Federal role and action in response to the Obed Mountain Mine coal slurry spill into the Athabasca River watershed

Petition: 362

Issue(s): Compliance and enforcement, human/environmental health, indigenous matters, toxic substances, water

Petitioner(s): Canadian organization

Petitioner Location(s): Fort Assiniboine, Alberta

Date Received: 24 March 2014

Status: Completed—Response(s) to petition received

Summary: The petition raises concerns about the federal government’s role and actions in response to the October 2013 Obed Mountain Mine coal slurry spill into the Athabasca River watershed. The petition summarizes the events surrounding the spill, and includes information about the toxic substances that may have been contained in the slurry, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury. According to the petition, about 670 million litres of slurry were released into the environment; the spill had an impact on fish habitat in nearby streams; and the plume may have travelled far downstream and had a potential impact on municipal drinking water. The petitioners ask the government about its approvals and inspections prior to the spill, as well as its response to the spill, including investigations, future monitoring, and habitat remediation.

Federal Departments and Agencies Responsible for Reply: Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada, Environment Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Health Canada, Public Health Agency of Canada, Parks Canada