Flooding along Wolf Creek has prompted concerns that it may be at capacity and not able to handle the runoff from future developments, Lacombe County council heard on Thursday.
To ensure that the creek and Whelp Brook can channel more storm water runoff, Alberta Environment has suggested that a master drainage plan be commissioned by municipalities in the area.
The plan would assess environmental concerns, future drainage requirements and flood protection levels. Once the remaining drainage capacity has been established, municipalities would each be assigned a share.
The study would also look at what could be done to improve drainage in the creek and brook.
Lacombe County commissioner Terry Hager said if the drainage plan isn’t done, future developers would be required to undertake their own storm water studies and their potential to add to flooding problems.
Given the amount of work required and the Alberta Environment approval process, new developments could face lengthy one-to-two-year waits to get their water management approvals.
Hager said the fear is that future development might be stalled.
“The development of a master drainage plan would establish criteria and standards that each development would have to adhere to and streamline the approval process,” says Hager in his report to council.
A master drainage plan is expected to cost $150,000 to $200,000 to complete and Lacombe County will be looking to share costs with other municipalities, such as the City of Lacombe and Ponoka County.
Council unanimously approved a motion authorizing staff to develop terms of reference and come up with cost estimates for the drainage plan.
pcowley@www.reddeeradvocate.com