Oily sheen on Alberta river spreads to Fort Chip; water intake closed

FORT CHIPEWYAN, Alta. – A mysterious oily sheen on the Athabasca River in northern Alberta appears to be spreading and has reached the shores of Fort Chipewyan.

Residents report finding dead fish in the affected area and the town’s water intake is closed.

The sheen is visible along more than 100 kilometres of the Athabasca, sometimes covering the water from shore to shore.

Alberta government officials are trying to determine its source.

They say no energy companies have reported releases and they suggest the sheen is probably from natural bitumen deposits.

Either way, people in Fort Chip say they’re concerned about their water and want answers.