by Joshua Killeen
Conservation Science & Programs Manager, CPAWS Southern Alberta

Last year we reported on two fines issued to forestry operators for erosion and sediment control failures, available here and here. Today, we report on two more, both issued in 2025 for failures that occurred in 2024. As with previous instances, we’ve had to use freedom of information requests to access any information about what happened. 

Recurring Incidents of Non-Compliance

In June 2024, a case of sediment entering watercourses was identified. Forestry staff found “non-compliance at 16 watercourse crossings, of which 7 were pursued under investigation. Inadequate reclamation and erosion controls permitted sediment to enter the watercourses, in contravention of section 2.17.6 of the Alberta Timber Harvest Planning and Operating Ground Rules”.  

Native trout species are highly vulnerable to increased sediment levels, which significantly impact the ability of trout to successfully feed, grow, and reproduce.  

A fine of $36,000 was issued to West Fraser Cochrane for 6 counts of non-compliance in this case.  

A “Lack of Reasonable Care”

The base fine was $30,000, but this was increased to $36,000 based on degree of wilfulness or negligence – “there were 16 crossings identified and 7 were investigated. This demonstrated a lack of reasonable care expected of a disposition holder“ and history of non-compliance – “the company has received one administrative penalties within two years for similar contravention.”  

A penalty reduction was also applied for prevention as the company had “Initiated internal audits, provided additional staff training, and implemented improved watercourse-crossing procedures prior to this incident, demonstrating that prevention measures were being developed and applied across their operations”). 

Three Penalties Within Two Years for Similar Issues

Also in 2024, another case of “inadequate erosion and sediment control measures” resulted in sediment entering a watercourse. The company had the opportunity to address the issue, first identified in April, but failed to do so when the issue was re-assessed in August.  

A $5,000 base fine was issued, but increased to $10,000 based on degree of wilfulness or negligence – “despite these warnings, seasonal erosion controls were not maintained, and failures occurred”, mitigation – “despite some remediation efforts following the April 2024 failure, measures were inadequate and later compromised by hauling activities”, and history of non-compliance – “the company has received three administrative penalties within two years for similar sedimentation-related occurrences”. 

Systematic Problems Putting Native Trout At Risk

As our own field work has clearly demonstrated, there are systematic problems with logging causing erosion and sedimentation as well as destruction of critical habitat for native trout species. This must be addressed if we are to ensure the survival and recovery of these species. 

Learn more about key issues pertaining to logging in Alberta here.