FCMN Member Update: Fort Chipewyan Water
March 15, 2023
Fort Chipewyan Metis Nation (FCMN) has been diligently working to keep our Members updated with the most up-to-date information regarding the Imperial Kearl Lake Project leakage.
The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB) has shared new findings concerning the testing performed at the Fort Chipewyan Water Treatment Plant.
Be advised the water intake valve for Fort Chipewyan remains closed by the RMWB.
The community is presently using water solely from the reservoir, which has undergone rigorous testing and is deemed safe for human consumption.
The intake remains closed currently while the Municipality works with drinking water specialists at Alberta Environment and Protected Areas (AEPA) to finalize and implement a lake intake operation and monitoring strategy. When the intake is reopened, the Municipality will continue with the enhanced testing of the raw water diverted from the lake and monitoring of potable water for the community until further notice. Further details on the enhanced testing and monitoring plan will be shared with the community once finalized.
***PLEASE REMEMBER THERE IS ENOUGH WATER IN THE RESERVOIR FOR THE NEXT FEW DAYS AND YOU CAN CONTINUE USING IT DURING THIS TIME***
IF future tests confirm the water is not safe, the following steps will be enacted:
- Immediately hold an emergency President and Board of Directors Meeting.
- Pass a Resolution declaring a state of emergency.
- Notify Indigenous Services Canada of the threat.
- Convene a meeting with RMWB, ACFN, and MCFN leadership to discuss further measures.
- Send an automated voice broadcast to all Members advising them to minimize water use and to await further instructions.
- Send a mass text message to all Members advising them to minimize water use and to await further instructions.
- Deliver flyers door-to-door advising Members to minimize water use and to await further instructions.
- We currently have an adequate supply of bottled water in the community. If required, water will be distributed, and a resupply from our supplier has been arranged within 24-36 hours if necessary.
These are the immediate steps of our response plan, and additional measures will be implemented as needed. We will continue to provide updates as we receive new information.
Rest assured that FCMN are committed to the safety and informing of our Members. Our emergency response plan has been successfully employed during several emergency situations, including COVID-19 and last year’s wildfire. Our team is trained, experienced and ready to address situations effectively as they arise.