On Nov. 13, 2024, Sproule pleaded guilty to one count under the Water Act for conducting work in a water body without an approval. Sproule was sentenced to a fine of $7,000 inclusive of victim fine surcharge. All remaining charges were withdrawn.
Sproule owns land located in Wheatland County that is used primarily for agricultural and livestock purposes. There is a temporary stream running northwest to southeast through the property. These are important headwater streams that help sustain groundwater and support various aquatic ecosystems and the resiliency of wetlands.
Beginning in September 2020, Sproule hired a contractor to enhance the stream channel by digging in the water body and removing four to eight feet of topsoil from the channel using excavators. In addition, Sproule installed three one-metre diameter culverts for road crossings over the water body, which blocked the natural flow of a temporary or seasonal stream so that the surface runoff was not able to flow through the property unless the water levels were very high.
During this construction activity, a groundwater spring was struck which resulted in pooling water. These activities are prohibited under the Water Act without approval or authorization. Sproule did not obtain an approval or authorization and the activity was not otherwise authorized by the act.
The construction altered the flow of water to an adjacent parcel of land, and created ponded areas on the property that may lead to increased evaporation loss from the water body.
Alberta is committed to the protection of environment, providing regulatory assurance and ensuring environmental compliance. All Water Act approval applications undergo a robust regulatory review before they can be authorized to proceed.
Quick facts
- Alberta’s Water Act supports and promotes the conservation and management of water through the use and allocation of water in Alberta.
- The Water Act addresses Albertans’ rights to divert water and the types of instruments and decision-making processes available for diversion and use of water.
- If you have information about a spill, release or emergency that could damage the environment, call 1-800-222-6514, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.