Decontamination Rules for Industry Working Near Alberta Waters

Official title: Decontamination protocol engagement for industry and construction

Closed Regulations & Permits Environment & Climate Natural Resources
Alberta expanded its decontamination rules to cover industrial and construction operations working in or near water. The goal? Stop whirling disease and other aquatic invasive species from spreading between watersheds. Companies would need to follow detailed cleaning instructions and keep records of their decontamination efforts.

Why This Matters

If you fish Alberta's rivers, this matters. Whirling disease kills trout and has already spread to multiple watersheds. These rules aim to stop construction equipment from carrying the parasite to new waters. Anglers and outdoor enthusiasts have a stake in keeping Alberta's fisheries healthy.

What Could Change

The revised Decontamination Protocol became a condition of license for all work in or near water. That includes Water Act approvals, Public Lands permits, and Alberta Energy Regulator authorizations. Companies must now follow specific cleaning procedures and document their efforts.

Key Issues

  • Are the proposed decontamination instructions feasible for industry to implement?
  • Will the decontamination record template work for tracking compliance?

What Happened

This engagement was completed in 2018. An online survey gathered input from industry stakeholders on the proposed decontamination instructions and record template. The revised protocol was subsequently implemented as a condition of license for work in or near Alberta waters.

Key Documents