Ardley Reservoir Scoping and Feasibility Study

The potential selection and implementation of a reservoir option will follow a multi-phase approach that includes time for Alberta to evaluate the findings of any assessments and decide on whether to proceed to the next phase:

Project Scoping and Feasibility Study (In progress, October 2024 – March 2026)

• Project Scoping and Identifying Options
• Technical Review and Assessments
• Field Activities
• Engagement
• Feasibility Study Report

Government evaluation and decision (No set timeline)

Potential future phases (No set timeline)

• Findings from the current study will inform potential timeline estimates for future phases.

Expected completion for the Scoping and Feasibility Study is March 2026 with recommendations on the feasibility of constructing a dam and reservoir. Alberta’s government will base their decision to proceed to the next phase of the project on:

• environmental considerations
• socio-economic factors
• technical information
• potential impacts
• other government priorities

The scoping assessment is desktop-based and will:

• identify potential dam locations and configurations
• estimate potential water storage volumes
• review existing geotechnical, hydrotechnical, and environmental data

The primary output of the scoping phase is the preliminary assessment and identification of three options to advance to the feasibility level.

The feasibility phase will include fieldwork and assess the technical feasibility of the three options identified during scoping and carefully evaluate their cultural, social, economic, engineering and environmental considerations.

The feasibility assessment will provide information to assist in a government decision on whether one of the dam options should undergo further evaluation, including additional engineering, detailed design, and regulatory approvals.

For each option, the study will assess:

• technical feasibility, such as site suitability, dam design, reservoir storage capacity
• effectiveness in mitigating flood and drought risk, while also providing water management flexibility
• potential impacts on communities, the environment and infrastructure
• costs and potential benefits, including economic viability and long-term sustainability
• future environmental and regulatory requirements and potential mitigation strategies
• input from Indigenous communities and organizations, property owners, stakeholders and the public

As part of the feasibility assessment, the consultants will carry out fieldwork to gather data and information about the potential dam sites, reservoirs and surrounding areas. This will include:

• geophysical (ground-based surveys) and geotechnical (drilling boreholes) work to better understand the soil and bedrock conditions
• environmental field surveys of the reservoir areas and surrounding lands to evaluate vegetation, wetlands, wildlife, fish habitats, groundwater, and cultural resources
• drone and bathymetric surveys to collect project site topography including river water depth

To conduct fieldwork, the consultant may need to access privately owned or leased Crown lands. To gain access, the consultant will reach out to the appropriate property owner and /or lessee.

Field studies may require access to private or leased Crown lands. The consultant will contact relevant landowners or leaseholders for permission in advance.

No field studies will be conducted on private property without landowner permission.

Field activity information

• Drone and bathymetric surveys
• Geophysical surveys
• Geotechnical investigations surveys
• Vegetation, fish and wildlife surveys

Indigenous, stakeholder and public engagement are key components of the Ardley Reservoir Scoping and Feasibility Study. Alberta’s government, with support from Hatch Ltd., will gather feedback on social, environmental, cultural and economic considerations.

Feedback received will inform future planning decisions.