Public Notice of Application - March 26, 2026
(Closes April 25, 2026)
The Summer Village of Rochon Sands would like to advise residents and visitors of a Public Notice of Application issued by the Province of Alberta regarding Buffalo Lake.
Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation has submitted an application to Alberta Environment and Protected Areas under the Water Act to amend the Buffalo Lake stabilization licence. The application proposes to remove the current suspension on pumping water into Buffalo Lake, contingent on the installation of a filter system designed to prevent invasive Prussian carp (and their eggs) from entering the lake from the Red Deer River.
This application is directly related to the long-standing Buffalo Lake water stabilization program, which plays an important role in managing lake levels. At the same time, the proposed filtration requirement reflects ongoing efforts to mitigate the risk of invasive species entering the lake, which remains a key concern for the region.
Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation has submitted an application to Alberta Environment and Protected Areas under the Water Act to amend the Buffalo Lake stabilization licence. The application proposes to remove the current suspension on pumping water into Buffalo Lake, contingent on the installation of a filter system designed to prevent invasive Prussian carp (and their eggs) from entering the lake from the Red Deer River.
This application is directly related to the long-standing Buffalo Lake water stabilization program, which plays an important role in managing lake levels. At the same time, the proposed filtration requirement reflects ongoing efforts to mitigate the risk of invasive species entering the lake, which remains a key concern for the region.
Understanding the Buffalo Lake Water Management System
While the application refers specifically to pumping water into Buffalo Lake, this infrastructure is part of a much larger and long-established regional water management system developed over several decades.
This system:
It is important to note that this is not a direct, single-purpose pipeline to Buffalo Lake. Rather, Buffalo Lake represents one component within a broader system, with water being utilized and managed at various points along the way before ultimately contributing to lake levels.
Over the years, this system has provided regional benefits to multiple municipalities, agricultural users, and the broader watershed, forming an important part of water management in central Alberta.
At the same time, the current application reflects modern considerations, including the need to prevent the transfer of invasive species, which is why filtration requirements are being proposed.
This system:
- Transfers water from the Red Deer River through a series of pipelines, canals, and control structures
- Supports agricultural operations and water management needs throughout the region
- Helps manage flows through interconnected water bodies and drainage systems
- Contributes to the stabilization of Buffalo Lake levels over time
It is important to note that this is not a direct, single-purpose pipeline to Buffalo Lake. Rather, Buffalo Lake represents one component within a broader system, with water being utilized and managed at various points along the way before ultimately contributing to lake levels.
Over the years, this system has provided regional benefits to multiple municipalities, agricultural users, and the broader watershed, forming an important part of water management in central Alberta.
At the same time, the current application reflects modern considerations, including the need to prevent the transfer of invasive species, which is why filtration requirements are being proposed.
Public Input Opportunity
Any person who may be directly affected by this application may submit a Statement of Concern.
Deadline to submit: April 25, 2026
Statements of Concern must be submitted in accordance with the instructions outlined in the Public Notice, including reference to: Case Number: DAPP0156406
Submissions can be made:
Important Notes
More Information
Deadline to submit: April 25, 2026
Statements of Concern must be submitted in accordance with the instructions outlined in the Public Notice, including reference to: Case Number: DAPP0156406
Submissions can be made:
- Online through Alberta’s Digital Regulatory Assurance System (DRAS), or
- In writing to Alberta Environment and Protected Areas
Important Notes
- Submitted Statements of Concern become part of the public record
- Only those who submit a Statement of Concern may have the ability to appeal any decision
More Information
- Residents can review the full Public Notice of Application at the link below:
Additional information can be obtained from Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation:
- 📧 [email protected]
- 📞 403-340-7669
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is this a new project?
Is water being piped directly from the Red Deer River into Buffalo Lake?
Why was pumping suspended in the first place?
What is being proposed now?
Why is this important for Buffalo Lake?
Does the Summer Village of Rochon Sands Council support this application?
- No. This application relates to an existing, long-standing water management system that has been in place for several decades. The current application is to amend the licence to allow pumping to resume under updated conditions.
Is water being piped directly from the Red Deer River into Buffalo Lake?
- No. This is a common misconception. The system moves water through a network of infrastructure that supports agricultural and regional water management needs along the way. Buffalo Lake is one component within that broader system.
Why was pumping suspended in the first place?
- Pumping was suspended due to concerns about the potential transfer of invasive Prussian carp from the Red Deer River into Buffalo Lake.
What is being proposed now?
- The Province is proposing to restart pumping, with the requirement that a filtration system be installed to prevent invasive fish and their eggs from entering Buffalo Lake.
Why is this important for Buffalo Lake?
- The system contributes to managing lake levels over time, which can have implications for shoreline conditions, recreation, and the overall health of the lake.
Does the Summer Village of Rochon Sands Council support this application?
- The Summer Village of Rochon Sands Council has consistently supported the Buffalo Lake stabilization program, recognizing its long-standing role in regional water management and its importance to lake levels and the surrounding communities.
- Council is encouraged to see that the current application includes measures to address invasive species concerns, specifically through the proposed filtration system intended to prevent the transfer of Prussian carp into Buffalo Lake.
- While the Province is responsible for reviewing and deciding on the application, the Summer Village supports efforts that both maintain the benefits of the stabilization system and protect the ecological health of Buffalo Lake.
How the Buffalo Lake Water System Works
Think of the system as a managed water pathway, not a direct pipe to Buffalo Lake:
1. Water Source
➡️ Water is taken from the Red Deer River
2. Regional Movement
➡️ Water moves through a system of pipelines, canals, and control structures
3. Along the Way
➡️ Water is:
4. Final Outcome
➡️ Remaining water eventually contributes to Buffalo Lake levels
Key Point:
Buffalo Lake is one part of a larger system—not the only purpose of the infrastructure.
Today’s Focus:
➡️ The current application is about safely restarting pumping, with filters to prevent invasive species from entering the lake.
1. Water Source
➡️ Water is taken from the Red Deer River
2. Regional Movement
➡️ Water moves through a system of pipelines, canals, and control structures
3. Along the Way
➡️ Water is:
- Used for agriculture and irrigation
- Managed for regional water needs
- Controlled to support overall water balance
4. Final Outcome
➡️ Remaining water eventually contributes to Buffalo Lake levels
Key Point:
Buffalo Lake is one part of a larger system—not the only purpose of the infrastructure.
Today’s Focus:
➡️ The current application is about safely restarting pumping, with filters to prevent invasive species from entering the lake.
Buffalo Lake Water Management System
