S Poplar River

333*91 Bilateral

Mibprar Monitoring

19&u Annual report ox

the governments of

Canada* United

States*

1990 ANNUAL REPORT

to the GOVERNMENTS OF CANADA, UNITED STATES,

SASKATCHEWAN AND MONTANA

STATE DOCUMENTS COLLECTION

FEB 1-', 1992

MONTANA STATE LIBRARY 1515 E. 6th AVE- HELENA. MONTANA 59620

by the

POPLAR RIVER

BILATERAL MONITORING COMMITTEE

Poplar

COVERING CALENDAR YEARS 1981-90

PLEA

• 3 1

December 1991
Montana Stale Library

3 0864 1004 5763 2
1990 ANNUAL REPORT

to the

GOVERNMENTS OF CANADA, UNITED STATES,

SASKATCHEWAN AND MONTANA

by the

POPLAR RIVER BILATERAL MONITORING COMMITTEE

covering calendar years 1981-90

December 1991

POPLAR RIVER BILATERAL MONITORING COMMITTEE

Department of State Department of External Affairs

Washington, D.C., United States Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Governor' s Office Saskatchewan Environment and

State of Montana Public Safety

Helena, Montana, United States Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada

Ladies and Gentlemen:

During 1990, the Poplar River Bilateral Monitoring Committee continued to fulfill

the responsibilities assigned by the governments under the Poplar River Cooperative

Monitoring Arrangement dated September 23, 1980. Water quantity, water quality,

and air quality relevant to the International Boundary were monitored in accordance

with the 1990 Technical Monitoring Schedule. The monitoring data were exchanged on

a quarterly basis.

This annual report is the tenth of a series covering the period 1981-90. The report summarizes environmental conditions in the basin during 1981-90 and dis- cusses Committee activities for 1990. Conditions are compared to guidelines for specific parameter values that were developed by the International Joint Commission

under the 1977 Reference from Canada and the United States. References are made to

State, Provincial, or Federal standards or objectives where these are relevant.

After examination and evaluation of the monitoring information for 1990, the Committee finds that the measured conditions meet the recommended objectives.

In March 1991, the three year extension of the Cooperative Monitoring Arrangement

expired. It is respectfully suggested that the Monitoring Arrangement be extended

until the water apportionment and the water-quality objectives are formally adopted

by the governments or until such time that the governments have finalized arrangements for another body to monitor developments in the Poplar River basin.

Herein is the tenth annual report of the Poplar River Bilateral Monitoring Committee.

Yours sincerely,

<y.)K- \\A^^Cfcr

J. R. Knapton R. A. Halliday

Chair, United States Section Chair, Canadian Section

.(^M^- /,.£.

A. Wittich D. D. Nargang

Member, United States Section Member, Canadian Section

TABLE OF CONTENTS

HIGHLIGHTS FOR 1981-90 vi

INTRODUCTION 1 POPLAR RIVER POWER STATION 5 Operations 5 Construction 10 Mining 10 SURFACE WATER QUANTITY 12 Streamflow 12 Apportionment 13 Reservoir Storage 14 Minimum Flows and On-Demand Releases 14 Quality Control 16 1981-90 SURFACE WATER QUALITY 17 East Poplar River 17 Total Dissolved Solids 17 Boron 24 Mercury in Cookson Fish 29

Other Water Quality Variables 31 1990 SURFACE WATER QUALITY 33 East Poplar River 33 Total Dissolved Solids 33 Boron 33 Other Water Quality Variables 34 Girard Creek and Cookson Reservoir 36 1981-1990 36

1990 38 Quality Control 41 GROUND WATER QUANTITY 42 Saskatchewan 42 Cookson Reservoir Supplementary Supply 42 Salinity Dewatering Project 47 Montana 50 GROUND WATER QUALITY 52 Saskatchewan 52 West Side of Lagoon 52 Location 8a (West of Cell #1) 52 Location 9a (West of the Polishing Pond) 55 North Side of Lagoon 58 Location 2a (North of the Polishing Pond) 58 Locations 2b and 2c (North of the Polishing Pond) ... 61 Locations 24, 25, and 26 (North of Cell 3) 61 South Side of Lagoon 62 Locations 22 and 23 (South of Cell #1) 62 Locations 26, 27, and 28 (South of Cell #3) 64 Southwest of Morrison Dam 67 Locations 18 and 21 67 Montana 69
ASH LAGOON QUALITY AND QUANTITY 71 AIR QUALITY 82 Saskatchewan 82 Saskatchewan Environment and Public Safety 82 Sask Power 86

In-Stack Monitoring 87 Stack Sampling 88 Startup and Trip Conditions 89

Montana 90 REFERENCES CITED 91

Tables

Table 1. 1990 Membership of the Poplar River Bilateral

Monitoring Committee 3 Table 2. 1990 Operating Statistics for Generating Unit No.

1 and No. 2 5 Table 3. Recommended Water Quality Objectives and Excursions, 1981-

90 monitoring, East Poplar River at the International

Boundary 32 Table 4. Recommended Water Quality Objectives and Excursions, 1990

Sampling Program, East Poplar River at the International

Boundary 35 Table 5. Historical quality summary, Cookson Reservoir near Morrison Dam 37 Table 6. Yearly abstraction of ground water for supplementary

supply to Cookson Reservoir 43 Table 7. 1990 monthly pumpage for supplementary supply to Cookson

Reservoir 44 Table 8. Poplar River Power Station salinity project 1990 pumpage

volumes 4 8 Table 9. Ash lagoon seepage rates and liner permeabilities at the

Poplar River Power Station, 1984-90 73 Table 10. Sulfation rates for five Montana sites operated during

1990 90

Figures

Figure 1. Annual operating hours for the Poplar River Power Station

Units 1 and 2 6 Figure 2. Annual power production for Poplar River Power Station

Units 1 and 2 7
Figure 3. Annual fuel consumption for fuel oil and coal at the

Poplar River Power Station 8 Figure 4. Map showing past, present, and future coal mines used

to supply the Poplar River Power Station 11 Figure 5. March through October runoff for 1981-90 as compared to the 1931-80 mean and median runoff on the Poplar River

at International Boundary 12 Figure 6. Monthend contents and elevations for Cookson Reservoir . .13 Figure 7 . Recorded discharge of the East Poplar River at International Boundary as compared to the total minimum flow

recommendation 15 Figure 8 . TDS grab sample data for East Poplar River at International Boundary for period 1981-90 19 Figure 9. Box plot of annual TDS concentrations for East Poplar

River at International Boundary for period 1981-90 . . . .19 Figure 10 . Mean daily discharge for water quality sampling dates

for East Poplar River at International Boundary 20 Figure 11. Box plots of monthly TDS concentrations for East Poplar

River at International Boundary for period 1981-90 . . . .20 Figure 12 . Monthly boxplots of streamf lows for samples collected

at East Poplar River at International Boundary for

period 1981-90 21 Figure 13. Distribution of TDS concentrations for East Poplar

River at International Boundary for period 1981-90 ... .22 Figure 14. Sen Slope estimate for TDS at East Poplar River at International Boundary 22 Figure 15. Three-month moving, flow-weighted TDS concentration for East Poplar River at International Boundary 23 Figure 16. Five-year moving, flow-weighted TDS concentration for East Poplar River at International Boundary 24 Figure 17. Boron grab sample data for East Poplar River at International Boundary for period 1981-90 25

Figure 18. Box plots of annual boron concentrations for East Poplar River at International Boundary for period

1981-90 25 Figure 19. Box plots of monthly boron concentrations for East Poplar River at International Boundary for period

1981-90 26 Figure 20 . Distribution of boron concentrations for East Poplar

River at International Boundary for period 1981-90 ... .27
Figure 21. Sen Slope estimate for boron at East Poplar River at International Boundary 27 Figure 22. Three-month moving, flow-weighted boron concentration

for East Poplar River at International Boundary 28 Figure 23. Five-year moving, flow-weighted boron concentration for

East Poplar River at International Boundary 29 Figure 24. Box plots of mercury levels in edible fish in Cookson

Reservoir from 1979 to 1983 30 Figure 25. TDS concentrations for 1990 grab samples from East Poplar River at International Boundary 33 Figure 26. Boron concentrations for 1990 grab samples from East Poplar River at International Boundary 34 Figure 27. TDS concentrations in Cookson Reservoir at Morrison Dam

for the period 1981-90 38 Figure 28 . Boron concentrations in Cookson Reservoir at Morrison

Dam for the period 1981-90 39 Figure 29. Sulphate concentrations in Cookson Reservoir at Morrison

Dam for the period 1981-90 40 Figure 30 . Cone of depression in the Hart Coal Seam from dewatering

activities as of December 1990 45 Figure 31. Cone of depression in the Hart Coal Seam from dewatering

activities as of 1988 46 Figure 32 . Cone of depression in Empress aquifer from dewatering

activities of salinity project as of December 1990 . . . .49 Figure 33. Hydrographs for selected coal wells completed in Hart Coal Bed 50 Figure 34. Hydrographs for GWQQC 5, GWQQC 10, and GWQQC 16 51 Figure 35. TDS in till piezometers C726A and C726C 53 Figure 36. TDS in Empress piezometers C726E and C728E 54 Figure 37. Water levels in Empress piezometers C726E and C728E. . . .54 Figure 38. TDS in till piezometers C728A, C278B, C728C, and C728D . .56 Figure 39. Chloride in till piezometers C728A, C728B, C728C, and

C728D 56 Figure 40. Boron in till piezometers C728A, C728B, C728C, and

C728D 57 Figure 41. Water levels in till piezometers C728A, C728B, C728C,

and C728D 57
figure 42. Boron in intra-till sand piezometer C712B 58 Figure 43. TDS in piezometer C712B and till piezometers C718 and

C719 59 Figure 44. Chloride in piezometer C712B 59 Figure 45. Zinc in piezometer C712B 60 Figure 46. Water levels in piezometer C712B 60 Figure 47. Chloride in till piezometers C718 and C719 61 Figure 48. TDS in till piezometers C714A and C714D 62 Figure 49. TDS in Empress piezometer C714E 63 Figure 50. TDS in Empress piezometer C533 and till piezometer C534. .63 Figure 51. TDS in till piezometers C774B and C775A 64 Figure 52. Boron in till piezometers C774B and C775A 65 Figure 53. Chloride in till piezometers C774B and C775A 65 Figure 54. TDS in Empress piezometer C775D 66 Figure 55. Chloride in Empress piezometer C775D 66 Figure 56. Boron in Empress piezometer C775D 67 Figure 57. TDS in Empress piezometers C741 and C742 68 Figure 58. Water levels in Empress piezometers C741 and C742 68 Figure 59. Concentrations of major ions in milliequivalents per

liter in water from four major aquifers 69 Figure 60 . Total dissolved solids concentrations for water from

selected wells during the period of sampling 70 Figure 61. Ash lagoon seepage rates at the Poplar River Power

Station, 1984-1990 72 Figure 62 . Water-quality data from the Polishing Pond and Ash

Lagoon No. 2 for selected constituents, 1983-1990 76 Figure 63. Saskatchewan maximum hourly sulphur dioxide air quality

data during 1989-90, Coronach water treatment plant. . . .83 Figure 64 . Saskatchewan maximum daily sulphur dioxide air quality

data during 1980-1990, Coronach water treatment plant. . .83 Figure 65. Saskatchewan maximum hourly sulphur dioxide air quality

data during 1985-90, Coronach water treatment plant. . . .84 Figure 66. Saskatchewan maximum daily sulphur dioxide air quality

data during 1986-90, Coronach water treatment plant. . . .84

- v -
Annexes

Annex 1. Poplar River Cooperative Monitoring Arrangement, CanadaUnited States Al-1

Annex 2. Poplar River Cooperative Monitoring Arrangement, Technical Monitoring Schedules, 1989, Canada-United States . .A2-1

Annex 3. Reports Reviewed during 1988 by the Poplar River

Bilateral Monitoring Committee A3-1

Annex 4 . Recommended Flow Apportionment in the Poplar River Basin

by the International Souris-Red Rivers Engineering Board,

Poplar River Task Force (1976) A4-1

Annex 5. Metric Conversions A5-1
HIGHLIGHTS FOR 1981-90

Monitoring information collected in Canada and the United States has been

officially exchanged on a quarterly basis during the past 10 years.

Sampling schedules, frequency of collection, and parameters were modified

throughout this period as recommended by the Bilateral Monitoring

Committee. These modifications were documented in Technical Monitoring

Schedules that were updated annually.

Divisions of transboundary waters on the East Poplar River have been

carried out by Saskatchewan and Montana according to apportionment

recommendations made in 1976 by the Poplar River Task Force of the

International Souris-Red River Engineering Board. Only unintentional

minor deviations from the prescribed formula have occurred. The water

divisions were done voluntarily without a formal apportionment agreement

between the two countries.

Regional drought prevailed during much of the 1980' s with conditions

worsening in the last half of the decade. Using the Poplar River at the

International Boundary as an indicator of basin runoff conditions, the

years of 1987, 1988, and 1989 had respective flow volumes of 27, 7, and

28 percent of long-term averages. The 1990 runoff was 35 percent of

long-term average. Recent volumes of Cookson Reservoir remain much less

than full supply volume and rely to a large extent on contributions of

ground-water pumpage from the abandond Coronach mine.

The concentrations of total dissolved solids and boron on the East Poplar

River at the International Boundary have remained below short-term and

long-term objectives as recommended by the International Joint

Commission (IJC) . Calculations of trends from the 10-year data base

- vii -
indicate that total dissolved solids and boron had an average annual

increase of 3.75 milligrams per liter (mg/L) and 0.0285 mg/L, respectively. Minor excursions of other water-quality objectives have occurred

on occasion, but no excursions remained consistent with time. Concentrations of total dissolved solids and boron have increased with time upstream in Cookson Reservoir.

Monitoring of ground-water levels indicated that dewatering activities of

the Coronach coal mine created a cone of depression that currently is

fluctuating with the 1 metre drawdown contour approximately 1.8

kilometers north of the International Boundary. From 1987 through 1989,

pumpage at the mine decreased by 62.4 percent. Pumpage for 1990

reflected an increase of 56 percent over that of 1989.

The calculated total seepage from the ash lagoons remains well below the

seepage limits proposed in 1979 by the International Poplar River Water

Quality Board of the International Joint Commission. The advancement of

the groundwater front towards Cookson Reservoir in the oxidized till was calculated to be 15.42 metres since the lagoons were initially filled.

The front in the Empress Gravel formation was calculated to have advanced

1,269 metres southeast of the lagoons.

In 1989, Prairie Coal Limited moved mining operations to the South Block

(Willow Bunch Mine) which was developed in 1988. The Willow Bunch Mine

will require little dewatering and therefore, not provide supplemental

water to Cookson Reservoir. Although decreased from past pumpage, ground

water continued to be pumped from the abandoned Coronach mine during 1990

to supplement Cookson Reservoir water supply.

- viii -
Downstream from Cookson Reservoir and contiguous to the East Poplar

River, the hydraulic head in a near-surface, semi-confined aquifer has

increased over pre-reservoir times. During 1989-90, Sask Power installed

a series of wells and initiated pumpage to lower the water table and

reduce soil salinity. Pumped water is piped back to the reservoir.

Monitoring wells were installed during 1990 in Montana near the International Boundary on both sides of the East Poplar River to measure

potential trans-boundary affects of salinity and increased water levels.

Monitoring of air quality at designated sites in Saskatchewan began with

startup of the first generating unit and has continued through 1990.

Monitoring results in 1990 did not show any ambient sulphur dioxide

excursions above Saskatchewan standards. There were no excursions from

the suspended particulate monitor that could be attributed to power

station activity. Air quality monitoring at three primary sites in

Montana continued through 1986. After 1986, monitoring gradually was decreased and in 1990 Montana air-quality monitoring was discontinued.

Monitoring results in Montana indicated that total suspended particulate

standards for Montana and the United States were not exceeded at any of

the three monitoring sites and that levels generally observed were low

and representative of rural Montana.

INTRODUCTION

Sask Power (formerly Saskatchewan Power Corporation) applied to the

Province of Saskatchewan in March 1972 for permission to store and use water from the East Poplar River. In July 1972, the Province reserved

7,400 cubic decametres (dam3

) (6,000 acre feet) of water annually for a period of five years for this purpose. In September 1974, Sask Power

announced plans for the construction of a coal-fired thermal-electric

generating station and ancillary facilities including a reservoir on the East Poplar River and a lignite coal mine at Coronach, Saskatchewan near the International Boundary. Subsequently, Morrison Dam (Cookson Reservoir impoundment) was completed in September 1976 and the first of two

300 megawatt generating units commenced commercial operation in June 1981

followed by the second unit in July 1983.

The IJC, through the Souris-Red Rivers Engineering Board, was advised of

the proposal early in the process. The IJC advised the Governments of

the United States and Canada in February 1975 that it had asked its

International Souris-Red Rivers Engineering Board to review the proposal

in light of a 1948 Reference dealing with water apportionment. The

Commission also advised Governments that the project might adversely

affect air quality and the quality of Poplar River water crossing the

International Boundary and suggested that the Governments review the

matter in light of the provisions of Article IV of the Boundary Waters

Treaty. Water quantity, water quality, and air quality issues were raised in early 1975 in a diplomatic note from the Government of the

United States to the Government of Canada.

The Poplar River Task Force of the International Souris-Red Rivers

Engineering Board was formed in April 1975 to investigate the

apportionment question pursuant to the 1948 Reference dealing with water
- 2- apportionment . In a subsequent report, the IJC recommended that transboundary flows be divided equally between the United States and Canada in

accordance with a prescribed apportionment formula. To date, this recom- mendation has not been formalized by Provincial, State and Federal

Governments

.

In August 1977, the Governments of the United States and Canada, pursuant

to Article IX of the Boundary Waters Treaty of 1909, referred the matter

of water quality in the Poplar River Basin to the IJC. The reference

specifically requested the IJC to examine and report on the water quality

of the Poplar River, including the transboundary water quality implications of the thermal power station of Sask Power and its ancillary

facilities. A study was completed by a multi-disciplinary team of

scientists from Canada and the United States and a summary of findings

and recommendations was published in January 1981.

The Poplar River Bilateral Monitoring Committee was authorized for an initial period of 5 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. On March 12, 1987 the Arrangement was extended by the

Governments for 4 years to March 1991.

The Committee is composed of representatives of the Government of the

United States of America, State of Montana, and Government of Canada and

Province of Saskatchewan. In addition to the representatives of Governments, two ex-officio members from the State of Montana and Province of

Saskatchewan who reside in the Poplar River basin participate in the

activities of the Committee. Table 1 lists the members and ex-officio

members of the Committee during 1990.
- 3 -

Table 1. 1990 MEMBERSHIP OF THE POPLAR RIVER

BILATERAL MONITORING COMMITTEE
- 4 -

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 following year. The Committee

will continue to review and propose changes to the Technical Monitoring

Schedules as information requirements change.

Another responsibility of the Committee includes a quarterly exchange of

data acquired through the monitoring programs. The exchange of monitoring information was initiated with the first quarter of 1981, and is an expansion of the informal quarterly information exchange program initiated between Canada and the United States in 1976. Special reports

dealing with aspects of monitoring and monitoring results requested by

the Committee are sometimes published. Any such reports are reviewed

annually by the Committee. Reports reviewed by the Committee during 1990 are identified in Annex 3. Exchanged data and reports are available for

public viewing at the agencies of the participating governments or from

Committee members.
- 5 -

POPLAR RIVER POWER STATION

Operations

Operations at the Poplar River Power Station during 1990 were similar to previous years with both generating units providing base load capacity.

Operating statistics for 1990 are shown in Table 2. No change in plant

operations are anticipated for the next several years.

A historical review of the operations at the Poplar River Power Station

from 1981 are provided in Figures 1, 2, and 3. Hours of operation for

each unit are shown in Figure 1 and gross terawatt hours generated in

Figure 2. The total coal burned and fuel oil used per year is

illustrated on Figure 3.

Table 2.

1990 Operating Statistics for Generating

Unit No. 1 and No. 2.

Unit No. 1 Unit No. 2

Hours of Operation

Gross MHW generated

Availability (hours) [percent]

Capacity Factor (percent)

Number of Start-ups

Coal Consumed (tonnes)

Oil Consumed (tonnes) Hours in period

7,989
- 6 -

o
7 -

3

H 3

" 3

SHOOH IJLVMVHSi SSOHD

o
00 01 X SWVHDV0I3

oooi x avoo .ao snaxaw oiano
- 9 - The average sulphur content of the coal in 1990 was 0.70 percent.

Analysis was conducted by the Poplar River Power Station laboratory.

Analysis of a monthly duplicate coal sample by an independent laboratory

indicated, on average, a 0.1 percent lower value. Testing for both

laboratories was done in accordance with ASTM procedure D3176. The

sulphur content of the fuel oil was 0.08 percent.

General operations of the ash lagoons were similar to previous years.

Ash Lagoon No. 1 was used in the winter, with ash split between Ash

Lagoon No. 1 and Ash Lagoon No. 3 North in the summer. The Poplar River

Power Station continues to surcharge ash in Ash Lagoon No. 1.

Similar operations are scheduled for 1991 but with more extensive use of

Ash Lagoon No . 3 North planned over the summer months

.

There was one reportable spill in 1990 due to human error. This spill

involved the discharge of ash/ash water. All clean up activity related

to this spill has been completed. No long term environmental damage as a result of this spill is likely. The ash line monitoring program

continued.

In 1989 the "Soil Salinity Project South of Morrison Dam" was initiated

with construction of four pumpwells and a connecting pipeline on the east

side of the East Poplar River. Initial pumping to Cookson Reservoir

started with one pump placed in service September 198 9. By December,

1989, two more pumpwells were placed into service. Three pump operation

continued to the end of 1990. Results for drawdown of groundwater elevations on the east side of the Poplar River have been encouraging.
- 10 -

In 1990, Sask Power assumed responsibility for the dewatering operations

at the abandoned west block mine site. Water from this pumping is used

to supplement the water supply in the Cookson Reservoir and to provide

local domestic requirements.

Construction

Construction of a demonstration scale LIFAC flue gas desulfurization unit

was completed on Poplar River's Unit No. 1 in the third quarter of 1990.

The system was commissioned in September 1990 and extensive testing was done in the last quarter of 1990. Results of testing have been encouraging. Further testing is planned in 1991.

In 1990, four pumpwells and connecting pipeline were added to the "Soil

Salinity Project South of Morrison Dam". These pumpwells were placed on the west side of the East Poplar River. Construction was completed in

October 1990. By the end of 1990, two pumps were in service.

Mining

During 1990, Prairie Coal Limited provided coal to the Poplar River Power Station from the south block mine site located east of Coronach, Saskatchewan. Reclamation of the mined area at the west block mine site con- tinued in 1990 and should be complete in 1992.

The mineable coal supply at the south block mine site is limited to three

to four more years. As a result, Prairie Coal Limited plans to relocate

mining in 1994 to the north block mine area located north of Coronach,

Saskatchewan. Pre-mine development of the north block mine is scheduled

for 1992. The overview of the three mining areas is provided by the map

in Figure 4

.
- 11

Figure 4. —Map showing past, present, and future coal mines used to supply the Poplar River Power Station.
- 12 - SURFACE WATER QUANTITY

Streamflow

Streamflow in the Poplar River basin was much below normal during 1981-

90 . Median March to October runoff at the gaging station on the Poplar

River at the International Boundary for the period was only 40 percent of

the median of the previous 50 years of record. Streamflow was well below

the long-term mean in all but two of ten years. Winter snowfall, spring

rains, and summer thundershowers were all noticeably absent during the

period. A comparison of the March-October runoff for 1981-90 with the

long-term mean and median is shown in Figure 5.

30.000

in

Ld

onHUl<

o

UJQ

O

CD

=5O

20,000

15,000

10,000

5,000

m

A v,

2.

1931-80 mean

March—October runoff

1931-80 median

March—October runoff

V777X

%

1981 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 1990

Figure 5. —March through October runoff for 1981-90 as compared to the

1931-80 mean and median runoff on the Poplar River at International Boundary.
- 13 -

Streamflow in the Poplar River basin was below normal during 1990. The

March to October recorded flow volume of the Poplar River at the Inter- national Boundary was 5,410 cubic decametres (dam3 ), or 32 percent of the

1931-80 mean.

Reservoir Storage

Cookson Reservoir, the source of cooling water for the Poplar River Power

Station, was at full-supply level (FSL) for only three short periods in

the period 1981-90. By the end of 1990, the contents of the reservoir

had dropped to a ten-year low of 23,200 dam3

, or 53 percent of capacity.

Full power plant production requires 18,000 dam3 of water in the reservoir. The monthend contents and elevations for Cookson Reservoir for

1981-90 are shown in Figure 6.

754

749

-i 1

1 1 1 1 1 r

j 1 i i_ -1 L _1 i_

51,900

1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 YEAR

19.100

Figure 6. —Monthend contents and elevations for Cookson Reservoir
- 14 -

Reservoir storage during the 1981-90 period was supplemented by ground

water pumping for purposes of mine dewatering. In most of those years,

the pumping exceeded the amount of water contributed by natural flow. An average of 5,400 dam3 was pumped from the mine annually.

Apportionment

In 1976, the International Souris-Red Rivers Engineering Board, through

its Poplar River Task Force, completed an investigation and made a rec- ommendation to the governments of Canada and the United States regarding

apportionment of the waters of the Poplar River basin. Although not officially adopted by the two countries, Canada has attempted to follow

the apportionment recommendations.

The apportionment of the East Poplar River is determined on the basis of

the natural flow of the Poplar River. Through 1990, the recorded flow of

the Poplar River at the International Boundary was considered to be the

natural flow. The recorded flow for the March-May period each year is

used to determine the minimum flow and on-demand release requirements on the East Poplar River for the succeeding 12 months. Generally, the

greater the flow in the Poplar River, the greater the releases into the

East Poplar River. The complete apportionment recommendation is given in

Annex 4

.

Minimum Flows and On-Demand Releases

During the ten-year period, the flow in the East Poplar River has generally exceeded minimum flow requirements. However, flows did drop below

the recommended minimum for short periods in 1982, 1986, and 1990. Main
- 15 -

causes of these shortages have been severe ice conditions, beaver

activity, and miscommunication.

On-demand releases have been made as requested during the ten-year

period. Inability to accurately control small releases from Cookson

Reservoir has occasionally resulted in an extension of the requested

release period. With the exception of 1981, when two consecutive

releases were made, each year' s on-demand release has been requested and

made in April or May of the following year.

Figure 7 shows the recorded flow of the East Poplar River as compared to the combined minimum flow and on-demand release volume as given in the

apportionment recommendation for 1981-90.

12.000

to

Ld

DC

uj 10,000 <

oUlQ

o

00

=>o

DC<

X

o

COQ

_Jo

8,000 -

6,000 -

4.000 -

2,000 -

29,000

EZl RECOMMENDED MINIMUM FLOW AND RELEASE . ES RECORDED

1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 YEAR

Figure 7. —Recorded discharge of the East Poplar River at International

Boundary as compared to the total minimum flow recommendation.
- 16 -

In 1990, the recommended minimum daily flow of 0.028 cubic metres per

second (m3 /s) was met or exceeded except on June 12 and December 30, 31. Releases to meet the on-demand volume of 370 dam3 were made May 1-31. A salinity-control pumping project downstream from Cookson Reservoir and

upstream from the International Boundary has lowered the groundwater

table and, consequently, reduced the groundwater contribution to the flow

of the East Poplar River at the International Boundary. A total of 705

dam3 was pumped back into Cookson Reservoir from this project in 1990.

Quality Control

Simultaneous discharge measurements have been made by personnel from the

U.S. Geological Survey and Water Survey of Canada annually since 1987. To date, all measurement results have been within acceptable limits, and

many have compared exceptionally well.
- 17 - 1981-90 SURFACE WATER QUALITY

East Poplar River

The 1981 report by the IJC to Governments recommended:

For the March to October period, the maximum flow-weighted

concentrations should not exceed 3.5 mg/L for boron and

1500 mg/L for total dissolved solids for any three

consecutive months in the East Poplar River at the

International Boundary. For the March to October period,

the long-term average of flow-weighted concentrations

should be 2.5 mg/L or less for boron, and 1000 mg/L or less

for total dissolved solids in the East Poplar River at the

International Boundary.

For the period prior to 1982, three-month moving flow-weighted

concentrations (FWC) for boron and total dissolved solids (TDS) were calculated solely from monthly monitoring results. Since the beginning

of 1982, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has monitored specific

conductance daily in the East Poplar River at the International Boundary,

allowing estimates of daily boron and TDS concentration to be derived

from regression relationships with specific conductance. Thus, threemonth FWCs for the period 1982 to 1988 have been calculated from both the

results of monthly monitoring and the daily concentration estimates.

The Bilateral Monitoring Committee adopted the approach that for the

purposes of comparison with the proposed IJC long-term objectives, the

boron and TDS data are best graphically plotted as five-year moving FWCs

which were advanced one month at a time.

Beginning in 1988, FWCs were calculated from the five year period

preceding each plotted point. Prior to 1988, long-term averages were calculated from a five year period in which 2.5 years preceded and 2.5

years followed each plotted point. For example, the FWC for December
- 18 -

1989 refers to the FWC of the period December 1984 to December 1989. It should be emphasized that the calculations have been based on the results

of all samples collected for the three-month and five-year period, and

not restricted to samples collected during March to October.

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

ultimately from groundwater decreases. Conversely, during times of low

streamflow (late summer, winter) the contribution of groundwater to streamflow is proportionally greater. Because the natural groundwater

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 from

January 1981 to December 1990 are shown in Figure 8. In Figure 9, individual years are simplified by annual box plots. For any one year

the maximum and minimum values are displayed by lines extending from a box. The box displays the 25th, 50th (median), and 75th percentiles for

that year. Except for 1982 and 1983, the data ranges remain somewhat

close to the median. In 1982 and 1983, high flow conditions (Figure 10)

likely explain the extremely low TDS values. The TDS observations at the

higher end of the concentration range are probably a consequence of

groundwater contributions to streamflow during low flow conditions.

Seasonally, the lowest TDS concentrations occur from March to May

coinciding with high flow conditions (Figures 11 and 12)

.
- 19 -

1500

1350

1200

1050 \ 900

§, 750 ^ 600 450

300

150 1
- 20
- 21 -

10 1
- 22 -

u

c

3 60 cr

0)

minimum
- 23 -

The proposed short-term objective for TDS is 1,500 mg/L. A time plot of

the three-month moving FWCs for TDS is presented in Figure 15. No ex- ceedances of the objective have been observed during any three month

period since 1975. The three-month FWCs remained confined within a narrow range centered around a mean of approximately 900 mg/L during

1990.

o^

1600 1500

1400 1300

1200

1100 1000 900 w 800 g 700

•- 600

500

400

300 200

100

t—i—i—i—i—i—i—i—i—i—i—i—i—i—i—i—i—i—i—i—i—i—i—i—i—

r

Short-Term Objective (1 500 mg/L)

1 974 1 975 1 976 1 977 1 978 1 979 1 980 1 981 1 982 1 983 1 984 1 985 1 986 1 987 1 988 1 989 1 990 Year

Figure 15. —Three-month moving, flow-weighted TDS concentration

for East Poplar River at International Boundary.

Five-year FWCs for TDS (Figure 16) remained below the long-term objective

of 1,000 mg/L. A 200 mg/L increase in the five-year FWCs which occured

in early 1988 was maintained throughout 1990. This corresponds to a decline in high 1984 spring flows over that period of time. A similar

increase in TDS was seen during mid 1987, as a remnant of 1982 discharge.

Relatively low spring discharges have occurred since 1984. If this trend

continues, it is expected that FWCs will increase slightly or remain near the present concentration level.
- 24 -

1300

1200 1100

1000 — 900

_i \ 800 JL 700

co 600 Q

*~ 500

400

300 200

100

-i—|—i—|—

i

1

1 1

1—

|

1—|—i—|—

i

1

1 1—

i

1

1—|—i—|—i—|—I—

|

1—i—i—|—

r

Long-Term Objective (1 000 mg/L)

' ' i__i i i i i i i i i i i I i i i i i i i

1 974 1 975 1 976 1 977 1 978 1 979 1 980 1 981 1 982 1 983 1 984 1 985 1 986 1 987 1 988 1 989 1 990 Year

Figure 16. —Five-year moving, flow-weighted TDS concentration

for East Poplar River at International Boundary.

The relationship between TDS and specific conductance generated from data

collected from 1975 to 1990 is as follows:

TDS = (0.640 x specific conductance) + 10.701

(R2 =0.87, n=398)

Boron

Figure 17 displays monthly boron data collected from Jan. 1981 to Dec. 1990 by Environment Canada and the USGS . In Figure 18, individual years

are simplified by annual box plots. Within any year, boron displays a marked variability about the median. The lowest boron concentrations

occurred in 1982, 1983, and 1986 presumably as a result of high flow
25 -

3.5

3.0

if 2.5 Cn & 2.0 §

'- 5 M5 1.0

PQ

0.5

0.0
- 26 -

conditions (Figure 10) . The highest boron concentrations occurred in

1981, 1986, and 1988 and are likely the product of low flow conditions.

The seasonal boron pattern observed in Figure 19 closely resembles that

of TDS (Figure 11) ; the lowest boron concentrations occur from March to July coinciding with high flow conditions.

3.5

3.0

2.5

2.0

c§ i.o

0.5 -

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

Month

Figure 19. --Box plots of monthly boron concentrations for East Poplar

River at International Boundary for period 1981-90.

The histogram and summary statistics for boron are shown in Figure 20. As with TDS, boron data are not normally distributed (90% confidence level)

,

showing a significant negative skew. As shown in Figure 21, boron levels

undergo a statistically significant increase from 1981 to 1990 (90% con- fidence level) . The boron increase, as calculated by the Seasonal Kendall Sen Slope Estimate, is approximately 0.0285 mg/L/year. As with TDS,

this trend may be explained by the drought conditions in addition to con- sumptive use of water for cooling and natural evaporation from Cookson

Reservoir

.
27

3 50

minimum
- 28 -

Three-month boron FWCs for the period of record are shown in Figure 22

.

The short term objective of 3.5 mg/L boron was not exceeded for the

period 1975-1990. The similarity in shape between the TDS and boron

plots (Figures 15 and 22) is a strong indication of the significance of

discharge in FWC functions.

from sample analysis

x from regression l_j I i I i I i_J i I L.

1 974 1 975 1 976 1 977 1 978 1 979 1 980 1 981 1 982 1 983 1 984 1 985 1 986 1 987 1 988 1 989 1 990 Year

Figure 22. —Three-month moving, flow-weighted boron concentration

for East Poplar River at International Boundary.

The five-year boron FWCs, displayed in Figure 23, remained well below the

long-term objective of 2 . 5 mg/L boron. From mid-1988 to the end of 1990,

there was a slight increase in the five-year boron FWC. As was the case with TDS, the five-year calculations for boron were significantly

influenced by the relatively large discharge during the spring of 1985.
29 -

3.0

2.6 ^ 2.2 E 1.8 C 1 .4 O

U

O 1.0

PQ 0.6

0.2

i—|—i—|—i—|—i—|—i—|—i—|—i—|—i—|—i—|—i—|—i—|—i—|—i—|—i—|—i—|—i—|—

r

Long-Term Objective (2.5 mg/L)

-i I i I i L J l I l L J I I i I I L

1 974 1 975 1 976 1 977 1 978 1 979 1 980 1 981 1 982 1 983 1 984 1 985 1 986 1 987 1 988 1 989 1 990 Year

Figure 23 . --Five-year moving, flow-weighted boron concentration

for East Poplar River at International Boundary.

The relationship between boron and specific conductance at the East Poplar River sampling location during the period 1975-1990 is described

by the equation:

boron = (0.00149 x specific conductance) - 0.275

(R2 =0.71, n=398)

Mercury in Cookson Fish

Mercury levels in fish in the Cookson Reservoir have been measured on four occasions, in 1979 and 1983 by Environment Canada (Water Quality

Branch, 1980; Munro, 1985), and in 1980 and 1984 by Saskatchewan Environment (Waite and others, 1980) . These fish were collected for the purpose

of meeting consumptive guidelines. The fish are confined to Cookson
- 30 -

Reservoir and as such could only travel downstream as a result of a high

runoff event. As suggested by Waite and others (1980), based on patterns

in other reservoir flooding throughout the world, high initial mercury

levels in fish would be expected as a consequence of organic decay and

methylation of sediment-borne metal. Elevated mercury concentrations in

fish tissues would decline to pre-flooding background levels as organic

matter was assimilated.

Mercury concentration in edible tissue of two size-classes of walleye

(Stizostedion vitreum) from 1979 to 1983 (Figure 24) followed the

2.0-i
- 31 -

expected pattern. Mercury in the edible tissue of smaller classes of

walleye (25-35 cm) rapidly declined from a median concentration of 0.85

milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) in 1979 to 0.14 mg/kg in 1983. Likewise,

the mercury concentration in larger fish (35-50 cm), while remaining

higher than the smaller fish, declined from 1.32 mg/kg in 1979 to 0.42

mg/kg in 1984 . Mercury concentration of Cookson Reservoir white suckers

{Catastomus commersoni) was low (median 0.25-0.29 mg/kg) and unchanged

from 1979 to 1983 (Kruskal-Wallis 2-sample test, p=0.61). Munro (1985)

also reported on several species of "forage fish", such as brassy minnow

(Hybognathus hankinsoni) and less than one year old carp (Cyprinus

carpio) and suckers. Values for these three fish species ranged from

0.03 to 0.25 mg/kg.

Other Water Quality Variables

Table 3 contains a summary of excursions, for the period 1981 to 1990, to the multi-purpose water quality objectives for the East Poplar River at the International Boundary. There were no exceedances of the objectives

recommended by the IJC for TDS and boron. The following exceedances were observed for the objectives recommended by the International Poplar River

Board to the IJC:

Parameter
- 32 - Table 3.

Recommended water quality objectives and excursions,

1981-90 monitoring, East Poplar River at the International Boundary

[units in mg/L except as otherwise noted]

Parameter

No. of samples

Objective USA Canada

Excursions

(No. /Year)

Objectives recommended by IJC to Governments

Boron-total

Total dissolved solids

3.5/2.5(') 113 134

1,500/1, 000 <

l

) 113 133

nil

nil

Objectives recommended by Poplar River Board to IJC

Aluminum-dissolved

Ammonia un-ionized (as N)

Cadmium-total

Chromium-total

Copper -dissolved

Copper-total

Fluoride-dissolved

Lead-total

Mercury-dissolved

Mercury-whole fish (mg/kg)

Nitrate (as N)

Oxygen -dissolved

Sodium adsorption ratio

Sulfate-dissolved

Zinc-total

Water temperature (Celsius)

pH (pH units)

Coliform

Fecal (no. per 100 mL)

Total (no. per 100 mL)
- 33 - 1990 SURFACE WATER QUALITY

East Poplar River

Total Dissolved Solids

Analyzed TDS concentrations in 1990 ranged from 783 mg/L (April 10) to 1,110 mg/L (May 11). 1990 TDS results are presented in Figure 25. As mentioned in the 1981-90 section, there were no exceedences in 1990 of

either the three-month FWCs or the five-year FWCs for TDS.

1200

1100 -

1000 -

E^ 900 -

COQ

>- 800

700

600

• • •

1990 J J A Month

D 1991

Figure 25. —TDS concentrations for 1990 grab samples from

East Poplar River at International Boundary.

Boron

During 1990, boron concentrations in the East Poplar River at the Inter- national Boundary varied from 1.6 mg/L (April 10) to 2.1 mg/L (May 11)

(Figure 26) . In 1990, boron did not exceed either the three-month FWCs

or the five-year FWCs.
- 34 -

2.4

2.2

2.0

CO 1.8 U

O

CQ 1.6

1.4

• • • •

. • ...

1990 J J Month1991

Figure 26. —Boron concentrations for 1990 grab samples from

East Poplar River at International Boundary.

Other Water Quality Variables

Table 4 compares the concentration values for the remaining water quality

variables to the multipurpose water quality objectives recommended by the

International Poplar River Water Quality Board to the IJC. In 1990,

there were no exceedences of these objectives.

Environment Canada monitored the East Poplar River for phenoxyacid

herbicides and organochlorine compounds during 1990. Trace concentrations of 2,4-D (in one of eight samples), and alpha BHC (in one

of nine samples) were recorded. The presence of these compounds in

prairie surface waters is well documented (Integrated Environments

Limited, 1991) . All other organic compounds monitored were below

analytical detection limits.
- 35 - Table 4.

Recommended water quality objectives and excursions,

1990 sampling program, East Poplar River at the International Boundary

[units in mg/L except as otherwise noted] )

Parameter Objective

No. of samples

USA Canada

Excursions

(No. /Year)

Objectives recommended by IJC to Governments

Boron-total

Total dissolved solids

3.5/2.5(»

)

1, 500/1, 000(» ) nilnil

Objectives recommended by Poplar River Board to IJC

Aluminum-dissolved

Ammonia un-ionized (as N)

Cadmium-total

Chromium-total

Copper -dissolved

Copper-total

Fluoride-dissolved

Lead-total

Mercury-dissolved

Mercury-whole fish (mg/kg)

Nitrate (as N)

Oxygen-dissolved

Sodium adsorption ratio

Sulfate-dis solved

Zinc-total

Water temperature (Celsius)

pH (pH units)

Coliform

Fecal (no. per 100 mL)

Total (no. per 100 mL)

0.1
- 36 - Girard Creek and Cookson Reservoir

1981-1990

The 1981-90 Cookson Reservoir data for TDS and boron collected prior to freezeup conditions illustrate increasing trends. A review of concurrent

reservoir volumes and the declining trend over the past four years

suggest the low inflows may have exacerbated the upward trend. During

the same review period, the East Poplar and Girard Creek inflows

demonstrated annual variability but long term trends were not apparent.

The major ion compositions in early winter samples collected in 1980,

1981, 1985, and 1990 from Cookson Reservoir near Morrison Dam and at Highway 36, and Girard Creek were examined. The ionic characteristics

have remained generally similar although some subtle changes in

composition have occurred. The shifts have primarily related to the

magnesium, sodium plus potassium, bicarbonate and sulphate ions.

Over the 1981-90 period, the water quality has essentially been within

the objectives established for the East Poplar River at the international

boundary (Table 5) . Apart from TDS and boron, percentile ranges and

trends for the remaining variables have been as listed in Table 5.
- 37 - Table 5

.

--Historical quality summary, Cookson Reservoir near Morrison Dam

[Note: Units in mg/L unless noted. Trends based on fall data.]
- 38 - 1990

Saskatchewan Environment and Public Safety reported quarterly on the

water quality at four locations in the Poplar River Basin during 1990.

Sites included Girard Creek south of Coronach, Cookson Reservoir at Highway 36, Cookson Reservoir near Morrison Dam, and East Poplar River

immediately below Morrison Dam. Sampling at these sites was carried out

in February, May, August, and November.

A review of the data from these locations showed concentrations of virtually all water quality variables to be within the recommended waterquality objectives for the East Poplar River (Table 4) . At the Girard

Creek station, single anomalous excursions were noted for zinc and chromium. Spring runoff in 1990 was much below the long term normal. Res- ervoir water quality (dissolved salts) improved only marginally in the

spring relative to the preceding winter water quality. Figures 27, 28,

Figure 27. —TDS concentrations in Cookson Reservoir at Morrison Dam for the period 1981-90.
- 39 -

i r

Figure 28. —Boron concentrations in Cookson Reservoir

at Morrison Dam for the period 1981-90.

and 29 illustrate the increasing concentrations for TDS, boron, and

sulphates, respectively.

To alleviate the elevated water table south of the reservoir and the

attendant soil salinity concerns, Sask Power undertook a soil salinity

project south of Morrison Dam. With the intent to lower the water table

to pre-reservoir levels, wells were installed in a reach approximately

2.5 km below the dam. Phase 1 involved the installation of four wells on the east side of the River in 1989 and in 1990 four wells were placed on the west side as Phase 2. Discharge is returned to the reservoir through

a common line. Three wells on the east side were operated during 1990

and pump testing for the west side wells was initiated in late 1990.
- 40 -

1981 982 1983 1984 1985 1986 Year1987 1988 1989 1990

Figure 29. —Sulphate concentrations in Cookson Reservoir

at Morrison Dam for the period 1981-90.

Return groundwater quality and volumes were measured. From startup in

September, 1989, through December 1990, the total pumpage was approximately 896 dam3 - less than 5% of the 1990 reservoir volumes. Water

quality measurements have indicated slightly lower concentrations of

total dissolved solids and boron than were present in the reservoir.

In 1990, Sask Power assumed responsibility for the regional dewatering

system west of Coronach. Pumped volumes to Girard Creek and water quality measurements immediately downstream of the majority of pump wells

were obtained. During 1990, this supplementary water supply provided

approximately 4,693 dam3

, less than 20% of the 1990 Reservoir volume.

The water quality is characterized by lower total dissolved salts and
- 41 -

boron concentrations (means of 943 and 1.28 mg/L respectively) than in

Cookson Reservoir.

Quality Control

Quality control sampling was carried out at the East Poplar River at the

International Boundary on September 13, 1990. Participating agencies

included the United States Geological Survey, Environment Canada,

Saskatchewan Environment and Public Safety and Sask Power.

Sets of triplicate samples were split from USGS sampling churns and

submitted to the respective agency laboratories for analyses. Field

procedures were identical to those used to 1986, 1987, 1988, and 1989.

The results were subsequently distributed to all participants for review

by both field and analytical personnel. Most parameters showed good

reproducibility. Results for total Kjeldahl nitrogen, dissolved iron and

total molybdenum are not comparable. For total phosphorus, TDS and total

chromium, one set of results is noticeably high compared to the other

reported sets. Similarly, one of the reported data sets is low for

silica and dissolved aluminum. The results reported by one agency for

magnesium showed unacceptable variability. The USGS and Saskatchewan

Environment and Public Safety's relatively high detection limits for

nitrate/nitrite make it difficult to evaluate the results for these

parameters

.

Environment Canada will do a more detailed evaluation of all of the

available historical data for this comparative quality control exercise

and report to the Committee in early 1992.
- 42 -

GROUND WATER QUANTITY

Saskatchewan

Cookson Reservoir Supplementary Supply

On January 1, 1990, Sask Power took over responsibility for the network

of coal mine dewatering wells south and west of Coronach. Sask Power

assumed this responsibility for the purpose of using the network to supplement surface flows into Cookson Reservoir. Previously, this

network had been operated and maintained by Prairie Coal for the purpose

of dewatering the Hart coal seam to allow mining.

Most wells were in poor state of repair when taken over by Sask Power. Therefore, during the summer of 1990, approximately 25 wells were repaired and used as pump wells in 1990, with ten discharge points being

used. In addition, five piezometers were replaced and five new piezometers were constructed.

Sask Power informed Saskatchewan Water Corporation that previous discharge volume measurements were possibly 30 to 50 percent in error. Saskatchewan Water Corporation and Sask Power were in agreement that this

deficiency must be addressed. In order to more accurately determine

pumped volumes, flow meters were installed in 1990 to verify flow

volumes. Accurate quantification will greatly assist in long term

decisions on aquifer yield.

Table 6 shows that groundwater pumpage from the well network peaked in

the early to mid-1980' s followed by continuing decrease in pumping in

1986 to 1989. This trend was reversed in 1990 with total abstraction for
- 43 -

the supplementary supply reaching 4,693 dam3 (3,804 acre/ft). This rate

of abstraction is expected to be maintained through 1991. The return to higher abstraction rates reflected the well network's new role as a supplementary supply during an extended period of drought and low surface

runoff. Saskatchewan Water Corporation had granted Sask Power a temporary allocation of 5,000 dam3 for 1990 and an additional 5,000 dam3

for 1991. A summary of the monthly pumpages from all supplementary

supply wells is shown in Table 7.

Table 6. —yearly abstraction of ground water for

supplementary supply to Cookson Reservoir.

Year Volume (dam3

) Volume (acre/ft)

Pre-1980 11,351 9,202

1980 4,064 3,295

1981 5,696 4,618

1982 5,993 4,858

1983 8,348 6,765

1984 7,764 6,294

1985 7,083 5,742

1986 5,032 4,080

1987 5,532 4,485

1988 3,492 2,831

1989 2,078 1,685

1990 4,693 3,804

Pumping was initiated in 1976,
- 44 -

Table 7.

1990 monthly pumpage for supplementary

supply to Cookson Reservoir

.

Month

Pumps

working

Average
- 45 -

en <v c g

-HM C

0) -H

4-> (0 to 5 rH

a)m o >u g Q) O 4-> u c

<t-\ -H g M

(0 P

d) O

CO 4-> C H o

n3 cj oo

4-> oM en

(TJ CTl a: rH

<p

M

.c cu _„ 4-> C CU •H O

d) C Q o

•H <+-l CO O

CO0) CO M (0

a> co x> a) •H m -p o -H>

cu -h C 4-> o u o <o ii

0)M

V
- 46 \
- 47 -

not be enough to have significant impacts on residents. Nonetheless,

well inventories and the monitoring network may have to be extended in

the area. In addition, possible interactions with Fife Lake may have to

be addressed. There also seems to have been minor expansion of the cone

of depression easterly towards Cookson Reservoir.

In order to obtain additional knowledge of the area, Sask Power has

undertaken a groundwater modeling study for the supplementary supply. It is hoped that this study will provide additional information on the yield

of the aquifer and possible impacts on the International Boundary and the area northwest of the supplementary supply wells.

Salinity Dewatering Project

A second groundwater project is being undertaken by Sask Powei near Cookson Reservoir. This is a dewatering project which is intended to reduce a salinity build-up that appears to have resulted from an increase

in the water table below the dam following the filling of the reservoir.

The project went into operation in the fall of 1989, with three wells in

operation. A total of 131 dam3 (106 acre/ft) was pumped from the three

wells in 1989. During the fall of 1990, an additional 4 wells were installed and one was put into operation. Total pumpage from all

salinity project wells for 1990 was 706 dam3 (572 acre/ft) . Table 8 shows monthly pumpages for 1990 from each well. Van der Kamp and

Maathuis (1989) concluded that dewatering rates up to 1,100 dam3 /year

(890 acre/ft/year) are possible.
- 48 - Table 8.

Poplar River Power Station salinity project

1990 monthly pumpage volumes

[cubic metres]

Month
- 49 -

NOTE: CONTOUR ELEWIONS

ARE IN metres

FROZEN RGE 26W2M

TP1

LEGEND HART-SEAM CORONACH SEAM

EMPRESS GRAVEL DESTROYED

OTHER PUMPWELL

Figure 32. —Cone of depression in Empress aquifer from dewatering

activities of salinity project as of December 1990.

Contour in metres.
- 50 - Montana

The Montana groundwater monitoring program consisted of 10 wells (GWQQC

2-11) from 1978 until 1984, when 11 additional wells (GWQQC 12-22) were installed. Well 4 was dropped from the schedule in September 1990 when

it was found plugged. In 1990, two additional wells were installed to monitor effects of pumping the Empress Gravels for salinity control.

Hydrographs reflecting water level measurements for selected wells

completed in the Hart coal are presented in Figure 33, and measurements

along with recorder readings for other wells are presented in Figure 34.

Hydrographs of selected wells

19 -x- 17 2458

J. 2456

1 2454

>*F>

Figure 33 . --Hydrographs for selected coal wells

completed in Hart Coal Bed.

Beginning in 1987 and 1988, trends of water-level decline have developed

in several wells. Water levels in wells completed in the Hart coal bed

have declined approximately 1 foot thus far, the apparent greatest

decline (well 6) occurring at the International Boundary south of Cookson

Reservoir. Wells 5 and 10, also located at the border and completed in

unconsolidated beds, show variable water-levels. The variability is

probably attributable to the pumping associated with salinity control

pumpage below Cookson Reservoir

.
- 51 -

GWQQC 5

w5 recorder measured

^| 2453

c 2452

o

=5 2451

-I 2450

_a> 2449

-D 2 **8

I 2447 ^ 2446

2445

Jan—86

Date

2437

2436

2435

2434

2433

2432

243 1 2430

2429

2428

2530

| 2525

o§ 2520

"5

-| 251 5

GWQQC 1 O

'lO recorder -*- measured

-W^-*.*- "V^V.

Jan—8 6 Oats GWQQC 1 6

wl 6 recorder measured

v>~^

Jan—8 6 Date

Figure 34. —Hydrographs for GWQQC 5, GWQQC 10 nd GWQQC 16
- 52 -

A water-level decline in well 16, located to the west in the Middle Fork

of the Poplar drainage, of approximately 5 feet is not explainable at this time.

Other wells being monitored (4, 8, 9, 11 and 18) which includes two in

the Fox Hills-Hell Creek aquifer, have shown no trends in water-level

change

.

GROUND WATER QUALITY

Saskatchewan

Ground water sampling continued in 1990 at the locations specified in the

Technical Monitoring Schedule. The ground water quality and water levels were compared to historical data for each of the piezometers in the 1990

Monitoring Schedule.

A number of graphs are presented for total dissolved solids, chloride,

boron, and water level measurements to illustrate the results of monitoring to date. Chloride was selected because it is a conservative

constituent in ground water systems and boron because it is a significant

contaminant in the ash lagoon waters. A statistical trend analysis was performed on selected parameters. The following discussion of ground

water quality is organized by piezometer locations relevant to the ash

lagoon

.

West Side of Lagoon

Location 8a (West of Cell #1)

Piezometers, C726A and C726C are completed in the till. There have been

no significant water quality changes in these piezometers. A plot of
- 53 -

total dissolved solids (TDS) -vs-time is shown in Figure 35 for these

piezometers. Piezometer C726E, in the Empress Gravels, shows no significant water quality changes. TDS-vs-time is plotted for this

piezometer in Figure 36. Water levels have decreased in C726E as shown

in Figure 37. This is consistent with water level results for

piezometers in the Empress Gravels at other locations.

1400

1200

1000

< 800

EH 600 +

400

200

C726C

C726A

5/25/79 2/18/82 11/14/84 8/11/87 5/7/90

SAMPLE DATE RANGE

1/31/93

Figure 35. —TDS in till piezometers C726A and C726C,
- 54 -

1200

r-H

C728E

C726E

5/25/79 2/18/82 11/14/84 8/11/87 5/7/90 1/31/93

SAMPLE DATE RANGE

Figure 36. —TDS in Empress piezometers C726E and C728E.

752.5 T

752

751.5 4

751

750.5 *

750

749.5

749 4-

I

h

\

5/25/79 2/18/82 11/14/84 8/11/87 5/7/90 1/31/93

SAMPLE DATE RANGE

Figure 37. —Water levels in Empress piezometers C726E and C728E,
- 55-

Location 9a (West of the Polishing Pond)

Piezometers C728A, C728B, C728C, and C728D are in the till. Piezometers

C728A and C728D, in the oxidized till, have been monitored for water

quality since April, 1986. TDS levels have been steady for C728A and

indicate an increasing trend for C728D as shown in Figure 38. The

results are elevated compared to the till piezometers at location 8a. Chloride (CI) results have decreased for C728A, and C728D indicates an increasing trend as shown in Figure 39. Boron (B) results have been

steady for both of these piezometers as shown in Figure 40. Water levels

for these piezometers seem to be stabilized after a significant increase

for a number of years as shown in Figure 41.

Piezometer C728C is in the mottled till and C728B is in the unoxidized

till. C728C indicates a slight increase for TDS in Figure 38. C728B

shows a steady trend for TDS in Figure 38. CI results have been steady

for C728B and slight increasing trend for C728C as shown in Figure 39. B results are steady for both piezometers as shown in Figure 40. Uranium

concentrations increased in C728C in 1984. However, results since 1984 are typical of piezometers completed in the mottled till. Water levels

are increased for C728C and have been steady for C728B as shown in Figure

41.

Piezometer C728E is in the Empress Gravels. TDS have been variable with

no trends as shown in Figure 36. The results are similar to TDS for

C726E in the Empress Gravels at location 8a. Other water quality parameters for C728E have shown no consistent changes. Water levels for

C728E have been decreasing as shown in Figure 37.
- 56 -

8000

7000

6000

5000 t E 4000

3000 -

2000

1000 -

U-fjlfu Aj^ y

3-qf

5/25/79 2/18/82 11/14/84 8/11/87 5/7/90

SAMPLE DATE RANGE

—- C728D

—a— C728C —— C728B

C728A

1/31/93

Figure 38. —TDS in till piezometers C728A, C728B, C728C, and C728D,

450

400

350

_, 300

E 250 f § 200

J ^w i 150

100 - 50

V7£

/•

. a,,-^X /v. , . ~.„-0.. cy--axy-Ojj-njyAJn3

5/25/79 2/18/82 11/14/84 8/11/87 5/7/90 SAMPLE DATE RANGE

-* C728A

P C728B

C728D - C728C

1/31/93

Figure 39. —Chloride in till piezometers C728A, C728B, C728C, and C728D,
- 57 -

1.6

1.4

1.2 t

1

0.8

0.6

0.4

0.2

•A

V

/ u u \n\4

5/25/79 2/18/82 11/14/84 8/11/87 5/7/90

SAMPLE DATE RANGE

-» — C728A -a— C728B

C728C

C728D

1/31/93

Figure 40. —Boron in till piezometers C728A, C728B, C728C, and C728D,

T 758

756

754

Ed 752 i £ 750 |

748

j

746 i

744 ic&^.^r'-

OO ooc* VVU t U LfrP

5/25/79 2/18/82 11/14/84 8/11/87 5/7/90

SAMPLE DATE RANGE

-* C728D ° C728C

-• C728B < C728A

1/31/93

Figure 41. —Water levels in till piezometers C728A,

C728B, C728C, and C728D.
s

- 58 -

North Side of Lagoon

Location 2a (North of the Polishing Pond)

Piezometer C712B which is in the intra till sand, shows increasing B levels in Figure 42. TDS results have gradually decreased after significantly increasing from 1980 to 1983 as shown in Figure 43. CI levels

show a decreasing trend in Figure 44. The sample result for zinc (Zn) in

1990 decreased to concentrations obtained in 1986 and 1987 as shown in

Figure 45. Water levels have been steady as indicated in Figure 46.

A review of the leachate movement at piezometer C712B was done during the

leachate review of the ash lagoons conducted by Clifton Associated Ltd.

for Sask Power. The leachate review was combined with the seepage calculation review and forwarded to the Poplar River Bilateral Monitoring Committee members for comments. The leachate review noted that a slug of

leachate is probably affecting the sand lens piezometers.

C712B

16

1412 + 10

86 4 4

2

4-

5/25/79 10/6/80 2/18/82 7/3/83 11/14/84 3/29/86 8/11/87 12/23/88 5/7/90 9/19/91 SAMPLE DATE RANGE

Figure 42. —Boron in intra-till sand piezometer C712B,
- 59 -

8000 ;

I 7000 -

I 6000 T 5000

£f 4000

3000 J

2000 --

1000

4

/s

A N

/ \ /

, w%

\ N* *

f^^rb cld-- on-tita^-tn ann-^M^x^v^

H H

C719 -a--— C718 --•— C712B

7/29/78 6/28/80 5/29/82 4/28/84 3/29/86 2/27/88 1/27/90 12/28/91

SAMPLE DATE RANGE

Figure 43. —TDS in piezometer C712B and till piezometers C718 and C719.

C712B

250

i 200 j

I If 150 t

on | £ 100 ;

50 |

A

—

5/25/79 10/6/80 2/18/82 7/3/83 11/14/84 3/29/86 8/11/87 12/23/88 5/7/90 9/19/91 SAMPLE DATE RANGE

Figure 44. —Chloride in piezometer C712B.
60 -

C712B

0.2 0.18 | 0.16 | 0.14 r 0.12 ; 0.1

| 0.08 : 0.06 - 0.04

j 0.02 -

2/18/82

/ I - /

/

7/3/83 11/14/84 3/29/86 8/11/87

SAMPLE DATE RANGE

12/23/88 5/7/90 9/19/91

Figure 45. —Zinc in piezometer C712B,

C712B

753.4

753.2 753

752.8

23 752.6 - m~* * I \ ~ 752.4 t 752.2 j 752

1%

MPi ft \fo

751.8 4-

'

5/25/79 10/6/80 2/18/82 7/3/83 11/14/84 3/29/86 8/11/87 12/23/88 5/7/90 9/19/91 SAMPLE DATE RANGE

Figure 46. —Water levels in piezometer C712B.
- 61 -

Locations 2b and 2c (north of the Polishing Pond)

Piezometer C718 and C719 at location 2b and 2c, respectively, are in the

till. TDS have increased slightly in C719 and have been steady in C718.

CI results have been decreasing in C719 and steady in C718 as indicated

in Figure 47. C719 has shown an increasing trend for sulphates and also

an increase in uranium results until 1985 with a steady trend since then.

160

i 140 }

120 T 100

80

60

40

20

10/6/80

A* . \

D-C

C719 -a C718

L \ r

j-LHJ

2/18/82 7/3/83 11/14/84 3/29/86 8/11/87 12/23/88 5/7/90 9/19/91 SAMPLE DATE RANGE

Figure 47. —Chloride in till piezometers C718 and C719

Locations 24. 25. and 26 (North of Cell 3)

Piezometers C714A and C714D in the till are at locations 24 and 25

respectively. TDS have increased in C714A and have been steady in C714D

as shown in Figure 48. Other water quality parameters have shown no consistent changes.
- 62 -

6000

5000

4000

E 3000 t O

2000

1000

H

LH^g

*

rA f{ q a^

U LP i_y H

C714D

71 4A

7/29/78 6/28/80 5/29/82 4/28/84 3/29/86 2/27/88 1/27/90 12/28/91

SAMPLE DATE RANGE

Figure 48. —TDS in till piezometers C714A and C714D.

Piezometer C714E in the Empress Gravels is at location 26. TDS have been

steady as shown in Figure 49 with a slightly lower-than-normal concentration compared to the Empress piezometers.

South Side of Lagoon

Locations 22 and 23 (South of Cell #1)

Piezometer C533 is in the Empress Gravels at Location 22 and piezometer

C534 is in the till at location 23. TDS have not shown any trends to lower or higher concentrations as indicated in Figure 50. TDS have

fluctuated over a wide range for C534 with values similar to other till

piezometers. CI and B results have shown no significant trends.
- 63 -

6000

5000 t

4000

3000 4-

2000 -

1000

i

A-Vj

3-^Q^n^r^ft-^^r^t^cjfw^^.r^-^

_i 1 8/28/76 5/25/79 2/18/82 11/14/84 8/11/87 5/7/90 1/31/93

SAMPLE DATE RANGE

Figure 49. —TDS is Empress piezometer C714E.

C534

C533

900

850

*SjS 800 +

COa 750 |

700

i 650 I 11/14/84

A

C714E

/A/ \ A

^

3/29/86 8/11/87 12/23/88

SAMPLE DATE RANGE

5/7/90 9/19/91

Figure 50.--TDS in Empress piezometer C533 and till piezometer C534
- 64 -

Locations 26. 27. and 28 (South of Cell #3)

Piezometer C774B is in the oxidized till at location 26 and piezometer

C775A is in the oxidized till at location 27. TDS have shown no con- sistent changes for these piezometers as noted in Figure 51. B concen- trations have appeared to decrease with time for C775A as show in Figure

52 . CI concentrations as indicated in Figure 53 for both piezometers,

have been steady.

Piezometer 775D is in the Empress Gravels at location 28. TDS, as shown

in Figure 54, have been steady since 1987 after a significant increase

from 1985 and 1986 results. CI shows trends similar to TDS as noted in

Figure 55. B results seem to be decreasing slightly as shown in Figure

56. Other water quality parameters show no significant changes.

7000 T 6000 -

5000 y

< 4000

ES 3000

2000

1000

f ^»

3/29/86

^

l -

^H

XT

8/11/87 12/23/88 5/7/90

SAMPLE DATE RANGE

- C774B - C775A

9/19/91

Figure 51. —TDS in till piezometers C774B and C775A.
- 65

1.2

1

0.8

0.6

0.4 t

0.2

d

Lk.

4—

3/29/86

°-D-^.

h ^

Y

8/11/87 12/23/88 5/7/90

SAMPLE DATE RANGE

9/19/91

Figure 52. —Boron in till piezometers C774B and C775A.

250

200

150

100

C775A

C774B

50 t

3/29/86 8/11/87 12/23/88 5/7/90

SAMPLE DATE RANGE

9/19/91

Figure 53. —Chloride in till piezometers C774B and C775A.
- 66 -

1600

1400 - 1200

1000

i 800 } - 600 t 400

J 200 i

rC775D

V

12/19/85 7/7/86 1/23/87 8/11/87 2/27/88 9/14/88 4/2/89 10/19/89 5/7/90 11/23/90

SAMPLE DATE RANGE

Figure 54. —TDS in Empress piezometer C775D.

C775D

3530

25

E 20 | 15 x

10

5

-

12/19/85 7/7/86 1/23/87 8/11/87 2/27/88 9/14/88 4/2/89 10/19/89 5/7/90 11/23/90

SAMPLE DATE RANGE

Figure 55. —Chloride in Empress piezometer C775D.
- 67 -

C775D

1.6

1.4

1.2

1 -

0.8

0.6

0.4

0.2 4

%

12/19/85 7/7/86 1/23/87 8/11/87 2/27/88 9/14/88 4/2/89 10/19/89 5/7/90 11/23/90

SAMPLE DATE RANGE

Figure 56. --Boron in Empress piezometer C775D.

Southwest of Morrison Dam Locations 18 and 21

Piezometers C741 and C742 are in the Empress Gravels at locations 18 and

21, respectively. TDS as shown in Figure 57, have not indicated any

significant changes since the higher values in 1983-84. There are no significant trends for other water quality parameters for these piezometers. Water levels for these piezometers as shown in Figure 58, are decreasing since 1986 similar to other Empress Gravel piezometers.

Overall TDS and CI concentrations are higher and more variable in the

till than the Empress Gravels. However, B concentrations are typically

higher in the Empress Gravels than the till.
- 68 -

1400

1200 -

1000 :

^2 800

E

g 600

400

200 -

. *fy^ % V

-mynj£vo- a^

jn

11/6/78 1/14/81 3/25/83 6/2/85 8/11/87 10/19/89 12/28/91

SAMPLE DATE RANGE

Figure 57. —TDS in Empress piezometers C741 and C742

748

747.5

747

js

S3 746.5 x 746

F

rjd fa >

*.*

h

745.5 [ a ft

i 745 |

744.5 J I

1 7/29/78 6/28/80 5/29/82 4/28/84 3/29/86 2/27/88 1/27/90 12/28/91 SAMPLE DATE RANGE

Figure 58. —Water levels in Empress piezometers C741 and C742
- 69 -

Montana

Groundwater from the different sources has unique water quality characteristics as illustrated by Figure 59. Water in the Fox Hills-Hell Creek

(Frenchman-Whitemud-Eastend) regional aquifer has characteristics typical of those for the rest of the region. The water has undergone cation

exchange and sulfate reduction, leaving very low concentrations of calcium, magnesium, and sulfate. The chloride concentrations are higher

than those occurring in eastern Montana but are not atypicial for this

locale (Montana Groundwater Information Center data, Butte) . Predominant

constituents are therefore sodium, chloride, and bicarbonate.

-* wt -«-w1l -»-w5 -e-w6 -*-»t0

Ug No+K

Fox Hills-Hell Creek Unconsolidated

Fort Union non-coal

Figure 59 . --Concentrations of major ions in milliequivalents

per liter in water from four major aquifers.
- 70 - High concentrations of sodium and bicarbonate also occur in the Fort Union (Ravenscrag) Formation but chloride concentrations are substantially lower than those in the Fox Hills-Hell Creek aquifer. Most of the

Hart coal wells in the Fort Union Formation have higher concentrations of

calcium and magnesium than sodium, but water quality in a localized group

of wells (13 and 15) resembles that of other Fort Union beds suggesting

hydraulic continuity between the coal and non-coal aquifers.

Water quality of the shallow unconsolidated deposits resembles that of

the Fort Union, suggesting a common flow system for these units.

Sampling for water quality was performed annually on wells listed in the

quantity section until 1989, when the schedule was reduced to wells 5-11

13, 15, and 19.

There has been little variability over time in the toal dissolved solids

at selected wells as indicated in Figure 60.

Figure 60. —Total dissolved solids concentrations for water from

selected wells during the period of sampling.
- 71 -

The concentrations show no significant trends over the period of record.

A change from an average of 1,500 mg/L to 660 mg/L was observed for well

4 in 1986. The casing was found broken at ground surface allowing sur- face water to enter the well. The 1.5 inch diameter casing makes purging

difficult. This well has been dropped from the sampling schedule.

ASH LAGOON QUALITY AND QUANTITY

The ash lagoon system at the Poplar River Power Station continues to be

operated on a closed system basis with no discharge to surface waters. During 1990, an estimated 577,800 m3 of ash was deposited to the ash

lagoons. Approximately 346,700 m3 of water was used for sluicing. The

sluiced ash was usually directed to the west or east side of Ash Lagoon

No. 1 or the southeast corner of Ash Lagoon No. 3. Occasionally, sluiced

ash was directed to the west side of Ash Lagoon No. 2. When ash is

directed to Ash Lagoon No. 1, the normal series operation is Ash Lagoon

No. 1, Ash Lagoon No. 2, and the Polishing Pond. When ash is directed to Ash Lagoon No. 3, water from that lagoon is pumped to Ash Lagoon No. 2 where it flows by gravity to the Polishing Pond. When ash is directed to Ash Lagoon No. 2, water flows by gravity directly to the polishing pond.

In all cases, water from the polishing pond is returned to the plant for

sluicing.

During 1990, maximum and minimum water depths were 7.0 and 5.3m in Ash

Lagoon No. 1, 5.9 and 4.5 m in Ash Lagoon No. 2, 1.93 and 0.8 m in Ash

Lagoon No. 3, and 4.1 and 1.7 in the polishing pond.
- 72 -

During 1990, approximately 3,200 metres of ash line was replaced. Most

of the replaced pipe was heavier walled than the pipe that was originally

installed. Where possible, the ash lines were placed inside the lagoon

dykes so that any leaks would be contained within the lagoon system.

In November 1990, the ash dykes on Ash Lagoon No. 1 were built up to make

room for future operations. The discharge structure was also modified

accordingly.

Seepage calculation using the methods developed by T.A. Prickett, P.E.,

of Urbana, Illinois, were slightly modified in 1989 to address the loss

of piezometer series C730 associated with Ash Lagoon No. 1. The same modifications which involve estimating data for C730 series piezometers

were used in 1990. Also, as in 1989, piezometer level measurements were used rather than calculating the change in water levels per year. Results of the seepage calculations for Ash Lagoon No. 1, 2, and 3 and the

polishing pond are shown in table 9. A graph of annual seepage rates is

shown in Figure 61.

TOTAL SEEPAGE ASH LAGOON No. 2 POLISHING POND

ASH LAGOON No t ASH LAGOON No. 3 NORTH

Figure 61. —Ash lagoon seepage rates at the Poplar

River Power Station, 1984-1990.
- 73 -

Table 9.Ash lagoon seepage rates and liner permeabilities

at the Poplar River Power Station, 1984-90

Liner

Permeability

(cm/s)

Vertical (L/s)

Seepage Rate

Horizontal

(L/s) Total (L/s)

Polishing Pond
- 74 -

An extensive review of the seepage calculations has been completed by

Sask Power. Several different methods were used to calculate estimated

seepage rates and lagoon liner permeabilities. The seepage rate values

obtained were higher but in the same order of magnitude as the seepage

rates obtained by the existing method. While this confirms the existing

method of seepage calculation, Sask Power still recommends proceeding

with the adoption of an updated method following acquisition of

additional piezometric information.

The Saskatchewan Department of Environment and Public Safety requires

that Sask Power maintain the stability of the ash lagoon system dykes.

In addition to the regular visual inspections, an annual investigation by

a geotechnical engineer was conducted in October 1990. The geotechnical

consultant indicated that the ash lagoon dykes and liners have good

integrity and the ash is contained effectively. The consultant noted

that the lagoon system is performing as designed. No special recommen- dations were made other than continued routine monitoring. The freeboard

limits were not exceeded during 1990 for Ash Lagoon No. 2, Ash Lagoon No.

3, and the Polishing Pond. Freeboard limits were exceeded on Ash Lagoon

No. 1 during 1990; however, the intent of the freeboard limit was no longer relevant due to the ash dykes within the clay dykes. The

freeboard limit for Ash Lagoon No. 1 was removed from the new permit

issued by Saskatchewan Environment and Public Safety in November 1990.

Sask Power continued to experiment with the surcharging of ash into the

lagoons. A geotechnical review of the ash surcharging project was com- pleted in 1990. The report indicates that slopes of 25 percent should

pose no problems. The report also recommended that the ash stacks be
- 75 -

limited to 10 m in height without special ash stacking procedures. The

experimental program which was started in 1978 to determine suitable

types of vegetation for the exposed ash, continued in 1990. Three

species of grass continued to show good results.

The water quality data continued to show slight increasing trends in

sodium and molybdenum; however, a leveling trend for these parameters may

be developing. Sulphate and fluoride concentrations have been fairly

erratic but appear to be developing a slight decreasing trend. Chromium

and strontium have both shown decreasing trends in recent years but now appear to be leveling off. Vanadium has historically been quite stable

at fairly low levels but has decreased to below detection in 1990.

Uranium levels have historically been quite variable but have rarely

exceeded detection (0.1 ng/L) in 1990. Considerably higher pH levels were noted in the ponds during 1990. This was accompanied by reduced

boron values. Further testing in 1991 will provide more information on the pH and boron values. Generally, the quality variations of the

filtered ash lagoon water are not unexpected in a closed system of this

type. Ash lagoon water quality is shown in Figure 62.
- 76 -

POLISHING POND

I I I I I I I I I I 1 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I M I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I H I I I I I I I I I I 1 I I I I I I I 83MAY 84MAY 85MAY 86MAY 87MAY 88MAY 89MAY 90MAY

YEARS

10-r

E

a

>j 4--

POLISHING POND

ASH LAGOON #2

' I I I I I I

i

I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I It I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I H

I

I I 83MAY 84MAY 85MAY 86MAY 87MAY 88MAY 89MAY 90MAY

YEARS

Figure 62. —Water-quality data from the Polishing Pond and Ash

Lagoon No. 2 for selected constituents, 1983-1990.
- 77 -

POUSHINO POND

ASH LAGOON #2

aoo ' M I I I I I I I 1 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I H I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 23MAY 84MAY 85MAY 86MAY 87MAY 88MAY 89MAY 90MAY

YEARS

30

POLISHING POND

ASH LAGOON #2

o ' I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II 1 1 n I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 83MAY 84MAY 85MAY 86MAY 87MAY 88MAY 89MAY 90MAY

YEARS

Figure 62 . --Water-quality data from the Polishing Pond and Ash Lagoon

No. 2 for selected constituents, 1983-1990 —Continued
- 78 -

POLISHING POND

ASH LAGOON #2

1 1 1 1 I i I i 1 1 i i 1

1

i i i I i 1 1 i i i i i 1 1 1 1 i i I i 1

1

I I i 1 1 I i 1 1

1

1 1 1 i i 1 1 1

1

1 1 1 1 1 I 1 1 1 i i 1 1 1 1 I » I 1 1 1 I i i 1

1

i 1 1 83MAY 84MAY 85MAY 86MAY 87MAY 88MAY 89MAY 90MAY

YEARS

E

POLISHING POND

ASH LAGOON #2

o ' I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 1 1 n I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 1 1

1

83MAY 84MAY 85MAY 86MAY 87MAY 88MAY 89MAY 90MAY

YEARS

Figure 62. —Water-quality data from the Polishing Pond and Ash Lagoon

No. 2 for selected constituents, 1983-1990 —Continued
- 79 -

E

POUSHING POND

ASH LAGOON #2

o ' I I i i I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 1 1 p 83MAY 84MAY 85MAY 86MAY 87MAY 88MAY 89MAY QOMAY

YEARS

30 POLISHING POND

ASH LAGOON #2

o 1 1 I I I I I I I 83MAY 84MAY 85MAY 86MAY 87MAY

YEARS

88MAY 89MAY QOMAY

Figure 62 . --Water-quality data from the Polishing Pond and Ash Lagoon

No. 2 for selected constituents, 1983-1990 —Continued
- 80 -

o ' i i i m 1

1

1 i i i i i m i i i i 1 1 1 1 1

1

1 i nn 1 1

1

hi i n i i in ii 1 1 1 1 n i n i i i i n 1

1

1 1 i i i i i i n in i in 1 1 i i 1 1 ii 1 1 1 83MAY 84MAY 85MAY 86MAY 87MAY 88MAY 89MAY 90MAY

YEARS

Z5 ^-^ d £ > |

64

o ° its

a °

Q_

o m 1 1

1

1 hi m i i l l i i nn i i i i n i i ii 1

1

1 mi 1 1 ii i 1

1

1 1 1 1 i n i ii i i 1 1 1 i i i i h 1 1

1

i i i mi m i ii n ii i i i n i i 83MAY 84MAY 85MAY 86MAY 87MAY 88MAY 89 MAY 90MAY

YEARS

Figure 62. —Water-quality data from the Polishing Pond and Ash Lagoon

No. 2 for selected constituents, 1983-1990 —Continued
- 81 -

!

POLISHING POND

ASH LAGOON #2-

1 1 in ii 1 1

1

1 1 1 ii i i i i i n nun ii i in 1 1 mi i n i i i m i in 1 1 m i i i mil i n tt 1 1 i i i ii hi i i i in in n 1 1 o 83MAY 84-MAY 85MAY 86MAY 87MAY 88MAY 89MAY QOMAY

YEARS

POLISHING POND

ASH LAGOON #2

1 1 1 1 1 1

1

1 1 1

1

1 1 1

1

1

1

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

1

1 1

1

1

1

1 1 1

1

1

1

1 1 1 1

1

1 1

1

1 1 1 1

1

1 1

1

1 1 1 1 1 1

1

1 1 1

1

1 1 1 1

1

1 1

1

1 1 1 1

1

1 1 1

1

1 1 1 1

1

1 1 1

1

1 83MAY 84MAY 85MAY 86MAY 87MAY 88MAY 89MAY 90MAY

YEARS

Figure 62 . --Water-quality data from the Polishing Pond and Ash Lagoon

No. 2 for selected constituents, 1983-1990--Continued
- 82 -

AIR QUALITY

Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan Environment and Public Safety

Ambient air monitoring to determine sulphur dioxide (S0„) levels in the

vicinity of the Poplar River Power Plant began in 1979. The monitoring

station is located on the southern outskirts of the town of Coronach,

approximately 4.0 kilometres directly north of the power plant which in

turn is 5.0 kilometres north of the Canada/USA border. Saskatchewan

Environment and Public Safety's hourly and 24-hour average standards for

sulphur dioxide are 0.17 parts per million (ppm) and 0.06 ppm, respectively. There have been no recorded violations of the 24-hour

average over the past 10 years. The hourly standard has been violated

twice during the same period. Both violations occurred on June 22, 1984,

at 1100 and 1200 hours with consecutive readings of 0.20 ppm. Weather

information obtained at the station indicated winds blowing from the

southeast quadrant at the time. As the power plant is located south of

the monitoring locations, it was the most probable source. Down time for

the monitor during the past 11 years has ranged from a low of 1.8% to a high of 54% , for an average of 15.9%. Figures 63 and 64 show in

graphical form, maximum hourly and daily (24-hour) average readings, for

the past 10 years.

Suspended particulate concentrations obtained from the high volume

monitor at the same location during the past 10 years indicate at total

of 26 violations of the provincial standard of 120 micrograms per cubic

meter (mg/m3 /24 hrs) . The highest yearly number of violations occurred

in 1981, with a total of 8. The largest single concentration of 1,276

micrograms (M.g) occurred in 1981, on April 16, during a severe dust
- 83 -

E

Q.

a. OW

1984 1985 YEARS

1987 1988 1989 1990

Figure 63. —Saskatchewan maximum hourly sulphur dioxide air quality

data during 1989-90, Coronach water treatment plant.

Eaa.

c\j O

£0

1)07

1930 nisi 1082 m: D84 K)3r

i YEARS

.000

086 1987 1938 1989 1990

Figure 64. —Saskatchewan maximum daily sulphur dioxide air quality

data during 1980-1990, Coronach water treatment plant.
- 84 -

storm. The remaining 25 violations cannot be attributed to the operations of the power plant and were likely caused by wind blown field

dusts. The provincial geometric mean of 70 H-crM3 has not to date been

exceeded, with the highest mean of 48 ng' s occurring in 1981. Annual

down time for the monitor during the same period has ranged from a low of

10% to a high of 26%, for an 18% average.

During 1990, ambient sulphur dioxide monitoring recorded no violations of

Saskatchewan Environment and Public Safety's hourly and 24-hour average

standards of 0.17 and 0.06 ppm, respectively. The highest recorded hourly value of 0.085 ppm SO„ was recorded on July 16 at 1200 hours, as com- pared to 0.112 ppm SO

? recorded in August of 1989. Weather information

obtained from the site indicated that winds at the time were blowing from

the southeast. As the power plant is located south of the monitoring

locations, it is the most probable source. The highest 24-hour average

reading of 0.010 ppm occurred on August 23, as compared to 1989' s highest

4-hour average reading of 0.017 ppm. Downtime for the monitor during the

12-month period was 1.8%, compared to 1989' s 2.2%. Figures 65 and 66 show in graphical form, maximum hourly and daily (24-hour) average

readings obtained at the monitoring station during the last five years.

Suspended particulate concentrations obtained from the high volume

monitor at the same site for the 12-month period exceeded Saskatchewan

Environment and Public Safety's 24-hour average standard of 120 ng/m3 /24

hrs on two occasions, October 2 and 26. Wind data for both dates

discount the plant as the source. The annual geometric mean of 35.4

|ig/m3 is well below the provincial standard of 70.0 and is higher than

1989' s 20.8. Downtime for the monitor was 23% compared to 13% in 1989.
- 85 -

0.21

0.20

0.19 o.ie

9.17 0.16

0.12

ft°' U

"" 0.10 8 0.09 0.06

0.07

0.06 0.05

0.04 0.03

0.02

0.01 0.00

SASKATOIHIAN ONE HOUR STANDARD

missis :a'.A JFMAHJJASONDJFMAHJjJ. nOHDJFMAHJJASCNDOFMAMJJASONDJt'HAMJJASONP

Figure 65. —Saskatchewan maximum hourly sulphur dioxide air quality

data during 1985-90, Coronach water treatment plant.

0.065 0.060

0.055

0.050

0.045

0.040

0.035

0.030 0.025

0.020 0.015

0.010

0.005

0.000

SASKATCHEWAN 24 HOUR STANDARD 4^-

A- - '

'

ITSSIfiS DAT* L

l piii]]iJo t!ij; (J.iiJJiio

l JJJjMl A

l „l JjAl JJJJJJjAUjjAUclJ []J^U,

Figure 66. —Saskatchewan maximum daily sulphur dioxide air quality

data during 1986-90, Coronach water treatment plant.
- 86 -

Sask Power

Sask Power began ambient air monitoring in 1981 near the East Poplar

River near the International Boundary to determine sulphur dioxide and

suspended particulate concentrations. There have been no recorded

violations of the provincial 24-hour ambient S0„ standard of 0.06 ppm, over the last 10 years. The highest maximum hourly reading during this

period of 0.138 ppm occurred on January 7, 1989 at 0300 hours. Weather

data gathered for that day indicated northerly winds for that period of

time. As the air monitoring station is located south of the plant, the

plant is the most probable source. Down time for the monitor during the

past ten years has ranged from a low of less than 1% to a high of 31% , for an average of 7%.

Suspended particulate concentrations, including the average of 4 samplers

in use from 1981 to 1984 and 1 sampler from 1985 to present, indicate a total of 87 violations of the provincial standard. The highest yearly

number of violations during the 10 year period totaled 34, in 1984. The

largest single concentration of 3,240 \iq also occurred during a severe

dust storm on May 10, 1989. The remaining violations could not be

attributed to the power plant operations. The 10 year average geometric

mean of 43.0 is well below the provincial standard of 70.0 ng/m3

, with

the highest mean of 43.0 occurring in 1989. Annual down time for the

samplers over the 10 year period ranged from a low of 2% to a high of

36%, for a 9% average.

During 1990, ambient SO- monitoring conducted at the Sask Power station

located near the International Boundary showed no violations, the same as

1989. The highest hourly reading of 0.049 ppm occurred on September 30,
- 87 -

1989 at 1200 hours. Weather data recorded by Environment Canada's

weather station located at Rockglen (37 kilometres northwest of the

plant), indicated winds blowing from the plant towards the monitor at the

time. This reading compares to the highest hourly reading recorded in

1989 of 0.138 ppm. Down time for the monitor was 1.3% , as compared to 1989's 3.2% .

Suspended particulate concentrations at the monitoring station exceeded

Saskatchewan Environment and Public Safety's 24-hour standard on 5 occasions in 1990, the same as 1989. The highest recorded value of 1,409

M-g/m3 /24 hrs occurred on October 26. This, as well as the other

violations were probably caused by field blown dusts, as no specific

episodes of heavy particulate release from the plant stack on violation

days could be determined. The annual geometric mean of 35.4 ng/m3 is

well below the provincial standard of 70.0 and compares with the 1989 mean of 42.8. Down time for the sampler was 1.7% compared to 1989'

s

4.5%.

In-Stack Monitoring

Sulphur dioxide averages in 1990 were higher than those in 1989. Daily

concentrations ranged from a low of 1,782 to a high of 3,769 mg/m3 (corrected to 3% 0„ with an average yearly concentration of 2,895 as compared to 2,663 in 1989. Down time for the S0

? in-stack monitor of 16% was the same as 1989' s. Nitrogen oxide averages in 1990 were virtually

the same as those in 1989 with daily concentrations ranging from a low of

336 to a high of 1,225 mg/m3 (corrected to 3% 0„) with an average yearly

concentration of 741 as compared to 774 in 1989. Down time for the NO

x in-stack monitor was the same as 1989' s 16%.
Daily opacity readings ranged from to 100%, with a yearly average of

37% compared to 21% in 1989. Saskatchewan's opacity standard of 40% was exceeded 2,265 times in 1990, significantly more than 1989' s 768

exceedances. Down time for the opacity monitor was 4% as compared to

1989' s 6%. Stack gas flow rates ranged from a low of 354 to a high of

687 m3 /second, with an average flow of 590 in 1990 which is close to

1989' s 606. Down time for the 12-month period in 1990 was 1%, down

considerabley from 29% in 1989.

Units No. 1 and No. 2 operated with yearly average capacity factors of

88.1% and 88.4% respectively, compared to 93.8% and 93.1% in 1989.

Totals combining both units were as follows:

Coal - 3,821,978 Mg in 1990, compared to 4,172,493 in 1989.

Oil - 2,102 m3 in 1990, compared to 1,754 in 1989.

Gross Megawatt Hours - 4,574,700 in 1990 compared to 4,851,700

in 1989.

Stack Sampling

A stack sampling survey, as per Condition 17 of Sask Power's Permit to Operate #197R6 was conducted on August 23, 1990. The results of the

sampling for SO„, NO , and particulates were as follows:

S0 9 - 3,057 ng/m3 (@ 3% 0„) in 1990, compared to 2,680 mg/m3 in

1989.

NO

x

- 744 mg/m3 (@ 3%

2

) in 1990, compared to 712 mg/m3 in 1989.

Particulates - 474 kg/hr in 1990, compared to 351 kg/hr in 1989.
- 89 -

The results, as compared to Sask Power's continuous in-stack results for

corresponding time periods are as shown below.

Stack Survey In-Stack Monitors % Agreement

S0„ 3,057 2,971 within 3% NO 744 671 within 9%

x

Startup and Trip Conditions

There were a number of startup and trip conditions throughout 1990.

Various turbine trips occurred caused by primary air heater leaks,

turbine repairs, boiler leaks, scheduled or non-scheduled maintenance

overhauls or operational problems. Oil firing during startup conditions

of various lengths always results in opacity level increases for periods

up to 24 hours following startup.

Using the above 1990 stack emission figures and based on operations of

24-hrs/day, 292 days/yr (80% average capacity figures for Units 1 and 2) emission totals would be as follows:

Particulates - 3,322 tonnes/yr vs 2,856 tonnes in 1989

Sulphur Dioxide - 48,776 tonnes/yr vs 45,610 tonnes in 1989

Nitrogen Oxides - 11,963 tonnes/yr vs 12,643 tonnes in 1989
- 90 - Montana

During 1990, the Montana Department of Health and Environmental Sciences,

Air Quality Bureau (AQB) operated five sulfation plate sampling sites in

the Scobey, Montana area. These were: (1) Richardson Residence; (2) Flaxville; (3) TV Tower Hill; (4) Scobey Downtown; and (5) Four Buttes. The sites were chosen to monitor potential sulfation level increases in

the area due to the Sask Power generating plant near Coronach, Saskatchewan. Table 10 summarizes 1990 sulfation plate data.

Table 10

.

--Sul fation rates for five Montana sites operated during 1990. Values of sulfation rate are in mg/100 cm* /day

Site Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec.

Richardson 0.00 0.00 0.02 0.04 0.00 0.00 0.02 0.00 *N.D. N.D. N.D. 0.02 Flaxville 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.01 0.02

TV Tower 0.00 0.04 0.10 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.03 0.00 0.00 0.03 0.01 0.01 Scobey 0.00 0.00 0.03 0.00 N.D. N.D. 0.00 N.D. 0.00 0.00 N.D. 0.00 Four Buttes 0.00 0.00 0.04 0.02 0.00 N.D. 0.01 N.D. 0.00 0.00 N.D. 0.00

'Indicates no data available.

There are no federal or state standards for sulfation rate, but readings

greater than 0.5 mg/100 cm2 /day indicate potential sulfation problems.

Since the highest reading experienced during 1990 was only 0.1 mg/100

cm2 /day during March (TV Tower site), sulfation rates during the entire

year were obviously well below the potential problem rate. In light of

the low sulfation rates experienced over the decade-long sampling period,

it was decided by the AQB to terminate the sulfation plate sampling net- work after December, 1990.
- 91 -

In addition to sulfation plate monitoring stations in the later 1980' s, the Air Quality Bureau operated from one to three continuous air-quality

monitoring stations from 1981-87. Parameters monitored included sulfur

dioxide, Beta scattering coefficient, total suspended particulate, sulfates, nitrates, wind direction, and wind speed. The continuous monitoring stations were gradually phased out after determining that United

States and Montana air quality standards were not being violated.

REFERENCES CITED

Integrated Environments Limited, 1991, The use of the TYDAC SPANS GIS in

the assessment and review of pesticide residues detected in surface

waters of the Prairie Provinces and the Northwest Territories: (prepared for Environment Canada, Inland Waters Directorate, Western and

Northern Region, Water Quality Branch, Regina, Saskatchewan, 133 p.).

Irvine, J. A., Whitaker, S.H., and Broughton, P.L., 1978, Coal resources

of southern Saskatchewan - A model for evaluation methodology: Note

:

this report is listed three ways) Geological Survey of Canada Economic Geology Report 30, Department of Mineral Resources Report 209, or Saskatchewan Research Council Report 20; Part I, P. 151, Part II, 56 oversize plates.

Munro, D., 1985, Report on Mercury in the Cookson Reservoir. Environment

Canada, Western and Northern Region, WQB-WNR-85-02 . 25 p.

Vanderkamp, G., and Maathuis, H., 1989, Evaluation of proposal for

groundwater dewatering project below Cookson Reservoir, Saskatchewan

Research Council.
- 92 -

Waite, D.T., Dunn, G.W., and Stedwill, R.J., 1980, Mercury in the Cookson

Reservoir. Saskatchewan Department of the Environment, Water

Pollution Control Section, Report #WPC 23.

Water Quality Branch, 1980. Cookson Reservoir Aquatic Quality Baseline

Survey, 1979. Environment Canada, Inland Waters Directorate, Regina

.

Prepared for Saskatchewan Power Corporation, Contract E-021.
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 con- ducted in Canada and the United States at or near the International

Boundary in response to the Saskatchewan Power Corporation development

.

This Arrangement will also provide for the dissemination of the data in

each country and will assure its comparability and assist in its technical interpretation.

The Arrangement will replace and expand upon the quarterly information

exchange program instituted between Canada and the United States in 1976.

II. PARTICIPATING GOVERNMENTS

Governments and government agencies participating in the Arrangement are: Government of Canada: Environment Canada

Government of the Province of Saskatchewan:

Saskatchewan Environment and Public Safety

Government of the United States of America: U.S. Geological Survey

Government of the State of Montana: Executive Office

III. POPLAR RIVER MONITORING COMMITTEE: TERMS OF REFERENCE

A binational committee called the Poplar River Bilateral Monitoring

Committee will be established to carry out responsibilities assigned to

it under this Arrangement . The Committee will operate in accordance with

the following terms of reference:

A. Membership

The Committee will be composed of four representatives, one from each of

the participating Governments. It will be jointly chaired By the

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.

Al - 2
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 fulfill the purpose of the

Arrangement by ensuring the exchange of monitored data in accordance with

the attached Technical Monitoring Schedules, and its collation and technical interpretation in reports to Governments on implementation of the

Arrangement. In addition, the Committee will review the existing monitoring systems to ensure their adequacy and may recommend to the Canadian

and United States Governments any modifications to improve the Technical

Monitoring Schedules.

1. Information Exchange

Each Cochairperson will be responsible for transmitting to his counterpart Cochairman on a regular, and not less than quarterly basis, the data

provided by the cooperative monitoring agencies in accordance with the

Technical Monitoring Schedules.

2. Reports

(a) The Committee will prepare a joint Annual Report to the participating governments, and may at any time prepare joint

Special Reports.

(b) Annual Reports will

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

Arrangement

;

ii) draw to the attention of the participating 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 inluding analytical methods to ensure their comparability.

Al - 3
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 com- mittee members and will be signed by all Committee members.

Reports will be separately forwarded by the Committee

Cochairmen to the participating governments. All annual and

special reports will be so distributed.

3. Activities of Canadian and United States Sections

The Canadian and United States 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 - 4
ANNEX 2

POPLAR RIVER

COOPERATIVE MONITORING ARRANGEMENT

TECHNICAL MONITORING SCHEDULES

1991

CANADA-UNITED STATES

A2 - 1
TABLE OF CONTENTS

PREAMBLE A2 - 3 CANADA

STREAMFLOW MONITORING A2 - 6 SURFACE WATER QUALITY MONITORING A2 - 8 GROUND WATER QUALITY MONITORING A2 - 12 GROUND WATER PIEZOMETERS TO MONITOR

POTENTIAL DRAWDOWN DUE TO COAL SEAM DEWATERING A2 - 14 GROUND WATER PIEZOMETERS LEVEL MONITORING

- ASH LAGOON AREA

SCHEDULE A - PIEZOMETERS IN TILL A2 - 16

GROUND WATER PIEZOMETER LEVEL MONITORING

- ASH LAGOON AREA AND INTERNATIONAL BOUNDARY AREA

SCHEDULE B - PIEZOMETERS IN EMPRESS GRAVEL A2 - 18 AMBIENT AIR QUALITY MONITORING A2 - 20

SOURCE EMISSION MONITORING A2 - 22

UNITED STATES

STREAMFLOW MONITORING A2 - 26

SURFACE WATER QUALITY MONITORING A2 - 28

GROUND WATER QUALITY MONITORING A2 - 30 GROUND WATER LEVELS TO MONITOR POTENTIAL

DRAWDOWN DUE TO COAL SEAM DEWATERING A2 - 32

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 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, groundwater 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
A2 - 4
POPLAR RIVER

COOPERATIVE MONITORING ARRANGEMENT

TECHNICAL MONITORING SCHEDULES

1991

CANADA

A2 - 5
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 Station No. Station Name

11AE003

(06178500)

11AE013

11AE015

11AE014

**Fife Lake Overflow

11AE008

(06178000)

East Poplar River at International Boundary

Cookson Reservoir near Coronach

Girard Creek near Coronach

Cookson Reservoir

East Poplar River above

Cookson Reservoir

Poplar River at International Boundary

* International gauging station

** Miscellaneous measurements of outflow to be made by Saskatchewan

Water during periods of outflow only.

A2 - 6
HYDROMETRIC GAUGING STATIONS (CANADA)

A2 - 7
SURFACE WATER QUALITY

Sampling Locations

Responsible Agency: Saskatchewan Environment and Public Safety

No . on Map Station No Station Name

01SK02000002

05SK02000007

05SK02000008

05SK02000004

05SK02000003

Fife Lake Overflow

Girard Creek at Coronach Reservoir

Outflow

Upper End of Cookson Reservoir at Highway 36 Cookson Reservoir near Dam

East Poplar River at culvert

immediately below Cookson

Reservoir

Responsible Agency: Environment Canada

00SA11AE0008 East Poplar River at International

Boundary

A2 - 8
PARAMETERS Responsible Agency: Saskatchewan Environment and Public Safety

ESQUADAT*

Code Parameter Analytical Method

Sampling Frequency

Station No.
PARAMETERS (Continued)

Responsible Agency: Environment Canada

NAQUADAT

Code Analytical Method

Sampling Frequency Station No. 6

10151
SURFACE WATER QUALITY MONITORING STATIONS (CANADA)

L EOEND

ENVIRONMENT SASKATCHEWAN

ENVIRONMENT CANADA

A2 - 11
GROUND WATER QUALITY MONITORING

SAMPT.TNG LOCATIONS

Responsible Agency: Saskatchewan Environment and Public Safety

Station Description

Map
GROUND WATER QUALITY MONITORING (CANADA)

A»h

Lagoons

CANADA

US. A.

A

•oo woo wrait

A2 - 13
GROUND WATER PIEZOMETERS TO MONITOR POTENTIAL DRAWDOWN

DUE TO COAL SEAM DEWATERING

Responsible Agency: Saskatchewan Environment and Public Safety

Measurement Frequency: Quarterly

Piezometer

Number Location

Tip of Screen

Elevation (m) Perforation Zone

(depth in metres)

52 506A

507

509

510

NW 14-1-27 W3

SW 4-1-27 W3

SW 6-1-26 W3

NW 11-1-27 W3

NW 1-1-28 W3

738.
GROUNDWATER PIEZOMETERS TO MONITOR POTENTIAL

DRAWNDOWN DUE TO COAL SEAM DEWATERING

A2 - 15
Piezometer No.
PIEZOMETER INSTALLATION SITES - SCHEDULE "A" PEIZOMETERS IN TILL

R.2« LEGEND

Q Single Pitiomtr In Till

(I Nntt« Pl<n«liri Ik Till 8 Sit* Numbtt

AshLoqooA

C534

CANADA USA

A

A2 - 17
GROUNDWATER PIEZOMETER LEVEL MONITORING — ASH LAGOON AREA AND INTERNATIONAL BOUNDARY AREA

Schedule B - Piezometers in Empress Gravel

Responsible Agency: Saskatchewan Environment and Public Safety

Station Piezometer No. Frequency of Measurement

16a6b

C529

C530

C532

C533

C538

8

9

IMMEDIATE ASH LAGOON AREA

C731

C763

C765A

C529

C530

C532

C533

C538

C730E

C728E

All piezometers are monitored quarterly

11

1416

WEST OF ASH LAGOON AREA

C743

C740

C756

C525

C526

C527

C539

C540

1820*

21

22

23

24

SOUTH OF ASH LAGOON AREA

C525

C526

C527

C539

C540

C741

C736

C742

C733

C732

C734

Inactive as of 1989

A2 - li
PIEZOMETER INSTALLATION SITES

SCHEDULE "B" PIEZOMETERS IN EMPRESS GRAVEL

LEGCNO

'in

It* A PMMMlWt * Mart Imp 8 Silt N»»b.r

A

11 (Die (9 C525 '• C527

17 C539 C540

li m a

@18

gi9

3 20

1)21

Q22

A2 - 19
AMBIENT AIR QUALITY MONITORING

Responsible Agency: Saskatchewan Environment and Public Safety

No. on map Location Parameters Reporting frequency

Coronach Sulphur Dioxide

Wind speed and

direction

Total Suspended

Particulates

Interna- Sulphur Dioxide

tional

Boundary*

Continuous monitoring with

hourly averages as summary

statistics

.

Continuous monitoring with

hourly averages as summary

statistics

.

24-hour samples on a 6-day

cycle, corresponding to the National Air Pollution

Surveillance Sampling

Schedule.

Continuous monitoring with

hourly averages as summary

statistics

.

Total Suspended

Particulates

24-hour samples on 6-day

cycle, corresponding to the National Air Pollution

Surveillance Sampling

Schedule.

METHODS

Sulphur Dioxide

Total Suspended

Particulates

Saskatchewan Environment and Public Safety

Colourimetric Titration, Pulsed Fluorescence

Saskatchewan Environment and Public Safety

High Volume Method

This station operated by Sask Power.

A2 - 20
AMBIENT AIR QUALITY MONITORING (CANADA)

A2 - 21
SOURCE EMISSION MONITORING

Responsible Agency: Saskatchewan Environment and Public Safety

Sampling

No. on map Station Location Parameters Frequency

1 At Poplar River Sulphur Dioxide, Continuously

Power Plant Nitrogen Dioxide, reported as Hourly

Opacity. Averages

METHODS

Sulphur Dioxide Saskatchewan Environment and Public Safety

- Ultraviolet Absorption

Nitrogen Dioxide Saskatchewan Environment and Public Safety

- Chemiluminescence

Opacity Saskatchewan Environment and Public Safety

- Optical

A2 - 22
SOURCE EMISSION MONITORING

Polithinq Lagoon

Ash

lo goons

SCALt A

3 too loooNinn

I

'

1

1 -1 4

CANADA

US. A.

A2 - 23
A2 - 24
POPLAR RIVER

COOPERATIVE MONITORING ARRANGEMENT

TECHNICAL MONITORING SCHEDULES

1991

UNITED STATES

A2 - 25
STREAMFLOW MONITORING

Responsible Agency: United States Geological Survey

No. on Map Station Number Station Name

1* 06178000 (11AE008) Poplar River at International Boundary

2* 06178500 (11AE003) East Poplar River at International Boundary

International Gauging Station

A2 - 26
HYDROMETRIC GAUGING STATIONS (UNITED STATES)

A2 - 27
SURFACE WATER QUALITY MONITORING

Station Location Responsible Agency: U.S. Geological Survey

No.
SURFACE WATER QUALITY MONITORING STATIONS (UNITED STATES)

A2 - 29
GROUND WATER QUALITY MONITORING
GROUND WATER QUALITY MONITORING (UNITED STATES)

CANADA

U.S.A

v_

A2 - 31
GROUND WATER LEVELS TO MONITOR POTENTIAL DRAWDOWN

DUE TO COAL SEAM DEWATERING

Responsible Agency: Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology

No. on Map Sampling

2 to 22 Determine water levels quarterly

A2 - 32
GROUNDWATER PIEZOMETERS TO MONITOR POTENTIAL

DRAWDOWN DUE TO COAL SEAM DEWATERING

^

CANADA USA

A2 - 33
A2 - 34
ANNEX 3

REPORTS REVIEWED DURING 1990

BY THE POPLAR RIVER BILATERAL MONITORING COMMITTEE

A3 - 1
REPORTS REVIEWED DURING 1990 BY THE POPLAR RIVER BILATERAL MONITORING COMMITTEE

Clifton Associates, 1990, Poplar River Power Station; Hydrogeological

evaluation, ash storage lagoon, Coronach, Saskatchewan, Sask Power,

File AD 18.14.1, 89 p. Clifton Associates, 1990, Poplar River Power Station; Ash Stacking Study,

Coronach, Saskatchewan, Sask Power, File: AD 18.14., 35 p. Schmidt, Ffed and Sholes, Brenda, 1990, final report; Poplar River

Monitoring: Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology, Open-File Report

No. 226, 164 p.

A3 - 2
ANNEX 4

RECOMMENDED FLOW APPORTIONMENT

IN THE POPLAR RIVER BASIN

BY THE INTERNATIONAL SOURIS-RED RIVERS ENGINEERING BOARD,

POPLAR RIVER TASK FORCE (197 6)

A4 - 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 con- ditions 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 acrefeet), 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 acrefeet), but does not exceed 9,250 cubic decameters (7,500

acre-feet), then a continuous minimum flow of 0.057 cubic

metres per second (2.0 cubic feet per second) shall be

delivered to the United States on the East Poplar River at the International Boundary during the succeeding period

June 1st through August 31st. A minimum delivery of 0.028

cubic metres per second (1.0 cubic feet per second) shall

then be maintained from September 1st through to May 31st

of the following year. In addition, a volume of 617 cubic

decameters (500 acre-feet) shall be delivered to the

United States upon demand at any time during the 12-month

period commencing June 1st.

* 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. A4 - 2
(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 acresfeet) then a continuous minimum flow of 0.085 cubic

metres per second (3.0 cubic feet per second) shall be

delivered to the United States on the East Poplar River

at the International Boundary during the succeeding

period June 1st through August 31st. A minimum delivery

of 0.057 cubic metres per second (2.0 cubic feet per

second) shall then be maintained from September 1st

through to May 31st of the following year. In addition,

a volume of 1,230 cubic decameters (1,000 acre-feet)

shall be delivered to the United States upon demand at any time during the 12-month period commencing June 1st.

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

remaining individual tributaries shall not be depleted by more

than 60 percent of its natural flow.

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.

A4 - 3
ANNEX 5

METRIC CONVERSIONS

ac = 4,047 m3 = 0.04047 ha

ac-ft = 1,233.5 m3 = 1.2335 dam3 Cx = 1.8 Fx

cm = 0.3937 in. cm2 = 0.155 in2 dam3 = 1,000 m3 = 0.8107 ac-ft

ft 3 = 28.3171 x 10-3m3 ha = 10,000 m2 = 2.471 ac

hm = 100 m = 328.08 ft

hm3 l x 106 m3 I.gpm = 0.0758 L/s

in = 2.54 cm

k9 = 2.20462 lb = 1.1 x 10-3 tons

km = 0.62137 miles

km2 = 0.3861 mi2 L = 0.3532 ft3 = 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 ftm2 = 10.7636 ft2

11,3 " 1.000 L = 35.3144 ft 3 = 219.97 I. gal = 264.2 U S gal m3 /s = 35.314 cfs mm = 0.00328 ft

tonne = 1,000 kg = 1.1023 ton (short) U.S. gpm = 0.0631 L/s

For Air Samples

ppm = 100 pphm = 1000 x (Molecular Weight of substance/24.45) mg/m390

A5 - 2