(The Canadian Press circulated the following article on August 8.)
WABAMUN, Alta. — People around Lake Wabamun are being told not to use or drink water from the lake or their wells.
Alberta Environment says that’s because a hazardous chemical may have been part of the material that spilled into the lake in a CN train derailment last week.
The derailment happened last Wednesday but provincial spokesman Irwin Huberman says the warning was only released Monday after experts raised concerns.
Capital Health is also telling people not to use lake water for watering gardens or showering because of the risk of exposure to the chemical used to treat utility poles.
People are also being told to stop gathering or trying to clean wildlife caught in the spill.
Mr. Huberman says Alberta Environment’s investigation may lead to charges against CN for not fully reporting the contents of the spill.