Fertilizer release prompts call for cessation of water usage from Little Bow River, Travers Reservoir

On Wednesday, July 15, approximately 9,800 litres of urea ammonium nitrate, a commonly-used liquid agricultural fertilizer solution, was accidentally released from a container on private property. The release occurred near the Little Bow River on land northeast of the Village of Carmangay in Vulcan County.

Currently, Alberta Environment and Parks is awaiting results from initial sampling. In the meantime, registered and licensed water users along the Little Bow River and from the Travers Reservoir are being contacted and advised of the situation.

However, as a prudent precaution, all water users along these water bodies are urged to close intake from these sources until further notice. Once sample results have been received and assessed, Alberta Environment and Parks will advise users of the results and issue further instructions.

In the interim, Alberta Environment and Parks will continue to monitor and assess the river both upstream and downstream from the site of contamination to determine any potential impacts on the Little Bow River.