s333.91

?I26prar 1996

1996 ANNUAL REPORT

to the

GOVERNMENTS OF CANADA, UNITED STATES,

SASKATCHEWAN AND MONTANA

STATE DOCUMENTS GOLLIGT!DN

APR 03 13B8 MONTANA STATE LIBRARY 1515 E. 6th AVE. mtEMA. MQMIANA 59620

by the

POPLAR RIVER , BILATERAL MONITORING COMMITTEE

Poplor

COVERING CALENDAR YEAR 1996

4 i'' S.,.% ^%. i*' I I

December 1997
MONTANA STATE LIBRARY

3 0864 0010 3972 9
im^^Ks:i''W!fmmm

1996 ANNUAL REPORT

to the

GOVERNMENTS OF CANADA, UNITED STATES,

SASKATCHEWAN, AND MONTANA

by the

POPLAR RIVER BILATERAL MONITORING COMMITTEE

COVERING CALENDAR YEAR 1996

December, 1997

Poplar River Bilateral Monitoring Committee

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

Governor's Office

State of Montana

Helena, Montana, United States

Department of External Affairs and International Trade Canada

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Saskatchewan Environment and

Resource Management

Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Herein is the 16* Annual Report of the Poplar River Bilateral Monitoring Committee. This report discusses the Committee activities of 1996 and presents the proposed schedule for 1997.

During 1996, 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, on March 12, 1987, the Arrangement was extended to March 1991. In July 1992, another exchange

of Diplomatic Notes extended the Arrangement retroactively from March 31, 1991 to March 31, 1996. In December 1995, a request was made by the Committee to extend the Arrangement for another five years. In addition, the Arrangement was modified to terminate the quarterly exchange

of data and substimte an aimual exchange of data.

The enclosed report summarizes current conditions and compares them to guidelines for specific

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

Reference from Canada and the United States. After examination and evaluation of the monitoring

information for 1996, the Committee finds that the measured conditions meet the recommended

objectives. However, the Committee notes that the flow-weighted concentration of total dissolved

solids in streamflow in the East Poplar River at the International Boundary continues to increase and is approaching the long-term objective of 1,000 milligrams per litre.

During 1996, monitoring continued in accordance with Technical Monitoring Schedules outlined

in 1995 Armual Report of the Poplar River Bilateral Monitoring Committee.

Yours sincerely,

Robert Davis

Chairnj^jrVnited States Sectio

.^^^^^

Richard Kellow

Chairman, Canadian Section /O /U ^"^CL^

Jacjs^mlts

Member, United States Section

=^=^^9^

Darryl Nargang

Member, Canadian Section

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Highlights for 1996 iii

1.0 Introduction 1

2.0 Committee Activities 2

2.1 Memberships 2

2.2 Meetings 2

2.3 Review of Water-Quality Objectives 3 2.4 Data Exchange 3

3.0 Water and Air: Monitoring and Interpretations 5

3.1 Poplar River Power Station Operation 5 3.2 East Poplar River 5

3.2.1 Streamflow 5

3.2.2 Apportionment 6

3.2.3 Minimum Flows 6

3.2.4 On-demand Release 7

3.2.5 Water-Quality 7

3.2.5.1 Total Dissolved Solids 8

3.2.5.2 Boron 12

3.2.5.3 Other Water-Quality Variables 15

3.2.5.4 Alterations to the Water-Quality Parameter List 17

3.3 Ground-Water 18

3.3.1 Operations 18

3.3.2 Ground-water Monitoring 19

3.3.2.1 Saskatchewan 19

3.3.2.2 Montana 22

3.3.3 Ground-Water Quality 23

3.3.3.1 Saskatchewan 23

3.3.3.2 Montana 28

3.4 Cookson Reservoir 29

3.4.1 Storage 29

3.4.2 Water-Quality 30

3.5 Air Quality 30

3.6 Quality Control 31

3.6.1 Streamflow 31

3.6.2 Water-Quality 31 ANNEXES

1.0 Poplar River Cooperative Monitoring Arrangement,

Canada-United States Al

2.0 Poplar River Cooperative Monitoring Arrangement, Technical Monitoring Schedules, 1997, Canada-United States A2

3 . Recommended Flow Apportionment in the Poplar River Basin A3

4.0 Metric Conversions A4

1 -
TABLES

Table 2.1 Water-Quality Objectives 4

Table 3.1 Recommended Water-Quality Objectives and Excursions, 1996 Sampling

Program, East Poplar River at the International Boundary 16 Table 3.2 Water-Quality Statistics for Water Pumped from Supplementary Water Supply Project Wells 23

Table 3.3 Water-Quality Statistics for Water Pumped from Soil Salinity Project Wells Sampled at the Discharge Pipe 24

Table 3.4 Cookson Reservoir Storage Statistics for 1996 29

Table 3.5 Streamflow Measurement Results for July 21, 1996 31 FIGURES

Figure 3.1 Discharge during 1996 Compared with the Median Discharge for 1961-1990 for the Poplar River at the International Boundary 5 Figure 3.2 Flow Hydrograph of the East Poplar River at the International Boundary 7

Figure 3.3 TDS Concentrations for 1996 Grab Samples from East Poplar River

at the International Boundary 9

Figure 3.4 Three-Month Moving, Flow-Weighted TDS Concentration for East Poplar River at the International Boundary 9

Figure 3.5 Five-Year Moving, Flow-Weighted TDS Concentration for East Poplar River at the International Boundary 11 Figure 3.6 Daily TDS Concentration, 1982 to 1996, East Poplar River

at the International Boundary 11 Figure 3.7 Boron Concentrations for 1996 Grab Samples from East Poplar

River at the International Boundary 13 Figure 3.8 Three-Month Moving, Flow-Weighted Boron Concentration for East Poplar River at the International Boundary 13 Figure 3.9 Five-Year Moving, Flow-Weighted Boron Concentration for East Poplar River at the International Boundary 14

Figure 3.10 Daily Boron Concentration, 1982 to 1996 East Poplar River

at the International Boundary 14 Figure 3.11 Drawdown for Hart Seam Aquifer as of December 1996 20

Figure 3.12 Cone of Depression in the Empress Sands Due to the

Salinity Projects as of December 1996 21

Figure 3.13 Hydrographs of Selected Wells 22

Figure 3.14 Total Dissolved Solids in Samples from Montana Wells 28

Figure 3.15 Cookson Reservoir Mean Daily water Levels for 1996 and Mean Daily

Monthly Water Levels for 1981-1991 30

u-
fflGHLIGHTS FOR 1996

The Poplar River Power Station completed its thirteenth full year of operation in 1996. The two

300-megawatt coal-fired units generated 4 355 700 gross megawatt hours of electricity which is about 97 percent of the 1995 power and 99 percent of 1994 power. The average capacity factors for Units No. 1 and 2 was 85.2 percent and 82.4 percent, respectively.

Monitoring information collected in both Canada and the United States during 1996 was exchanged

in the spring of 1997. In general, the sampling locations, frequency of collection, and parameters met the requirements identified in the 1996 Technical Monitoring Schedules set forth in the 1995

annual report.

Streamflow in the Poplar River basin was above normal in 1996. The March to October recorded

flow for the Poplar River at the International Boundary, an indicator of namral flow in the basin, was 20 100 cubic decametres (dan^) which was 199 per cent of the 1931 to 1990 median seasonal

flow. The 1996 recorded flow volume of the East Poplar River at the International Boundary was

2 510 dam\ This volume is 85 per cent of the median annual flow since the completion of the Morrison Dam in 1975. Montana was entitled to a minimum discharge on the East Poplar River

of 0.085 cubic metres per second (nf/s) for the period June 1 to August 31, 1996 and 0.057 nf/s from September 1, 1996 through May 31, 1997 based upon apportionment recommendations of

the International Joint Commission (UC). The on-demand release, in accordance with the UC

recommendations, entitled Montana to a release of 370 danf from Cookson Reservoir during the twelve-month period commencing June 1, 1996. Montana requested this release to be made

between May 1 and May 30, 1996. A volume of 339 danf, in addition to the minimum flow, was

delivered during this period.

The 1996 5-year total dissolved solids (TDS) flow-weighted concentrations continued to approach

the long-term objective of 1 000 milligrams per litre (mg/L). Boron concentrations for 1996

continued to remain well below the long-term objective of 2.5 milligrams per litre (mg/L). One

dissolved oxygen concenfration sample was below the objective of 4.0 mg/L.

D. McNaughton, Environment Canada, at the request of the Bilateral Monitoring Committee

conducted an analysis comparing the water-quality on the Poplar River main stem at the

International Boundary with the East Poplar River. The report concluded that despite the fact that the Poplar River is not directly affected by the discharge of cooling water from the Poplar River Power Plant, it would appear that there are similarities in the long-term behaviour of water-quality

in this branch of the river to that observed in the East Poplar River. Measured and calculated values for both TDS and Boron, however, remain well below the short- and long-term objectives

that were established for the East Poplar River.

- iii -

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 Aimex 1. On March 12, 1987, the Arrangement was extended by the Governments

for four years to March 1991. The Arrangement was further extended for another five years to March 1996, following a request from the Committee in 1991. 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 Conmiittee 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 objectives. The Committee reports to Governments on a calendar year basis. This report

is the sixteenth in the series. 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 Government 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 forthcoming year. 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 1996, 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. G. Fritz, Montana Department of Namral Resources and

Conservation, Montana representative; Mr. D. D. Nargang, Saskatchewan Environment and Resource Management, Saskatchewan representative; Mr. C.W. Tande, Daniels County

Commissioner, Montana local ex-officio representative; and Mr. J.R. Totten, Reeve, R.M. of Hart

Butte, Saskatchewan local ex-officio representative.

2.2 Meetings

The Committee met on August 20 and 21, 1996, in Coronach, Saskatchewan. 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 Power Plant and

associated coal mining activities; examined data collected in 1995 including surface water-quality

and quantity, ground water-quality and quantity, and air quality; established the Technical Monitoring Schedules for 1997; discussed proposed changes in water-quality objectives and the

possibility of replacing the flow-weighing method currently used to compute total dissolved solids and boron. The Committee also prepared the first draft of the 1995 annual Report to Governments.
2.3 Review of Water-Qiialitv Ohjectives

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, the Committee undertook a review of water-quality objectives.

The Committee approved changes in water-quality objectives recommended by the 1991 subcommittee which was formed to review the objectives. Revised objectives approved by the Committee are listed in Table 2.1.

The Committee discussed the water-quality objectives for 5-year and 3-month flow-weighted

concentrations for total dissolved solids and boron. Although the Committee agreed that calculation procedures to determine flow-weighted concentrations are time consuming and

probably scientifically questionable, no consensus was reached on alternative objectives or

procedures. Objectives for un-ionized ammonia, pH, and mercury in fish tissue and the rationale for using flow-weighted averages in the determinations of total dissolved solids and boron will require additional smdy.

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 fu-st 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 information will be reported and exchanged whenever warranted. No

unusual conditions occurred during 1996 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 1996, the average capacity factor for Unit No. 1 was 85.2 percent. The average capacity factor for Unit No. 2 was 82.4 percent. The capacity factors are based on the maximum generation

rating of 297.8 MW/h for Unit No. 1 and 294.0 MW/h for Unit No. 2. Total power generated

from both units was 4,355,700 gross megawatt-hours which is about 97 percent of 1995 power

and 99 percent of 1994 power.

The only activity completed on the ash lagoons during 1996 was the installation of a new discharge

culvert between Ash Lagoons 1 and 2. The construction of new ash dykes around Ash Lagoon

#2 may take place in 1997 to make room for future operations.

3.2 East Poplar River

3.2.1 Streamflow

Streamflow in the Poplar River basin was above normal in 1996. The March to October recorded

flow of the Poplar River at the International Boundary, an indicator of namral flow in the basin, was 20 100 cubic decameters (dam') or 199 percent of the 1931 to 1990 median seasonal flow. A comparison of 1996 mean monthly discharge with the 1931-90 median flow is shown in Figure

3.1.

Figure 3.1

o

z8

MEDIAN OF MCXmiLY MEAN DISCHARGE FOR 1931-90 MONTHLY MEAN DISCHARGE FOR 1996

s '<^ a

o

cr< 0.5 a

MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT Discharge during 1996 as Compared with the Median Discharge from 1931- 1990 for Poplar River at the International Boundary.
The 1996 recorded flow volume of the East Poplar River at the International Boundary was 2 510

dam\ This volume is 85% of the median annual flow since the completion of Morrison Dam in 1975.

3.2.2 Apportionment

In 1976 the International Souris-Red Rivers Engineering Board, through its Poplar River Task

Force, completed an investigation and made a recommendation to the Governments of Canada and

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

officially adopted by the two countries, the Poplar River Bilateral Monitoring Committee has adhered to the Apportionment Recommendations in each of its annual reports. Annex 3 contains

the apportionment recommendation.

3.2.3 Minimum Flows

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

,

1996 was 15 300 dam^ Based on UC recommendations and the assumption that the recorded flow

is the namral flow, the United States was entitled to a minimum discharge on the East Poplar of 0.085 mVs for the period June 1, 1996 to August 31, 1996 and 0.057 ni/s from September 1, 1996 through May 31, 1997. The minimum flow for the period January 1 to May 31, 1996 had

previously been determined on the basis of the Poplar River flow volume for March 1 to May 31, 1995. A hydrograph of the East Poplar River at the International Boundary and the minimum flow

as reconmiended by the UC are shown in Figure 3.2.

Daily flows during 1996 met or exceeded the minimum flow recommended by the UC through the year except for the June 1 to August 31 period. Daily flows during this period were generally

below the recommended minimum and resulted in a deficit delivery volume of 113 danf for the period.
FEB MAR APR MAY JUNE JULY AUG SEPT CXJT NOV DEC

Figure 3.2 Flow Hydrograph of the East Poplar River at the Interaational Boundary.

3.2.4 On-Demand Release

In addition to the minimum flow, the UC apportionment recommendation entitles Montana to an on-demand release to be delivered during the twelve-month period commencing June 1 . Based on

the runoff volume of 2 110 dam? recorded at the Poplar River at the International Boundary

gaging station during the March 1 to May 31, 1995 period, Montana was entitled to an additional

release of 370 dam' from Cookson Reservoir during the twelve month period commencing June

1, 1995. Montana requested this release to be made between May 1 and May 30, 1996. A

volume of 339 dam' , in addition to the minimum flow, was delivered during this period. This

delivery was 31 dam' less than the entitled release.

3.2.5 Water-Quality

The 1981 report by the UC to Governments recommended:

For the March to Octoberperiod, the maximumflow-weighted concentrations should not exceed 2.5 milligrams per litre (mg/L)for boron and 1500 mg/Lfor TDSfor any three consecutive months in the East Poplar River at the International Boundary. For the March to October period, the long-term average offlow-weighted concentrations should

be 2.5 mgIL or less for boron, and 1000 mg/L or less for IDS in the East Poplar River

at the International Boundary.
8

For the period prior to 1982, the three-month moving flow-weighted concentration (FWC) for boron and TDS was calculated solely from monthly monitoring results. Since the begiiming of

1982, the USGS has monitored specific conductance daily in the East Poplar River at the

International boundary, making it possible to derive boron and TDS concentration using a linear regression relationship with specific conductance. Thus, the three-month FWC for boron and TDS

for the period 1982 to 1996 was calculated from both the results of monthly monitoring and the daily concentration estimates.

The Bilateral Monitoring Committed 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. Begiiming in 1988, the FWC was calculated from the five year period preceding each

plotted point. For example, the FWC for December 1996 is calculated from data generated over

the period December 1991 to December 1996. 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

There is an inverse relationship between TDS and streamflow at the International Boundary

station. During periods of high runoff such as spring freshet, TDS drops 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.

TDS grab sample data collected by Environment Canada and the USGS in 1996 are shown in Figure 3.3. TDS ranged from 731 mg/L on February 14 to 1100 mg/L on December 19. The

proposed short-term objective for TDS is 15(X) mg/L. A time plot of the three-month moving

FWC for TDS is presented in Figure 3.4. The objective has not been exceeded during the period of record. On inspection of the plot however, it is apparent that the three-month FWC has been

increasing gradually, year by year.
Figure 3.3: TDS Concentration for 1996 Grab Samples from East Poplar River at the International Boundary

1200

^1. 1070'

E

1000

800 2 600

400

200

.993-4-1C)06*-^°30 2- 961 ^947

-,^86-^1 005^:990^1 020»

1100 1020* 10^.

731,* 745,

3-Jan 14- 14- 25-Apr 2-May 10-Jun 15-Jul 15-Jul 15-Jul 15-Jul 15-Jul 26- 15-Oct 13- 19- Feb Mar Sep Nov Dec

Figure 3.4: Three-Month Flow-Weighted TDS Concentrations for East Poplar River at the International Boundary

E

1400

1200

1000

800

600

400

200
10

The five-year FWC for TDS (Figure 3.5) continued to approach, but remained below the long- term objective of 1000 mg/L. The maximum monthly value calculated in 1996 was slightly over 991 mg/L. This is also the highest value for this parameter for the period of record. The gradual

increase in five-year FWC for TDS is due to insufficient surface runoff, particularly reflected in the spring flows, which has not allowed for sufficient flushing of Cookson Reservoir.

The daily TDS values, as generated from the daily specific conductance readings from 1982 to 1996 are shown in Figure 3.6. The data show a gradual but discernible increase in TDS over this period.

The relationship between TDS and conductivity applied to data collected from 1975 to 1996 is as follows:

TDS = (0.639 X speciric conductance) -I- 11.286

(R^ = 0.87, n = 517)
11

1200

1000

-=- 800

600

200

Figure 3.5: Five-Year Moving Flow^-Weighted TDS Concentration for East Poplar

River at the International Boundary
12

3.2.5.2 Boron

Figure 3.7 shows that during 1996, boron concentrations in the East Poplar River at the

International Boundary varied from 1.3 (14-February and 14-March) to 2.0 mg/L (10-June).

The three-month boron FWC for the period of record is shown in Figure 3.8. The short term

objective of 3.5 mg/L has not been exceeded over the period 1975 to 1996. It can be seen that the data derived from grab samples and that derived from regression with specific conductance are

similar, with the highs and lows in some degree of correspondence. This indicates that the regression generation of boron (and TDS) values is in general terms, a valid procedure.

The five-year boron FWC displayed in Figure 3.9 remained well below the long-term objective of 2.5 mg/L. From mid- 1993 to the end of the data period there is a distinct drop in the computed

values. The reason for this drop is not known at this time.

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

location during the period 1975 to 1996 is described by the equation:

boron = (0.0013 x specific conductance) - 0.092

(R^ = 0.61, n = 517)
13

Figure 3.7: Boron Concentration for 1996 Grab Samples from East Poplar

River at the International Boundary

2.2

1.8 -

1.6

1.4

1.2

--2- 19, -f89* 19 1 9 ^ 1 89 ',19

1 83 ' 1 82 L

1 84

1 77 ,

15. 13 IS

4 i^^

1.9

03- 14- 14- 25- 02- 10- 15- 15- 15- 15- 15- 26- 15- 13- 19- Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Jul Jul Jul Jul Sep Oct Nov Dec

Figure 3.8: Three-Month Moving Flow-Weighted Boron Concentration for East Poplar River at the International Boundary
14

Figure 3.9: Five-Year Moving Flow-Weighted Boron Concentration for East Poplar

River at the International Boundary

2
15

3.2.5.3 Other Water-Quality Variables

Table 3.1 contains the multipurpose water-quality objectives for the East Poplar River at the

International Boundary, recommended by the International Poplar River Water-Quality Board to the UC. The table shows the number of samples collected for each parameter and the number of

times over the course of the year that the objectives were exceeded. In the table, multiple replicate

samples collected 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 species measured fell below the appropriate objective. One USGS

sample collected on December 19 had a dissolved oxygen concentration of 1.6 mg/L, which is below the objective of 4 mg/L. Dissolved oxygen levels can be expected to be lower during ice- covered conditions, and low-flow summer conditions where oxygen has been reduced by biological

activity.
16

Table 3.1 Recommended Water- Quality Objectives and Excursions, 1996 Sampling Program, East Poplar River at the International Boundary (units in mg/L except as otherwise noted)

Parameter
17

3.2.5.4. Alterations to the water-quality parameter list

As set forth in Table 2.1 of the 1995 annual report, it was recommended that modifications be made to the list of chemical parameters to be reported. These modifications specified the removal

of dissolved aluminum, dissolved copper, total chromium, mercury in fish tissue, and both total and fecal coliforms from the list. For the pH range observed in the East Poplar River, and with

the high buffering capacity of the river, dissolved metals such as aluminum and copper cannot

exist at anywhere near the respective objectives. Total chromium has also been taken off the list of reported species. The surface geologic materials in the Poplar River Basin consist of carbonaterich glacial drift. Under the geochemical conditions generally known to operate in the formation

of minerals in carbonate terranes, the formation of chromium-bearing oxides is not favoured.

Therefore, the chromium content of the suspended particulate material in the river is very low. Because of the pH regime in the river, the aqueous component will also be below the level of

instrument detection.

Coliforms, both total and fecal, have never been seen to be a problem in the river, have been

removed from the list.

It was also agreed upon that the objective for un-ionized ammonia be based on pH and

temperature. This objective is to be worked out by Bilateral Monitoring Committee.

For the time being, flow-weighting for boron and TDS will continue.

It is recommended by the Poplar River Bilateral Monitoring Committee that a process of re- examining water-quality objectives be adopted as part of any fiiture deliberations on overall flow

apportionment.
18

3.3 Ground-water

3.3.1 Operations - Saskatchewan

In 1996 SaskPower continued to operate their supplementary groundwater supply to Cookson

Reservoir. The 1996 total of 5,572 danf (4517 ac-ft)of groundwater produced from the supplementary supply was slightly greater than the 1995 production of 5376 danf (4358 ac-ft). Sask Power had an approval to produce an annual volume of 5,500 danf (4459 ac-ft). Since 1991 SaskPower has maintained fairly consistent ground water production levels averaging

5459 dam'/year (4426 ac-ft) over the five year period.

SaskPower's 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. Production was reasonably consistent throughout most of the year with the exception of July and August when

there was a reduction in pumping. This summer reduction in pumping is a normal annual

operational procedure for SaskPower. Reducing summer pumping assists in maximizing flows

into Cookson Reservoir by minimizing evaporative losses in Girard Creek, and also ensures that SaskPower's allocation is not exceeded. Pumping is maintained in 5 wells primarily to supply water to domestic users. During the balance of the year, 18 to 19 wells are generally utilized at any given time.

SaskPower's license for the Regional Dewatering project was due to expire at the end of 1996, but was extended by Sask Water. Sask Water intends to re-issue the license, but will include conditions requiring termination of pumping (with the exception of wells supplying domestic

users) when the reservoir is above a specified level. Sask Water is currently undertaking a hydrology study to determine the best reservoir level for a ground water pumping cutoff.

Operation of SaskPower's salinity project continued in 1996 with 7 wells producing 827 danf (670

ac-ft) of ground water during the year. (An eighth well is located along the international boundary, but has never been operated.) This represents a decrease in production from 1995 when

1,017 dam^ (824 ac-ft) were pumped. The reduction is primarily due to the wells being shut down
19

roughly six weeks while repairs were completed on the pipeline which transports water from the

salinity project wells to Cookson reservoir. As in previous years, the majority of the water was pumped from wells PW87103 and PW87104 on the east side of the river and PW90108 on the west side of the river.

3.3.2 Ground-Water Monitoring

3.3.2.1 Saskatchewan

In 1996, 19 new piezometers were added to the monitoring network. Two of these were installed in the Empress sands along the International Border and are included in the Soil Salinity Project

monitoring. Of the remaining piezometers, 7 were installed along the International Border. In

addition, 18 piezometers installed as part of the Frenchman aquifer ground water investigation have been added to the monitoring program.

There were no significant changes in the magnitude or shape of the cone of depression in the Hart Coal seam in 1996 over previous years. The 1 metre drawdown contour is at or near the International Boundary much as it has been for the past several years (Figure 3.11). The

reasonably consistent drawdowns over this time period (during which production volumes pumped

have been fairly consistent) implies that the aquifer system has approached a semi-equilibrium

state. Variations in the cone of depression appear to be primarily related to recharge and

variations in pimiping from the Hart coal seam.

The goal of the Salinity Project is to lower the ground water levels in the Empress Sands (Figure

3.12) below Morrison Dam to approximately pre-reservoir levels. This is equivalent to roughly 2 to 3 metres of drawdown below the dam, and was achieved by the end of 1995. Water levels recovered significantly in June 1996 when the production wells were not operated due to the broken pipeline. Once normal pumping operations resumed the desired drawdowns were re- established by the end of 1996. The magnitude and shape of the cone of depression has been

shown to be very sensitive to the operation of individual wells and local recharge in a given year.
20

—:^ r^ss^^^i

.— « a*. =•' .^= ===;

-^HF'iir,

Figure 3.11 Drawdown for Hart Seam Aquifer as of December 1996

22

3.3.2.2 Montana

Water levels in Monitoring Wells 5, 8, 16, 19, 22, and 23 were similar to those reported in 1995. Monitoring Wells 6, 7, 9, 11, 13 and 17 fluctuated in response to seasonal changes (Figure 3.13).

2460

7

•- 17

»- 19

Jan-80 Jan-82 Jan-84 Jan-86 Jan-88 Jan-90 Jan-92 Jan-94 Jan-96 Jan-98

DATE

Figure 3.13 Hydrograph of Selected Wells
23

3.3.3 Ground-Water-quality

3.3.3.1 Saskatchewan

The water-quality from the Supplementary Water Supply Project discharge points has been

consistent with no trends indicated. A summary of the more frequently tested parameters during 1996 is provided in Table 3.2. Statistical averages of the results since 1990 are included in this

table.

Table 3.2 Water-Quality Statistics for Water Pumped from

Supplementary Water Supply Project Wells*
24

The water quality of the common discharge point from the Salinity Control Project wells is better than the water quality for total dissolved solids in Cookson Reservoir. Average results from the common discharge point for 1996, plus an average of the 1990-1996 results, are provided in Table

3.3. Results have been consistent since 1990.

Table 3.3 Water-Quality Statistics for Water Pumped from

Salinity Control Project Wells Sampled at the Discharge Pipe
25

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

The groundwater monitoring program was expanded in 1994 as a result of ash lagoon #3 south

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

completed within their target zones. Testing of these piezometers began in 1995. The limited data so far does not show any unusual or unexpected values.

Piezometers 867A, 868A and 871A are completed immediately above the liner system, within the ash stack of ash lagoon #1. The 1996 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 suspected 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. New piezometers

886A, 887A, 890A and 893A have been completed above the liner system of new ash lagoon #3

south and are now being monitored. 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 groundwater mound beneath the ash lagoons. Relative to the 1995 position, the size and extent of the groundwater mound has not significantly changed. The mound extends from the east side of Ash Lagoon 2, where levels have increased 8 metres, to the west side of the polishing pond,

where levels have increased 4 metres. Oxidized till piezometers located closer to the reservoir have shown a decreasing trend in piezometric levels reacting to lower reservoir levels.
26

The greatest changes in chloride and boron concentrations within the oxidized till, have occurred where piezometric levels have changed the most. This is an expected result as changing

piezometric levels suggest groundwater movement. Increasing boron concentrations on the east and south side of Ash Lagoon 2, together with decreasing chloride concentrations suggests

leachate influence. On the west side of the polishing pond the boron concentrations have not

significantly changed.

Little change in boron or chloride concentrations has been observed for most of the oxidized till piezometers located by the reservoir. The most significant change in samples from any of these piezometers has been C719 where chloride concentrations have decreased 92 mg/1 overall since 1983 to 19 mg/1. The change in quality is suspected to be the result of reservoir influence rather than ash lagoon influence.

A groundwater mound has developed in the unoxidized till, similar to that in the oxidized till, extending from the east side of Ash Lagoon 2 to the west side of the Polishing Pond. The

groundwater mound is known to be discontinuous as piezometers 764D and 87 IC are located within the mound area and are reacting to reservoir levels. A review of boron and chloride concentrations does not show any significant trends.

The piezometric surface of the Empress gravels indicate a regional flow from northwest to southeast below Morrison Dam. Monitoring since 1983 generally shows that the piezometric

surface in the lagoon area reacts to the reservoir level. Results for Empress gravel water quality

do not indicate any leachate influence with the majority of piezometers showing little change in boron or chloride concentrations from background values.

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.

A review of the boron concentrations for C766 shows an increasing trend up to October 1988 when levels peaked at 12.6 mg/1. Boron concentration decreased to 6.99 mg/1 in April 1990, then
27

began increasing again peaking at 35.2 mg/1 in June 1993 before falling to 26.7 mg/1 in October

1993. The boron concentration began an increasing trend throughout 1994 and peaked at 43 mg/1

in May, 1995, the highest recorded concentration to date, before decreasing to 28 mg/1 in October,

1996. The chloride concentration for C766 has shown little movement since 1987 and remains

within the 20 to 30 mg/1 range, similar to the ash lagoon surface water concentration.

Up to April 1988 the boron concentration for C767 was increasing and peaked at 49.4 mg/1. From

this peak the boron concentration has steadily decreased to the end of 1991 where the concentration levelled off near 5 mg/1. The October 1996 result is 4.58 mg/1. The reduction in boron concentrations for samples from C767 suggest the movement of a slug of leachate and not

a continuous plume. There has been an increasing trend in chloride for C767 ranging from 25

mg/1 in 1989 to 75 mg/1 in 1991. Since 1991 the concentration has remained near 70 mg/1 with an October 1994 result of 73.4 mg/1. In 1995 the concentration showed a moderate increase,

ranging between 94 and 99 mg/1. In 1996, the concentration showed a moderate decrease with

results going from 99 mg/1 in April to 78.2 mg/1 in October.

Boron concentrations for piezometer 712B were initially below 1.0 mg/1 until an increasing trend began in 1987 with the concentration peaking in April 1992 at 26.6 mg/1. The boron

concentration then decreased and levelled off near 18 mg/1 with an October 1996 result of

16.5 mg/1. Chloride concentrations trended down for C712B to 50 mg/1 in 1988 from over 200

mg/1 in 1984. Since 1988 chloride levels have changed little with an October 1996 result of 50.9

mg/1.

The total calculated seepage from the ash lagoons in 1995 was determined to be 1.56 litres per

second. This value is not significantly different from the 1995 and 1994 calculated seepage rates of 1.61 and 1.67 litres per second, respectively. There was a total calculated seepage rate for ash

lagoon #3 south of 0.024 litres per second. In 1995 it was reported that ash lagoon #3 south had

a negligible total calculated seepage rate due to no developed gradient. As expected this has

changed. Liner permeabilities for all lagoons are in the order of 10' cm/sec.
28

3.3.3.2 Montana

Samples were collected from monitoring wells 7, 16. and 24 during 1996. Well 7 is completed

in Hart Coal, well 16 is completed in the Fort Union Formation, and well 24 is completed in

alluvium. No significant changes in water-quality were observed. Graphs of total dissolved solids

for selected wells are shown in Figure 3. 14.

1000

E

800

600

400

200
29

3.4 Cookson Reservoir

3.4.1 Storage

On January 1, 1996, Cookson Reservoir storage was 27 530 dam^ or 58% of the flill supply volume. The 1996 maximum, minimum and period elevations and volumes are shown in Table 3.4. In addition to runoff, reservoir levels were augmented by grovmdwater pumping. Wells in the abandoned west block mine site supplied 5 572 dam^ to Girard Creek; Approximately 70% of this flow volume reached Cookson Reservoir. Wells in the soil salinity project area supplied 827 dam^; However, some minor losses did occur due to a pipeline leak prior to the water reaching the

reservoir.

Table 3.4 Cookson Reservoir Storage Statistics for 1996

Date
30

Elevation in Meters 755

753

751

749

747

745

743

741

1996 Cookson Reservoir

Daily Mean Water Levels Contents in Cubic Decammeters

Full Supply Level 1996 Recorded =^

Median Level Minimum Desired OperaBna Level

Minimum Useable Storage Level

43400

29400

19100

11400

5860

2000

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

Figure 3.15 Cookson Reservoir Mean Daily Water Levels for 1996 and Median Monthly

Water Levels for 1981-1991.

3.4.2 Water-Quality

The 1996 spring runoff had a positive impact on Cookson Reservoir water quality. At the end of

1996, boron concentrations in the reservoir were about 1.9 mg/L compared to about 2.4 mg/L at

the end of 1995. Similarly, TDS decreased from 1400 mg/L at the end of 1995 to about 1100

mg/L at the end of 1996. Water-quality conditions at the end of 1996 were similar to year end

conditions in 1989.

l.S Air-Oualitv

SaskPower's ambient SOj monitoring for 1996 recorded no violations of SERM's hourly and 24

hour average standards at 0.17 and 0.06 ppm, respectively. The highest hourly value was

recorded at 0.1608 ppm in July, 1996.

Total suspended particulate concentrations for 1996 obtained from SaskPower's monitor did not exceed SERM's 24-hour standard of 120 ug/m?. The highest recorded concentration was 116.4 ug/m' in May, 1996. The geometric mean for the high-volume suspended particulate sampler was

14.6 ug/m^.
31

3.6 Quality Control

3.6.1 Streamflow

To test the comparability of streamflow measurements made by the U.S. Geological Survey

(USGS) and Environment Canada (EC), similar measurements were made on the East Poplar River

at the International Boundary on July 2, 1996 by personnel from both agencies. The discharge data shown in Table 3.5 are similar although not identical indicating the difficulty of obtaining the same

measurements of small discharge using conventional current-metre methods. The computations were made using the theoretical discharge of the 9CP V-notch weir of 0.070 m'/s.

Table 3.5 Streamflow Measurement Results for July 2, 1996

Agency

ANNEX 1

POPLAR RIVER

COOPERATIVE MONITORING ARRANGEMENT

CANADA-UNITED STATES

Al-1

ANNEX 1

POPLAR RIVER

COOPERATIVE MONITORING ARRANGEMENT

CANADA-UNITED STATES

AM
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

instimted 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

m. POPLAR RIVER MONITORING COMMITTEE: TERMS OF REFERENCE

A binational committee called the Poplar River Bilateral Monitoring Committee will be established to carry out responsibilities assigned to it under this Arrangement. The Committee will operate

in accordance with the following terms of reference:

Al-2
A. Membership

The Committee will be composed of four representatives, one from each of the participating Governments. It will be jointly chaired by the Government of Canada and the Government of the United States. There will be a Canadian Section and a United States Section. The participating Governments will notify each other of any changes in membership on the Committee. Cochairpersons 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.

Al-3
2. Reports

(a) The Committee will prepare a joint Amiual 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 function on

the part of any cooperating agency under the jurisdiction of that government, and

requesting that appropriate corrective action be taken.

IV. PROVISION OF DATA

In order to ensure that the 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

1997

CANADA-UNITED STATES

A2- 1
TABLE OF CONTENTS

PREAMBLE A2-3

CAMDA

STREAMFLOW MONITORING A2 - 5

SURFACE-WATER-QUALITY MONITORING A2 - 7

GROUND-WATER PIEZOMETERS TO MONITOR

POTENTIAL DRAWDOWN DUE TO COAL SEAM DEWATERING A2 - 10

GROUND-WATER PIEZOMETERS LEVEL MONITORING

- POWER STATION AREA A2 - 12 GROUND-WATER PIEZOMETER LEVEL MONITORING

- ASH LAGOON AREA A2 - 14

GROUND-WATER PIEZOMETER MONITORING

- ASH LAGOON AREA -QUALITY A2 - 20

AMBIENT AIR-QUALITY MONITORING A2 - 28

UNITED STATES

STREAMFLOW MONITORING A2 - 31

SURFACE-WATER-QUALITY MONITORING A2 - 33

GROUND-WATER-QUALITY MONITORING A2 - 35

GROUND-WATER LEVELS TO MONITOR POTENTIAL

DRAWDOWN DUE TO COAL SEAM DEWATERING A2 - 37

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

I

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 Governments. Changes in the sampling locations and parameters may be made by

I

IS Governments based on the recommendations of the committee.

Significant additional information is being collected by agencies on both sides of the International Boundary, primarily for project management or basin-wide baseline data purposes. This additional information is usually available upon request from the collecting agency and forms part of the pool of technical information which may be drawn upon by Governments for specific study purposes. Examples of additional information are water quantity, water-quality, ground-water and air quality data collected at points in the Poplar River basin not of direct concern to the Committee. In

addition, supplemental information on parameters such as vegetation, soils, fish and waterfowl

populations and aquatic vegetation is also being collected on either a routine or specific studies basis by various agencies.

A2-3
POPLAR RIVER

COOPERATIVE MONITORING ARRANGEMENT

TECHNICAL MONITORING SCHEDULES

1997

CANADA

A2-4
STREAMFLOW MONITORING

Responsible Agency: Environment Canada

Daily mean discharge or levels and instantaneous monthly extremes as normally

published in surface water data publications.

No. on Map
S 10 15 Km

•^•mmi^mm^mtm

lO Miitt

HYDROMETRIC GAUGING STATIONS (CANADA)

A2-6
SURFACE-WATER-QUALITY

Sampling Locations

Responsible Agency: Saskatchewan Environment and Resource Management
PARAMETERS —
LEGEND:

CnvAOnmCnt canaM A

SCALE

lO i5 Km

SURFACE-WATER-QUALITY MONITORING STATIONS (CANADA)

A24
GROUND-WATER PIEZOMETERS TO MONITOR POTENTIAL DRAWDOWN

DUE TO COAL SEAM DEWATERING

Responsible Agency: Saskatchewan Environment and Resource Management
lO Mit«t GROUND-WATER PIEZOMETERS TO MONITOR POTENTIAL

DRAWDOWN DUE TO COAL SEAM DEWATERING

A2-11
GROUND-WATER PIEZOMETER MONITORING - POPLAR RIVER

POWER STATION AREA

SPC Piezometer Number
C/)

CL

rv
GROUND-WATER PIEZOMETER MONITORTNGASH LAGOON AREA-WATER LEVEL

SPC Piezometer Number
GROUND-WATER PIEZOMETER MONITORING--

ASH LAGOON AREA-WATER LEVEL (Continued)

SPC Piezometer Number
GROUND-WATER PIEZOMETER MONITORINGASH LAGOON AREA-WATER LEVEL (Continued)

SPC Piezometer Number
GROUND-WATER PIEZOMETER MONITORINGASH LAGOON AREA-WATER LEVEL (Continued)

SPC Piezometer Number
GROUND-WATER PIEZOMETER MONITORINGASH LAGOON AREA-WATER LEVEL (Continued)

SPC Piezometer Number
GROUND-WATER PIEZOMETER MONITORINGASH LAGOON AREA-WATER LEVEL (Continued)

SPC Piezometer Number
GROUND-WATER PIEZOMETER MONITORINGASH LAGOON AREA - QUALITY

SPC Piezometer Number
GROUND-WATER PIEZOMETER MONITORINGASH LAGOON AREA - QUALITY (Continued)

SPC Piezometer Number
GROUND-WATER PIEZOMETER MONITORINGASH LAGOON AREA - QUALITY (Continued)

SPC Piezometer Number
GROUND-WATER PIEZOMETER MONITORINGASH LAGOON AREA - QUALITY (Continued)

SPC Piezometer Number
GROUND-WATER PIEZOMETER MONITORINGASH LAGOON AREA - QUALITY (Continued)

SPC Piezometer Number
GROUND-WATER PIEZOMETER MONITORINGASH LAGOON AREA - QUALITY (Continued)

SPC Piezometer Number
A2-26
PARAMETERS

Responsible Aeency: Saskatchewan Environment and Resource Management
AMBffiNT AIR-QUALITY MONITORING

RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: SASKATCHEWAN ENVIRONMRNT AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
A

LEGEND:

AMSlCNT A« OuAUTT MOMTOMMi A

SCALE

P 5 10 1,5 Km

& 10 Miiet

AMBIENT AIR-QUALITY MONITORING (CANADA)

A2-29
POPLAR RIVER

COOPERATIVE MONITORING ARRANGEMENT

TECHNICAL MONITORING SCHEDULES

1997 UNITED STATES

A2-30
STREAMFLOW MONITORING

Responsible Agency: United States Geological Survey
r

5 10 15 Km

Hi lO Mil«t

HYDROMFTRIC GAUGING STATIONS (UNITED STATES)

A2-32
SURFACE-WATER-
lO Milt«

SURFACE-WATER-QUALITY MONITORING STATIONS (UNITED STATES)

A2-34
GROUND-WATER-QUALITY MONITORING - Station Locations
r
GROUND-WATER LEVELS TO MONITOR POTENTIAL

DRAWDOWN DUE TO COAL SEAM DEWATERING

Responsible Agency:
r

lO Miles

V.

GROUND-WATER PIEZOMETERS TO MONITOR POTENTIAL

DRAWDOWN DUE TO COAL SEAM DEWATERING

A2-38
ANNEX 3

RECOMMENDED FLOW APPORTIONMENT

IN THE POPLAR RIVER BASIN

BY THE INTERNATIONAL SOURIS-RED RIVERS ENGINEERING BOARD,

POPLAR RIVER TASK FORCE (1976)

A3-1
•RECOMMENDED FLOW APPORTIONMENT

IN THE POPLAR RIVER BASIN

The aggregate natural flow of all streams and tributaries in the Poplar River Basin crossing the International Boundary shall be divided equally between Canada and the United States subject

to the following conditions:

1

.

The total natural flow of the West Fork Poplar River and all its tributaries crossing the

International Boundary shall be divided equally between Canada and the United States but the flow at the International Boundary in each tributary shall not be depleted by more than 60 percent of its natural flow.

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

crossing the International Boundary shall be divided equally between Canada and the United States. Specific conditions of this division are as follows:

(a) Canada shall deliver to the United States a minimum of 60 percent of the natural flow of the Middle Fork Poplar River at the International Boundary, as determined below the confluence of Goose Creek and Middle Fork.

(b) The delivery of water from Canada to the United States on the East Poplar River

shall be determined on or about the first day of June of each year as follows:

(i) When the total namral 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 feet per second) shall be delivered to the United States on the East Poplar River at the International Boundary throughout the succeeding 12 month period

commencing June 1st. In addition, a volume of 370 cubic decameters

(300 acre-feet) shall be delivered to the United States upon demand at any time during the 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 (7,5(X) acre-feet),

Canada-United States, 1976, Joint smdies 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 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,(XX) acres-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 acrefeet) 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.

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.

A3-3

ANNEX 4

METRIC CONVERSION FACTORS

A4-1