s 

333.91 

M26prar 

1992 



1992 ANNUAL REPORT 

to the 

GOVERNMENTS OF CANADA, UNITED STATES, 
SASKATCHEWAN AND MONTANA 



iSTATE DOCUMENTS COLLECTION 
FEB 2 e 1994 



MONTANA STATE LIBRARY 

1515 E. 6th AVE. 
HELENA, MONTANA 59620 










POPLAR RIVER 



BILATERAL MONITORING COMMITTEE 



CX)VERING CALENDAR YEAR 1992 



Poplar 



December 1993 



3 0864 1004 5765 7 



1992 ANNUAL REPORT 



to the 



GOVERNMENTS OF CANADA, UNITED STATES, 
SASKATCHEWAN AND MONTANA 



by the 



POPLAR RIVER BILATERAL MONITORING COMMITTEE 
covering calendar year 1992 



December 1 993 



Poplar River Bilateral Monitoring Committee 



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

Governor's Office 
State of l\yiontana 
Helena, Montana, United States 



Department of External Affairs 
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada 

Saskatchewan Environment and 

Resource Management 
Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada 



Ladies and Gentlemen: 

During 1992, the Poplar River Bilateral Monitoring Committee continued to fulfill the responsibilities 
assigned by the governments under the Poplar River Cooperative Monitoring Agreement dated 
September 23, 1980. Through the exchange of Diplomatic Notes, on March 12, 1987, the 
Arrangement was extended to March 1991. In July 1992, another exchange of Diplomatic Notes 
extended the Arrangement retroactively from March 31, 1991 to March 31, 1996. In addition, the 
Arrangement was modified to terminate quarterly exchange of data and substitute an annual 
exchange of data. 

The enclosed report summarizes current 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 examination and evaluation of the monitoring 
information for 1992, the Committee finds that the measured conditions meet the recommended 
objectives. However, the Committee notes that flow-weighted concentration of total dissolved solids 
in streamflow in the East Poplar River at the International Boundary continues to increase and is 
approaching the long-term objective of 1 ,000 milligrams per liter 

During 1992, monitoring continued in accordance with Technical Monitoring Schedules outlined in 
the 1991 Annual Report of the Poplar River Bilateral Monitoring Committee. 

Herein is the 12th Annual Report of the Poplar River Bilateral Monitoring Committee. This report 
discusses the Committee activities of 1992 and presents the proposed monitoring schedule for 1993. 

Yours sincerely. 



.ft i\UJLJ 

Me A. Moreland 
fhairman. United States Section 





R.A. Halliday 

Chairman, Canadian Section 



/C '^■ 




'-f'-r 



Gary Fritz 

Member, United States Section 



D.D. Nargang 

Member, Canadian Section 



TABLE OF CONTENTS 

Highlights for 1992 iii 

1.0 Introduction 1 

2.0 Committee Activities 2 

2.1 Membership 2 

2.2 l\/leetings 2 

2.3 Review of Water-Quality Objectives 3 

2.4 Data Exchange 5 

3.0 Water and Air: Monitoring and Interpretations 5 

3.1 Poplar River Power Station Operation 5 

3.2 East Poplar River 5 

3.2.1 Streamflow 5 

3.2.2 Apportionment 6 

3.2.3 Minimum Flows 7 

3.2.4 On-Demand Release 8 

3.2.5 Water Quality 8 

3.2.5.1 Total Dissolved Solids 8 

3.2.5.2 Boron 11 

3.2.5.3 Other Water-Quality Variables 13 

3.3 Groundwater 15 

3.3.1 Operations 15 

3.3.2 Ground-Water Levels 15 

3.3.2.1 Saskatchewan 15 

3.3.2.2 Montana 17 

3.3.3 Ground-Water Quality 19 

3.3.3.1 Saskatchewan 19 

3.3.3.2 Montana 25 

3.4 Cookson Reservoir 26 

3.4.1 Storage 26 

3.4.2 Water Quality 27 

3.5 Air Quality 28 

3.5.1 Saskatchewan Environment and Resource Management 28 

3.5.2 SaskPower Corporation 28 

3.6 Quality Control 29 

3.6.1 Streamflow 29 

3.6.2 Water Quality 29 

4.0 References Cited 31 

ANNEXES 

1 .0 Poplar River Cooperative Monitoring Arrangement, Canada-United States A1 -1 

2.0 Poplar River Cooperative Monitoring Arrangement, Technical Monitoring 

Schedules, 1993, Canada-United States A2-1 

3.0 Recommended Flow Apportionment in the Poplar River Basin A3-1 

4.0 Metric Conversions A4-1 



TABLES 

Table 2.1 Recommended Water-Quality Objectives 4 

Table 3.1 Recommended Water-Quality Objectives and Excursions, 1992 Sampling 

Program, East Poplar River at International Boundary 14 

Table 3.2 Water-Quality Statistics for Water Pumped from Supplementary Water Supply 

Project Wells Sampled at Site "C3" on Girard Creek 20 

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

Sampled at the Discharge Pipe 21 

Table 3.4 Cookson Resen/oir Storage Statistics for 1992 26 

Table 3.5 Streamflow Measurement Results for June 17, 1992 29 

FIGURES 

Figure 3.1 Discharge during 1992 as Compared with the Median Discharge for 1961-1990 

for the Poplar River at the International Boundary 6 

Figure 3.2 Flow Hydrograph of the East Poplar River at the International Boundary 7 

Figure 3.3 TDS Concentrations for 1992 Grab Samples from East Poplar River at 

International Boundary 9 

Figure 3.4 Three-Month Moving, Flow-Weighted TDS Concentration for East Poplar River 

at International Boundary 9 

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

International Boundary 10 

Figure 3.6 Boron Concentrations for 1 992 Grab Samples from East Poplar River at 

International Boundary 11 

Figure 3.7 Three-Month Moving, Flow-Weighted Boron Concentration for East Poplar 

River at International Boundary 12 

Figure 3.8 Five-Year Moving, Flow-Weighted Boron Concentration for East Poplar River 

at International Boundary 12 

Figure 3.9 Drawdown for Hart Seam Aquifer as of December 1992 16 

Figure 3.10 Cone of Depression in the Empress Sands Due to the Salinity Project as of 

December 1992 18 

Figure 3.11 Hydrographs of Selected Wells 19 

Figure 3.12 Total Dissolved Solids in Samples from Montana Monitoring Wells 25 

Figure 3.13 Cookson Reservoir Mean Daily Water Levels for 1992 and Median Monthly 

Water Levels for 1981 -1991 27 



HIGHLIGHTS FOR 1992 

The Poplar River Power Station completed its ninth full year of operation in 1 992. The two 300- 
megawatt coal-fired units generated 4 692 000 gross megawatt-hours (MW/h) of electricity, 103 
percent from 1991 and 102 percent from 1990. In 1992, the average capacity factor for Unit No. 1 
was 92.8 percent and the average capacity factor for Unit No. 2 was 88.2 percent. 

Monitoring information collected in both Canada and the United States during 1992 was exchanged 
in the spring of 1993. In general, the sampling locations, frequency of collection, and parameters 
met the requirements identified in the 1992 Technical Monitoring Schedules set forth in the 1991 
annual report. 

Regional drought conditions persisted during 1992 resulting in below nonnal streamflows. The 
March to October recorded flow of the Poplar River at the International Boundary for 1992 was 2 080 
cubic decametres (dam^) which was 21 percent of the 1931 to 1991 median seasonal flow. The 
1992 recorded flow volume of the East Poplar River at the International Boundary was 1 860 dam^. 
This volume Is 54 percent of the median annual flow since completion of Morrison Dam in 1975. The 
on-demand release, in accordance with the apportionment recommendations of the International 
Joint Commission (IJC), entitled Montana to 370 dam'^ for 1991-92 to be delivered between May 1 
and May 30, 1 992. A volume of 480 dam^ was delivered during this period. 



iii 



1.0 INTRODUCTION 

The Poplar River Bilateral Monitoring Committee was authorized for an initial period of five years by 
the Govemments of Canada and the United States under the Poplar River Cooperative Monitoring 
Arrangement dated September 23, 1980. A copy of the Arrangement is attached to this report as 
Annex 1 . On March 12, 1 987, the Arrangement was extended by the Govemments for four years to 
March 1991 . In July 1992, the Arrangement was further extended retroactively from March 31 , 1 991 
to March 31, 1996 following a request from the Committee in 1991. A more detailed account of the 
historical background of the 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 transboundary 
impacts from SaskPower's (formeriy Saskatchewan Power Corporation) coal-fired themnal 
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 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 data to objectives or standards recommended by the 
international Joint Commission to Govemments, or to relevant Federal, State or Provincial 
standards. The Committee reports to Govemments on a calendar year basis. This report is the 
twelfth in the series. The Committee is also responsible for drawing Government's attention to 
definitive changes in monitoring parameters which may require immediate attention. 

A responsibility of the Committee is review of the adequacy of monitoring programs in both countries 
and recommending changes in Technical Monitoring Schedules to Govemments. The Schedules 
are updated annually to document changes in monitoring locations, sampling frequencies, 
parameter lists, and analytical techniques. The Technical Monitoring Schedules listed in the annual 



2 

report (Annex 2) are given for the forthcoming year. The Committee reviews and proposes changes 

to the Technical i\/Ionitoring Schedules as information requirements change. 

2.0 COMMITTEE ACTIVITIES 

2.1 Membership 

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

During 1992, members of the Committee included: Mr J.R. Knapton, U.S. Geological Survey, 
United States representative and CoChairperson; Mr R.A. Halliday, Environment Canada, 
Canadian representative and CoChairperson; Mr A. Wittich, Govemor's Office, Montana 
representative; Mr D.D. Nargang, Saskatchewan Environment and Resource Management, 
Saskatchewan representative; Mr C.W. Tande, Daniels County Commissioner, Montana local ex- 
officio representative; and Mr J.R. Totton, Reeve, R.M. of Hart Butte, Saskatchewan local ex-officio 
representative. 

2.2 Meetings 

The Committee met on June 2 and 3, 1 992, in Coronach, Saskatchewan. Delegated representatives 
of Govemments except the representative from the State of Montana attended the meeting. Neither 
of the ex-officio members were in attendance. 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 power plant and mine; examined data 
collected in 1991 including surface-water quality and quantity, ground-water quality and quantity, and 
air quality; established the Technical Monitoring Schedules for 1992; considered a draft report on 



3 

quality-assurance results; discussed proposed changes in water-quality objectives; and toured the 

power plant, ash lagoons, mine, and other ancillary facilities. The Committee also prepared the first 
draft of the 1991 Annual Report to Govemments. 

2.3 Review of Water-Quality Objectives 

The International Joint Commission in its Report to Govemments, 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." In 
1 991 , the Committee undertook a review of water-quality objectives. A subcommittee composed of 
Mr. J.R. Knapton, U.S. Geological Survey; Mr J.-G. Zakrevsky, Environment Canada; Mr A. 
Horpestad, Montana Department of Health and Environmental Sciences; and Mr D.D. Nargang, 
Saskatchewan Environment and Resource Management, was formed to review and recommend 
changes in water-quality objectives. 

The subcommittee examined the entire data base collected during the last eleven years of 
monitoring. This data base has led to a better understanding of background conditions in the basin 
and documented the presence or absence of trends in monitored constituents. 

The subcommittee agreed that dissolved trace elements should be dropped from the water-quality 
objectives. The group reached consensus that total trace element concentrations provided more 
meaningful information but that differences in laboratory analytical procedures and field techniques 
would have to be investigated to determine comparability of data. 

The subcommittee noted that mercury concentrations in tissue from fish in Cookson Reservoir are 
less than Canadian consumption guidelines. However, the subcommittee recommended that fishery 
experts be consulted before a decision is made to drop the objective. 



The subcommittee also reviewed the water-quality objectives for 5-year and 3-month flow-weighted 
concentrations for total dissolved solids and boron. Although the subcommittee 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. 

Recommendations of the subcommittee are summarized in Table 2.1 . 



Table 2. 1 Recommended Water-Quality Objectives. 



PARAMETER 


PRESENT 
OBJECTIVE 


RECOMMENDATION 


NEW OBJECTIVE 


Boron, total 


^3.5/2.5 


Discontinue flow weighting 


? 


TDS 


M 500/1000 


Discontinue flow weighting 


? 


Aluminum, dissolved 


0.1 


Discontinue 




Ammonia, un-ionized 


0.02 


Base objective on temperature and pH 
(table to be done later) 




Cadmium, total 


0.0012 


Continue as is 


0.0012 


Chromium, total 


0.05 


Discontinue 


-- 


Copper, dissolved 


0.005 


Discontinue 


- 


Copper, total 


1.0 


Continue as is 


1.0 


Fluoride, dissolved 


1.5 


Continue as is 


1.5 


Lead, total 


0.03 


Continue as is 


0.03 


Mercury, dissolved 


0.0002 


Change to total 


0.0002 


Mercury, fish (mg/kg) 


0.5 


Discuss with fisheries people 


? 


Nitrate 


10 


Continue as is 


10 


Oxygen, dissolved 


24.0/5.0 


Objective applies only during open water 


24.0/5.0 


SAR (units) 


10.0 


Continue as is 


10.0 


Sulfate, dissolved 


800 


Continue as is 


800 


Zinc, total 


0.03 


Continue as is 


0.03 


Water temperature (C) 


^30.0 


Continue as is 


^30.0 


pH (units) 


^6.5 


Continue as is (need to detennine what is 
natural) 


"6.5 


Coliform (no./100 mL) 








Fecal 


2,000 


Discontinue 


-- 


Total 


20,000 


Discontinue 


-- 


Units In mg/L except as noted. 

1. Five-year average of flow-weighted concentrations (March to October) should be <2.5 boron, <1000 TDS. Three-month average 
of flow-weighted concentration should be <3.5 boron and <15(X) TDS. 

2. 5.0 (minimum April 10 to May 15), 4.0 (minimum remainder of year). 

3. Natural temperature (April 10 to May 15), <30 degrees Celsius (remainder of year). 

4. Less than 0.5 pH units above natural, minimum pH = 6.5. 



2.4 Data Exchang e 

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 1 992 calendar year 

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

3.0 WATER AND AIR: MONITORING AND INTERPRETATIONS 

3.1 Poplar River Power Station Operation 

In 1992, the average capacity factor for Unit No. 1 was 92.8 percent. The average capacity factor for 
Unit No. 2 was 88.2 percent. The capacity factors are based on the maximum power generation 
rating of 297.8 MW/h for Unit No. 1 and 294 MW/h for Unit No. 2. Total power generated from both 
units was 4 692 000 gross megawatt-hours which is about 103 percent of 1991 power and 102 
percent of 1 990 power 

3.2 East Poplar River 
3.2.1 Streamflow 

Streamflow in the Poplar River basin was below normal in 1992. The f^arch to October recorded 
flow of the Poplar River at the international Boundary, an indicator of natural flow in the basin, was 
2 080 cubic decametres which was 21 percent of the 1931 to 1991 median seasonal flow. For the 



6 

sixth consecutive year, the flow was below normal. A comparison of 1992 monthly mean discharge 

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



o 
o 

LxJ 

(/) 
a: 

Ld 
CL 

C/O 
UJ 

en 



1.000 



0.800 



0.600 



o 

m 

o 

z 

(jj 
o 

< 

X 

o 

Q 



0.400 



0.200 



0.000 



MEDIAN OF MONTHLY MEAN DISCHARGE FOR 1961 -1990 J 

MONTHLY MEAN DISCHARGE FOR 1 992 




:^^ 



MAR APR MAY JUN 



JUL 



AUG 



SEP 



OCT 



Figure 3.1 Discharge during 1992 as Compared with the IVIedian Discharge 
from 1961-1990 for the Poplar River at the International Boundary. 



The 1992 recorded flow volume of the East Poplar River at the International Boundary was 1 860 
dam-^. This volume is 54 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 Apportionment 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 the International Boundary from March 1 to May 31, 
1992 was 1 460 dam-^. 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) for the period June 1, 1992 to May 31, 1993. The minimum 
flow for the period January 1 to May 31, 1992 had previously been determined on the basis of the 
Poplar River flow volume for March 1 to May 31 , 1 991 . A hydrograph for the East Poplar River at the 
International Boundary and the minimum flow as recommended by the IJC are shown in Figure 3.2. 
Daily flows during 1992 were above the recommended minimum at all times with the exception of 

December 29, 30, 31, 1992. Extremely cold temperatures reduced the flow to 0.027 m^/s on these 
days. 



T 1 1 1 1 1 1 r 



/ 0.028 m3/t 




Apportionment recommendation for minimum flow 



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

1992 



Figure 3.2 Flow Hydrograph of the East Poplar River at the 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 during the twelve month period commencing June 1, 1991. Based 
on the runoff volume recorded at the Poplar River at the Intemational Boundary gaging station during 
the March 1 to May 31, 1991 period, Montana was entitled to a release of 370 dam"' from Cookson 
Reservoir Montana requested this release to be made between May 1 and May 30, 1992. A 
volume of 480 dam^ was delivered during this period. 

3.2.5 Water Quality 

The 1981 report by the IJC to Governments recommended: 

For the March to October period, the maximum flow-weighted concentrations should 
not exceed 3.5 milligrams per liter (mg/L) for boron and 1 500 mg/L for total dissolved 
solids for any three consecutive months in the East Poplar River at the International 
Boundary. For the March to October period, the long-term average of flow-weighted 
concentrations should be 2.5 mg/L or less for boron, and 1 000 mg/L or less for total 
dissolved solids in the East Poplar River at the International Boundary. 

The Bilateral Monitoring Committee adopted the approach that, for the purposes of comparison with 
the proposed IJC long-term objectives, the boron and total dissolved solids (TDS) data are best 
graphically plotted as 5-year moving flow-weighted concentrations (FWCs) which were advanced 
one month at a time. 

3.2.5.1 Total Dissolved Solids 

TDS data for grab samples collected by Environment Canada and the U.S. Geological Survey in 
1992 are shown in Figure 3.3. TDS ranged from 743 mg/L (March 16) to 1 286 mg/L (May 19). The 
short-term objective for TDS is 1 500 mg/L. A time plot of the 3-month moving FWCs for TDS is 
presented in Figure 3.4. No exceedances of the objective have been observed during any 3-month 
period since 1975. The 3-month FWCs remained confined within a narrow range centered around a 
mean of approximately 1 000 mg/L during 1992. 



1300 



1200 



1100 



3 1000 

m 
Q 
H 900 



800 - 



700 



- • • - 



1992 



N 1993 



Figure 3.3 TDS Concentrations for 1992 Grab Samples from East Poplar River 
at International Boundary. 



1600 
1500 
1400 
1300 
1200 
1100 
1000 
900 
800 
700 
600 
500 
400 
300 
200 
100 



I ' I '—1 ' I ' I ' 1 ' I ' I ' 



1 ' I ' I ' I ' I ' I ' r 



Short-Term Objective (1500 mg/L) 




from sample analysis, 
from regression 

_l I I I I ■ I 



1974 1975 1978 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 

Year 



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



10 

Five-year FWCs for TDS (Figure 3.5) remained below the long-term objective of 1 000 mg/L. An 

increase in the 5-year FWCs to approximately 955 mg/L was observed in 1992. A 200-mg/L 
increase had previously occurred in early 1988 and had been maintained through 1989 and 1990. 
The 1991 rise in FWCs corresponds to depressed spring flows in the East Poplar River A similar 
increase in TDS was seen during mid-1987. Relatively low spring discharges have occurred since 
1 984. If this trend continues, it is expected that FWCs will reach the 1 000 mg/L objective. The TDS 
increase can be explained in part by salt build-up in Cookson Reservoir as a result of water being 
used for cooling. Forced evaporation causes salts to concentrate within the reservoir This process 
is further driven by drought conditions which prevailed over the last half of the data record (Lang and 
Jones, 1988). In addition, low-flow conditions (when flows are derived largely from ground-water 
sources) likely increase TDS concentrations and yields a positive TDS trend in the data. 





1300 




1200 




1100 




lOUO 


:j 


900 


6 


800 
700 


m 

Q 


600 
500 




400 




300 




200 




100 



"I — ' — I — ' — I — ' — I — ' — r 



-1 — I — I- 



Long-Term Objective (1000 mg/L) 




J . I I I I L 



J I I ^ \ I L 



1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 

Year 



Figure 3.5 Five- Year Moving, Flow-Weighted TDS Concentration for East 
Poplar River at International Boundary. 

The relation between TDS and specific conductance generated from data collected from 1 975 to 

1 992 is as follows: 

TDS = (0.632 X specific conductance) -f 1 9.97 
(r2 = 0.86, n = 449) 



11 



3.2.5.2 Boron 



During 1992, boron concentrations in the East Poplar River at the international Boundary varied from 
1.40 mg/L (March 16) to 2.34 mg/L (May 19) (Figure 3.6). 



2.4 



<J 2.0 

OB 

6 

^— 1.8 

a 
o 

I 1-6 



1.4 



1.2 



- • • • • - 

• • • 

- • 



1992 



N 1993 



Figure 3.6 Boron Concentrations for 1992 Grab Samples from East Poplar River 
at International Boundary. 



Three-month boron FWCs for the period of record are shown in Figure 3.7. The short-term objective 
of 3.5 mg/L boron was not exceeded for the period 1975-1992. The similarity in shape between the 
TDS and boron plots (Figures 3.4 and 3.7) is a strong indication of the influence of discharge on 
FWC functions. 



The 5-year boron FWCs, displayed in Figure 3.8, remained well below the long-term objective of 2.5 
mg/L boron. From mid-1988 to the end of 1990, there was a slight increase in the 5-year boron 
FWC. The 5-year boron FWC increased slightly from 1 .90 mg/L in 1991 to approximately 1 .95 mg/L. 
The 5-year calculations for boron were significantly influenced by discharge in exactly the same way 
as was TDS. 



12 



< 



4.5 
4.0 
3.5 
3.0 
2.5 
2.0 
1.5 
1.0 
0.5 
0.0 



-I — ' — I — ' — I — ' — I — ' — I — ' — I — ' — r 



1 — ' — I — ' — I — ' — I — ' — I — ' — I — ' — r 



Short-Term Objective (3.5 mg/L) 




from sample analysis 
from regression 

I ■ I ■ I ■ I ■ 



1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 

Year 



Figure 3.7 Three-Month Moving, Flow-Weighted Boron Concentration for East 
Poplar River at International Boundary. 



— \ — I — i — I — I — ' — \ — I — I — ' — I — I — r 
Long-Term Objective (2.5 mg/L) 




J I I I I 1 L 



1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 

Year 



Figure 3.8 Five-Year Moving, Flow-Weighted Boron Concentration for East 
Poplar River at International Boundary. 



13 

The relation between boron and specific conductance at the East Poplar River sampling location 

during the period 1975-1992 is described by the equation: 



boron - (0.00144 x specific conductance) - 0.218 
(r2 = 0.69, n = 449) 

The increase in boron, as was the case with TDS, can be explained by evaporative loss of water 
brought on by the drought conditions and the use of water for cooling, both intensifying natural 
evaporation from Cookson Reservoir 

3.2.5.3 Other Water-Quality Variables 

Table 3.1 lists the multipurpose water-quality objectives for the East Poplar River in the Intemational 
Boundary, recommended by the Intemational Poplar River Water Quality Board to the IJC. A single 
excursion of the multipurpose objectives occurred in 1992. On January 15th, a dissolved oxygen 
measurement of 2.4 mg/L was below the 4.0 mg/L objective. It is believed that extensive ice cover, 
coupled with low-flow conditions, drastically inhibited the aeration process. 

Environment Canada monitored the East Poplar River for phenoxy acid herbicides and 
organochlorine compounds during 1992. Trace concentrations of 2,4-D (in two of five samples), 
T^BHC (in one of five samples), a-BHC (in one of five samples) and Dicamba (in one of five samples) 
were recorded. The presence of these compounds in prairie surface waters is well documented 
(Integrated Environments Limited, 1991). All other organic compounds monitored were below 
analytical detection limits. 



14 



Table 3.1 Recommended Water-Quality Objectives and Excursions, 1992 Sampling Program, East 
Poplar River at Intemational Boundary 



Parameter 


Objective 


No. of Samples 


Excursions 


USA 


Canada 


Objectives recommended by IJC to Governments 


Boron, total 


'3.5/2.5 


7 


10 


Nil 


Total Dissolved Solids 


'1500/1000 


7 


10 


Nil 


Objectives recommended by Intemational Poplar River Water Quality Board to IJC 


Aluminum, dissolved 


0.1 


4 


6 


Nil 


Ammonia un-ionized (as N) 


0.2 


6 


10 


Nil 


Cadmium, total 


0.0012 


4 


10 


Nil 


Chromium, total 


0.05 


4 


7 


Nil 


Copper, dissolved 


0.005 


4 


-- 


Nil 


Copper, total 


1.0 


2 


10 


Nil 


Fluoride, dissolved 


1.5 


7 


10 


Nil 


Lead, total 


0.03 


2 


10 


Nil 


Mercury, dissolved 


0.0002 


-- 


-- 




Mercury, whole fish (mg Hg/Kg) 


0.5 


-- 


-- 




Nitrate (as N) 


10.0 


6 


10 


Nil 


Oxygen, dissolved 


^4.0/5.0 


7 


6 


1 


Sodium adsorption ratio 


10.0 


7 


10 


Nil 


Sulphate, dissolved 


800.0 


7 


10 


Nil 


Zinc, total 


0.03 


2 


10 


Nil 


Water Temperature (Celsius) 


^30.0 


7 


6 


Nil 


pH (pH Units) 


^6.5 


7 


6 


Nil 


Coliform, fecal (no. per 100 mL) 


2,000 


-- 


10 


Nil 


Coliform, total (no. per 100 mL) 


20,000 


-- 


10 


Nil 


Units in mg/L except as noted. 

1 . Three-month average of flow-weighted concentrations should be <3.5 boron and <1,500 TDS. Five-year average of flow- 
weighted concentrations (March to October) should be <2.5 boron and <1,000 TDS. 

2. 5.0 (minimum April 10 to May 15), 4.0 (minimum remainder of year). 

3. Natural temperature (April 10 to May 15), <30 degrees Celsius (remainder of year). 

4. Less than 0.5 pH units above natural, minimum pH = 6.5. 



15 

3.3 Groundwater 

3.3.1 Operations 

In 1992, as part of the Supplementary Water Supply Project, 21 wells were in operating status. 
Operation of these wells resulted in a total of 5 225 dam^ of ground water being pumped. A regional 
network of 1 71 piezometers was monitored as part of this project. 

Currently, there are eight pump wells installed as part of the Soil Salinity Project. These wells 
produced a total of 942 dam^. However, 95 percent of this water was produced from PW87103 and 
PW87104 on the east side of the East Poplar River and PW90108 on the west side of the East 
Poplar River. 

3.3.2 Ground-Water Levels 
3.3.2.1 Saskatchewan 

As can be seen in figure 3.9, there appears to have been a slight general expansion in the cone of 
depression in 1992. Of particular note is the expansion of the cone along the Montana border The 
cone has shifted south only slightly, but it has spread out along the border As a result, the 1 -metre 
drawdown contour is approaching the border along a front from Section 1, Township 1, Range 27, 
West of 2, to Section 1 , Township 1 , Range 28, West of 2, and in places is less than 1 kilometre from 
the border This change may be due in part to the replacement of border piezometers M506 and 
M510. The old piezometers were not yielding reliable data which probably influenced the 
interpretation of previous drawdown maps. Based on the drawdowns seen on the 1 992 map, it is 
clear that some drawdown will be occurring along the border in Montana. However, these 
drawdowns are estimated to be less than 1 metre. This confirms the drawdowns noted by state 
officials in Montana in piezometers they measured in 1991. 




16 



-L-c8 



6 2 



t: s 

a 9. 






CM 



0) 

E 

CD 
O 
0) 
Q 

«^ 
O 
<A 

re 



3 

cr 

< 

E 
re 

C 
re 

X 



at 
ci 

0) 

3 
O) 



17 

Figure 3.10 illustrates the extent and magnitude of the cone of depression in the Empress Sands as 

a result of the Soil Salinity Project. The pumpage is resulting in drawdowns of approximately 1 metre 
at the International Boundary in Sections 4, 5, and possibly 3, of Township 1 , Range 26, West of 2. 
The projected goal for achieving drawdowns in the order of 2 to 3 metres has now been achieved, 
and therefore future pumping should be relatively stable subject to water levels in Cookson 
Reservoir 

3.3.2.2 Montana 

During 1992, water levels continued to decline in monitoring wells located in Montana with the 
exception of wells 2, 8-9, 11, and 21. At the International Boundary, water levels have declined 
approximately 0.6 metres in wells 5 and 6 and about 1 metre in well 10. Well 10 is responding to 
pumpage from the Hart coal seam and probably pumpage from Soil Salinity Project wells along the 
East Poplar River downstream from Morrison Dam. 

Hydrographs of selected wells which monitor water levels in the Hart coal seam are shown in figure 
3.11. 



18 



i 




3 3 



§ 

OL 



(D 
(0 

0) 



0) 

3 

o 

(0 
TJ 

C 
(0 

(0 

(0 

(ff 

0) 

Q. 

E 
ui 



Oi 4^ 



c 
o 

(A 

Q. 

0) 

o 

0) 



c 



m 
£ 

3 

ul 



19 



c 
g 

> 

T5 

C 



C5 




2445- 

Jan-79 Jan-81 Jan-83 Jan-85 Jan-87 Jan-89 Jan-91 Jan-93 Jan-95 



Figure 3.11 Hydrographs of Selected Wells. 



3.3.3 Ground-Water Quality 
3.3.3.1 Sasi(atchewan 

The water quality from the Supplementary Water Supply Project discharge points has been 
consistent with no trends indicated. A summary of the more frequently tested parameters during 
1992 is provided in Table 3.2. Statistical averages of the results since January 1990 are included in 
this table. 



20 



Table 3.2 Water-Quality Statistics for Water Pumped from 

Supplementary Water Supply Project Wells Sampled 
at Site "C3" on Girard Creek. 





1990-1991 
Average 


1992 
Average 


pH (units) 


7.7 


7.8 


Conductivity (nS/cm) 


1,383 


1,381 


Total dissolved solids 


905 


930 


Total suspended solids 


3.7 


2.6 


Boron 


1.25 


1.29 


Sodium 


178 


180 


Cyanide (ng/L) 


<2 


<2 


Iron 


1.2 


1.4 


Manganese 


0.24 


0.23 


Mercury (|xg/L) 


<0.10 


<0.1 


Units in mg/L except as noted. 



Girard Creek location "C3" is directly downstream from the majority of the pumped wells and 
provides a good indication of water quality entering Cookson Reservoir. Water quality at "C3" is 
better than current reservoir quality and therefore this water has a positive influence on the quality of 
water in the reservoir. 



The water quality of the common discharge point from the Soil Salinity Project wells is generally 
better than the water quality In Cookson Reservoir. Average results from the common discharge 
point for 1992, plus a summary of the 1990 and 1991 results, are provided in Table 3.3. Results 
have been consistent since 1 990. 



21 



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





1990-1991 
Average 


1992 
Average 


pH (units) 


7.7 


7.8 


Conductivity (^S/cm) 


1,457 


1,388 


Total dissolved solids 


966 


941 


Boron 


1.5 


1.7 


Calcium 


111 


98 


Magnesium 


60 


58 


Sodium 


147 


151 


Potassium 


7.4 


7.6 


Arsenic (ng/L) 


13.1 


15.3 


Aluminum 


0.011 


0.012 


Barium 


0.025 


0.028 


Cadmium 


<0.001 


<0.001 


Iron 


3.8 


4.2 


Manganese 


0.31 


0.15 


Molybdenum 


0.003 


0.003 


Strontium 


1.70 


1.86 


Vanadium 


0.003 


0.002 


Uranium (^g/L) 


<0.1 


<0.1 


Mercury (|ig/L) 


<0.10 


<0.1 


Sulfate 


328 


315 


Units in mg/L except as noted. 



Ground-water quality can potentially be affected by seepage of the contaminants in the ash lagoons 
through the containment system. The piezometers listed in the Technical Monitoring Schedules are 



22 

used to detect leachate movement and calculate seepage rates. In 1992, 15 new piezometers were 

installed to obtain additional information on leachate effects and seepage from the ash lagoons. 

The piezometric surface for the oxidized strata shows a ground-water mound that has developed 
beneath the ash lagoons. The ground-water mound extends from the east side of Ash Lagoon No. 
2, where a 6-metre increase has been noted, to the west side of the Polishing Pond, where levels 
have increased about 4 metres. The new oxidized-till piezometers installed along Dyke B confirm 
the ground-water mound that has developed. The oxidized-till piezometers closer to the reservoir 
have shown a decreasing trend in piezometric levels reacting to lower reservoir water levels. 

The largest changes in chloride and boron concentrations have occurred where the water levels 
have changed the most. This would be expected because changing water levels suggest leachate 
movement. Increasing boron concentrations on the east and south sides of Ash Lagoon No. 2, 
together with decreasing chloride concentrations, suggests leachate influence. On the west side of 
the Polishing Pond, boron concentrations have not changed significantly. 

Little change in boron or chloride concentrations has been noticed in samples from most of the 
oxidized-till piezometers located by the reservoir The only significant change in samples from any of 
these piezometers has been at C719 where chloride concentrations have decreased by 96 mg/L 
since 1983, to a concentration of 14.7 mg/L in 1992. This piezometer is beside the reservoir and the 
change in quality is due to the lower water levels of the reservoir rather than ash-lagoon influence. 

During the 1991 review, a ground-water mound was concluded to have developed in the unoxidized 
till similar to that in the oxidized till, extending from the east side of Ash Lagoon No. 2 to the west 
side of the Polishing Pond. The ground-water mound was known not to be continuous because 
some unoxidized-till piezometers within the mound area had no increase in piezometric level. The 
new piezometers installed along Dyke B (C868C, C869C, and C871C) provided some valuable 
infonnation. These piezometers located in the middle of the lagoon area are illustrating a 



23 

decreasing trend in piezometric levels matching decreasing reservoir levels. This new infonnation 

would suggest that the ground-water mound in the unoxidized till is not general but likely occurs in 
unconnected pockets. A review of boron and chloride concentrations does not show any strong 
trends. 

The piezometric surface of the Empress gravels indicate a regional flow from northwest to southeast 
below Morrison Dam. Since 1983, the closer an Empress piezometer is to the reservoir, the larger 
the decrease in water level. Around the lagoon area there is a noticeable drop in piezometric level at 
the north end of Ash Lagoons No. 1 and No. 2, and a mound has developed at the east end of Ash 
Lagoon No. 3 North. The mound on the east side of Ash Lagoon No. 3 North is likely due to upper 
horizon influences. Results for the Empress gravel do not indicate any seepage activity with the 
majority of piezometer wells showing little change in boron or chloride concentrations. 

Piezometer series C775 is located at the southeast corner of Ash Lagoon No. 3 North. Until 1992, 
chloride concentrations have only varied in samples from the oxidized-till piezometer C775A. For the 
last two years, water levels in the oxidized-till piezometer C775B, the unoxidized-till piezometer 
C775C, and the Empress-gravel piezometer C775D have increased. This is especially significant in 
C775B where the level has increased 6 metres in the last year and boron concentration has 
increased to 6.6 mg/L in 1992. The changes seen for the piezometers in the area are significant but 
more data will be needed to reach any firm conclusions. 

Sand-lense piezometers C712B, C766, and C767 are located between the Polishing Pond and the 
cooling water canal. C767 is located on top of Dyke G. C766 and C712B are located at the top of 
Dyke G. 

A review of the boron concentrations for samples from C766 shows an increasing trend until October 
1988 when levels peaked at 12.6 mg/L. Boron concentration decreased to 6.99 mg/L in April 1990, 



24 

started increasing again, and peaked at 23.7 mg/L at the end of 1991. In 1992, the boron 

concentrations remained stable at about 25 mg/L. 

Until April 1988, the boron concentration for samples from C767 was increasing and peaked at 49.4 
mg/L. From this peak, the boron concentration has steadily decreased. By the end of 1991 the 
boron concentration had leveled off t>elow 4 mg/L and remained at this concentration through 1992. 
The reduction in boron concentrations for samples from C767 to background concentrations suggest 
a leachate plume and not a continuous front. 

Piezometer C712B has been monitored for several years. Historically, boron concentrations have 
been below 1 mg/L. In mid-1987, increasing boron concentrations were noted with the concentration 
peaking in April 1992 at 26.6 mg/L. 

Chloride concentrations trended down in samples from C712B to 50 mg/L in 1988 from over 200 
mg/L in 1984. Since 1988, chloride concentrations have changed little with the exception of a spike 
over 125 mg/L in 1991 . There is an increasing trend in samples from piezometer C767, increasing 
from about 25 mg/L in 1989 to 75 mg/L in 1991. Since 1991, the chloride concentrations in samples 
from C767 have remained about 75 mg/L. The chloride concentrations for samples from C766 have 
shown little change since 1987 and remain between 20 and 30 mg/L, similar to ash-lagoon chloride 
concentrations. The lag time for the boron concentration to increase when compared to chloride is 
expected because boron moves slower through soil than an element like chloride. The higher boron 
concentrations in samples from C767 than in samples from the other two piezometers are much 
closer to the boron concentrations in the Polishing Pond. 

The total calculated seepage from the ash lagoon was determined to be 1.51 Us. This is an 
increase over the 1991 calculated value of 1.267 Us. 

The increase can mostly be attributed to the increase in calculated seepage rates for Ash Lagoon 
No. 1 from 0.245 L/s in 1991 to 0.417 L/s in 1992. The piezometric levels in the new piezometers 



25 

installed on the west side of Ash Lagoon No. 1 closely matched levels in other piezometers on the 

west side of the ash lagoons and these levels did not affect calculations. However, the new 
piezometers on the east side of Ash Lagoon No. 1 did indicate large increases in piezometric levels 
from background values and when these levels were added to the calculation, the calculated 
seepage rates increased. The piezometers on the east side of Ash Lagoon No. 1 provided data in an 
area where there was no previous information. Calculated liner permeabilities for the ash lagoons 
have remained about 1 0"^ cm/sec. 

The calculated total seepage from the ash lagoons is well below the seepage limits proposed in 1 979 
by the International Poplar River Water Quality Board of the International Joint Commission. 

3.3.3.2 Montana 

Samples for water-quality analysis were collected from Montana monitoring wells 5-11, 15, 16, 19, 
23, and 24 in 1992. Graphs of total dissolved solids for selected wells are shown in Figure 3.12. 




200 



Jan-79 Jan-81 Jan-83 Jan-85 Jan-87 Jan-89 Jan-91 Jan-93 Jan-95 

Date 

Figure 3.12 Total Dissolved Solids in Samples from Montana Monitoring Wells. 



26 
3.4 Cookson Reservoir 

3.4.1 Storage 

On January 1, 1992, Cookson Reservoir storage was 23 500 dam'^--54 percent of the full-supply 
volume. During the year, precipitation was below normal resulting in below normal inflows. The 
1992 maximum, minimum, and period elevations and volumes are shown in Table 3.4. In addition to 
runoff, reservoir levels were augmented by ground-water pumpage. Wells in the abandoned west 
block mine site supplied 5 225 dam"^ to Girard Creek. Approximately 70 percent of this flow volume 
reached Cookson Reservoir. Wells in the Soil Salinity Project supplied 942 dam^^ directly to the 
reservoir. 

Table 3.4 Cookson Reservoir Storage Statistics for 1 992. 



Date 


Elevation (m) 


Contents 
(dam^) 


January 1 


749.944 


23 500 


March 3 (maximum) 


749.989 


23 800 


October 14 (minimum) 


749.085 


19 500 


December 31 


749.116 


19 800 


Full-supply level 


753.000 


43 400 



The Poplar River Power Station is dependent on water from Cookson Reservoir for cooling. Power 
plant operation is adversely affected when reservoir levels drop below 749.0 metres. The dead- 
storage level for cooling water used in the generation process is 745.0 metres. The 1 992 recorded 
levels and associated operating levels are shown in Figure 3.13. As indicated in Figure 3.13, 1992 
reservoir levels were well below the ten-year median levels. 



27 



_j 756 

^ 755 

LlJ 

_l 754 

^ 753 

> 751 

^ 750 

in 749 

^ 748 

^ 747 

Z 746 

2 745 

O 744 

^ 743 

y 742 
^ 741 



T 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 I f 



Full Supply Level 



missing data 



\ 



'Minimum Desired Operating Level 



'Unusable Storage Level 



MEAN DAILY WATER LEVEL FOR 1 992 



MEDIAN OF MONTHLY MEAN ELEVATION FOR 1 981 -1 991 



56500 






CO 


51900 


LjJ 




cc 


43400 


1- 




LU 


35900 


:^ 




< 


29400 


u 




UJ 


23800 


CJ 




o 


19100 


CD 


14900 


:d 




u 


11400 


z 


8340 


(/i 


5860 


1- 

7' 




h 1 


3780 


1— 




-F 


2000 


O 




r 1 


550 










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

1992 

Figure 3.13 Cookson Reservoir Mean Daily Water Levels for 1992 and Median 
Monthly Water Levels for 1981-1991. 



3.4.2 Water Quality 

For the last several years, the lack of normal spring runoff has been the most significant factor 
influencing Cookson Reservoir water quality. During 1992, Cookson Reservoir did not experience 
boron concentrations in excess of 3.5 mg/L However, the reservoir water quality exceeded 1 500 
mg/L for total dissolved solids. 



The net effect of little spring runoff over the last several years has been a decrease in reservoir water 
quality. From 1988 to the end of 1992, several analytes have doubled in concentration; sulfate, 
sodium, and boron, for example. The reservoir water quality has decreased to the point that a 
substantial spring mnoff will be required to have any significant impact on the reservoir quality. 



28 
3.5 Air Quality 

3.5.1 Saskatchewan Environment and Resource Management 

Ambient sulphur dioxide (SO2) monitoring was discontinued on March 30, 1 992. During the 3-month 
period of 1992, ambient sulphur dioxide monitoring recorded no violations of Saskatchewan 
Environment and Resource Management's hourly and 24-hour average standards of 0.17 and 0.06 
parts per million (ppm), respectively. The highest recorded hourly value of 0.082 ppm SO2 was 
recorded on March 27th at 13:00 hours, as compared to 0.137 ppm SO2 recorded in September 
1 991 . The highest 24-hour average reading of 0.011 ppm occurred on March 27th as compared with 
1991's highest average reading of 0.11 ppm. There was no downtime for the monitor during the 3- 
month period. 

The High-Volume Sampler was also discontinued on March 30, 1992. Suspended particulate 
concentrations obtained from the monitor at the same site for the 3-month period did not exceed 
Saskatchewan Environment and Resource Management's 24-hour average standard of 120 
micrograms per cubic metre (ng/m^) per 24 hours as compared to the two occasions in 1991 in 
September and October at 162.2 ^ig/m^, and 197.7 ^ig/m^ respectively. The annual geometric mean 
was not calculated for 1992 and there was no downtime for the 3-month period as compared to 3.3 
percent downtime for 1991 . 

3.5.2 SaskPower Corporation 

SaskPower Corporation's (SPC) ambient SO2 monitoring for 1992 recorded no violations of 
Saskatchewan Environment and Resource Management's hourly and 24-hour average standards. 
The highest recorded hourly value of 0.067 ppm SO2 was recorded on October 9, 1992 at 11:00 
hours. 



29 

Total suspended particulate concentrations for 1992 obtained from SPC's monitor exceeded 

Saskatchewan's 24-hour standard of 120 ng/m^on three separate occasions: April 12th (246.4 
M-g/m^), April 30th (318.6 ^ig/m^), and May 8 (363.6 \ig/m^). In all cases, the prevailing wind direction 
eliminated the power station as a possible influence. The geometric mean for the high-volume air 
sampler for 1 992 was 23.8 ^ig/m^. 

3.6 Quality Control 
3.6.1 Streamflow 

To test the quality of streamflow calculations made by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and 
Environment Canada (EC), similar measurements were made on the East Poplar River at the 
International Boundary on June 17, 1992 by personnel from both agencies. The discharges shown 
in Table 3.5 agree within measurement error 

Table 3.5 Streamflow Measurement Results for June 17, 1992. 



Agency 


Time 
CST 


Width 
(m) 


Mean 
Area 
(m2) 


Velocity 
(m/s) 


Gauge 

Height 

(m) 


Discharge 
(m^/s) 


EC 


09:00 


1.4 


0.143 


0.369 


1.527 


0.053 


USGS 


08:30 


1.4 


0.131 


0.369 


1.524 


0.048 



3.6.2 Water Quality 

Quality-control sampling was carried out at the East Poplar River at the Intemational Boundary on 
July 15, 1992. Participating agencies included in the U.S. Geological Survey Environment Canada, 
Saskatchewan Environment and Resource Management, and SaskPower Corporation. 



30 

Sets of triplicate samples were split from U.S. Geological Survey sampling chums and submitted to 

tfie respective agency laboratories for analyses. Field procedures were identical to those used since 
1986. 

Most parameters showed acceptable reproducibility within and between sets of triplicates. Only the 
variables for which corrective action should be considered are discussed here. 

Field temperature results showed an unacceptable level of inter-agency variability with values 
ranging from 16.5 °C to 18.0 °C. Dissoived-oxygen concentrations ranged from 10.0 to 11.2 mg/L 

Between-triplicate results were not comparable for ortho phosphorus, total ammonia, chloride, total 
barium, total vanadium, and dissolved iron. 

For TDS, dissolved iron, dissolved boron, silica, total chromium and color, one set of results was 
noticeably high compared to the other reported sets. Similariy one of the reported triplicate data 
sets was low for lab pH. 

Since most of the metals were present in the samples at concentrations near or below analytical 
detection limits, a satisfactory evaluation of data comparability for these constituents is not possible. 



31 
4.0 REFERENCES CITED 

Integrated Environments Limited, 1991 , The use of the TYDAC SPANS GIS in the assessment and 
review of pesticide residues detected in surface waters of the Prairie Provinces and the Northwest 
Territories. (Prepared for Environment Canada, Inland Waters Directorate, Western and Northern 
Region, Water Quality Branch, Regina, Saskatchewan.) 138 p. 

Lang, T.-A., and Jones, K., 1988, A comparison of the meteorological conditions during the droughts 
of the 1930's and the 1980's for the Prairie Provinces. Environment Canada, Atmospheric 
Environment Service, Regina. Report No. CSS-R89-01 (A publication of the Canadian Climate 
Program.) 50 p. 



ANNEX 1 



POPLAR RIVER 



COOPERATIVE MONITORING ARRANGEMENT 



CANADA-UNITED STATES 



A1-1 



September 23, 1980 



POPLAR RIVER COOPERATIVE MONITORING ARRANGEMENT 

I. PURPOSE 

This Arrangement will provide for the exchange of data collected as described in the attached 
Technical Monitoring Schedules in water quality, water quantity and air quality monitoring programs 
being conducted in Canada and the United States at or near the International Boundary in response 
to SaskPower development. This Arrangement will also provide for the dissemination of the data in 
each country and will assure its comparability and assist in its technical interpretation. 

The Arrangement will replace and expand upon the quarterly information exchange program 
instituted between Canada and the United States in 1976. 

II. PARTICIPATING GOVERNMENTS 

Governments and government agencies participating in the Arrangement are: 

Government of Canada: Environment Canada 
Government of the Province of Saskatchewan: 

Saskatchewan Environment and Public Safety (now Saskatchewan 

Environment and Resource Management) 
Government of the United States of America: U.S Geological Survey 
Government of the State of Montana: Executive Office 

III. POPLAR RIVER MONITORING COMMITTEE: TERMS OF REFERENCE 

A binational committee called the Poplar River Bilateral Monitoring Committee will be established to 
carry out responsibilities assigned to it under this Arrangement. The Committee will operate in 
accordance with the following tenms of reference: 

A. Membership 

The Committee will be composed of four representatives, one from each of the participating 
Governments. It will be jointly chaired by the Govemment 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 govemment 
to participate as an ex-officio member of the Committee in its technical deliberations. The 
Saskatchewan Minister of the Environment may also appoint a similar local representative. 

B. Functions of the Committee 

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

A1-2 



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. 

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 govemments 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 govemments 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 fon^^arded by the 
Committee Co-chairmen to the participating governments. All annual and special 
reports will be so distributed. 

3. Activities of Canadian and United States Sections 

The Canadian and United States sections will be separately responsible for: 

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

(b) verification that monitoring operations are being carried out in accordance with the 
Technical Monitoring Schedules by cooperating monitoring agencies; 

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



A1-3 



IV. PROVISION OF DATA 

In order to ensure that the Committee is able to carry out the terms of this Arrangement, the 
participating govemments 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. 



A1-4 



ANNEX 2 



POPLAR RIVER 



COOPERATIVE MONITORING ARRANGEMENT 



TECHNICAL MONITORING SCHEDULES 



1993 



CANADA-UNITED STATES 



A2-1 



TABLE OF CONTENTS 
PREAMBLE A2-3 

CANADA 

STREAMFLOW MONITORING A2-5 

SURFACE-WATER QUALITY MONITORING A2-7 

GROUND-WATER QUALITY MONITORING A2-11 

GROUND-WATER PIEZOMETER TO MONITOR 

POTENTIAL DRAWDOWN DUE TO COAL SEAM DEWATERING A2-13 

GROUND-WATER PIEZOMETER LEVEL MONITORING 

- ASH LAGOON AREA 

SCHEDULE A - PIEZOMETER IN TILL A2-15 

GROUND-WATER PIEZOMETER LEVEL MONITORING 

- ASH LAGOON AREA AND INTERNATIONAL BOUNDARY AREA 

SCHEDULE B - PIEZOMETER IN EMPRESS GRAVEL A2-17 

AMBIENT AIR QUALITY MONITORING A2-19 

UNITED STATES 

STREAMFLOW MONITORING A2-22 

SURFACE-WATER QUALITY MONITORING A2-24 

GROUND-WATER QUALITY MONITORING A2-26 

GROUND-WATER LEVELS TO MONITOR POTENTIAL 

DRAWDOWN DUE TO COAL SEAM DEWATERING A2-28 



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 
Govemments. 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 Intemational Boundary. The 
Schedule was initially submitted to Governments for approval as an attachment to the 1981 report to 
Govemments. Changes in the sampling locations and parameters may be made by Governments 
based on the recommendation of the Committee. 



Significant additional information is being collected by agencies on both sides of the Intemational 
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 data on water quantity water quality, ground water, and air 
quality 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 as part of routine or specific studies by 
various agencies. 



A2-3 



POPLAR RIVER 

COOPERATIVE MONITORING ARRANGEMENT 

TECHNICAL MONITORING SCHEDULES 
1993 

CANADA 



A2-4 



STREAMFLOW MONITORING 
Responsible Agency: Environment Canada 



Daily mean discharge or levels and instantaneous monthly extremes as nomally published in 
surface water data publications. 



No. on Map 


Station No. 


Station Name 


*1 


11AE003 
(06178500) 


East Poplar River at Intemational Boundary 


2 


11AE013 


Cookson Reservoir near Coronach 


3 


11AE015 


Girard Creek near Coronach above Cookson 
Resen/oir 


4 


11AE014 


East Poplar River above Cookson Reservoir 


5 


**Fife Lake Overflow 




*6 


11AE008 
(06178000) 


Poplar River at International Boundary 



Intemational gauging station 

Miscellaneous measurements of outflow to be made by Sask Water during periods 

of outflow only. 



A2-5 




5 10 15 Km 

1 I I I I I 

5 10 Miles 

HYDROMETRIC GAUGING STATIONS (CANADA) 



A2-6 



SURFACE-WATER QUALITY MONITORING 



Sampling Locations 



Responsible Agency: Saskatchewan Environment and Resource lUanagement 


No. on Map 


Station No. 


Station Name 


1 


7904 


Fife Lal<e Overflow 


2 


12412 
Discontinued 


Girard Creek at Coronacfi Reservoir Outflow 


3 


12377 
Discontinued 


Upper End of Cookson Reservoir at Highway 
36 


4 


12368 


Cookson Reservoir near Dam 


5 


12386 
Discontinued 


East Poplar River at Culvert Immediately 
Below Cookson Reservoir 



Responsible Agency: Environment Canada 


No. on Map 


Station No. 


Station Name 


6 


00SA11AE0008 


East Poplar River at Intemational Boundary 



A2-7 



PARAMETERS 



Responsible Agency: Saskatchewan Environment and Resource Management 










Sampling Frequency 




ESQUADAT* 
Code 


Parameter 


Analytical Method 




Station No. 




1 


2 


3 


4 


5 


10151 


Alkalinity-phenol 


Pot. Titration 


OF 


o 


Q 


Q 


Q 


10101 


Alkalinity-fof 


Pot. Titration 


OF 


Q 


Q 


Q 


Q 


13004 


Aluminunvtot 


AA-Direct 




A 


A 


A 


A 


33004 


Arsenlc-tol 


Flameless AA 




A 


A 


A 


A 


06201 


Bicarbonates 


Calculated 


OF 


Q 


Q 


Q 


Q 


05451 


Boron-tot 


ICAP 


W 


Q 


Q 





Q 


48002 


Cadmium-tot 


AA-Solvent extract (MIBK) 




A 


A 


A 


A 


20103 


Calcium 


AA-Direct 


OF 


O 


Q 


Q 


Q 


06052 


Carbon-tot Inorg. 


Infrared 


OF 




Q 


Q 


Q 


06005 


Carbon-tot Org. 


Infrared 


OF 




Q 


Q 


Q 


06301 


Carbonates 


Calculated 


OF 


Q 


O 


Q 


Q 


17203 


Chloride 


Automated Colourimetric 


OF 


Q 


O 


Q 


Q 


06711 


Chlorophyll 'a' 


Spectrophotometry 




Q 


Q 


Q 


Q 


24004 


Chromiunvfot 


AA-Direct 




A 


A 


A 


A 


36012 


Conform- fee 


Membrane Filtration 


OF 


Q 





Q 


Q 


36002 


Coliform-tot 


Membrane Filtration 


OF 





O 


Q 


Q 


02041 


Conductivity 


Conductivity Meter 


W 


Q 


Q 


Q 





29005 


Copper-tot 


AA-Solvent extract (MIBK) 




A 


A 


A 


A 


09105 


Fluoride 


Specific ion electrode 




A 


A 


A 


A 


82002 


Lead-tot 


AA-Solvent extract (MIBK) 




A 


A 


A 


A 


12102 


Magnesium 


AA-Direct 


OF 


O 





Q 


Q 


80011 


Mercury-tot 


Flameless-AA 




A 


A 


A 


A 


42005 


Molybdenum 


AA-Solvent extract (MIBK) 




A 


A 


A 


A 


07015 


N-TKN 


Automated Colourimetric 


OF 


Q 


Q 


Q 


Q 


10401 


NFR 


Gravimetric 


OF 


Q 


Q 


Q 


Q 


10501 


NFR (F) 


Gravimetric 


OF 


Q 


Q 


Q 


Q 


28002 


Nickel-tot 


AA-Solvent extract (MIBK) 


OF 


Q 


Q 


Q 


O 


07110 


Nitrate + NO? 


Automated Colourimetric 


OF 


Q 


Q 





Q 


06521 


Oil and Grease 


Pet. Ether Extraction 




A 


A 


A 


A 


08102 


Oxygen-diss 


Meter 


OF 


Q 


Q 


Q 


Q 


15406 


Phosphorus-tot 


Colourimetry 


OF 


Q 


Q 


Q 


Q 


19103 


Potassium 


Flame Photometry 


OF 


Q 


Q 


Q 





34005 


Selenium- Ext 


Hydride Generation 




A 


A 


A 


A 


11103 


Sodium 


Flame Photometry 


OF 


Q 


O 


Q 


Q 


16306 


Sulphate 


Colourimetry 


OF 


Q 


Q 


Q 





10451 


TDS 


Gravimetric 


OF 


Q 


Q 


Q 


Q 


02061 


Temperature 


Thermometer 


OF 


Q 


Q 


Q 


Q 


23004 


Vanadium-tot 


AA-Direct 




A 


A 


A 


A 


30005 


Zinc-tot 


AA-Solvent extract (MIBK) 




A 


A 


A 


A 


10301 


pH 


Electromelric 


W 


Q 


Q 


Q 


Q 



* Computer storage and retrieval system - Saskatchewan Environment and Resource Managment. 

Symbols: 

W - Weekly during overflow; OF- Once during each period of overflow greater than 2 weeks' duration; 

Q - Quarterly; A - Annually in the fall; AA - Atomic absorption; 

Pot - Potentiometric; NFR- Nonfilterable residue; NFR(F) - Nonfilterable residue, fixed; 

ICAP - Inductively Coupled Argon Plasma; 

AA - Solvent Extract (MIBK) - Sample digested with HNO3 and extracted with methyl isobutyl ketone; 



A2-8 



PARAMETERS (Continued) 



Responsible Agency: Environment Canada 


NAQUADAT* 






Sampling Frequency 


Code 


Parameter 


Analytical Method 


Station No. 6 


10151 


Alkalinity-phenolphthalein 


Potentiometric Titration 


BM 


10111 


Alkalinity-total 


Potentiometric Titration 


BM 


13009 


Aluminum 


ICAP 


BM 


07570 


Ammonia-free 


Calculated 


BM 


07540 


Ammonia-total 


Automated Colourimetric 


BM 


56009 


Barium-total 


ICAP 


BM 


06201 


Bicarbonates 


Calculated 


BM 


05211 


Boron 


ICAP 


BM 


48009 


Cadmium- total 


ICAP 


BM 


20103 


Calcium 


ICAP 


BM 


06104 


CartKjn-dissolved organic 


Automated IR Detection 


BM 


06901 


Carbon-pardculate 


Elemental Analyzer 


BM 


06002 


Cart)on-total organic 


Calculated 


BM 


06301 


Carbonates 


Calculated 


BM 


17206 


Chloride 


Automated Colourimetric 


BM 


24009 


Chromium-total 


ICAP 


BM 


27009 


Cobalt-total 


ICAP 


BM 


02021 


Colour 


Comparator 


BM 


02041 


Conductivity 


Wheatstone Bridge 


BM 


29009 


Copper-total 


ICAP 


BM 


09117 


Fluoride-dissolved 


Electrometric 


BM 


06401 


Free Carbon Dioxide 


Calculated 


BM 


10602 


Hardness 


Calculated 


BM 


08501 


Hydroxide 


Calculated 


BM 


26009 


Iron 


ICAP 


BM 


82009 


Lead-Total 


ICAP 


BM 


12102 


Magnesium 


AA-Direct 


BM 


25010 


Manganese 


ICAP 


BM 


80011 


Mercury-total 


Flameless AA 


BM 


07901 


N-Particulale 


Elemental Analyzer 


BM 


07651 


N-total dissolved 


Automated UV Colourimetric 


BM 


10401 


NFR 


Gravimetric 


BM 


28009 


Nickel-total 


ICAP 


BM 


07110 


Nitrate/Nitrite 


Colourimetric 


BM 


07603 


Nitrogen-total 


Calculated 


BM 


10650 


Non-Carbonate Hardness 


Calculated 


BM 


08101 


Oxygen-dissolved 


Winkler 


BM 


15901 


P-particulate 


Calculated 


BM 


15465 


P-total dissolved 


Colourimetric (TRAACS) 


BM 


15423 


Phosphorus- total 


Colourimetric (TRAACS) 


BM 


19103 


Potassium 


Flame Emission 


BM 


11250 


Percent Sodium 


Calculated 


BM 


00210 


Saturation Index 


Calculated 


BM 


14108 


Silica 


Automated Colourimetric 


BM 


11103 


Sodium 


Flame Emission 


BM 


00211 


Stability Index 


Calculated 


BM 


16306 


Sulphate 


Automated Colourimetric 


BM 


00201 


IDS 


Calculated 


BM 


02061 


Temperature 


Digital Thermometer 


BM 


02073 


Turbidity 


Nephelometry 


BM 


23009 


Vanadium-total 


ICAP 


BM 


30009 


Zinc-total 


ICAP 


BM 



* - Computer Storage and Retrieval System - Environment Canada 

AA - Atomic Absorption IR - Infrared UV - Ultraviolet 

NFR - Nonfllterable Residue MC - Monthly Composite BM - Bimonthly (Alternate months sampled by USGS) 

ICAP - Inductively Coupled Argon Plasma 



A2-9 




A ENVIRONMENT SflSKATCMEWAN 
■ ENVIRONMENT CANADA 



A 

SCALE 



5 10 15 Km 



SURFACE WATER QUAUTY MONITORING STATIONS (CANADA) 



A2-10 



GROUND-WATER QUALITY MONITORING 
SAMPLING LOCATIONS 



Responsible Agency: Saskatchewan Environment and Resource Management | 






STATION DESCRIPTION | 






Tip of Screen Elevation 




lUlap Location No. 


SPC Piezometer No. 


(m) 


Material 


8a 


C726A** 


746.338 


unoxidized till 


8a 


C762C** 


752.739 


oxidized till 


8a 


C726E** 


738.725 


Empress gravel 


9a 


C728A" 


753.405 


oxidized till 


9a 


C728B" 


743.265 


unoxidized till 


9a 


C728C" 


747.645 


mottled till 


9a 


C728D" 


752.305 


oxidized till 


9a 


C728E" 


739.912 


Empress gravel 


2a 


C712B 


746.112 


intra till sands 


2b 


C718" 


748.385 


mottled till 


2c 


C719'* 


747.715 


oxidized till 


22 


C533" 


740.441 


Empress gravel 


23 


C534" 


753.449 


oxidized till 


18 


C741" 


735.153 


Empress gravel 


21 


C742" 


741 .800 


Empress gravel 


24 


C724A" 


745.333 


unoxidized till 


25 


C714D** 


750.459 


oxidized till 


26 


C714E" 


738.230 


Empress gravel 


27 


C774B" 


749.370 


oxidized till 


28 


C775A** 


753.320 


oxidized till 


29 


C775D" 


740.190 


Empress gravel 


2a 


C712A 


— 


unoxidized till 


2a 


C712C 


_ 


mottled till 


2a 


C712D 


— 


oxidized till 


2a 


C766 


— 


intra till sands 


2a 


C767 


- 


intra till sands 


7a 


C729A" 


- 


unoxidized till 


7a 


C729B" 


_ 


mottled till 


7a 


C729D** 


- 


oxidized till 


7a 


C729E" 


_ 


Empress gravel 
mottled till 


6a 


C763A" 


- 


6a 


C763B" 


- 


oxidized till 


6a 


C763D" 


- 


unoxidized till 


6a 


C763E" 


- 


Empress gravel 
mottled till 


10 


C749" 


- 


7 


C655A** 


- 


unoxidized till 


3 


C713" 




oxidized till 


4 


C714C** 


- 


oxidized till 


5 


C715"* 


- 


oxidized till 


1 


C716" 


- 


oxidized till 


13 


C745" 


- 


oxidized till 


21 


C753" 


~ 


oxidized till 


28 


C755B" 


- 


oxidized till 


4 


C776A" 


_ 


oxidized fill 


4 


C776B** 


- 


oxidized till 


5 


C758" 




intra till sands 


C653A 


C653A" 




unoxidized till 


4 


C757" 


_ 


unoxidized till 


27 


C774C" 


~ 


unoxidized till 


28 


C775C" 


_ 


unoxidized till 


24 


C750" 


_ 


unoxidized till 


23 


C751" 


- 


unoxidized till 


22 


C752" 


_ 


unoxidized till 


1 


C731" 


_ 


Empress gravel 


C739 


C739" 


- 


Empress gravel 


\2B 


C774D** 


- 


Empress gravel 


C775D" 




Empress gravel 


23 


C732" 


- 


Empress gravel 


22 


C733" 


- 


Empress gravel 


24 


C734" 


- 


Empress gravel 


C531 


C531" 


— 


oxidized till 


C529 


C529" 


- 


Empress gravel 


C530 


C530" 


- 


Empress gravel 


C532 


C532** 


-- 


Empress gravel 


C538 


C538" 




Empress gravel 



Analyze annually for all Parameters (except conductivity and water leveO -- Information not available 



A2-11 



PARAMETERS 



Responsible Agency: Saskatchewan Environment and Resource Management | 








Sampling 


ESQUADAT* 






Frequency Station 


Code 


Parameter 


Analytical method 


No.: Piezometers 


10101 


Alkalinity-tot 


Pot-Titration 


A 


13105 


Aluminum-Diss 


A A- Direct 


3** 


33104 


Arsenic-Diss 


Flameless AA 


A 


56104 


Barium-Diss 


AA-Direct 


A 


06201 


Bicarbonates 


Calculated 


A 


06106 


Boron-Diss 


Colourimetry 


3** 


48102 


Cadmium-Diss 


AA-Solvent Extract (MIBK) 


A 


20103 


Calcium-Diss 


AA-Direct 


A 


06301 


Carbonates 


Calculated 


A 


17203 


Chloride-Diss 


Colourimetry 


A 


24104 


Chromium-Diss 


AA-Direct 


A 


27102 


Cobalt-Diss 


AA-Solvent Extract (MIBK) 


A 


02011 


Colour 


Comparator 


A 


02041 


Conductivity 


Conductivity Meter 


A 


29105 


Copper-Diss 


AA-Solvent Extract (MIBK) 


4** 


09103 


Fluoride-Diss 


Specific Ion Electrode 


A 


26104 


iron- Diss 


AA-Direct 


A 


82103 


Lead- Diss 


AA-Solvent Extract (MIBK) 


A 


12102 


IVIagneslum-Diss 


AA-Direct 


A 


25104 


Manganese-Diss 


AA-Direct 


A 


80111 


Mercury-Diss 


Flameless AA 


A 


42102 


Molybdenum-Diss 


AA-Solvent Extract (N-Butyl acetate) 


A 


10301 


PH 


Electrometric 


3** 


19103 


Potassium-Diss 


Flame Photometry 


A 


34105 


Selenium-Diss 


Hydride generation 


A 


14102 


Silica-Diss 


Colourimetry 


A 


11103 


Sodium-Diss 


Flame Photometry 


A 


38101 


Strontium-DIss 


AA-Direct 


3" 


16306 


Sulphate-Diss 


Colourimetry 


3** 


10451 


TDS 


Gravimetric 


3" 


92111 


Uranium-Diss 


Fluorometry 


3** 


23104 


Vanadium-Diss 


AA-Direct 


A 


97025 


Water Level 




4 


30105 


Zinc-Diss 


AA-Solvent Extract (MIBK) 


A 



No zinc or iron for Piezometers C53 1 to C538 SYMBOLS: AA - Atomic absorption 



* Computer storage and retrieval system 

— Saskatchewan Environment and Resource Management 

** Analyze annually for these Piezometers Nos. 



A- Annually 
3-3 limes/year 
AA - Solvent Extract (MIBK) - sample acidified and 
extracted with Methyl Isobutyl Ketone. 
4 - 4 times/year 



A2-12 



GROUND-WATER PIEZOMETERS TO MONITOR POTENTIAL DRAWDOWN 
DUE TO COAL SEAM DE WATERING 



Responsible Agency: Saskatchewan Environment and Resource Management 


Measurement Frequency: Quarterly 


Piezometer 
Number 


Location 


Tip of Screen 
Elevation (m) 


Perforation Zone 
(depth in metres) 


52 


NW 14-1-27 W3 


738.43 


43 - 49 (in coal) 


506 


SW4-1-27W3 


748.27 


81 - 82 (in coal) 


507 


SW 6-1-26 W3 


725.27 


34 - 35 (in coal) 


509 


NW 11-1-27 W3 


725.82 


76 - 77 (in coal) 


510 


NW1-1-28W3 


769.34 


28 - 29 (in layered 
coal and clay) 



A2-13 




GROUNDWATER PIEZOMETERS TO MONITOR POTENTIAL 
DRAWDOWN DUE TO COAL SEAM DEWATERING 



A2-14 



GROUND-WATER PIEZOMETER LEVEL MONITORING 

Schedule A - Piezometers in Till 



ASH LAGOON AREA 



Responsible Agency: Saskatchewan Environment and Resource Management | 


STATION 


PIEZOMETER NO. 


FREQUENCY OF MEASUREMENT 


1a 


C716 


All piezometer levels are measured quarterly. 


lb 


C717 




1c 
1 


C711 
C765 




2a, 


C712A 


232 


C712B 




233 


C712C 




234 


C712D 




2b 


C718 




2c 


C719 




33 


C713 


3b 


C720 




3c 


C721 




4 


C741B 




4 


C722 




4 


C723 




5 


C724 




5 


C725 




6ai 


C763A 


682 


C763B 




683 


C763C 




634 


C763D 




6b 


C765B 




6b 


C765C 




6b 


C765D 




6b 


C765E 




6c 


C767B 




7a, 


C729A 


702 


C729B 




783 


C729C 




734 


C729D 




7 


C655B 




C534 


C534 




C528 


C528 




C654 


C654 




8a, 


C730A 


8b, 


C727A 




8b2 


C727B 




8b3 


C727C 




8c, 


C726A 




8C2 


C726B 




803 


C726C 




8d 


C748 




9a, 


C764A 


932 


C764B 




933 


C764C 




934 


C764D 




9b, 


C728A 




9b2 


C728B 




9b3 


C728C 




9b4 


C728D 




11 


C747 




15 


C746 




28 


C768C 




28 


C768D 




28 


C768E 





A2-15 



T.I 



LEGEND: 



R.27 



n SINGLE PIEZOMETER IN TILL 
a NESTED PIEZOMETER IN TILL 
5 SITE NUMBER 



Lagoor 

24 Ash 
Lagoon 

lira] R[g 



C653A| 



15[n] 



C534 7 

& 
C654 



CANADA 



A 



SCALE 



"i ^ 



500 



1000 METBES 



0.5 



1.0 MILE 




U.S.A. 
PIEZOMETER INSTALLATION SITES-SCHEDULE "A" PIEZOMETERS IN TILL 



A2-16 



GROUND-WATER PIEZOMETER LEVEL MONITORING 
ASH LAGOON AREA AND INTERNATIONAL BOUNDARY AREA 
Schedule B - Piezometers in Empress Gravel 



Responsible Agency: Saskatchewan Environment and Resource Management 


STATION 


1 PieZOMETER NO. | PREQUENCY OP MEASUREMENT 


IMMEDIATE ASH LAGOON AREA 


1 


0731 


All piezometers are monitored quarterly 


6a 


C763E 




6b 


C765A 




C529 


C529 




C530 


0530 




C532 


C532 




C533 


C533 




C538 


0538 




8 


C730E 




9 


C728E 




9 


C764E 




4 


C766A 




6 


C767A 




28 


C768A 




C535 


0535 




1 


0536 




C537 


C537 




3 


0542 




WEST OF ASH LAGOON AREA 


C739 


C739 


All piezometers are monitored quarterly 


11 


0743 




14 


0740 




12 


0737 




SOUTH OF ASH LAGOON AREA 


0525 


0525 


All piezometers are monitored quarterly 


0526 


0526 




C527 


0527 




0528 


C528 




0539 


0539 




C540 


C540 




18 


0741 




20* 


0736 




21 


0742 




22 


0733 




23 


0732 




24 


0734 




16 


0756 






* Inactive as 


of 1969 



A2-17 



r 



T.I 



R.27 



LEGEND: 

3 PIEZOMETERS IN 
EMPRESS GRAVEL 

A PIEZOMETERS IN HART SEAM 

5 SITE NUMBER 



A 

SCALE 



^J ^ 



500 1000 METRES 




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



A2-18 



AMBIENT AIR QUALITY MONITORING 



Responsible Agency: Saskatchewan Environment and Resource Management J 


NO. ON 
MAP 


LOCATION 


PARAMETERS 


REPORTING FREQUENCY 


1 


Coronach 
(Discontinued) 


Sulphur Dioxide 


Discontinued 






Wind speed and 
direction 


Discontinued 






Total Suspended Par- 
ticulate 


Discontinued 


2 


International 
Boundary* 


Sulphur Dioxide 


Continuous monitoring with 
hourly averages as summary sta- 
tistics. 






Total Suspended Par- 
ticulate 


24-hour samples on 6-day cycle, 
corresponding to the National Air 
Pollution Surveillance Sampling 
Schedule. 


METHODS 


Sulphur Dioxide 


Saskatchewan Environment and Resource Management 
Colourimetric Titration, Pulsed Fluorescence 


Total Suspended Particulate 


Saskatchewan Environment and Resource Management 
High Volume Method 



* This station operated by SaskPower. 



A2-19 




LEGEND: 



AMBIENT AIR QUAUTY MONITORING (CANADA) 



A2-20 



POPLAR RIVER 



COOPERATIVE MONITORING ARRANGEMENT 



TECHNICAL MONITORING SCHEDULES 



1993 



UNITED STATES 



A2-21 



STREAMFLOW MONITORING 



Responsible Agency: U.S. Geological Survey 


No. on Map 


Station Number 


Station Name 


1* 


06178000 (11 AE008) 


Poplar River at International 
Boundary 


2* 


06178500 (11 AE003) 


East Poplar River at 
International Boundary 



*lnternational Gauging Station 



A2-22 




HYDROMETRIC GAUGING STATIONS (UNITED STATES) 



A2-23 



SURFACE-WATER QUALITY MONITORING 





Responsib 


e Agency: U.S. Geological Survey 




1 


No. on Map 


USGS Station No. 


Station Name 


1 


06178000 


Poplar River at International Boundary 


2 


06178500 


East Poplar River at International Boundary 


3 


06179000 


East Poplar River near Scobev 


PARAMETERS | 


WATSTORE* 


SAMPLING FREQUENCY | 


Code 


Parameter 


Analytical Method 


1 


2 


3 


90410 


Alkalinity - lab 


Elect. Titration 


M 


BM 


BM 


01106 


Aluminum - diss 


AE.DC Plasma 


SA 


SA 


SA 


00610 


Ammonia -tot 


Colorimetric 


M 


BM 


BM 


00625 


Ammonia +Org N-tot 


Colori metric 


M 


BM 


BM 


01000 


Arsenic - diss 


AA, hydride 


SA 


SA 


SA 


01002 


Arsenic - tot 


AA, hydride 


A 


A 


A 


01010 


Beryllium - diss 


ICP 


SA 


SA 


SA 


01012 


Beryllium - tot/rec 


AA - Persulfafe 


A 


A 


A 


01020 


Boron - diss 


AE. DC Plasma 


M 


BM 


BM 


01025 


Cadmium - diss 


AA. GF 


SA 


SA 


SA 


01027 


Cadmium - tot/rec 


AA, GF - Persulfate 


A 


A 


A 


00915 


Calcium 


ICP 


M 


BM 


BM 


00680 


Cartwn - tot Org 


Wet Oxidation 


SA 


SA 


SA 


00940 


Chloride - diss 


Colorimetric 


M 


BM 


BM 


01030 


Ctiromium - diss 


AE.DC Plasma 


SA 


SA 


SA 


01034 


Ctiromium - tot/rec 


AE, DC Plasma - Persulfate 


A 


A 


A 


00080 


Colour 


Electrometric, visual 


M 


BM 


BM 


00095 


Conductivity 


Wheatstone Bridge 


M 


D 


BM 


01040 


Copper - diss 


AA, GF 


SA 


SA 


SA 


01042 


Copper - tot/rec 


AA, GF - Persulfate 


A 


A 


A 


00061 


Discharge -Inst 


Direct measurement 


M 


BM 


BM 


00950 


Fluoride 


Electrometric 


M 


BM 


BM 


01046 


Iron - diss 


AE. ICP 


M 


BM 


BM 


01045 


Iron - tot/rec 


AA-Persulfafe 


A 


A 


A 


01049 


Lead -diss 


AA, GF 


SA 


SA 


SA 


01051 


Lead - tot/rec 


AA, GF -Persulfate 


A 


A 


A 


00925 


Magnesium - diss 


AA 


M 


BM 


BM 


01056 


Manganese - diss 


ICP 


SA 


SA 


SA 


01055 


Manganese - tot/rec 


AA- Persulfate 


A 


A 


A 


01065 


Nickel - diss 


AA, GF 


SA 


SA 


SA 


01067 


Nickel - toVrec 


AA, GF - Persulfate 


A 


A 


A 


00615 


Nitrite - tot 


Colorimetric 


M 


BM 


BM 


00630 


Nitrate + Nitrite - tot 


Colorimetric 


M 


BM 


BM 


00300 


Oxygen - diss 


Winkler/meter 


M 


BM 


BM 


70507 


Phos, Ortho - tot 


Colorimetric 


M 


BM 


BM 


00400 


PH 


Electrometric 


M 


BM 


BM 


00665 


Phosphonjs - tot 


Colorimetric 


M 


BM 


BM 


00935 


Potassium - diss 


AA 


M 


BM 


BM 


00931 


SAR 


Calculated 


M 


BM 


BM 


80154 


Sediment - cone. 


Filtration-Gravimetric 


M 


BM 


BM 


80155 


Sediment - load 


Calculated 


M 


BM 


BM 


01145 


Selenium - diss 


AA, hydride 


SA 


SA 


SA 


01147 


Selenium - tot 


AA, hydride 


A 


A 


A 


00955 


Silica 


ICP 


M 


BM 


BM 


00930 


Sodium 


ICP 


M 


BM 


BM 


00945 


Sulphate - diss 


Turbimetry 


M 


BM 


BM 


70301 


Total Dissolved Solids 


Calculated 


M 


BM 


BM 


00010 


Temp Water 


Stem Thermometer 


M 


BM 


BM 


00020 


Temp Air 


Stem Thermometer 


M 


BM 


BM 


00076 


Turbidity 


Nephelometric 


M 


BM 


BM 


80020 


Uranium - diss 


Spectrometry 


- 


MC 




01090 


Zinc - diss 


ICP 


SA 


SA 


SA 


01092 


Zinc - tot/rec 


AA-Persulfate 


A 


A 


A 



SYMBOLS: D - dally: M - monthly: BM - bimonthly; MC - monthly composite: A - annually at high flow: SA - semi-annually at low and high flow; GF, 
graphite lumace: AA - atomic absorption; tot - total; rec - recoverable; diss - dissolved; AE - atomic emission; DC - direct cument; ICP, Inductively 
coupled plasma 

* - Connputer storage and retrieval system - USGS 

A2-24 




5 10 15 Km 



SURFACE WATER QUAUTY MONITORING STATIONS (UNITED STATES) 



A2-25 



GROUND-WATER QUALITY MONITORING 
Station Locations 



Responsible Agency: Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology 








Casing 






Map 






Diameter 




Perforation 


Number 


Well Location 


Total Depth (m) 


(cm) 


Aquifer 


Zone (m) 


7 


37N47E12BBBB 


44.1 


10.2 


Hart Coal 


39-44 


16 


37N46E3ABAB 


25.5 


10.2 


Fort Union 


23-25 


24 


37N48E5AB 


9.6 


10.2 


Alluvium 


9.2-9.6 


Parameters 


Storet 








Code 


Parameter 


Analytical Method 


Sampling Frequency Station No. 


00440 


Bicarbonates 


Electrometric Titration 


Sample collection is annually for all 


01020 


Boron-diss 


Emission Plasma, ICP 


locations identified above. 


00915 


Calcium 


Emission Plasma 




00445 


Carbonates 


Electrometric Titration 


The analytical method descriptions 


00940 


Chloride 


Ion Chromatography 


are those of the Montana Bureau of 


00095 


Conductivity 


Wheatstone Bridge 


Mines and Geology Laboratory where 


01040 


Copper-diss 


Emission Plasma, ICP 


the samples are analyzed. 


00950 


Fluoride 


Ion Chromatography 




01046 


Iron-diss 


Emission Plasma, ICP 




01049 


Lead-diss 


Emission Plasma, ICP 




01130 


Lithium-diss 


Emission Plasma, ICP 




00925 


Magnesium 


Emission Plasma, ICP 




01056 


Manganese-diss 


Emission Plasma, ICP 




01060 


Molybdenum 


Emission Plasma, ICP 




00630 


Nitrate 


Ion Chromatography 




00400 


PH 


Electrometric 




00935 


Potassium 


Emission Plasma, ICP 




01145 


Selenium-diss 


AA 




00955 


Silica 


Emission Plasma, ICP 




00930 


Sodium 


Emission Plasma, ICP 




01080 


Strontium-diss 


Emission Plasma, ICP 




00445 


Sulphate 


Ion Chromatography 




00190 


Zinc-diss 


Emission Plasma, ICP 




70301 


IDS 


Calculated 





SYMBOLS: AA - Atomic Absorption; 
Computer storage and retrieval system-- EPA ICP - Inductively Coupled Plasma Unit 

A2-26 




5 10 15 Kr 



GROUNDWATER QUAUTY MONITORING (UNITED STATES) 



A2-27 



GROUND-WATER LEVELS TO MONITOR POTENTIAL 
DRAWDOWN DUE TO COAL SEAM DEWATERING 



Responsible Agency: Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology 


No. on Map 


Sampling 


2 to 24 


Determine water levels quarterly 



A2-28 



"^ 




10 Miles 



GROUNDWATER PIEZOMETERS TO MONITOR POTENTIAL 
DRAWDOWN DUE TO COAL SEAM DEWATERING 



A2-29 



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

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

(i) When the total natural flow of the Middle Fork Poplar River, as detemiined below 
the confluence of Goose Creek, during the immediately preceding March 1st to 
May 31st period does not exceed 4,690 cubic decameters (3,800 acre-feet), then 
a continuous minimum flow of 0.028 cubic metres per second (1 .0 cubic feet per 
second) shall be delivered to the United States on the East Poplar River at the 
International Boundary throughout the succeeding 12 month period commencing 
June 1st. In addition, a volume of 370 cubic decameters (300 acre-feet) shall be 
delivered to the United States upon demand at any time during the 1 2 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 31 st period Is greater than 4,690 cubic decameters (3,800 acre-feet), but does 
not exceed 9,250 cubic decameters (7,500 acre-feet), then a continuous minimum 
flow of 0.057 cubic metres per second (2.0 cubic feet per second) shall be 
delivered to the United States on the East Poplar River at the International 
Boundary during the succeeding period June 1st through August 31st. A minimum 
delivery of 0.028 cubic metres per second (1.0 cubic feet per second) shall then be 
maintained from September 1st through to May 31st of the following year In 
addition, a volume of 617 cubic decameters (500 acre-feet) shall be delivered to 
the United States upon demand at any time during the 12-month period 
commencing June 1st. 

(iii) When the total natural flow of the Middle Fork Poplar River, as detennined below 
the confluence of Goose Creek, during the immediately preceding March 1st to 
May 31 st period is greater than 9,250 cubic decameters (7,500 ace-feet), but does 



Canada-United States, 1976, Joint studies for flow apportionment. Poplar River Basin, 
Montana-Saskatchewan: Main Report, International Souris-Red Rivers Board, Poplar 
River Task Force, 43 pp. 

A3-2 



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 
then 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 to 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. 

The natural flow and division periods for apportionment purposes shall be determined, unless 
othenft^ise specified, for periods of time commensurate with the uses and requirements of both 
countries. 



A3-3 



ANNEX 4 



METRIC CONVERSIONS 



A4-1 







METRIC 


CONVERSION FACTORS 


ac 


= 




4,047 m^ = 0.04047 ha 


ac-ft 


= 




1,233.5 m^= 1.2335 dam^ 


C 


= 




5/9(F° - 32) 


cm 


= 




0.3937 in. 


cm^ 


= 




0.155 in^ 


dam^ 


= 




1,000 m^ = 0.8107 ac-ft 


ft3 


= 




28.3171 X 10" V. 


ha 


= 




10,000 m2 = 2.471 ac 


hm 


= 




100 m = 328.08 ft 


hm^ 


= 




1 X 10^ m' 


I.gpm 


= 




0.0758 L/s 


in 


= 




2.54 cm 


kg 


= 




2.20462 lb =1.1x10-' tons 


km 


= 




0.62137 miles 


km^ 


= 




0.3861 mi^ 


L 


= 




0.3532 ft' = 0.21997 I.gal = 0.26420 U.S. gal 


Us 


= 




0.035 cfs = 13.193 I.gpm = 15.848 U.S. gpm 


m 


= 




3.2808 ft 


m2 


= 




10.7636 ft^ 


m3 


= 




1,000 L = 35.3144 ft' = 219.97 I.gal = 264.2 U.S. gal 


m^/s 


= 




35.314 cfs 


mm 


= 




0.00328 ft 


tonne 


= 




1,000 kg =1.1023 ton (short) 


U.S. gpm 


= 




0.0631 L/s 


For Air Samoles 








ppm = 100pphm = 


= 1 000 X (Molecular Weight of substance/24.45) mg/m^ 



A4-2 



<* U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTINO OFFICE: 1994-573-191 / 80017