Photo: File Photo of Cold Lake arial view
By Chantel Downes
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Lakeland This Week
According to Imperial Oil, the release happened on April 9, when bitumen emulsion, including bitumen and produced water, was released from a pipeline within Imperial’s lease area near Cold Lake.
The spill was stopped and contained, with cleanup and remediation efforts now underway. Imperial has said trained personnel are assessing the site and continuing to monitor the area, and that no impacts to wildlife or open waterbodies had been identified at the time of the notice.
In a statement, Cold Lake First Nations Chief and Council said they are closely watching the situation and preparing to press both the province and regulators for answers.
Chief and Council said the incident goes beyond a single spill, pointing to broader concerns about how resource development is regulated in areas that affect First Nations lands and rights.
“While the release has reportedly been stopped and cleanup efforts are underway, this incident raises serious and ongoing concerns regarding the effectiveness of Alberta’s regulatory oversight and its ability to protect our lands, waters, and Treaty rights,” reads the statement.
Cold Lake First Nations officials said the spill reflects what they see as a continued failure of the province’s regulatory system to adequately protect First Nations interests.
“This is another example of how existing provincial regulatory practices continue to fall short in safeguarding the interests of First Nations. Cold Lake First Nations expects full transparency, accountability, and immediate action from both Imperial Oil and the Province of Alberta.”
Chief and Council also said they intend to take the matter directly to officials.
“Chief and Council will be addressing this matter directly with the province and relevant regulators to ensure that our rights are upheld, that environmental impacts are fully understood, and that meaningful corrective measures are taken.”
While the nation said there is currently no immediate risk to the public, it is asking people to stay clear of the area east of Bourque Lake as a precaution while response work continues.
The statement adds, “Our leadership and technical teams are actively monitoring the situation and assessing potential impacts to our lands, waters, wildlife, and Treaty rights. Protecting our environment and the well-being of our people remains our top priority.”
More updates will be shared as additional information becomes available, according to Cold Lake First Nations.