SURVEY | Gull Lake Stabilization Engagement

Agriculture and Irrigation (AGI) is inviting input on a proposed Environment and Protected Areas (EPA) application to amend the water licence for the Blindman River pumping station. If amended, a pressurized filtration system that excludes Prussian carp and eggs would potentially be installed on the Blindman River pump station so water pumping could resume into Gull Lake whenever water levels allow for it.

The pumping ceased in 2011 due to the lake reaching adequate target levels. The lake naturally rose above target elevation until 2014 and began declining thereafter, falling below pumping trigger levels in the fall of 2021. In 2016, Prussian Carp, an invasive fish species was found in Blindman River, and with no system to exclude this fish and eggs, the regulator - Environment and Protected Areas (EPA) - suspended the water licence.

To amend the current AGI water licence to install the filter, an application to EPA is required.

A recent independent hydrology study shows the impact of various pumping scenarios on Gull Lake levels. 

The results of a hydrology study, facts about Prussian carp and the proposed filtration system are available on youralberta.ca for you and your community to review and respond to before August 30, 2024.  

A link to a survey and the open house schedule can also be found at: www.alberta.ca/gull-lake-stabilization-engagement, as well as the results of a hydrology study, facts about Prussian carp and the proposed filtration system.

Survey responses are due before August 30, 2024.

The Government of Alberta is committed to open and transparent engagement to ensure interested Albertans can share their opinions, views, and concerns in advance of the water licence application. 

If you have any questions, please email AGI.GullLakeStabilizationProject@gov.ab.ca.