The Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) has issued an Environmental Protection Order (the order) to Prairie Mines and Royalty ULC (Prairie Mines) under Sections 113 of the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act (EPEA).
The order requires the company to take immediate actions to address the release of sediment-laden water into the tributary environment of the fish-bearing Lovett River from the Coal Valley Mine operations at Mine Number 1778 approximately 60 kms southwest of Edson, Alberta.
This release was reported to the AER on May 7, 2026. Prairie Mines has taken measures to divert water from the source of failure, and the release has been contained.
The order stipulates that to prevent further release or migration of substances to the environment Prairie Mines shall immediately:
- Contain the substances and prevent the further release or migration of the substances to the environment.
- Identify and report to the Manager (AER) any potentially affected parties that could be adversely affected by the release including but not be limited to domestic, Indigenous, agricultural and recreational users of lands and waterbodies affected.
- Assess impacts to fish and wildlife, which shall include, at a minimum, mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians.
- Provide the Manager (AER) a report of all actions taken once the release was discovered.
Daily reporting will be required to ensure that all steps are taken and results recorded including environmental sampling and monitoring.
A Fish and Wildlife Mitigation Plan must also be submitted to address habitat impacts along with a Remedial Action Plan on or by May 19, 2026.
An Environmental Protection Order is a formal, legally binding directive issued to energy companies or individuals requiring immediate action to mitigate, clean up, or investigate environmental damage, spills, or public safety concerns.
