Oldman River work prompts water fears

Alberta Environment is investigating the extent of damage to the Oldman River after residents complained a local landowner was doing unapproved work in the river.

The landowner had approval under the Water Act to clean out a small withdrawal channel for irrigation upstream of the dam, but on Sept. 21, the department received a complaint about the work.

“We conducted a site inspection that day and determined that work had been conducted outside the scope of the approval,” said Environment spokesman Jamie Hanlon.

“We ordered that all work cease at that moment.”

According to one resident, the landowner “tore up the entire river,” building a dike and changing the water’s path.

“The impact in the area where it is cannot be fixed,” said Dr. Alan Garbutt, who lives downstream.

“The impact, down the stream, if there were spawning fish down there, can’t be fixed.

Alberta Liberal Leader David Swann said he was alerted to the concerns by local residents, and on Sept. 29 sent a letter to Alberta Environment requesting a full investigation into what happened.

“This is the most critical water supply in that corner of the province, and it’s already been identified as at capacity in terms of threats to both the quality of water and the quantity of water in southern Alberta,” Swann said.

“I just want to be sure that people in Alberta, in particular people in Alberta Environment, see the need to step up both in the monitoring and in the enforcement of water protection, right up into the Eastern Slopes,” he added.

Environment and Parks Minister Shannon Phillips released a statement Friday confirming the landowner has received a cease work order.

“The reports I am hearing are very concerning,” she said.

“An investigation is underway and we will see what the outcome of that investigation is. “

Garbutt said he hopes the lasting damage is minimal and that it serves as a lesson for other landowners who may be doing work in the river.

“People have to realize you can’t just dig up the river,” he said. “Rivers have to be respected.”

“This is the lifeblood of our fish and the lifeblood of our communities.”