5
5^3.7
2011 ANNUAL REPORT
to the
GOVERNMENTS OF CANADA, UNITED STATES,
SASKATCHEWAN AND MONTANA
by the
POPLAR RIVER
BILATERAL MONITORING
COMMIHEE
^fSSOVR/
RIVER
COVERING CALENDAR YEAR 2011
June 2012
Montana State Library
lllillllii
3 0864 1006 4281 1
Poplar River Bilateral Monitoring Committee
Department of State Department of Foreign Affairs
Washington, D.C., United States and International Trade Canada
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Governor's Office
State of Montana Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment
Helena, Montana, United States Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Herein is the 30th Annual Report of the Poplar River Bilateral Monitoring Committee. This report discusses
the Committee activities of 20 11 and presents the Technical Monitoring Schedules for the year 2012.
During 2011, the Poplar River Bilateral Monitoring Committee continued to fulfill the responsibilities
assigned by the governments under the Poplar River Cooperative Monitoring Agreement dated September
23, 1980. Through exchange of Diplomatic Notes, the Arrangement was extended in March 1987, July 1992,
July 1997, March 2002, April 2007, and March 2012. The Monitoring Committee is currently extended to
March 2017.
The enclosed report summarizes current water-quality conditions and compares them to guidelines for
specific parameter values that were developed by the International Joint Commission (IJC) under the 1977
Reference fi"om Canada and the United States. After evaluation of the monitoring information for 201 1, the
Committee finds that the measured conditions meet the recommended objectives.
Based on IJC recommendations, the United States was entitled to an on-demand release of 617 dam^ (500
acre-feet) from Cookson Reservoir during 201 1. A volume of 2,180 dam^ (1,770 acre-feet), in addition to the
minimum flow, was delivered to the United States between May 1 and May 31, 2011. In addition, daily
flows in 2011 met or exceeded the minimum flow recommended by the IJC during the year except for 12
days in August.
During 201 1, monitoring continued in accordance with Technical Monitoring Schedules outlined in the 2010
Annual Report of the Poplar River Bilateral Monitoring Committee.
Yours sincerely.
Jjo^n M. Kilpatrick ^ Mike Renouf
airman, United States Section Chairman, Canadiag^ection
^ ,^^//-^
]
Tim£>arTS (^eg Acfilmali
Member, United States Section Memoer, Canadian Section
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Highlights for 2011 iii
1.0 Introduction 1
2.0 Committee Activities 2
2.1 Membership 2
2.2 Meetings 2
2.3 Review of Water-Quality Objectives 3
2.4 Data Exchange 4
2.5 Water-Quality Monitoring Responsibilities 4
3.0 Water and Air: Monitoring and Interpretations 6
3.1 Poplar River Power Station Operation 6
3.2 Surface Water 6
3.2.1 Streamflow 6
3.2.2 Apportionment 7
3.2.3 Minimum Flows 8
3.2.4 On-Demand Release 9
3.2.5 Surface- Water Quality 10
3.2.5.1 Total Dissolved Solids 1 1
3.2.5.2 Boron 14
3.2.5.3 Other Water-Quality Objectives 17
3.3 Groundwater 19
3.3.1 Operations-Saskatchewan 19
3.3.2 Ground- Water Monitoring 21
3.3.2.1 Saskatchewan 21
3.3.2.2 Montana 23
3.3.3 Ground- Water Quality 25
3.3.3.1 Saskatchewan 25
3.3.3.2 Montana 28
3.4 Cookson Reservoir 29
3.4.1 Storage 29
3.4.2 Water Quality 31
3.5 Air Quality 32
3.6 Quality Control 32
3.6.1 Streamflow 32
3.6.2 Water Quality 32
ANNEXES
1 .0 Poplar River Cooperative Monitoring Arrangement. Canada-United States A 1
2.0 Poplar River Cooperative Monitoring Arrangement, Technical
Monitoring Schedules, 201 1, Canada-United States A2
3.0 Recommended Flow Apportionment in the Poplar River Basin A3
4.0 Conversion Factors A4
TABLES
Table 2.1 Water-Quality Objectives 5
Table 3.1 Recommended Water-Quality Objectives and Excursions, 201 1 Sampling
Program, East Poplar River at International Boundary 18
Table 3.2 Geologic Formation Name Equivalence between Saskatchewan and Montana 21
Table 3.3 Water-Quality Statistics for Water Pumped from Supplementary Water Supply
Project Wells 25
Table 3.4 Water-Quality Statistics for Water Pumped from Soil Salinity Project Wells Sampled
at the Discharge Pipe 26
Table 3.5 Cookson Reservoir Storage Statistics for 201 1 29
FIGURES
Figure 3.1 Monthly Mean Discharge During 201 1 as Compared with the Median Monthly Mean
Discharge from 1931-2010 for the Poplar River at International Boundary 7
Figure 3.2 Flow Hydrograph of the East Poplar River at International Boundary 8
Figure 3.3 Cumulative Volume Hydrograph of On-Demand Release 9
Figure 3.4 Estimated TDS Concentration During 201 1 for East Poplar River at International
Boundary 12
Figure 3.5 Three-Month Moving Flow- Weighted Average TDS Concentration for East Poplar
River at International Boundary (Statistically Estimated) 12
Figure 3.6 Five- Year Moving Flow- Weighted Average TDS Concentration for East Poplar
River at International Boundary (Statistically Estimated) 1 3
Figure 3.7 Daily TDS Concentration, Calendar Years 1990 to 201 1, for East Poplar River at
International Boundary (Statistically Estimated) 13
Figure 3.8 Estimated Boron Concentration During 201 1 for East Poplar River at International
Boundary 15
Figure 3.9 Three-Month Moving Flow- Weighted Average Boron Concentration for East Poplar
River at International Boundary (Statistically Estimated) 15
Figure 3.10 Five- Year Moving Flow- Weighted Average Estimated Boron Concentration for
East Poplar River at International Boundary (Statistically Estimated) 16
Figure 3.1 1 Daily Boron Concentration, Calendar Years 1 990 to 201 1 , for East Poplar River at
International Boundary (Statistically Estimated) 16
Figure 3.12 Annual Pumpage by the Poplar River Power Station's Supplementary Water Supply.. 19
Figure 3.13 Annual Pumpage from Soil Salinity Project 20
Figure 3.14 Hydrograph of Selected Wells Completed in the Hart Coal Seam 22
Figure 3.15 Hydrograph of Selected Wells Completed in the Hart Coal Seam 22
Figure 3.16 Hydrograph of Selected Wells - Hart Coal Aquifers 23
Figure 3.1 7 Hydrograph of Selected Wells - Alluvium and Fox Hills/Hell Creek Aquifers 24
Figure 3.18 Total Dissolved Solids in Samples from Montana Wells 28
Figure 3.19 Cookson Reservoir Daily Mean Water Levels for 201 1 and Median
Daily Water Levels, 2001-2010 30
Figure 3.20 Cookson Reservoir Daily Mean Water Storage for 201 1 and Median
Daily Storage, 2001-2010 31
Figure 3.21 Reservoir Volume and Total Dissolved Solids Concentrations from 1979-201 1 for
Cookson Reservoir 32
HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2011
The Poplar River Power Station completed its twenty-eighth full year of operation in 201 1. The two 300-
megawatt coal-fired units generated 4,562,005 gross megawatts (MW) of electricity. The average capacity
factors for Units No. 1 and 2 were 91 .0 percent and 85.6 percent, respectively. The capacity factors are based
on the maximum generating rating of 315 MW/hour for both Unit No. 1 and Unit No. 2. The scheduled
maintenance outage for Unit 1 and 2 were completed in the spring and fall of 201 1 so as not to coincide with
system peak demand periods that occur over the summer and winter periods.
Monitoring information collected in both Canada and the United States during 201 1 was exchanged in the
spring of 2012.
The recorded volume of the Poplar River at International Boundary from March 1 to May 31, 201 1 was
28,510 dam^ (23.1 10 acre-feet). Based on IJC recommendations and the assumption that the recorded
flow is the natural flow, the United States was entitled to a minimum discharge on the East Poplar River
of 0.085 cubic metres per second (m /s) (3.0 cubic feet per second (ft /s)) for the period June 1, 201 1 to
August 31, 2011, and 0.057 mVs (2.0 ftVs) for the period September 1, 2011 to May 31, 2012. The
minimum entitled flow for the period January 1 to May 31, 201 1 was 0.028 m^/s (1.0 ftVs), determined
on the basis of the Poplar River flow volume for March 1 to May 3 1 , 2010.
Daily flows during 201 1 met or exceeded the minimum flow recommended by the IJC during the year
except for 12 days in August.
In addition to the minimum flow, the IJC apportionment recommendation entitles Montana to an on-
demand release to be delivered in the East Poplar River during the twelve-month period commencing
June 1. Based on the March 1 to May 31, 2010 runoff volume of 5,420 dam^ (4,400 acre-feet) recorded
at the Poplar River at International Boundary gauging station, Montana was entitled to an additional
release of 617 dam (500 acre-feet) from Cookson Reservoir during the succeeding twelve-month period
commencing June 1, 2010. Montana requested this release to be made between May 1 and May 31,
2011. Ave
this period.
201 1. A volume of 2,180 dam^ (1,770 acre-feet), in addition to the minimum flow, was delivered during
The 201 1 five-year estimated flow- weighted TDS concentrations were below the long-term objective of
1,000 milligrams per litre (mg/L). The maximum monthly five-year estimated flow-weighted concentration
value in 2011 was about 987 mg/L which was similar to value calculated in 2010. The 2011 five-year
estimated flow-weighted boron concentrations remained well below the long-term objective of 2.5 mg/L.
m
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1.0 INTRODUCTION
The Poplar River Bilateral Monitoring Committee was authorized for an initial period of five years by
the Governments of Canada and the United States under the Poplar River Cooperative Monitoring
Arrangement dated September 23, 1980. A copy of the Arrangement is attached to this report as
Annex 1. Through exchange of Diplomatic Notes, the Arrangement was extended in March 1987, July
1992, July 1997, March 2002, April 2007 and March 2012. The Monitoring Committee is currently
extended to March 2017. A more detailed account of the historical background of the Monitoring
Arrangement is contained in the 1990 Annual Report of the Poplar River Bilateral Monitoring
Committee.
The Committee oversees monitoring programs designed to evaluate the potential for transboundary
impacts from SaskPower's (formerly Saskatchewan Power Corporation) coal-fired thermal generating
station and ancillary operations near Coronach, Saskatchewan. Monitoring is conducted in Canada
and the United States at or near the International Boundary for quantity and quality of surface and
ground water and for air quality. Participants from both countries, including Federal, State and
Provincial agencies, are involved in monitoring.
The Committee submits an annual report to Governments which summarizes the monitoring results,
evaluates apparent trends, and compares the data to objectives or standards recommended by the
International Joint Commission (IJC) to Governments, or relevant State, Provincial, or Federal
standards. The Committee reports to Governments on a calendar year basis. The Committee is also
responsible for drawing to the attention of Governments definitive changes in monitored parameters
which may require immediate attention.
A responsibility of the Committee is to review the adequacy of the monitoring programs in both
countries and make recommendations to Governments on the Technical Monitoring Schedules. The
Schedules are updated annually for new and discontinued programs and for modifications in sampling
frequencies, parameter lists, and analytical techniques of ongoing programs. The Technical
Monitoring Schedules listed in the annual report (Annex 2) are given for the year 2012. The
Committee will continue to review and propose changes to the Technical Monitoring Schedules as
information requirements change.
2.0 COMMITTEE ACTIVITIES
2.1 Membership
The Committee is composed of representatives of the Governments of the United States of America
and Canada, the State Government of Montana, and the Provincial Government of Saskatchewan. In
addition to the representatives of Governments, two ex-officio members serve as local representatives
for the State of Montana and Province of Saskatchewan.
During 2011, the members of the Committee included: Mr. J. Kilpatrick, U.S. Geological Survey,
United States representative and Co-chair; Mr. M. Renouf, Environment Canada, Canadian
representative and Co-chair; Mr. Tim Davis, Montana Department of Natural Resources and
Conservation, Montana representative; Mr. G. Adilman, Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment,
Saskatchewan representative; Mr. C. W. Tande, Daniels County Commissioner, Montana local ex-
officio representative; and Mr. D. Kirby, Reeve, R.M. of Hart Butte, Saskatchewan local ex-officio
representative.
2.2 Meetings
The Committee met via a conference call on June 24, 2011. Delegated representatives of
Governments, with the exception of the ex-officio members from Montana and Saskatchewan,
participated in the meeting. In addition to Committee members, several technical advisors representing
Federal, State, and Provincial agencies also participated. Committee members reviewed the operational
status of the Poplar River Power Station and associated coal-mining activities; examined data collected
in 2010 including surface-water quality and quantity, ground-water quality and quantity, and air
quality; discussed proposed changes in the water-quality sampling program; and established the
Technical Monitoring Schedules for the year 2012.
2.3 Review of Water-Quality Objectives
The International Joint Commission in its Report to Governments, titled "Water Quality in the Poplar
River Basin," recommended that the Committee periodically review the water-quality objectives
within the overall Basin context and recommend new and revised objectives as appropriate. In 1991,
an action item from the annual Committee meeting set in motion the review and revision of the water-
quality objectives.
In 1993, the Committee approved changes in water-quality objectives recommended by the
subcommittee that was formed in 1992 to review the objectives. The Committee also discussed the
water-quality objectives for 5-year and 3-month flow-weighted concentrations for total dissolved
solids and boron. Although the Committee agreed that calculation procedures to determine flow-
weighted concentrations are time consuming and probably scientifically questionable, no consensus
was reached on alternative objectives or procedures.
In 1997, the Committee agreed to suspend the monitoring and reporting of several parameters. The
parameters affected were: dissolved aluminum, un-ionized ammonia, total chromium, dissolved
copper, mercury in fish tissues, fecal coliform, and total coliform. The Committee also agreed to other
minor revisions for clarification purposes; for example, changing the designation for pH from
"natural" to "ambient".
In 1999, the Committee replaced the term "discontinued" with "suspended" in Table 2.1 .
In 2001, the Committee suspended the monitoring of dissolved mercury and total copper. This
decision was based on data indicating concentrations or levels well below or within the objectives.
Current objectives approved by the Committee are listed in Table 2.1 .
The Committee also agreed to periodically review all parameters for which monitoring has been
suspended.
Another responsibility of the Committee has included an ongoing exchange of data acquired through
the monitoring programs. Exchanged daiu and reports are available for public viewing at the agencies
of the participating governments or from Committee members.
2.4 Data Exchange
The Committee is responsible for assuring exchange of data between governments. The exchange of
monitoring information was initiated in the first quarter of 1981 and was an expansion of the informal
quarterly exchange program initiated between the United States and Canada in 1976. Until 1991, data
were exchanged quarterly. At the request of the Committee, the United States and Canada agreed to
replace the quarterly exchange of data with an annual exchange effective at the beginning of the 1992
calendar year. Henceforth, data will be exchanged once each year as soon after the end of the calendar
year as possible. However, unusual conditions or anomalous data will be reported and exchanged
whenever warranted. No unusual conditions occurred during 201 1 which warranted special reporting.
2.5 Water-Quality Monitoring Responsibilities
Environment Canada has agreed to take responsibility for repairing the continuous water-quality
monitor installed at the East Poplar station at the International Boundary. The continuous water-quality
monitor records daily specific conductance values which are used in the computation of TDS and
boron values to monitor water quality in the East Poplar River. In the absence of regular monthly
water-quality samples, the Committee has agreed to utilize the data collected by the continuous water-
quality monitor for its surface-water-quality monitoring program.
The USGS, in cooperation with the Fort Peck Tribes, previously collected water-quality samples four
times per year to supplement the daily specific conductance data collected by the continuous water-
quality monitor.
Table 2.1 Water-Quality Objectives
Parameter
Original
Objective
Recommendation
Current
Objective
Boron, total
3.5/2.5'
Continue as is
3.5/2.5'
TDS
1,500/1,000'
Continue as is
1,500/1,000'
Aluminum, dissolved
0.1
Suspended*
—
Ammonia, un-ionized
0.02
Suspended*
—
Cadmium, total
0.0012
Continue as is
0.0012
Chromium, total
0.05
Suspended*
—
Copper, dissolved
0.005
Suspended*
—
Copper, total
1
Suspended*
—
Fluoride, dissolved
1.5
Continue as is
1.5
Lead, total
0.03
Continue as is
0.03
Mercury, dissolved
0.0002
Suspended*
—
Mercury, fish (mg/kg)
0.5
Suspended*
—
Nitrate
10
Continue as is
to
Oxygen, dissolved
4.0/5.0-
Objective applies only during open
water
4.0/5.0-
SAR (units)
10
Continue as is
10
Sulfate, dissolved
800
Continue as is
800
Zinc, total
0.03
Continue as is
0.03
Water temperature (C)
30.0-
Continue as is
30.o'
pH (units)
6.5^
Continue as is
6.5^
Coliform(no./100mL)
Fecal
2,000
Suspended*
—
Total
20,000
Suspended*
....
Units m mg/L except as noted
1 Five-year average of flow-weighted concentrations (March to October) should be <2 5 boron, < 1,000 TDS,
Three-month average of tlow-weighted concentration should be <3 5 boron and <l ,500 TDS
2, 5 0 (minimum April lOtoMay 15), 4 0 (minimum remainder of year - Fish Spawning).
3 Natural temperature (April lOtoMay 15), <30 degree Celsius (remainder of year)
4 Less than 0 5 pH units above ambient, minimum pH=6 5
*Suspended after review of historic data found sample concentrations consistently below the objective. The Committee will periodically
review status of suspended objectives.
3.0 WATER AND AIR: MONITORING AND INTERPRETATIONS
3.1 Poplar River Power Station Operation
Saskatchewan Power Corporation (SaskPower) operates the Poplar River Power Station near the
town on Coronach, Saskatchewan. The Poplar River Power Station is comprised of two lignite-
burning power generating units designated Unit No. 1 and Unit No. 2. Unit No. 1 is rated as a 315
MW/hour generating unit and Unit No. 2 is rated as a 315 MW/hour generating unit. Both units
share a common 122 metres (m) (400 feet (ft)) tall stack.
In 2011 both units were operated as base load units supplying the maximum production except
when system constraint and outages dictated otherwise. The scheduled maintenance outages for
Unit No. 1 and Unit No. 2 were completed in the spring and fall of 201 1 so as not to coincide with
system peak demand periods that occur over the summer and winter periods.
Poplar River has changed the scheduling of Unit No. 1 and Unit No. 2 outages. In the past, the
spring/fall outages have consisted of a three week outage on one unit and a one-week outage on
the other. Starting in 2011, the schedule was changed to a four- week outage on one unit in the
spring and a four-week outage on the other unit in the fall.
Between January 1 and December 31, Poplar River Power Station generated 4,562,005 gross MW
of electricity. During this time approximately 3,432,897 tonnes (3,784,121 tons) of coal and 2,417
m^ (635,500 gallons) of fuel oil were consumed. The average capacity factors for Unit No. 1 and
Unit No. 2 were 91 .0 percent and 85.6 percent respectively.
3.2 Surface Water
3.2.1 Streamflow
Streamflow in the Poplar River basin was well above normal in 2011. The March to October
recorded flow of the Poplar River at International Boundary, an indicator of natural flow in the
basin, was 47,000 cubic decametres (dam^) (38,100 acre-feet), which was 470 percent of the 1931-
2010 median seasonal flow of 9,930 dam^ (8,050 acre-feet). A comparison of 201 1 monthly mean
discharge with the 1931-2010 median monthly mean discharge is shown in Figure 3.1.
E
O
U
a
w
»
a
M
s
s
u
2
3
o
E
o
-0-- Median of Monthly Mean Discharge for 1931-2010
Monthly Mean Discharge for 2011
315
280
245
210
175
140
105
70
35
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
-6 0
Oct
o
u
o
(A
0
a
a
IL
o
ia
3
U
Figure 3.1 Monthly Mean Discharge During 201 1 as Compared with the Median Monthly
Mean Discharge from 1931-2010 for the Poplar River at International Boundary.
The 2011 recorded flow volume of the East Poplar River at International Boundary was 50,320
dam (40,790 acre-feet). This volume is 188 percent of the median annual flow of 2,680 dam
(2,120 acre-feet) for 1976-2010 (since the completion of Morrison Dam).
3.2.2 Apportionment
In 1976 the International Souris-Red Rivers Engineering Board, through its Poplar River Task
Force, completed an investigation and made a recommendation to the Governments of Canada and
the United States regarding the apportionment of waters of the Poplar River basin. Although the
recommendations have not been officially adopted, the Province of Saskatchewan has adhered to
the apportionment recommendations. Annex 3 contains the apportionment recommendation.
3.2.3 Minimum Flows
The recorded volume of the Poplar River at International Boundary from March 1 to May 3 1 ,
2011 was 28,510 dam^ (23,110 acre-feet). Based on IJC recommendations and the assumption
that the recorded flow is the natural flow, the United States was entitled to a minimum discharge
on the East Poplar River of 0.085 cubic metres per second (m /s) (3.0 cubic feet per second (ft /s))
■J T
for the period June 1, 201 1 to August 31, 201 1, and 0.057 m /s (2.0 ft /s) for the period September
1, 2011 to May 31, 2012. The minimum entitled flow for the period January 1 to May 31, 2011
was 0.028 m^/s (1.0 ft^/s), determined on the basis of the Poplar River flow volume for March 1 to
May 31, 2010. A hydrograph for the East Poplar River at International Boundary and the
minimum flow as recommended by the IJC are shown in Figure 3.2.
Daily flows during 20 1 1 met or exceeded the minimum flow recommended by the IJC during the
year except for 1 2 days in August.
100.00
o
o
CO
a>
Q.
0)
u.
u
!5
3
u
0.35
2011
Figure 3.2 Flow Hydrograph of the East Poplar River at International Boundary.
3.2.4 On-Demand Release
In addition to the minimum tlow, the IJC apportionment recommendation entitles Montana to an
on-demand release to be delivered in the East Poplar River during the twelve-month period
commencing June 1. Based on the March 1 to May 31, 2010 runoff volume of 5,420 dam^ (4.400
acre-feet) recorded at the Poplar River at International Boundary gauging station, Montana was
entitled to an additional release of 617 dam^ (500 acre-feet) from Cookson Reservoir during the
succeeding twelve-month period commencing June 1, 2010. Montana requested this release to be
made between May 1 and May 31, 20 11. A volume of 2,180 dam "^ (1,770 acre-feet), in addition to
the minimum flow, was delivered during this period. A hydrograph showing cumulative volume of
the on-demand release request and on-demand release delivery made at the East Poplar River at
International Boundary is shown in Figure 3.3.
b
«•
V
E
n
u
«
Q
u
!o
3
o
C
2400
2000
1600
C 1200
800
400
-On-Demand Release Delivery
-On-Demand Release Request
1950
1625 iZ
01
1300
975
<
4)
E
3
O
>
2011
Figure 3.3 Cumulative Volume Hydrograph of On-Demand Release.
3.2.5 Surface-Water Quality
The 1981 report by the IJC to Governments recommended:
For the March to October period, the maximum flow-weighted concentrations should not exceed
3.5 milligrams per litre (mg/L) for boron and 1,500 mg/L for TDS for any three consecutive
months in the East Poplar River at the International Boundary. For the March to October period,
the long-term average of flow-weighted concentrations should be 2.5 mg/L or less for boron, and
1,000 mg/L or less for TDS in the East Poplar River at the International Boundary.
For the period prior to 1982, the three-month moving flow-weighted concentration (FWC) for
boron and total dissolved solids (TDS) was calculated solely from monthly water-quality
monitoring results. In 2003, the Poplar River Bilateral Monitoring Committee decided to suspend
much of the water-quality sampling program until it is warranted again. All surface-water-quality
sample collection by Environment Canada has been suspended at the East Poplar River boundary
station. After the regular monthly discrete sampling program was suspended in 2003, the USGS
continued to collect four discrete samples per year until 2010, when due to a lack of funding no
samples were obtained.
Since the beginning of 1982, the USGS has monitored specific conductance daily in the East
Poplar River at the International Boundary, making it possible to estimate boron and TDS
concentrations using a linear regression relationship with specific conductance. Since 2003, the
Committee has agreed to use the continuous data collected by the specific-conductance monitor as
a surrogate for the monthly water-quality sampling program. Hence, the three-month FWC for
TDS and boron in 201 1 were calculated using the two established equations (shown later in text)
and the continuous specific-conductance data collected at the East Poplar River at the International
Boundary.
The Bilateral Monitoring Committee adopted the approach that, for the purpose of comparison
with the proposed IJC long-term objectives, the boron and TDS data are best plotted as a five-year
moving FWC which is advanced one month at a time.
Prior to 1988, long-term averages were calculated for a five-year period in which 2.5 years
preceded and 2.5 years followed each plotted point. Beginning in 1988, the FWC was calculated
from the 5 -year period preceding each plotted point. For example, the FWC for December 201 1 is
calculated from data generated over the period December 2006 to December 2011. The
calculations are based on the results of samples collected throughout the year, and are not
restricted to only those collected during the months bracketing the period of irrigation (March to
October) each year.
All water quality analyses shown in this report were derived solely from the mid-month recorded
daily specific conductance data and the two established regression equations for TDS and boron.
10
3.2.5.1 Total Dissolved Solids
TDS is inversely related to streamflow at the East Poplar River at the International Boundary
station. During periods of high runoff such as spring freshet, TDS decreases as the proportion of
streamflow derived from ground water decreases. Conversely, during times of low streamflow
(late summer, winter) the contribution of ground water to streamflow is proportionally greater.
Because the ground water entering the river has a higher ionic strength than the surface water, the
TDS of the stream increases markedly during low-flow conditions.
Mid-month estimated TDS concentrations during 201 1 for East Poplar River at the International
Boundary are shown in Figure 3.4. The mid-month estimated TDS concentrations ranged from
672 mg/L on June 15 to 1,041 mg/L on March 15 and November 15.
No recorded daily conductance values were obtained during the March 5 to April 10, 201 1 period.
Missing daily conductance data during this period were estimated using median value calculated
from the other available daily readings during the month as an approximate value in order to
calculate moving FWC for TDS.
The three-month moving FWC for TDS for the period of 1990-2011 is presented in Figure 3.5.
The short-term TDS objective has not been exceeded during the period of record.
The five-year moving estimated FWC for TDS (Figure 3.6) did not exceed the long-term objective
of 1,000 mg/L in 201 1. The maximum monthly five-year estimated FWC in 201 1 was about 987
mg/L, similar to the value observed in 2010. The basin experienced above average flows during
May and June in 201 1 which significantly lowered the five-year moving estimated FWC for TDS.
The daily TDS values, as estimated by linear regression from the daily specific-conductance
readings, for the period January 1991 through December 201 1 are shown in Figure 3.7. The figure
shows an abrupt drop in estimated TDS corresponding to the snowmelt runoff occurring during
the spring of each year. Please note that estimated daily TDS values for the March 5 to April 1 1
period of missing conductance data were not plotted.
The relationship between TDS and specific conductance based upon data collected from 1974 to
2003 is as follows:
TDS = (0.624613813 x specific conductance) + 35.1841527
(R^ = 0.84, n = 617)
Note: The above equation was used to estimate TDS concentrations for the E. Poplar River at
the International Boundary for 2011. These estimates are used in the current annual water-
quality report.
11
1200
1000 <> 101Q
§. 800
o
CO
I 600
Q
ra 400
o
I-
200
♦ 1041
9Sb
♦ 972 ♦ 960
♦ 997
♦ 1041
-"►991
♦ 778
♦ 747 ♦ 747
♦ 672
> Statistically Estimated from Mid-Month Specific Conductance Values
LU
<
3
<
Q.
a>
O
0)
Q
Figure 3.4: Estimated TDS Concentration for 201 1
East Poplar River at tiie International Boundary
1800
1600
1400
^^^
1
D)
E
1200
en
-O
o
CO
1000
T3
Q)
>
s
800
(0
Q
nj
600
o
400
200
Short-term Objective
/!>^/^/^ /
♦ ;
— • Analytically Determined from a Discrete Sample
-— — Statistically Estimated using Monthly Mean Speafic Conductance Values
O)
CO
s
If)
CJ)
S
CO
at
CJ)
cn
O
O
o
CN
O
CO
O
s
in
o
CD
O
o
oo
o
CJ>
o
o
c
C
c
to
c
TO
c
TO
OJ
CO
TO
c
CD
c
OJ
c
TO
c
TO
c
nj
TO
C
CO
c
CO
to
c
CO
c
CO
Figure 3.5: Three-Month Moving Flow- Weighted Average TDS Concentration
for East Poplar River at the International Boundary (Statistically Estimated)
12
1600
1400
-> 1200
E
^ 1000
o
"S 800
Lo n g -term O bjecti ve
600
400
200
— 1^)
o — — —
1600 r
Figure 3.6: Five-Year Moving Flow- Weigh ted Average TDS Concentration
forEast Poplar River at the International Boundary (Statistically Estimated)
Figure 3.7: Daily TDS Concentration. CalendarYears 1991 to 201 1.
forEast Poplar River at the International Boundary (Statistically Estimated)
13
3.2.5.2 Boron
All the boron concentrations presented below were estimated using the boron equation that was
developed from water-quality samples collected from 1974-2003 and the daily specific
conductance data collected by the specific-conductance monitor. Figure 3.8 shows that during
201 1 mid-month estimated dissolved boron concentrations in the East Poplar at the International
Boundary varied from 1.27 mg/L on June 15 to 2.03 mg/L on March 15 and November 15.
The 3-month flow- weighted concentration (FWC) for boron for the period of 1990-201 1 is shown
in Figure 3.9. The short-term objective of 3.5 mg/L has not been exceeded over the period 1975 to
2011.
The 5-year moving FWC for boron (Figure 3.10) remained well below the long-term objective of
2.5 mg/L during 201 1.
Boron concentrations are not as well-correlated with specific conductance as TDS. Boron is a
relatively minor ion, and does not in itself contribute to a large degree to the total load of dissolved
constituents in the water. Accordingly, it appears likely that the standard deviation of dissolved
boron (relative to the long-term mean boron concentration) may be greater than that of the major
cations (sodium, potassium, and magnesium) and anions (sulphate, bicarbonate, and chloride)
around their respective long-term mean concentrations. Daily boron concentrations for the period
of 1990-201 1 are shown in Figure 3.1 1.
The relationship between boron and specific conductance applied to data collected from 1974 to
2003 is as follows:
Boron = (0.00129 x specific conductance) - 0.04709
(R^ = 0.57, n = 617)
Note: The above equation was used to estimate boron concentrations for the E. Poplar River at
the International Boundary for 2011. These estimates are used in the current annual water-
quality report.
14
4.0
3.5
en
E
o
CO
3.0
2.5
2.0
1.5
1.0
0.5
0.0
<> I 97 » 1.91 ♦ 2.03
♦ 189 4 1.86 ♦ ■'^'^
♦ 2.03
♦ ^^^ ♦ 142
♦ 127
♦ 1.4^
• Statistically Estimated from Mid-Montti Specific Conductance Values
^
S
a.
<
'<> 193
Figure 3.8: Estimated Boron Concentration During 201 1
for EastPoplar River at the International Boundary
4.0
3.5
Short-term Objective
3.0
-• Analytically Determined from a Discrete Sample
-* Statistically Estimated using Monthly Mean Specific Conductance Values
yt\/^, f
M
0.0
Figure 3.9: Three-Month Moving Flow-Weighted Average Boron Concentration
for East Poplar River at the International Boundary (Statistically Estimated )
15
2.5
Long-term Objective
0.5
^
<N
m
•*
>n
^O
r~-
00
0^
o
fN
m
"*
in
vO
r-~
00
0^
O
CM
'^
■^
=r
^
^
^
=^
^
=^
o
o
9
9
9
9
O
o
o
O
—
c
C
c
C
c
C
c
c
C
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
C
c
c
C
■3
->
C3
C3
C3
—5
C3
—5
C3
C3
— ^
C3
—5
C3
C3
w
03
C3
C3
n3
Figure 3.10: Five- Year Moving Flow- Weighted Average Estimated Boron Concentration
for East Poplar River atthe IntemationalBoundary (Statistically Estimated)
3.0
0.0
OS 0^ 0^ Ov
<0 \C
Ov OS
oo
OS
OS
OS
O
o
O
CM
o
O
O
o
SO
O
1^
o
00
9
OS
9
a>
—
c
C3
C
C3
03
c
03
c
03
C
03
C
CO
03
c
03
c
03
c
c
03
Figure 3.1 1 : Daily Boron Concentration. CalendarYears 1991-201 1.
for East Poplar River atthe IntemationalBoundary (Statistically Estimated)
16
3.2.5.3 Other Water-Quality Objectives
Table 3.1 contains the multipurpose water-quality objectives for the East Poplar River at
International Boundary, recommended by the International Poplar River Water Quality Board in
1979 to the IJC. The table shows the number of samples collected for each parameter and the
number of times over the course of the year that the objectives were exceeded. In the table,
multiple replicate samples collected during the annual quality control exercise are treated as a
single sample, but where an objective was exceeded in a replicate sample, this is charged against
the single sample noted. As the table shows, all parameters were within the appropriate objectives.
17
Table 3.1 Recommended Water-Quality Objectives and Excursions, 2011 Sampling Program,
East Poplar River at International Boundary (units in mg/L, except as otherwise noted)
Parameter
Objective
No. of Samples
Excursions
USA
Canada
Objectives recommended by IJC to Governments
Boron, dissolved
3.5/2.5(1)
N/A
N/A
N/A
Total Dissolved Solids
1.500/1,000(1)
N/A
N/A
N/A
Objectives recommended by
'opiar River Bilateral Monitoring Committee to Governments
Cadmium, total
0.0012
N/A
N/A
N/A
Fluoride, dissolved
1.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
Lead, total
0.03
N/A
N/A
N/A
Nitrate
10.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
Oxygen, dissolved
4.0/5.0 (2)
N/A
N/A
N/A
Sodium adsorption ratio
10.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
Sulphate, dissolved
800.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
Zinc, total
0.03
N/A
N/A
N/A
Water temperature (Celsius)
30.0(3)
N/A
N/A
N/A
pH (pH units)
6.5 (4)
N/A
N/A
N/A
(1 ) Three-month average of flow-weighted concentrations should be <3 5 mg/L boron and < 1,500 mg/L TDS Five-year average of
flow-weighted concentrations (March to October) should be <2 5 mg/L boron and < 1,000 mg/L TDS
(2) 5 0 (minimum April 10 to May 15), 4 0 (minimum, remainder of the year)
(3) Natural temperature (April 10 to May 1 5), <30 degrees Celsius (remainder of the year).
(4) Less than 0,5 pH units above natural, minimum pH = 6 5
N/A - Not applicable
NOTE: No samples Mere obtained in 201 1.
18
3.3 Ground Water
3.3.1 Operations - Saskatchewan
SaskPower's supplementary supply continued to operate during 2011 with 2,059 dam^ (1,669
acre-feet) of ground water being produced. This volume is down from the 2,704 dam (2,192
acre-feet) pumped in 2010. Production from 1991 to 201 1 has averaged 4,512 dam (3,658 acre-
feet) per year. Prior to 1991, the well network was part of a dewatering network for coal mining
operations, which resulted in the high production levels experienced in the early to mid-1980's as
shown in Figure 3.12. During the 1988-1990 drought period it was evident that there was a
continued need for ground water to supplement water levels in Cookson Reservoir. Consequently
the wells were taken over by SaskPower for use as a supplementary supply.
9000
8000
7000
6000
E 5000
4000
3000
2000
1000
7290
6480
5670
4860
4050 £
3240
2430
1620
810
C^"" <^^ <^ <^ # <# # # <# <# c# <# <# CN^^ # c?^ o^'' o^* cs^^ ^
Year
Figure 3.12 Annual Pumpage by the Poplar River Power Station's Supplementary
Water Supply
SaskPower has an Approval and License for the supplementary supply project to produce an
annual volume of 5,500 dam" (4,460 acre-feet). The supplementary supply well network currently
consists of 21 wells with a total of 10 discharge points. No wells were added or deleted from the
well field during the year.
19
In addition to the supplementary supply, SaskPower also operates the Soil Salinity Project south of
Morrison Dam. The project was initiated in 1989 to alleviate soil salinity which had developed
below the dam. The Soil Salinity project consists of a network of production wells discharging
into the cooling water canal, which in turn discharges directly to Cookson Reservoir. Ongoing
operational difficulties with the production wells resulted in a continued decline in the annual
volume pumped from a high of 1,100 dam (892 acre-feet) in 1994 to a low point of 363 dam
(294 acre-feet) in 2011. A well rehabilitation program resulted in some recovery in production
rates with production of 812 dam"^ (658 acre-feet) in 2006 but subsequent production continued to
decline as shown in Figure 3.13.
SaskPower is considering an evaluation and possible replacement program for the Soil Salinity
project production wells since the total volume of water produced from the project in 2011 all
came from well PW87 104.
In 2009, a new ash lagoon (No. 4) was constructed and put into service.
1200
Year
Figure 3.13 Annual Pumpage from Soil Salinity Project
20
3.3.2 Ground-Water Monitoring
Equivalent geologic formations present in Saskatchewan and Montana have different names. A list
of the corresponding formation names is provided in Table 3.2.
Table 3.2 Geologic Formation Name Equivalence between Saskatchewan and Montana
1
Formation Location
Geologic Formation Name
Saskatchewan
Eastend to Whitemud
Frenchman
Ravenscrag
Alluvium
Montana
Fox Hills
Hell Creek
Fort Union
Alluvium
3.3.2.1 Saskatchewan
In 2003, SaskPower reduced its monitoring network from 180 to about 85 piezometers.
Saskatchewan Environment approved this reduction based on modelling studies undertaken by
SaskPower.
The goal of the Soil Salinity Project is to lower groundwater levels in the Empress Sands below
Morrison Dam two to three metres (6.6 to 9.8 feet), which is roughly equivalent to pre-reservoir
levels. Groundwater withdrawals from 1990 to 1995 ranged between 900 and 1,100 dam"^/year (or
730 and 892 acre-feet/year, respectively) and consequently the drawdown objectives were
achieved in 1995 and 1996. Due to declining well efficiency, high reservoir levels, and increased
precipitation, the water level in the Empress Sands has been increasing since 2009.
The hydrographs of selected Hart Coal Seam monitoring wells near the International Boundary are
shown in Figures 3.14 and 3.15. These hydrographs do not show any significant changes in water
levels in the Hart Coal Seam near the boundary in the past 24 years.
21
765 r
760
755
<
•5 750
745
740
735
4
•^
tk
*l
1
N
Ml
/
m
▲
Ai
^rt
-*-*-*-* -AA
aa
k
■
^
■ 4
if
■
^
/•
kii|
rt
../»
!■
9M^^mw
/
^
1^
i*i
r
2493 58
2477.17
2460.75
2444.33
2427 92
2411.50
d^ o^ <# # #" # a^^ c# (# <# c^^ <# c# c5i^ c?" # c^?" ^ ^o^ #«> c^ ^* ^^^ c^^ e^'' <^
\V \»^ v^' \»0> \V \»C' vfC* x^- ^'O' sV s'C' sV v'C' \V k'^' \V \V \>0' vV \V \'^J' vN^ v'O' \V s><' \N>
Date
Figure 3.14 Hydrographs of Selected Wells Completed in the Hart Coal Seam
810
800
5 790
S 780
770
760
1
*
f
I
♦
HI
-— -
, J
i
..
1
B
4
■ 1
I
1
#■
1
♦
■ 1
*
%rf
^
"^
^
m
A
J
♦
k^M
A M
"A-A
AA
A
♦
♦
J
«*
♦♦^
♦
♦
\
♦
i
♦
V
♦^
^T
♦
a<
•**
♦ <
♦
»
*¥
»♦•
1
2658 00
2625 20
2559.60 -g
2526 80
2494 00
^^ ^^^ sX*^^ ^^^ .^"^^ ^N-^^ ^\"^^ ^\*^^ ^N"-^ ^^^ ^^^ .^"-^ ^\^^ ^\^^ V V V V^ V V V\\^^
Date
Figure 3.15 Hydrographs of Selected Wells Completed in the Hart Coal Seam
22
3.3.2.2 Montana
Hydrographs from monitoring wells completed in the Fort Union Formation and/or the Hart Coal
Seam (wells 6, 7, 9, 13, 16, 17, and 19) exhibit two general patterns. Water levels in wells 9, 13,
17, and 19 have changed less than 5 ft (1.5 m) since the time monitoring began in 1987. Water
levels generally declined between 1987 and 1992-1994; since 1994, water-level trends are flat or
slowly rising. Water-level hydrographs from wells 17 and 19 are shown on Figure 3.16. Offsets
noted in the legend for Figure 3.16 have been applied to make the hydrographs more readable.
Water-level data used to construct the hydrographs in Figure 3.16 can be accessed through the
Montana Ground Water Information Center (GWIC) database at http://mbmggwic.mtech.edu.
Water levels in wells 6, 7, and 16 have changed as much as 15 ft (4.6 m) but generally declined
from the beginning of monitoring to the mid 1990s before beginning to rise. Water levels in well
16 reached near record highs in 1985 and 201 1 . High water-level elevations in 201 1 were related
to heavy winter snow accumulation and associated snowmelt runoff. Water-level hydrographs for
wells 6 and 7 are shown on Figure 3.16.
'^^^^'^^^^^^s^^^^^*^^?'*^ ^>«^«^^^^*«^^ y^ )o^^s**^*;>o**^'^>
Jan-1979 Jan-1983 Jan-1987 Jan-1991 Jan-1995 Jan-1999 Jan-2003 Jan-2007 Jan-2011 Jan-2015
Year
— ©— Well 6 (GWIC 4227 +10 ft offset Hart Coal) — B— Well 7 (GWIC 4267 +7 ft offset Hart Coal)
—A- Well 17 (GW'IC 4297 -3 ft offset Hart Coal) ^«— Weil 19 (GWIC 4290. -5 ft offset Hart Coal)
Figure 3.16 Hydrographs of Selected Wells - Hart Coal Aquifers
Water levels in monitoring wells 5, 8, 10, 23, and 24, completed in alluvium and/or outwash, show
seasonal change caused by climate and/or precipitation. Heavy snow accumulation and melt in
early 2004 caused upward water-level response during the remainder of that year. In subsequent
years water levels steadily declined returning to pre-melt 2003 elevations between 2004 (Well 23)
and 2008 (Well 5).
23
Hydrographs from alluvium and outwash (wells 10, 23, and 24) and the Fox Hills/Hell Creek
aquifer (well 11) are shown in Figure 3.17. Offsets noted in the legend have been applied to the
data to make the hydrographs more readable. Measurements from wells 1 1 and 24 where the
wellhead was noted as being frozen are not included. Water-level data used to construct the
hydrographs in Figure 3.17 can be accessed through the Montana Ground Water Information
Center (GWIC) database at http://mbmggwic.mtech.edu.
The potentiometric surface in the Fox Hills/Hell Creek artesian aquifer (well 1 1 -Figure 3.17) has
shown little fluctuation during the 1979-201 1 monitoring period, but the entire record shows a
slight long-term downward trend.
Jan
^
3^
■1979 Jan-1983 Jan-1987 Jan-1991 Jan-1995 Jan-1999 Jan-2003 Jan-2007 Jan-2011 Jan-2015
Year
— Weill 0 (Gwic 4340: 0 ft offset : Alluvium/coal) — B— Well 1 1 (GWIC 4329: +3 ft offset : Fox Hills-Hell Creek)
— Well 23 (GWC 124105: + 2ft offset Outwash) —x— Well 24 (GWIC 144835: -3ftoffset: Alluvium)
Figure 3.17 Hydrographs of Selected Wells - Alluvium and Fox Hills/Hell Creek Aquifers
Above average precipitation including heavy snow accumulation and subsequent melting caused
water levels to rise to near record highs in wells 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 13, 16, 17, 19, 22, 23, and 24
during 201 1 . Wells 23 and 24 were flowing over their casing tops in April and July 201 1
respectively. Water levels in all wells have fallen since and most remain between 1 ft (0.3 m) and
4 ft (1 .2 m) above their 2010 altitudes. However, in October 201 1, the water level in well 16 was
about 10 ft (3 m) and the water level in well 23 was about 0.5 ft (0.2 m) above their October 2010
measurements.
24
3.3.3 Ground-Water Quality
3.3.3.1 Saskatchewan
The water quality from the Poplar River Power Station's Supplementary Water Supply Project
discharge points has been consistent with no trends indicated. A summary of the more frequently
tested parameters during 20 11 is provided in Table 3.3. Result averages for the 1992-2010 periods
are also included in this table for comparison.
TABLE 3.3 Water-Quality Statistics for Water Pumped from
Supplementary Water Supply Project Wells*
1992 to 2010
Average
2011
Average
pH (units)
8.1
8.1
Conductivity (|as/cm)
1296
1080
Total Dissolved Solids
889
757
Total Suspended Solids
11
20
Boron
1.2
0.9
Sodium
173
136
Cyanide (fig/L)
2
1
Iron
0.3
0.8
Manganese
0.1
0.07
Mercury (|ig/L)
0.07
0.02
Calcium
67
63
Magnesium
52
61
Sulfate
274
290
Nitrate
0.08
0.04
*A11 units mg/L unless otherwise noted. Samples obtained at Site "CS" on Girard Creek.
Average results from the common discharge point for the Soil Salinity Project for 201 1, plus an
average of the 1992-2010 results are provided in Table 3.4. Results have remained relatively
consistent since 1992.
25
TABLE 3.4 Water-Quality Statistics for Water Pumped from Soil Salinity
Project Wells Sampled at the Discharge Pipe*
1992-2010
Average
2011
Average
pH (units)
7.6
7.7
Conductivity (|is/cm)
1457
1547
Total Dissolved Solids
1006
1091
Boron
1.6
1.4
Calcium
103
123
Magnesium
59
68
Sodium
159
153
Potassium
7.5
8.1
Arsenic (i^g/L)
11.7
13.5
Aluminum
0.05
0.001
Barium
0.034
0.018
Cadmium
0.014
<0.001
Iron
4.1
4.2
Manganese
0.128
0.135
Molybdenum
0.013
0.001
Strontium
1.727
1.993
Vanadium
0.013
<0.001
Uranium (i^g/L)
0.656
1.025
Mercury (|i/L)
0.07
0.02
Sulfate
328
388
Chloride
6.6
8.0
Nitrate
0.067
0.040
*A11 concentrations are mg/L unless otherwise noted.
Leachate movement through the ash lagoon Hner systems can potentially affect ground-water
quality in the vicinity of the ash lagoons. The piezometers listed in the Technical Monitoring
Schedules are used to assess leachate movement and calculate seepage rates. Piezometric water
level, boron, and chloride are the chosen indicator parameters to assess leachate movement.
The chemistry of water immediately above the liner systems is expected to differ from the surface
water of the lagoons. Meaningful information is only available from piezometers installed within
26
Ash Lagoon # 1 where ash has been deposited for many years. Future monitoring of all
piezometers completed above the lagoon liner systems will continue in order to improve the
understanding of leachate quality and flow from the ash lagoons.
The piezometric surface measurements for the oxidized till continue to show the presence of a
ground-water mound beneath the ash lagoons. The mound extends from the center of the Ash
Lagoon No. 1 to the southeast side of Ash Lagoon No. 2. Piezometers located in the oxidized till
suggest limited leachate activity. No seepage activity is evident in the unoxidized till.
The greatest changes in chloride and boron concentrations within the oxidized till have occurred
where piezometric levels have changed the most. Although increasing water levels do not
automatically suggest that the water affecting the piezometers is leachate, changing piezometric
levels do suggest ground-water movement. On the west side of the Polishing Pond, the boron
levels have changed only slightly in the oxidized till piezometers C728A and C728D, where the
chloride levels have changed more significantly. The chloride level for C728A had decreased
from 403 mg/L in 1983 to 218 mg/L in 2011. The chloride level for C728D has increased from
185 mg/L in 1983 to 350 mg/L in 201 1. Although these piezometers are close in proximity and
installed at the same level, they are being influenced by different water. Chloride results for
C728A suggest initial seepage and it is to be expected that over time the same observation will be
seen in C728D.
The piezometric surface of the Empress Gravel indicates a regional flow from northwest to
southeast below Morrison Dam. As a general observation. Empress piezometers respond to
changing reservoir levels. Results for the Empress layer do not indicate seepage activity with the
majority of the analyses showing little change in boron or chloride results.
Piezometer C712B has been monitored for several years. Historically, boron levels were below 1
mg/L. From 1992 to 201 1, boron levels have remained relatively steady between 12 and 20 mg/L.
27
3.3.3.2 Montana
Samples were collected from monitoring wells 7, 16, and 24 during 201 1. Well 7 is completed in
the Hart Coal, well 16 is completed in the Fort Union Formation, and well 24 is completed in
alluvium. Total dissolved solids (TDS) concentrations in samples from wells 7 and 24 are about
the same as they were in 2006 but have been trending higher since 2009. The 201 1 sample shows
that the TDS concentration in well 16 was slightly above the concentration observed in the 2010
sample; the 2010 and 201 1 samples are well above the anomalously low value observed in 2009.
Changes in TDS with time for wells 7, 16, and 24 are shown in Figure 3.18. Water-chemistry data
used to construct the graphs in Figure 3.18 can be accessed through the Montana Ground Water
Information Center (GWIC) database at http://mbmggwic.mtech.edu.
E
in
■o
800
700
■o 600
>
I 500
"(5
o
400
300
'H^td4^^
Jan-1978 Jan-1982 Jan-1986 Jan-1990 Jan-1994 Jan-1998 Jan-2002 Jan-2006 Jan-2010 Jan-2014
Date
-A— Well 7 (GWC 4267 - Hart Coal)
-e— Well 24 (GWIC 144835 - Alluvium)
■Well 16 (GWIC 4211 - Fort Union)
Figure 3.18 Total Dissolved Solids in Samples from Montana Wells.
28
3.4 Cookson Reservoir
3.4.1 Storage
On January 1, 201 1, Cookson Reservoir storage was 32,370 dam (26,240 acre-feet) or 75 % of
the full supply volume. The 2011 maximum, minimum, and period elevations and volumes are
shown in Table 3.5.
Spring inflows into the reservoir were high in 2011, bringing the reservoir to its full supply on
April 12. Rainfall runoff events then kept the reservoir at or above full supply until mid July, after
which inflows were limited and evaporative processes brought the reservoir down below full
supply. At the end of 2011, the reservoir was at 752.49 metres (m) (2,468.80 feet (ft)), or
approximately 0.5 m (1.6 ft) below full supply. While releases were not required to meet
apportionment target flows in 2011, the gates at Morrison Dam were operated to pass inflows
during the flood events.
In addition to runoff, reservoir levels were augmented by groundwater pumping. Wells in the
abandoned west block mine site supplied 2,059 dam^ ( 1 .669 acre-feet) to Girard Creek. Wells in
the soil salinity project area supplied 363 dam^ (294 acre-feet).
Table 3.5 Cookson Reservoir Storage Statistics for 2011
Date
Elevation
(m)
Elevation
(ft)
Contents
(dam^)
Contents
(acre-feet)
January 1
751.47
2.465.45
32.370
26.240
June 18
(Maximum)
753.24
2,471.26
45,290
36,720
March 14
(Minimum)
751.43
2,465.32
32,070
26,000
December 3 1
752.49
2,468.80
39,500
32,020
Full Supply Level
753.00
2.470.47
43,410
35,190
29
The Poplar River Power Station is dependent on water from Cookson Reservoir for cooling.
Power plant operation is not adversely affected until reservoir levels drop below 749.0 m (2,457.3
ft). The dead storage level for cooling water used in the generation process is 745.0 m (2,444.2
ft). The 201 1 recorded levels and associated operating levels are shown in Figure 3.19 along with
the 10-year median levels. Likewise, the 201 1 storage and associated operating levels are shown
in Figure 3.20 along with the 10-year median levels.
754,00
753.00
752.00
751.00
*- 750.00
c
— 749.00
C
g
> 748.00
0^
747.00
746.00
745.00
744.00
^ Full Supply Level
-vv
•
■
r
^—
■
■
-
_^
r
■
■
■
-
■
1 1 1
Minimum Desirable Operatin
1 ' '
g Level
•
1
D-Year
Dll
Media
n(200
1-201C
))
-
2
-
■
: Mir
imum
UsabU
> Stora
ge Lev
el
■
.
.
2473.75
2470.47
2467.19
2463.91
2460.63
a;
Lk
c
2457.35
c
o
m
>
0)
2454.07
2450.79
2447.51
2444.23
2440.94
Jam JanSl Mar2 Apr2 May2 Junl Jul2 Augl Aug31 Oct 1 Od 31 Nov30 Dec31
Figure 3.19 Cookson Reservoir Daily Mean Water Levels for 2011 and
Median Daily Water Levels, 2001-2010
30
50000
45000
40000
£
E
fO
u
0)
a
u
!5
U
c
bO
ro
O
35000
30000
25000
20000
15000
10000
5000
-- Full Supply Level
i 1
;
.^^
^''nr^
-
T
y-
^
"-^
-
■
J-
_j
^^
-
^
r
"^
"~~-
LQ^
-
—y
1 1 1
-
2011
laii ,..».
Lu;
-
Min
imum
Desiral
}le Operating Level
-
:
•
-
1111
Minimum Usable Storage Level
-
1 1 1 1 1
40535
36482
32428
28375 ^
01
24321
20268
16214
12161
8107
01
u
<
c
IV
00
k.
o
•♦->
to
4054
Jani Jan3i Mar2 Apr2 May2 Junl Jul2 Augi Aug31 Oct 1 Oct 31 Nov30 Dec31
Figure 3.20 Cookson Reservoir Daily Mean Water Storage for 2011 and
Median Daily Storage, 2001-2010
3.4.2 Water Quality
One major factor affecting the water quality of Cookson Reservoir is volume. Low reservoir
volumes will decrease the water quality Vv'hile high volumes will improve the water quality. The
reservoir volume is controlled by two factors: inflow, which consists of spring runoff,
precipitation and supplementary water supply, which increases reservoir volumes and losses,
which consist of evaporation, water uses and apportionment releases, which decreases volume.
The period from 1987 to 1993 saw very low volumes of surface-water run-off to Cookson
Reservoir. Consequently, total dissolved solids (TDS) in the reservoir increased steadily from
approximately 780 mg/L to over 1,800 mg/L as shown in figure 3.21. From 1997 to 2004, the
TDS levels in the reservoir generally remained below 1,000 mg/L. The TDS levels increased to
1,540 mg/L between 2005 and 2008 before significant runoff reduced the TDS levels to 1,160
mg/L in 2009. Above normal precipitation runoff volumes in June 201 1 reduced the 201 1 average
TDS level in Cookson Reservoir to 791 mg/L, down significantly from the 2010 average TDS
level of 1,346 mg/L.
31
50000
Cookson Reservoir
Reservoir Volume and Total Dissolved Solids
2500
2000
1500
-I
E
1000
500
n3(y3fl]n}<T}(T3(D(O0i3(O(un}(on}(on3(t}ni(Dn3(O(on3(D(D(D(ons(Dn}ro(O<o
"Reservoir Volume
■TDSI
Figure 3.21 Reservoir Volume and Total Dissolved Solids Concentrations from 1979-2011
for Cookson Reservoir
3.5 Air Quality
SaskPower's ambient SO2 monitoring for 2011 recorded no values greater than Saskatchewan
Environment's one-hour average standard of 0.17 ppm and the 24-hour average standard of 0.06
ppm. The 2011 geometric mean for the high-volume suspended-particulate sampler was 11.6
|ig/m and 2011 was the twentieth consecutive year of below-average standard particulate
readings.
3.6 Quality Control
3.6.1 Streamflow
No comparative current-meter discharge measurements were made in 201 1 at the East Poplar River at
International Boundary site between personnel from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and
Environment Canada (EC) to confirm streamflow measurement comparability.
3.6.2 Water Quality
No joint sampling was performed in 20 11 at the East Poplar River at International Boundary due to
continued suspension in the surface-water-quality sampling program by the USGS and EC.
32
ANNEX 1
POPLAR RIVER
COOPERATIVE MONITORING ARRANGEMENT
CANADA-UNITED STATES
September 23, 1980
POPLAR RIVER COOPERATIVE MONITORING ARRANGEMENT
I. PURPOSE
This Arrangement will provide for the exchange of data collected as described in the attached
Technical Monitoring Schedules in water-quality, water quantity and air quality monitoring programs
being conducted in Canada and the United States at or near the International Boundary in response to
SaskPower development. This Arrangement will also provide for the dissemination of the data in each
country and will assure its comparability and assist in its technical interpretation.
The Arrangement will replace and expand upon the quarterly information exchange program instituted
between Canada and the United States in 1976.
II. PARTICIPATING GOVERNMENTS
Governments and government agencies participating in the Arrangement are:
Government of Canada: Environment Canada
Government of the Province of Saskatchewan:
Saskatchewan Environment and Resource Management
Government of the United States of America: United States Geological Survey
Government of the State of Montana: Executive Office
III. POPLAR RIVER MONITORING COMMITTEE: TERMS OF REFERENCE
A binational committee called the Poplar River Bilateral Monitoring Committee will be established to
carry out responsibilities assigned to it under this Arrangement. The Committee will operate in
accordance with the following terms of reference:
Al-3
A. Membership
The Committee will be composed of four representatives, one from each of the participating
Governments. It will be jointly chaired by the Government of Canada and the Government of the
United States. There will be a Canadian Section and a United States Section. The participating
Governments will notify each other of any changes in membership on the Committee. Co-
chairpersons may by mutual agreement invite agency technical experts to participate in the work of the
Committee.
The Governor of the State of Montana may also appoint a chief elective official of local government to
participate as an ex-officio member of the Committee in its technical deliberations. The Saskatchewan
Minister of the Environment may also appoint a similar local representative.
B, Functions of the Committee
The role of the Committee will be to fulfil the purpose of the Arrangement by ensuring the exchange
of monitored data in accordance with the attached Technical Monitoring Schedules, and its collation
and technical interpretation in reports to Governments on implementation of the Arrangement. In
addition, the Committee will review the existing monitoring systems to ensure their adequacy and may
recommend to the Canadian and United States Governments any modifications to improve the
Technical Monitoring Schedules.
1. Information Exchange
Each Co-chairperson will be responsible for transmitting to his counterpart Co-chairperson on a
regular, and not less than quarterly basis, the data provided by the cooperative monitoring agencies in
accordance with the Technical Monitoring Schedules.
AI-4
2. Reports
(a) The Committee will prepare a joint Annual Report to the participating governments,
and may at any time prepare joint Special Reports.
(b) Annual Reports will
i) summarize the main activities of the Committee in the year under Report and the data
which has been exchanged under the Arrangement;
ii) draw to the attention of the participating governments any definitive changes in the
monitored parameters, based on collation and technical interpretation of exchanged
data (i.e. the utilization of summary, statistical and other appropriate techniques);
iii) draw to the attention of the participating governments any recommendations regarding
the adequacy or redundancy of any scheduled monitoring operations and any proposals
regarding modifications to the Technical Monitoring Schedules, based on a continuing
review of the monitoring programs including analytical methods to ensure their
comparability.
(c) Special Reports may, at any time, draw to the attention of participating governments
definitive changes in monitored parameters which may require immediate attention.
(d) Preparation of Reports
Reports will be prepared following consultation with all committee members and will
be signed by all Committee members. Reports will be separately forwarded by the
Committee Co-chairmen to the participating governments. All annual and special
reports will be so distributed.
Al-5
3. Activities of Canadian and United States Sections
The Canadian and United States section will be separately responsible for:
(a) dissemination of information within their respective countries, and the arrangement of
any discussion required with local elected officials;
(b) verification that monitoring operations are being carried out in accordance with the
Technical Monitoring Schedules by cooperating monitoring agencies;
(c) receipt and collation of monitored data generated by the cooperating monitoring
agencies in their respective countries as specified in the Technical Monitoring
Schedules;
(d) if necessary, drawing to the attention of the appropriate government in their respective
countries any failure to comply with a scheduled monitoring function on the part of
any cooperating agency under the jurisdiction of that government, and requesting that
appropriate corrective action be taken.
IV. PROVISION OF DATA
In order to ensure that the Committee is able to carry out the terms of this Arrangement, the
participating governments will use their best efforts to have cooperating monitoring agencies, in their
respective jurisdictions provide on an ongoing basis all scheduled monitored data for which they are
responsible.
V. TERMS OF THE ARRANGEMENT
The Arrangement will be effective for an initial term of five years and may be amended by agreement
of the participating governments. It will be subject to review at the end of the initial term and will be
renewed thereafter for as long as it is required by the participating governments.
Al-6
ANNEX 2
POPLAR RIVER
COOPERATIVE MONITORING ARRANGEMENT
TECHNICAL MONITORING SCHEDULES
2012
CANADA-UNITED STATES
A2-1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PREAMBLE A2 - 5
CANADA
STREAMFLOW MONITORING A2 - 8
SURFACE-WATER-QUALITY MONITORING A2 - 10
GROUND-WATER PIEZOMETERS TO MONITOR POTENTIAL
DRAWDOWN DUE TO COAL-SEAM DEWATERING NEAR THE
INTERNATIONAL BOUNDARY A2 - 14
GROUND- WATER PIEZOMETER MONITORING
- POWER STATION AREA A2 - 1 6
GROUND- WATER PIEZOMETER MONITORING
- ASH LAGOON AREA
WATER LEVEL A2-18
WATER QUALITY A2- 19
AMBIENT AIR-QUALITY MONITORING A2 - 22
UNITED STATES
STREAMFLOW MONITORING A2 - 26
SURFACE-WATER-QUALITY MONITORING A2 - 28
GROUND-WATER-QUALITY MONITORING A2 - 30
GROUND-WATER LEVELS TO MONITOR POTENTIAL
DRAWDOWN DUE TO COAL-SEAM DEWATERING A2 - 32
A2-3
PREAMBLE
The Technical Monitoring Schedule lists those water quantity, water-quality and air quality
monitoring locations and parameters which form the basis for information exchange and reporting to
Governments. The structure of the Committee responsible for ensuring the exchange takes place is
described in the Poplar River Cooperative Monitoring Arrangement.
The monitoring locations and parameters listed herein have been reviewed by the Poplar River
Bilateral Monitoring Committee and represent the basic technical information needed to identify any
definitive changes in water quantity, water quality and air quality at the International Boundary. The
Schedule was initially submitted to Governments for approval as an attachment to the 1981 report to
Governments. Changes in the sampling locations and parameters may be made by Governments
based on the recommendations of the Committee.
Additional information has been or is being collected by agencies on both sides of the International
Boundary, primarily for project management or basin-wide baseline data purposes. This additional
information is usually available upon request from the collecting agency and forms part of the pool
of technical information which may be drawn upon by Governments for specific study purposes.
Examples of additional information are water-quantity, water-quality, ground-water and air-quality
data collected at points in the Poplar River basin not of direct concern to the Committee. In addition,
supplemental information on parameters such as vegetation, soils, fish and waterfowl populations
and aquatic vegetation has been collected on either a routine or specific-studies basis by various
agencies.
A2-5
POPLAR RIVER
COOPERATIVE MONITORING ARRANGEMENT
TECHNICAL MONITORING SCHEDULES
2012
CANADA
A2-7
STREAMFLOW MONITORING
Daily mean discharge or levels and instantaneous monthly extremes as normally
published in surface-water-data publications.
Responsible Agencies: Environment Canada; Saskatchewan Watershed Authority
No. on Map
Station No.
Station Name
r
11AE003"
(06178500)
East Poplar River at International Boundary
2
11AE013*"
Cookson Reservoir near Coronach
3
11AE015*"
Girard Creek near Coronach Cookson Reservoir
4
11AE014*"
East Poplar River above Cookson Reservoir
5
Fife Lake Overflow****
6*
11AE008
(06178000)
Poplar River at International Boundary
International gauging station.
Environment Canada will assume monitoring responsibility effective March 1, 2012.
SWA took over the monitoring responsibility effective July 1 , 1992.
Miscellaneous measurements of outflow to be made by Saskatchewan Watershed
Authority (SWA) during periods of outflow only.
A2-8
5 10 15 KILOMETERS
_J , I L
10 MILES
HYOROMETRIC GAUGING STATIONS (CANADA)
A2-9
SURFACE-WATER-QUALITY MONITORING
Sampling Locations
Responsible Agency: Environment Canada 1
No. on Map
Station No.
Station Name
1
00SA11AE0008
Suspended
East Poplar River at International Boundary
Responsible Agency: Saskatchewan Environment 1
Data collected by: Sask Power
No. on Map
Station No.
Station Name
2
12386
East Poplar River at Culvert immediately below
Discontinued
Cookson Reservoir
3
12368
Cookson Reservoir near Dam
4
12377
Discontinued
Upper End of Cookson Reservoir at Highway 36
5
12412
Discontinued
Girard Creek at Coronach, Reservoir Outflow
6
7904
Fife Lake Outflow*
^Sampled only when outflow occurs for a 2-week period, which does not occur every year.
A2-10
UNITED STATES
LEGEND
A SASKATCHEWAN ENVIRONMENT AND
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
■ ENVIRONMENT CANADA
0 5 10 15 KILOMETERS
J , I L
10 MILES
SURFACE-WATER-QUALITY MONITORING STATIONS (CANADA)
A2-
PARAMETERS
Responsible Agency: Environment Canada
ENVIRODAT*
Code
Analytical Method
Sampling Frequency
Station No. I
I0I5I
Alkalinity-phenolphthalein
Potentiometnc Titration
SUS
10111
Alkalinity-total
Potentiometric Titration
SUS
13102
Aluminum-dissolved
AA-Direct
SUS
13302
Aluminum-extracted
AA-Direct
SUS
07540
Ammonia-total
Automated Colounmetric
SUS
33108
Arsenic-dissolved
ICAP-hydnde
SUS
56001
Barium-total
AA-Direct
SUS
06201
Bicarbonates
Calculated
SUS
05211
Boron-dissolved
ICAP
SUS
96360
Bromoxynil
Gas Chromatography
SUS
48002
Cadmium-total
AA Solvent Extraction
SUS
20113
Calcium
AA-Direct
SUS
06104
Carbon-dissolved organic
Automated IR Detection
SUS
06901
Carbon-particulate
Elemental Analyzer
SUS
06002
Carbon-total organic
Calculated
SUS
06301
Carbonates
Calculated
SUS
17206
Chloride
Automated Colourimetric
SUS
06717
Chlorophyll a
Spectrophotometric
SUS
24003
Chromium-total
AA-Solvent Extraction
SUS
27002
Cobalt-total
AA-Solvent Extraction
SUS
36012
Coliform-fecal
Membrane Filtration
SUS
36002
Coliform-total
Membrane Filtration
SUS
02021
Colour
Comparator
SUS
02041
Conductivity
Wheatstone Bridge
SUS
06610
Cyanide
Automated UV-Colourimetric
SUS
09117
Fluoride-dissolved
ElecCrometnc
SUS
06401
Free Carbon Dioxide
Calculated
SUS
10602
Hardness
Calculated
SUS
17811
Hexachlorobenzene
Gas Chromatography
SUS
08501
Hydroxide
Calculated
SUS
26104
Iron-dissolved
AA-Direct
SUS
82002
Lead-total
AA-Solvent Extraction
SUS
12102
Magnesium
AA-Direct
SUS
25104
Manganese-dissolved
AA-Direct
SUS
07901
N-particulate
Elemental Analyzer
SUS
07651
N-total dissolved
Automated UV Colourimetric
SUS
10401
NFR
Gravimetric
SUS
28002
Nickel-total
AA-Solvent Extraction
SUS
07110
Nitrate/Nitrite
Colourimetric
SUS
07603
Nitrogen-total
Calculated
SUS
10650
Non-Carbonate Hardness
Calculated
SUS
18\XX
Organo Chlonnes
Gas Chromatography
SUS
08101
Oxygen-dissolved
Winkler
SUS
15901
P-particulate
Calculated
SUS
15465
P-total dissolved
Automated Colounmetric
SUS
185XX
Phenoxy Herbicides
Gas Chromatography
SUS
15423
Phosphorus-total
Colounmetnc (TRAACS)
SUS
19103
Potassium
Flame Emission
SUS
11250
Percent Sodium
Calculated
SUS
011201
SAR
Calculated
SUS
00210
Saturation Index
Calculated
SUS
34108
Selenium-dissolved
ICAP-hydnde
SUS
14108
Silica
Automated Colounmetnc
SUS
11103
Sodium
Flame Emission
SUS
00211
Stability Index
Calculated
SUS
16306
Sulphate
Automated Colounmetric
SUS
00201
TDS
Calculated
SUS
02061
Temperature
Digital Thermometer
SUS
02073
Turbidity
Nephelometry
SUS
23002
Vanadium-total
AA-Solvent Extraction
SUS
30005
Zinc-total
AA-Solvent Extraction
SUS
10301
PH
Electrometnc
SUS
92111
Uranium
Fluometnc
SUS
• - Computer Storage and Retrieval System - Environment Canada
AA - Atomic Absorption UV - Ultraviolet
NFR - Nonfilterable Residue ICAP - Inductively Coupled Argon Plasma.
SUS ~ Suspended
A2-12
PARAMETERS
JResponsible Agency: Saskatchewan Environment
loata Collected by: SaskPower
ESQUADAT* Code
Parameter
Analytical method
Sampling Freq
Station No
uency
||
2
3
4
5
<> 1
1111^1
Alkahnit^'-phenol
Pot-l itration
DIS
Q
DIS
DIS
Ol
10101
Alkalinity-tot
Pot- 1 ilration
DIS
Q
DIS
DIS
Ol
13004
Aluminum-tot
AA-Direct
DIS
A
DIS
DIS
33004
Arsenic-tot
Flanieless AA
DIS
A
DIS
DIS
06201
Bicarbonates
Calculated
DIS
Q
DIS
DIS
OF
05451
Boron-tot
ICAP
DIS
0
DIS
DIS
W
48002
Cadmium-tot
AA-Solvent Extract (MIBK.)
DIS
A
DIS
DIS
20113
Calcmm
AA-Direct
DIS
Q
DIS
DIS
OF
06052
Carbon-tot Inorganic
Infrared
DIS
Q
DIS
DIS
OF
06005
Carbon-tot Organic
Infrared
DIS
Q
DIS
DIS
OF
06301
Carbonates
Calculated
DIS
Q
DIS
DIS
OF
17203
Chloride
Automated Colourimetric
DIS
0
DIS
DIS
OF
06711
Chlorophyll- a'
Specffophotometr>
DIS
Q
DIS
DIS
24004
Chromium-tot
AA-Direct
DIS
A
DIS
DIS
36012
Coliform-fec
Membrane filtration
DIS
Q
DIS
DIS
OF
36002
Coliform-tot
Membrane filtration
DIS
Q
DIS
DIS
OF
02041
Conductivity
Conductivity Meter
DIS
Q
DIS
DIS
W
29005
Copper-tot
AA-Solvent Extract (MIBK)
DIS
A
DIS
DIS
09105
Fluonde
Specific Ion Electrode
DIS
A
DIS
DIS
82002
Lead-tot
AA-Solvent Extract (MIBK.)
DIS
A
DIS
DIS
12102
Magnesium
AA-Direct
DIS
Q
DIS
DIS
OF
80011
Mercury-tot
Flameless-AA
DIS
A
DIS
DIS
42102
Molybdenum
AA-Solvent Extract (N-Butyl acetate)
DIS
A
DIS
DIS
07015
N-TKN
Automated Colourimetric
DIS
0
DIS
DIS
OF
10401
NFR
Gravimetric
DIS
Q
DIS
DIS
OF
10501
NFR( F)
Gravimetric
DIS
0
DIS
DIS
OF
28002
Nickel-tot
AA-Solvent Exn-act (MIBK)
DIS
0
DIS
DIS
OF
07110
Nitrate + NOj
Automated Colounmetnc
DIS
Q
DIS
DIS
OF
06521
Oil and Grease
Pet Ether Extraction
DIS
A
DIS
DIS
08102
Oxygen-diss
Meter
DIS
0
DIS
DIS
OF
15406
Phosphorus-tot
Colourimetry
DIS
0
DIS
DIS
OF
19103
Potassmm
Flame Photometry
DIS
0
DIS
DIS
OF
34005
Selenium-Ext
Hydnde generation
DIS
A
DIS
DIS
11103
Sodium
Flame Photometry
DIS
0
DIS
DIS
OF
16306
Sulphate
Colourimetry
DIS
0
DIS
DIS
OF
10451
IDS
Gravimetric
DIS
0
DIS
DIS
OF
02061
Temperature
Thermometer
DIS
Q
DIS
DIS
OF
23004
Vanadium-tot
AA-Direct
DIS
A
DIS
DIS
30005
Zinc-tot
A.A-Solvent Extract (MIBK)
DIS
A
DIS
DIS
10301
pH
Electrometnc
DIS
0
DIS
DIS
W
* Computer storage and retrieval system - Saskatchewan Environment.
Symbols:
W - Weekly during overflow; OF- Once during eacti period of overflow greater than 2 weeks' duration;
Q - Quarteriy; A - Annually; AA - Atomic Absorption; Pot - Potentiometric; tot - total; Pet - Petroleum;
fee - fecal; diss - dissolved; EXT - extract; NFR - Nonfilterable residue; NFR(F) - Nonfilterable residue, fixed;
ICAP - Inductively Coupled Argon Plasma; (MIBK) - sample acidified and extracted with Methyl Isobutyl Ketone;
DIS - Discontinued.
A2-13
GROUNDWATER PIEZOMETERS TO MONITOR POTENTIAL DRAWDOWN
DUE TO COAL-SEAM DEWATERING NEAR THE INTERNATIONAL BOUNDARY
Responsible Agency: Saskatchewan Watershed Authority
*
Measurement Frequency: Quarterly
Piezometer
Location
Tip of Screen
Perforation Zone
Number
Elevation (m)
(depth in metres)
52
NW 14-1-27 W3
738.43
43-49 (in coal)
506B
SW 4-1-27 W3
48.27
81-82 (in coal)
507
SW 6-1-26 W3
725.27
34 - 35 (in coal)
509
NW 1 1-1-27 W3
725.82
76-77 (in coal)
510A
NW 1-1-28 W3
769.34
28-29 (in coal and clay)
Data Collected by: SaskPower
A2-14
CANADA
UNITED STATES
10 15 KILOMETERS
L
10 MILES
GROUND-WATER PIEZOMETERS TO MONITOR POTENTIAL
DRAWDOWN DUE TO COAL-SEAM DEWATERING
A2-15
GROUNDWATER PIEZOMETER MONITORING
POPLAR RIVER
POWER STATION AREA-- WATER LEVELS
SPC Piezometer
Number
Completion
Formation
C525
Empress
C526
Empress
C527
Empress
C539
Empress
C540
Empress
C739
Empress
C740
Empress
C741
Empress
C743
Empress
GROUNDWATER PIEZOMETER MONITORING
POPLAR RIVER
POWER STATION AREA-WATER QUALITY
SPC Piezometer
Number
Completion
Formation
C526
Empress
€540
Empress
C741
Empress
A2-16
Ash Lagoons
POPLAR RIVER POWER STATION
MONITORING LOCATIONS
DECEMBER 2011
LEGEND
A EMPRESS
-i- SURFACE
LOCATION
i
250
I
500 750 1000 METERS
_J I I
A2-17
GROUNDWATER PIEZOMETER MONITORING
ASH LAGOON AREA-- WATER LEVEL
SPC Piezometer Number
Completion Formation
C533
Empress
C534
Oxidized Till
C654
Unoxidized Till
C71I
Oxidized Till
C712A
Unoxidized Till
C712B
Intra Till Sand
C712C
Mottled Till
C712D
Oxidized Till
C713
Oxidized Till
C714A
Unoxidized Till
C714B
Unoxidized Till
C714C
Oxidized Till
C714D
Oxidized Till
C714E
Empress
C7I5
Oxidized Till
C717
Oxidized Till
C720
Oxidized Till
C72I
Oxidized Till
C722
Oxidized Till
C723
Oxidized Till
C725
Oxidized Till
C726B
Unoxidized Till
C726C
Oxidized Till
C726E
Empress
C728C
Mottled Till
C728D
Oxidized Till
C728E
Empress
C74I
Empress
C742
Empress
C758
Intra Till Sand
A2-18
GROUNDWATER PIEZOMETER MONITORING
ASH LAGOON AREA- WATER LEVEL J
SPC Piezometer Number
■
Completion Formation
C763A
Mottled Till
C763B
Oxidized Till
C763D
Unoxidized Till
C763E
Empress
GROUNDWATER PIEZOMETER MONITORING
ASH LAGOON AREA -- WATER QUALITY
SPC Piezometer Number
Completion Formation
C533
Empress
C534
Oxidized Till
C654
Unoxidized Till
C7I1
Oxidized Till
C712A
Unoxidized Till
C712B
Intra Till Sand
C712C
Mottled Till
C712D
Oxidized Till
C7I3
Oxidized Till
C714A
Unoxidized Till
C714B
Unoxidized Till
C7I4C
Oxidized Till
C714D
Oxidized Till
C714E
Empress
C715
Oxidized Till
C717
Oxidized Till
C720
Oxidized Till
C721
Oxidized Till
€722
Oxidized Till
C723
Oxidized Till
C725
Oxidized Till
A2-19
GROUNDWATER PIEZOMETER MONITORING
ASH LAGOON AREA -- WATER QUALITY
SPC Piezometer Number
Completion Formation
C726B
Unoxidized Till
C726C
Oxidized Till
C726E
Empress
C728A
Oxidized Till
C728C
Mottled Till
C728D
Oxidized Till
C728E
Empress
C74I
Empress
C742
Empress
C758
Intra Till Sand
C763A
Mottled Till
C763B
Oxidized Till
C763D
Unoxidized Till
C763E
Empress
A2-20
•o-
Polishing pond
samplings — i
location
DIAGRAM N0.1
POPLAR RIVER POWER STATION
ASH LAGOONS-MONITORING LOCATIONS
DECEMBER 2011
Pneumatic Piezometers are represented
by piezometer series: C764, C765,
C766, C767, C768, C886, C887, C890,
and C893. Remaining piezometers
are standard piezometers.
LEGEND
■ OXIDIZED LAYER
D UNOXIDIZED UVYER
* MOTTLED TILL
a EMPRESS
• SAND
-f ASH-ABOVE LINER
«• SURFACE MONITORING LOCATION
o TILLEMB
Ash Lagoon No. 4
Piezometer C741 and C742 do not appear in
this diagram. Piezometer C741 is located
2.4 kilometers (km) south and 0.8 km east of
piezometer C71 5. Piezometer C742 is located
6.4 km south of piezometer C7 1 5.
— 1 —
100
200
0.2S
_L_
0.S KILOMETER
n —
300
400 500 METERS
A2-21
Ambient Air-Quality Monitoring
Responsible Agency: Saskatchewan Environment 11
Data Collected by: SaskPower
No. On Map
Location
Parameters |
Reporting Frequency
1
Coronach (Discontinued)
Sulphur Dioxide
Total Suspended
Particulate
Continuous monitoring with hourly
averages as summary statistics.
24-hour samples on 6-day cycle,
corresponding to the national air
pollution surveillance sampling
schedule.
2
International Boundary
Sulphur Dioxide
Total Suspended
Particulate
Continuous monitoring w ith hourly
averages as summary statistics.
24-hour samples on 6-day cycle,
corresponding to the national air
pollution surveillance sampling
schedule.
3
Poplar River Power Station
Wind Speed and Direction
Continuous monitoring with hourly
averages as summary statistics
METHODS
Sulphur Dioxide
Saskatchewan Environment
Pulsed tluorescence
Total Suspended Particulate
Saskatchewan Environment
High Volume Method
A2-22
CANADA
UNITED STATES
0 5 10 15 KILOMETERS
I ' — H h
0 5 10 MILES
AMBIENT AIR-QUALITY MONITORING (CANADA)
A2-23
POPLAR RIVER
COOPERATIVE MONITORING ARRANGEMENT
TECHNICAL MONITORING SCHEDULES
2012
UNITED STATES
A2-25
STREAMFLOW MONITORING
Responsible Agency: U.S. Geological Survey
No. on Map
Station Number
Station Name
r
06178000 (11 AE008)
Poplar River at International Boundary
2*
06178500 (11 AE003)
East Poplar River at International
Boundary**
International gauging station.
Environment Canada will assume monitoring responsibility effective March 1, 2012.
A2-26
0 5 10 15 KILOMETERS
I ^ — H h
5 10 MILES
HYDROMETRIC GAUGING STATIONS (UNITED STATES)
A2-27
SURFACE-WATER-QUALITY MONITORING -
- Station Locations
Responsible
Agency: U.S. Geological Survey
1
No. On Map
ISGS Station No.
STATION NAME
1
06178000
Poplar River at International Boundary-
1
06178500
East Poplar River at International Boundary
PARAMETERS
Annual Sampling Frequency
Analytical
Code
Parameter
Analytical Method
SiteT
Site 2"
29801
Alkalinity - lab
Fixed endpoinl Titration
sus
sus
00608
Ammonia - diss
Colorimetric
sus
sus
01002
Arsenic - tot
AA, GF
sus
sus
00025
Barometric pressure
Barometer, field
sus
sus
01020
Boron - diss
ICP
sus
sus
01027
Cadmium - tot/rec
ICP, MS
sus
sus
00915
Calcium - diss
ICP
sus
sus
00940
Chloride - diss
IC
sus
sus
00095
Conductivity
Wheatstone Bridge
sus
sus
00061
Discharge - inst
Direct measurement
sus
sus
00900
Hardness
sus
sus
00950
Fluoride - diss
ISE
sus
sus
01051
Lead - tot/rec
ICP, MS
sus
sus
00925
Magnesium - diss
ICP
sus
sus
00613
Nitrate - diss
Colorimetric
sus
sus
00631
Nitrate + Nitrite - diss
Colorimetric
sus
sus
00300
Oxygen-diss
Oxygen membrane, field
sus
sus
00400
pH
Electrometric, field
sus
sus
00671
Phos, Ortho-diss
Colorimetric
sus
sus
00665
Phosphorous - tot
Colorimetric
sus
sus
00935
Potassium - diss
AA
sus
sus
00931
SAR
Calculated
sus
sus
80154
Sediment - cone
Filtration-Gravimetric
sus
sus
80155
Sediment - load
Calculated
sus
sus
00955
Silica - diss
Colorimetric
sus
sus
00930
Sodium - diss
ICP
sus
sus
00945
Sulphate - diss
IC
sus
sus
70301
Total Dissolved Solids
Calculated
sus
sus
00010
Temp Water
Stem Thennometer
sus
sus
00020
Temp Air
Stem Thermometer
sus
sus
01092
Zinc - tot/rec
ICP, MS
sus
sus
Samples collected obtained during the monthly periods: * — March - April, May; June; July - September
** -- May. June; July, August - September
Abbreviations: AA - atomic absorption, cone. - concentration, CVAF - cold vapor atomic fluorescence, diss - dissolved, GF - graphite furnace. IC - ion exchange
chromatography, ICP - inductively coupled plasma, ISE - ion-selective electrode; MS - mass spectrography ; Org - organic, phos. - phosphate, tot
- total, tot/rec - total recoverable; SUS - sampling suspended
A2-28
CANADA
UNITED STATES
5 10 15 KILOMETERS
I I L
10 MILES
SURFACE-WATER-QUALITY MONITORING STATIONS (UNITED STATES)
A2-29
GROUND- WATER-QUALITY MONITORING - Station Locations 1
Map
Number
Well
Location
Total Depth
(m)
Casing
Diameter
(cm)
Aquifer
Perforation Zone
(m)
7
37N47E12BBBB
44.1
10.2
Hart Coal
39-44
16
37N46E3ABAB
25.5
10.2
Fort Union
23-25
24
37N48E5AB
9.6
10.2
Alluvium
9.2-9.6
Parameters 1
Storet ** Code
Parameter
Analytical Method
Sampling Frequency Station No.
0041001106
01095
50250
Alkalinity
Aluminum dissolved
Antimony dissolved
Calculated
ICP or ICP-MS
ICP or ICP-MS
Sample collection is annually for
all locations identified above
01005
01010
00440
01020
Arsenic dissolved
Barium dissolved
Beryllium dissolved
Bicarbonates
ICP or ICP-MS
ICP or ICP-MS
ICP or ICP-MS
Electrometric Titration
The analytical method descriptions
are those of the Montana Bureau of
Mines and Geology Laboratory where
82298
Boron-diss
Emission Plasma. ICP
the samples are analyzed.
01025
Bromide
Ion Chromatography
00915
Cadmium.dissolved
ICP or ICP-MS
00445
Calcium
Emission Plasma
00940
Carbonates
Electrometric Titration
01030
Chloride
Ion Chromatography
01035
Chromium, dissolved
ICP or ICP-MS
00095
Cobalt, dissolved
ICP or ICP-MS
01040
Conductivity
Wheatstone Bridge
00950
Copper, dissolved
ICP or ICP-MS
09000
Fluoride
Ion Chromatography
01046
Hardness
Calculated
01049
Iron-diss
Emission Plasma. ICP
01130
Lead-diss
Emission Plasma. ICP
00925
Lithium-diss
Emission Plasma. ICP
01056
Magnesium
Emission Plasma. ICP
01060
Manganese-diss
Emission Plasma. ICP
01065
Molybdenum
Emission Plasma. ICP-MS
00630
Nickel, dissolved
ICP or ICP-MS
00671
Nitrate
Ion Chromatography
00400
Orthophosphate
Ion Chromatography
00935
PH
Electrometric
00931
Potassium
Emission Plasma, ICP
01145
SAR
Calculated
00955
Selenium-diss
ICP-MS
01075
Silica
Emission Plasma. ICP-MS
00930
Silver, dissolved
ICP-MS
01080
Sodium
Emission Plasma. ICP
00445
Strontium-diss
Emission Plasma, ICP
01057
Sulphate
Ion Chromatography
01150
Thallium, dissolved
ICP or ICP-MS
28011
Titanium, dissolved
ICP or ICP-MS
01085
Uranium, dissolved
ICP-MS
00190
Vanadium, dissoved
ICP or ICP-MS
01160
Zinc-diss
Emission Plasma, ICP
*
Zirconium, dissolved
ICP or ICP-MS
70301
Sum of diss. Constituents
Calculated
TDS
Calculated
SYMBOLS:
** - Computer storage and retrieval system ~ EPA ICP - Inductively Coupled Plasma Unit
cm - centimetre ICP - MS - Inductively Coupled Plasma - Mass Spectrometry diss - dissolved
m - metre
A2-30
CANADA
UNITED STATES
0 5 10 15 KILOMETERS
J ,__! L
10 MILES
GROUND-WATER-QUALITY MONITORING (UNITED STATES)
A2-31
GROUNDWATER LEVELS TO MONITOR POTENTIAL
DRAWDOWN DUE TO COAL-SEAM DEWATERING
Responsible Agency: Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology |
No. on Map
Montana Ground Water
Information Center ID No.
Sampling
5
GW1CID4321
Determine water levels quarterly
6
GW1CID4227
Determine water levels quarterly
7
GWICID4267
Determine water levels quarterly
8
GWICID4287
Determine water levels quarterly
9
GWIC1D4274
Determine water levels quarterly
10
GWICID4340
Determine water levels quarterly
11
GWICID4329
Determine water levels quarterly
13
GW1CID4248
Determine water levels quarterly
16
GWICID4211
Determine water levels quarterly
17
GWICID4297
Determine water levels quarterly
19
GW1CID4290
Determine water levels quarterly
22
GWiCID4261
Determine water levels quarterly
23
GWICID 124105
Determine water levels quarterly
24
GWIC ID 144835
Determine water levels quarterly
A2-32
I
l'^
^
\
^^^V
V "5
v^
Rockglen ^ ^ ^"XJj^V
\ 5
v -
,
\\ ^~~~X^' ^^
Coronach 1 /
r^-s
\^ ■ Cookson \
I
^-../"^^ \ \r^
^Sy.M Reservoir )
)
^^^^^C\ /
10 S
CANADA \^^
22.". irf'^r
19* 8.9 /k/^
UNITED STATES
"^^^ ^-^^^^ ^\
17* I
^ — -i^^^ Ruth-
\\ Scobey
0 5 10
1 ' '
15 KILOMETERS
1
1 "
1 I
0 5
10 MILES
GROUND-WATER PIEZOMETERS TO MONITOR POTENTIAL
DRAWDOWN DUE TO COAL-SEAM DEWATERING
A2-33
ANNEX 3
RECOMMENDED FLOW APPORTIONMENT
IN THE POPLAR RIVER BASIN
BY THE INTERNATIONAL SOURIS-RED RIVERS ENGINEERING BOARD,
POPLAR RIVER TASK FORCE (1976)
A3-
*RECOMMENDED FLOW APPORTIONMENT
IN THE POPLAR RIVER BASIN
The aggregate natural flow of all streams and tributaries in the Poplar River Basin crossing the
International Boundary shall be divided equally between Canada and the United States subject to the
following conditions:
The total natural flow of the West Fork Poplar River and all its tributaries crossing the
International Boundary shall be divided equally between Canada and the United States but
the flow at the International Boundary in each tributary shall not be depleted by more than
60 percent of its natural flow.
The total natural flow of all remaining streams and tributaries in the Poplar River Basin
crossing the International Boundary shall be divided equally between Canada and the
United States. Specific conditions of this division are as follows:
(a) Canada shall deliver to the United States a minimum of 60 percent of the natural
flow of the Middle Fork Poplar River at the International Boundary, as determined
below the confluence of Goose Creek and Middle Fork.
(b) The delivery of water from Canada to the United States on the East Poplar River
shall be determined on or about the first day of June of each year as follows:
(i) When the total natural fiow of the Middle Fork Poplar River, as
determined below the confluence of Goose Creek, during the immediately
preceding March 1st to May 31st period does not exceed 4,690 cubic
decameters (3,800 acre-feet), then a continuous minimum flow of 0.028
cubic metres per second (1.0 cubic foot per second) shall be delivered to
the United States on the East Poplar River at the International Boundary
throughout the succeeding 12 month period commencing June 1st. In
addition, a volume of 370 cubic decameters (300 acre-feet) shall be
delivered to the United States upon demand at any time during the 12
month period commencing June 1st.
(ii) When the total natural flow of the Middle Fork Poplar River, as
determined below the confluence of Goose Creek, during the immediately
preceding March 1st to May 31st period is greater than 4,690 cubic
decameters (3.800 acre-feet), but does not exceed 9,250 cubic decameters
(7,500 acre-feet),
Canada-United States, 1976. Joint studies for flow apportionment. Poplar River Basin. Montana-Saskatchewan: Main Report.
International Souris-Red Rivers Board, Poplar River Task Force, 43 pp
A3-3
then a continuous minimum flow of 0.057 cubic metres per second (2.0 cubic
feet per second) shall be delivered to the United States on the East Poplar
River at the International Boundary during the succeeding period June 1st
through August 31st. A minimum delivery of 0.028 cubic metres per second
(I.O cubic feet per second) shall then be maintained from September 1st
through to May 31st of the following year. In addition, a volume of 617 cubic
decameters (500 acre-feet) shall be delivered to the United States upon
demand at any time during the 12-month period commencing June 1st.
(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 decameters (7,500
acre-feet), but does not exceed 14,800 cubic decameters (12,000 acre-feet),
then a continuous minimum flow of 0.085 cubic metres per second (3.0 cubic
feet per second) shall be delivered to the United States on the East Poplar
River at the International Boundary during the succeeding period June 1st
through August 31st. A minimum delivery of 0.057 cubic metres per second
(2.0 cubic feet per second) shall then be maintained from September 1st
through to May 3 1st of the following year. In addition, a volume of 617 cubic
decameters (500 acre-feet) shall be delivered to the United States upon
demand at any time during the 12 month period commencing June 1st.
(iv) When the total natural flow of the Middle Fork Poplar, as determined below
the confluence of Goose Creek, during the immediately preceding March 1st
to May 31st period exceeds 14,800 cubic decameters (12,000 acre-feet) then a
continuous minimum flow of 0.085 cubic metres per second (3.0 cubic feet
per second) shall be delivered to the United States on the East Poplar River at
the International Boundary during the succeeding period June 1st through
August 31st. A minimum delivery of 0.057 cubic metres per second (2.0
cubic feet per second) shall then be maintained from September 1st through to
May 31st of the following year. In addition, a volume of 1,230 cubic
decameters (1,000 acre-feet) shall be delivered to the United States upon
demand at any time during the 12-month period commencing June 1st.
(c) The natural flow at the International Boundary in each of the remaining
individual tributaries shall not be depleted by more than 60 percent of its
natural flow.
The natural flow and division periods for apportionment purposes shall be determined,
unless otherwise specified, for periods of time commensurate with the uses and
requirements of both countries.
A3-4
ANNEX 4
CONVERSION FACTORS
A4-
CONVERSION FACTORS
ac = 4,047 m' = 0.04047 ha
ac-ft = 1.233.5 m^= 1.2335 dam'
°C = 5/9(°F-32)
cm = 0.3937 in.
cm" = 0.155 in'
dam-' = 1 ,000 m' = 0.8 1 07 ac-ft
ft^ = 28.3171 X 10"\V
ha = 10,000 m- = 2.471 ac
hm = 100 m = 328.08 ft
hm' = l.xlO^m'
I. gpm = 0.0758 L/s
in = 2.54 cm
kg = 2.20462 lb = 1.1 X 10'^ tons
km = 0.62137 miles
km- = 0.3861 mi"
L = 0.3532 ft- = 0.2 1 997 1. gal = 0.26420 U.S. gal
L/s = 0.035 cfs = 13. 193 1. gpm = 15. 848 U.S. gpm
m = 3.2808 ft
m^ = 10.765 ft-
m^ = 1.000L = 35.3144ft- =219.97 l.gal= 264.2 U.S. gal
m-Vs = 35.314 cfs
mm = 0.00328 ft
tonne = 1 ,000 kg = 1 . 1 023 ton (short)
U.S. gpm = 0.0631 L/s
For Air Samples
ppm = 100 pphm = 1000 x (Molecular Weight of substance/24.45) mg/m"'
A4-3
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