Solution on the horizon for Ridge water quality?

Posted on March 6, 2014 by Westwind Weekly

A recent stewardship initiative, announced by the County of Warner, will ideally be a step in the right direction for beginning to fix the water quality at the Milk River Ridge Reservoir.

Currently the initiative is focused on identifying potential projects around the Ridge Reservoir area.

Although, no funding or specific order for the projects has been secured or determined to date, the initiative knows their primary focus will be on the South Shore.

“(These) issues have to do with water that’s running in,” said Mayor George Bohne. “It’s not intended to be a cure-all, it’s to look at one area of the problem.”

Those involved with the study have been notified and are cognizant of the adjacent land owners past history with the property, and that it may be impacting water quality.

The Mayor also added he’s been invited to give a water quality presentation, that’s been given to all surrounding councils, at Irrican Power’s special board meeting on March 14.

Irrican is in charge of the hydro-power plant that rests on the south shore of the Ridge Reservoir, they are also part of a cooperative that’s subject to the laws of Alberta. Members of the cooperative consist of the St. Mary’s Irrigation District, the Raymond Irrigation District and the Taber Irrigation District.

“We currently have Irrican’s attention – which may be an understatement,” said Mayor Bohne of the letter he received from the cooperative.

“I’m really excited about the PowerPoint presentation that was given to all the councils, which shows the water study we did. They have asked to see it and respond to the motion the Ridge Water Commission passed.”

GET SCOTT TO TELL YOU WHAT THE MOTION MADE BY RR SAYS

“This is what we want,” said Coun. Barry Wolsey of meeting between the mayor and Irrican.

“Exactly. We want some attention,” agreed the mayor.

Council passed the Terms of Reference document sent by the County of Warner, which states they will be spearheading an initiative in an attempt to improve water quality.

For more information on this document and how it will effect the water quality please contact the town office at 403-752-3322.