At around 6 p.m. Saturday, the Town of Cochrane received information that a contractor working on behalf of the town had damaged the wastewater and water pipelines while preparing for drilling operations near the Bow River. As a result, wastewater began being discharged directly into the river.

Fortunately, Cochrane's drinking water remained unaffected and continues to be safe for drinking.

Throughout the night, crews worked on-site to mitigate and contain the leak. By early Sunday the wastewater was successfully contained, no longer entering the river.

The Town of Cochrane activated its Emergency Coordination Centre (ECC) on Saturday night. The town is working with the City of Calgary, Rocky View County, Alberta Environment, and Alberta Health Services.

The town is advising residents today: 

- Please continue to avoid the area to allow crews the space to do their job.

- All pathways adjacent to the Bow River from the HWY 22 bridge to Griffin Industrial Point are closed. This includes the Jim Uffelmann Memorial Park and the paths directly adjacent to and below the HWY 22 bridge.

- Eastbound Griffin Road is down to one lane of traffic.

Further updates can be found HERE. 

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