Background
This area was a regional landfill from 1959 to 1978. Over time, excavations created during landfill operations filled with water, creating wetlands. Recently, Strathcona County monitored the area, seeking advice from Alberta Environment and Capital Health. Assessments confirmed that some environmental contamination had occurred, consistent with what might be expected of a landfill site operating during that time. Concentrations of oil and grease (hydrocarbons) were found east of the wetland, and in the wetland itself. Since heavy hydrocarbons do not readily move through clay soils or groundwater, it is believed these materials were deposited directly into the wetland.

How is the area being remediated? 
Contaminated material is being excavated and sealed within a clay berm on the site. This will result in a gentle hill, and the entire excavation area will be seeded with grass. The wetland will be drained, excavated and backfilled. The water will be treated and the contaminated sludge beneath it will be removed.

Work completed to date:

• wetland excavated and material placed on eathern berm
• previous wetland area back-filled
• all drainage work completed

Work to be completed:

• topsoil and fencing to be completed October 2009
• seeding to be completed April 2010

When will it be open?

The park will be open to users November 2009 to March 2010.  The park will be closed April to June 2010 to complete the landscaping and to allow the grass to establish.

We appreciate your patience while we make this a cleaner area for you and your dogs to use.

Further information
Transportation and Agriculture Services
780-417-7100