Sheep River Water Testing

In July 2008, a member of the public expressed concerns regarding discolored water that appeared to be seeping out of the base of the rock protecting the river bank and that this might indicate that hydrocarbons were leaking out of the Turner Valley Gas Plant.

A hydrocarbon is a compound of hydrogen and carbon that can cause environmental damage when it gets into a water supply.

These concerns prompted the Alberta Government to conduct water testing at the areas in question. On July 14, these tests confirmed the water is safe and meets all Canadian drinking water standards.

The areas of discoloured water are the result of naturally occurring iron-oxide bacteria. Iron-oxide bacteria often occurs in iron-rich water, groundwater seeps and during low water flows. The bacterial breakdown produces iron-oxide deposits: orange, sometimes fuzzy growth, often with an oily sheen associated with the deposit, which may be odorous. The Government of Alberta will continue to do regular water monitoring on and around the site. The data from the tests also supports the integrity of the containment wall. There is nothing to indicate the wall is leaking.

The water tests were conducted by both an external consultant and Alberta Environment and the findings were shared with the Town of Turner Valley at a council meeting on July 21, 2008. See the reports and information below for further details of the findings.

External links to information on iron oxidizing bacteria:

Stantec Consulting Ltd. Report