Province launches $4.5 million study for new central Alberta reservoir

An influx of people moving to central Alberta has prompted the provincial government to launch a $4.5 million, two-phase, multi-year study to assess the feasibility of building a new reservoir on the Red Deer River.

The province has recently begun investigating the feasibility of the reservoir which — if deemed feasible — will be located east of Red Deer near Ardley. According to a recent release, the two-phase, multi-year study will explore the costs and value of constructing and operating the reservoir.

It will also investigate its potential impact on downstream communities, farmers and ranchers, and businesses.

The Red Deer River supplies water to hundreds of thousands of Albertans. The provincial government hopes expanding water storage capacity will help reduce future drought risk and meet growing water demands. (Alberta Farmer Express)

Gitga’at Nation (Hartley Bay) secures $2 Million for run-of-lake hydroelectricity facility

The project is expected to be completed in 2026 and provide 95 per cent of Hartley Bay's needs, plus drought mitigation

Hartley Bay is the home community of the Gitga’at First Nation, with approximately 150 core residents approximately 145 kilometres south of Prince Rupert.

David Benton is the clean energy lead for the Gitga’at Nation and is helping develop this one-megawatt hydroelectricity undertaking.

“The project will displace over 500,000 litres of diesel each year that BC Hydro currently burns to create the community’s electricity,” said Benton.

He estimates that, once built, it will meet 95 per cent of the area’s electricity demand on average each year for the next 40 years. (Haida Gwaii Observer)

Students from 23 First Nations comprise water treatment class

More than two dozen Indigenous water and wastewater employees are working toward their diploma at Thompson Rivers University (TRU) in a program customized to serve their needs as well as the needs of their 23 communities throughout B.C.

The students are participating in a Water and Wastewater Technology diploma funded by the federal government. They will complete the two-year program over the next four years to allow for a work-life balance as they continue working in their communities alongside their studies.

The program covers the operation, maintenance and treatment of water and wastewater systems using both in-class time and hands-on learning. Students from 23 First Nations comprise water treatment class. (Thompson Rivers University)

Regulator accused of selling out safety over Imperial Oil spill fine

The Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) is drawing sharp criticism after fining Imperial Oil $50,000 for a 263-day toxic tailings spill at the Kearl oil sands site in northern Alberta. Advocacy groups, including Environmental Defence, argue the penalty fails to reflect the gravity of the environmental damage and the regulatory lapses involved.

“This fine amounts to a 95% discount on what could have been imposed,” says Julia Levin, associate director at Environmental Defence. Levin notes that Imperial Oil, which reported quarterly profits of $2.9 billion in 2023, is being charged just 0.004% of those earnings. “This is a slap on the wrist, sending the message that Alberta protects polluters over people and the environment.”

The spill, which began in May 2022, led to the release of over 45 million liters of wastewater containing harmful levels of arsenic, iron, and other toxins. According to Environmental Defence, local Indigenous communities were not informed about the incident until February 2023, after they raised concerns about contaminated water and wildlife. “The penalty is an insult to affected communities,” Levin states, adding that it undermines public trust in the province's ability to manage environmental risks. (Canadian Occupational Safety)

'There is no trust': Indigenous leaders tell Feds to take action on contamination

Northern Indigenous leaders are demanding action from the federal government after Transport Canada failed to inform them about water and soil contamination at a community dock in Fort Chipewyan, Alberta.

Adam, Fort Chipewyan Métis Nation (FCMN) President Kendrick Cardinal and Mikisew Cree First Nation (MCFN) councillor Tammie Tuccaro travelled from their remote community to Ottawa — roughly 4,000 kilometres — to tell MPs their concerns.

Adam explained that the community's efforts earlier this year to get the Transport Canada dock ready for potential wildfire evacuations eventually revealed the wharf, water and soil are contaminated with cancer-causing compounds.

Referred to as "The Big Dock" by local people, it is the only one that can accommodate barges and provides an essential escape route for people and supplies in an emergency. In the summer, the only way into Fort Chipewyan is by boat or plane. (CTV)

Town of NOTL sues quarry for $1.2M over ‘environmental spill’

The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake is suing a local quarry company for costs related to the cleanup of the Cole Drain in 2022 following an environmental spill in NOTL’s farmlands that summer.

In a statement of claim filed with the Ontario Superior Court on Aug. 14, the town argues that Arriscraft Canada Inc., which operates the quarry located between Concession 5 and 6, is responsible for the formation of a sludge-like and putrid material in the drain, which it rushed to clean up, costing about $1.2 million.

Arriscraft denies allegations that it was responsible for the substance, which, after the town had already cleaned it up, was determined to be sulphate reducing bacteria.

The incident has resulted in a “he said, she said” scenario with the town and Arriscraft pointing fingers at the other for the liability.

The town says Arriscraft was, ultimately, responsible for the bacteria formation as a result of releasing water with a high concentration of sulphate into the drain. It says the company should reimburse the municipality for the bill.

Arriscraft claims it did not do anything that violates the standards of the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. It argues no environmental damage was done, that it did nothing to contribute to the incident and that the town “grossly” overspent on the cleanup. (Niagara Now)