Sheep River - Water Quality
Qs and As
Q: Photos have shown seeping sites and discolouration in the water in spots along the banks of the Sheep River by the historic gas plant. What is this, and is my health at risk?
A: On Monday, July 7, 2008, a call was made to the Environmental Hotline regarding seeping sites and water discolouration in areas around the plant. Two areas of discoloured water are stagnant and do not flow into the Sheep River. One area of discoloured water does flow into the Sheep River.
A contracted environmental consultant, Stantec, took six water samples: four from the affected pools of water, one from upstream and one from downstream of the area. The Government of Alberta also took an additional three samples from the affected pools. Preliminary results from those samples indicate that public health and safety is not at risk. There are no exceedances of hydrocarbons in any of the samples, and all results meet Canadian Drinking Water Quality Guidelines.
Initial analysis supports that the brownish-orange substance and oily sheen that can be seen is most likely being caused by iron oxidizing bacteria that is naturally occurring and commonly known to produce such observations. However, the Government of Alberta will continue to investigate the cause and source of the seeps as well as monitor the water quality.
Q: Is the water quality safe?
Yes. While sampling and testing of the Sheep River before the flood protection and containment system was built showed no unsafe levels of contaminants found in the water that exceeded appropriate levels (on and off the site), the flood protection and containment system prevents contaminants from migrating into the river entirely. We will continue to maintain the site’s water treatment system, do regular water monitoring on and around the site, and take appropriate action should there be any change in conditions affecting the site.
Q: Is the site cleaned up?
A: Yes. The Government of Alberta undertook extensive risk management and cleanup activities to address site contaminants. We will continue to ensure that ongoing environmental management occurs at the site. This ensures that we meet both present and future environmental health standards and regulations. The health and safety of the people in this region and the protection of the environment is a continued priority for the government.
Q: What is the total amount spent so far on the Turner Valley project?
A: To date, the government has invested over $11 million. This includes assessing, remediating and managing the environmental issues at the site (including work on the flood protection, groundwater containment and treatment systems), and initiating stabilization of the site’s historic resources.
