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 

 to suspend these parameters 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 suspended parameters. 



Another responsibility of the Committee has included an ongoing exchange of data acquired through the 

 monitoring programs. Exchanged data and reports are available for public viewing at the agencies of the 

 participating governments or from Committee members. 



