Photo: County of Grande Prairie

By Shaun Penner

Sportsplex Pond

Crews making progress on Sportsplex pond contamination

Jun 5, 2019 | 11:24 AM

Crews are putting the final touches on the Crosslink County Sportsplex pond, after an industrial oil waste product was disposed of in a curbside drain at 85 avenue and 105 Street in Clairmont on May 23.

The pond has been closed since last Monday, so County personnel and environmental protection specialists could remediate the contamination.

“We appreciate the patience of residents and visitors,” said Parks and Recreation Manager with the County Christine Rawlins. “We know people are eager to use the fishing pond and it’s our goal to have it safely remediated and open to the public as soon as possible, once Provincial legislation has been met.”

Provincial Fisheries specialists have been called in to sample fish in the pond, making sure it is safe for wildlife to access to the pond. With that being said, the re-stocking of fish to the pond has been pushed back until Alberta Environment and Parks says it is safe, and crews are working to keep waterfowl at bay until that time comes.

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“This is a very sensitive time for waterfowl, especially for any ducklings or goslings that may be in the area,” said Rawlins. “We are closely monitoring any wildlife that may call the pond their home,” said Rawlins.

An investigation has been launched by Environment and Parks and RCMP into the illegal disposal that occurred. Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to call the County’s Enhanced RCMP Unit at 780-532-9727.

Since the dumping happened in the drainage system, the County’s wastewater system was not affected and there was no concern of public health and safety. Residents are asked to avoid the pond until further notice, and an official date of re-opening will be announced once clean-up is completed.