Water Act enforcement order issued to Samco Developments Ltd

The Alberta government has issued an order under the Water Act to Samco Developments Ltd. and its directors, Cindy and Russell Dolanz, for unauthorized activities to floodplains on two properties adjacent to Wabamun Lake.

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Edmonton - October 25, 2012 - The Alberta government has issued an order under the Water Act to Samco Developments Ltd. and its directors, Cindy and Russell Dolanz, for unauthorized activities to floodplains on two properties adjacent to Wabamun Lake.

Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development responded to an anonymous complaint in January 2012 regarding removal of vegetation near the north shoreline of Wabamun Lake on two properties owned by Samco. Examination of the site concluded that the unauthorized activities created a significant potential for erosion of soil and a high potential for increased sediment in Wabamun Lake, and that insufficient precautionary measures had been taken by Samco on either property to prevent this from occurring.

The enforcement order will ensure that appropriate remediation of the properties is undertaken to minimize further erosion of the lands and sedimentation of Wabamun Lake. The order requires that Samco and Mr. and Mrs. Dolanz cease all unauthorized activities on the properties and take appropriate measures to restore them. These measures include immediately re-grading and re-contouring altered land; installing silt fencing; submitting a written survey report signed by an Alberta land surveyor; and submitting and implementing a written remedial plan outlining full measures for stabilizing and re-vegetating the disturbed land.

Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development focuses on education, prevention and enforcement to ensure all Albertans continue to enjoy a clean and healthy environment. When individuals or companies fail to comply with legislation, government has a range of options, depending on the offence. Enforcement orders are issued under the authority of Alberta's Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act to ensure immediate action is taken to correct a situation.