Advisory for CROWSNEST LAKE, Alberta

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CROWSNEST LAKE

Type: Water Quality Advisory  -  Active

Issued: 6/10/2025

Details:

June 10 Fish Consumption Advisory in effect due to Selenium levels. The Crowsnest River Valley contains multiple towns, is a major transportation corridor with significant agricultural and industrial activity, including quarrying, all of which may contribute to the Selenium levels being above naturally occurring levels. Furthermore, the lake is fed by creeks connected to Tent Mountain and Grassy Mountain, both former coal mine sites.

Selenium can have beneficial or toxic effects, depending on the amount. Toxic effects of Selenium on aquatic biota include mortality, deformities and reproductive impairment. Even at low concentrations, in surface waters,  Selenium can bioaccumulate to higher concentrations in aquatic organisms, potentially leading to toxic effects.