Rocky View County (RVC) has stopped pumping water out of Cochrane Lake, a decision that was made based on a recommendation by Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development (ESRD) because of ground saturation from summer rain and leaks in the existing pipeline.
Stacy McGuire, communications coordinator for the county, said the only controls currently in place to manage Cochrane Lake’s water level natural means, such as evaporation.
“The county and ESRD are assessing possible options for implementing a permanent system to control lake levels,” said McGuire. “Costs, construction ability and environmental approval requirements are part of that assessment process.”
Renee Hackney, public affairs officer for ESRD, said pumping was halted because the infrastructure used for de-watering was causing slumping.
“If pumping continued,” said Hackney, “there was a risk of exacerbating the slumping of the slope.”
McGuire said the blue-green algae found in Cochrane Lake was not a factor in the county stopping pumping.
Alberta Health Services (AHS) announced Aug. 2 that blue-green algae are present in the waters of Cochrane Lake. Blue-green algae produce a poison that can cause illness to people or animals that ingest or have skin contact with the water that contains the toxin.
Water that was pumped from Cochrane Lake by the county was being diverted into Horse Creek.
RVC staff will present a report to county council on what direction should be taken with regard to Cochrane Lake water levels.
Though the county as not provided any specific advice to Cochrane Lake residents when it comes to any flood risk, the report going to council will address the matter.
“As per our flood guide, we recommend all county residents have the correct insurance coverage,” said McGuire. “Store important documents and irreplaceable personal objects in a waterproof container.”
RVC also recommends residents install a sump pump with back-up power; clear debris from gutters and downspouts and make sure the ground slopes away from your house on all sides of your property.
Whether to discontinue, repair or replace present pipe used for pumping from Cochrane Lake had not yet been made, and will also be brought to council.
Hackney added that Cochrane Lake’s current water level is equal to that of May 2 of this year, and the distance between the lake’s banks and residences has been increased.
