Environmentalists *
may appeal approval
of Buffalo Lake project
The Canadian Press

Red Deer
A $13-million project to raise the
level of Buffalo Lake near Alberta
Premier Don Getty's home was
granted approval by the federal
and provincial governments Friday.
"There is very
strong local sup­
port for the pro­
ject. It has recre­
ational and
economic
benefits," said
Alberta Environ­
ment
spokeswoman
Donna Bab­
chishin.
However, envi­ Kostuch
ronmentalists
say that raising the level of the
lake about half a metre is a waste
of money and could destroy habitat
for animals such as the piping
plover, an endangered bird.
Burton Ayles, regional director
of
the
federal
Fisheries
Department, said it was decided
this summer that a full environ­
mental assessment of the project
was not necessary.
He added, however, that he
could not go into details on the de-

In another ruling that cleared
the way for the plan, the federal
Transportation Department has al­
lowed the project to proceed with­
out a permit under the Navigable
Waters Protection Act.
Environmental activist Martha
Kostuch of Rocky Mountain House
said an environmental assessment
may have been required under law,
and added she will seek legal
advice on challenging the decision
in court.
"It (the approval) certainly indi­
cates how low government depart­
ments will fall to pay off the con­
stituents of Premier Don Getty's
riding," she charged.
"I think approving the project
was a political decision," said M i ­
chael McNaughton, head of the
Red Deer River Naturalists.
"The feds don't want to rock the
boat. It's Premier Getty's riding
and the project is nearly finished,"
McNaughton said
Project supporters lauded the
government for proceeding with
the project, which they believe will
boost tourism and help struggling
farm communities in the Stettler
area.