By Matt Kelly

Town of Battleford watching effects of oil spill

Jul 26, 2016 | 7:00 PM

Despite not having a water source directly impacted, the Town of Battleford is seeing the effects of the oil spill in the North Saskatchewan River.

Battleford uses only groundwater for the town’s water supply and has a number of wells drilled below the river bottom. These wells are tested for river water entering into the groundwater and results have come back negative.

Mayor Derek Mahon said right now it is business as usual for the town’s water collection and treatment.

“At this point in time the wells are pumping as normal. Obviously the river level is up a little higher than it has been, but all systems are normal,” Mahon said.

A worry for Mahon is the potential for environmental damage in the river valley, but he said crews have been in the river.

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“Obviously everybody is concerned about the river valley and oil entering the river,” he said. “I think there’s an effort going on to cleanup what they can find.”

The City of North Battleford received water from Battleford for use on flowerbeds and planters. Mahon said there have been some municipalities and facilities getting water from the town’s truck fill station, including the city and the Sask. Hospital, either through previous agreements or by purchasing the water.

“We want to be a good neighbour to everybody involved. We’re in good shape at this point in time and want to be able to assist where we can,” Mahon said.

Matt Kelly is battlefordsNOW’s town municipal affairs and community reporter. He can be reached at mkelly@jpbg.ca.