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First Nations angry over being shut out of CNRL plan to drain lake, contain leaking bitumen

CNRL plans to drain a lake on the Cold Lake Air Weapons Range are a concern to nearby First Nations becuase of the disruption to traditional lands. As this Edmonton Journal article explains, the First Nations groups were not involved in the development of the plan, which is meant to allow CNRL to stop a bitumen leak at the bottom of the lake. The Environmental Protection Order that was issued about the lake draining plan does not require consultation with First Nations if there is a need for immediate action, according to an Alberta Environment spokesperson.