96 Jan-9e Jan-00 Jan-( Date

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

3.4 Cookson Reservoir

3.4.1 Storage

On January 1, 2000, Cookson Reservoir storage was 37,920 dam^ or 85% of the full supply volume. The 2000 maximum, minimum, and period elevations and volumes are shown in Table 3.4.

Inflows into the reservoir were minimal in 2000. A release was initiated in May to meet the recommended Poplar River basin demand release for the 1999-2000 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 4,907 dam"' to Girard Creek. It is estimated that less than 70%

of this flow volume reached Cookson Reservoir. Wells in the soil salinity project area supplied 676

dam^.

Table 3.4 Cookson Reservoir Storage Statistics for 2000

Date
33

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

I 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 2000 recorded levels and associated operating levels are shown in Figure 3.19.

2000 Cookson Reservoir

Daily Mean Water Levels

0> 2 749 C5 747

(0

lU 746

743

Full Supply Level ,2000 /

Median Level Minimum Desired Operating

Minimum Useable Storage Level

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Figure 3.19 Cookson Reservoir Daily Mean Water Levels for 2000 and

Median Daily Water Levels, 1981-1991
34

3.4.2 Water QuaUty

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 2000 was 719 mg/L, up slightly from 1999 but still well below past

levels.

3.5 Air Quality

SaskPower's ambient SO2 monitoring for 2000 recorded one value greater than SERM's one-hour

average standard of 0.17 ppm on April 19 and six values greater than the 24-hour average standard of

0.06 ppm, four of which occurred on May 12. The ambient SO2 monitor was out of service from June

through December. Letters to SERM were sent on June 7 and September 18 informing them of the condition of the ambient SO2 monitor. Readings from the ambient SO2 monitor continue to be

infrequent and of insignificant magnitude. The 2000 geometric mean for the high-volume suspended

particulate sampler was 19.7 \ig/m^ and 2000 was the ninth consecutive year of below-average

particulate readings.

3.6 Quality Control

3.6.1 Streamflow

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

site on September 19, 2000 by persoimel 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 fairly well with the

theoretical discharge computation of 0.074 m^/s for the 90° V-notch weir.
35

Table 3.5 Streamflow Measurement Results for September 19, 2000

Agency
o
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 Boimdary

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.

n. PARTICIPATING GOVERNMENTS

Governments and government agencies participating in the Arrangement are:

Govenmient of Canada: Environment Canada

Govenmient 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 ofRcial 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. Fvmctions ofthe 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
3d'

&'"i

3dJ

a:

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 coimtries 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 Conmiittee 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

2000

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 POTENTIAL

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 hitemational 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

2000

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
5 10 15 KILOMETRES

I ^-r-^ h

HYDROMETRIC GAUGING STATIONS (CANADA)

A2-6
SURFACE-WATER-QUALITY MONITORING

Sampling Locations

Responsible Agency: Saskatchewan Environment and Resource Management*
PARAMETERS

Responsib eAgCTicy^bnvironmen^anada

NAQUADAT*

Code

Anilytkal Method SampUog Frequencj' Sudon So. 6

10151
A SASKATCHEWAN ENVIRONMENT AND

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

ENVIRONMENT CANADA

5 10 15 KILOMETRES

I

'

1—' S

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*
10 15 KILOMETRES

GROUND-WATER PIEZOMETERS TO MONITOR POTENTIAL

DRAWDOWN DUE TO COAL-SEAM DEWATERING

A2-11
GROUND-WATER PIEZOMETER MONITORING - POPLAR RIVER

POWER STATION AREA
A2-13
GROUND-WATER PTF7,OMETER MONITORING—

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

ASH LAGOON AREA-WATER LEVEL
GROUND-WATER PTF7,0METER MONITORING—

ASH LAGOON AREA-WATER LEVEL
Responsible Agency: SERM

1 GROUND-WATER PIEZOMETER MONTTORINGASH LAGOON AREA - WATER QUALITY
GROUND-WATER PTF70METER MONTTORINGASH LAGOON AREA - WATER QUALITY
GROUND-WATER PTF7,0METER MOhflTORINGASH LAGOON AREA - WATER QUALITY
A2-20
PARAMETERS

Responsible Agency:
Ambient Air-Quality Monitoring

Responsible Agency: Saskatchewan Environment and Resource Management

Data Collected by: SaskPower
CANADA

UNITED STATES

5 10 15 KILOMETRES

I

1 ^-1 U

AMBIENT AIR-QUALITY MONITORING (CANADA)

A2-23

POPLAR RIVER

COOPERATIVE MONITORING ARRANGEMENT

TECHNICAL MONITORING SCHEDULES

2000

UNITED STATES

A2-24
STREAMFLOW MONITORING

Responsible Agency: U.S. Geological Survey 1

SURFACE-WATER-QUALITY MONITORING - Station Location

Responsible Agency: U.S. Geological Survey |
...'»• ..

5 10 15 KILOMETRES

n ^ ^

5 10 MILES

SURFACE-WATER-QUALITY MONITORING STATIONS (UNITED STATES)

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

Responsible Agency: Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology
CANADA

UNITED STATES

Scobey

5 10 15 KILOMETRES

I

' r-" 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 |
10 15 KILOMETRES

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 ( 1 976)

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 Boimdary 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 Boimdary, 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 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 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 apportionment. Poplar River Basin, Montana-Saskatchewan: Main

Rq>ort, 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 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

Jime 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 Jime 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 Jime

1st.

(c) The natural flow at the International Boimdary 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 coimtries.

A3-4

ANNEX

4

METRIC CONVERSION FACTORS

A4-1