HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2002 



The Poplar River Power Station completed its nineteenth full year of operation in 2002. The two 

 300-megawatt coal-fired units generated 4,456.200 gross megawatt hours (MWh) of electricity. 

 The average capacity factors for Units No. 1 and 2 were 80.1 percent and 86.7 percent, 

 respectively. The capacity factors are based on the maximum generating rating of 305 MW/h for 

 both Unit No.l and Unit No. 2. Similar to other years, scheduled maintenance was completed in 

 the spring and fall of 2002. 



Monitoring information collected in both Canada and the United States during 2002 was exchanged 

 in the spring of 2003. In general, the sampling locations, frequency of collection, and parameters 

 met the requirements identified in the 2002 Technical Monitoring Schedules set forth in the 2001 

 annual report. 



The recorded volume of the Poplar River at International Boundary from March 1 to May 31. 2002 

 was 3,960 dam (3,210 acre-feet). Based on International Joint Commission (IJC) recom- 

 mendations 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 0.028 cubic metres per second (m Vs) 

 (1.0 cubic feet per second (ft7s)) for the period June 1. 2002 to August 31, 2002 and 0.028 m /s 

 (1.0 ftVs) for the period September 1. 2002 to May 31, 2003. The minimum flow of 0.028 mVs 

 (1.0 ft /s) for the period January 1 to May 31. 2002 had previously been determined on the basis of 

 the Poplar River flow volume for March 1 to May 31. 2001. Daily flows in 2002 met or exceeded 

 the minimum flow recommended by the IJC. 



In addition to the minimum flow, the IJC apportionment recommendation entitles the United States 

 to an on-demand release to be delivered on the East Poplar River during the twelve-month period 

 commencing June 1. Based on the runoff volume of 4,390 dam (3.880 acre-feet) recorded at the 

 Poplar River at International Boundary gauging station for March 1 through May 31. 2001, the 

 United States was entitled to an additional release of 617 dam (500 acre-feet) from Cookson 

 Reservoir during the succeeding twelve-month period commencing June 1. 2001. Montana 

 requested this release to be made between May 1 and May 31. 2002. A volume of 542 dam (439 

 acre-feet), in addition to the minimum flow, was delivered during this period. 



The 2002 five-year total dissolved solids (TDS) flow-weighted concentrations were below the 

 long-term objective of 1,000 milligrams per litre (mg/L). The maximum monthly value calculated 

 in 2002 was 943 mg/L, which was less than in 2001. Boron concentrations for 2002 continued to 

 remain well below the long-term objective of 2.5 mg/L. 



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