Lake Wabamun Cleanup 2006

August 2006

• Our partners in Sustainable Resource Development have provided the following update on fish habitats in the lake.

July 2006

• CN is maintaining a presence on Lake Wabamun to respond to concerns of oil sheen and tar balls.
• Hot weather in July has been a factor in the increased amount of sunken oil that has surfaced.
• Lake Wabamun has seen an increase of recreational activity as the summer season continues.
• To report oil or sheen at the lake, call CN at 1-866-694-8579.

June 2006

• The Shoreline Clean-up Assessment Technique (SCAT) completed in early June. For more information about the SCAT team, click here.
• The Sunken Oil Treatment Plan that followed the SCAT data was completed by CN in mid-June. Clean-up efforts identified outside of the treatment plan continue in areas such as Ascot Beach, Point Alison, Tamarac and Rich's Point.
• Nominations for Wabamun Lake Citizens' Panel closed on June 19. For more information about the panel, click here.

May 2006

May 28 -- First public meeting of 2006 held at Jubilee Hall. Click here for the Alberta Environment presentation.

Capital Health has also announced changes to their lake advisories: news release.

The boating restrictions announced in August 2005 have been revised in light of the extensive cleanup efforts since that time. Boaters are still asked to use caution on Lake Wabamun, and to make an effort to avoid cleanup crews and shoreline areas as much as possible. Boating is allowed, but it is important to recognize this will be done at the participant's own risk.

April 2006

As of April 25, 2006 Alberta Environment crews were in the air and on the ground at Lake Wabamun, confirming thaw across the lake, as the trigger for shoreline cleanup and assessment.

With spring thaw complete, the shoreline cleanup and assessment team have now started their work. The team will work 12-hour days, seven days a week, until the cleanup is complete to Alberta Environment's satisfaction.

Lake Wabamun residents and visitors are encouraged to drop by the Alberta Environment office for information and updates on the cleanup and to raise any concerns. The office is located at 5124-53 Avenue in the Village of Wabamun. Office hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. The office will be closed on statutory holidays.

More Information

To report an environmental emergency, call the 24-hour emergency hotline at 1-800-222-6514. Non-emergency calls can be made to the Wabamun office at (780) 892-2638. Dial 310-0000 before the number for toll-free access.

For health advice and information call Capital Health to speak to a registered nurse 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at 408-LINK (5465) or, outside the local calling area, toll-free 1-866-408-LINK.

The Lake Wabamun Residents Committee is a volunteer group that came together in response to the CN derailment incident.

Canadian National Railways provides updates and other information on cleanup and restoration activities on their corporate website. To report cleanup concerns to response crews, contact the CN information/reporting line at 1-866-694-8579, or visit their information trailer at 52 Street and 51 Avenue in the Town of Wabamun.