S Poplar Biver 333.91 Bilateral M7fiprar Monitoring Annual report of the jovernoients of Canadat United States* l<51'&^ 1986 ANNUAL REPORT STATE DOCUMENTS COLLECTION FEB : 1990 *° *^® MONTANA SiAlL LIBRARY 1515 E. 6th AVE. HELENA, MONTANA 59620 GOVERNMENTS OF CANADA, UNITED STATES, SASKATCHEWAN AND MONTANA by the POPLAR RIVER BILATERAL MONITORING COMMITTEE COVERING CALENDAR YEAR 1986 June. 1987 Montana Stale Ubrary 3 0864 1004 5788 9 POPLAR RIVER BILATERAL MONITORING COMMITTEE REPORT TO GOVERNMENTS OF CANADA, UNITED STATES, SASKATCHEWAN AND MONTANA FOR CALENDAR YEAR 1986 JUNE, 1987 POPLAR RIVER BILATERAL MONITORING COMMITTEE Department of State Washington, D.C., United States Governor's Office, State of Montana Helena, Montana, United States Department of External Affairs Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Saskatchewan Environment Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada Gentlemen: During 1986, 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 1986 Technical Monitoring Schedule. The monitoring data were exchanged on a quarterly basis. Herein is the report of activities of 1986 and the proposed monitoring schedule for 1987. The report summarizes current conditions relative to pre-project conditions and compares current conditions 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 1986, the Committee finds that the measured conditions are within the norms of the accepted objectives. During 1986, monitoring continued with only minor changes in site locations and schedules from 1985 . Two new mining areas to the east and north of Cookson Reservoir are being assessed for future development. The impact statement is currently under review within the Saskatchewan Government and will be available to the Committee in the summer of 1987. Upon review of the report, the Committee may recommend modifications to the Technical Monitoring Schedules. On March 12, 1987, the Cooperative Monitoring Arrangement was extended by the governments for a period of four years under the provision of Article 5, Terms of the Arrangement. Yours sincerely. J. (R. Knap ton ' Chairman, United States Section p/^ ^.G. W. Howard Chairman, Canadian Section lear United States Section W. D. Gummer Member, Canadian Section TABLE OF CONTENTS Page LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL 3 1986 HIGHLIGHTS 7 INTRODUCTION 9 POPLAR RIVER POWER STATION 12 Operation 12 Construction ..... 13 Mining 14 SURFACE WATER QUANTITY 16 Streamflow 16 Reservoir Storage 17 Apportionment 18 Minimum Flows 18 On-Demand Release 20 SURFACE WATER QUALITY 21 East Poplar River 21 Total Dissolved Solids 22 Boron 22 Other Water Quality Characteristics 26 Glrard Creek and Cookson Reservoir 26 Quality Control 28 GROUND WATER QUANTITY 33 Saskatchewan 33 Coal Mine Dewatering 33 Water Levels 34 Poplar River Mine Relocation 34 Montana 36 GROUND WATER QUALITY 38 Saskatchewan 38 Water Quality in the Tills 38 Water Quality in the Empress Gravels 41 Montana 42 ASH LAGOON QUALITY AND QUANTITY 45 AIR QUALITY 48 Saskatchewan 48 Montana 51 5 TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued) Page Table 1 - 1986 Operating Statistics for Generating Units No. 1 and No. 2 12 2 - Cookson Reservoir Storage Statistics for 1986 17 3 - Cookson Reservoir Storage Statistics for 1985, Corrected 17 4 - Recommended Water Quality Objectives and Excursions, 1986 Sampling Program, East Poplar River at the International Boundary 27 5 - Selected Analytical Results of Quality Control Split Samples, June 8, 1986 30 6 - Analytical Results of Water Quality Standards Exchanged . 31 7 - 1986 Monthly Pumpages from Mine Dewatering Activities 33 8 - SPC-PRPS Ash System, 1986 Calculated Seepage Rates ... A5 9 - Summary of 1986 Montana Air Quality Monitoring Results . 52 Figure 1 - Poplar River Mine — Location Map 15 2 - Discharge during 1986 Compared with Median Discharge for 1951-80 for the Poplar River at International Boundary 16 3 - Hydrograph of Water Discharge of the East Poplar River at the International Boundary and Recommended Minimum Flow 19 4 - East Poplar River at International Boundary: (a) TDS Three-Month Moving Flow-Weighted Concentration 23 (b) TDS Five-Year Moving Flow-Weighted Concentration 23 5 - East Poplar River at International Boundary: Instantaneous and Regression-Generated TDS and Boron Concentrations 1975-86 24 6 TABLES OF CONTENTS (continued) Page Figure 6 - East Poplar River at International Boundary: (a) Boron Three-Month Moving Flow-Weighted Concentration 25 (b) Boron Five-Year Moving Flow-Weighted Concentration 25 7 - Cone of Depression in the Hart Coal Seam from Dewatering Activities as of December, 1986 35 8 - Water Levels of Selected Wells in the United States ... 37 9 - Total Dissolved Solids Concentrations: East Poplar River Monitoring Piezometers 39 10 - Specific Conductance Measurements in Selected Wells within the United States 43 11 - Sulphur Dioxide Air Quality Data - Coronach Water Treatment Plant 50 Annex 1 - Poplar River Cooperative Monitoring Arrangement, Canada-United States 2 - Poplar River Cooperative Monitoring Arrangement, Technical Monitoring Schedules, 1987, Canada- United States 3 - Reports Reviewed during 1986 by the Poplar River Bilateral Monitoring Committee 4 - Recommended Flow Apportionment in the Poplar River Basin by the International Souris-Red Rivers Engineering Board, Poplar River Task. Force (1976) 5 - Metric Conversions - 7 - 1986 HIGHLIGHTS In 1986 the power station operated for the third full year. The two 300 megawatt coal-fired units generated 3,968,400 gross megawatt hours of electricity, down 13 percent from 1985. Because the number of plant startups decreased, the consumption of oil decreased 1,897 tonnes or 27 percent from 1985. Monitoring Information collected in both Canada and the United States was exchanged on a quarterly basis. In general the sampling loca- tions, frequency of collection, and parameters met the requirements identified in the Technical Monitoring Schedules set forth in the 1985 annual report. An exception was continuous air quality moni- toring in Montana where there was an interruption because of in- adequate funding and a relocation of the primary monitoring site. The United States received a continuous flow in the East Poplar River throughout the year. However, during 58 days of the summer minimum flow did not meet the 0.085 cubic meter per second recommended by the International Joint Commission. Efforts will be made in 1987 to remedy the operational and Information exchange problems that resulted In these minimum flow requirements not being met. The concentrations of boron and total dissolved solids on the East Poplar River were below the long-term and short-term objectives recommended to Government by the International Joint Commission. There were no exceedances of other water quality objectives recom- mended by the International Poplar River Water Quality Board to the International Joint Commission. Continued efforts at quality control showed improved water quality data comparability between Canadian and United States laboratories. - 8 - The outer limit of the cone of depression from coal seam dewatering remained about the same distance north of the International Boundary and total pumpage decreased 29 percent. The total estimate of seepage from the ash lagoons and polishing ponds was 0.746 litre per second, well below the seepage limits proposed by the International Poplar River Water Quality Board. The leachate front was calculated to have advanced 6.11 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. - 9 - INTRODUCTION 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 an additional period of 4 years. 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 1986, the members and ex-officio members of the Committee were: Mr. J. R. Knapton U.S. Geological Survey Chairman, United States Section Mr. R. E. Driear Governor's Office Member, United States Section Mr. C. W. Tande Daniels County Commissioner Ex-Officio Member, Montana Mr. G. W. Howard Saskatchewan Environment and Public Safety Acting Chairman, Canadian Section Mr. W. D. Gummer Environment Canada Member, Canadian Section Mr. J. R. Totton Reeve, R.M. of Hart Butte Ex-Officio Member, Saskatchewan - 10 - 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 ex- change of data acquired through the monitoring programs. The ex- change 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 moni- toring results requested by the Committee are sometimes published. Any such reports are reviewed annually by the Committee. Reports reviewed by the Committee during 1986 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. 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 1986 being the sixth report in the series. The Committee is also respon- sible for drawing to the attention of Governments definitive changes in monitored parameters which may require immediate attention. - 11 - 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 modifica- tions in sampling frequencies, parameter lists, and analytical tech- niques of ongoing programs. The Technical Monitoring Schedules list- ed 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. - 12 - POPLAR RIVER POWER STATION Operation The two units were operated for the full reporting period. The 1986 operating statistics for the two units are shown in Table 1: Table 1. 1986 Operating Statistics for Generating Units No. 1 and No. 2 Unit 1 Unit 2 7 751 2 003 500 93.0 76.5 9 1 684 385 992 8 760 7 726 1 964 900 92.4 75.9 9 1 657 643 1 005 8 760 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 The average sulphur content of the coal in 1986 was 0.55 percent. Analyses were conducted by the Poplar River Power Station Laboratory. Analyses of monthly duplicate coal samples by an independent labora- tory according to ASTM procedure D3176 provided, on average, 9 per- cent lower sulphur. The sulphur content of the No. 2 fuel oil was 0.08 percent. Two spills occurred in 1986, both involving the ash handling system. On October 4, 1986, an ash line ruptured spilling a maximum of 8,619 m-^ of ash recirculation water and approximately 180 m-^ of ash into a containment area between the Poplar River Power Station and - 13 - the ash lagoons. The water overflowed the control structure resulting in a 6,119 m^ maximum discharge to Cookson Reservoir. Analyses of the reservoir waters indicated rapid and complete mixing as no change in water quality was evident. Cleanup measures were implemented. Sub- sequent thickness testing of the ash lines indicated that the bottoms of the lines were wearing as a result of erosion. The ash lines between the plant and the ash lagoons have since been rotated 180 degrees to extend life and prevent spills. On October 17, 1986, a seam on a buried section of the recirculation line failed, spilling approximately 2,000 m^ of ash recirculation water into the same area as the previous spill. The spill was con- tained upstream of the control structure. No recirculation water entered the reservoir and cleanup measures were implemented. Routine water quality monitoring of the runoff waters collected by the control structure is an ongoing practice prior to their release. Construction Seven concrete and steel V-notched weirs were constructed in surface runoff channels downstream of the Morrison Dam and spillway. The weirs, completed in June 1986, replaced old plywood and earth structures which had deteriorated beyond use. The weir flows are routinely measured and recorded to monitor seepages from Morrison Dam. The Ash Lagoon No. 3 North water return structure was completed in July 1986. The concrete and wooden stoplogged structure will permit the controlled flow of clear waters from Ash Lagoon No. 3 North to the Polishing Pond. - 14 - Mining Coal mining continued to the west of Glrard Creek and will move in a northwesterly direction until 1989 or later. Prairie Coal Limited has completed an environmental assessment of two new mining areas to the east and north of Cookson Reservoir (Figure 1). The Impact statement addressed such things as ground water, surface water and reclamation. The impact statement is currently under review within Government and will be made public in Saskatchewan and Montana, with review comments, in the summer of 1987. - 15 - - 16 - SURFACE WATER QUANTITY Streamflow Streamflow in the Poplar River basin was near normal during 1986, 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 17,100 cubic deca- metres (dam^), or 105 percent of the long-term average. A comparison of the flows of 1986 with those of the 1951-80 median flow is shown in Figure 2. Q Z o £^ C/) a. 2 O m =) u Ul u a: < X o jn a 0.1 r 0.01 r 0.001 MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT Figure 2. — Discharge during 1986 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 1986 was 9,450 dam^, or 77 percent of the mean annual flow since the completion of Morrison Dam in 1975. - 17 - Reservoir Storage Cookson Reservoir was near the full-supply level throughout the year, with contents increasing from 37,600 dam^ on January 1 to a maximum of 45,600 dam^ on March 3. Elevations and contents for selected dates are given in Table 2. Table 2. Cookson Reservoir Storage Statistics for 1986 Elevation Contents Date (1986) (metres) (cubic decametres) January 1 752.222 37 600 March 3 753.278 45 600 December 31 752.448 39 200 Full-Supply Level 753.000 43 400 Storage increased during the year by 1,600 dam^ owing 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. Reservoir storage statistics (contents) figures given in the 1985 annual report were incorrect. The correct statistics are given in Table 3. Table 3. Cookson Reservoir Storage Statistics for 1985 (Corrected) Elevation Contents Date (1985) (metres) (cubic decametres) January 1 752.149 37 000 April 19 752.805 41 900 December 31 752.222 37 600 Full-Supply Level 753.000 43 400 - 18 - Apportionment In 1976 the International Sourls-Red Rivers Engineering Board, through its Poplar River Task Force, completed an investigation and made a recommendation to the Governments of Canada and the United States regarding an apportionment of waters of the Poplar River Basin. Although not officially adopted by the two countries, the Poplar River Bilateral Monitoring Committee has ascribed to the Apportionment Recommendation in each of its annual reports. Annex 4 contains the Apportionment Recommendation. Minimum Flows The recorded runoff volume of the Poplar River at the International Boundary from March 1 to May 31, 1986 was 16,100 dam^. For the pur- poses 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 0.085 cubic metre per second (m-'/s) from June 1 to Aug- ust 31, 1986 and 0.057 m^/s from September 1, 1986 to May 31, 1987 on the East Poplar River at the International Boundary. The minimum flow of 0.028 m^/s for the first 5 months of 1986 had previously been determined on the basis of the March 1 to May 31, 1985 Poplar River flow volume. 19 The recorded flow of the East Poplar River at the International Boun- dary inadvertently fell below the recommended minimum of 0.085 m-^/s on several days. One reason for the shortage was that the Water Survey of Canada and the U.S. Geological Survey have been experiencing problems with developing an accurate low-flow rating at the hydro- metric station. The Water Survey of Canada resealed the weir struc- ture in August 1986 to eliminate a leakage problem and is planning to improve the metering section in 1987 and, subsequently, make additional measurements to aid in rating definition. The Saskatchewan Water Corporation has been asked to review operating procedures towards avoiding similar occurrences in the future. Communication and data exchange procedures between various agencies will also be improved during 1987. 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. .057 m3/( Apporilonmant rscommandatlon for mintmum flow JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC 1986 Figure 3. Hydrograph of Water Discharge of the East Poplar River at the International Boundary and Recommended Minimum Flow. - 20 - On-Demand Release Based on the apportionment recommendations of the IJC, the United States Is entitled to an on-demand volume of 1,230 dam^ at any time from June 1, 1986 to May 31, 1987. As of December 31, 1986 Montana had not requested this release. The on-demand volume entitlement for 1985 of 617 dam^ was requested on April 7, 1986, to be delivered May 1-31. A volume of 789 dam^ was delivered during this period. - 21 - SURFACE WATER QUALITY East Poplar River The 1981 report by the IJC to Governments recommended: Foi the March to October period, the maximum flow-weighted concentrations should not exceed 3.5 mg/L for boron and 1,500 mg/L for total dissolved solids for any three con- secutive months in the East Poplar River at the Interna- tional 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 1,000 mg/L or less for total dissolved solids in the East Poplar River at the International Boundary. Comparison of the East Poplar River water quality with the proposed short-term objectives for total dissolved solids (TDS) and boron is tested by calculating the 3-month (90-day) moving flow-weighted concentration for each, advancing one month at a time while dropping the first month of the three-month period. Prior to 1982, this comparison was based 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. The Poplar River Bilateral Monitoring Committee has adopted the approach that, for the purposes of comparison with the proposed IJC long-term objectives, the TDS and boron data are best plotted graphically as a 5-year flow-weighted moving average which is advanced 1 month at a time. - 22 - Each point represents the flow-weighted concentration for a 5-year period, with 2 1/2 years on either side of the plotted point. It should be emphasized that the data base is comprised of all data collected during the 12 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 of this objective have been observed over the 1975-85 period of record. The relationship between TDS and specific conduc- tance generated from the data collected to the end of 1986 is as follows: TDS = [0.640 X specific conductance] + 10.533 (R^ = 0.87) The long-term, 5-year moving flow-weighted concentrations for TDS are shown in Figure 4b. TDS concentrations calculated for the 5-year periods ending in 1986 remained below the proposed long-term objective of 1,000 mg/L. Analyzed TDS concentrations during 1986 ranged from 725 mg/L (March 7) to 1,223 mg/L (November 13). Analyzed TDS and regression-generated TDS for the period of record are presented in Figure 5. Boron During 1986, boron concentrations in the East Poplar River at the International Boundary varied from 0.85 mg/L (March 7) to 2.65 mg/L (November 13). The moving 3-month flow-weighted boron concentrations for the period of record are shown in Figure 6a. The short-term objective of 3.5 mg/L boron has not been exceeded in the period 1975-86. The moving 5-year flow-weighted concentrations are presented in Figure 6b. As with TDS, the 5-year weighted concentrations remained well below the proposed long-term objective of 2.5 mg/L boron. (a) - 23 - TD8 Three-Month Moving Flow-Weighted Conoentration IBOOx ISOO Short-Term Objective (1600 mo/O from sample analyses from regression isooj (b) jDS Five-Year Moving Flow-Weighted Concentration UOO' iioo-f- 1000 B00-- 800-- 700- - 600- - Long-Term Objective (1000 mg/L) Figure 4. East Poplar River at International Boundary: (a) TDS Three-Month Moving Flow-Weighted Concentration, (b) TDS Five-Year Moving Flow-Weighted Concentration. - 24 - Regression Generated TDS and Analyzed TDS 1300 laoo-- 1100-- 10OO-- 600-- B00-- ■00-- J00-- H > 1 1 1- -\ . 1 1 ( 1 1 1 1 1 h 197S 1B76 1977 1978 1979 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 19 Regression Generated TDS Analyzed TDS Regression Generated Boron and Analyzed Boron Regression Generated Data Analyzed Results Figure 5. East Poplar River at International Boundary: Instantaneous and Regression-Generated TDS and Boron Concentrations 1975-86. - 25 - (a) Boron-Three Month Moving Flow-Weighted Concentration from sample analyses from regression 4.0-- S.B-- S.S-- S.4-- s.a- s.o- S.8- 2.S- 2.4- a.a-- 2.0- ■-- g ' (b) Boron Five-Year Moving Flow-Weighted Concentration Long-Term Objective (2.6 mg/L) Figure 6. East Poplar River at International Boundary: (a) Boron Three-Month Moving Flow-Weighted Concentration, (b) Boron Flve-Year Moving Flow-Weighted Concentration. - 26 - The relationship between boron and specific conductance at the sampling location during 1975-86 may be described by the equation: Boron = [0.00145 x specific conductance] - 0.268 (r2 = 0.73) Analyzed and regression generated boron concentrations for the period of record are presented in Figure 5. Other Water Quality Characteristics Table 4 contains the multi-purpose water quality objectives recom- mended by the International Poplar River Water Quality Board to the IJC. No exceedences of the multi-purpose objectives occurred in 1986. Girard Creek and Cookson Reservoir Saskatchewan Environment and Public Safety reported water quality at four locations in the Poplar River Basin during 1986: Girard Creek south of Coronach, Cookson Reservoir at Highway 36, Cookson Reservoir near Morrison Dam, and East Poplar River just below Morrison Dam. These sites were sampled in February, May, August and November. A review of the data from these sites showed boron concentrations varied from 0.72 to 1.75 mg/L, and TDS from 460 to 950 mg/L during 1986. All other variables were also present at concentrations within the recommended water quality objectives for the East Poplar River (Table 4). - 27 - Table 4 Recommended Water Quality Objectives and Excursions, 1986 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 Governments 14 Boron- total 3.5, 2.5 (1) 14 Nil Ibtal dissolved solids 1500, 1000 (1) 14 14 Nil Objectives recommended by Board to IJC 5 13 Aluminum - dissolved 0.1 Nil Mmonla - un-lonlzed (as N) 0.2 14 14 Nil Cadmium - total 0.0012 2 13 Nil Chromlim - total 0.05 2 13 Nil Copper - dissolved 0.005 2 — Nil Copper - total 1.0 4 13 Nil Fluoride - dissolved 1.5 14 14 Nil Lead - total 0.03 4 13 Nil Mercury - dissolved 0.0002 — 13 Nil Mercury - whole fish (mg/kg) 0.5 — — — Nitrate (as N) 10.0 14 14 Nil Oxygen - dissolved 4.0, 5.0 (2) 14 12 Nil Sodium adsorption ratio 10. 14 14 Nil Sulphate - dissolved 800. 14 14 Nil Zinc - total 0.03 4 13 Nil Water temperature ( °C) 30. (3) 14 12 Nil pH (pH units) 6.5 (4) 14 12 Nil Conform fecal (no./lOO mL) 2,000. — 10 Nil total (no./lOO mL) 20,000. ~— 10 Nil (1) Five-year average of flow-weighted concentrations (March to October) should be <2.5 mg/L boron and <1 000 mgA TDS. Ihree-month average of flow-weighted concentrations should be <3.5 mg/L boron and <1 500 mg/L TDS. (2) 5.0 mg/L (minimum April 10 to May 15), 4.0 mg/L (minimum remainder of year) . (3) Natural temperature (April 10 to May 15), <30 degrees Celsius (remainder of year). (4) Less than 0.5 pH units above natural, minimum pH = 6.5. - 28 - Personnel from Environment Canada and Saskatchewan Environment and Public Safety undertook a field investigation on July 7, 1986 of the Girard Creek and East Poplar River water quantity and quality monitor- ing sites located above Cookson Reservoir. On the basis of this investigation, the water quality station on Girard Creek was relocated downstream to a point between Coronach and Cookson Reservoirs to provide a better estimate of the quality of water entering the reservoir. Although it was considered desirable to have the quantity and quality stations co-located, the need could not justify the high cost of relocating the Girard Creek hydrometric station from its current location above Coronach Reservoir. It was noted that flow in the East Poplar River at the hydrometric station 15 km above Cookson Reservoir is typically near zero with the exception of a 3- to 4-week period during the spring. Water quality monitoring samples will not normally be collected at this hydrometric station, but will continue to be collected quarterly in the upper end of Cookson Reservoir at Highway 36. Quality Control Quality control sampling was conducted at the East Poplar River at the International Boundary on July 8, 1986. Sets of triplicate samples were collected and submitted to eight Canadian and United States laboratories for analyses. In addition, reference water samples were exchanged and submitted to the respective Federal laboratories and the Saskatchewan Research Council. - 29 - A review of the data from the triplicate sample splits shows the United States and Canadian results to be similar for most of the water quality variables. Results reported by the participating laboratories are subject to variability owing to differing analytical techniques. Following are areas where discrepancies were present: specific conductance Environment Canada measurements (laboratory and field) were about 5 percent higher than the mean for all laboratories phosphorous (ortho) chloride SiO' TDS metals boron Apparent disagreement between U.S. Geological Survey and Saskatchewan results Saskatchewan Provincial Health Laboratory concentrations higher than other laboratories Saskatchewan Research Council reports silica results as Si while other labs report silica as Si02 Environment Canada and U.S. Geological Survey results differ by about two percent. Sas- katchewan Research Council results non- comparable (analyses done gravimetrically) Substantial differences between Saskatchewan Research Council and other participating lab- oratories for nickel, copper, vanadium Results generally comparable; Environment Canada and U.S. Geological Survey results differ by about 8 percent Table 5 lists the analytical results of the above measurements made by the laboratories. The results of analyses of the United States standard reference sample (Table 6) showed good agreement between laboratories for most variables. The Saskatchewan Research Council results for sulphate, chloride, and TDS varied from those reported by the other labora- tories. Boron results from Environment Canada were not reported due to interference. Environment Canada pH (laboratory) was signifi- cantly above the multi-laboratory mean. - 30 - Table 5 Selected Analytical Results of Quality Control Split Samples, June 8, 1986 EC: Environment Canada Laboratories (Burlington and Saskatoon) USGS: U.S. Geological Survey Laboratory MINES: Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology HEALTH: Montana Department of Health and Environmental Sciences SASK: Saskatchewan Provincial Health Laboratory and Saskatchewan Research Council SPC: Saskatchewan Power (analyses performed by Chemex Laboratories) Specific Specific Chlor- conductance conductance P Ortho ride Lab/ Time (field) (lab) mg/L mg/L Si02 mg/L TDS mg/L EC-1130 EC-1145 EC-1200 USGS-1130 USGS-1145 USGS-1200 MINES-1200 HEALTH- 1200 SASK- 1130 SASK- 1145 SASK-1200 SPC-1200 1373 1320 1320 — 5.40 8.70 840 1330 — 5.40 8.70 857 1330 — 5.30 8.70 854 1230 <0.01 4.90 8.50 830 1230 <.01 4.80 8.50 830 1230 <.01 4.80 8.50 830 1313 — 5.20 9.30 850 1249 — 5.70 8.40 818 1260 .030 10.00 3.90 1182# 1250 .040 10.00 3.90 1196// 1260 .040 10.00 3.90 1161# 1200 .012 5.94 7.24 870# MEAN 1347 1267 6.50 7.40 926 Lab/ Time Ni total mg/L Cu total mg/L Zn total mg/L V total Al diss mg/L Cr total mg/L B diss mg/L EC-1130 EC-1145 EC-1200 USGS-1130 USGS-1145 USGS-1200 MINES-1200 HEALTH- 12 00 SASK-1130 SASK- 11 45 SASK-1200 SPC-1200 0.001 <0.001 0.002 0.0011 <0.1 <0.001 1.85 .001 .002 .001 .0012 <.l <.001 1.80 .001 <.001 <.001 .0013 <.l <.001 1.85 .003 .003 .020 — <.01 <.01 1.70 .002 .004 .010 — <.01 <.01 1.70 .002 .002 .010 ~ <.01 <.01 1.70 — — — — — — 1.67 1.75 1.90 .009* .012* .016* <.01* — .011* .010* .008* .0100* .03 .006* 1.90 .009* .006* .011* .0100* .03 .006* 1.90 <.001 .002 .003 <.001 .08 .006* 1.79 MEAN 1.79 // Analyzed gravimetrically * Analytical method reported as "dissolved" Note that analytical methods were variable between laboratories. For purposes of brevity, column headings are the method description used by the majority of laboratories. - 31 - Table 6 Analytical Results of Water Quality Standards Exchanged Mean concen- Env Sask tration Labs uses Canada Research Constituent mg/L no. analysis analysis i Analysis United States Standard Reference Water Sample No. 76 SIO2 9.76 33 10 9.99 3.7 (as Si) Ca 187 46 190 183 191 Mg 120 44 120 121 121 Na 159 41 159 154 158 K 10.0 41 9.6 9.18 10 Alk (as CaC03) 303.4 38 296 306 — SO4 929 44 910 898 995 CI 26.6 40 25 26.0 32 F 1.07 34 1.1 0.95 1.0 Sp. Cond. (lab) 2094 PS/ cm 38 2099 2121 — pH (lab) 8.28 units 45 8.4 8.7 — B 399 lig/L 17 430 INT 380 B DC Plasma 425 Ug/L — — — — Hardness (total) — — 970 955 — T.D.S "~~ — 1599 1586 ( 1900 ^gravimetric) Sodium % — — 25 26 — SAR (ratio) — — 2 2 — Alk (phen.) — — NR 19.5 — Canada Standard Reference Wat er Sample Cat-02 1.32 Si02 1.29 50 1.4 0.5 (as Si) Ca 28.26 84 29 28.1 28 Mg 7.40 75 7.9 7.3 7 Na 4.56 79 4.7 4.7 4.4 K 3.15 77 3.3 3.14 3.2 Alk (as CaC03) 78.93 74 80 80.6 ~ SO4 16.23 79 17 16.4 17 CI 11.86 81 10 12.4 15 F 0.08 33 0.20 0.09 0.08 Sp. Cond. (lab) 227.8 PS/ cm 71 232 234 — pH (lab) 7.91 units 69 7.8 8.15 — B 1500 Ug/L — 1500 1550 NR Hardness (total) 103.3 48 100 100 — T.D.S — — 120 121.8 ( 147 [gravimetric) Sodium % — — 9 8.9 — SAR (ratio) ~ ~ 0.2 0.2 ~ - 32 - Analyses of the Canada reference standard (Table 6) again showed good agreement, with the exception of Saskatchewan Research Council results for chloride and TDS, and the U.S. Geological Survey result for fluoride. The results of the quality control work conducted in 1986 show improved data comparability between Environment Canada and the U.S. Geological Survey over similar work done in 1985. It was noted in the 1985 Annual Report that Environment Canada monthly monitoring results for boron in the East Poplar River tended to be consistently lower than those reported by the U.S. Geological Survey laboratory. This trend continued through the first quarter of 1986. Improved compatability between the two laboratories was apparent in the second quarter 1986 boron results. During the third and fourth quarters, this trend showed a reversal, with the U.S. Geological Survey boron concentrations being slightly less than those of Environment Canada. It should be understood, however, that monthly samples collected by the two agencies are from different water, often collected several days apart. - 33 - GROUND WATER QUANTITY Saskatchewan Coal Mine Dewaterlng Owing to coal mine dewatering activities, a total of 5,032 dam^ (4,080 acre-feet) of ground water was discharged during 1986. This amounts to 29 percent less pumpage than in the previous year. A summary of the monthly pumpages from all the coal dewatering wells is shown in Table 7. Table 7 1986 Monthly Pumpages from Mine Dewatering Activities Pumpages Month Total (dam^) Rate (L/s) January February March April May June July August September October November December 524 479 536 462 346 456 481 420 323 332 305 368 196 198 200 178 129 176 180 157 124 124 118 137 TOTAL 5 032 dam^ (4 080 acre-feet) The ground water was discharged at 16 locations during 1986. Fourteen discharges were to Girard Creek, one was directly into Cookson Reser- voir and one was into a tributary of Goose Creek. No water from this last discharge reached the main stem of Goose Creek. - 34 - Water Levels Two piezometrlc pressure maps, dated June and December 1986, were prepared by Prairie Coal Ltd.^ Figure 7 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 1986 is unchanged from its position in the previous year. The position of the 1-metre contour therefore remains at 1.8 kilometres north of the International Boundary. Poplar River Mine Relocation Prairie Coal Ltd. plans to relocate mining activity from the existing West Block to the proposed South Block and subsequently to the proposed North Block shown in Figure 1. Preliminary studies for the relocation have been concluded and the Environmental Impact Assessment is under review by provincial agencies. The required land purchases are 95 percent complete and detailed surveys and design of the rail line and loadout facilities are in progress. Movement of the dragline to the South Block is scheduled for the summer of 1989. Effective December 1, 1984, ownership and operation of the Poplar River Mine were transferred from the Saskatchewan Power Corporation to Prairie Coal Ltd. - 35 - Contour intervals are in metres of pressure head. _R GE 281 RGE 27 SASKATCHEWAN W3M MONTANA RGE 271 RGE 2^ W3M Figure 7. Cone of Depression in the Hart Coal Seam from Dewatering Activities as of December, 1986. - 36 - Montana Locations of the Montana monitoring wells are shown in the Technical Monitoring Schedules. Figure 8 depicts the water level changes since the inception of the monitoring program in wells 6, 7, and 10 which are completed respectively in Hart Coal, Hart Coal, and both Hart Coal and alluvium. Recorded water level fluctuations in the three wells are less than 2 feet (0.6 m) over the period of record. The minor fluctuations are mainly attributed to regional climatic conditions rather than an impact resulting from the mining of coal to supply the Coronach Generating Facility. Considering the variability of annual precipita- tion for the period 1979 through 1986 [maximum 18.23 inches (463 mm), minimum 8.89 inches (226 mm); NCAA data for Scobey, MT] the water level fluctuations have been fairly minor. Although some fluctuation has occurred, a trend of changing water level has not been established. Instead, the monitoring results show minor changes with respect to an apparently constant reference level in the coal aquifer wells. Water levels from wells 5, 9, and 17, which are completed to varying depths in alluvium, Fort Union, and alluvium, respectively, are also presented in Figure 8 for comparison. The shallow alluvial well (5) and the Fort Union well (9) had water level fluctuations of less than 2 feet (0.6 m) over the 6 1/2 year period of record. The recently completed deep alluvial well (17) had a water level decline of 2.12 feet (0.65 m) between late September and mid-December of 1986. This well is located 3 miles south of the International Border in a recharge area. The change is believed to represent a slightly greater than average seasonal variation but further monitoring is necessary to verify this Interpretaton. - 37 - Hydrograph 6 - 7 - X X X " X X X X X ^XX "" X >< Xk X ) 8 - e - 10 - 11 - 12 - 13 - 14- 15 - <• 0 ♦ 0 « o « o o o » • » ..***.* « ^ ^ ^ 18 - 17 - 18 - ie - 20 - 21 - 22 - 9 S s s ? 5S S2 ? o + 0 o + °5? 0?? S DB + 95 23 - 24- 25- _ 1 — 1 r Hydrograph Wsll 7 241 - 1 242 - 3 243 - 3 C 244 - ^ 245 - n 246 - s 5 247 - £ 8- 248 - 246 - 2S0 H Hydrograph Woll 17 T 1 r Figure 8. Water Levels of Selected Wells In the United States - 38 - GROUND WATER QUALITY Saskatchewan Ground water sampling continued in 1986 at the locations specified in the Technical Monitoring Schedules. Water Quality in the Tills Waters from the tills are of generally poorer natural quality than those from the gravels. The ground water quality data for total dissolved solids, shown in Figure 9, have demonstrated this during the past 6 years. Higher and more variable TDS concentrations are associated with piezometers completed in till, whereas concentrations in Empress-completed piezometers have rarely exceeded 1,200 mg/L. Piezometer C712B, at location 2a just north of the Polishing Pond, was observed to have an increased concentration of uranium in 1984 to mid-1985. This condition generally continued during 1986. With the exception of one sample, taken in October 1985, the readings remained above 550 Vg/L. Other ions in the piezometer water do not show patterns that are similar to that of uranium. 39 - UJ Q) J3 U O (D mODUDCDCDlDUDCDCD'^OJ mc\jajojc\jc\jaj-^-<- 0 - O - a - 0 700- ■*■ - - - d * "1 1 ' ' ' Specific Conductance Wella e» . 10^ ond 17« 1300 ° D O « o 1200 1100 1000 ♦ 900 a + + o + 800 + ' ' Specific Conductance Wall 4 □ o 2500 . O a o , 2000 . 1500 . a I I ! Figure 10. Specific Conductance Measurements in Selected Wells within the United States. - 44 - Interestingly, the water level In well 4 was not altered by the dilution in water chemistry. The casing for this well had been broken at the ground surface and the well is located in a depression. Hence, we suspect that the dilution was caused by surface water entering the well. The 1986 water chemistry sample from well 22 was also distinctly different from that of the 1985 sample (only two samples are avail- able). This well is reported to be completed in the Flaxville Gravel and screened from 59 to 68 feet (18.0 to 20.7 m); the specific conductance decreased from 1,300 to 600 PS/ cm, sodium decreased from 174 to 21.7 mg/L, sulphate decreased from 307 to 25.2 mg/L, boron decreased from 1,280 to 91 Ug/L, and nitrate increased from 0.16 to 4.65 mg/L. The water level rose about 4 feet (1.2 m). A casing separation was noted at the "bell" joint slightly below land surface elevation. These casing problems will be corrected and a bentonite slurry will be puddled into the annular space around both casings this year to prevent a future recurrence of this problem. - 45 - 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 1986, most of the sluiced ash was directed to the north end of Ash Lagoon No. 1. The normal operation has been the use of Ash Lagoon No. 1, Ash Lagoon No. 2 and the Polishing Pond in series operation. Water from the Polishing Pond is returned to the plant for ash sluicing. During 1986, maximum and minimum water depths in Ash Lagoon Nos. 1 and 2 and the Polishing Pond ranged between 5.2 and 5.5, 4.0 and 4.7, and 3.9 and 4.7 m, respectively. Pending the issuance by Saskatchewan Environment and Public Safety of a permit, Saskatchewan Power plans to direct the sluiced ash to Ash Lagoon No. 3N. Seepage calculations were made in 1986 using the methods developed by T.A. Prickett, P.E., of Urbana, Illinois. Results of the calcu- lations for Ash Lagoons Nos. 1 and 2 and the Polishing Pond are shown in Table 8. Table 8. SPC-PRPS Ash System, 1986 Calculated Seepage Rates Source Rate (L/s) Polishing Pond 0.250 Ash Lagoon No. 1 0.153 Ash Lagoon No. 2 0.343 TOTAL SEEPAGE 0.746 - 46 - The 1986 calculated seepage was approximately the same as that cal- culated for 1985. 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 was calculated and found to be the same order of magnitude (2 to 11 X 10"^ cm/s) as originally calculated by T.A. Prickett. The advancement of the seepage front towards the reservoir in the oxidized till was calculated to be 6.11 m since the ponds were initially filled, which is an increase of 1.88 m since 1985. The seepage front in the Empress formation was calculated to have advanced 777 m southeast of the lagoons, an increase of 147 m since 1985. 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 has not been measurable. Saskatchewan Environment and Public Safety requires that the Sas- katchewan 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 October, 1986. The freeboard requirements were exceeded during a short time in March of 1986 to minimize any ash blowing problems from Ash Lagoon No. 1. This matter has been remedied and satis- factory freeboard maintenance has been subsequently practiced. - A7 - Two inclinometers were installed in 1986 on the north side of dyke G between the dyke and the cooling water canal to provide additional information on dyke stability. A discharge structure between Ash Lagoon No. 3N and the Polishing Pond was also constructed during the year. Saskatchewan Power continues to experiment with the surcharging of dry ash into the lagoons. The present procedure involves several ash discharge points along the north and west sides of Ash Lagoon No. 1. The coarse bottom ash material is selectively collected at the dis- charge points and spread over the finer materials previously laid down. The result should be a surface that is not wind erodible and could support vegetation. It would be graded to a 5 percent slope from the dyke to the middle of the lagoon. Saskatchewan Power 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, 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. - 48 - AIR QUALITY Saskatchewan As a result of new construction at the Coronach site, the monitoring station was dismantled in September 1986 and could not be relocated until the beginning of 1987. Ambient sulphur dioxide monitoring began at Coronach in July 1979. To date, few detectable concentrations have been recorded at this site. There were no recorded violations of Saskatchewan's hourly or 24-hour standards of 17.0 pphm and 6.0 pphm, respectively (Figure 11). The highest value of 2.4 pphm occurred on February 8 at 0800 hours. Weather information for this day indicates winds blowing from the northern quadrants, which would indicate the power plant was not the source. The highest 24-hour value of 0.4 pphm occurred on July 29. Weather data indicates winds blowing from the northern quadrants 46 percent of the time. As well, there were no recorded violations at Saskatchewan Power Corporation's monitoring station near the Montana border. The highest value of 4.2 pphm occurred on December 2, 1986 at 1500 hours. Weather information indicates winds blowing from the north, which would indicate the power plant as the probable source. Suspended particulate concentrations at Coronach showed a variance in 1986 similar to that of 1985. Saskatchewan's 24-hour average standard of 120 micrograms per cubic metre ()Jg/m^/24 hours) was not exceeded. The annual geometric mean rose from 24.8 Pg/m-* in 1985 to 25.2 Pg/m^ in 1986 and continues to be well below the Saskatchewan standard of 70.0 Pg/m-^. Suspended particulate con- centrations at Saskatchewan Power Corporation's monitoring station exceeded Saskatchewan's 24-hour average standard on two occasions - 49 - on two occasions In 1986. The highest recorded value of 161.9 yg/m-^ occurred on December 10. Weather data for this date Indicate winds were blowing from the western quadrants for 65 percent of the time, which would suggest that the power plant was not the source. Windblown dust from fields west of the monitoring station was the most probable cause. The annual geometric mean of 28.0 Ug/m^ is well below the provincial standard. In-stack monitoring results showed a variance in 1986 similar to that of 1985. Daily nitrogen oxide concentrations ranged from 276 to 2,161 milligrams per cubic metre (mg/m^) with an average yearly concentra- tion of 898 mg/m^ as compared to 757 mg/ur in 1985. Ongoing improve- ments to the sample conditioning system improved the operation of the nitrogen oxides monitor considerably. The monitor was available 82 percent of the time in 1986 as compared to 38 percent of the time in 1985. Dally sulphur dioxide concentrations ranged from 1,445 to 4,677 mg/m^, with an average yearly concentration of 2,688 mg/va? as compared to 2,660 mg/wr in 1985. The sulphur dioxide monitor was available 85 percent of the time in 1986. Sulphur dioxide emissions consisted of 9.2 x lO"-* tonnes per megawatt hour due to firing on coal and 8.1 x 10~^ tonnes per megawatt hour due to firing on oil. Total coal consumption for 1986 was 3,342,028 tonnes and oil consumption was 1,997 tonnes. Average daily opacity readings ranged from 1 to 100 percent, with a yearly average of 16 percent as compared to 19 percent in 1985. Saskatchewan's opacity standard is 40 percent. In most instances, opacity violations occur during process startup, shutdown or when one of the precipitators experiences a power trip. - 50 - SASKATCHEWAN MAXIMUM HOURLY SO; AIR QUALITY DATA CORONACH WATER TREATMENT PLANT MJJAS0NDJ1 1981 SASKATCHEWAN MAXIMUM DAILY SO2 AIR QUALITY DATA CORONACH WATER TREATMENT PLANT AJJUiNDi^AiAjjUAf.DjFll^iAiJliAll.AJFAAp!.JUsAl!l6J*■AiAJJ;i6Al^J^A;AiJiiAlSi 1M2 I 1983 I 1984 I 1985 I 1986 Figure 11. Sulphur Dioxide Air Quality Data - Coronach Water Treatment Plant. - 51 - Montana The State of Montana operated one primary air monitoring site and eight additional sulfation rate sites in the Poplar River area of Montana during 1986. The parameters monitored included: sulphur dioxide, total suspended particulate, sulfation rate, wind speed, wind direction, and temperature. The primary air monitoring site was estab- lished in September 1986 and is expected to continue through June 1987. The 1985 Montana Legislature provided funding for one site for 1 year. The site is located at the Don Marlenee Ranch, which is approximately 4 miles south of the border and 1 mile east of Highway 13. No continuous monitoring was conducted between July 1985 and August 1986, but sulfation rate analyses at selected sites were con- ducted during the interim. The monitoring results are summarized in table 9. During the last half of 1986, sulphur dioxide concentrations remained less than both Montana and United States ambient air quality standards. The maximum 1-hour concentration of 7.5 pphm was recorded at the Marlenee Ranch site during October. This concentration is 15 percent of the Montana standard. The highest 24-hour concentration of 0.6 pphm occurred during November. Most of the higher sulphur dioxide concentrations occurred with northwest winds, indicating that the Saskatchewan Power Corporation generating facilities were the source. The Montana and United States standards for total suspended particulates were not exceeded at the monitoring site. The highest 24-hour concen- tration was 140 Ug/m^, recorded on November 10, 1987. The annual geometric and arithmetic means for the 4 months the site ran in 1986 were 18.7 Mg/m^ and 28.9 Pg/m^, respectively. The levels of total sus- pended particulates observed during 1986 are low and representative of rural Montana. - 52 - Table 9 Summary of 1986 Montana Air Quality Monitoring Results Sulphur Dioxide (pphm) Site Highest 1-hr Highest 3-hr Highest 24-hr Annual Avg. Marlenee 7.5 4.2 0.6 0.0* Ranch Sulfation Rate (mg/100 cm^/day) Site Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May June July Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov. Dec. International — — — — — — — — — — — — Boundary Richardson — ~ ~ ~ 0.00 — Hanrahan ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 0.00 ~ Microwave — — — 0.01 — — — — — — Tower Flaxville 0.02 ~ TV Tower ~ ~ 0.01 ~ Hill Scobey ~ 0.02 ~ Downtown Four Buttes — — — .00 — Total Suspended Particulate (wg/m^) Geometric Arithmetic Site Highest 24-hr 2nd Hightest 24-hr Mean Mean Marlenee 140 45 18.7 28.9 Ranch ^Annual average based on four months of data. - 53 - During 1986, 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 primary monitoring site and eight additional locations: International Boundary, Richardson, Hanrahan Ranch, Microwave Tower, Flaxville, TV Tower Hill, Scobey Downtown and Four Buttes. The objective of the sulfation plate network is to obtain a broad geographical indication of sulphur dioxide concentra- tions and to investigate the relationship between sulfation rate and sulphur dioxide concentrations. During 1986, the highest monthly sulfation rate was 0.02 milligram per 100 centimetres squared per day (mg/100 cm^/day) at Flaxville and Scobey Downtown. These readings, which occurred during January and February, are low. 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 develop- ment. 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 accord- ance 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 repre- sentative. 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 implementa- tion 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 counter- part Cochairman on a regular, and not less than quarterly basis, the data provided by the cooperative monitoring agencies in accord- ance with the Technical Monitoring Schedules. 2. Reports (a) The Committee will prepare a joint Annual Report to the partici- pating 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; 11) 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); ill) 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 partici- pating governments definitive changes In monitored parameters which may require Immediate attention. d) Preparation of Reports Reports will be prepared following consultation with all committee members and will be signed by all Committee members. Reports will be separately forwarded by the Committee Co chairmen to the participating governments. All annual and special reports will be so distributed. 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 elec- ted 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 coopera- ting monitoring agencies in their respective countries as speci- fied in the Technical Monitoring Schedules; (d) if necessary, drawing to the attention of the appropriate govern- ment 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 re- spective 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 participa- ting governments. - 4 - ANNEX 2 POPLAR RIVER COOPERATIVE MONITORING ARRANGEMENT TECHNICAL MONITORING SCHEDULES 1987 CANADA - UNITED STATES June 1987 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 1987 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. 11AE015 *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 Envlronaent and Public Safety No. on Map 1 2 3 A 5 Station No. OTSIC07ODUOO7 OOSK02000007 05SK02000008 0SSK02000004 0031:02000003 Station Name Fife Lake Overflow Clrard Creek at Coronach Reservoir Outflow Upper End of Cookson Reservoir at Highway 36 Cookson Reservoir near Daa East Poplar River at culvert Insedlately below Cookson Reservoir Responsible Agency: Envlronaent Canada 0OSA11AE0008 East Poplar River at International Boundary Paraaetera Responslbl* Agency: Saskatchewan Envlronaent and Public Safety Analytical Method Pot. Titration Pot. Titration AA-dlrect Flaoeless-A.A. Calculated ICPA AA-Solvent extract (MIBK) AA-Dlract IR IR Calculated Colour laatery Colour laetery AA-dlr*ct HF MF Conductivity aeter AA-Solv«°nt extract (MIBK) Specific Ion electrode AA-Solvent extract (MIBK) AA-dlrect Flaaeleas AA AA-Solvent Extract (MIBK) Co lour lae try Gravimetric Gravlaetrlc AA-Solvent extract (MIBK) Colourloetry Pet. Ether Extraction Meter Colourlaetry Flame Photoaetery Hydride Generation Flaide Photometry Colourlaetry Gravlaetrlc Thermometer AA-Dlrect AA-Solvent extract (MIBK) Electroaetrlc ESQUADAT* Code Parameter 10151 Alkallnlty-pheno 10101 Alkallnlty-tot 1300A Aluminum tot 33004 Arsenic-tot 06201 Blcarbonates 05451 Boron- tot 48002 Cadalua-tot 20103 Calclua 06052 Carbon-tot Inorg 06005 Carbon-tot Org 06301 Carbonates 17203 Chloride 06711 Chlorophyll 'a' 24004 Chroalua-tot 36012 Col If om- fee 36002 Collfora-tot 02041 Conductivity 29005 Copper-tot 09105 Flourlde 82002 L«ad-tot 12102 Magna* lua 80011 Mercury -tot 42005 Molybdenua 07015 M-TKN 10401 NFR 10501 NFR (F) 28002 Nickel -tot 07110 Nitrate + NO2 06521 Oil and Grease 08102 Oxygen-dlss 15406 Phosphorus-tot 19103 Potasslua 34005 Selenlua-Ext 11002 Sodium 16306 Sulphate 10451 TDS 0206YZ Teaperature 23004 Vanadlua-tot 30005 Zinc-tot 10301 pH Sampling Frequency Station No: 1 2 3 4 5 OP Q Q Q ~T OF Q Q Q Q A A A A A A A A OF Q Q Q Q U Q Q Q Q 1 A A A A OF Q Q Q Q OF Q Q Q Q OF Q Q Q Q OF Q Q Q Q OF Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q A A A A OF Q Q Q Q OF Q Q Q Q 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 Q OF Q Q Q Q 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 Q Q Q Q OF Q Q Q Q A A A A OF Q Q Q Q OF Q Q Q Q OF Q Q Q Q OF Q Q Q Q A A A A A A A A W Q Q Q Q *Coaputer storage and retrieval systea - Saskatchewan Envlronaent and Public Safety. Syabols: U - Weekly during overflow; OF - once during each period of overflow greater than 2 weeks' duration; Q - quarterly; A - annually In the fall; AA - atoalc absorption; IR - Infrared; Pot - potent loaetrlc; NFR - nonfllterable residue NFRF - nonfllterable residue, fixed. AA - Solvent Extract (MIBK): Saaple digested with HNO3 and extracted with methyl Isobutyl ketone. ICPA - Plasaa eaalsslon. MF - aeabrane filtration. - 8 - PARAMETERS (Continued) Reiponalblc Agency: Environnent Canada HAQUADAT* Code Parameter 10151 Alkalinlty-pheno 10106 Alkallnlty-tot 13102 Alualnua-Dlaa. 13302 Almlnvn-Ext. 07569 Amonla-Frec 07506 ABBonla-tot 33108 Araenlc-diaa 56001 BarliB-cot 06201 Blcarbonatea 05105 Boron-dlaa 48002 CadaluB-toC 20103 Calclui 06902 Carbon-parclc 06002 Carbon-Cot Org 06301 Carbonatea 17206 Chloride 06717 Chlorophyll a 24003 Chroalui-cot 27002 Cobalt-Cot 36012 Collform-f ec 36002 Collforn-cot 02021 Colour 02041 Conductivity 2900S Copper-CoC 06604 Cyanide 09106 Fluoride 10602 Hardneaa 08S01 Hydroxide 26104 Iron-dlaa •2002 Lcad-CoC 12102 Magnealua 25104 Manganeae-dlaa •0011 Mercury-toe 07902 N-parclculaCe 07631 N-toC dlaa 10401 NFK 2S002 Mlckal-toc 07110 Nl crac* 07603 Mlcrogen-cot lOOXI Organo Chlorlnea 08101 Oxygen-dlaa 1S901 P-partlculace 1S103 P-Coc dlaa 06S3S Ftienollca 1SSXX nienoxy Herblcldea 15406 Fhoaphorua-coc 19103 PoCaaalua 18599 Pic lor as 11250 PercenC Sodlua 00210 Sac Index 34108 Selenlta-dlaa U102 Silica 11103 SodluB 00211 scab Index 16306 Sulphace 00201 TDS 02061 Tenperacure 02073 Turbldlcy 23002 Vanadlui-tot 30005 Zlnc-CoC 10301 pH 92111 UranluB Analytical Method Potendometrlc IR Detector AA- Direct AA-Dlrect Calculated Eleccronecrlc Plaama AA DlrecC Calculaced Caralnlc Acid AA Solv. ExC. AA-DlrecC EleaenCal Analyzer Calculaced Calculaced Colourlaecrlc SpeccrophoconeCrlc AA-Solv. ExC. AA Solv. Bcc. MF MF Coaparacor UheaCaCone Bridge AA-Solv. Bcc. UV-Colourlaecrlc ElecCroaeCrlc Calculaced Calculaced AA-dlrect AA-Solv. BcC. AA-dlrecC AA-dlrecC Flaaeleaa AA EleaenCal Analyxer UV Colourlaecrlc CravlaeCrlc AA-Solv. Bet. Colourlaecrlc Calculaced GC Winkler Calculaced Colourlaecrlc Colourlaecrlc GC Colourlaecrlc Flaae Bilaalon CC Calculaced Calculaced Plaaaa Colourlaecrlc Flaae Bilaalon Calculaced Colourlaecrlc Calculaced Alcohol Nephelonecrlc AA-So Iv. Ex c . AA-Solv. Exc. ElecCroaeCrlc Fluroaecrlc Saapllng Frequency Station No: 6 N N H N M H M N N M M M M M M H M M H M H N M M M M M M M M M M M M M H N M M M H M H H M M H M H M N M M M M M H HC *Coaputer aCorage and recrleval ayacen - Envlronaenc Canada Syabola: M-HonChly; AA-aCoalc abaorpclon; MF-aeabrane filtration; UV-ultravlolef NFR-nonfllCerable realdue; GC-gaa chroaatography; MC-Monthly Coaposlte' IR-lnfrared - 9 LEGEND A ENVIRONMENT SASKATCHEWAN ■ ENVIRONMENT CANADA CANADA U.$.A. SURFACE WATER QUALITY MONITORING STATIONS (CANADA) - 11 GROUND WATER QUALITY MONITORING Saapllng Location* Responalble Agency: Saskatchewan Envlron>ent and Public Safety Station Deacrlptlon 8« 8* 9a 9a 2a 2b 2c C533 C53A 18 21 SPC Plezoaeter No. C726A C726C C726E C728A C728B C728C C728D C728E C712B C718 0719 0533 0534 0741** 0742** Saapllng Elevation (n) 746.338 752.739 738.725 753.405 743.265 747.645 752.305 739.912 . 746.112 748.385 747.715 740.441 753.499 735.153 741.800 Material unoxldlzed till oxidized till Eopress gravel oxidized till unoxldlzed till mottled till oxidized till Empress gravel oxidized till mottled till oxidized till Empress gravel till Empress gravel Empress gravel Parameters Responsible Agency: Saskatchewan Environment and Public Safety ESQUADAT* Code Analytical Method Sampling Frequency Station No: Piezometers 10101 AlkalinlCy-tot Pot-Titratlon A 13105 AltialnuB-Dlss AA-Direct 3** 33104 Araenlc-Olss Flaaeless AA A 56104 Barlua-Dlsa AA-Oirect A 06201 Blcarboaataa Calculated A 05106 Boron-dtas Colour iaetry 3** 48102 Oadaiiia-Dlaa AA-Solvent Extract (MIBK) A 20103 Oalclua-Dlaa AA-direct A 06301 Oarbonatea Calculated A 17203 Chloride-Dlaa Colouriaetry A 24104 OhroaiuB-Dlaa AA-Direct A 27102 Colbalt-Dlas AA-Solvant Extract (MIBK) A 02011 Coloiir Comparator A 02041 Conductivity Conductivity aeter 3** 29105 Copper-Diaa AA-Solvent Extract (MIBK) A 09105 FIuoride-Diss Specific Ion Electrode A 26014 Iron-Diss AA-Dlrect A 82103 Lead-Diaa AA-Solvent Extract (MIBK) A 12102 Magnesiua-Diss AA-Dlrect A 25104 Manganese-Diss AA-Dlrect A 80111 Mercury-Dlss Flaaeless AA A 42102 MolybdenuB-Dlss AA-Solvent extract acetate) (N-Butyl A 10301 pH Electrometrlc 3** 19103 Potassluffl-Dlss Flame Photometry A 34105 Selenlua-Dlss Hydride generation A 14102 Slllca-Dlss Colourimetry A 11103 Sodlum-Dlss Flaaw Photometry A 38101 StrontluB-Dlss AA-Dlrect 3** 16306 Sulphate-Oiss Colourimetry 3** 10451 TDS Gravimetric 3** 92111 Uranlua-Diss Fluorometry 3** 23104 VanadluB-Dlss AA-Dlrect A 97025 Water Level A 30105 Zlnc-Dlas AA-Solvent Extract (MIBK) A *Coaputer Storage and Retrieval System - Saskatchewan Environment and Publl Safety. Symbols: AA - atomic absorption. A - Annually. 3 - Three times per year AA-Solvent Extract (MIBK): sample acidified and extracted with Methyl Isobutyl Ketone. **Analyce annually only for piezometer Nos. C741 and 0742. - 12 - R. 27 R.26 Ash Loqoons C533 C534 1/9 21 A SCALE CANADA US. A. GROUND WATER QUALITY MONITORING (CANADA) 13 GROUND WATER PIBZOMBTERS TO MOMITOR POTENTIAL DRAVroOVfN DUE TO COAL SEAM DBWATBRING Responsible Agency: Saskatchewan Water Corporation Heasurement Frequency: Quarterly SPC Station Sampling Perforation Zone Piezometer No. Number Location Elevation (m) (depth in metres) 52 52 NW14-1-27W3 738.43 43 - 49 (in coal) 506 506A SW4-1-27W3 748.27 81 - 82 (in coal) 507 507 SW6-1-26W3 725.27 34 - 35 (in coal) 509 509 NW11-1-27W3 725.82 76 - 77 (in coal) 510 510 NW1-1-28W3 769.34 28 - 29 (in layen coal and clay) - 14 - CANADA USA GROUNDWATER PIEZOMETERS TO MONITOR POTENTIAL DRAWDOWN DUE TO COAL SEAM DEWATERING J - 15 - GROUND WATER PIEZOMETER LEVEL MONITORING - ASH LAGOON AREA SCHEDULE A - PIEZOMETERS IN TILL Responsible Agency: Saskatchewan Environment and Public Safety Station la lb Ic 2ai 232 233 2a4 2b 2c 3a 3b 3c SPC Piezometer No. C716 C717 C711 C712A C712B C712C C712D C718 C719 C713 C720 C721 Frequency of Measurement All piezometer levels are measured quarterly 6a 1 6a2 6a3 634 7a 7a2 7a3 734 C534 C763A C763B C763C C763D C729A C729B C729C C729D C534 8ai 8a2 833 834 8bi 8b2 8b3 8ci 8c2 8C3 8C4 8d C730A C730B C730C C730D C727A C727B C727C C726A C726B C726C C726D C748 9a 1 9a2 933 9a4 9bi 9b2 9b3 9b4 C764A C764B C764C C764D C728A C728B C728C C728D - 16 - R. 2T R.26 LEGEND SCALE Q Si««l* Pitiemcr ia Till e tee lOocMCTiitt Ath La good A 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 and Public Safety Station SPG Immediate Ash Lagoon Area Piezometer No. Frequency of Measurement 1 C731 All piezometers are 6a C763E monitored quarterly 6b C765A C529 C529 C530 C530 C532 C532 C533 C533 C538 G538 8 C730E 9 C728E West of Ash Lagoon Area 11 C743 14 C7A0 16 C756 South of Ash Lagoon Area C525 C525 C526 C526 C527 C527 C539 C539 C5A0 C540 18 C741 19 C735 20 ,C736 21 C742 22 C733 23 C732 24 C734 - 18 - R 27 R.26 Pitie«*t*r« ia Ea»r*M ^PitzoMtttr* ■ Hart Sm 8 Sit* Nankar A SCALE KMO HCTaCI CANADA US. A. PIEZOMETER INSTALLATION SITES - SCHEDULE 'B' PIEZOMETERS IN EMPRESS GRAVEL 19 AMBIENT AIR QUALITY MONITORING Responsible Agency: Saskatchewan Environment and Public Safety No. on Map Location 1 Coronach Parameters Reporting Frequency Sulphur Continuous monitoring with Dioxide hourly averages as summary statistics. International Boundary* Wind speed and direction Total Suspended Particulates Sulphur Dioxide 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. METHODS Total Suspended Particulates 2A-hour samples on 6-day cycle, corresponding to the National Air Pollution Surveillance Sampling Schedule. Sulphur Dioxide Saskatchewan Environment and Public Safety Colourlmetric Titration, Pulsed Fluorescence Total Suspended Particulates Saskatchewan Environment and Public Safety High Volume Method *The station operated by Saskatchewan Power. - 20 - CANADA USA AMBIENT AIR QUALITY MONITORING (CANADA) - 21 - SOURCE EMISSION MONITORING Responsible Agency: Saskatchewan Environment and Public Safety 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 and Public Safety - Ultraviolet Absorption Saskatchewan Environment and Public Safety - Cheml luminescence Saskatchewan Environment and Public Safety - Optical 22 - R 27 R.26 T.I Ash Loqoons A SCALE •OO 1000 H(T«(t -> , 1 k CANADA U.S. A. SOURCE EMISSION MONITORING !3 - POPLAR RIVER COOPERATIVE MONITORING ARRANGEMENT TECHNICAL MONITORING SCHEDULES 1987 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 USA. HYDROMETRIC GAUGING STATIONS (UNITED STATES) - 27 - SURFACE WATER QUALITY MONITORING Station Location Responsible Agency: U.S. Geological Survey USGS No. on Station Map — No. 1 06178000 2 06178SOO 3 06179000 Station Name Poplar River at International Boundary East Poplar River at International Boundary East Poplar River near Scobey PARAMETERS WATSTORE* Sbi Analytical Code Paraaeter method Ro. 90A10 Alk.linity-l«b Elect. Titration 0U06 AluminuB-disi AA 00610 AoDonia-cot Colorimetric 00625 Aamania^Org N-tot Colorimetric 01000 Arsenic-diaa AA. hydride 01002 Araenic-tot AA, hydride 01010 BerylliuB-dias AA 01012 Beryl liint-tot/rac AA-Peraul{ate 01020 BoroD-diaa ICP 01025 Cadmius-diaa AA 01027 Cadaiim-cot/rec AA-peraulfate 00915 Calcium AA 00680 Carboi^tot Org Wet Oxidation 009A0 Chloride— diss Ion chromatography 01030 Chroaiuv-diaa AA 01034 Chromiim-tot/rec AA-per«ulfate 00080 Color Electroaetric, viaual 00095 ConductiTity Vheatatone Bridge OlOAO Copper-diaa AA 01042 Copper-tot/rcc AA-peraulfate 00061 Diacbarge-inat Direct meaaur. 00950 Fluoride Elactrometric 01046 Iron-diaa AA 01045 Iron-tot/rec AA-peraulfate 01049 Lcad-dia* AA 01051 Lead-tot/rec AA-peraulfate 00925 Hagneaiuv-diaa AA 01056 Hangancac— diaa AA 01055 HaDgaocae-cot/rcc AA-peraulfate 01065 Nickel-diaa AA 01067 Nickel tot/rcc AA-peraulfate 00615 Mierite-tot Color Inetrlc 00630 Nitratr»Nitrite-toc Colorimetric 00300 Oxygeo-diaa Winkler/meter 70507 Phoa, Ortho-tot Colorimetric 00400 pH Electrometric 00665 Phophoroua-tot Colorimetric 00935 Potaaaiis-diaa AA 00931 SAX Calculated 80154 Sed iaent-cooc. Filtration-gravimetric 80155 Sad iaeat- load Calculated 01145 Seleaiivdiaa AA, hydride 01147 Selenitoi tot/rac AA, hydride 00955 Silica Colorimetric 00930 Sodium AA 00945 Sulfate-diaa Colorimetric 70301 Total Diaaolved Solida Calculated 00010 Temp Uater Toluene 00020 Temp Air Toluene 00076 Turbidity Nephelometric 80020 Oranium-diaa Fluor imctric 01090 Zinc-diaa AA 01092 Zinc-tot/rac AA-peraulfatc Smapling Frequ *Computer atorag* and retrieval ayatem - OSCS Symbola: C-continuooa; D-daily; M-awnthly; MC-monthly eompoaite; A-aanoally at high flow; 8A-a«mi-annually at low and high flow; AA-atomic abaorption; tet-total; rae-racorerable; diaa-diaaelved - 28 - CANADA U.SA. SURFACE WATER QUALITY MONITORING STATIONS (UNITED STATES) - 29 - CKOUND WATER QUALITY MOWITOKIMC Station Location! ■(••ponaible Agency: Montana Bureau of Hinea and Geology Total Caaing Pa rforatloB Hap Well Depth Diaaeter Zone HiMibar Location (>) (e.) Aquifer (a) 2 37N47E17DABB 79 3.8 PVC Hart Coal 76-79 3 37M47E23AADD 36 3.8 FVC Hart Coal 33-36 A 37M48E23BBCC 104 3.8 PVC Fox HlUa- Hell Creek 102-104 S 37N47E1ABBB1 16 10.2 rvc Alluvlua 10-15 6 37N47E1ABBB2 2S 10.2 PVC Hart Coat 19-25 7 37M47E12BBBB 45 10.2 PVC Hart Coal 39-45 8 37K47E13AADD 14 10.2 PVC Alluvlua 10-13 » 37N47Et3ADAA01 43 63 10.2 PVC Port dnloo 16-62 10 37M48ESBABB 13 10.2 PVC Alluvlua-Coal 7-13 11 37M48ESAAAA 67 15.2 STEEL Pox Hilla- 65-67 Hall Creek 12 37N47E Sec 11 DDDD 26 5.08 Hart Coal 15-18 13 37H47E Sec 3 CCCC 62.5 10.2 Hart Coal 56-59 14 37M47E Sec 4 BBAB 82.6 10.2 Hart Coal 75-78 15 37N47E Sec 3 BBAA 89 10.2 Hart Coal 83-86 16 37N46E Sec 3 ABAB 26 10.2 24-25 17 37M47E Sec 14 DDDD 88 10.6 Hart Coal 80-83 18 37N46E Sec 1 8BBA 90 10.2 Hart Coal 80-82 19 37N47E Sec IS AAAB 59 10.2 Hart Coal 54-56 20 37R47E Sec 24 CCCC 22 5.08 19-22 21 37M47E Sec 6 DBAA 106 10.2 Hart Coal 100-103 22 37N47E Sec 9 CBCC Parameters 21 10.2 18-21 Storet* Analytical Sampling Frequency Code Paranecer Blcarbonaces Method Station No. 00440 Electroraccrlc Sample coll ection Titration is semi-annually 01020 Boron-dlss Emission Plasma for all locations ICP Identified above. 00915 Calclun Emission Plasma 00445 Carbonacea Electrometrlc The analyti cai method Titration descriptions are those 00940 Chloride Ion Chromatography of the Mont ana Bureau of Mines and Geology 00095 Conductivity Wheatatone Brdg Laboratory where the 01040 Copper-dlaa Emission Plasma, ICP saoplea are analyzed. 00950 Fluoride Ion Chromatography 01046 Iron-diss Enlsslon Plasma, ICP 01049 Lead-dtss Emission Plasma, ICP 01130 LlChluB-dlas Emission Plasma, ICP 00925 Magnesluo Enlsslon Plasma, ICP 01056 Manganese-dlss Emission Plasma, ICP 01060 Molybdenum Emission Plasma, ICP 00630 Nitrate Ion Chromatography 00400 pH Electrometrlc 00935 Potassium Emission Plasma, ICP 01145 Selenluffl-dlss AA 00955 Silica Emlasion Plasma, ICP 00930 Sodium Emission Plasma, ICP 010B0 Strontium-dlss Emission Plasma, ICP 00445 Sulphate Ion Chromatography 22703 Uranium Fusion Flurometrlc 00190 Zlnc-dlss Emission Plasma, ICP 70301 TDS Calculated ♦Computer storage and retrieval system - United States Geological Survey Symbols: AA-Atomic Absorption; ICP-Inductively Coupled Plasma Unit - 30 - GROUND WATER QUALITY MONITORING (UNITED STATES) - 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 32 GROUNDWATER PIEZOMETERS TO MONITER POTENTIAL DRAWDOWN DUE TO COAL SEAM DEWATERING - 33 - AMBIENT AIR QUALITY MONITORING Responsible Agency: State of Montana Air Quality Bureau Sulfur Dioxide Total Suspended Particulates Sulfation Rate Sampling Frequency and Reporting Hourly averages 24-hour averages Hourly averages Hourly averages Hourly averages Monthly averages Monthly averages Monthly averages Monthly averages Monthly averages Monthly averages Monthly averages EPA Equivalent Method EQSA-0276-009 EPA Reference Method CFR Title 40 Part 50, Appendix B (State of Montana QA Manual Section 1.1.10 and 1.2.10), 24-hour sample once/6 days Methods of Air Sampling and Analysis, 2nd Edition, 'Tentative Method of Analysis of the Sulfation Rate of the Atmosphere (Lead Dioxide Plate Method - Turbldlmetrlc Analysis)," p. 691. No. on Map Location* Parameters 1 Don Marlenee Sulphur dioxide Ranch Suspended particulates Wind speed Wind direction Temperature Sulfation rate 2 Scobey - Richardson Sulfation rate 3 Microwave Tower Sulfation rate 4 Flaxvllle Sulfation rate 5 TV Tower Hill Sulfation rate 6 Scobey-Downtown Sulfation rate 7 Four Buttes Sulfation rate METHODS ♦Continuous monitoring site (#1) will operate through the end of June 1987. Sulfation plate network may be reduced In size to 3-4 sites. - 34 - CANADA USA Scobty AMBIENT AIR QUALITY MONITORING (UNITED STATES) - 35 - ANNEX 3 REPORTS REVIEWED DURING 1986 BY THE POPLAR RIVER BILATERAL MONITORING COMMITTEE - 1 - REPORTS REVIEWED DURING 1986 BY THE POPLAR RIVER BILATERAL MONITORING COMMITTEE 1. Munro, D.J., 1985, Report on Mercury in Cookson Reservoir [Saskatchewan] : Regina, Saskatchewan, Environment Canada, Water Quality Branch, WQB-WNR-85-02, pp. 25. - 2 - ANNEX 4 RECOMMENDED FLOW APPORTIONMENT IN THE POPLAR RIVER BASIN BY THE INTERNATIONAL SOURIS-RED RIVERS ENGINEERING BOARD, POPLAR RIVER TASK FORCE (1976) - 1 ♦RECOMMENDED FLOW APPORTIONMENT IN THE POPLAR RIVER BASIN The aggregate natural flow of all streams and tributaries In the Poplar River Basin crossing the International Boundary shall be divided equally between Canada and the United States subject to the following conditions: 1. The total natural flow of the West Fork Poplar River and all Its tributaries crossing the International Boundary shall be divided equally between Canada and the United States but the flow at the International Boundary In each tributary shall not be depleted by more than 60 percent of Its natural flow. 2. The total natural flow of all remaining streams and tributaries In the Poplar River Basin crossing the International Boundary shall be divided equally between Canada and the United States. Specific conditions of this division are as follows: a) Canada shall deliver to the United States a minimum of 60 percent of the natural flow of the Middle Fork Poplar River at the International Boundary, as determined below the con- fluence 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 decametres (3,800 acre-feet), then a continuous minimum flow of 0.028 cubic metres per second (1.0 cubic feet per second) shall be delivered to the United States on the East Poplar River at the International Boundary throughout the suceedlng 12 month period commencing June 1st. In addition, a volume of 370 cubic decametres (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 decametres (3,800 acre-feet), but does not exceed 9,250 cubic decametres 7,500 acre-feet), then a continuous minimum flow of 0.057 *Canada-Unlted States, 1976, Joint studies for flow apportionment. Poplar River Basin, Montana-Saskatchewan: Main Report, International Sourls-Red ^Rivers Board, Poplar River Task Force, 43 pp. -2- 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 decametres (500 acre-feet) shall be delivered to the United States upon demand at any time during the 12-inonth period commencing June 1st. ill) 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 decametres (7,500 acre-feet), but does not exceed 14,800 cubic decametres (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 decametres (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 decametres (12,000 acre-feet) then a con- tinuous 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 suceeding 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 decametres (1,000 acre-feet) shall be delivered to the United States upon demand at any time during the 12-month period com- mencing June 1st. c) The natural flow at the International Boundary In each of the remaining Individual tributaries shall not be depleted by more than 60 percent of its natural flow. 3. The natural flow and division periods for apportionment purposes shall be determined, unless otherwise specified, for periods of time commensurate with the uses and requirements of both countries. -3- ANNEX 5 METRIC CONVERSIONS - 1 METRIC CONVERSION FACTORS ac - 4,047 m2 = 0.4047 ha ac-ft = 1,233.5 m^ = 1.2335 dam^ C' = 1.8 F" cm = 0.3937 in. cm^ = 0.155 iti^ dam^ " 1,000 m-' = 0.8107 ac-ft ft^ = 28.3171 X 10~\^ ha = 10,000 m^ = 2.471 ac hm = 100 m = 328.08 ft hm^ = 1 X 10^ m^ I.gpm = 0.0758 L/s in ■ 2.54 cm kg = 2.20462 lb = 1.1 X 10"^ tons km = 0.62137 miles km2 = 0.3861 mi^ 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 ft m^ = 10.7636 ft^ m3 = 1,000 L = 35.3144 ft^ = 219.97 I. gal = 264.2 U.S. gal m^/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 sub8tance/24.45) mg/m^ - 2 -