Province investigates allegations of environmental damage to Alberta’s Oldman River

COWLEY, AB – The province has launched an investigation after several complaints of potential environmental damage to the Oldman River were brought forward.

Residents along the river near Cowley, northwest of Pincher Creek, were disturbed when they found a private contractor operating a backhoe in the middle of the riverbed and changing the layout of the stream.

“The neighbours down the river I had called, and they were wondering why the river was so muddy and silty,” said Shannon Culham, who lives downstream from where the local landowner was doing unapproved work in the river.

According to those living in the area, the landowner had hired a private contractor to divert the water from his land to the land across from him. He said he did this for flood protection, which he did not have approval for.

After receiving several complaints, Alberta Environment arrived on scene and ordered the contractor to cease work on Sept. 21.

Even with the project halted for now, many residents are concerned the construction sediment that went into the water could cause irreparable harm to the spawning Bull Trout and Rocky Mountain whitefish in the Oldman.

Minister of Environment and Parks Shannon Phillips released the below statement Saturday:

“The reports I am hearing are very concerning. Department officials have been on site and immediately put in place a cease work order. An investigation is underway and we will see what the outcome of that investigation is.”

Alberta Liberal Leader David Swann issued a statement Sept. 27, calling on the ministry to “investigate these serious claims and, if warranted, take appropriate enforcement action against the parties involved.”

Work in the riverbed has been stopped indefinitely as the province continues its investigation.