YELLOWKNIFE (November 29, 2013) – The Alberta Environment Support and Emergency Response Team has advised the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) that:
- Turbidity levels have dropped to normal ranges for the Athabasca River.
- Monitoring efforts continue at various locations.
- Water associated with the spill is expected to reach Lake Athabasca between November 29 and December 4, 2013.
- Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development (AESRD) will be holding a public forum in Fort Chipewyan on December 5th.
The GNWT and Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada continue to work together to liaise with the Alberta regulators to assess the situation and monitor water in the NWT. Water quality monitoring is being done at the Fort Smith fresh water intake. Updates will be provided on a weekly basis and we will continue to keep downstream communities informed. A Frequently Asked Questions document is available on the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ website. The document will be updated as water quality results are received from AESRD. Sherritt Coal, owner of the Obed Coal Mine, is posting regular updates on its remediation actions and results of water quality sampling.
For more information, contact:
Judy McLinton
Manager, Public Affairs and Communications
Environment and Natural Resources
Government of the Northwest Territories
Tel: 867-873-7379
Email: judy_mclinton@gov.nt.ca