s333.91 M26PRAR

2005

2005 ANNUAL REPORT

to the

GOVERNMENTS OF CANADA, UNITED STATES,

SASKATCHEWAN AND MONTANA

J Fife
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
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
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 :goE 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
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
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
vflfii,:

3.3 Ground Water

3.3.1 Operations - Saskatchewan

SaskPower's supplementary supply continued to operate during 2005. Normally the majority of groundwater 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
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
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>Ar^^'^AAft^ >^ ^ ^

-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*
TABLE 3.4 Water-Quality Statistics for Water Pumped from Salinity Control Project Wells Sampled at the Discharge Pipe*

1
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» 700

a.w

1

^^° = 600 S

£ 550 M1 500 ow

§ 450 8 400 Q

« 350 o

300
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
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

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
5 10 15 KILOMETERS

HYDROMETRIC GAUGING STATIONS (CANADA)

A2-9
SURFACE-WATER-QUALITY MONITORING

Sampling Lxjcations

Responsible Agency: Environment Canada
/ 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
Responsible Agency: Saskatchewan Environment

Data Collected by: SaskPower
GROUND-WATER PffiZOMETERS TO MONITOR POTENTIAL DRAWDOWN

DUE TO COAL-SEAM DEWATERING NEAR THE INTERNATIONAL BOUNDARY

Responsible Agency: Saskatchewan Watershed Authority*
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
POPLAR RIVER POWER STATION

MONITORING LOCATIONS

DECEMBER 2005

A2-17
GROUND-WATER PIEZOMETER MONITORING—

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

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

ASH LAGOON AREA -- WATER QUALITY
5^O O

Z (L S Of < LU

Qi >

Q <

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Q.O

Q.

m

z

o

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u

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__ Q

O

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<

I

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1^ >z

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A2-21
Ambient Air-Quality Monitoring

Responsible Agency: Saskatchewan Environment

Data Collected by: SaskPower
\
POPLAR RIVER

COOPERATIVE MONITORING ARRANGEMENT

TECHNICAL MONITORING SCHEDULES

2006

UNITED STATES

A2-ay

STREAMFLOW MONITORING

Responsible Agency: U.S. Geological Survey
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 |
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 |
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 |
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


STATF nnrnMFNTS COLLECTION

FEB 2 2007 MONTANA SIAIE LISRARY 1515 F.. 6th AVE. HELENA. MONTANA 59620