Feds critical of Oldman dam

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A federal environmental review of the Oldman River dam is "highly critical" of Ottawa's and the Alberta government's action on the controversial project, said New Democrat MLA John McInnis.

Although the report doesn't come down against the $350-million project, it recommends Ottawa and the province take several steps to prevent environmental damage in the dam area, he said.

"I think it is clear through this review that the federal government has a legal option to withhold permits (for the dam operation)," he said.

The court-ordered review that the federal government has yet to be made public. McInnis said he has been "briefed" on its contents by a secret source he refused to identify.

Jim Dau, executive assistant to Environment Minister Ralph Klein, said he could not comment on the accuracy of the Edmonton-Jasper Place statements because the report has not been released.

"The report will be released by the federal government. When this happens, then we will know what's in it," he said.

Dau said Klein has not read the report. But McInnis said Klein has acknowledged it is now in provincial government hands. The report is expected to be released to the public within the next two weeks.

According to McInnis, the review faults the federal and provincial governments in three basic areas.

It is "very critical" of Ottawa for not holding up its fiduciary responsibilities in the area of Peigan water rights, he said. It also notes some damage to the Oldman trout fishery and recommends steps to prevent further loss. The review also recommends archeological sites threatened by the dam be excavated before they are lost.

"I believe the review's proposals are modest and reasonable," he said. "What the panel is saying is that these three areas should be addressed before the federal government issues permits."

McInnis believes the provincial government has already taken steps to deal with some issues like negotiations with the Peigan over water rights and fishery protection.

A recent Supreme Court decision said Ottawa has the power to conduct wide-ranging environmental reviews of projects like the Oldman dam if federal permits are required for construction or operations. While the review recommendations are not binding, they can provide the basis for federal control of input into controversial projects.

The Oldman dam is scheduled to open officially in mid-July. It's history has been marked by numerous court battles between the provincial government and environmentalists. Environmentalists have tried to stop construction of the project, saying the province cannot proceed without a federal environmental review. The province has argued that it has exclusive rights over its own development projects.

In the summer of 1990 members of the Peigan Lonefighters Society attempted to divert water away from the dam. Their action lead to a standoff with police and the eventual arrest of their leader Milton Born With A Tooth.