First Nations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are concerned that the Alberta Government and Sherritt International continue to downplay the effects of the release of 670-million litres of coal mine wastes into the Athabasca River watershed and that the federal government has remained silent on the spill.

Keepers of the Water and Keepers of the Athabasca have released a statement regarding the anticipated long-term damage to the Athabasca River from the breaching of a containment pond at the Obed Mountain coal mine.Keepers of the Water and Keepers of the Athabasca have released a statement regarding the anticipated long-term damage to the Athabasca River from the breaching of a containment pond at the Obed Mountain coal mine.