Another farm in Lacombe County has been issued an enforcement order under the Water Act for the unauthorized realignment of a natural watercourse.
On May 31, Donna Duffy and Ron Duffy were ordered to restore the natural functioning of a watercourse on their property, east of Blackfalds.
They have to submit a scheduled implementation of how and when the remedial work will be done by Sept. 15.
The property is owned by Donna Duffy and farmed by her brother, Ron Duffy.
Carrie Sancartier, communications officer with Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development, said the natural watercourse of an unnamed tributary of the Haynes Creek, on the northeast portion of the Duffy property, was realigned to form a main drainage channel that increased the potential for flooding and erosion on neighbouring properties.
Investigators first responded to a complaint in July 2009 of changes to the land on the property.
They witnessed Ron Duffy using a machine to move the soil in the watercourse and the bed and banks of the tributary were reshaped as a result of the action.
Duffy was advised to apply for approval for future activities affecting the natural watercourse.
In December 2009 the Duffys were sent a letter explaining the requirements under the Water Act.
In August 2011, investigators returned to the site and observed there were additional changes on the land, including the realignment of the natural watercourse to form a drainage channel.
Under the terms of the enforcement order, the Duffys must undertake remedial work designed by a qualified water resource professional to restore the natural functioning of the watercourse.
The restoration must ensure the channel minimizes flooding, erosion, and situation on the land and adjacent properties.
In addition, they must either return the potholes to pre-disturbance conditions or alternatively create a considered wetlands feature on the land.
On the same day, a neighbouring farm, Criagievar Farms Ltd. and Glenn Sharp, was given the same enforcement order for altering water flow along the western and southern portion of the property line of the land.
They have until Sept. 15 to complete the remedial work.