Buffalo Lake stabilization project approved

Buffalo Lake stabilization project approved • Defiant environmentalists may challenge decision in By ANDREA M A Y N A R D ^ * } of The Advocate Defiant environmentalists may try to block the province's plan to raise the level of Buffalo Lake after the project re­ceived necessary approvals. Alberta Environment announced Friday that the $ l.'!- million project has been granted long- awaited approvals from federal and provincial govern­ments. " There is very strong local support for the project. It has recreational and eco­nomic benefits," said Alberta Environ­ment spokesman Donna Babchishin. The water stabilization plan will raise the level of Buffalo Lake, near Premier Don Getty's Stettler- area home, about half a metre to enhance its recreation potential. Work will begin in September after the project received an interim licence under Alberta's Water Resources Act about two weeks ago. A permanent li­cence will follow. The province granted the crucial li­cense when the federal government gave permission under the Fisheries Act, said Ms. Babchishin. A federal fisheries and oceans official said his department, which has been screening the project for a year, decided this summer a full environmental assess­ment was not necessary. But Burton Ayles, regional director, said he couldn't go into details. In another ruling that cleared the way for the plan, the federal transportion de­partment has allowed the project to pro­ceed without a permit under the Naviga­ble Waters Protection Act. Well- known environmentalist Martha Kostuch said an environmental assess­ment may have been required under law. The Rocky Mountain House veterinar­ian plans to seek legal advice on chal­lenging the decision in court. " It ( the approval) certainly indicates how low government departments will fall to pay off the constituents of Pre­mier Don Getty's riding." Environmentalists say the project is a waste of money and could destroy habitat for animals like the endangered piping plover. Michael McNaughton, head of the Red Deer River Naturalists, said his group would support court action to block the project. " I think approving the project was a political decision. The feds don't want to rock the boat. It's Premier Getty's riding and the project is nearly finished." Work to raise Buffalo Lake is part of a water management project that began in 1985. The final step is to raise the lake's level for recreational uses. As well, water for such uses as irrigation will be avail­able from Alix Lake. Water will be pumped from the Red Deer River through a channel to Alix Lake and into Parlby Creek before enter­ing Buffalo Lake. Supporters lauded the government. They believe the project will boost tour­ism and help struggling farm communi­ties. Ray Kerber, regional administrator with Alberta Environment, said the gov­ernment has already received tenders for construction of a pumphouse near the Red Deer River. Work should take about three years.