M.D. shuns request

Chris Clegg
South Peace News

A request for $2,500 from a local environmental group to test water quality in Lesser Slave Lake was denied by the M.D. of Big Lakes council May 9. “We’re not prepared to make any financial contribution,” says M.D. Reeve Myler Savill. Doug Badger, chair of the Regional Environmental Action Committee, wrote council April 24. “Your Regional Environmental Action Committee has received an inclusive grant to provide a baseline water quality assessment for the Lesser Slave Lake watershed from the Alberta Stewardship Network,” wrote Badger. “As an important participant in our watershed, we would like to invite your organization to take part in and receive the benefits of the proposed water quality study.” Council was very cool to the idea because they believe Alberta Environment is already monitoring the lake’s water quality. “We have mountains and mountains of information at our fingertips,” says Prairie Echo, Salt Prairie Councillor David Marx. Badger’s letter also prompted a response from the local Watershed Committee. Savill told council he received a call from watershed member George Keay telling him he was against the idea. Faust Councillor Violet Campiou was also concerned that another group was already studying water quality on the lake. “So the government is giving two groups money to do the same thing?” she asked. Gilwood South, Sunset House Councillor Randy Ehman expressed concern that another study was being completed. “Why don’t they start finding solutions?” asks Ehman. “Why don’t we work toward solutions?” Council also took exception to the wording in Badger’s letter that said “your” action committee. Council took the stand they were already members of the watershed committee and supported its efforts. REAC’s project involves testing for fecal choliforms, pesticides and possibly other parameters according to requests and testing five locations on the lake including incoming bodies of water. “All funding will go toward the hiring of an environmental consultant to assist in performing the water quality tests, lab expenses and compiling the tests into a report. The final report will be made available to all participants in the project as well as the public,” wrote Badger. REAC was incorporated in 1989 as a non-profit society.

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