Hold Husky accountable

Dear Editor

While there is no use crying over spilled oil, the river has to be cleaned up. Recently, hydrogeologist Ricardo Segovia presented his primary assessment of the Husky oil spill in the North Saskatchewan River.

Segovia was hired by a diverse group of organizations that required an independent assessment on the impact on the water and the river. A month after the spill, he and his team travelled from Tobey Nollet Bridge near the spill site to Cumberland House taking sediment samples. The specific polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) at the bridge and Cecile Ferry demonstrated that the oil had travelled at least that far.

Segovia explained the oil and the diluents that remain would have clumped with other matter and sunk to the riverbed. Any disturbance to the sediment may continue to release hydrocarbons that are known carcinogens. Segovia said he would install carbon filters in his home for drinking and bathing purposes to further assure safety.

Prince Albert received $5 million "in good faith" from Husky for the City's huge undertaking to supply citizens and businesses with potable water due to the contamination of the river. On Sept. 19, two months after the spill, the City is once again drawing water from the North Saskatchewan River with assurances that it is safe to use.

Water is life and the oil spill will have long-term impacts on all life. We need to hold Husky and governments accountable and insist that this toxic mess be cleaned up. Contact Husky at http://www.huskyenergy.com/contactus/ and speak to your elected representatives.

Frances Buchan and Nancy Carswell

Prince Albert Chapter of the Council of Canadians

Supporters of Kisiskatchewan Water Alliance Network