Advocacy

The Friends of the Blindman River is advocating for the following policy recommendations:

• Improved groundwater monitoring.
• Better protections for rivers (options may include public review of In-Stream Objectives, Water Conservation Objectives or alternatives, such as crown reservations, water conservation licences, water trusts, etc).
• Explore establishing a hierarchy of use for groundwater.
• No freshwater for hydraulic fracturing in any area, while under a Water Shortage Advisory.
• Stricter rules around Temporary Water Diversion Licenses (TDLs) so companies can not use them to avoid a term licence.
  • TDLs for hydraulic fracturing need to fall under Manual 25, or equivalent.
  • A maximum volume per licence, per year, per project.
  • No TDLs from shallow, non-saline groundwater.
  • Failing the above, no TDLs for hydraulic fracturing.
• More transparent application and approvals process for licenses.
• Advocate for single licenser for all freshwater licences (should only be Alberta Environment and Protected Areas).
• Public reporting of water use.

Correspondence between the Friends of the Blindman River and the Minister of Environment and Protected Areas (AEPA):

• July 17, 2025 – Response from the AEPA on short-term and long-term regional water management goals
• June 6, 2025 – Response to the AEPA discussing short-term and long-term regional water management goals
• May 21, 2025 – Follow-up letter from AEPA addressing regional water management concerns
• February 26, 2025 – Response from the AEPA to water licensing and management throughout the Blindman River watershed and throughout the province
• July 8, 2024 – Water licensing and management throughout the Blindman River Watershed and the province
• May 23, 2024 – Response from the AEPA to water licensing in Lloyd Creek during a Stage 4 drought
• April 26, 2024 – Water licensing in Lloyd Creek during Stage 4 drought

Interested in Writing a letter to the Minister of Environment with Your Concerns?

Click here to download a letter template that you can use. Most of the work is done for you!