Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a return to an oral question asked by Mr. Krutko on March 22nd, regarding contamination of the Fort McPherson water supply.

The Member for Mackenzie Delta asked if the Department of Transportation was taking measures to alleviate the hamlet of Fort McPherson's concerns about the possible accidental contamination of its water supply from the Dempster Highway.

The department has no record of an accident ever occurring on the highway in the vicinity of the water source. Nonetheless, the department plans to widen the highway this year from 7.5 metres to 10.5 metres which will improve traffic safety and reduce the likelihood of an accident near the water source. The department also plans to install guardrails along the highway beside the lake to reduce further the possibility of a vehicle leaving the road and contaminating the water source.

The Member's question also raises the possibility of contamination from the calcium chloride the department applies on the highway to control dust. Dust control improves visibility on the highway and helps to maintain safe driving conditions. The water source is tested regularly, and the department has no evidence that calcium chloride from the highway is contaminating the water supply.

The Department of Transportation would prefer to continue applying calcium chloride on the highway. It makes a positive contribution to highway safety and reduces the amount of dust that would otherwise settle in the reservoir. However, should the hamlet of Fort McPherson so request, the department will promptly discontinue its dust control program near the water source. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.