17 

 3.2.5.4. Alterations to the water-quality parameter list 



As set forth in Table 2.1 of the 1995 annual report, it was recommended that modifications be 

 made to the list of chemical parameters to be reported. These modifications specified the removal 

 of dissolved aluminum, dissolved copper, total chromium, mercury in fish tissue, and both total 

 and fecal coliforms from the list. For the pH range observed in the East Poplar River, and with 

 the high buffering capacity of the river, dissolved metals such as aluminum and copper cannot 

 exist at anywhere near the respective objectives. Total chromium has also been taken off the list 

 of reported species. The surface geologic materials in the Poplar River Basin consist of carbonate- 

 rich glacial drift. Under the geochemical conditions generally known to operate in the formation 

 of minerals in carbonate terranes, the formation of chromium-bearing oxides is not favoured. 

 Therefore, the chromium content of the suspended particulate material in the river is very low. 

 Because of the pH regime in the river, the aqueous component will also be below the level of 

 instrument detection. 



Coliforms, both total and fecal, have never been seen to be a problem in the river, have been 

 removed from the list. 



It was also agreed upon that the objective for un-ionized ammonia be based on pH and 

 temperature. This objective is to be worked out by Bilateral Monitoring Committee. 



For the time being, flow- weighting for boron and TDS will continue. 



It is recommended by the Poplar River Bilateral Monitoring Committee that a process of re- 

 examining water-quality objectives be adopted as part of any fiiture deliberations on overall flow 

 apportionment. 



