Local gravel mining changes have been noticed after dredging close to the banks of the Cochrane’s Bow River. Currently Cochrane West, the mine is slated for a length of 6 km approaching the new suburbs south of the Horse Creek Road. This local gravel mining company, Burnco, has been operating in Rocky View County at least since 1969, yet this new cutting has a fourth-generation rancher noticing significant changes.
Unexplained heavy metal contamination above safe drinking water standards have seeped into monitoring wells down-gradient the gravel mine. The timing and physical evidence seem to indicate that Burnco’s dredging operations may have contributed to contamination in the well and monitoring sites. After dredging into the water table started, hydrocarbons were found in one neighbour’s well up-gradient of the gravel mine and now that drinking water is non-potable to humans and animals-- cattle have had to be moved out of the affected pasture, flatly refusing to gulp down what used to be pure glacier aquifer fed groundwaters.
Rocky View County is working on a much-needed Aggregate (gravel) Resource Policy (ARP) to increase oversight of gravel mining. Their Council Meeting to vote on this ARP is this July 15th. This ARP impacts Cochrane’s and Calgary’s water safety. The Town of Cochrane had submitted a Statement of Concern regarding Burnco’s Cochrane West mine-- your voice to Cochrane’s and RVC’s admin and Council can assist their continued vigilance. All public can attend the July 15th Hearing and present concerns. Action is urgent.
Write your MLA, your Cochrane Administration, and Rocky View County, asking what is being done to protect the safety of your drinking water from impacts of gravel mining. Registered mail ensures your letter is acknowledged. Attending the July 15th County Council Meeting to voice your concerns can be so significant to clean drinking water for future generations. The time is now.
Susan Hall
Rocky View County, AB
