s

333.91 M26PRAR

2003

2003 ANNUAL REPORT

to the

GOVERNMENTS OF CANADA, UNITED STATES,

SASKATCHEWAN AND MONTANA

by the

POPLAR RIVER

BILATERAL MONITORING

COMMIHEE

COVERING CALENDAR YEAR 2003

\ \{k /STATE DOCUMENTS COLLECTION

Scobey JAN 1 4 2005 MONTANA STATE LIbKARY 1515 E. 6th AVE. HELENA r«ONTAM^ 5962C

November 2004
ktontana Stats Ubmi

3 0864 1003 2744 7
2003 ANNUAL REPORT

to the

GOVERNMENTS OF CANADA, UNITED STATES,

SASKATCHEWAN, AND MONTANA

by the

POPLAR RIVER BILATERAL MONITORING COMMITTEE

COVERING CALENDAR YEAR 2003

November 2004

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 23rd Annual Report of the Poplar River Bilateral Monitoring Committee. This report discusses the Committee activities of 2003 and presents the Technical Monitoring Schedules for the year 2004.

During 2003, the Poplar River Bilateral Monitoring Committee continued to fulfil 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 2003, the Committee finds that the measured conditions meet the recommended objectives including boron and total dissolved solids (TDS). Concems over an upward trend in the concentrations of TDS in the East Poplar River between the late 1980's and

1995 were investigated. The results of the investigation indicated that the temporal changes in TDS

concentrations were most likely primarily linked to natural drought events.

Based on UC recommendations, the United States was entitied to an on-demand release of 370 dam^ (300 acrefeet) from Cookson Reservoir in 2003. A volume of 386 dam^ (313 acre-feet) was delivered to the United States during this period. In addition, daily flows in 2003 met or exceeded the minimum flow recommended by the UC

except for June 7-11, June 13 to September 9, September 11, and December 28-31.

Several changes were made in the Technical Monitoring Schedules for the year 2003. The ground-water

monitoring network operated by SaskPower was reduced from 180 piezometers to about 85 piezometers after receiving approval from Saskatchewan Environment. This reduction was based upon modelling studies undertaken by SaskPower. In 2003, due to a reduction in available funding and using specific conductance to estimate TDS, the number of surface-water-quality samples collected at both Poplar River boundary stations by

the U.S. Geological Survey was reduced from six per year to four per year. In 2004, the number of surface-waterquality samples collected at these stations will be reduced further, with the U.S. Geological Survey collecting four samples and Environment Canada collecting none.

Yours sincerely,

Robert Davis ChairmanJJnited States Sectron Richard Kellow

Chairman, Canadian Section

^Stults lember. United States Section

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Highlights for 2003 iii

1.0 Introduction 1

2.0 Committee Activities 2

2.1 Membership 2

2.2 Meetings : 2

2.3 Review of Water-Quality Objectives 3

2.4 Data Exchange 4

3.0 Water and Air: Monitoring and Interpretations 6

3.1 Poplar River Power Station Operation 6

3.2 Surface Water 6

3.2.1 Streamflow 6

3.2.2 Apportionment 7

3.2.3 Minimum Flows 7

3.2.4 On-Demand Release 8

3.2.5 Surface-Water Quality 9

3.2.5.1 Total Dissolved Solids 10

3.2.5.2 Boron 15

3.2.5.3 Other Water-Quality Variables 16

3.3 Groundwater 18

3.3.1 Operations 18

3.3.2 Ground-Water Monitoring 20

3.3.2.1 Saskatchewan 21

3.3.2.2 Montana 23

3.3.3 Ground-Water Quality 25

3.3.3.1 Saskatchewan 25

3.3.3.2 Montana 29

3.4 Cookson Reservoir 30

3.4.1 Storage 30

3.4.2 Water Quality 32

3.5 Air Quality 32

3.6 Quality Control 32

3.6.1 Streamflow 32

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, 2004, 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, 2003 Sampling

Program, East Poplar River at International Boundary 17 Table 3.2 Geologic Formation Name Equivalence between Saskatchewan and Montana 20

Table 3.3 Water-Quality Statistics for Water Pumped from Supplementary Water Supply Project Wells 25

Table 3.4 Water-Quality Statistics for Water Pumped from Salinity Control Project Wells Sampled at the Discharge Pipe 26

Table 3.5 Cookson Reservoir Storage Statistics for 2003 30

Table 3.6 Streamflow Measurement Results for August 6, 2003 33 Table 3.7 East Poplar River Joint Water-Quality Sample Results for September 9, 2003 34 FIGURES

Figure 3.1 Discharge during 2003 as Compared with the Median Discharge from

1931-2000 for the Poplar River at International Boundary 6

Figure 3.2 Flow Hydrograph of the East Poplar River at International Boundary 8 Figure 3.3 Cumulative Volume Hydrograph of On-Demand Release 9

Figure 3.4 TDS Concentration for 2003 Water-Quality Samples from East Poplar River at the International Boundary 12 Figure 3.5 Three-Month Moving Flow-Weighted TDS Concentration in 2003 for East Poplar River at the International Boundary 12 Figure 3.6 Five-Year Moving Flow-Weighted TDS Concentration in 2003 for East Poplar River at the International Boundary 14

Figure 3.7 Daily TDS Concentration, 1990 to 2003; East Poplar River at the International Boundary 14 Figure 3.8 Daily Boron Concentration, 1990 to 2003; East Poplar River at the

International Boundary 16 Figure 3.9 Supplementary Water Supply 18 Figure 3.10 Pumpage from Salinity Control Project 20

Figure 3.11 Hydrograph of Selected Wells - Cookson Reservoir Supplementary Supply 22

Figure 3.12 Hydrograph of Selected Wells - Cookson Reservoir Supplementary Supply 22

Figure 3.13 Hydrograph of Selected Wells - Fort Union and Hart Coal Aquifers 23

Figure 3.14 Hydrograph of Selected Wells - Alluvium and Fox Hills Aquifers 24

Figure 3.15 Total Dissolved Solids in Samples from Montana Wells 29

Figure 3.16 Cookson Reservoir Daily Mean Water Levels for 2003 and Median

Daily Water Levels, 1993-2002 31
HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2003

The Poplar River Power Station completed its twentieth full year of operation in 2003. The two

300-megawatt coal-fired units generated 4,470,455 gross megawatt hours (MWh) of electricity. The average capacity factors for Units No. 1 and 2 were 84.5 percent and 83.0 percent,

respectively. The capacity factors are based on the maximum generating rating of 305 MW/h for both Unit No. 1 and Unit No. 2. Similar to other years, scheduled maintenance was completed in the spring and fall of 2003.

Monitoring information collected in both Canada and the United States during 2003 was exchanged

in the spring of 2004. Several changes were made in the Technical Monitoring Schedules for the year 2003. The ground-water monitoring network operated by SaskPower was reduced from 180

piezometers to about 85 piezometers after approval from Saskatchewan Environment. This

reduction was based upon modeling studies undertaken by SaskPower. In 2003, due to a reduction

in available fiinding and using specific conductance to estimate total dissolved solids (TDS), the number of surface-water-quality samples collected at both Poplar River boundary stations by the U.S. Geological Survey was reduced from six per year to four per year. In 2004, the number of

surface-water-quality samples collected at these stations will be reduced further, with the U.S. Geological Survey collecting four samples and Environment Canada collecting none.

The recorded volume of the Poplar River at International Boundary from March 1 to May 3 1, 2003 was 10,050 dam^ (8,150 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 0.085 cubic metres per second (mVs)

(3.0 cubic feet per second (ft^/s)) for the period June 1, 2003 to August 31, 2003 and 0.057 m^/s

(2.0 ftVs) for the period September 1, 2003 to May 31, 2004. The minimum flow of 0.028 mVs

(1.0 ft^/s) for the period January 1 to May 31, 2003 had previously been determined on the basis of

the Poplar River flow volume for March 1 to May 3 1, 2002. Daily flows in 2003 met or exceeded

the minimum flow recommended by the IJC except for June 7-11, June 13 to September 9, September 1 1

, and December 28-3 1

.

In addition to the minimum flow, the IJC apportiormient 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 3,960 dam^ (3,210 acre-feet) recorded at the Poplar River at International Boundary gauging station for March 1 through May 31, 2002, the United States was entitled to an additional release of 370 dam^ (300 acre-feet) from Cookson

Reservoir during the succeeding twelve-month period commencing June 1, 2002. Montana

requested this release to be made between May 1 and May 31, 2003. A volume of 386 dam^ (313

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

The 2003 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 2003 was 887 mg/L,

which was less than the maximum monthly value in 2002. Boron water-quality sample data was

incomplete and no analysis was conducted.

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 1 990 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 (IJC) to Governments, or relevant State, Provincial, or Federal

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

which may require immediate attention.

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

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

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

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

Schedules listed in the annual report (Annex 2) are given for the year 2004. 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 2003, the members of the Committee included: Mr. R. Davis, U.S. Geological Survey, United

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

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

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

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

2.2 Meetings

The Committee met on June 17-18, 2003, in Helena, Montana. Delegated representatives of Governments, with the exception of the two ex-officio members from Montana and Saskatchewan,

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

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

reviewed the operational status of the Poplar River Power Station and associated coal-mining activities; examined data collected in 2002 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 2004.

In 2003, due to a reduction in available funding and using specific conductance to estimate total dissolved solids (TDS), the number of surface-water-quality samples collected at the Poplar River

stations by the U.S. Geological Survey was reduced from six per year to four per year. In 2004, the number of surface-water-quality samples collected at these stations will be reduced ftirther, with the U.S. Geological Survey collecting four samples and Environment Canada none.
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 with

the overall Basin context and recommend new and revised objectives as appropriate". In 1991, an action item from the armual 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 1 98 1 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 2003 which warranted special

reporting.
Table 2.1 Water-Quality Objectives

Parameter
3.0 WATER AND AIR: MONITORING AND INTERPRETATIONS

3.1 Poplar River Power Station Operation

In 2003, the two 300-megawatt coal-fired units generated 4,470,455 gross megawatt hours (MWh) of

electricity. The average capacity factors for Unit No. 1 and 2 were 84.5 percent and 83.0 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 2003.

3.2 Surface Water

3.2.1 Streamflow

Streamflow in the Poplar River basin was normal in 2003. The March to October recorded flow of the Poplar River at International Boundary, an indicator of natural flow in the basin, was 10,700 cubic decametres (dam^) (8,670 acre-feet), which was 104 percent of the 1931 to 2000 median seasonal flow of 10,290 dam^ (8,340 acre-feet). A comparison of 2003 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 o—Monthly Mean Discharge for 2003

Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep

Figure 3.1 Discharge during 2003 as Compared with the Median Discharge from

1931-2000 for the Poplar River at International Boundary.
The 2003 recorded flow volume of the East Poplar River at International Boundary was 2,300 dam^

(1,860 acre-feet). This volume is 77 percent of the median annual flow of 2,980 dam^ (2,420 acre-feet)

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

3.2.2 Apportionment

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

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

by the two countries, the Poplar River Bilateral Monitoring Committee has adhered to the apportion- ment recommendations in each of its annual reports. Armex 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 3 1 , 2003 was

10,050 dam^ (8,150 acre-feet). Based on IJC recommendations and the assumption that the recorded

flow is the natural flow, the United States was entitled to a minimum discharge on the East Poplar River

of 0.085 cubic metres per second (mVs) (3.0 cubic feet per second (ftVs)) for the period June 1, 2003 to August 31, 2003 and 0.057 m^/s (2.0 ftVs) for the period September 1, 2003 to May 31, 2004. The

minimum flow for the period January 1 to May 31, 2003 was 0.028 mVs (1.0 ftVs), determined on the

basis of the Poplar River flow volume for March 1 to May 31, 2002. A hydrograph for the East Poplar

River at International Boundary and the minimum flow as recommended by the IJC are shown in Figure

3.2. ,.„.; , .,

.

Daily flows during 2003 met or exceeded the minimum flow recommended by the IJC throughout the

year except for June 7-11, June 13 to September 9, September 11 and December 28-31, when daily

flows fell below the recommended minimum.
C C C A A an na>ai"«5-33io»3 3r^^33 ••i'iji' oo« so •?TTU.u.SS<<<EEnnV77<<(o»)OOOzzooQ

2003

Figure 3,2 Flow Hydrograph of the East Poplar River at International Boundary.

3.2.4 On-Demand Release

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

June 1. Based on the runoff volume of 3,960 dam^ (3,210 acre-feet) recorded at the Poplar River at

International Boundary gauging station during the March 1 to May 31, 2002 period, Montana was

entitled to an additional release of 370 dam^ (300 acre-feet) from Cookson Reservoir during the succeeding twelve-month period commencing June 1, 2002. Montana requested this release to be made

between May 1 and May 31, 2003. A volume of 386 dam^ (313 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
700
conductance readings collected by the USGS. During some years, estimated monthly water-quality

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

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

which is advanced one month at a time.

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

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

period preceding each plotted point. For example, the FWC for December 2003 is calculated from data generated over the period December 1998 to December 2003. 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.

Concerns over an upward frend in the concentrations of TDS in the East Poplar River between the late 1980's and 1995 were investigated in 2002. The results of the investigation indicated that the temporal

changes in TDS concentrations were most likely primarily linked to natural drought events. Statistical analyses of discrete time periods showed no significant difference in TDS concentrations between the period 1976 to 1985, in which no trend was noted, and the period 1986 to 1995, in which an apparent

10
increasing trend was noted. Further, similar flow and concentration patterns were observed during this

time period in the mainstem Poplar River, which is not as impacted by human influences and was used

as a reference stream. Given that TDS concentrations have remained below the short-term objectives of

the monitoring arrangement, no increasing concentration trends have been identified, and a surrogate

water-quality measurement (specific conductance) can be used to estimate TDS, the Committee

recommended that the current monthly water-quality sampling for TDS be reduced to four samples per

year.

TDS water-quality sample data collected by Environment Canada and the USGS in 2003 are shown in

Figure 3.4. The TDS concentrations ranged from 690 mg/L on March 25 to 1,054 mg/L on November

12. The proposed short-term objective for TDS is 1,500 mg/L. Monthly TDS water-quality sample data were missing and estimated for February, April, October, and December 2003.

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

objecfives 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 excepfionally heavy snowmeh contributed sufficient water of low ionic strength

to the river and the reservoir to dilute the accumulated salts built up in the system. Dissolved-solids

concentrations were lower in 2003 relative to those recorded in 2002; however, low spring runoff and

higher contribution fi-om ground water have kept the TDS level close to the long-term objective of 1,000

mg/L.

11
Figure 3.4: TDS Concentration for 2003 Water-Quality Samples

from East Poplar River at the International Boundary

1200

1000

3 800

Id 400

lOlB^

967 958 ^989- 968

1021e

1054 < . 1054e

853e

896 829e

690

1600

1400 S 1200 I

g 1000 oW

1

800

« 600 b

|5 400

200

c

a.

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

in 2003. The maximum monthly value calculated in 2003 was about 887 mg/L, which is slightly less

than the previous year maximum monthly value of 943 mg/L.

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

for the period January 1990 through December 2003 are shown in Figure 3.7. The data show an abrupt

drop in TDS corresponding to the snowmelt runoff occurring during the spring of each year.

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

as follows:

TDS = (0.62461 x specific conductance) + 35.184

(R^ = 0.84, n = 617)

13
1200

1000

i" 800

600

5 400

200

Figure 3.6: Five-Year IVIoving Flow-Weighted TDS Concentration

in 2003 for East Poplar River at the International Boundary
3.2.5.2 Boron

Boron water-quality sample data for 2003 at the East Poplar River at International Boundary was

incomplete and no flow-weighted concentration analysis was conducted. In 2004, only four boron

water-quality samples will be available for analysis.

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.

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

as follows:

Boron = (0.00129 x specific conductance) - 0.04709

(R^ = 0.57, n = 617)

The daily boron values, as generated by linear regression, for the period January 1990 through

December 2003 are shown in Figure 3.8.

15
3.00

2.50

2.00

1.50

1.00

0.50

Figure 3.8: Daily Boron Concentration, 1990 to 2003; East Poplar River at the International Boundary (regression-derived data)

3.2.5.3 Other Water-Quality Variables

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

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

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

within the appropriate objectives.

16
Table 3.1 Recommended Water-Quality Objectives and Excursions, 2003 Sampling Program,

East Poplar River at the International Boundary (units in m
3.3 Ground Water

3.3.1 Operations

SaskPower's supplementary water supply project continued to operate during 2003. The supplementary water supply project currently consists of 21 wells with a total of 10 discharge points. No wells were added or deleted from the well field during the year. The majority of ground-water production in 2003

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

to minimize water losses. However, pumping was maintained through the 2003 summer period due to low spring runoff. In 2003, ground-water production decreased to 4,489 dam^ from the 2002 total of

4,927 dam^ total. Production from 1991 to 2003 has now averaged 4,998 dam^ per year. Prior to 1991,

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

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

for use as a supplementary supply.

Poplar River Power Station - Supplementary Supply

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

Year

Figure 3.9 Supplementary Water Supply

18
SaskPower has an approval for the supplementary supply project to produce an annual volume of 5,500

damVyear. This approval was extended by Sask Water in 1996. Future revisions to the approval will

likely include conditions requiring termination of pumping (with the exception of wells supplying domestic users) when the reservoir is above a specified level.

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

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

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

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

salinity project continued in 2003 despite ongoing operational difficulties which resulted in a continued

decline in the annual volume pumped. As a result, only 426 dam^ of ground water was pumped fi-om the

Soil Salinity Project in 2003. This was much lower than the 2002 production level of 631 dam^, and

substantially lower than the average armual production obtained in the early to mid- 1 990's when

production was near its optimal level. Production levels peaked at about 1,100 dam^/year in 1994. SaskPower expects to increase production levels in 2004 with additional rehabilitation work.

Well PW87104, which is located on the east side of the river, provided all the production in 2003.

19
Poplar River Power Station - Salinity Project

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

Figure 3.10 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 piezometers to about 85 piezometers after

receiving approval from Saskatchewan Environment. This reduction was based on modelling studies undertaken by SaskPower.

In past years the groundwater response to pumping has been illustrated through a regional drawdown

map prepared by SaskPower. However, the 2003 drawdown map indicated an apparent expansion in the cone of depression in the vicinity of the International Boundary during 2003. Given that the 2003

withdrawals were the lowest in the past four years, and one of the lowest in the past 13 years, the

apparent expansion was anomalous. This was confirmed by the absence of any significant increases in drawdown in Montana's monitoring wells (Figure 3.13). It was therefore decided to incorporate

hydrographs for several monitoring wells near the border as opposed to the drawdown map.

Hydrographs of these selected wells are shown in Figures 3.11 and 3.12. While there are some

anomalous data points in the hydrographs, they do clearly show that there have not been significant

changes in groundwater levels in the Hart Coal seam at the international boimdary in the past ten years. Ofparticular note are monitoring wells M81 1 and M507 along the international boundary.

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

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

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

precipitation has led to a significant contraction in the project's cone of depression with the cone of

depression being negligible at the end of 2003.

21
Cookson Reservoir Supplementary Supply Groundwater Monitoring Network
3.3.2.2 Montana

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

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

during the last five years (1999 to 2003). Hydrographs of selected Fort Union and Hart Coal Seam wells

(6, 7, 17, and 19) are shown in figure 3.13.

Hydrograph of Selected Wells

Fort Union and Hart Coal Aquifers

-Well 6

-Well 7 -Well 17

-Well 19

CO CO CO 00 cbooGoooooo>ooo>^d)0)0)o>o)ooooooo

<0(0(Dfl3Ct](T]n](Q(Q(D(D(D(OCDn)(13(Ofl3CDCO(D(DCO{a(0(U(0(D —> —i —3 —> ~y —i —3 —> —i

Figure 3.13 Hydrograph of Selected Wells—Fort Union and Hart Coal Aquifers

23
The potentiometric surface in the Fox Hills/Hell Creek artesian aquifer (well 11) has shown very little

fluctuation or change throughout the 25-year (1979-2003) monitoring period.

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

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

wells (10, 23, and 24) and the Fox Hills well (11) are shown in Figure 3.14.

Hydrograph of Selected Wells

Alluvium and Fox Hills Aquifers

-Well 10

-Well 11 -Well 23

-Well 24

CD (Q (C ra CD (Q m (0

Figure 3.14 Hydrograph of Selected Wells—Alluvium and Fox Hills Aquifers

24
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 2003 is provided in Table

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

Table 3.3 Water-Quality Statistics for Water Pumped from Supplementary

Water Supply Project Wells*
Average water-quality results from the common discharge point for the Salinity Control Project for 2003, plus an average of the 1992-2003 results, are provided in Table 3.4. Results have remained

relatively consistent since 1992.

Table 3.4 Water-Quality Statistics for Water Pumped from Salinity Control Project Wells Sampled at the Discharge Pipe*
Ground-water quality in the vicinity of the ash lagoons can potentially be affected by leachate movement through the ash lagoon liner systems. The piezometers listed in the Technical Monitoring

Schedules are used to assess leachate movement and calculate seepage rates. Piezometric water level, boron, and chloride are the chosen indicator parameters to assess leachate movement.

The groimd-water monitoring program was expanded in 1994 as a result of Ash Lagoon No. 3 South

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

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

far do not show any unusual or unexpected values.

Piezometers C867A, C868A and C871A are completed immediately above the liner system, within the ash stack of Ash Lagoon No. 1 . The 2003 monitoring results continue to suggest confirmation of the

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

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

The chemistry of water immediately above the liner systems is therefore expected to differ fi-om the

surface water of the lagoons. Meaningful information is only available fi-om piezometers installed within Ash Lagoon No. 1 where ash has been deposited for many years. The 2003 monitoring results of Ash Lagoon No. 3 South piezometers completed above the liner system (piezometers C886A, C887A,

C890A and C893A) supports the theory that boron levels decrease with depth within the ash stacks. Future monitoring of all piezometers completed above the lagoon liner systems will continue with the purpose of confirming the boron trend noted above and to improve the understanding of leachate quality and flow fi-om the ash lagoons.

The piezometric surface measurements for the oxidized till continue to show the presence of a groundwater mound beneath the ash lagoons. The mound extends from the west side of the Polishing Pond to

the east side of Ash Lagoon No. 2. Isolated ground-water mounds have developed within the area of the oxidized ground-water mound. Piezometers located in the oxidized till suggest limited leachate activity. No seepage activity is evident in the unoxidized till.

27
The greatest changes in chloride and boron concentrations within the oxidized till have occurred where

piezometric levels have changed the most. Although increasing water levels do not automatically

suggest that the water affecting the piezometers is leachate, changing piezometric levels do suggest

ground-water movement. Oxidized till piezometers C868B and C869B located in the middle of the

lagoons, between Ash Lagoon No. 1 and No. 2, have shown increased piezometric levels but chemical

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

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

levels have changed more significantly. The chloride level for C728A has decreased fi^om 403 mg/L in 1983 to 197 mg/L in 2003. The chloride level for C728D has increased from 185 mg/L in 1983 to 342

mg/L in 2003. Although these piezometers are close in proximity and installed at the same level, they

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

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

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

showing little real change in boron or chloride results.

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

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

remained between 25 and 38 mg/L.

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

has since remained with one exception, a concentration of 1 1 .7 mg/L in October 2000.

Piezometer C712B has been monitored for several years. Historically, boron levels were below 1 mg/L.

From 1992 to 2003, boron levels have remained relatively steady around between 12 and 20 mg/L.

28
3.3.3.2 Montana

Samples were collected from monitoring wells 7, 16, and 24 during 2003. Well 7 is completed in Hart

Coal, well 16 is completed in the Fort Union Formation, and well 24 is completed in alluvium. The

TDS concentration in water from all three monitoring wells decreased in 2003. Changes in TDS with

time for wells 7, 16, and 24 are shown in Figure 3.15.

Total Dissolved Solids

S 650

-GWQQC 16 -GWQQC 24 -GWQQC 7

Figure 3.15 Total Dissolved Solids in Samples from Montana Wells.

29
3.4 Cookson Reservoir

3.4.1 Storage

On January 1, 2003, Cookson Reservoir storage was 31,320 dam' or 72% of the full supply volume. The 2003 maximum, minimum, and period elevations and volumes are shown in Table 3.5.

Inflows into the reservoir were near normal in 2003. A release was initiated in May to meet the recommended Poplar River basin demand release for the 2002-2003 apportionment years. 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 4,489 dam' to Girard Creek. It is estimated that approximately

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

426daml

Table 3.5 Cookson Reservoir Storage Statistics for 2003

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. The dead

storage level for cooling water used in the generation process is 745.0 metres. The 2003 recorded levels and associated operating levels are shown in Figure 3.16.

2003 Cookson Reservoir

Daily Mean water Levels

Full Supply Level

-Ten Year Median Level

Minimum Desired Operating Level

Minimum Useable Storage Level

...1 _.^.

Figure 3.16 Cookson Reservoir Daily Mean Water Levels for 2003 and Median

' Daily Water Levels, 1993-2002

31
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 2003 was 928 mg/L, up slightly from the 2002 average level of 910

mg/L but still below past levels.

3.5 Air Quality

SaskPower's ambient SO2 monitoring for 2003 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 2003 geometric mean for the high-volume suspended-particulate sampler was 17.6

|ag/m^ and 2003 was the twelfth consecutive year of below-average particulate readings. One total

suspended-particulate concentration exceeded the Saskatchewan provincial standard of 120 ^g/m^/24

hours in 2003. This occurred when a reading of 187.4 ng/m^/24 hours was taken on October 24, 2003.

3.6 Quality Control

3.6.1 Streamflow

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

site on August 6, 2003 by personnel from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and Environment Canada

(EC) to confirm sfreamflow measurement comparability. Data from the two current-meter discharge measurements are shown in Table 3.6. The measured discharges compared well with each other and the

theoretical discharge computation of 0.053 m^/s for a 90° V-notch weir.

32
Table 3.6 Streamflow Measurement Results for August 6, 2003

Agency
05

3

M
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 -2
A. Membership

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

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

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

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

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

B. Functions of the Committee

The role of the Committee will be to fiilfil the purpose of the Arrangement by ensuring the exchange of monitored data in accordance with the attached Technical Monitoring Schedules,

and its collation and technical interpretation in reports to Governments on implementation of the Arrangement. In addition, the Committee will review the existing monitoring systems to ensure

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

modifications to improve the Technical Monitoring Schedules.

1. Information Exchange

Each Co-chairperson will be responsible for transmitting to his counterpart Co-chairperson on a

regular, and not less than quarterly basis, the data provided by the cooperative monitoring

agencies in accordance with the Technical Monitoring Schedules.

Al -3
2. Reports

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

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

(b) Annual Reports will

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

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

techniques);

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

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

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

analytical methods to ensure their comparability.

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

governments definitive changes in monitored parameters which may require

immediate attention.

(d) Preparation of Reports

Reports will be prepared following consultation with all committee members and

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

special reports will be so distributed.

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

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

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

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

the Technical Monitoring Schedules by cooperating monitoring agencies;

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

agencies in their respective 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 fimction on the part of any cooperating agency under the jurisdiction of that government, and requesting that appropriate corrective action be taken.

IV. PROVISION OF DATA

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

participating governments will use their best efforts to have cooperating monitoring agencies, in

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

they are responsible.

V. TERMS OF THE ARRANGEMENT

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

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

Al -5
ANNEX 2

POPLAR RIVER

COOPERATIVE MONITORING ARRANGEMENT

TECHNICAL MONITORING SCHEDULES

2004

CANADA-UNITED STATES

A2- 1

y

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PREAMBLE A2 - 3 CANADA

STREAMFLOW MONITORING A2 - 5

SURFACE-WATER-QUALITY MONITORING A2 - 7

GROUND-WATER PIEZOMETERS TO MONITOR POTENTIAL

DRAWDOWN DUE TO COAL-SEAM DEWATERING NEAR THE

INTERNATIONAL BOUNDARY A2 - 1

1

GROUND-WATER PIEZOMETER MONITORING

- POWER STATION AREA A2 - 13

GROUND-WATER PIEZOMETER MONITORING

- ASH LAGOON AREA

WATER LEVEL A2-15

WATER QUALITY A2-16

AMBIENT AIR-QUALITY MONITORING A2 - 19

UNITED STATES

STREAMFLOW MONITORING A2 - 22

SURFACE-WATER-QUALITY MONITORING A2 - 24

GROUND-WATER-QUALITY MONITORING A2 - 26

GROUND-WATER LEVELS TO MONITOR POTENTIAL

DRAWDOWN DUE TO COAL-SEAM DEWATERING A2 - 28

A2-2

PREAMBLE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

International Boundary, primarily for project management or basin-wide baseline data purposes. This additional information is usually available upon request fi^om 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.

A2-3

POPLAR RIVER

COOPERATIVE MONITORING ARRANGEMENT

TECHNICAL MONITORING SCHEDULES

2004

CANADA

A2-4
STREAMFLOW MONITORING

Daily mean discharge or levels and instantaneous monthly extremes as normally

published in surface water data pubHcations.

Responsible Agencies: Environment Canada; Saskatchewan Watershed Authority
5 10 15 KILOMETERS

I

' r-^ h

HYDROMETRIC GAUGING STATIONS (CANADA)

A2-6
SURFACE-WATER-QUALITY MONITORING

Sampling Locations

Responsible Agency: Environment Canada
CANADA

UNITED STATES

LEGEND

SASKATCHEWAN ENVIRONMENT

ENVIRONMENT CANADA

5 10 15 KILOMETERS

I ^—r-" S

SURFACE-WATER-QUALITY MONITORING STATIONS (CANADA)

A2-8
PARAMETERS

l^espmisin^Xgency^^nvirTOmieiTrana^

ENVIRODAT*

Code

Analytical Method Sampling Frequency

Station No. 1

10151
PARAMETERS

Responsible Agency:
GROUND-WATER PIEZOMETERS TO MONITOR POTENTIAL DRAWDOWN

DUE TO COAL-SEAM DEWATERING NEAR THE INTERNATIONAL BOUNDARY

[ Symbol: —, Data not available]

Responsible Agency: Saskatchewan Watershed Authority*
CANADA

UNITED STATES

Scobey

10 15 KILOMETERS

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

A2- 12
GROUND-WATER PIEZOMETER MONITORING - POPLAR RIVER

POWER STATION AREA
C737^ C743/^C747

Ash Lagoons

C528_.C527

POPLAR RIVER POWER STATION MONITORING LOCATIONS DECEMBER 2003

LEGEND

OXIDIZED TILL MOTTLED TILL A EMPRESS

A2- 14
GROUND-WATER PIEZOMETER MONITORING—

ASH LAGOON AREA - WATER LEVEL
Responsible Agency: Saskatchewan Environment

Data Collected by: SaskPower GROUND-WATER PIEZOMETER MONITORING--

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

ASH LAGOON AREA - WATER QUALITY
T3 CO £
Ambient Air-Quality Monitoring

Responsible Agency: Saskatchewan Environment

Data Collected by: SaskPower
AMBIENT AIR-QUALITY MONITORING (CANADA)

A2-20

POPLAR RIVER

COOPERATIVE MONITORING ARRANGEMENT

TECHNICAL MONITORING SCHEDULES

2004

UNITED STATES

A2-21
STREAMFLOW MONITORING

Responsible Agency: U.S. Geological Survey

SURFACE-WATER-QUALITY MONITORING
5 10 15 KILOMETERS

I

'—H h

SURFACE-WATER-QUALITY MONITORING STATIONS (UNITED STATES)

A2-25
GROUND-WATER-QUALITY MONITORING ~ Station Locations

Respons
5 10 15 KILOMETERS

I

' r-" ^

GROUND-WATER-QUALITY MONITORING (UNITED STATES)

A2-27
GROUND-WATER LEVELS TO MONITOR POTENTIAL

DRAWDOWN DUE TO COAL-SEAM DEWATERING

Responsible Agency: Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology |
GROUND-WATER PIEZOMETERS TO MONITOR POTENTIAL DRAWDOWN DUE TO COAL-SEAM DEWATERING

A2-29

ANNEX 3

RECOMMENDED FLOW APPORTIONMENT

IN THE POPLAR RIVER BASIN

BY THE INTERNATIONAL SOURIS-RED RIVERS ENGINEERING BOARD,

POPLAR RIVER TASK FORCE ( 1 976)

A3-1

RECOMMENDED FLOW APPORTIONMENT

IN THE POPLAR RIVER BASIN

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

the natural flow of the Middle Fork Poplar River at the International Boundary, as determined below the confluence of Goose Creek and

Middle Fork.

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

each year as follows:

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

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

States on the East Poplar River at the International Boundary

throughout the succeeding 12 month period commencing June

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

time during the 1 2 month period commencing June 1 st.

(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.

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

(2.0 cubic feet per second) shall be delivered to the United States on the East Poplar River at the International Boundary during the succeeding period June 1st through August 3 1st. 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

Jime 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 Intemational 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 Intemational Boundary in each of the remaining individual tributaries shall not be depleted by more than 60 percent of its natural flow.

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

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

the uses and requirements of both countries.

A3-4

ANNEX 4

CONVERSION FACTORS

A4-1
CONVERSION FACTORS

^c = 4,047 m' = 0.04047 ha

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

C° = 5/9(F°-32) cm = 0.3937 in. cm^ = 0.155 in' dam' = 1,000 m' = 0.8107 ac-ft

ft3 = 28.3171 X 10"V

ha = 10,000 m' = 2.471 ac hm = 100 m = 328.08 ft W = IxlO'm'

I.gpm = 0.0758 L/s

in = 2.54 cm

jjg = 2 .20462 lb = 1 . 1 X 1 0' tons

Ion = 0.62137 miles km^ = 0.3861 mi' L

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

L/s = 0.035 cfs = 13.193 I.gpm = 15.848 U.S. gpm

m

= 3.2808 ft m^ = 10.765 ft' ^3 = 1,000 L = 35.3144 ft' = 219.97 I. gal= 264.2 U.S. gal

m^/s = 35.314 ft'/s mm = 0.00328 ft

tonne = 1,000 kg = 1.1023 ton (short)

U.S. gpm = 0.0631 L/s

For Air Samples

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

A4-2