A Contamination Specialist's Viewpoint on River Management

Based on a speech given by Walter Ceroici
Head, Contaminated Sites and Decommissioning Branch
Alberta Environmental Protection
October 14, 1994

Historically, the bend in the Bow River in central Calgary has been the home of fertilizer, hide treating and creosote factories. This flood plain is also the area of Calgary with the deepest gravel deposits (over 5 m thick) and the greatest potential for ground water movement.

Contaminated Sites

Fuel leaking from gas station storage tanks contaminates ground water

A survey of the entire Bow River Basin has turned up 11,000 sites with the potential to pollute the river, including 700 industrial sites, 42 abandoned industrial sites and 400 service stations. There are 15,000 underground fuel storage tanks along the river basin.

Creosote Site

Organic contamination from the former Canada Creosote location near downtown Calgary has been a major pollution concern. Extensive clean-up and control measures have significantly reduced the problem. The rock berm wall extending into the river will be removed soon.

Abandoned Refineries

Seepage of hydrocarbons from abandoned industrial sites such as oil refineries is a potential problem and is under investigation.

Railway Spills

The Alyth Railway Yards have been subject to diesel fuel leaks and trains routinely carry hazardous materials.