The City of Grande Prairie is nearing completion of its response to the hydrocarbon release affecting the Bear River (Bear Creek) reported on September 6.

Testing indicates diesel and weathered oil entered the stormwater system. The City responded promptly after the visible sheen was reported, installing hydrophobic sorbent booms at four locations to capture the substances and limit movement downstream.

These temporary sorbent booms are separate from the permanent yellow booms located near the reservoir spillway. The yellow booms are designed to catch larger debris before it reaches the spillway and are not related to this incident.

The temporary sorbent booms are expected to be removed by Friday, September 18, pending satisfactory final laboratory results. Until they are removed, residents are asked not to touch, move or otherwise interfere with the booms. Disturbing them could release captured material and allow it to move farther downstream.

No observable impacts to wildlife associated with the release have been identified.

Protecting our waterways

This incident is an important reminder that stormwater flows untreated into local waterways, including the Bear River.

Rain and snowmelt can pick up materials from roads, driveways, parking lots and other surfaces before flowing into gutters and catch basins. From there, the water moves through the City’s stormwater system and eventually into local waterways.

Residents and businesses can help protect the stormwater system by keeping fuels, oils, chemicals and other potentially harmful materials off streets, driveways and other areas where they could be washed into a catch basin.

Many household hazardous materials can be taken to the Aquatera Eco Centre for appropriate disposal. Residents can use Aquatera’s Where Does My Waste Go? tool to confirm how and where to dispose of specific items.

Prompt reporting also helps crews respond quickly and limit potential environmental impacts. Contact AccessGP at 311 during business hours or submit an environmental incident report through the AccessGP Environmental Incidents page outside of business hours.

Call 911 if there is an immediate threat to public safety or emergency assistance is required.