S Poplar River 333,91 Bilateral 1<2(iprar Monitoring Annual report of the governments of Canactat Unite'! States V H«5 1985 ANNUAL REPORT STATE DOCUMfNTS COLLECTION FEB / 1990 to the MONTANA STATb LibRARY 1515 E. 6th AVE. HELENA, MONTANA 59o20 GOVERNMENTS OF CANADA, UNITED STATES, SASKATCHEWAN AND MONTANA by the POPLAR RIVER BILATERAL MONITORING COMMITTEE COVERING CALENDAR YEAR 1985 ASE RETUR May. 1986 Montana State Librat\ 3 0864 1004 5789 7 1985 ANNUAL REPORT to the GOVERNMENTS OF CANADA, UNITED STATES, SASKATCHEWAN AND MONTANA by the POPLAR RIVER BILATERAL MONITORING COMMITTEE Covering Calendar Year 1985 May, 1986 LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL TO: Department of State Department of External Affairs Washington, D.C., United States Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Governor's Office, State of Montana Saskatchewan Environment Helena, Montana, United States Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada Gentlemen: During 1985, 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 to the 1985 Technical Monitoring Schedule. The monitoring data were exchanged on a quarterly basis. Herein is the report of activities of 1985 and the proposed monitoring schedule for 1986. The report summarizes current conditions relative to pre-project conditions and compares current conditions to guidelines for specific parameter values that were developed under International Joint Commission references. References are made to State, Provincial, or Federal standards or objectives where these are relevant. After examination and evaluation of the monitoring information for 1985, the Committee finds that the measured conditions are within the norms of the accepted objectives. - 1 ^ The Committee was advised that Saskatchewan Environment has required the developers of the new coal mines, 10 to 15 kilometres east of the present mine, to conduct an environmental impact study. The study will address the question of dewatering effects and will be available for public review during 1987. In September 1985 the initial five-year term of the Cooperative Monitoring Arrangement expired. In accordance with Article 5 the parties agreed to a one-year extension. It is respectfully suggested that the arrangement be extended for a further five-year period or until such time as governments have finalized arrangements for another body to monitor developments in the Poplar River Basin. Yours sincerely. <~fl\- Ka,^c.< rJj^ J. 'R. Knapton / Chairman, United States Section G. W. Howard \ Acting ChS+wwdn, Canadian Section /r. E. Driear R. E. Driear Member, United States Section W. D. Gummer Member, Canadian Section POPLAR RIVER BILATERAL MONITORING COMMITTEE TABLE OF CONTENTS Page LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL i 1985 HIGHLIGHTS v INTRODUCTION 1 POPLAR RIVER POWER STATION AND MINING 4 Operation 4 Construction 5 Mining 6 SURFACE WATER QUANTITY 9 Streamflow 9 Minimum Flows 10 Reservoir Storage 11 On-Demand Release 11 SURFACE WATER QUALITY 12 East-Poplar River at the International Boundary 12 Total Dissolved Solids 13 Boron 15 Other Water Quality Characteristics 17 Cookson Reservoir 17 Data Comparison 19 GROUND WATER QUANTITY 21 Coal Mine Dewatering in Saskatchewan 21 Discharges 21 Water Levels 22 Montana 22 GROUND WATER QUALITY 24 Saskatchewan 24 Water Quality in the Tills 24 Water Quality in the Empress Gravels 26 Montana 27 ASH LAGOON QUALITY AND QUANTITY 28 AIR QUALITY 31 Saskatchewan 31 Montana 34 Table 1 - 1985 Operating Statistics for Generating Units No. 1 and No. 2 4 Table 2 - Cookson Reservoir Storage Statistics for 1985 11 - TV - TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued) Page Table 3 - Recommended Water Quality Objectives, Excursions and the 1985 Sampling Program, East Poplar River at the International Boundary 18 Table 4 - Data Comparison, June 11, 1985 Sampling Trip 19 Table 5 - Data Comparability, December 17, 1985 Sampling Trip . . 20 Table 6 - 1985 Monthly Pumpages from Mine Dewatering Activities. . 21 Table 7 - Calculated Seepage Rates 28 Table 8 - Summary of Air Quality Monitoring Results During 1985 in Montana 35 Figure 1 - Poplar River Mine Expansion Figure 2 - Discharge During 1985 Compared with Median Discharge for 1951-80 for the Poplar River at International Boundary . 9 Figure 3 - Hydrograph of Water Discharge of the East Poplar River at the International Boundary and Recommended Minimum Flow 10 Figure 4 - (a) Three-Month Flow-Weighted Concentration for TDS; East Poplar River at the International Boundary; (b) Five-Year Flow-Weighted Concentration for TDS; East Poplar River at the International Boundary 14 Figure 5 - (a) Three-Month Flow-Weighted Concentration for Boron; East Poplar River at the International Boundary; (b) Five-Year Flow-Weighted Concentration for Boron; East Poplar River at the International Boundary 16 Figure 6 - Cone of Depression in the Hart Coal Seam from Dewatering Activities as of December, 1985 23 Figure 7 - Total Dissolved Solids Concentrations; East Poplar River Monitoring Piezometers 25 Figure 8 - Saskatchewan Maximum Hourly SO2 Air Quality Data .... 32 Figure 9 - Saskatchewan Maximum Daily SO2 Air Quality Data .... 33 Figure 10 - Surface Wind Roses 39 Annex 1 - Poplar River Cooperative Monitori-ng Arrangement, Canada-United States. Annex 2 - Poplar River Cooperative Monitoring Arrangement, Technical Monitoring Schedules, 1986, Canada-United States Annex 3 - Metric Conversions - V - 1985 HIGHLIGHTS 1985 was the second full year of operation for two 300 megawatt coal-fired units. Over 4,560,700 gross megawatt hours of electricity were generated. The number of start-ups was down to 21 compared to 29 in 1984 and a high of 58 in 1983. As a result the consumption of oil fell to 2,743 tonnes, compared to 3,700 tonnes in 1984 and 13,756 tonnes in 1983. Monitoring information collected in both Canada and the United States was exchanged on a quarterly basis. In general the sampling locations, frequency of collection, and parameters met the requirements identified in the Technical Monitoring Schedules. Air quality monitoring in Montana was conducted only until the end of June because of funding restrictions. Sulfation sites, however, were operated for the entire year. The United States received a continuous flow in the East Poplar River throughout the year which exceeded the minimum flow requirements recommended to Governments by the International Joint Commission. On April 2, 1985, Montana requested delivery of the 617 cubic decametres of on-demand release it is entitled to. The requested amount was not delivered In the 37-day period requested but was delivered within 40 days. Runoff in the basin was again below normal during 1985. Boron and total dissolved solids concentrations in the East Poplar River were below the long-term and short-term objectives recommended by the International Joint Commission to Governments. There were no exceedances of other water quality objectives recommended to Governments by the VI International Joint Commission. Continued investigations of U.S. Geological Survey and Environment Canada quality assurance data have not resolved incompatibility for certain parameters. Additional quality assurance work has been recommended for 1986. The outer limit of the cone of depression from coal seam dewatering remained about the same distance north of the International Boundary. The total estimated seepage from the ash lagoons and polishing ponds was 0.750 litre per second, well below the seepage limits proposed by the International Poplar River Water Quality Board. The leachate front has been calculated to have advanced 4.23 metres towards Cookson Reservoir since the ponds were first filled. Plant stack emissions did not cause or contribute to violation of Montana, United States, or Saskatchewan ambient air quality standards. INTRODUCTION The Poplar River Bilateral Monitoring Committee was authorized 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. In 1985 the Arrangement was extended by mutual agreement for another year. The Committee is composed of representatives of the Government of the United States of America, State of Montana, Government of Canada and Province of Saskatchewan. In addition to the representatives of Governments, two ex-officio members who are local representatives of the State of Montana and Province of Saskatchewan participate in the activities of the Committee. During 1985, the members and ex-officio members of the Committee were: Mr. J. R. Knapton U. S. Geological Survey Chairman, U.S. Section Mr. R. E. Driear Governor's Office Member, U.S. Section Mr. C. W. Tande Daniels County Commissioner Ex-officio Member, Montana Mr. G. W. Howard Saskatchewan Environment Acting Chairman, Canadian Section W. D. Gummer Environment Canada Member, Canadian Section Mr. J. R. Totton Reeve, R.M. of Hart Butte Ex-officio Member, Saskatchewan 1 - 2 - The monitoring programs are in response to potential impacts of a transboundary nature resulting from Saskatchewan Power Corporation's coal -fired thermal generating station and ancillary operations near Coronach, Saskatchewan. Monitoring is conducted in Canada and the United States at or near the International Boundary for quantity and quality of both surface water and ground water and for air quality. Participants from both countries, including Federal, Provincial, and State agencies, are involved in monitoring. A responsibility of the Committee includes an ongoing 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. No such reports were received by the Committee in 1985. Exchanged data and reports are available for public viewing at the agencies of the participating governments or from Committee members. The Committee also is responsible for an annual report to Governments which summarizes the monitoring results, evaluates apparent trends, and compares the data to objectives or standards recommended by the International Joint Commission (IJC) to Governments, or relevant State, Provincial, or Federal standards. The Committee reports to Governments on a calendar year basis, with the report for 1985 being the fifth report in the series. The Committee is also responsible for drawing to the attention of Governments definitive changes in monitored parameters which may require immediate attention. Another 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 forthcoming year. The Committee will continue to review and propose changes to the Technical Monitoring Schedules as information requirements change. POPLAR RIVER POWER STATION AND MINING Operation The two units operated for the full reporting period. The 1985 operating statistics for the two units are shown in Table 1: Table 1 1985 Operating Statistics for Generating Units No. 1 and No. 2 . Unit 1 Unit 2 Hours of Operation Gross MWhr Generated Availability (hours) (percent) Capacity Factor (percent) Number of Start Ups Coal Consumed (tonnes) Oil Consumed (tonnes) Hours in Period 8 219 8 066 2 312 700 2 248 000 93.8 92.1 88.6 87.3 10 11 1 966 911 1 911 298 1 084 1 659 8 760 8 760 The average sulphur content of the coal in 1985 was 0.5 percent. Analyses were conducted by an independent laboratory according to ASTM procedure D3176. The sulphur content of the No. 2 fuel oil consumed at the Poplar River Power Station was 0.07 percent. Three spills occurred in 1985, all due to ash line ruptures. On August 12, 1985 a maximum of 800 m^ of ash recirculation water containing some ash spilled immediately south of the Poplar River Power Station. The spill was contained upstream of the drainage ditch control structures. Cleanup procedures were implemented and no spill materials entered Cookson Reservoir. - 4 - 5 - On October 22, 1985 approximately 90 m-^ of ash recirculation water and some ash spilled adjacent to the ash recirculation pumphouse. The pumphouse is located at the northwest corner of the polishing pond. Most of the spilled water flowed into the pumphouse sumps which discharge to the ash lagoons. The remaining spill liquid was contained in the Immediate vicinity. Cleanup procedures were implemented and no spill materials entered Cookson Reservoir. On December 1, 1985 approximately 2 m^ of ash and an unknown quantity of ash recirculation water spilled near the sewage holding pond. Reliable evaluation of the spill volume was not possible due to adverse weather conditions and snow cover. For the same reasons, effective clean-up was not practical. However, the spill materials are contained upstream of the drainage ditch main control structure. The ash will be removed once weather conditions permit. Ash recirculation water from the spill will be monitored prior to release to Cookson Reservoir. Construction A fourth ash recirculation water pump was installed in the ash recirculation pumphouse improving ash handling reliability. Supplemental quantities of reservoir water for ash sluicing, often necessary during recirculation pump failure, will be reduced. This will help maintain a controlled ash lagoon water balance. 6 - A cross dyke to elevation 764.4 m was constructed in the fall of 1985 separating Ash Lagoon No. 3 into a north and south section. The north section dyking and liner is complete. Installation of a return structure to the polishing pond and ash piping to Ash Lagoon No. 3 north is planned for 1986 spring. An interceptor trench was constructed along the outside of the cross dyke and the remaining exposed southern portion of Ash Lagoon No. 2 east dyke. The trench consists of pervious sand fill and perforated pipe drainage to manhole catchment basin system. The trench is designed to prevent groundwater mounding effects of Ash Lagoon No. 2 and Ash Lagoon No. 3 north from adversely effecting the future construction of Ash Lagoon No. 3 south. An online ball type recirculation condenser cleaning system was installed on Unit No. 1 in 1985. The system is identical to that installed on Unit No. 2 in 1984. The system will continuously recirculate charges of sponge rubber and abrasive coated sponge rubber balls through the condenser tubes to reduce marine and scale deposits on the water side of the tubes. A reduction in scale inhibitor chemical dosing to the cooling water inlet and an increase in intervals between condenser acid cleans will result. Mining Coal mining continued to the west of Girard Creek and will continue in a north westerly direction until 1989 or later. - 7 - Prairie Coal Limited has been requested by Saskatchewan Environment to undertake an environmental assessment of two new mining areas to the east and north of Cookson Reservoir (Figure 1). Guidelines for preparation of the impact statement asked the company to address such things as ground water, surface water and reclamation. The impact statement should be. completed in early 1987 and will subsequently be available for public review and comment. -^- V 44 '.! J ' , i 0 > 1 I- ^ .-b-;^" SURFACE WATER QUANTITY Streamflow Streamflow in the Poplar River basin was below normal during 1985, assuming the recorded flow of the Poplar River at the International Boundary is a good indicator of basin runoff conditions. The March to October recorded flow volume at that gauge was 7 710 cubic decametres (dam3), or 47 percent of the long-term average. A comparison of the flows of 1985 with those of the 1951-80 median flow is shown in Figure 2. 10 F 0.01 0.001 MAR MEDIAN OF MONTHLY MEAN DISCHARGE FOR 1951-80 MONTHLY MEAN DISCHARGE FOR 1985 APR MAY JUNE JULY AUG SEPT OCT Figure 2 - Discharge during 1985 compared with median discharge for 1951-80 for the Poplar River at International Boundary. The recorded flow volume of the East Poplar River at the International Boundary for 1985 was 2 980 dam^, or 21 percent of the mean annual flow since the completion of Morrison Dam in 1975. 10 - Minimum Flows The recorded runoff volume of the Poplar River at the International Boundary from March 1 to May 31, 1985 was 6 890 dam^. For the purposes of interpreting the apportionment recommendations of the IJC, the recorded flow is assumed to be the natural flow. Based on these recommendations, this volume entitled the United States to a minimum discharge of 0.057 cubic metre per second (m-^/s) from June 1 to August 31, 1985 and 0.028 m3/s from September 1, 1985 to May 31, 1986 on the East Poplar River at the International Boundary. The minimum flow of 0.028 m^/s for the first 5 months of 1985 had previously been determined on the basis of the March 1 to May 31, 1984 Poplar River volume. The recorded flow of the East Poplar River at the International Boundary exceeded the recommended minimum throughout the year. A minimum daily discharge of 0.051 m^/s occurred on February 12. A hydrograph of flow in the East Poplar River at the International Boundary and the minimum flow as recommended by the IJC is shown in Figure 3. ApportioniRMt r*coaiin«ndatia)i for mini JAN I FEB I MAR | APR | MAY | JUNE | JULY I *U6 I SEPT I OCT I NOV I DEC Figure 3 - Hydrograph of Water Discharge of the East Poplar River at the International Boundary and Recommended Minimum Flow. 34 800 39 500 35 400 - 11 - Reservoir Storage Cookson Reservoir was near the full -supply level all year, with contents increasing from 34 800 dam^ on January 1 to a maximum of 39 500 dam^ on April 19. Elevations and contents for selected dates are given in Table 2. Table 2 Cookson Reservoir Storage Statistics for 1985 Elevation Contents Date (1985) (metres) (cubic decametres) January 1 752.149 April 19 752.805 December 31 752.222 Full -Supply Level 753.000 40 900 Storage increased during the year by 600 darn^ due to above normal precipitation in the fall and base flows in Girard Creek which are maintained by dewatering operations at the Poplar River Mine. These flows assisted in offsetting the evaporative losses and releases from the reservoir. On-Demand Release Based on the apportionment recommendations of the IJC, the United States is entitled to an on-demand volume of 617 dam^ at any time from June 1, 1985 to May 31, 1986. As of December 31, 1985 Montana had not requested this release. The on-demand volume entitlement for 1984 of 617 dam^ was requested on March 26, 1985, and corrected on April 2, 1985, to be delivered April 25 to May 31. This volume was delivered April 25 to June 3. SURFACE WATER QUALITY East Poplar River at the International Boundary The 1981 report by the IJC to Governments recommended: For the March to October period, a maximum flow-weighted concentration should not exceed 3.5 mg/L 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, a 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. Compliance of the East Poplar River water quality with the proposed short-term objectives for boron and total dissolved solids (TDS) is tested by calculating the 3-month (90-day) moving flow-weighted concentration for each, advancing 1 month at a time while dropping the first month of the three-month period. Prior to 1982, determination of compliance was based strictly on instantaneous samples. Since the beginning of 1982, daily TDS and boron concentrations have been computed from a regression relationship with specific conductance. However, the data from both instantaneous samples and from calculation of TDS and boron are presented. 12 13 - The Bilateral Monitoring Committee has adopted the approach that for the purpose of determining compliance with the proposed IJC long-term objectives, the boron and TDS data are best graphically plotted as a 5-year flow-weighted moving average which is advanced one month at a time. Each point represents the flow weighted concentration for a 5-year period, with two and one-half years on either side of the plotted point. It must be emphasized that the data base is comprised of all data collected over the twelve months of all years. Total Dissolved Solids The proposed short-term objective for TDS is 1,500 mg/L. A plot of the 3-month moving flow-weighted concentration is shown in Figure 4a. No exceedences have been observed in either the grab sample-generated data or in the regression-calculated data over the period of record. The observed relationship between TDS and specific conductance for the entire period of record is: TDS = (0.642 X specific conductance + 9.32) (R-squared = 0.87) The long-term, 5-year moving flow-weighted concentrations for TDS is shown in Figure 4b. The long-term flow-weighted values remained well below the proposed objective of 1,000 mg/L. Because flow weighting is calculated across five years, a radical change in flow or the instantaneous concentrations can significantly alter the plot of the moving 5-year concentrations (see Figure 4b). The decrease depicted in the graph. TDS (mg/L) 1700-r 1800 4- tsoo-- 1400 1300' iaoo-|- 1100-- 1000 -f 900 aoo- 700-- B00-- 900-- 400-- »00-- - a Short-term objective (1500 mg/L) ■•- calculated data mean monthly grab sample data ■^ j+\ .+; - b TDS (mg/L) Long-term Objective (1000 titg/L) 1979 1980 Time Figure 4 (a) Three-month Short-term Flow-weighted Concentration for TDS, East Poplar River at the International Boundary; (b) Five-year Long-term Flow-weighted Concentration for TDS, East Poplar River at the International Boundary - 15 from 721 to 548 mg/L, is attributed to the wery high flows of March and April 1982. The flow was approximately 30 m^/s in April, almost two orders of magnitude higher than the flows recorded at time of water sample collection during the period July 1979 to February 1982. The instantaneous concentrations for TDS ranged from 780 mg/L in May 1985 to 1000 mg/L recorded in November 1985 with an annual mean of 911 mg/L. Boron The proposed short-term objective for boron is 3.5 mg/L. Figure 5a shows the 3-month moving flow-weighted concentration. There were no excursions over the period of record (1975 to 1985). The maximum flow-weighted concentration during 1985, calculated from the regression equation, was 1.85 mg/L. Whereas the maximum calculated from the grab-sample data was 1.75 mg/L. The maximum instantaneous boron concentration observed was 2.0 mg/L. The relationship between boron and specific conductance over the entire period of record is described by the equation: B = (0.00146 X specific conductance) - 0.26 (R-squared = 0.75) The trend in each annual curve is similar. As autumn approaches, the 3-month flow-weighted concentrations rise gradually as the ground water contribution accounts for a greater percentage of the streamflow. In 1984 and 1985 the amplitude of the annual fluctuation is considerably less than in some previous years. This is probably due to the paucity of runoff from snowmelt during the spring of those two years. 3.B 3.4-- 3.2 3.0- - a 2.6- 1.4- 2.2-- Boron 2.0 (mg/L) 1.0 o.a-t- 0.8- - 0.4-- 0.2- Shopt-term objective (3.5 mg/L) -t- calculated data mean monthly gnab-sample data 1979 1980 Time ^■•| Ki ^' ^t^ 2.7-1- 2.8-- 2.S 2.4-- 2.3- 2.2- 2.1-- 2.0-- 9-- Boron (mg/L) Long-term objective (2.5 mg/L) M'IH'114. — r— t- r -I r--\-—T~ ■ \-—r~ tSaO 19fli 19B2 1983 1984 Figure 5 (a) Three-month Short-term Flow-weighted Concentration for Boron, East Poplar River at the International Boundary; (b) Five-year Long-term Flow-weighted Concentration for Boron, East Poplar River at the International Boundary 17 The long-term 5-year moving flow-weighted mean concentration is presented in Figure 5b. Although only the irrigation season (March to October) was of concern to the IJC, all yearly values are included in Figures 6 & 7, in order to better present long term trends in the data. The 5-year moving average boron concentration does not at any time during the period of record, exceed the 2.5 mg/L recommended long-term objective. The maximum value for observed is 1.47, recorded for the 5-year period July 1976 to June 1981 (plotted at the January, 1979 location in Figure 5b). The large change in the plot, from 1.35 to 0.94 mg/L Is attributed to the very high flows of April 1982 (see discussion for TDS) coupled with a low boron concentration. Other Water Quality Characteristics Table 3 shows the multi-purpose water quality objectives recommended by the International Poplar River Water Quality Board to the IJC. The number of samples collected for each parameter is also shown. No exceedences of the recommended multi-purpose objectives occurred in 1985. Environment Canada data indicate that the dissolved mercury content of the East Poplar River was at or below the analytical detection limit of 0.02 ug/L. Cookson Reservoir There are no trends yet evident in the water quality of Cookson Reservoir. Boron and TDS concentrations remained below 2.0 and 1000 ug/L, respectively. Dissolved oxygen levels remained high. The data provided by Saskatchewan Environment do not exceed the objectives for the East Poplar River at the International Boundary (Table 3), Table 3 Recommended Water Quality Objectives, Excursions and the 1985 Sampling Program, East Poplar River at the International Boundary (units in mg/L, except as otherwise noted) No. of samples Parameter Objective USA Canada Excursions Objectives recommended by IJC to Government; 3 14 15 Boron-total Note (1) nil TDS Note (1) 14 14 nil Objectives recommended by Board to IJC 3 13 Aluminum-dissolved 0.1 nil Ammonia un-ionized (N) 0.2 14 15 nil Cadmium-total 0.0012 2 14 nil Chromium-total 0.05 3 14 nil Copper-dissolved 0.005 2 nil nil Copper-total 1.0 3 14 nil Fluoride-dissolved 1.5 14 13 nil Lead-total recoverable 0.03 3 14 nil Mercury-dissolved 0.0002 nil 14 nil Mercury-whole fish (mg/kg 0.5 nil nil - Nitrate (N) 10 14 15 nil Dissolved Oxygen Note (2) 12 13 nil S.A.R. 10 14 14 nil Sulphate 800 14 14 nil Zinc-total 0.03 3 14 nil Temperature (deg. C) Note (3) 12 10 nil pH (pH units) Note (4) 12 13 nil Col i form - fecal (no./lOO ml) 2,000 nil 13 nil - total (no./lOO ml) 20,000 nil 13 nil Note: (1) March to October, long-term average of flow-weighted concentrations should be _<2.5 mg/L for boron, and £1,000 mg/L for TDS with a maximum flow-weighted concentration not to exceed 3.5 mg/L for boron and 1,500 mg/L for TDS for any 3-month period during this time. (2) 5.0 (minimum April 10 to May 15), 4.0 (minimum rest of year). (3) Natural (April 10 to May 15), less than 30 deg. C (rest of year). (4) 6.5 (minimum) and less than 0.5 above natural. 19 - Data Comparison Quality control sampling was carried out on June 11, 1985, during which triplicate samples were collected by Environment Canada and the United States Geological Survey (Table 4). Table 4 Data Comparison, June 11, 1985 Sampling Trip (units are mg/L) Environment Canada U.S. Geological Survey Diffe rence Parameter No. Range Mean No. Range Mean Net % of USGS T.D.S. 3 24 839 3 20 940 101 10.7 Specific Cond. 3 10 1384 3 0 1450 66 4.6 (us/cm) Alkalinity (Tot) 2 1 396 3 14 468 72 15.4 Ca-dissolved 3 1.9 44.9 3 3 55 10 18.2 Cl-dissolved 3 0.1 5.1 3 0.2 5.9 0.8 13.6 F-dissolved 3 0.10 0.46 3 0 0.3 0.2 67. S04-dissolved 2 4.3 288 3 0 310 22 7.1 Si02-dissolved 2 0.5 10.0 3 0 11 1 9.1 B-dissolved 3 0.05 1.4 3 0 1.9 0.5 26.3 Fe-dissolved 3 0.03 0.14 3 0.003 0.010 0.13 1300. Ni-dissolved 3 0 0.002 3 0.002 0.006 0.004 67. Hardness 3 9 321 3 10 353 32 9.1 Significantly differing TDS and Boron results for the June samples gave rise to a second quality control sampling, which was carried out on December 17, 1985. Samples from the December exercise were split and sent to different labs. Canadian samples were sent to the Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC), and to the Environment Canada Regional (EC-REG) and National laboratories (EC-NAT). - 20 In the United States, samples were sent to the U.S. Geological Survey laboratory (USGS), the Montana Department of Health and Environmental Sciences (MDHES), and to the Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology (MBMG). The data for TDS, laboratory specific conductance and boron are shown in Table 5. Table 5 Data Comparability, December 17, 1985 Sampling Trip (units are mg/L) Parameter Environment Canada SRC EC-NAT EC-REG U.S. Geological Survey M-HEALTH MBMG MDHES USGS Total Diss. Solids Spec Cond (us/cm) Boron-dissolved 1124 908 1450 1450 1470 1.7 - 1.5 979 987 950 1496 1497 1550 1.7 1.8 1.8 A comparison of June quality control data indicates significant differences in the calcium and alkalinity results which are used in the calculation of total dissolved solids. The December results showed some improvement in the comparability of boron results. It does appear, however, that the Water Quality Branch regional laboratory reports consistently lower boron concentrations than the USGS laboratory. Additional inter-agency quality control work will have to be undertaken in 1986, with the inclusion of some spiked samples and blanks. GROUND WATER QUANTITY Coal Mine Dewatering in Saskatchewan Discharges Due to coal mine dewatering activities, a total of 7,083 dam3 (5,742 acre-feet) of ground water was discharged during 1985. This amounts to 9.6 percent less pumpage than in the previous year. A summary of the monthly pumpages from all the coal dewatering wells is shown in Table 6. Table 6 1985 Monthly Pumpages from Mine Dewatering Activities Month January February March April May June July August September October November December TOTAL Pumpages Total (dam3) Rate (L/s) 626 234 603 249 668 249 629 243 576 215 594 229 573 214 547 204 531 205 616 230 536 207 584 218 7,083 dam3 (5,742 acre-feet) The ground water was discharged at 14 locations during 1985. Twelve discharges were to Girard Creek, one was directly into Cookson Reservoir and one was into a tributary of Goose Creek. From the discharge to the Cookson Reservoir, 68.1 dam3 were diverted directly into the Town of Coronach water supply. No water from this Goose Creek discharge reached the main stem of Goose Creek. 21 - 22 Water Levels Two piezometric pressure maps, dated June and December, 1985, were prepared by Prairie Coal Ltd.-'- Figure 6 was compiled from the December map and shows the cone of depression formed by the pressure contours in the Hart coal seam. The southern extent of the cone of depression at the end of 1985 is unchanged from its position in the previous year. The position of the one metre contour therefore remains at 1.8 kilometres north of the International Boundary. Montana Quarterly water levels were read in 21 wells in 1985. Wells 5, 10, 14, and 15 were equipped with continuous recorders. Additional development (flushing, surging, pumping) was done on wells 13 through 19, 21 and 22 in May of 1985. This resulted in a readjustment of static water levels in wells 16, 17, 18 and 21. Water levels in the 10 original wells continue to fluctuate within one foot from their average values. There appears to be no noticeable impact caused by mine dewatering activity in Saskatchewan. 1 Effective December 1, 1984, ownership and operation of the Poplar River Mine were transferred from the Saskatchewan Power Corporation to Prairie Coal Ltd. 23 - 106"'45 106" 30' 49»15 49''00 — Ae'AB Figure 5 Cone of Depression in the Hart Coal Seam from Dewatering Activities as of December, 1385 GROUND WATER QUALITY Saskatchewan Ground water sampling continued in 1985 at the locations specified in the Technical Monitoring Schedules. Water Quality in the Tills Waters from the tills are of generally poorer quality than those from the Empress Gravels. This is illustrated in Figure 7, where TDS has been plotted for each piezometer. The higher, and more variable concentrations are associated with piezometers completed in till, whereas TDS levels in Empress-completed piezometers rarely exceed 1,200 mg/L. Piezometer C712B at location 2a, just to the north of the polishing lagoon displayed an increase in uranium concentration over 1984 to mid-1985. The extremely high uranium values reported in 1985 are possibly questionable, being about ten times the expected level. The first-quarter of 1986 results for C712B should be scrutinized to determine whether a real trend is developing, or whether the high uranium concentrations noted in April and July 1985 were in error. No other parameter trends are in evidence at this location. Locations 2b (C718) and 2c (C719), near the north edge of the polishing lagoon similarly displayed no consistent water quality trends over the period October 1983 to the end of 1985, although the uranium concentration at C719 fluctuates widely during the period October 1984 to October 1985. 24 - M) (S 3 Q H \ tJ r M 'W w •^ 01 (S CD o IS o (S (S Q \ I \0 or COr \0 cor Mi oor Ui \'v 1 1 'ii'! ' JO ,1 > "XO > ■•p .€f Q C 0) m 7j « t-i >-• < M m !•/) 70 n r 2 < D m i-4 a a ?[) r en w 13 o i-i n m 3 N o n m 2 2 m -I m 3 ;o H (^ >-• n Vi I ! ! M HID I i I f I I 6 t> *^ * ^ )^ * ■ ♦ <> I I oooonoooooooo N -g -M >i;i -vi -J ^ N N -J -^j N 'ji A A ^ w ►- ^ nj ai ro r\) w nj co ro »- ro i^ <^ Mil iTi iTi i"ft ffi iTs (\'i to w ir o o w m m 26 At location 9a, at the west end of the polishing lagoon, piezometers 728B and 728C show a general increase in uranium level over the period 1983 to July 1985, but the concentrations drop off again slightly in October 1985. The variability in the concentration for most chemical species observed both spatially and temporally in the tills can probably be attributed to localized geochemical conditions adjacent to piezometer intakes and to variability in recharge rates through the tills. In the case of sulphate, this is supported by the observation of gypsum lenses in the tills in drill cuttings recovered at the time of piezometer installation. The ground water chemistry in the tills is therefore influenced by the amount of net ground water recharge over the area, as well as the mineralogic content of the tills at the sampling point and along the flow path of the infiltrating water. Water Quality in the Empress Gravels No significant water quality trends are evident in the Empress Gravels. Figure 7 shows that TDS levels remain generally unchanged over the period of record (1980 to 1985). Piezometer C533 appears to have undergone a very slight increase in chloride concentration over the period of record, but no other chemical species have increased consistently. For instance, uranium has remained at a relatively stable concentration since early 1981 in all Empress-completed piezometers (C533, C534, C726E, and C728E). Boron levels decreased in C533 since 1980, and showed no significant trends in C534, C726E, and C728E. - 27 - The average hydraulic conductivity of the Empress Gravels is some five orders of magnitude higher than that of the tills. The volume of water flowing through the Empress Gravels would therefore, under similar head conditions be correspondingly much higher than the volume of leakage from the overlying tills into the gravels. Because of this, the dilution effect would be large enough so as to mask or otherwise render Indeterminable the effects of increased leakage, on the water quality. of the gravels. Montana Water quality samples for wells 2 through 11 were collected in August, 1985. No significant changes in water chemistry have been observed. After additional development on wells 13 through 19, 21 and 22 (by bailings), samples were collected from wells 13, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19, 21 and 22. 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 discharges to surface waters. During 1985, most of the sluiced ash was directed into Ash Lagoon No. 2. The normal operation has been using Ash Lagoon No. 2 and the polishing pond in series. Water from the polishing pond is returned to the plant for ash sluicing. End of quarter water depths in Ash Lagoons No. 1 and 2 were in the 3.2 - 6.1 m and 3.2 - 4.2 m ranges respectively. A small amount of ash and water were slurried to Ash Lagoon No. 3 to increase water levels and, to protect its lining while this lagoon was not in use. Seepage calculations were carried out in 1985 using the methods developed by T.E.A. Prickett, P.E., of Urbana, Illinois. Results of the calculations for Ash Lagoons No. 1 and 2 and the polishing pond are as follows: Table 7 Calculated Seepage Rates Source Rate (L/s) Polishing Pond 0.239 Ash Lagoon No. 1 0.172 Ash Lagoon No. 2 0.339 Total Seepage 0.750 - 28 - 29 - The 1985 calculated seepage was greater than that calculated for the year 1984. This has been attributed largely to the loading effects on Ash Lagoon No. 2. The calculated total seepage is well below the seepage limits (5.0 L/s to Cookson Reservoir and 2.0 L/s to the East Poplar River) proposed in 1979 by the International Poplar River Water Quality Board of the International Joint Commission. The permeability of the Ash Lagoons Nos. 1 and 2 and polishing pond liners were calculated and found to be the same order of magnitude (10-9 cm/s) as originally calculated by T.E.A. Prickett. The advancement of the seepage front towards the reservoir in the oxidized till was calculated at 4.23 m since the ponds were initially filled, which is an increase of 1.75 m since 1984. Whereas the seepage front in the Empress formation was calculated to have advanced 628 m southeast of the lagoons, an increase of 144 m since 1984. However, examination of Empress formation and till water chemistry have not shown significant changes attributable to lagoon seepage. Thus leachate flow into Cookson Reservoir and into the East Poplar River was zero to date. Saskatchewan Environment requires that the Saskatchewan Power Corporation 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 May, 1985. The freeboard requirements were exceeded during a short time in the late spring of 1985 in order to minimize any ash blowing problems from Ash Lagoon No. 1. This matter has been remedied and satisfactory freeboard maintenance has been subsequently 30 practised. Additional piezometers were installed in July, 1985 by SPC to provide information on the ground water regime adjacent to Ash Lagoon No. 3 SPC has, since May, 1983, undertaken analyses of filtered ash lagoon water samples to obtain appropriate information on potential leachate quality. Generally the water quality data show increases in the ash lagoons and the polishing ponds for sodium, potassium, sulphate, silica, total dissolved solids, fluoride, boron, molybdenum, and strontium; and notable variability in the levels for uranium, and vanadium. In addition, there were some decreases noted for other measured variables such as lead, mercury and recently zinc. The changes are to be expected in a closed system of this type. AIR QUALITY Saskatchewan Ambient sulphur dioxide monitoring began at Coronach in July 1979. To date, a few detectable concentrations have been recorded at this site. There were no recorded violations of Saskatchewan Environment's hourly or 24 hour standards of 17.0 pphm and 6.0 pphm respectively (Figures 8 and 9). The highest value of 7.5 pphm occurred on November 12 at 1200 hours. Weather information for this day-indicates winds blowing from the southwest quadrant, which would indicate the power plant as the probable source. The highest 24 hour value of 0.4 pphm occurred on May 24 and November 12. Weather data indicates winds blowing from the southern quadrants 46 and 42% of the time respectively. Suspended particulate concentrations at Coronach did not exceed Saskatchewan Environment's 24 hour average standard of 120 micrograms per cubic metre (ug/m3/24 hours), as compared to 6 exceedances in 1984. The annual geometric mean fell from 39.8 ug/m^ in 1984 to 24.8 ug/m3 in 1985 and continues to be well below the Saskatchewan standard of 70.0 ug/m3. In-stack monitoring results showed a similar variance in 1985 to that of 1984. Daily nitrogen oxide concentrations ranged from 400 to 1216 milligrams per cubic metre (mg/m^) with an average yearly concentration of 757 mg/m^ as compared to 800 mg/m^ in 1984. However, operating problems continued to plague the nitrogen oxides monitor; the monitor was not available 62% of the time. Daily sulphur dioxide concentrations ranged from 1554 to 4710 mg/m^ with an average yearly concentration of 2660 mg/m^ as compared to 2600 mg/m3 in 1984. O E < >- LlJ ro cj r- o o o o o o 33 rv / - --^ ,— - '-D <— - -^ r- "-3 CO tX) ^£> Un LD o o o o — ■— o o (ujdd) ZqS 34 - Sulphur dioxide emissions consisted of 8.5 X 10"3 tonnes per megawatt hour due to firing on coal and 8.0 X 10-5 tonnes per megawatt hour due to firing on oil. Total coal consumption for 1985 was 3,878,000 tonnes and oil consumption was 2,743 tonnes (3,044 cubic metres). Average daily opacity readings ranged from 1 to 100%, with a yearly average of 19% as compared to 22% in 1984. Saskatchewan's opacity standard is 40%. In most instances, opacity violations generally occur during process start-up, shut down or when one of the precipitators experiences a power trip. Montana The State of Montana operated three primary air monitoring sites and five additional sulfation rate sites in the Poplar River area of Montana during 1985. The parameters monitored included: sulphur dioxide, total suspended particulate, fine particulates, sulfation rate, wind speed, wind direction, and temperature. The primary air monitoring sites were operated from July 1984 through June 1985 because the 1983 Montana Legislature provided funding for only one additional year of monitoring which commenced after both Coronach units sustained near-capacity operation. The sulfation rate sites were operated for the entire year by utilizing funding from Montana's general air quality budget. The monitoring results are summarized in Table 8. - 35 - Table 8 Summary of Air Quality Monitoring Results During 1985 in Montana Sulphur Dioxide (pphm) Site Highe St 1-hr Highe' St 3-hr Highest 24-hr Annual Avg. Border (6)1 12.7 1 6.4 0.9 0.1 Hanrahan (6)1 3.1 2.4 0.7 0.1 Sulfation Rate (mg/100 cm2/day) Site Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May June July Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov. Dec. Richardson .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .01 .00 .00 .05 .05 Microwave Tower .10 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .01 .00 .00 .05 Flaxville .06 .00 .00 .01 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .04 .10 TV Tower Hill .06 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .04 .04 Scobey Downtown .07 .01 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .05 .06 Four Buttes .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .03 .00 International .06 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .04 .00 .00 .00 .10 Boundary International .10 .04 .06 .03 .07 .20 Boundary (S02)2(6)l Hanrahan .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .01 .00 .00 .04 .07 Hanrahan .06 .11 .15 .02 .07 .20 (S02)^(6)l Total Suspended Part iculate (u g/m3) Geometric Arithmetic Site Highest 24-hr 2nd Highest 24-hr Mean Mean Border (6)1 82 62 26.5 29.6 Hanrahan (6)1 73 68 18.6 22.9 Richardson (6)1 110 69 19.3 27.8 Fine Particulates (ug/m^) Highest 2nd Highest Arithmetic 24-hr 24-hr Mean International <2.5 micron 16.2 10.8 6.0 Boundary (6)1 2.5-15 micron 54.3 33.7 9.3 <15 micron 59.0 49.9 15.3 Hanrahan (6)1 <2.5 micron 4.0 3.9 2.4 2.5-15 micron 45.1 38.1 10.9 <15 micron 49.1 41.8 13.3 NOTES: 1 Parentheses denote the number of sample months, 2 The monthly sulphur dioxide averages (pphm) measured by the continuous sulphur dioxide analyzers are presented below the corresponding sulfation rate data for comparison purposes. 36 - During the first half of 1985, sulphur dioxide concentrations remained less than both Montana and United States ambient air quality standards. The maximum 1-hour concentration of 12.7 pphm was recorded at the International Boundary site during January. This concentration is approximately one-fourth of the Montana standard. The highest 24-hour concentration of 0.9 pphm also occurred at the International Boundary site during January. The Montana 24-hour standard is 10 pphm. A comparison of sulphur dioxide concentrations with Class II Prevention of Significant Deterioration increments demonstrates that the 3-hour concentration is the averaging time which consumes the most increment. The 6.4 pphm 3-hour average at the International Boundary site would consume 33 percent of the available increment. All of the higher sulphur dioxide concentrations noted above occurred with northwest winds, indicating that the Saskatchewan Power Corporation generating facilities were the possible source. The Montana and United States standards for total suspended particulates were not exceeded at any of the three monitoring sites. The highest 24-hour concentration was 110 ug/m^ recorded on April 19, 1985, at the Richardson site. The International Boundary site recorded the highest geometric and arithmetic means at 26.5 and 29.6 ug/m^, respectively. The levels of total suspended particulates observed during 1985 are low and representative of rural Montana. - 37 - Fine particulates in two size ranges were monitored at the International Boundary site and the Hanrahan site. Although there are presently no ambient standards for fine particulates, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has proposed standards for particulate matter with diameters less than 10 microns (PM-10). The proposal calls for an annual average in the range of 50-65 ug/m^ and a 24-hour standard in the range of 150-250 ug/m^. Montana did not actually sample the 10 micron and less category; however, the data from the less than 2.5 and less than 15 micron diameter categories provides a good indication that PM-10 levels would be in compliance with the proposed standards. During 1985, the Montana Department of Health and Environmental Sciences continued to operate an extended network of lead dioxide sulfation plates in the Poplar River area. The sulfation plate network includes the existing three primary monitoring sites and five additional locations: the Microwave Tower, Flaxville, the TV Tower, Four Buttes, and Scobey Downtown. The objective of the sulfation plate network is to obtain a broad geographical indication of sulphur dioxide concentrations and to investigate the relationship between sulfation rate and sulphur dioxide concentrations. Montana anticipates that funding will not be available in the future for continuous sulphur dioxide monitoring. Therefore, Montana hopes that sulfation rate will prove to be an inexpensive substitute. ANNEX 1 POPLAR RIVER COOPERATIVE MONITORING ARRANGEMENT CANADA - UNITED STATES - 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 quantity monitoring programs being conducted 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 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. Cochairmen may by mutual agreement invite agency technical experts to participate in the work of the Committee. - 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 Cochairman 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 wil 1 i) summarize the main activities of the Committee in the year under Report and the data which has been exchanged under the Arrangement; ii) draw to the attention of the participating governments any definitive changes in the monitored parameters, based on collation and technical interpretation of exchanged data (i.e. the utilization of summary, statistical and other appropriate techniques) ; iii) draw to the attention of the participating governments any recommendations regarding the adequacy or redundancy of any scheduled monitoring operations and any proposals regarding modifications to the Technical Monitoring Schedules, based on a continuing review of the monitoring programs including analytical methods to ensure their comparability. - 3 (c) Special Reports may, at any time, draw to the attention of piarticipating governments definitive changes in monitored parameters which may require immediate attention. (d) Preparation of Reports Reports will be prepared following consultation with all committee members and will be signed by all Committee members. Reports will be separately forwarded by the Committee 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. - 4 ANNEX 2 POPLAR RIVER COOPERATIVE MONITORING ARRANGEMENT 1986 TECHNICAL MONITORING SCHEDULES CANADA - UNITED STATES May 1986 TABLE OF CONTENTS Page PREAMBLE 3 CANADA 5 STREAMFLOW MONITORING 6 SURFACE WATER QUALITY MONITORING 8 GROUND WATER QUALITY MONITORING 12 GROUND WATER PIEZOMETERS TO MONITOR POTENTIAL DRAWDOWN 14 DUE TO COAL SEAM DEWATERING GROUND WATER PIEZOMETER LEVEL MONITORING - ASH LAGOON 16 AREA, SCHEDULE A - PIEZOMETERS IN TILL GROUND WATER PIEZOMETER LEVEL MONITORING - ASH LAGOON 18 AREA AND INTERNATIONAL BOUNDARY AREA, SCHEDULE B - PIEZOMETERS IN EMPRESS GRAVEL AMBIENT AIR QUALITY MONITORING 20 SOURCE EMISSION MONITORING 22 UNITED STATES 25 STREAMFLOW MONITORING 26 SURFACE WATER QUALITY MONITORING 28 GROUND WATER QUALITY MONITORING 30 GROUND WATER LEVELS TO MONITOR POTENTIAL DRAWDOWN DUE 32 TO COAL SEAM DEWATERING AMBIENT AIR QUALITY MONITORING 34 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 Govern- ments. 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 in- formation is usually available upon request from the collecting agency and forms part of the pool of technical information which may be drawn upon by Governments for specific study purposes. Examples of additional information are water quantity, water quality, ground- water and air quality data collected at points in the Poplar River basin not of direct concern to the Committee. In addition, supple- mental 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. 3 - POPLAR RIVER COOPERATIVE MONITORING ARRANGEMENT TECHNICAL MONITORING SCHEDULES 1986 CANADA - 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, 1. 11AE003 (06178500) 2. 11AE013 3. 1IAE015 *4. 11AE014 5. **Fife Lake 0^ *6. 11AE008 (06178000) Station Name 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 Sask Water during periods of outflow only. - 6 - HYDROMETRIC GAUGING STATIONS (CANADA) - 7 SURFACE WATER QUALITY MONITORING Sampling Locations Responsible Agency: Saskatchewan Environment No. on Map 1 2** 3«« A 5 Station No. 01 5X02006002 OOSK02000012 05SK02000008 05SK0200000A 00SK02000003 00SAILAE0008 Station Name Fite Lake Overflow Girard Creek South of Town of Coronach 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 East Poplar River at International Boundary Parameters Responsible Agency: Saskatchewan Environment ESQUADAT* Code Parameter 10151 10101 1300A 33004 06201 05451 48002 20103 06052 06005 06301 17203 06711 24004 36012 36002 02041 29005 09105 82002 12102 80011 42005 07015 10401 10501 28002 07110 06521 08102 15406 19103 34005 11002 16306 10451 0206YZ 23004 30005 10301 Alkalinity-pheno Alkalinity-tot Aluminum tot Arsenic- tot Bicarbonates Boron-tot Cadmium-tot Calcium Carbon-tot Inorg Carbon- tot Org Carbonates Chloride Chlorophyll 'a' Chromium- tot Col i form- fee Coliform-cot Conductivity Copper- tot Flouride Lead-tot Magnesium Mercury- tot Molybdenum N-TKN NFR NFR (F) Nickel-tot Nitrate + NO2 Oil and Grease Oxygen-diss Phosphorus- tot Potassium Selenium-Ext Sodium Sulphate TDS Temperature Vanadium-tot Zinc-tot PH Analytical Method Pot. Titration Pot. Titration ■ AA-direct Flameless-A.A. Calculated ICPA AA-Solvent extract (MIBK) AA-Direct IR IR Calculated Colourimetery Colourimetery AA-direct MF MF Conductivity meter AA-Solvent extract (MIBK) Specific ion electrode AA-Solvent extract (MIBK) AA-direct Flameless AA AA-Solvent Extract (MIBK) Colourimetry Gravimetric Gravimetric AA-Solvent extract (MIBK) Colourimetry Pet. Ether Extraction Meter Colourimetry Flame Photometery Hydride Generation Flame Photometry Colourimetry Gravimetric Thermometer AA-Direct AA-Solvent extract (MIBK) Electrometric Sampling Frequency Station No: 1 2 3 4 5 OF Q Q 0 Q OF Q Q 0 0 A A A A A A A A OF Q Q Q Q U Q Q Q Q A A A A OF Q Q Q 0 OF Q Q Q Q OF Q Q Q 0 OF Q Q 0 Q OF Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q A A A A OF Q Q Q 0 OF Q Q Q 0 U Q Q Q Q A A A A A A A A A A A A OF Q Q Q Q A A A A A A A A OF Q Q Q 0 OF Q Q Q Q OF Q Q Q Q OF Q Q Q 0 OF Q Q Q 0 A A A A OF Q Q Q Q OF Q Q Q Q OF Q Q Q Q A A A A OF Q Q Q Q OF 0 Q 0 Q OF y Q Q Q OF Q Q Q Q A A A A A A A A W Q Q Q Q ' l^oniputer storage and retrieval system - Saskatchewan Environment — Symbols: W - Weekly during overflow; OF - once during each period of overflow greater than 2 weeks' duration; Q - quarterly; A - annually in the fall; AA - atomic f,™2^P*^^°"= ^^ " infj^ared; Pot - potentiometrlc; NFR - nonf llterable residue NFRF - nonfilterable residue, fixed. AA - Solvent Extract (MIBK): isobutyl ketone. ICPA - Plasma emmlssion MF - membrane filtration Location under review in 1986. Sample digested with HNO3 and extracted with methyl PARAMETERS (Continued) Responsible Agency: Environment Canada Sampling Frequency NAQUADAT* Analytical Station Code Parameter Method No: 6 10151 Alkalinity-pheno Potentiometric M 10111 Alkalinity-tot TitroprocessoT M 13102 Alumininn-Diss. AA-Direct M 07569 Ammonia-Free Calculated H 07506 Ammonia- tot Electrometric M 33108 Arsenic-diss Plasma M 56001 Barium-tot AA Direct M 06201 Bicarbonates Calculated M 05105 Boron-diss Carminic Acid M A8002 Cadmium- tot AA Solv. Ext, M 20103 Calcium AA-Direct M 06902 Carbon-partic Elemental Analyzer ■M 06002 Carbon- tot Org Calculated M 06301 Carbonates Calculated M 17206 Chloride Colourimetric M 06717 Chlorophyll a Spec tropho tome trie M 2A003 Chromium- tot AA-Solv. Ext. M 27002 Cobalt-tot AA Solv. Ext. M 36012 Coliform-fec MF M 36002 Coliform-tot MF M 02021 Colour - true Comparator M 02041 Conductivity Wheatstone Bridge M 29005 Copper- tot AA-Solv. Ext. M 06604 Cyanide UV-Colourimetric M 09106 Fluoride Electrometric M 10602 Hardness Calculated M 08501 Hydroxide Calculated M 26104 Iron-diss AA-direct M 82002 Lead-tot AA-Solv. Ext. M 12102 Magnesium AA-direct M 25104 Manganese-diss AA-direct M 80011 Mercury- tot Flameless AA M 07902 N-particulate Elemental Analyzer M 07651 N-tot diss UV Colourimetric M 10401 NFR Gravimetric M 28002 Nickel-tot AA-Solv. Ext. M 07110 Nitrate Colourimetric M 07603 Nitrogen-tot Calculated M 180XX Organo Chlorines GC M 08101 Oxygen-diss Winkler M 15901 P-particulate Calculated M 15103 P-tot diss Colourimetric M 06535 Phenolics Colourimetric M 185XX Phenoxy Herbicides GC M 15406 Phosphorus- tot Colourimetric M 19103 Potassium Flame Emission M 18S99 Picloram GC M 11201 Percent Sodium Calculated M 00210 Sat Index Calculated M 34102 Selenium-diss Plasma M 14102 Silica Colourimetric M 11103 Sodium Flame Emission M 00211 Stab Index Calculated M 16306 Sulphate Colourimetric M 00201 TDS Calculated M 02061 Temperature Alcohol M 02073 Turbidity Nephelometric M 23002 Vanadium-tot AA-Solv. Ext. M 30002 Zinc- tot AA-Solv. Ext. M 10301 pH Electrometric M 92111 Uranium Flurometric MC ♦Computer storage and retrieval system - Environment Canada Symbols: M-Monthly; AA-atomic absorption; MF-membrane filtration; UV-ultraviolet ; NFR-nonf ilterable residue; GC-gas chromatography; MC-Monthly Composite; - 9 - - 11 - GROUND WATER QUALITY MONITORING Sampling Locations Responsible Agency: Saskatchewan Environment Station Description SPC Sampling Station Piezometer No. C726A Elevation (m) 746.338 Material 8a unoxidized till C726C 752.739 oxidized till C7260 755.543 oxidized till 8« C726E 738.725 empress gravel 9a C728A 753.105 oxidized till C7288 743.265 unoxidized till C728C 747.645 mottled till C7280 752.305 oxidized till 9a C728E 739.912 empress gravel 2a C712B 746.112 oxidized till 2b C718 748.385 mottled till 2c C719 747.715 oxidized till C533 C533 740.441 empress gravel C534 C534 753.499 till 18 C741 735.153 empress gravel 19 C735 753.789 empress gravel 21 C742 741.800 empress gravel Parameters Responsible Agency: Saskatchewan Environment ESQUADAT* Analytical Code Parameter Method 10101 Alkalinity-tot Pot-Tltratlon 13105 AluninuiD-Dlss AA-Direct 33104 Arsenic-Dlss Flameless AA 56104 Barium-Diss AA-Dlrect 06201 Bicarbonates Calculated 05106 Boron-diss Colourimetry 48102 Cadmiuo-Diss AA-Solvent Extract (MIBK) 20103 Calcium-Dlss AA-direct 06301 Carbonates Calculated 17203 Chlorlde-Dlss Colourimetry 24104 Chromium-Dlss AA-Dlrect 27102 Colbalt-Dlss AA-Solvent Extract (MIBK) 02011 Colour Comparator 02041 Conductivity Conductivity meter :9105 Copper-Dlss AA-Solvent Extract (MIBK) 09105 Fluoride-Dlss Specific Ion tlectrode 26014 Iron-Diss AA-Dlrect 82103 Lead-Diss AA-Solvent Extract (MIBK) 12102 Magiiesium-uiss AA-Direct 25104 Manganese-Diss AA-Dlrect 801 11 Mercury-Dlss Flameless AA 42102 Molybdenum- Diss AA-Solvent extract acetate) (N-Butyl 10301 pH Electrometrlc 19103 Potassium-Diss Flame Photometry 34105 Selenium-Diss Hydride generation 14102 Silica-Diss Colourimetry 11103 Sodium-Diss Flame Photometry 38101 Strontlum-Diss AA-Direct 16306 Sulphace-Diss Colourimetry 10451 TDS Gravimetric 92111 Uranium-Diss Fluorometry 23104 Vanadium-Dlss AA-Direct 97025 Water Level 30105 Zinc-Diss AA-Solvent Extract (MIBK) Sampling Frequency Station No: Piezometers 3 3 3 3 A A ^ ^ [tract (MIBK) A No zinc or iron for piezometers C533 or C534 * Computer Storage and Retrieval System - Saskatchewan Environment Symbols: AA - atomic absorption. A - Annually. 3 - Three times per year AA-Solvent Extract (MIBK); sample acidified and extracted with Methyl Isobutyl Ketone - 12 - R. 27 II.26 A«h Loqoons CSJ3 CS34 1/9 21 A SCALt lOoOMcrai* CANADA as. A. GROUND WATER QUALITY MONITORING (CANADA) - 13 - GROUND WATER PCEZOMBTERS TO MONITOR POTENTIAL DRAfcfDOWN DUE TO COAL SEAM DEWATKRING Responsible Agency: Saskatchewan Water Corporation Measurement Frequency: Quarterly SPG Piezometer No. Station Number Location Sampling Elevation (m) 52 52 NW14-1-27W3 738.43 506 506A SW4-1-27W3 748.27 507 507 SW6-I-26W3 725.27 509 509 NW11-1-27W3 725.82 510 510 NW1-1-28W3 769.34 Perforation Zone (depth in metres) i 43 - 49 (in coal) 81 - 82 (in coal) 1 34 - 35 (in coal) 76 - 77 (in coal) | 28 - 29 (in layered coal and clay) I - 14 - GROUNDWATER PIEZOMETERS TO MONITOR POTENTIAL DRAWDOWN DUE TO COAL SEAM DEWATERING 15 GROUND WATER PIEZOMETER LEVEL MONITORING - ASH LAGOON AREA SCHEDULE A - PIEZOMETERS IN TILL Responsible Agency: Saskatchewan Environment Station la lb Ic 2ai 232 2a3 2 34 2b 2c 3a 3b 3c SPG Piezometer No. C716 C717 0711 C712A C712B C712C C712D C718 C719 C713 C720 G721 Frequency of Measurement All piezometer levels are measured quarterly 6aj 6a2 633 634 731 732 733 734 C534 C763A C763B C763C C763D C729A C729B C729C C729D 0534 831 832 833 834 8bi 8b2 8b3 8ci 8c2 8c3 8c4 8d C730A 0730B 07300 0730D 0727A 0727B 07270 0726A 0726B 07260 0726D 0748 93 9a2 933 934 9bi 9b2 9b3 9b4 07 64 A 0764B 07640 C764D C728A C728B C7280 C728D - 16 R.27 T.I R.26 LEGEND Q SiB«U Pivioniar ia Till a 8 Sitt Nuaikw SCALE •oe looo MCTatt CANADA US. A. PIEZOMETER INSTALLATION SITES - SCHEDULE 'A* PIEZOMETERS IN TILL - 17 - GROUND WATER PIEZOMETER LEVEL MONITORING - ASH LAGOON AREA AND INTERNATIONAL BOUNDARY AREA SCHEDULE B - PIEZOMETERS IN EMPRESS GRAVEL Responsible Agency: Saskatchewan Environment Station SPG Innnediate Ash Ls igoon Area Piezometer No. 1 C731 6a C763E 6b C765A C529 C529 C530 C530 C532 €532 C533 C533 C538 C538 8 9 C730E C728E Frequency of Measurement All piezometers are monitored quarterly West of Ash Lagoon Area 11 14 16 C743 C740 0756 South of Ash Lagoon Area C525 C526 0527 C539 C540 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 C525 C526 C527 C539 C540 C741 C735 C736 0742 C733 C732 0734 - U R. 27 R.26 LEGEND A SCALE •00 lOOO MTOtt IS (Die (3 C525 " C527 17 C539 C540 @18 5)21 D19 320 D22 CANADA US. A. PIEZOMETER INSTALLATION SITES - SCHEDULE 'B* PIEZOMETERS IN EMPRESS GRAVEL - 19 AMBIENT AIR QUALITY MONITORING Responsible Agency: Saskatchewan Environment No. on Map Location Parameters 1 Coronach Sulphur Dioxide Wind speed and direction Total Suspended Particulates Inter- Sulphur national Dioxide Boundary* Total Suspended Particulates METHODS Sulphur Dioxide Total Suspended Particulates Reporting Frequency 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 24-hour samples on 6-day cycle, corresponding to the National Air Pollution Surveillance Sampling Schedule. Saskatchewan Environment Colourimetric Titration, Pulsed Fluorescence Saskatchewan Environment High Volume Method The station operated by Saskatchewan Power 20 AMBIENT AIR OUALITV HONITORINS AMBIENT AIR QUALITY MONITORING (CANADA) - 21 SOURCE EMISSION MONITORING Responsible Agency: Saskatchewan Environment No. on Map 1 Station Location At Poplar River Power Plant Parameters Sulphur Dioxide Nitrogen Dioxide, Opacity. Sampling Frequency Continuous reported as Hourly Averages METHODS Sulphur Dioxide Nitrogen Dioxide Opacity Saskatchewan Environment Ultraviolet Absorption Saskatchewan Environment Chemi luminescence Saskatchewan Environment Optical - 22 - R. 27 R.26 T.I Ash Loqoons A SCALE •00 looo HI Tact -J . 1 k CANADA US. A. SOURCE EMISSION MONITORING 23 POPLAR RIVER COOPERATIVE MONITORING ARRANGEMENT TECHNICAL MONITORING SCHEDULES 1986 UNITED STATES - 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 26 CANADA U. iA. HYDROMETRIC GAUGING STATIONS (UNITED STATES) - 27 SURFACE HATER QUALITY MONITORING Station Location Responsible Agency: U.S. Geological Survey No. on Map USGS Station No. 06178000 06178500 Station Name Poplar River at International Boundary East Poplar River at International Boundary East Poplar River near Scobey PAIAHETERS Sanpling Frequ Analytical BCttaod 90410 01106 00610 00625 01000 01002 01010 01012 01020 01025 01027 00915 00680 00940 01030 01034 000 BO 00095 01040 01042 00061 00950 01046 01045 01049 01051 00925 01056 01055 01065 01067 00615 00630 00300 70507 00400 00665 00935 00931 80154 80155 01145 01147 00955 00930 00945 70301 00010 00020 00076 80020 01090 01092 Alkalinity-lab Aluaini^i-disa Aaoonia-tot Aaaonia^Org N-tot Araeoic— dias Araenic-tot BerylliuB-diaa Berylliuv-tot/rec BoroD-diaa CadmiuB-diaa CadaiuM-tot/rec CalciuB Carbon-tot Org Chloride-dias Chronium-diaa Chromium- to t/rec Color CooductiTity Copper— diaa Copper-tot/ rec Diacbarge-inat Fluoride IroD-dlaa Irott-tot/rec Lead-diaa Lead-tot/rec MaKneaiuv-diaa Hani; aneae— diaa Hanganeae— tot/rec Nickel-diaa Nickel tot/rec Nitrite-tot Nitrate*Ni trite-tot Oxygeo-diaa Fboa, Orttao-tot pH PbopboToua-tot Potaaaiim-diaa SAR Sed iacnt— cone . Sediaent-load Selenitaa-diaa SeleoiuB tot/rec Silica Sodiua Sulfate-diaa Total Diaaolved Solida Te«p Hater Temp Air Turbidity UraniuB-diaa Zinc-diaa 2inc-tot/rec Elect. Titration AA Colonaetric Coloriaetric AA. bydride AA, bydride AA AA-Peraulfate ICP AA AA-perauIfate AA Wet Oxidation Ion cbroAatography AA AA-peraulfate Electroaetric , viaual Vbeatatone Bridge AA AA-peraulfate Direct aeaaur. Electroaetric AA AA-peraulfate AA AA-peraulfate AA AA AA-peraulfate AA AA-peraulfate Color Inetric Coloriaetric Hinkler/aeter Coloriaetric Electroaetric Coloriaetric AA Calculated Filtratioo-graviaetric Calculated AA, bydride AA, hydride Coloriaetric AA Coloriaetric Calculated Toluene Toluene Nepbeloaetric Fluoriactric AA AA-peraulfate *Co«puter atoragc and retrieval ayacaa - DSCS Syabola: C-continuoua; D-daily; H-aontbly; MC-aonthly coapoaite; A-amually at bigb flow; SA-aeai-annually at low and bigh flow; AA-atoalc abaorption; tot-total; rec— recoverable; diaa-diaaolved - 28 SURFACE WATER QUALITY MONITORING STATIONS (UNITED STATES) - 29 GROUND WATER QUALITY MONITORING Station Locations Reifranaible Agency: Montana Bureau of Hinet and Geology Total Caeinc Pei rforatioo Nap U*U Depth Dleaeter Zone Number Location (-) (e.) Aquifer (■) 17N47E17DABB 79 3.8 PVC Hart Coal 76-79 37N47E23AAOD 36 3.8 PVC Hart Coal 33-36 17N4