Environmental Protection Order issued to remediate site of fertilizer spill

Incident details

• On July 15, 2015, a fertilizer storage tank owned by the company ruptured and approximately 9,800 litres of urea ammonium nitrate was released onto the site.
• The fertilizer migrated into the soil and offsite towards the Little Bow River.
• The quantity of fertilizer in the soil and rock between the site and the Little Bow River is unknown.
• The contractor engaged by the company’s insurer requested permission to cease remedial activities until soil analysis results were received.
• The Alberta Environment and Parks compliance manager believes the actions undertaken are insufficient to confine the substance or prevent the potential for adverse effect.

Terms of the Environmental Protection Order

• 1370996 Alberta Ltd. must:
  • Submit all raw data, analytical results, field results, and written and verbal reports to the regional compliance manager;
  • Submit a written delineation and excavation plan, signed by a registered professional, to the regional compliance manager by July 24, 2015;
  • Submit a written aquatic environmental assessment plan, signed by a registered professional, to the regional compliance manager by July 24, 2015;
  • Implement the aquatic environmental assessment plan and delineation and excavation plan as approved by the regional compliance manager.

Environmental Protection Orders are used to prevent or remediate the effects of a substance release that may cause an adverse effect on the environment under the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act. They are one of many tools – including education and prevention – used by the Alberta government to ensure all Albertans can continue to enjoy a safe and healthy environment.