The City of Grande Prairie is urging residents to be mindful of what’s going into their storm drains after crews were called to a “petroleum hydrocarbon release” near Muskoseepi Park July 24.
The Grande Prairie Fire Department and Hazardous Materials Team were called to the Bear River (sometimes known as Bear Creek) between Maskwoteh Park and the Grande Prairie Museum & Heritage Village the evening of July 24 after a resident noticed what they thought to be a diesel sheen in the water and were able to quickly contain the release, the city said in a July 27 release.
“There is no danger to the public. Residents are asked to keep children and pets out of the water in the affected area while cleanup continues and to give crews space to work safely,” the release said.
Crews worked throughout the week, along with Alberta Environment and Protected Areas, to clean up the affected area of the creek, but as of Aug. 4 there were no further updates to report, said city Communications Strategist Kirsten Borle in an email.
“We have connected with the appropriate teams and are awaiting additional information. We are reviewing whether a broader public update is needed and will share further details as they become available,” she said.
While the specific cause, makeup or volume of hydrocarbons released into the creek have not yet been specified, the city reminded residents that the city’s stormwater, along with any pollutants it picks up along the way, drains directly into local creeks and rivers, whether accidental or not.
The city’s website lists a variety of specific prohibited materials that should never enter the storm drainage system but generally, “any substance that may, directly or indirectly, obstruct the flow of water within the storm drainage system or that may have a negative impact on the receiving waters.”
Aside from gasoline, motor oil, transmission fluid, antifreeze, solvents, paints and other obviously hazardous materials, cooking oils and greases, soaps and detergents, and soil and sediment should also be avoided.
Cement and concrete waste, sawdust, fibreboard and other construction materials, and yard waste should also be disposed of properly.
Many of these materials, including petroleum products can be brought to the Aquatera Eco Centre, located at 10431 96 Ave. Hazardous waste should not be taken to the main landfill, as they cannot be accepted there due to provincial regulations.
By Chris Zwick, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Original Published on Aug 09, 2026 at 15:06
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