Testing continues on Dodd's Lake to determine whether there has been any environmental damage caused by a hydrocarbon leak earlier this month.
Craig Teal, the town's director of planning and operational services, said a final determination can't be made until the town's environmental consultant, AMEC Consulting, is able to access the ice-covered lake by boat to conduct more tests.
“In a week hopefully the ice will be off and there will be open water and environmental consultants can go out and get some confirming tests for us on whether or not there's hydrocarbon content in the lake or whether or not we managed to catch it early enough in the creek channel. Obviously I am hoping for that last one,” said Teal, adding he's hopeful the lake will soon be ready for recreational use.
“It is going to depend on the results of our testing. I am going to be waiting for the results of the tests myself.”
A 15-metre long oil slick from a leak to a 2,000-litre tank was discovered on April 11. The origin of the leak was traced to a catch basin located along industrial land on 49 Avenue, about 400 metres upstream along an inlet channel that flows into Dodd's Lake. The owner of the land is working with Alberta Environment, said Teal.
Teal said it is difficult to estimate how much hydrocarbon leaked into the lake because it's not known how much was in the 2,000-litre tank at the time of the leak. However, he did estimate between 18 and 40 litres was found in the creek channel.
Teal said it's believed the leak was accidental but added that issue is subject to an Alberta Environment investigation.
He said an action plan to mitigate the spill was filed to Alberta Environment, which is a legislated requirement. The document contains test results, description of the incident, measures done to manage the incident and whatever action plan is in place for further management of the leak.
In the meantime, the cleanup of the spill continues, which includes placing a series of booms on the lake, including one across the mouth of the channel going into the lake.
Teal said crews are also continuing to replace absorbent pads that are soaking up the oil and hydrocarbons floating on the water surface.
He said initial control measures were made to prevent contaminants from flowing down the creek and into the lake. He said crews have excavated away contaminated vegetation and soil on the bank in the area where crews found most of the spill, which is in the process of being reseeded to grass.
Teal said inspections are also being made weekly on Dodd's Lake, and following rain events.
After each rain event we are going to check to see if any hydrocarbons are leaking out of the banks,” said Teal.
He said there is at least one more followup reporting with Alberta Environment. “Once we do more testing we will have to share that with them and eventually we will have to share the conclusion of our monitoring results and cleanup,” he said.
Teal said he estimates the town will spend between $10,000 and $20,000 to clean up the leak, excluding staff time or for the use of municipal equipment.
Dodd's Lake is used recreationally for rafting, kayaking, boating, canoeing and water-skiing. There is limited swimming activity in a gravel sand area by the boat dock along the south shore.
