*Updated* *Emergency Water Release to Prevent Flooding at Beaver Municipal Solutions*

Following an emergency water release to prevent flooding at Beaver Municipal Solutions on July 11th, a report was filed with Alberta Environment on July 17th. Based on the small amount of water released and property exit water test results, the environmental impact of the release is considered negligible.

The report filed with Alberta Environment included a number of actions we are pursuing to provide relief for future high rainfall events that result in overflow of our ponds and have the potential to damage embankments and cause flooding of neighbouring properties.

These actions include:

• Working with a consultant to determine an appropriate product to speed up the settling of clay particles in our ponds

• Reviewing all exposed slopes and embankments that are could potentially erode during runoff and identify areas were erosion control matting or silt control fencing could be placed

• Developing a proposal for sediment removal in our control ponds, which could begin as early as next winter

• Ongoing consultation with downstream property owners regarding timing of upstream discharges in order to prevent flooding onto neighbouring properties

 If you have questions about the information provided in this report, please contact our office at 780.663.2038.

 

Pumping of the sediment control ponds has stopped as of Tuesday afternoon.

Beginning on Saturday afternoon, in consultation with Alberta Environment and Parks, Beaver Municipal Solutions began an emergency release of water to mitigate risk of flooding on site. The heavy rains over the past few months, combined with the above-average precipitation from last fall and winter have filled our sediment control ponds, requiring the emergency release to prevent property flooding.

The environmental risk of this release is low and there are no anticipated impacts on residents. The released water does not contain leachate. The water is run-off from the site comprised of silty clay, native to the soils in the area and the impacted drainage paths are not fish-bearing environments.

The release discharge will continue for an initial period of seven days, at which time a capacity re-assessment will be completed. A report will be filed with Alberta Environment and recommendations will be made on whether any further discharges are required to prevent flooding.

A study for a longer-term solution to what is becoming a “new normal” for rainfall and its impact on pond sediment loads is currently underway with a consultant.

If you have questions, please feel free to contact our office at 780.663.2038.

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