s 

333.91 

M26PRAR 

2005 



2005 ANNUAL REPORT 



to the 



GOVERNMENTS OF CANADA, UNITED STATES, 
SASKATCHEWAN AND MONTANA 



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FORT PECK INDIAN RESERVATION 



by the 



POPLAR RIVER 

BILATERAL MONITORING 

COMMITTEE 



, Poplar 



COVERING CALENDAR YEAR 2005 



<rrATF nnriiMPirrs collection 

FEB ?- "' 2007 

MONTANA SI A. ELlbKAKY 

1515 E. 6th AVE. 
HELENA. MONTANA S9620 



December 2006 



Montana State Library 



3 0864 1003 9002 3 



2005 ANNUAL REPORT 
to the 



GOVERNMENTS OF CANADA, UNITED STATES, 
SASKATCHEWAN, AND MONTANA 



by the 



POPLAR RIVER BILATERAL MONITORING COMMITTEE 
COVERING CALENDAR YEAR 2005 



December 2006 



Poplar River Bilateral Monitoring Committee 



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



Governor's Office 
State of Montana 
Helena, Montana, United States 

Ladies and Gentlemen: 



Department of Foreign Affairs 
and International Trade Canada 
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada 

Saskatchewan Environment 
Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada 



Herein is the 25th Annual Report of the Poplar River Bilateral Monitoring Committee. This report discusses the 
Committee activities of 2005 and presents the Technical Monitoring Schedules for the year 2006. 

During 2005, 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 exchange 
of Diplomatic Notes in March 1987, July 1992, July 1997, and March 2002, the Arrangement was extended. The 
Monitoring Committee is currently extended to March 2007. 

The enclosed report summarizes current water-quality conditions and compares them to guidelines for specific 
parameter values that were developed by the International Joint Commission under the 1977 Reference from Canada 
and the United States. After evaluation of the monitoring information for 2005, the Committee finds that the measured 
conditions meet the recommended objectives. 

Based on IJC recommendations, the United States was entitled to an on-demand release of 617 dam^ (500 acre-feet) 
ft-om Cookson Reservoir in 2005. A volume of 678 dam' (550 acre-feet) was delivered to the United States between 
May 1 and May 31, 2005. In addition, daily flows in 2005 met or exceeded the minimum flow recommended by the 
IJC except for days (July 29; August 10, 23, 30, 31; September 4, 8, 13, 14) when daily flows fell below the 
recommended minimum due to temporary damming of the stream by upstream beaver activity. 

During 2005, monitoring continued in accordance with Technical Monitoring Schedules outlined in the 2004 Annual 
Report of the Poplar River Bilateral Monitoring Committee. 



Yours sincerely, 

Robert E. Davis 

Chairman, United States Section 




i<M R. Tubbs 
lember. United States Section 




ChucK Bosgoec 
Member, Canadian Section 



TABLE OF CONTENTS 

Highlights for 2005 ill 

1.0 Introduction 1 

2.0 Committee Activities 2 

2.1 Membership 2 

2.2 Meetings 2 

2.3 Review of Water-Quality Objectives 3 

2.4 Data Exchange 4 

2.5 Water-Quality Monitoring Responsibilities 4 

3.0 Water and Air: Monitoring and Interpretations 6 

3.1 Poplar River Power Station Operation 6 

3.2 Surface Water 6 

3.2.1 Streamflow 6 

3.2.2 Apportionment 7 

3.2.3 Minimum Flows 7 

3.2.4 On-Demand Release 8 

3.2.5 Surface-Water Quality 9 

3.2.5.1 Total Dissolved Sohds 10 

3.2.5.2 Boron 14 

3.2.5.3 Other Water-Quality Objectives 17 

' ,., 3.3 Ground Water 19 

3.3.1 Operations-Saskatchewan 19 

3.3.2 Ground- Water Monitoring 21 

3.3.2.1 Saskatchewan 22 

3.3.2.2 Montana 24 

3.3.3 Ground-Water Quality 26 

3.3.3.1 Saskatchewan 26 

3.3.3.2 Montana 30 

3.4 Cookson Reservoir 31 

3.4.1 Storage 31 

3.4.2 Water Quality 32 

3.5 AirQuaHty 33 

3.6 Quality Control 33 

3.6.1 Streamflow 33 

3.6.2 Water Quality 33 

ANNEXES 

1.0 Poplar River Cooperative Monitoring Arrangement, Canada-United States Al 

2.0 Poplar River Cooperative Monitoring Arrangement, Technical 

Monitoring Schedules, 2006, Canada-United States A2 

^ 3.0 Recommended Flow Apportionment in the Poplar River Basin A3 

4.0 Conversion Factors A4 



TABLES 

Table 2.1 Water-Quality Objectives 5 

Table 3.1 Recommended Water-Quality Objectives and Excursions, 2005 Sampling 

Program, East Poplar River at International Boundary 18 

Table 3.2 Geologic Formation Name Equivalence between Saskatchewan and Montana .... 21 

Table 3.3 Water-Quality Statistics for Water Pumped from Supplementary 

Water Supply Project Wells 26 

Table 3.4 Water-Quality Statistics for Water Pumped from Salinity Control Project 

Wells Sampled at the Discharge Pipe 27 

Table 3.5 Cookson Reservoir Storage Statistics for 2005 31 

Table 3.6 Streamflow Measurement Results for September 2005 33 



FIGURES 



Figure 3.1 Discharge during 2005 as Compared with the Median Discharge from 

1931-2000 for the Poplar River at International Boundary 6 

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

Figure 3.3 Cumulative Volume Hydrograph of On-Demand Release 9 

Figure 3.4 Monthly Mean TDS Concentration for 2005 Derived from Water-Quality 

Samples or Average Mid-month Monthly Conductance Data Collected by 

Specific-Conductance Monitor at East Poplar River at International Boundary ... 12 
Figure 3.5 Three-Month Moving Flow-Weighted Average TDS Concentration for 

East Poplar River at International Boundary 12 

Figure 3.6 Five- Year Moving Flow-Weighted Average TDS Concentration for 

East Poplar River at International Boundary 13 

Figure 3.7 Daily TDS Concentration, 1990 to 2005, East Poplar River at International 

Boundary 13 

Figure 3.8 Monthly Mean Boron Concentration for 2005 Derived from Water-Quality 

Samples or Average Mid-Month Monthly Conductance Data Collected by 

Specific-Conductance Monitor at East Poplar River at International 

Boundary 15 

Figure 3.9 Three-Month Moving Flow-Weighted Average Boron Concentration for 

East Poplar River at International Boundary 15 

Figure 3.10 Five- Year Moving Flow-Weighted Average Boron Concentration for 

East Poplar River at International Boundary 16 

Figure 3.11 Daily Boron Concentration, 1990 to 2005, 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 Hydrograph of Selected Wells - Cookson Reservoir Supplementary Supply 

Ground Water Monitoring Network 23 

Figure 3.15 Hydrograph of Selected Wells - Cookson Reservoir Supplementary Supply 

Ground Water Monitoring Network 23 

Figure 3.16 Hydrograph of Selected Wells - Fort Union and Hart Coal Aquifers 24 

Figure 3.17 Hydrograph of Selected Wells - Alluvium and Fox Hills/Hell Creek Aquifers 25 

Figure 3.18 Total Dissolved Solids in Samples from Montana Wells 30 

Figure 3.19 Cookson Reservoir Daily Mean Water Levels for 2005 and Median 

Daily Water Levels, 1994-2004 32 



HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2005 

The Poplar River Power Station completed its twenty-second full year of operation in 2005. The two 
300-megawatt coal-fired units generated 4,345,960 gross megawatts (MW) of electricity. The average 
capacity factors for Units No. 1 and 2 were 81.5 percent and 80.7 percent, respectively. The capacity 
factors are based on the maximum generating rating of 305 MW/h for both Unit No.l and Unit No. 2. 
Similar to other years, scheduled maintenance was completed in the spring and fall of 2005. 

Monitoring information collected in both Canada and the United States during 2005 was exchanged in 
the spring of 2006. 

The recorded volume of the Poplar River at International Boundary from March 1 to May 31, 2005 was 
3,010 dam^ (2,440 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) (i.O cubic feet per second 
(ftVs)) for the period June 1, 2005 to May 31, 2006. The minimum flow for the period January 1 to May 
31, 2005 was 0.028 rn^/s (1.0 ft^/s), which was determined on the basis of the Poplar River flow volume 
for March 1 to May 31, 2004. Daily flows in 2005 met or exceeded the minimum flow recommended 
by the IJC except for several days (July 29; August 10, 23, 30, 31; September 4, 8, 13, 14), when daily 
flows fell below the recommended minimum due to temporary damming of the stream by upstream 
beaver activity. 

In addition to the minimum flow, the UC 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 8,410 dam^ (6,820 acre-feet) recorded at the Poplar 
River at International Boundary gauging station for March 1 through May 31, 2004, the United States 
was entitled to an additional release of 617 dam'' (500 acre-feet) from Cookson Reservoir during the 
succeeding twelve-month period commencing June 1, 2004. Montana requested this release to be made 
between May 1 and May 31, 2005. A volume of 678 dam' (550 acre-feet), in addition to the minimum 
flow, was delivered during this period. 

The 2005 five-year TDS flow-weighted concentrations were below the long-term objective of 1,000 
milligrams per litre (mg/L). The maximum monthly value calculated in 2005 was about 954 mg/L, 
which was slightly higher than the 2004 maximum monthly value of 935 mg/L. Boron concentrations 
for 2005, though based upon a limited number of water-quality samples, continued to remain well below 
the long-term objective of 2.5 mg/L. 



Ill 



1.0 INTRODUCTION 

The Poplar River Bilateral Monitoring Committee was authorized for an initial period of five years by 
the Governments of Canada and the United States under the Poplar River Cooperative Monitoring 
Arrangement dated September 23, 1980. A copy of the Arrangement is attached to this report as Annex 
1. Through exchange of Diplomatic Notes, the Arrangement was extended in March 1987, July 1992, 
July 1997, and March 2002. The current extension expires in March 2007. A more detailed account of 
the historical background of the Monitoring Arrangement is contained in the 1990 Annual Report of the 
Poplar River Bilateral Monitoring Committee. 

The Committee oversees monitoring programs designed to evaluate the potential for transboundary 
impacts from SaskPower's (formerly Saskatchewan Power Corporation) coal-fired thermal generating 
station and ancillary operations near Coronach, Saskatchewan. Monitoring is conducted in Canada and 
the United 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 the data to objectives or standards recommended by the 
International Joint Commission (UC) to Governments, or relevant State, Provincial, or Federal 
standards. The Committee reports to Governments on a calendar year basis. The Committee is also 
responsible for drawing to the attention of Governments definitive changes in monitored parameters 
which may require immediate attention. 

A responsibility of the Committee is to review the adequacy of the monitoring programs in both 
countries and make recommendations to Governments on the Technical Monitoring Schedules. The 
Schedules are updated annually for new and discontinued programs and for modifications in sampling 
frequencies, parameter lists, and analytical techniques of ongoing programs. The Technical Monitoring 
Schedules listed in the annual report (Annex 2) are given for the year 2006. The Committee will 
continue to review and propose changes to the Technical Monitoring Schedules as information 
requirements change. 



2.0 COMMITTEE ACTIVITIES 

2.1 Membership 

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

During 2005, the members of the Committee included: Mr. R. Davis, U.S. Geological Survey, United 
States representative and Cochair; Mr. R. Kellow (succeeded by Mr. W. Dybvig), Environment Canada, 
Canadian representative and Co-chair, Mr. J. Stults, Montana Department of Natural Resources and 
Conservation, Montana representative; Mr. C. Bosgoed, Saskatchewan Environment, Saskatchewan 
representative; Mr. C.W. Tande, Daniels County Commissioner, Montana local ex-officio 
representative; and Mr. D. Kirby, Reeve, R.M. of Hart Butte, Saskatchewan local ex-officio 
representative. 

2.2 Meetings 

The Committee met on June 16, 2005 by a teleconference call. Delegated representatives of 
Governments, with the exception of the ex-officio members from Montana and Saskatchewan, attended 
the meeting. In addition to Committee members, several technical advisors representing Federal, State, 
and Provincial agencies participated in the meeting. During the meeting, the Committee reviewed the 
operational status of the Poplar River Power Station and associated coal-mining activities; examined 
data collected in 2004 including surface-water quality and quantity, ground-water quality and quantity, 
and air quality; discussed proposed changes in the water-quality sampling program; and established the 
Technical Monitoring Schedules for the year 2006. 



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. In 1991, an action 
item from the annual Committee meeting set in motion the review and revision of the water-quality 
objectives. 

In 1993, the Committee approved changes in water-quality objectives recommended by the 
subcommittee that was formed in 1992 to review the objectives. The Committee also discussed the 
water-quality objectives for 5-year and 3-month flow-weighted concentrations for total dissolved solids 
and boron. Although the Committee agreed that calculation procedures to determine flow-weighted 
concentrations are time consuming and probably scientifically questionable, no consensus was reached 
on alternative objectives or procedures. 

In 1997, the Committee agreed to suspend the monitoring and reporting of several parameters. The 
parameters affected were: dissolved aluminum, un-ionized ammonia, total chromium, dissolved copper, 
mercury in fish tissues, fecal coliform, and total coliform. The Committee also agreed to other minor 
revisions for clarification purposes. For example, changing the designation for pH from "natural" to 
"ambient". 

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

In 2001, the Committee suspended the monitoring of dissolved mercury and total copper. This decision 
to suspend these parameters was based on data indicating concentrations or levels well below or within 
the objectives. Current objectives approved by the Committee are listed in Table 2.1. 

The Committee also agreed to periodically review all suspended parameters. 

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



2.4 Data Exchange 

The Committee is responsible for assuring exchange of data between governments. The exchange of 
monitoring information was initiated in the first quarter of 1981 and was an expansion of the informal 
quarterly exchange program initiated between the United States and Canada in 1976. Until 1991, data 
were exchanged on a quarterly basis. At the request of the Committee, the United States and Canada 
agreed to replace the quarterly exchange of data with an annual exchange effective at the beginning of 
the 1992 calendar year. Henceforth, data will be exchanged once each year as soon after the end of the 
calendar year as possible. However, unusual conditions or anomalous data will be reported and 
exchanged whenever warranted. No unusual conditions occurred during 2005 which warranted special 
reporting. 

2.5 Water-Quality Monitoring Responsibilities 

Environment Canada has agreed to take responsibility of maintaining the continuous water-quality 
monitor installed at the East Poplar station at the International Boundary. The continuous water-quality 
monitor records daily conductance values which are used in the computation of TDS and boron values 
to monitor water quality in the East Poplar River. In the absence of water-quality samples, the 
Committee has agreed to utilize the data collected by the continuous water-quality monitor for its 
surface-water-quality monitoring program. 

The USGS collects water-quality samples on a quarterly basis to supplement the daily conductance data 
collected by the continuous water-quality monitor. 



Table 2.1 Water-Quality Objectives 



' ' 

Parameter 


Original 
Objective 


Recommendation 


Current 
Objective 


Boron, total 


3.5/2.5' 


Continue as is 


3.5/2.5' 


TDS 


1,500/1,000' 


Continue as is 


1,500/1,000' 


Aluminum, dissolved 


0.1 


Suspended* 


— 


Ammonia, un-ionized 


0.02 


Suspended* 


— 


Cadmium, total 


0.0012 


Continue as is 


0.0012 


Chromium, total 


0.05 


Suspended* 


— 


Copper, dissolved 


0.005 


Suspended* 


— 


Copper, total 


1 


Suspended* 


— 


Fluoride, dissolved 


1.5 


Continue as is 


1.5 


Lead, total 


0.03 


Continue as is 


0.03 


Mercury, dissolved 


0.0002 


Suspended* 


— 


Mercury, fish (mg/kg) 


0.5 


Suspended* 


— 


Nitrate 


10 


Continue as is 


10 


Oxygen, dissolved 


4.0/5.0^ 


Objective applies only during 
open water 


4.0/5.0^ 


SAR (units) 


10 


Continue as is 


10 


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 


6.5^ 


Conform (no./lOO mL) 








1 Fecal 


2,000 


Suspended* 


— 


Total 


20,000 


Suspended* 


— 


Units in mg/L except as noted. 

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

Three-month average of flow-weighted concentration should be <3.5 boron and <1 ,500 TDS. 

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

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

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



♦Suspended after review of historic data found sample concentrations consistently below the objective. The Committee will periodically 
review status of suspended objectives. 



3.0 WATER AND AIR: MONITORING AND INTERPRETATIONS 

3.1 Poplar River Power Station Operation 

In 2005, the two 300-megawatt coal-fired units generated 4,345,960 gross megawatts (MW) of 
electricity. The average capacity factors for Unit No. 1 and 2 were 81.5 percent and 80.7 percent, 
respectively. The capacity factors are based on the maximum generating rating of 305 MW/h for both 
Unit No.l and Unit No. 2. Similar to other years, scheduled maintenance was completed in the spring 
and fall of 2005. 

3.2 Surface Water 

3.2.1 Streamflow 

Streamflow in the Poplar River basin was well below normal in 2005. The March to October recorded 
flow of the Poplar River at International Boundary, an indicator of natural flow in the basin, was 4,950 
cubic decametres (dam^) (4,010 acre-feet), which was 48 percent of the 1931-2000 median seasonal 
flow of 10,290 dam^ (8,340 acre-feet). A comparison of 2005 monthly mean discharge with the 1931- 
2000 median monthly mean discharge is shown in Figure 3.1. 



Median of Monthly Mean Discharge for 1931-2000 
- Monthly Mean Discharge for 2005 




Apr 



May 



Aug 



Sep 



Figure 3.1 Discharge during 2005 as Compared with the Median Discharge from 
1931-2000 for the Poplar River at International Boundary. 



The 2005 recorded flow volume of the East Poplar River at International Boundary was 2,680 dam'' 
(2,180 acre-feet). This volume is 90 percent of the median annual flow of 2,980 dam'' (2,420 acre-feet) 
for 1976-2004 (since the completion of Morrison Dam). 

3.2.2 Apportionment 

In 1976 the International Souris-Red Rivers Engineering Board, through its Poplar River Task Force, 
completed an investigation and made a recommendation to the Governments of Canada and the United 
States regarding the apportionment of waters of the Poplar River basin. Although the recommendation 
has not been officially adopted, the Province of Saskatchewan has adhered to the apportion- 
ment recommendation. 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, 2005 was 
3,010 dam^ (2,440 acre-feet). Based on UC 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 (mVs) (1.0 cubic feet per second (ft^/s)) for the period June 1, 2005 to 
May 31, 2006. The minimum flow for the period January 1 to May 31, 2005 was 0.028 mVs (1.0 ftVs), 
determined on the basis of the Poplar River flow volume for March 1 to May 31, 2004. A hydrograph 
for the East Poplar River at International Boundary and the minimum flow as recommended by the UC 
are shown in Figure 3.2. 

Daily flows during 2005 met or exceeded the minimum flow recommended by the UC throughout the 
year except for several days (July 29; August 10, 23, 30, 31; September 4, 8, 13, 14) when daily flows 
were below the recommended minimum due to temporary damming of the stream by upstream beaver 
activity. 




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 in the East Poplar River during the twelve-month period commencing 
June 1. Based on the runoff volume of 8,410 dam^ (6,820 acre-feet) recorded at the Poplar River at 
International Boundary gauging station during the March 1 to May 31, 2004 period, Montana was 
entitled to an additional release of 617 dam^ (500 acre-feet) from Cookson Reservoir during the 
succeeding twelve-month period commencing June 1, 2004. Montana requested this release to be made 
between May 1 and May 31, 2005. A volume of 678 dam^ (550 acre-feet), in addition to the minimum 
flow, was delivered during this period. A hydrograph showing cumulative volume of the on-demand 
release request and on-demand release delivery made at the East Poplar River at International Boundary 
is shown in Figure 3.3. 



800 






















650 


700 








mand Release 
mand Release 


Delivery 
Request 












600 


600 




— 


— On-De 
On-De 












550 
500 
























450 


500 
















,--^ 






400 


400 










..■^^ 


-^ 










350 
300 


300 








.^;>:-^ 














250 
200 


200 








""'^^ 














150 


100 


■^ 


-^ 


















100 
SO 





''^^^ ^ 




1 I 1 1 







, 


, 


, 


, 


, , 

























: 


X >< 

g a 


>> 
n 

I 


7-May 
9-May 


1 1-May 
1 3-May 
1 5-May 


1 7-May 
1 9-May 


>> 
a 


(I 

n 


>< 
a 

f 

in 

IS 


> 
n 

S 

(<4 


29-May 
31-May 



Figure 3.3 Cumulative Volume Hydrograpli of On-Demand Release. 

3.2.5 Surface-Water Quality 

The 1981 report by the IJC to Governments recommended: 

For the March to October period, the maximum flow-weighted concentrations should not exceed 3.5 
milligrams per litre (mg/L) for boron and 1,500 mg/Lfor TDS 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 TDS in the East Poplar River at the International Boundary. 



For the period prior to 1982, the three-month moving flow-weighted concentration (FWC) for boron and 
total dissolved solids (TDS) was calculated solely from monthly water-quahty monitoring results. Since 
the beginning of 1982, the USGS has monitored specific conductance daily in the East Poplar River at 
the International Boundary, making it possible to derive boron and TDS concentration using a linear 
regression relationship with specific conductance. 



In 2003, the Poplar River Bilateral Monitoring Committee decided to suspend much of the water-quality 
sampling program until it is warranted again. This suspension applied to all surface-water-quality 
sample collection activities by Environment Canada at the East Poplar River boundary station. The 
Committee has agreed to use the daily conductance data collected by the specific-conductance monitor 
as a surrogate for the monthly water-quality sampling program. Therefore, only four water-quality 
samples were collected for TDS and boron by the USGS in 2005. Hence, the three-month FWC for TDS 
and boron in 2005 were calculated using the two established equations (shown later in text) and the daily 
conductance data collected by the specific-conductance monitor installed at the East Poplar River at the 
International Boundary. 

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

Prior to 1988, long-term averages were calculated for a five-year period in which 2.5 years preceded and 
2.5 years followed each plotted point. Beginning in 1988, the FWC was calculated from the 5-year 
period preceding each plotted point. For example, the FWC for December 2005 is calculated from data 
generated over the period December 2000 to December 2005. 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 East Poplar River at the International Boundary station. 
During periods of high runoff such as spring freshet, TDS decreases as the proportion of streamflow 
derived from ground water decreases. Conversely, during times of low streamflow (late summer, winter) 
the contribution of ground water to streamflow is proportionally greater. Because ground water has a 
higher ionic strength than the surface water entering the river, the TDS of the stream increases markedly 
during low-flow conditions. 



10 



Monthly average TDS concentrations derived from water-quality samples or the specific-conductance 
monitor readings are shown in Figure 3.4. The TDS concentrations in 2005 ranged from 770 mg/L on 
April 6 to 985 mg/L on October 15 which are below the proposed short-term objective of 1,500 mg/L. 
The three-month moving FWC for TDS for the period of record is presented in Figure 3.5. The TDS 
objectives have not been exceeded during the period of record. On inspection of the plot in Figure 3.5, it 
is apparent that the three-month moving FWC increased gradually, year by year, up until the spring 
runoff of 1997, when an exceptionally heavy snowmelt contributed sufficient water of low ionic strength 
to the river and the reservoir to dilute the accumulated salts built up in the system. Dissolved-solids 
concentrations in 2005 were similar to those recorded in 2004. In general, low spring runoff and higher 
contribution from ground water have kept the TDS level close to the long-term objective of 1,000 mg/L. 

The five-year moving FWC for TDS (Figure 3.6) did not exceed the long-term objective of 1,000 mg/L 
in 2005. The maximum monthly FWC in 2005 was about 954 mg/L, which is slightly higher than the 
2004 maximum monthly value of 935 mg/L. 

The daily TDS values, as generated by linear regression from the daily specific-conductance readings, 
for the period January 1990 through December 2005 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 based upon data collected from 1974 to 2003 is 
as follows: 

TDS = (0.624613813 x specific conductance) + 35.1841527 
(R^ = 0.84, n = 617) 

Note: The above equation was used to derive the missing TDS water-quality sample data for 2005. 
These derived data are used in the current annual water-quality report. 



11 



1200 



1000 



966 



"^ 



S 800 t 

(fl 

:g 

o 

E 600 



♦ 947 



♦ 891 



♦ £75 ♦ 2ZI " ♦ 947 ^22, ♦953 ♦~^«= ♦ 9^2 



978 



♦ 770 



200 



Legend: 770 Grab-Sample Data 



k 



Figure 3.4: Monthly Mean TDS Concentration for 2005 

Derived from Water-Quality Samples or Average Mid-Month Conductance Collected by 

Specific-Condutance Monitor at East Poplar River at the International Boundary 



1800 
1600 
J 400 



Shbrt-terrti Objective 



E 

";;'i2oo 



800 



600 



400 



200 




-Water-quality sample derived data 
Regression derived data 



Figure 3.5: Three-Month Moving Flow- Weighted Average TDS Concentration in 2005 
for East Poplar River at the International Boundary 



12 



1200 1 
1000 




















Long-t«rm Objective 
















_, 


•> ■ 












-^ 












i 










") _^ 


/ ■ 












































o 
<n 


































iS 
o 

1- 


































• 



































Figure 3.6: Fi\«-Year Moving Flow-Weighted Average TDS Concentration in 2005 for 
East Poplar Ri\«r at the International Boundary 



1600 



1400 



E_ 1200 
i 1000 




800 



« 600 

b 

2 400 



200 



O T- 



Flgure 3.7: Daily TDS Concentration, 1990 to 2005; East Poplar Ri\er at the International 
Boundary (regression-deri\«d data) 



13 



3.2.5.2 Boron 

Similar to TDS, four water-quality samples were collected by the USGS for boron in 2005. Other boron 
data presented below were estimated using the boron equation that was developed from water-quality 
samples collected from 1974-2003 and the daily specific conductance data collected by the specific- 
conductance monitor. Figure 3.8 shows that during 2005, boron concentrations in the East Poplar at the 
International Boundary varied from 1.37 mg/L on April 6 to 1.97 mg/L on August 2. 

The 3-month 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 2005. It can be seen that the data derived from 
water-quality samples and that derived from regression with specific conductance are similar, with the 
highs and lows in some degree of correspondence. This suggests that the regression generation for 
boron and TDS values is, in general terms, a valid procedure despite problems which arise from 
attempting to generate representative concentration and flow data for an entire month, based on a limited 
number of samples. 

The 5-year moving FWC for boron displayed in Figure 3.10 remained well below the long-term 
objective of 2.5 mg/L. 

Boron concentrations are not as well-correlated with specific conductance as TDS. Boron is a relatively 
minor ion, and does not in itself contribute to a large degree to the total load of dissolved constituents in 
the water. Accordingly, it appears likely that the standard deviation of dissolved boron (relative to the 
long-term mean boron concentration) may be greater than that of the major cations (sodium, potassium, 
and magnesium) and anions (sulphate, bicarbonate, and chloride) around their respective long-term 
mean concentrations. Daily boron concentrations for the period December 1990 to December 2005 are 
shown in Figure 3.11. 

The relationship between boron and specific conductance applied to data collected from 1974 to 2003 is 

as follows: 

Boron = (0.00129 x specific conductance) - 0.04709 

(R^ = 0.57, n = 617) 
Note: The above equation was used to derive the missing boron water-quality sample data for 2005. 
These derived data are used in the current annual water-quality report. 

14 



2.50 



2.00 - 



E 



" ■'•88 ^ 1.84 



#-1:97 



♦189 ^184 ^- ♦I.SS ♦1-91 ♦1-89 «' 



1.50 



> 1.00 



0.50 



0.00 



♦ 1.72 



Jl JL55 



♦1.37 



Legend: 1.37 Grab- Sample Data 



1.90 



Figure 3.8: Monthly Mean Boron Concentration for 2005 - Derived from Water-Quality 

Sanples or Average Mid-month Conductance Data Collected by Specific Conductance 

Monitor at East Poplar River at the International Boundary 



Short-t arm Ob jective 



0.5 







^/^ 



■ Water-quality sample derived data 
Regression derived data 



ON a 



^ t- 00 ^ 

O^ O^ 0\ O^ 

W c3 c9 ty 



K Tt, Xi 

9 9 9 



Figure 3.9: Three-Month Moving Flow-Weighted A\erage Boron Concentration in 
2005 for East Poplar River at the International Boundary 



15 



p 






































/ 


..y— — 






-^ 





--- 


-- 


-- — 










^ 


-^ 


1.5 
1 . 








































1; 






































































C3 ■•- 



O •.- 



Figure 3.10: Five-Year Moving Flow-Weighted Average Boron Concentration for East 
PoplarRiver at the International Boundary (regression-derived data) 



b) 0) 0) 

nJ TO oj 




i^ !^ 



!^ !^ 



i^ !^ 



Figure 3.1 1: Daily Boron Concentration, 1990 to 2005, 
East Poplar River at the International Boundary (regression-derived data) 



16 



3.2.5.3 Other Water-Quality Objectives 

Table 3.1 contains the multipurpose water-quality objectives for the East Poplar River at International 
Boundary, recommended by the International Poplar River Water Quality Board to the IJC. The table 
shows the number of samples collected for each parameter and the number of times over the course of 
the year that the objectives were exceeded. In the table, multiple replicate samples collected during the 
annual quality control exercise are treated as a single sample, but where an objective was exceeded in a 
replicate sample, this is charged against the single sample noted. As the table shows, all parameters were 
within the appropriate objectives. 



17 



Table 3.1 Recommended Water-Quality Objectives and Excursions, 2005 Sampling Program, 
East Poplar River at International Boundary (units in mg/L, except as otherwise noted) 



Parameter 


Objective 


No. of Samples 


Excursions 


USA 


Canada 


Objectives recommended by IJC to Governments || 


Boron, dissolved 


3.5/2.5 (1) 


4 








Total Dissolved Solids 


1,500/1,000(1) 


4 








Objectives recommended by Poplar River Bilateral Monitoring Committee to Governments 11 


Cadmium, total 


0.0012 


4 








Fluoride, dissolved 


1.5 


4 








Lead, total 


0.03 


4 








Nitrate 


10.0 


4 








Oxygen, dissolved 


4.0/5.0 (2) 


4 








Sodium adsorption ratio 


10.0 


4 








Sulphate, dissolved 


800.0 


4 








Zinc, total 


0.03 


4 








Water temperature (Celsius) 


30.0 (3) 


4 








pH (pH units) 


6.5 (4) 


4 








( 1 ) Three-month average of flow-weighted concentrations should be <3.5 mg/L boron and < 1 ,500 mg/L TDS. Five-year average of 

flow-weighted concentrations (March to October) should be <2.5 mg/L boron and <1 ,000 mg/L TDS. 

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

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

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



Note: No exceedences were noted in 2005. 



18 



vflfii,: 



3.3 Ground Water 



3.3.1 Operations - Saskatchewan 

SaskPower's supplementary supply continued to operate during 2005. Normally the majority of ground- 
water production occurs from fall to spring in order to minimize water losses during the summer. 
However, in the past few years production has been maintained through the summer period. In 2005, 
4,321 cubic decameters (dam^) of ground water was produced, which is down from the 4,764 dam^ 
pumped in 2004. Production from 1991 to 2005 has averaged 4,840 dam^ per year. Prior to 1991, the 
well network was part of a dewatering network for coal mining operations, which resulted in the high 
production levels experienced in the early to mid 1980 as shown in Figure 3.12. With the drought of the 
late 1980 and early 1990, it was evident that there was a continued need for ground water to supplement 
water levels in Cookson Reservoir. Consequently, the wells were taken over by SaskPower for use as a 
supplementary supply. 




1974 1976 1978 1980 1982 1984 1986 1988 1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 

Year 



Figure 3.12 Supplementary Water Supply 



19 



SaskPower has an approval for the supplementary supply project to produce an annual volume of 5,500 
dam''/year. The supplementary supply well network currently consists of 21 wells with a total of 10 
discharge points. No wells were added or deleted from the well field during the year. 

In addition to the supplementary supply, SaskPower also operates the Soil Salinity Project 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 discharging into the cooling 
water canal. This in turn discharges to Cookson Reservoir. Ongoing operational difficulties with the 
salinity wells resulted in a continued decline in the annual volume pumped (Figure 3.13). However, a 
well rehabilitation program has been initiated and as a result production in 2005 was 790 dam'' This 
represents a significant increase from 557 dam^ in 2004 and 426 dam^ in 2003. The majority of water 
pumped came from wells on the east side of the river. The 2005 production level was still substantially 
lower than the peak production level of almost 1,100 dam'' in 1994. In 2003 all production was from one 
well, but this increased to six wells in 2005. In 2006, one well will be decommissioned and an 
additional well will be rehabilitated. 



20 




1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 
Year 



Figure 3.13 Pumpage from Salinity Control Project 



3.3.2 Ground-Water Monitoring 

Equivalent geologic formations present in Saskatchewan and Montana have different names. A list of 
the corresponding formation names is provided in Table 3.2. 

Table 3.2 Geologic Formation Name Equivalence between Saskatchewan and Montana 



Formation Location 


Geologic Formation Name 


Saskatchewan 


Eastend to Whitemud 


Frenchman 


Ravenscrag 


Alluvium 


Montana 


Fox Hills 


Hell Creek 


Fort Union 


Alluvium 



21 



3.3.2.1 Saskatchewan 

In 2003, SaskPower reduced its monitoring network from 180 to about 85 piezometers. Saskatchewan 
Environment approved this reduction based on modelling studies undertaken by SaskPower. 

The goal of the Salinity Project is to lower ground-water levels in the Empress sands below Morrison 
Dam two to three metres, which is roughly equivalent to pre-reservoir levels. Production from 1990 to 
1995 ranged between 900 and 1,100 dam'^/year and consequently the drawdown objectives were 
achieved in 1995 and 1996. Declining production from 1995 until 2004 resulted in a continual reduction 
in the cone of depression. By 2003 the drawdown cone of depression was negligible. The drawdown 
cone increased somewhat in 2004 and 2005 due to the increased production, but is still limited in extent 
and magnitude. 

Figures 3.14 and 3.15 show hydrographs for Hart Coal seam monitoring wells near the International 
Boundary. These hydrographs illustrate that there have been no significant changes in water level in the 
Hart Coal seam near the boundary in the past 10 years. 



22 



810 










Cookson Reservoir Supplementary Supply 
Groundwater Monitoring 








































. 










_ 790 
1 






































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> ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ,J* ^ ^(> ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^d ^C^ ^6 ^(T 



-M811 -•-M782 -*-M510A 



Figure 3.14 Hydrograph of Selected Wells - Cookson Reservoir Supplementary Ground- 
water Monitoring Network 



Cookson Reservoir Supplementary Supply 
Groundwater Monitoring 







































IMII^ 


nmm 


^^ 


^^^ 




i«^ 








tLtm 


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MAM 


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-M492A -•-M507 -*-M509 



Figure 3.15 Hydrograph of Selected Well - Cookson Reservoir Supplementary Supply 
Ground-water Monitoring Network 



23 



3.3.2.2 Montana 

Water levels in monitoring wells (6, 7, 9, 13, 16, 17, 19, and 22) that penetrate the Fort Union 
Formation and/or the Hart Coal Seam rose during 1997 and 1998, and then levelled off or fell between 
1999 and the end of 2003. Heavy snow accumulation and subsequent melting caused water levels to 
rise to near record highs in wells 6, 7, 9, 16, 19, and 22 during 2004 and 2005. Water levels in all of 
these wells except well 9 declined during 2005. There appeared to be no short-term responses to the 
snow melt in wells 13 and 17, but water levels in these wells have slowly risen since late 2003. 
Hydrographs from selected Fort Union and Hart Coal Seam wells (6, 7, 17, and 19) are shown in 
Figure 3.16. Offsets noted in the legend have been applied to the data to separate the traces and make 
the hydrographs more readable. Hydrographs of selected Fort Union/Hart Coal Seam wells (6, 7, 17, 
and 19) are shown in Figure 3.16. 



-*»**«^*«<, 



^^^^'^^^^X*^ 







o>OT-c\joO'*mtor-oocnO'-c\jcO'«tincor~-ooO)0'-<Nco5i£><Dh-oo 

r^COOOOpOOCDCOCOQOOOOOO)030>050>0)050>Cn050^CpOOCpCpCpCp 

cccccccccccccccccccccccccccccc 
ajcC(0<0(Oed(Dcococo<ococo<0<Oeo<oaJ(C(0<0(D<0(OTOroa3<otota 

-3-3-3-3-3-)-3-5-5-3-3-3-)-l-3-J-3-3-3-3-)-3-3-5-J-3-3-3-3-> 

Year 

—•-Well 6 (GWIC 4227: +10 ft offset) -s-Well 7 (GWIC 4267: +7 ft offset) 

-A-Well 17 (GWIC 4297: -3 ft offset) -»*-Well 19 (GWIC 4290: -5 ft offset) 



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



24 



The potentiometric surface in the Fox Hills/Hell Creek artesian aquifer (well 11, Figure 3.17) has 
shown little fluctuation or change during the 1979-2005 monitoring period. 

Water levels in monitoring wells (5, 8, 10, 23, and 24) that penetrate alluvium and/or outwash show 
seasonal change caused by climate and/or precipitation. Water levels in all of the wells responded to 
the heavy snow accumulation and melt in early 2004. Water levels in well 23 dropped back to late 2003 
levels by the end of 2004 and water levels in wells 10 and 24 returned to pre-melt elevations in 2005. 
Water levels in wells 5 and 8 remain above elevations observed in 2002-2003. Hydrographs from 
selected alluvial wells (10, 23, and 24) and the Fox Hills/Hell Creek well (11) are shown in Figure 
3.17. Offsets noted in the legend have been applied to the data to separate the traces and make the 
hydrographs more readable. Measurements from wells 11 and 24 where the wellhead was noted as 
being frozen are not included. 



V»v*^ 



♦^ 



''''''''''''^''''^-\^.f^^A/ Au:^^ A.:/^V 






■^WK>^A>A r^^'^A Aft^ >^ ^ ^ 



-5-0-5-3-3-3-3-5-5-3-3-3-5-3-3-3-3-3-5-5 

Year 

-Well 10 (GWIC 4340: ft offset) -a— Well 11 (GWIC 4329: +3 ft offset) 

-Well 23 (GWIC 124105: + 2 ft offset) -»«-Well 24 (GWIC 144835: -3 ft offset) 



Figure 3.17 Hydrograph of Selected Wells - Alluvium and Fox Hills/Hell Creek Aquifers 



25 



3.3.3 Ground-Water Quality 
3.3.3.1 Saskatchewan 

The water quality from the Supplementary Supply Project discharge points has been consistent with no 
trends indicated. A summary of the more frequently tested parameters during 2005 is provided in 
Table 3.3. Result averages for the 1992-2004 period are also included in this table for comparison. 



TABLE 3.3 Water-Quality Statistics for Water Pumped from 
Supplementary Water Supply Project Wells* 





1992 to 2005 
Average 


2005 II 
Average 


pH (units) 


8.0 


8.2 


Conductivity (//s/cm) 


1,301 


1,280 


Total Dissolved Solids 


900 


800 


Total Suspended Solids 


12 


16 


Boron 


1.2 


1.1 


Sodium 


177 


166 


Cyanide (i^g/L) 


0.0007 


<0.000001 


Iron 


0.2 


0.3 


Manganese 


0.1 


0.1 


1 Mercury (ng/L) 


0.09 


<0.05 


Calcium 


71 


53 


Magnesium 


51 


60 


Sulfate 


269 


290 


Nitrate 


.06 


0.04 



All units mg/L unless othenwise noted. *Sampled at Site "C3" on Girard Creek. <, less than. 

Average results from the common discharge point for the Salinity Control Project for 2005, plus an 
average of the 1992-2004 results are provided in Table 3.4. Results have remained relatively consistent 
since 1992. 

26 



TABLE 3.4 Water-Quality Statistics for Water Pumped from Salinity Control Project Wells 

Sampled at the Discharge Pipe* 



1 


1992-2005 
Average 


2005 
Average 


pH (units) 


7.5 


7.7 


Conductivity (/xs/cm) 


1,434 


1,492 


Total Dissolved Solids 


991 


1,011 


Boron 


1.6 


1.6 


Calcium 


104 


94 


Magnesium 


60 


52 


Sodium 


152 


170 


Potassium 


7.4 


7.3 


Arsenic (/Ltg/L) 


11.4 


10.2 


Aluminum 


0.07 


<0.01 


Barium 


0.037 


0.026 


Cadmium 


0.019 


<0.001 


Iron 


4.1 


3.7 


Manganese 


0.13 


0.12 


Molybdenum 


0.019 


<0.001 


Strontium 


1.774 


1.5 


Vanadium 


0.018 


<0.001 


Uranium (figfL) 


0.513 


0.9 


Mercury (/i/L) 


0.09 


<0.05 


Sulfate 


321 


290 


Chloride 


6.3 


8 


Nitrate 


0.005 


<0.01 



•"AH concentrations are mg/L unless otherwise noted. <, less than. 



27 



Leachate movement through the ash lagoon liner systems can potentially affect ground-water quality in 
the vicinity of the ash lagoons. The piezometers listed in the Technical Monitoring Schedules are used 
to assess leachate movement and calculate seepage rates. Piezometric water level, boron, and chloride 
are the chosen indicator parameters to assess leachate movement. 

The ground-water monitoring program was expanded in 1994 as a result of Ash Lagoon # 3 South 
construction. In total 20 new pneumatic piezometers and 28 new standpipe piezometers were 
completed within their target zones. Testing of these piezometers began in 1995. The limited data so 
far does not show any unusual or unexpected values. 

Due to the sampling reduction approved by Sask Environment in late 2003 there are some piezometers 
that are no longer monitored. Of the piezometers previously referenced in this report piezometers 
C867A, C868A, C871A, C886A, C887A, C868B, C869C, C766, and C767 are no longer monitored. 

The chemistry of water immediately above the liner systems is expected to differ from the surface 
water of the lagoons. Meaningful information is only available from piezometers installed within Ash 
Lagoon # 1 where ash has been deposited for many years. Future monitoring of all piezometers 
completed above the lagoon liner systems will continue with the purpose of confirming the boron trend 
noted above and to improve the understanding of leachate quality and flow from the ash lagoons. 

The piezometric surface measurements for the oxidized till continue to show the presence of a ground- 
water mound beneath the ash lagoons. The mound extends from the center of the Ash Lagoon # 1 to 
the southeast side of Ash Lagoon # 2. Isolated ground-water mounds have developed within the area of 
the oxidized ground-water mound. Piezometers located in the oxidized till suggest limited leachate 
activity. No seepage activity is evident in the unoxidized till. 

The greatest changes in chloride and boron concentrations within the oxidized till have occurred where 
piezometric levels have changed the most. Although increasing water levels do not automatically 
suggest that the water affecting the piezometers is leachate, changing piezometric levels do suggest 
ground-water movement. On the west side of the Polishing Pond, the boron levels have changed only 

28 



slightly in the oxidized till piezometers C728A and C728D, where the chloride levels have changed 
more significantly. The chloride level for C728A has decreased from 403 mg/L in 1983 to 232 mg/L in 
2004. The chloride level for C728D has increased from 185 mg/L in 1983 to 376 mg/L in 2004. 
Although these piezometers are close in proximity and installed at the same level, they are being 
influenced by different water. Chloride results for C728A suggest initial seepage and it is to be 
expected that over time the same observation will be seen in C728D. 

The piezometric surface of the Empress Gravel indicates a regional flow from northwest to southeast 
below Morrison Dam. As a general observation, Empress piezometers respond to changing reservoir 
levels. Results for the Empress layer do not indicate seepage activity with the majority of the analyses 
showing little real change in boron or chloride results. 

Sand lens piezometers C712B and C766 are located between the polishing pond and the cooling water 
canal. C767 is located on the top of dyke G and C766 and C712B are located at the toe of dyke G. 
These piezometers have historically been of interest as the sand lens provides a preferential pathway 
for leachate migration of boron concentrations. C766 shows an increasing trend up to October 1988 
with a peak of 43.0 mg/L in April 1995. Since 1995 the boron levels have declined modestly and have 
remained between 25 and 38 mg/L. 

Up to April 1988, the boron concentration for C767 was increasing and peaked at 49.4 mg/L. Since 
this peak, the boron concentration steadily decreased to the end of 1991 where it levelled off near 5 
mg/L and has since remained with one exception, a concentration of 1L7 mg/L in October 2000. 

Piezometer C712B has been monitored for several years. Historically, boron levels were below 1 
mg/L. From 1992 to 2005, boron levels have remained relatively steady around between 12 and 20 
mg/L. 



29 



3.3.3.2 Montana 

Samples were collected from monitoring wells 7, 16, and 24 during 2005. Well 7 is completed in Hart 
Coal, well 16 is completed in the Fort Union Formation, and well 24 is completed in alluvium. TDS 
concentrations in samples collected in 2005 from wells 7 and 24 were less than reported in 2004 and 
similar to those observed in 2003. Changes in TDS with time for wells 7, 16, and 24 are shown in 
Figure 3.18. 



800 

S 750 

"3 

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a. 
w 

1 ^^° 

= 600 

S 

£ 550 

M 

1 500 

o 

w 

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8 400 

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oo>0'-cjn-«i-in<Dr^oocj>Oi-c\ico-<>-io<ot^ooo)0'>-c\jcO'>tm<ot^oo 
^r^oooocooocoooooooooooo)0)0)a> 0)0>o>o>0)0000000oc>o 
ICCCCCCCCCCCCCCC ccccccccccccccc 
:>-J-5-5-5-3-3-3-3-3-3-5-3->-5-3 -J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J 

Date 

-e-Well 16(GWIC4211) -s-Well 24 (GWIC 144835) -A-Well 7 (GWIC 4267) 



Figure 3.18 Total Dissolved Solids in Samples from Montana Wells. 



30 



3.4 Cookson Reservoir 
3.4.1 Storage 

On January 1, 2005, Cookson Reservoir storage was 38, 420 dam'' or 89 % of the full supply volume. 
The 2005 maximum, minimum, and period elevations and volumes are shown in Table 3.5. 

Spring inflows into the reservoir were well below normal in 2005. A release was made in May to meet 
the recommended Poplar River basin demand release for the 2004-2005 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 4,321 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 
790 dam^n 2005. 



Table 3.5 Cookson Reservoir Storage Statistics for 2005 



Date 


Elevation 
(m) 


Contents 
(dam^) 


January 1 


752.34 


38, 420 


April 10 (Maximum) 


752.49 


39, 520 


November 27 (Minimum) 


751.58 


33, 060 


[December 31 


751.61 


33, 250 


JFull Supply Level 


753.00 


43,410 



31 



The Poplar River Power Station is dependent on water from Cookson Reservoir for cooling. Power 
plant operation is not adversely affected until reservoir levels drop below 749.0 metres, ^^he dead 
storage level for cooling water used in the generation process is 745.0 metres. The 2005 recorded 
levels and associated operating levels are shown in Figure 3.19. 

2005 Cookson Reservoir 
Daily Mean Water Levels 



Full Supply Level 



-Ten Year Median Level 



2005 

Minimum Desired Operating Level 



Minimum Useable Storage Level 



Feb Mar Apr May 



Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 



19100 *£ 



c « 
o E 



8i 



Figure 3.19 Cookson Reservoir Daily Mean Water Levels for 2005 and 
Median Daily Water Levels, 1995-2004 



3.4.2 Water Quality 

The period from 1987 to 1993 saw very low volumes of surface-water runoff to Cookson Reservoir. 
Consequently, total dissolved solids (TDS) in the reservoir increased steadily from approximately 780 
mg/L to over 1,800 mg/L. Since 1993, higher runoff volumes have improved reservoir water quality. 
Since 1997, the TDS levels in the reservoir have generally remained below 1,000 mg/L. The average 
TDS level in Cookson Reservoir in 2005 was 1,033 mg/L, up slightly from the 2004 average level of 
967 mg/L but still below past levels. 

32 



3.5 Air Quality 

SaskPower's ambient SO2 monitoring for 2005 recorded no values greater than Saskatchewan 
Environment's one-hour average standard of 0.17 ppm and the 24-hour average standard of 0.06 ppm. 
The ambient SO2 monitor was replaced in January 2001 which has greatly improved the availability of 
this information. The 2005 geometric mean for the high-volume suspended-particulate sampler was 
14.5/ig/m^ and 2005 was the fourteenth consecutive year of below-average standard 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 6, 2005 by personnel from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and Environment 
Canada (EC) to confirm streamflow measurement comparability. Data from the two current-meter 
discharge measurements are available in Table 3.6. 

Table 3.6 Streamflow Measurement Results for September 6, 2005 



Agency 


Time 
CST 


Width 
(m) 


Mean 
Area 


Velocity 

(m/s) 


Gauge 

Height 

(m) 


Discharge 

(m'/s) 


EC 


0935 


1.05 


0.130 


0.225 


1.743 


0.030 


USGS 


1026 


1.04 


0.121 


0.240 


1.743 


0.029 



3.6.2 Water Quality 

Quality-control sampling was not performed in 2005 at the East Poplar River at International Boundary 
due to suspension in collection of surface-water-quality samples by Environment Canada. 



33 



ANNEX 1 



POPLAR RIVER 



COOPERATIVE MONITORING ARRANGEMENT 



CANADA-UNITED STATES 



Al-1 



September 23, 1980 
POPLAR RIVER COOPERATIVE MONITORING ARRANGEMENT 

I. PURPOSE 

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

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

II. PARTICIPATING GOVERNMENTS 

Governments and government agencies participating in the Arrangement are: 

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

Saskatchewan Environment and Resource Management 
Government of the United States of America: United States Geological Survey 
Government of the State of Montana: Executive Office 

III. POPLAR RIVER MONITORING COMMITTEE: TERMS OF REFERENCE 

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



Al-3 



A. Membership 

The Committee will be composed of four representatives, one from each of the participating 
Governments. It will be jointly chaired by the Government of Canada and the Government of 
the United States. There will be a Canadian Section and a United States Section. The 
participating Governments will notify each other of any changes in membership on the 
Committee. Co-chairpersons may by mutual agreement invite agency technical experts to 
participate in the work of the Committee. 

The Governor of the State of Montana may also appoint a chief elective official of local 
government to participate as an ex-officio member of the Committee in its technical 
deliberations. The Saskatchewan Minister of the Environment may also appoint a similar local 
representative. 



B. Functions of the Committee 

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



1. Information Exchange 

Each Co-chairperson will be responsible for transmitting to his counterpart Co-chairperson on a 
regular, and not less than quarterly basis, the data provided by the cooperative monitoring 
agencies in accordance with the Technical Monitoring Schedules. 



AI-4 



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-5 



3. Activities of Canadian and United States Sections 
The Canadian and United States section will be separately responsible for: 

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

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

(c) receipt and collation of monitored data generated by the cooperating monitoring 
agencies in their respective countries as specified in the Technical Monitoring 
Schedules; 

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

rV. PROVISION OF DATA 

In order to ensure that the Committee is able to carry out the terms of this Arrangement, the 
participating governments will use their best efforts to have cooperating monitoring agencies, in 
their respective jurisdictions provide on an ongoing basis all scheduled monitored data for which 
they are responsible. 

V. TERMS OF THE ARRANGEMENT 

The Arrangement will be effective for an initial term of five years and may be amended by 
agreement of the participating governments. It will be subject to review at the end of the initial 
term and will be renewed thereafter for as long as it is required by the participating governments. 



Al-6 



ANNEX 2 



POPLAR RIVER 



COOPERATIVE MONITORING ARRANGEMENT 



TECHNICAL MONITORING SCHEDULES 

2006 

CANADA-UNITED STATES 



A2-1 



TABLE OF CONTENTS 

PREAMBLE A2 - 5 

CANADA 

STREAMFLOW MONITORING A2 - 8 

SURFACE-WATER-QUALITY MONITORING A2 - 10 

GROUND-WATER PIEZOMETERS TO MONITOR POTENTIAL 
DRAWDOWN DUE TO COAL-SEAM DEWATERING NEAR THE 
INTERNATIONAL BOUNDARY A2 - 14 

GROUND-WATER PIEZOMETER MONITORING 

- POWER STATION AREA A2 - 16 

GROUND-WATER PIEZOMETER MONITORING 

- ASH LAGOON AREA 

I WATER LEVEL A2-18 

WATER QUALITY A2 - 19 

I AMBIENT AIR-QUALITY MONITORING A2 - 22 

I UNITED STATES 

I 

I STREAMFLOW MONITORING A2 - 26 

I 

I SURFACE-WATER-QUALITY MONITORING A2 - 28 

k 

I GROUND-WATER-QUALITY MONITORING A2 - 30 

t 

I GROUND-WATER LEVELS TO MONITOR POTENTIAL 

DRAWDOWN DUE TO COAL-SEAM DEWATERING A2 - 32 

A2-3 



PREAMBLE 

The Technical Monitoring Schedule lists those water quantity, water-quality and air quality 
monitoring locations and parameters which form the basis for information exchange and 
reporting to Governments. The structure of the Committee responsible for ensuring the exchange 
takes place is described in the Poplar River Cooperative Monitoring Arrangement. 

The monitoring locations and parameters listed herein have been reviewed by the Poplar River 
Bilateral Monitoring Committee and represent the basic technical information needed to identify 
any definitive changes in water quantity, water quality and air quality at the International 
Boundary. The Schedule was initially submitted to Governments for approval as an attachment 
to the 1981 report to Governments. Changes in the sampling locations and parameters may be 
made by Governments based on the recommendations of the Committee. 

Additional information has been or 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 has been collected on 
either a routine or specific-studies basis by various agencies. 



A2-5 



POPLAR RIVER 



COOPERATIVE MONITORING ARRANGEMENT 



TECHNICAL MONITORING SCHEDULES 

2006 

CANADA 



A2-7 



STREAMFLOW MONITORING 

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



Responsible Agencies: Environment Canada; Saskatchewan Waterslted Authority 


No. on Map 


Station No. 


Station Name 


1* 


11AE003 
(06178500) 


East Poplar River at International Boundary 


2 


11AE013*** 


Cookson Reservoir near Coronach 


3 


11AE015*** 


Girard Creek near Coronach Cookson Reservoir 


4 


11AE014*** 


East Poplar River above Cookson Reservoir 


5 




Fife Lake Overflow** 


6* 


11AE008 
(06178000) 


Poplar River at International Boundary 



* International gauging station. 

** Miscellaneous measurements of outflow to be made by Saskatchewan Watershed 

Authority (SWA) during periods of outflow only. 
*** SWA took over the monitoring responsibility effective July 1/92. 



A2-8 




5 10 15 KILOMETERS 



HYDROMETRIC GAUGING STATIONS (CANADA) 



A2-9 



SURFACE-WATER-QUALITY MONITORING 

Sampling Lxjcations 



Responsible Agency: Environment Canada 


No. on Map 


Station No. 


Station Name 


1 


00SA11AE0008 

Suspended 


East Poplar River at International Boundary 



Responsible Agency: Saskatchewan Environment 1 


Data collected by: Sask Power 




No. on Map 


Station No. 


Station Name 


2 


12386 


East Poplar River at Culvert immediately below 




Discontinued 


Cookson Reservoir 


3 


12368 


Cookson Reservoir near Dam 


4 


12377 
Discontinued 


Upper End of Cookson Reservoir at Highway 36 


5 


12412 
Discontinued 


Girard Creek at Coronach, Reservoir Outflow 


6 


7904 


Fife Lake Outflow* 



*Sampled only when outflow occurs for a 2-week period, which does not occur every year. 



A2-10 



/ J 




LEGEND 

A SASKATCHEWAN ENVIRONMENT 

■ ENVIRONMENT CANADA 



5 10 16 KILOMETERS 
I ' T-" S 



SURFACE-WATER-QUALITY MONITORING STATIONS (CANADi^ 



A2-11 



PARAMETERS 



T^^sponsiH^^gency^Environmen^ai^^ 



ENVIRODAT* 
Code 



Analytical Method 



Sampling Frequency 
Station No. 1 



10151 


Alkalinily-phenolphlhalein 


Potentiometric Titration 


SUS 


10111 


Alkalinity-total 


Potentiometric Titration 


SUS 


13102 


Aluminum-dissolved 


AA-Direcl 


SUS 


13302 


Aluminum-extracted 


AA-Direct 


SUS 


07540 


Ammonia-total 


Automated Colourimetric 


SUS 


33108 


Arsenic-dissolved 


ICAP-hydride 


SUS 


56001 


Barium-total 


AA-Direct 


SUS 


06201 


Bicarbonates 


Calculated 


SUS 


05211 


Boron-dissolved 


ICAP 


SUS 


%360 


Bromoxynil 


Gas Chromatography 


SUS 


48002 


Cadmium- total 


AA Solvent ExU^action 


SUS 


20103 


Calcium 


AA-Direct 


SUS 


06104 


Carbon-dissolved organic 


Automated IR Detection 


SUS 


06901 


Carbon-particulate 


Elemental Analyzer 


SUS 


06002 


Carbon-total organic 


Calculated 


SUS 


06301 


Carbonates 


Calculated 


SUS 


17206 


Chloride 


Automated Colourimeuic 


SUS 


06717 


Chlorophyll a 


Spectrophotometric 


SUS 


24003 


Chromium-total 


AA-Solvenl Extraction 


SUS 


27002 


Cobalt-toul 


AA-Solvent Extraction 


SUS 


36012 


Coliform-fecal 


Membrane Filtration 


SUS 


36002 


Coliform-total 


Membrane Filtration 


SUS 


02021 


Colour 


Comparator 


SUS 


02041 


Conductivity 


Wheatstone Bridge 


SUS 


06610 


Cyanide 


Automated UV-Colourimetric 


SUS 


09117 


Fluoride-dissolved 


Electrometric 


SUS 


06401 


Free Carbon Dioxide 


Calculated 


SUS 


10602 


Hardness 


Calculated 


SUS 


17811 


Hexachlorobenzene 


Gas Chromatography 


SUS 


08501 


Hydroxide 


Calculated 


SUS 


26104 


Iron-dissolved 


AA-Direct 


SUS 


82002 


Lead-total 


AA-Solvent Extraction 


SUS 


12102 


Magnesium 


AA-Direct 


SUS 


25104 


Manganese-dissolved 


AA-Direct 


SUS 


07901 


N-particulate 


Elemental Analyzer 


SUS 


07651 


N-total dissolved 


Automated UV Colourimetric 


SUS 


10401 


NFR 


Gravimetric 


SUS 


28002 


Nickel-toul 


AA-Solvent Extfaction 


SUS 


07110 


Nitrate/Nin-ite 


Colourimetric 


SUS 


07603 


Nitrogen-total 


Calculated 


SUS 


10650 


Non-Carbonate Hardness 


Calculated 


SUS 


18XXX 


Organo Chlorines 


Gas Chromatography 


SUS 


08101 


Oxygen-dissolved 


Winkler 


SUS 


15901 


P-particulate 


Calculated 


SUS 


15465 


P-total dissolved 


Automated Colourimetric 


SUS 


185XX 


Phenoxy Herbicides 


Gas Chromatography 


SUS 


15423 


Phosphorus-total 


Colourimetric (TRAACS) 


SUS 


19103 


Potassium 


Flame Emission 


SUS 


11250 


Percent Sodium 


Calculated 


SUS 


011201 


SAR 


Calculated 


SUS 


00210 


Saturation Index 


Calculated 


SUS 


34108 


Selenium-dissolved 


ICAP-hydride 


SUS 


14108 


Silica 


Automated Colourimetric 


SUS 


11103 


Sodium 


Flame Emission 


SUS 


00211 


Stability Index 


Calculated 


SUS 


16306 


Sulphate 


Automated Colourimetric 


SUS 


00201 


TDS 


Calculated 


SUS 


02061 


Temperature 


Digital Thermometer 


SUS 


02073 


Turbidity 


Nephelometry 


SUS 


23002 


Vanadium- total 


AA-Solvent Extraction 


SUS 


30005 


Zinc- total 


AA-Solvent ExU-action 


SUS 


10301 


pH 


ElecU-ometric 


SUS 


92111 


Uranium 


Fluometric 


SUS 



* - Computer Storage and Retrieval System - Environment Canada 
AA - Atomic Absorption UV - Ultraviolet 

NFR - Nonfilterable Residue ICAP - Inductively Coupled Argon Plasma. 



SUS - Suspended 



A2-12 



Responsible Agency: Saskatchewan Environment 
Data Collected by: SaskPower 


ESQUADAT* Code 


Parameter 


Analytical method 




Sampling Frequency 
Station No. 




2 


3 


4 


5 


6 


10151 


Alkali nily-phenol 


Pot-Titration 


DIS 


Q 


DIS 


DIS 


OF 


10101 


Alkalinity-lo( 


Pot-Titration 


DIS 


Q 


DIS 


DIS 


OF 


13004 


Aluminum-tot 


AA-Direct 


DIS 


A 


DIS 


DIS 




33004 


Arsenic-tot 


Rameless AA 


DIS 


A 


DIS 


DIS 




06201 


Bicarbo nates 


Calculated 


DIS 


Q 


DIS 


DIS 


OF 


05451 


Boron-tot 


ICAP 


DIS 


Q 


DIS 


DIS 


W 


48002 


Cadmium-tot 


AA-Solvent Extract (MIBK) 


DIS 


A 


DIS 


DIS 




20103 


Calcium 


AA-Direct 


DIS 


Q 


DIS 


DIS 


OF 


06052 


Carbon-tot Inorganic 


Infrared 


DIS 


Q 


DIS 


DIS 


OF 


06005 


Carbon-tot Organic 


Infrared 


DIS 


Q 


DIS 


DIS 


OF 


06301 


Carbonates 


Calculated 


DIS 


Q 


DIS 


DIS 


OF 


17203 


Chloride 


Automated Colourimetric 


DIS 


Q 


DIS 


DIS 


OF 


06711 


Chlorophyll- a' 


Spectrophotometry 


DIS 


Q 


DIS 


DIS 




24004 


Chromium-tot 


AA-Direct 


DIS 


A 


DIS 


DIS 




36012 


Co!iform-fec 


Membrane filtration 


DIS 


Q 


DIS 


DIS 


OF 


36002 


Coliform-tot 


Membrane filtration 


DIS 


Q 


DIS 


DIS 


OF 


02041 


Conductivity 


Conductivity Meter 


DIS 


Q 


DIS 


DIS 


W 


29005 


Copper-tot 


AA-Solvent Extract (MIBK) 


DIS 


A 


DIS 


DIS 




09105 


Fluoride 


Specific Ion Electrode 


DIS 


A 


DIS 


DIS 




82002 


Lead-tot 


AA-Solvent Extract (MIBK) 


DIS 


A 


DIS 


DIS 




12102 


Magnesium 


AA-Direct 


DIS 


Q 


DIS 


DIS 


OF 


80011 


Mercury-tot 


Rameless-AA 


DIS 


A 


DIS 


DIS 




42102 


Molybdenum 


AA-Solvent Extract (N-Butyl 
acetate) 


DIS 


A 


DIS 


DIS 




07015 


N-TKN 


Automated Colourimetric 


DIS 


Q 


DIS 


DIS 


OF 


10401 


NFR 


Gravimetric 


DIS 


Q 


DIS 


DIS 


OF 


10501 


NFR(F) 


Gravimetric 


DIS 


Q 


DIS 


DIS 


OF 


28002 


Nickel-tot 


AA-Solvent Extract (MIBK) 


DIS 


Q 


DIS 


DIS 


OF 


07110 


Nitfate -i- NOj 


Automated Colourimefric 


DIS 


Q 


DIS 


DIS 


OF 


06521 


Oil and Grease 


Pet. Ether Extraction 


DIS 


A 


DIS 


DIS 




08102 


Oxygen-diss 


Meter 


DIS 


Q 


DIS 


DIS 


OF 


15406 


Phosphorus-tot 


Colour! metry 


DIS 


Q 


DIS 


DIS 


OF 


19103 


Potassium 


Flame Photometry 


DIS 


Q 


DIS 


DIS 


OF 


34005 


Selenium-Exl 


Hydride generation 


DIS 


A 


DIS 


DIS 




11103 


Sodium 


Flame Photometry 


DIS 


Q 


DIS 


DIS 


OF 


16306 


Sulphate 


Colour! me try 


DIS 


Q 


DIS 


DIS 


OF 


10451 


TDS 


Gravimetric 


DIS 


Q 


DIS 


DIS 


OF 


02061 


Temperature 


Thermometer 


DIS 


Q 


DIS 


DIS 


OF 


23004 


Vanadium-tot 


AA-Direct 


DIS 


A 


DIS 


DIS 




30005 


Zinc-tot 


AA-Solvent Extfact (MIBK) 


DIS 


A 


DIS 


DIS 




10301 


pH 


Elecu-omefric 


DIS 


Q 


DIS 


DIS 


w II 



* Computer storage and retrieval system - Saskatchewan Environment. 

Syinbois: 

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

O - Quarterly; A - Annually; AA - Atomic Absorption; Pot - Potentlometrk;; tot - total; Pet - Petroleum; 

fee - fecal; diss - dissolved; EXT - extract; NFR - Nonfilterable residue; NFR(F) - Nonfilterable residue, fixed; 

ICAP - Inductively Coupled Argon Plasma; (MIBK) - sample acidified and extracted with Methyl Isobutyl Ketone; 

DIS - Discontinued. 



A2-13 



GROUND-WATER PffiZOMETERS TO MONITOR POTENTIAL DRAWDOWN 
DUE TO COAL-SEAM DEWATERING NEAR THE INTERNATIONAL BOUNDARY 



Responsible Agency: Saskatchewan Watershed Authority* 


Measurement Frequency: Quarterly 


Piezometer 
Number 


Location 


Tip of Screen 
Elevation (m) 


Perforation Zone 
(depth in metres) 


52 
507 


NW 14-1-27 W3 
SW 6-1-26 W3 


738.43 
725.27 


43-49 (in coal) 
34 - 35 (in coal) 



Data Collected by: SaskPower 



A2-14 




5 10 15 KILOMETERS 
I ' r-J h 



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



AZ' /<r 



GROUND-WATER PIEZOMETER MONITORING - 
POPLAR RIVER 

POWER STATION AREA 


SPC Piezometer 
Number 


Completion 
Formation 


C525 


Empress 


C526 


Empress 


C527 


Empress 


C540 


Empress 


C739 


Empress 


C740 


Empress 


C741 


Empress 


C743 


Empress 



Water levels measured quarterly 



SPC Piezometer 
Number 


Completion 
Formation 


C739 


Empress 



Samples collected quarterly 



A2-16 



POPLAR RIVER POWER STATION 
MONITORING LOCATIONS 
DECEMBER 2005 




A2-17 



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


SPC Piezometer Number 


Completion Formation || 


C533 


Empress 


C534 


Oxidized Till 


C654 


Unoxidized Till 


C711 


Oxidized Till 


C712A 


Unoxidized Till 


C712B 


Intra Till Sand 


C712C 


Mottled Till 


C712D 


Oxidized Till 


C713 


Oxidized Till 


C714A 


Unoxidized Till 


C714B 


Unoxidized Till 


C714C 


Oxidized Till 


C714D 


Oxidized Till 


C714E 


Empress 


C715 


Oxidized Till 


C717 


Oxidized Till 


C720 


Oxidized Till 


C721 


Oxidized Till 


C722 


Oxidized Till 


C723 


Oxidized Till 


C725 


Oxidized Till 


C726B 


Unoxidized Till 


C726C 


Oxidized Till 


C726E 


Empress 


C728A 


Oxidized Till 


C728C 


Mottled Till 


C728D 


Oxidized Till 


C728E 


Empress 


C741 




C742 


Empress 


C758 


Intra Till Sand 



A2-18 



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


SPC Piezometer Number 


Completion Formation 


C763A 


Mottled Till 


C763B 


Oxidized Till 


C763D 


Unoxidized Till 


C763E 


Empress 



Water levels measured quarterly with the following exceptions: 
Two times per year - C715, C725, C74I, C758 
Three times per year - C763D, C763E 



GROUND-WATER PIEZOMETER MONITORING— i 
ASH LAGOON AREA - WATER QUALITY 


SPC Piezometer Number 


Completion Formation 


C533 


Empress 


C534 


Oxidized Till 


C654 


Unoxidized Till 


C711 


Oxidized Till 


C7I2A 


Unoxidized Till 


C712B 


Intra Till Sand 


C712C 


Mottled Till 


C712D 


Oxidized Till 


C7I3 


Oxidized Till 


C7I4A 


Unoxidized Till 


C7I4B 


Unoxidized Till 


C7I4C 


Oxidized Till 


C7I4D 


Oxidized Till 


C7I4E 


Empress 


C715 


Oxidized Till 


C717 


Oxidized Till 


C720 


Oxidized Till 


C72I 


Oxidized Till 



A2-19 



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


SPC Piezometer Number 


Completion Formation 


C722 


Oxidized Till 


C723 


Oxidized Till 


C725 


Oxidized Till 


C726B 


Unoxidized Till 


C726C 


Oxidized Till 


C726E 


Empress 


C728A 


Oxidized Till 


C728C 


Mottled Till 


C728D 


Oxidized Till 


C728E 


Empress 


C74I 




C742 


Empress 


C758 


Intra Till Sand 


C763A 


Mottled Till 


C763B 


Oxidized Till 


C763D 


Unoxidized Till 


C763E 


Empress 



A2-20 



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A2-21 



Ambient Air-Quality Monitoring 



Responsible Agency: Saskatchewan Environment 
Data Collected by: SaskPower 


No. On Map 


Location 


Parameters 


Reporting Frequency 


1 


Coronach (Discontinued) 


Sulphur Dioxide 


Continuous monitoring with hourly 
averages as summary statistics. 






Total Suspended 
Particulate 


- 
24-hour samples on 6-day cycle, 

corresponding to the national air 

pollution surveillance sampling 

schedule. 


2 


International Boundary 


Sulphur Dioxide 


Continuous monitoring with hourly 
averages as summary statistics. 






Total Suspended 
Particulate 


24-hour samples on 6-day cycle, 
corresponding to the national air 
pollution surveillance sampling 
schedule. 


3 


Poplar River Power Station 


Wind Speed and 
Direction 


Continuous monitoring with hourly 
averages as summary statistics 


METHODS 1! 


Sulphur Dioxide 


Saskatchewan Environment 
Pulsed fluorescence 


Total Suspended Particulate 


Saskatchewan Environment 11 
High Volume Method 



A2-22 



\ 


.. , 






N^K X- 






Rockglen • * ^~\^r/ \ 






\ c \ X!^ ^\__^ Coronacm 1 






^^^"^'^-x!^^^/^ % ^^\^" [ 




CANADA \- 


./7>L^. .!mL.. L 




UNITED STATES 


\\ Scobey 




5 10 

1 ' ' 


15 KILOMETERS ) ; 




5 


I'o MILES 1 1^ 




AMBIENT AIR-QUALITY MONITORING (CANADA) 





A2-23 



POPLAR RIVER 



COOPERATIVE MONITORING ARRANGEMENT 



TECHNICAL MONITORING SCHEDULES 

2006 

UNITED STATES 



A2-ay 



STREAMFLOW MONITORING 



Responsible Agency: U.S. Geological Survey 


No. on Map 


Station Number 


Station Name 


1* 


06178000 (11AE008) 


Poplar River at International Boundary 


2* 


06178500 (11 AE003) 


East Poplar River at International 
Boundary 



* International Gauging Station 



A2-26 




5 10 15 KILOMETERS 

I 1 r-" ^ 



HYDROMETRIC GAUGING STATIONS (UNITED STATES) 



A2-27 



SURFACE-WATER-QUALITY MONITORING -- Station Locations 



Responsible Agency: U.S. Geological Survey | 


No. On Map 


USGS Station No. 


STATION NAME 


1 


06178000 


Poplar River at International Boundary 


2 


06178500 


East Poplar River at International Boundary 




PARAMETERS 






Annual Sampling Frequency 


Analytical 
Code 


Parameter 


Analytical Method 


Site r 


Site 2" 


29801 


Alkalinity - lab 


Fixed endpoint Titration 


4 


4 


00625 


Ammonia +Org N-tol 


Colorimetric 


4 


4 


00608 


Ammonia - diss 


Colon metric 


4 


4 


01000 


Arsenic - diss 


ICP, MS 


4 


4 


01002 


Arsenic - tot 


AA.GF 


4 


4 


01005 


Barium - diss 


ICP, MS 


4 


4 


01007 


Barium - total 


ICP, MS 


4 


4 


00025 


Barometric pressure 


Barometer, field 


4 


4 


01020 


Boron - diss 


ICP 


4 


4 


01025 


Cadmium - diss 


ICP, MS 


4 


4 


01027 


Cadmium - tot/rec 


ICP, MS 


4 


4 


00915 


Calcium - diss 


ICP 


4 


4 


00940 


Chloride - diss 


IC 


4 


4 


01030 


Chromium - diss 


AA,GF 


4 


4 


01034 


Chromium - tot/rec 


AA,GF 


4 


4 


00095 


Conductivity 


Wheatslone Bridge 


4 


4 


01040 


Copper - diss 


ICP, MS 


4 


4 


01042 


Copper - tot/rec 


ICP, MS 


4 


4 


00061 


Discharge - inst 


Direct measurement 


4 


4 


00950 


Ruoride - diss 


ISE 


4 


4 


01046 


Iron - diss 


ICP 


4 


4 


01045 


Iron - tot/rec 


ICP 


4 


4 


01049 


Lead - diss 


ICP 


4 


4 


01051 


Lead - tot/rec 


ICP, MS 


4 


4 


00925 


Magnesium - diss 


ICP 


4 


4 


01056 


Manganese - diss 


ICP, MS 


4 


4 


01055 


Manganese - tot/rec 


ICP, MS 


4 


4 


01065 


Nickel - diss 


ICP, MS 


4 


4 


71900 


Mercury - diss 


CVAF 


4 


4 


71890 


Mercury - tot/rec 


CVAF 


4 


4 


01067 


Nickel - diss 


ICP, MS 


4 


4 


00613 


Nitrite - diss 


Colorimetric 


4 


4 


00631 


Nitrate + Nitrite - diss 


Colorimetric 


4 


4 


00300 


Oxygen-diss 


Oxygen membrane, field 


4 


4 


00400 


pH 


Electrometric, field 


4 


4 


00671 


Phos. Ortho-diss 


Colorimetric 


4 


4 


00665 


Phosphorous - tot 


Colorimetric 


4 


4 


00935 


Potassium - diss 


AA 


4 


4 


00931 


SAR 


Calculated 


4 


4 


80154 


Sediment - cone. 


Filtration-Gravimetric 


4 


4 


80155 


Sediment - load 


Calculated 


4 


4 


01145 


Selenium - diss 


ICP, MS 


4 


4 


01147 


Selenium tot 


ICP, MS 


4 


4 


00955 


Silica - diss 


Colorimetric 


4 


4 


00930 


Sodium - diss 


ICP 


4 


4 


00945 


Sulphate - diss 


IC 


4 


4 


70301 


Total Dissolved Solids 


Calculated 


4 


4 


00010 


Temp Water 


Stem Thermometer 


4 


4 


00020 


Temp Air 


Stem Thermometer 


4 


4 


01090 


Zinc - diss 


ICP, MS 


4 


4 


01092 


Zinc - tot/rec 


ICP, MS 


4 


4 



samples collected obtained during the monthly periods: * -- March - April; May; June; July - September 

** -- May; June; July; August - September 
Vbbreviations: AA - atomic absorption; cone. - concentration; CVAF- cold vapor atomic fluorescence; diss -dissolved; GF - graphite furnace; IC - 

ion exchange chromatography; ICP - inductively coupled plasma; ISE - ion-selective electrode; MS - mass spectrography ; Org - organic; 

phos. - phosphate; tot - total; tot/rec - total recoverable 

A2-28 




Scobey 



i 



SURFACE-WATER-QUALITY MONITORING STATIONS (UNITED STATES) 



A2-29 



GROUND-WATER-QUALITY MONITORING - Station Locations 



Responsible Agency: Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology | 


Map 
Number 


Well 
Location 


Total Depth 
(m) 


Casing 
Diameter 

(cm) 


Aquifer 


Perforation 
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 










** 


Parameter 


Analytical Method 


Sampling Frequency Station No. 




Code 










00440 


Bicarbonates 


Electrometric Titration 


Sample collection is annually for 




01020 


Boron-diss 


Emission Plasma, ICP 


all 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 




00950 


Fluoride 


Ion Chromatography 


the samples are analyzed. 




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-MS 






00630 


Nitrate 


Ion Chromatography 






00400 


pH 


Electrometric 






00935 


Potassium 


Emission Plasma, ICP 






00931 


SAR 


Calculated 






01145 


Selenium-diss 


ICP-MS 






00955 


Silica 


Emission Plasma, ICP-MS 






00930 


Sodium 


Emission Plasma, ICP 






01080 


Strontium-diss 


Emission Plasma, ICP 






00445 


Sulphate 


Ion Chromatography 






00190 


Zinc-diss 


Emission Plasma, ICP 






70301 


TDS 


Calculated 







SYMBOLS: 

** - Computer storage and retrieval system - EPA 
cm - centimetres 
diss - dissolved 



ICP - Inductively Coupled Plasma Unit 

ICP - MS - Inductively Coupled Plasma - Mass Spectrometry 

m - metre 



A2-30 




CANADA 
UNITED STATES 



5 10 15 KILOMETERS 

I ' — H h 



GROUND-WATER-QUALITY MONITORING (UNITED STATES) 



A2-31 



GROUND-WATER LEVELS TO MONITOR POTENTIAL 
DRAWDOWN DUE TO COALSEAM DEWATERING 



Responsible Agency: Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology | 


No. on Map 


Sampling 


5,6,7,8,9,10,11,13,16,17,19,22,23,24 


Determine water levels quarterly 



A2-32 




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



A2-33 



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 

I more than 60 percent of its natural flow. 

t 

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

I natural flow of the Middle Fork Poplar River at the International Boundary, as 

' ] determined below the confluence of Goose Creek and Middle Fork. 

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

(i) When the total natural flow of the Middle Fork Poplar River, as 
determined below the confluence of Goose Creek, during the 
immediately preceding March 1st to May 31st period does not exceed 
4,690 cubic decameters (3,800 acre-feet), then a continuous minimum 
flow of 0.028 cubic metres per second (1.0 cubic 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 acre-feet) shall be delivered to the United States upon demand at 
any time during the 12 month period commencing June 1st. 

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

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

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

A3-3 



then a continuous minimum flow of 0.057 cubic metres per second (2.0 
cubic feet per second) shall be delivered to the United States on the East 
Poplar River at the International Boundary during the succeeding period 
June 1st through August 31st. A minimum delivery of 0.028 cubic metres 
per second (1.0 cubic feet per second) shall then be maintained from 
September 1st through to May 31st of the following year. In addition, a 
volume of 617 cubic decameters (500 acre-feet) shall be delivered to the 
United States upon demand at any time during the 12-month period 
commencing June 1st. 



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

determined below the confluence of Goose Creek, during the immediately 
preceding March 1st to May 31st period is greater than 9,250 cubic 
decameters (7,500 acre-feet), but does not exceed 14,800 cubic decameters 
(12,000 acre-feet), then a continuous minimum flow of 0.085 cubic metres 
per second (3.0 cubic feet per second) shall be delivered to the United 
States on the East Poplar River at the International Boundary during the 
succeeding period June 1st through August 31st. A minimum delivery of 
0.057 cubic metres per second (2.0 cubic feet per second) shall then be 
maintained from September 1st through to May 31st of the following year. 
In addition, a volume of 617 cubic decameters (500 acre-feet) shall be 
delivered to the United States upon demand at any time during the 12 
month period commencing June 1st. 

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

below the confluence of Goose Creek, during the immediately preceding 
March 1st to May 31st period exceeds 14,800 cubic decameters (12,000 
acre-feet) then a continuous minimum flow of 0.085 cubic metres per 
second (3.0 cubic feet per second) shall be delivered to the United States 
on the East Poplar River at the International Boundary during the 
succeeding period June 1st through August 31st. A minimum delivery of 
0.057 cubic metres per second (2.0 cubic feet per second) shall then be 
maintained from September 1st through to May 31st of the following year. 
In addition, a volume of 1,230 cubic decameters (1,000 acre-feet) shall be 
delivered to the United States upon demand at any time during the 12- 
month period commencing June 1st. 

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

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



A3-4 



3. The natural flow and division periods for apportionment purposes shall be determined, 

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



A3-5 



ANNEX 4 



CONVERSION FACTORS 



A4-1 



CONVERSION FACTORS 



ac 


= 


4,047 m^ = 0.04047 ha 


ac-ft 


= 


1,233.5 m^= 1.2335 dam^ 


°C 


= 


5/9(°F-32) 


cm 


= 


0.3937 in. 


cm^ 


= 


0.155 in^ 


dam^ 


= 


1,000 m^ = 0.8107 ac-ft 


ft^ 


= 


28.3171 X lOW 


ha 


= 


10,000 m^ = 2.471 ac 


hm 


= 


100 m = 328.08 ft 


hm' 


= 


1 X 10* m^ 


I. gpm 


= 


0.0758 I7s 


in 


= 


2.54 cm 


kg 


= 


2.20462 lb = 1.1 X 10'^ 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 


m' 


= 


10.765 ft^ 


m' 


= 


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


mVs 


= 


35.314 cfs 


mm 


= 


0.00328 ft 


tonne 


= 


1,000 kg =1.1023 ton (short) 


U.S. gpm 


= 


0.063117s 


For Air Sai 


mples 





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



A4-3 



STATF nnrnMFNTS COLLECTION 

FEB 2 2007 

MONTANA SIAIE LISRARY 

1515 F.. 6th AVE. 
HELENA. MONTANA 59620