This release was issued under a previous government.
The decision is based on forecasts and modelling that show the risk of a flood in the Bow River Basin continues to decline and is minimal past mid-July.
“Ghost Reservoir has provided a key layer of flood protection for residents along the Bow River and this will continue to be the case in July. However, we need to recognize that drought is a more common occurrence in our province and a gradual filling of Ghost Reservoir will help ensure a consistent water supply for users such as agricultural producers downstream.”
TransAlta will immediately start gradual filling of the reservoir. Further decisions related to the level of the reservoir will be based on risk assessments for both flood and drought.
The Alberta government will maintain the flexibility to have reservoir levels lowered if there is a serious precipitation event in the forecast.
The target reservoir level at Ghost will increase from the minimum supply level of 45,800,000 cubic metres (65 per cent of capacity) to approximately 56,114,000 cubic metres (80 per cent of capacity). The storage capacity of Ghost Reservoir is 70,327,000 cubic metres.
The Ghost Reservoir agreement remains in force until July 31, 2014. A thorough review will follow, including public consultation with relevant stakeholders, and may lead to a longer-term arrangement.