an information service for alberta’s environment ... · have participated in significant...
TRANSCRIPT
An Information Service for Alberta’s Environment Industry The Week Ending March 23rd, 2018
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Inside this Issue:
RemTech 2018 Call for Abstracts and Early Registration
Company, Directors Face Environmental Charges
Edmonton – Domtar Contamination – Multiple Stories
Plastic Patch in Pacific Ocean Growing Rapidly, Study Shows
ESAA Member News
Upcoming Events
Industry Position Openings
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The ESAA Weekly News is published
weekly by:
Environmental Services Association of Alberta
102, 2528 Ellwood Drive SW
Edmonton, AB T6X 0A9 (P) 780.429.6363 (F) 780.429.4249
[email protected] UTTTH T HTTTUwww.esaa.orgUTTH T
Comments & submissions are welcome!
Please submit your announcement via e-mail to:
NOW ACCEPTING SUBMISSIONS FOR THE 2018 ESAA INDUSTRY AWARDS AND
PHOTO CONTEST The ESAA Industry Awards is an annual awards program that recognizes member excellence in the areas of environmental innovation and community involvement. The program is open to all ESAA member organizations with the winners announced and awarded each year at the RemTech Symposium held in October. As part of the recognition process, winners will be featured in a short promotional video showcasing their companies. The videos will then be available to the winning companies following RemTech to use for their own promotional material. ESAA INDUSTRY AWARDS There are two categories member organizations can apply for: 1) Environmental Innovation Award Recognizes an individual or companies' innovative efforts designed and executed to support and contribute to the environmental industry. The award may be given in recognition of individuals or companies who implemented or completed an innovative technology, procedure or project that increased efficiencies; minimized waste or eliminated duplication of efforts, process or systems; contributed to significant cost savings; and contributed to a positive environmental outcome. 2) Community Involvement Award Recognizes a member organization that is an active community leader demonstrated through: volunteering significant time and corporate resources to work with charitable, educational, and/or environmental organizations, or community service groups; or may have participated in significant community projects/programs that increases awareness of the importance of the environmental industry among students and the general public or improves the quality of life in the community. You can find all this information and how to apply online at - http://www.esaa.org/industryawards/. THE DEADLINE TO APPLY IS JUNE 15th.
ESAA PHOTO CONTEST
The ESAA Photo Contest celebrates the connection between the environment and ESAA members. Photos are submitted throughout the summer and winners are selected in early fall. The organizations that submit the winning photo(s) are highlighted every year at the RemTech Symposium where canvas prints are auctioned off with all proceeds going to charity. The subject for this year’s photo contest is “Canada’s Wilderness”. Help us capture Canada’s wealth of natural beauty by highlighting remote places and wildlife. Applicants are encouraged to submit photos that display Canada’s vast and diverse scenic vistas including mountains, forests, rivers, and the plants and animals that live there.
You can find all this information and how to apply online at - http://www.esaa.org/photocontest/
THE DEADLINE TO APPLY IS AUGUST 17th.
Any questions or concerns can be directed to [email protected].
We look forward to your submissions.
RemTech 2018
October 10-12, 2018
Fairmont Banff Springs
Call for Abstracts and Early Registration
ESAA invites you to submit technical abstracts focusing on technologies for the remediation of contaminated soil. Abstracts are encouraged in, but not limited to, the following areas:
In-Situ and Ex-Situ Treatment
Physical / Biological / Chemical Treatment
Soil Washing and Scrubbing
Thermal Desorption
Incineration
Stabilization / Solidification
Immobilization
Aeration
Soil Venting
Membranes
Encapsulation
Vitrification
Natural Attenuation
Oil Sands Remediation / Reclamation
Oil Spills Management
New Technology and Research
Remote and Difficult Locations
Reclamation
Emerging Contaminants
Superfund Projects
Landfill Closure
Phyto-remediation
All other related topics will be considered The preliminary selection of presentations will be based on submitted abstracts and reviewed by a panel of peers. Abstracts should be no longer that 500 words (not including bio), should include a presenter biography and be submitted as a Word Document by no later than May 31, 2018. Before submitting your abstract, ensure that client approval has been obtained for your potential presentation. Send abstract submissions to Joe Chowaniec via email to: [email protected] Notification of acceptance will be given by July 13, 2018. Full presentations must be submitted by September 28, 2018. Full details available: www.esaa.org/remtech/agenda/call-for-abstracts/ Early Bird Registration is now open with special delegate rates available for Members and Non-Members. Register Now and save 20%. Early bird rate ends June 1st, 2018. Full details available online at: www.esaa.org/remtech/
COMPANY, DIRECTORS FACE ENVIRONMENTAL CHARGES The Alberta government has laid two charges against a Drayton Valley used oil storage and recycling facility and its directors for failing to comply with provincial environmental legislation. Incident details
Jonah and Cathy Tryon and Tryon’s Auto Body Ltd. have each been charged with two counts under the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act. The charges relate to a continuing set of events that occurred between July 7, 2016 and Aug. 30, 2016.
The charges consist of two separate counts of:
Interfering with an inspector or investigator exercising or carrying out duties or attempting to do
so, an offence contrary to section 227(j) of the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act
The first court appearance is set for April 17 in Drayton Valley Provincial Court.
Alberta Environment and Parks focuses on education, prevention and enforcement to ensure all Albertans continue to enjoy a clean and healthy environment. When individuals or companies fail to comply with legislation, Environment and Parks has a range of options, depending on the offence, to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
ALBERTA TAKES PRECAUTIONARY ACTION TO PROTECT PUBLIC HEALTH FORMER DOMTAR SITE IN EDMONTON
Alberta Environment and Parks and Alberta Health Services have issued new orders to protect residents living near a former creosote treatment plant in northeast Edmonton.
The orders follow recent soil sampling commissioned by the province in uninhabited and unremediated portions of the former Domtar wood-processing plant site north of Yellowhead Trail, near Hermitage Road. Dioxins, furans and polyaromatichydrocarbons have been found in some samples. In large amounts or over long periods of time, exposure to these chemicals can have adverse health impacts.
Although no contaminants are known to be in nearby residential areas and it is not believed there is an immediate risk to the public, as a precautionary action, Alberta Health Services has ordered the site’s owners and developers — 1510837 Alberta Ltd. and Cherokee Canada Inc. — to fence off the site to minimize potential health risks to the public.
Alberta Environment and Parks is also directing the companies, including former owner Domtar, to conduct additional environmental sampling, create action plans to remove contamination and conduct human health risk assessments. Orders also affect a greenbelt southeast of the site, now owned by the City of Edmonton.
Out of caution, the government is also ordering testing and analysis of soil in nearby residential communities. If unsafe chemical levels are found, the province will take further action as necessary.
Letters detailing government’s actions, how the province will continue to keep residents informed throughout the process and the precautions residents can take while awaiting test results are being hand-delivered to area residents today. Precautions residents are being asked to take include avoiding accessing the site, minimizing exposure to soil and washing backyard-grown vegetables.
Background
Between 1924 and 1987, Domtar operated on the property, treating wood with creosote and other chemicals. In 1991, Domtar completed a partial reclamation of the property, then sold the property in 2010 to the numbered company.
In 2013, a remediation certificate was issued for a portion of the site historically used for storing treated products. A new residential area has since been developed on this portion of the property. The orders issued today relate to adjacent properties and not this redeveloped property. In the coming weeks, Alberta Environment and Parks plans to conduct additional sampling in this redeveloped area and to audit this remediation certificate.
In late 2016, the province issued an Environmental Protection Order and an Enforcement Order compelling, amongst other things, the companies to obtain additional information to inform and take remedial actions. The companies appealed to the Environmental Appeals Board and those orders are currently stayed.
COMPANY AT CENTRE OF DOMTAR CONTAMINATION CONTROVERSY FIGHTS BACK (Source: Edmonton Journal) Homes in the former Domtar site, now in the Homesteader neighbourhood, received a letter on March 16, 2018, from Alberta Environment and Parks and Alberta Health Services informing residents to take precautions as environmental testing continues in and around the former industrial plant. Greg Southam / Postmedia
The company leading the redevelopment of a former wood treatment site in northeast Edmonton is fighting back against Alberta government actions that has led some area residents to worry about their health and plunging property values.
Cherokee Canada Inc. delivered letters Wednesday to more than 100 properties in a yet-to-be-finished subdivision constructed on a portion of the old Domtar industrial lands just north of Yellowhead Trail near 44 Street.
“We are confident your community is safe,” said the letter from managing partner John Dill. “We are deeply troubled about the concern the Government of Alberta has created for community residents and how they went about it.”
The move comes five days after Alberta Environment and Parks taped its own envelopes to homes in the new Verte Homesteader community. In that package, the government announced new enforcement orders against Cherokee and Domtar, while Alberta Health Services issued public health orders against Cherokee.
The orders pertain to nearby, uninhabited sections of the old Domtar lands, including a recently constructed berm running along the southern edge and an empty parcel east of the community earmarked for further remediation and residential development.
The government said recent testing in those areas discovered dioxins, furans, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and other hazardous substances likely stemming from the former wood preserving operation.
Fences and warning signs are to be placed around the sections in question, while the companies have also been ordered to conduct additional soil sampling, develop plans to remove contaminants and assess the risks to human health.
As for the developed residential area, the government said it is not aware of any immediate health risks to residents. Nonetheless, “precautionary” testing of the community has been ordered, and the province vowed to take “further action” if unsafe chemical levels are found.
In its letter, Cherokee suggests the province has created unwarranted concern about health risks, since the inhabited lands were tested and remediated in a “thorough, comprehensive and accurate” manner.
“The development of the community would not have proceeded without the necessary approvals from the Government of Alberta and City of Edmonton,” the company wrote.
Cherokee’s package also includes a Q&A document that attempts to answer common concerns raised by residents, including whether the controversy might affect their property values.
“That is a very good question,” the company wrote, adding it was difficult to know what the damage might be.
The company noted it has been involved in a lengthy dispute with the government, particularly over orders issued in 2016 that are still awaiting a hearing in front of the Environmental Appeals Board.
The firm also previously initiated a judicial review and lawsuit against the province, neither of which has been resolved.
Much of the dispute has focused on the berm, portions of which were constructed with a core of contaminated soil taken from the Domtar lands. While the company has said the structure is safe, Alberta Environment maintains it never gave approval for the berm and has expressed concerns about substances leaching out.
Cherokee officials were expected to decide this week whether to appeal the latest orders.
TIMELINE: LENGTHY WRANGLING OVER FORMER DOMTAR SITE HAS BEEN INCREASINGLY NASTY (Source: Edmonton Journal) Property owners in Edmonton’s Homesteader community were likely startled last week by letters from Alberta Environment announcing enforcement action on lands that formerly housed a wood treatment plant.
What they may not know is that the government’s move is just the latest development in an increasingly nasty, multi-year legal fight involving lawsuits and counterclaims, enforcement orders, judicial reviews and environmental appeals — none of which has yet been resolved.
Recent years have seen accusations fly of negligence, bad faith communications and hypocrisy that have put the future development of the site in doubt. While the government claims it is protecting the health and safety of Albertans from a recalcitrant developer, the main target of the enforcement has accused the province of unfair, inconsistent and punitive treatment.
In the middle are homeowners, left to wonder if they truly face any health risks, if the controversy might derail further development of the community, and if the dispute will ever end.
1924 to 1987: A wood preservative plant owned by Domtar Inc. operated on the lands. Creosote, pentachlorophenol and other toxic chemicals were used to treat railroad ties, poles, posts and lumber.
1987 to 2008: The plant is decommissioned, and Domtar conducts partial remediation work, including extensive testing. Nonetheless, residual effects of industrial activity remain in the ground, including creosote, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, dioxins and furans.
2008: Cherokee Canada Inc., a Toronto-based firm that specializes in redeveloping brownfield sites, takes an interest in the property.
2009: Cherokee prepares a remedial action plan that envisions a future 1,200-unit development, as well as the construction of a dirt berm about one kilometre long to separate the houses from the CN Rail line to the south. The plan calls for the core of the berm to be partially constructed with contaminated soil from the Domtar site, then covered with clean soil. The company claims the structure should contain the contamination and allow for natural remediation over decades.
March 2010: Cherokee buys the site from Domtar for $1.8 million. The company claims it made the purchase based on the government’s acceptance of its remediation plan.
2011: Cherokee submits an “updated” remedial action plan, which continues to call for the use of contaminated soil on portions of the site. Again, the company says the plan was accepted by Alberta Environment. The province denies it ever gave approval.
2011-2013: Cherokee begins remediation efforts on the site, and starts construction of the berm.
April 2013: Cherokee prepares a risk assessment for the portion of the berm that contains contaminated soil. It concludes the structure should not lead to any adverse health or environmental outcomes. The government disputes this account.
July 9, 2013: Alberta Environment approves a remediation certificate for Parcel C — the western portion of the old Domtar property — which allowed housing development to begin. Wood treating chemicals were reportedly not handled on this portion of the site; it was instead used to store treated and untreated wood.
In issuing the certificate, the government notes the application is “atypical” because the remediation process used was “natural attenuation” instead of removal of the contaminated soil. Nonetheless, the government issued the certificate after reviewing testing data indicating the soil and groundwater met standards for residential land use.
2013-2014: Work continues on the berm and other portions of the site in accordance with the updated remediation plan, Cherokee says. The company claims the government never raised objections to the berm throughout this period, though the province says it did, in fact, send a letter of warning not to proceed in November 2013.
April and May 2014: Limited testing conducted while the berm is under construction finds some evidence of hazardous substances exceeding provincial guidelines, Alberta Environment says.
October 2014: Alberta Environment says it learns of the berm’s construction, which is nearly complete. The company says the province knew about the project all along and even had representatives on-site from time to time.
April 2015: Cherokee says Alberta Environment appointed a new representative to the project, who suddenly demanded more comprehensive sampling of the berm. The company resisted, arguing it saw no scientific need — in part because more than 800 soil samples had already been analyzed between 2010 and 2015. The government
claims it repeated its request for comprehensive berm testing on four more occasions over the next year, but never received agreement.
May 2015: The NDP is elected to power in Alberta.
November 2015: Cherokee says it is informed by the regional compliance manager that the berm is unauthorized. The company says several attempts to meet with compliance staff to resolve the issue and the demand for additional sampling were ignored. This later becomes the subject of a judicial review process, which has yet to be resolved.
July 2016: Alberta Environment conducts its own sampling of the berm. The department says there is evidence of naphthalene in most of the samples, and that the substance is not contained.
Dec. 1, 2016: Cherokee sues for $126 million, claiming Alberta Environment acted in bad faith by “recklessly” changing its position on the remediation plan after the company had already spent considerable money.
Dec. 16, 2016: Alberta Environment slaps Cherokee with an enforcement order demanding a new sampling plan for the berm in Parcel Y, along with adjacent areas to determine if any hazardous substances had migrated. The order also mandates a tight schedule over the following months to complete the sampling, create a remedial action plan, and conduct remediation.
Dec. 20, 2016: Alberta Environment issues an environmental protection order against both Cherokee and Domtar, requiring extensive sampling and remediation of two other parcels. These are Parcel X, a strip of land running alongside the rail line to the west of the main Domtar site; and the Greenbelt, a city-owned strip running along the rail line to the immediate east of the Domtar site. Both parcels border the backyards of homes.
The timing of the order is curious, as the concerns cited by the province seem to stem from environmental reports conducted in the 1990s. In the case of Parcel X, those reports found much of it had been used as a Domtar landfill
that contained an estimated 2,200 cubic metres of waste water sludge, chemical preserving solution, wood and industrial waste — all of which was covered over with soil. In 1998, creosote was observed “oozing” from the ground.
In the case of the Greenbelt, the land contained a ditch and two “ponds” that collected waste water from Domtar operations. A report from 1993 suggested the plant generated an average of 9,100 litres of waste water per day over the 63 years it was in operation. Though Domtar did conduct remedial excavations of the area in the mid 1990s, reports from the time suggested some contamination remained.
January 2017: Cherokee challenges both orders, which are put on hold by the Environmental Appeals Board pending a hearing.
Jan. 25, 2017: The province files a statement of defence to Cherokee’s lawsuit claiming that if any misrepresentation occurred, it was due to poor communication and negligence by third-party consultants Cherokee hired to provide strategic advice on the project.
The province says it accepted the company’s 2009 remedial action strategy “in principle,” but was also clear that more detailed plans would be required. Alberta Environment never issued a written approval of 2011’s updated plan or gave consent to proceed with the berm, the government said in its defence.
“Chemicals characterized as hazardous waste could have been sent off site for disposal and should not have been used as construction materials for the berm,” the statement of defence says.
As well, the province argues that construction proceeded before a development permit from the City of Edmonton was issued, and then contravened the permit (when it was later issued) by including liquid creosote in the berm. Cherokee denies the presence of creosote in the berm.
Allegations made in statements of claim and defence have not been proven in court.
March 29, 2017: The third-party consultants hired by Cherokee file their own statement of defence denying any negligence.
2017-18: Dozens of houses continue to be built and occupied in Parcel C.
February 2018: Legal action is discontinued against most of the third-party defendants in the lawsuit.
March 16, 2018: Alberta Health Services issues public health orders against Cherokee, while Alberta Environment announces new enforcement orders against both Cherokee and Domtar. The orders require fencing and warning signs to be placed around the entire berm, the Greenbelt, Parcel X and Parcel Y within 30 days, while the companies are also required to conduct additional soil sampling, develop plans to remove contaminants and assess the risks to human health.
In a letter delivered to homeowners in the area, the province says the actions are based on recent testing of these uninhabited sections, areas of which were found to have unacceptable levels of substances such as Benzene, Naphthalene, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, dioxins and furans, lead and thallium.
As well, the province says it is ordering “precautionary” testing of the residential lands in Parcel C, and will take unspecified “further action” if unsafe chemical levels are found.
March 21, 2018: Cherokee distributes its own letter to homeowners, telling them their properties are safe and expressing confusion about the government’s action. The company says the province has long known about the presence of contamination in the uninhabited sections, and has also known some areas — particularly Parcel Y — are scheduled for further remediation.
April to June 2018: The appeals board has indicated a hearing on the 2016 orders issued by Alberta Environment could proceed later this spring, Cherokee says.
BC: WASTE DISCHARGE FEE INCREASES WILL STRENGTHEN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION For the first time in more than a decade, waste discharge fees and annual fees paid for by industry and local government will be increased to fund improved environmental protection in B.C., as well as to provide better service.
Effective April 1, 2018, the following fees under the Environmental Management Act (EMA) will increase, for the first time since 2006:
Waste discharge permit application and amendment fees, and
Annual fees for air, effluent, refuse and storage permits.
Additional revenues generated will go towards hiring additional compliance and enforcement staff, and mirror the cost of living since the last fee increase.
“Every dollar of the increased revenue will be reinvested to ensure we are improving services for companies and local governments, while we enhance environmental protection,” said George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy. “We believe the new fee structure is fair for sectors that have been paying the same rates for a very long time.”
The increased fees are expected to generate approximately $2.7 million in revenue annually. The additional revenue will improve services and environmental protection by increasing inspection capacity and other compliance and enforcement activities. The fees will also help to speed up the processing of permit applications.
For more information on EMA fees, including the updated amounts, please visit: http://ow.ly/BY2S30j2sWP
PLASTIC PATCH IN PACIFIC OCEAN GROWING RAPIDLY, STUDY SHOWS (Source: BBC News) A collection of plastic afloat in the Pacific Ocean is growing rapidly, according to a new scientific estimate.
Predictions suggest a build-up of about 80,000 tonnes of plastic in the "Great Pacific Garbage Patch" between California and Hawaii.
This figure is up to sixteen times higher than previously reported, say international researchers.
One trawl in the centre of the patch had the highest concentration of plastic ever recorded.
"Plastic concentration is increasing - I think the situation is getting worse," said Laurent Lebreton of The Ocean Cleanup Foundation in Delft, Netherlands, which led the study.
"This really highlights the urgency to take action in stopping the in-flow of plastic into the ocean and also taking measures to clean up the existing mess."
Waste accumulates in five ocean areas, the largest being the patch located between Hawaii and California.
The researchers used boats and planes to map this area of the North Pacific, where rotating currents and winds cause marine debris, including plastic, seaweed and plankton, to converge.
The three-year mapping effort showed that plastic pollution is "increasing exponentially and at a faster rate than in the surrounding water", said the international team.
Microplastics accounted for 8% of the total mass of plastic afloat within an area of 1.6 million square km.
Of the estimated 1.8 trillions bits of plastic, some were larger than microplastics, including fishing nets, toys, and even a toilet seat.
Erik van Sebille of Utrecht University in the Netherlands, who is not connected with the study, said the amount of plastic discovered was "staggering".
"While their estimates come with large uncertainty ranges, they do report a staggering amount of plastic," he said.
"And they also discovered that the Garbage Patch is moving around much more than anyone expected."
Image copyright Ocean Cleanup Foundation Image caption Modelled mass concentration of plastic in the area
The use of aerial surveys as well as boats could partly explain why the new estimates are higher than in the past.
However, the differences could also be down to increasing levels of plastic pollution in the time since the previous studies were carried out.
Plastic washed out to sea following the 2011 Japan earthquake and tsunami could account for as much as 20% of plastic accumulating in recent years, the research, published in Scientific Reports, suggests.
What the study found
Plastics made up 99.9% of all debris in this part of the ocean
At least 46% of plastic consisted of fishing nets, and over three quarters of the plastic was debris larger than 5cm, including hard plastics, plastic sheets and film
Although most large items had broken down into fragments, the researchers were able to identify a small number of objects, including containers, bottles, lids, packaging straps, ropes, and fishing nets
Fifty items in the sample had a readable production date: one from 1977, seven from the 1980s, 17 from the 1990s, 24 from the 2000s and one from 2010
Only certain types of debris that were thick enough to float stayed and accumulated in this zone, such as the common plastics polyethylene and polypropylene, which are used in packaging.
Source: Scientific Reports
Every year, millions of tonnes of plastic enter the ocean. Some drifts into large systems of circulating ocean currents, known as gyres. Once trapped in a gyre, the plastic will break down into microplastics, which may be ingested by sea life.
The message of the study is clear, said Laurent Lebreton.
"It goes back to how we use plastic," he said.
"We're not going to get away from plastic - in my opinion it's very useful, in medicine, transportation and construction, but I think we must divert the way we use plastic, particularly in terms of single-use plastic and those objects that have a very short service lifespan."
ESAA Member News
STANTEC ACQUIRES NORWEST CORPORATION Alberta-based, global engineering and design firm Stantec has signed a Letter of Intent to acquire Norwest Corporation (Norwest). With the addition of Norwest, Stantec’s Energy & Resources business operating unit will add a strong mining practice to the company’s portfolio in western Canada.
Norwest, a 140 person energy and resources firm headquartered in Calgary, Alberta (Canada), has offices in Vancouver, British Columbia (Canada); Denver and Trinidad, Colorado (USA); Salt Lake City, Utah (USA); and Charleston, West Virginia (USA).
“We are excited to welcome Norwest to our Energy & Resources business at Stantec,” says President CEO, Gord Johnston. “We are seeing positive momentum in this sector after a number of challenging years. Both firms were able to effectively manage business during the economic downturn, and we are looking forward to expanding Stantec’s geotechnical, geological, and mining work for our Energy & Resources clients across western Canada and the western United States. Together, we will continue to work with our clients to find innovative, sustainable, and safe resource development opportunities.”
Norwest has been involved with western Canadian energy and mining projects for over 35 years. The firm has a long-standing involvement with resource assessment, and mine development in Alberta’s mineable oilsands working closely with clients from early development stages through to operations, and reclamation. Norwest’s capabilities span the full project lifecycle which includes drilling project management, oilsands geological deposit modeling, surface mine planning, hydrology, and geotechnical engineering. More recently, Norwest has shifted its focus to partnering with oilsands operators who require design and construction of compensation lakes, tailings dam design, and onsite geotechnical monitoring.
“Norwest employees are looking forward to joining Stantec and combining our talents to support our clients and communities,” says Steve Cameron, President of Norwest. “When we first explored becoming part of Stantec, it was clear that our professional work aligned, and our company’s values were very similar. We appreciate their continued commitment to our industry, and their desire to grow and diversify operations. We are confident that by joining Stantec our expertise, paired with Stantec’s resources, will provide a positive impact to both staff and clients.”
With the addition of Norwest to Stantec’s current Energy & Resources operations, the mining sector in western Canada will grow to over 100 employees. In the Vancouver market, Norwest’s presence has assisted in the redevelopment of the northeast British Columbia coal mining sector, and new metal mine development projects. In the US, Norwest has established itself as the leading coal mining consultant with expertise in resource and reserve assessments, mine planning, mineral processing, water management and permitting, and due diligence activities.
Norwest has successfully supported a number of international mining projects in eastern Europe, South America and China, drawing on its leadership in geology, mining engineering, and tailings management from its North American offices.
The Norwest acquisition is expected to close in 2Q18.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Bettering Environmental Stewardship & Technology
Conference (BEST 2018) – Program Announced
Early Bird Registration Ends March 26th
May 9-11, 2018 | Fairmont Chateau Whistler, BC
BCEIA MEMBERS $600
NON-MEMBERS $750
The British Columbia Environment Industry Association's BEST Conference attracts environmental professionals
every May for two days of technical sessions, networking opportunities, and a sponsor exhibition. Conference
registration includes a welcoming reception, technical sessions, keynote presentations, an off-site networking
reception, and all meals and coffee breaks.
For more details or to register, visit: bceia.com/best/
WEBINAR: PERSPECTIVES ON CLIMATE CHANGE ACTION IN CANADA: A COLLABORATIVE REPORT
FROM AUDITORS GENERAL On behalf of the auditors general of most provinces as well as the Auditor General of Canada, the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development, Julie Gelfand, will be presenting a collaborative report titled “Perspectives on Climate Change Action in Canada: A Collaborative Report from Auditors General” for tabling in the House of Commons on Tuesday, 27 March 2018.
The Report will be made available on the Office of the Auditor General of Canada website immediately following tabling, at around 10:00 am (ET).
You are invited to participate in a webinar discussion on this collaborative report on 27 March 2018, at 1:30 p.m. (ET). The webinar is an opportunity to ask questions to the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development, Julie Gelfand, the Auditor General of Nova Scotia, Michael Pickup, the Auditor General of British Columbia, Carol Bellringer, and Glenn Wheeler, Audit Principal of the Office of the Auditor General of Canada who will be addressing the audits conducted in Canada’s three northern territories.
Please sign up for the webinar here.
DUCKS UNLIMIED CANADA SEMINAR - BOREAL WATER FUTURES Michael Waddington with McMaster University will be presenting on Boreal Water Futures on April 5th 2018.
The link to sign up for the webinar can be found here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/wetlands-bmp-knowledge-exchange-webinar-tickets-43857408690?aff=es2
These events are part of the Wetland Best Management Practices Knowledge Exchange.
The Knowledge Exchange provides a forum for sharing and exchanging boreal wetland BMP information with a network of industry, government, academic, consulting, not-for-profit, and other interested contacts from across the country. The Knowledge Exchange was developed to address a need for increased information transfer and collaboration that was identified by participants of the Wetlands Best Management Practices Workshop hosted by Ducks Unlimited Canada in January of 2016.
The Knowledge Exchange is supported and administered by Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) and membership is free and open to anyone who wishes to join, so please consider sharing this invitation with anyone you think might be interested in participating. You can subscribe to the Knowledge Exchange’s newsletter here to receive a monthly electronic newsletter covering wetland BMP events, studies, demonstrations, products, news, and other related information.
SUBSOIL SALINITY TOOL (SST) VERSION 3.0 UPCOMING COURSES
Full 3.5 day certification course: The Alberta Environment and Parks (AEP) Subsoil Salinity Tool (SST) Version 3.0 is a software tool used to generate Tier 2A and 2B Subsoil Remediation Guidelines (SRGs) for chloride, SAR and sodium. This 3.5 day course includes three days of instruction on theory and case studies, with the exam on the morning of the fourth day morning (four-hour comprehensive exam). Students achieving a passing mark (80%) will obtain AEP certification and a certificate number registered at AEP for submitting SST derived SRGs. This course is for SST Version 3.0 that supersedes Version 2.5.3, and includes both chloride and SAR aspects. Cost for the full certification course is $1200 + GST. All classes are offered in Calgary Location: Equilibrium Environmental, 3004 Ogden Road SE Dates: April 10 – 13, 2018 – This class is full
June 12 – 15, 2018 October 16 – 19, 2018
Update 1 day course (only for previously certified SST practitioners): The Alberta Environment and Parks (AEP) Subsoil Salinity Tool (SST) Version 3.0 is a software tool used to generate Tier 2A and 2B Subsoil Remediation Guidelines (SRGs) for chloride, SAR and sodium. This 1-day update course provides a description of key changes for chloride from the previous version (v2.5.3), and also describes the SAR and sodium guideline calculations introduced into this version. This course does not include an exam and will not provide SST certification. This course is for previously certified SST practitioners only. Cost for the update course is $400 + GST. All classes are offered in Calgary Location: Equilibrium Environmental, 3004 Ogden Road SE Dates: April 18, 2018
June 19, 2018 For further information, please email [email protected] or contact Equilibrium Environmental at 403-286-7706 or visit www.eqm.ca for future course dates and a copy of the registration forms.
Spring is in the air and what better time to jump into one of our courses to expand your professional portfolio! All of our Environmental Studies courses are available as ‘open studies’ with no prerequisites or program admission required. Our courses are recognized by a variety of organizations for professional and continuing education credits including:
AIA
APEGA
ASPB
CAPF
ASET
ECO Canada Want more information? Please contact us at: email - [email protected] Phone – 780.492.3158 (or) 780.492.5532 or our Website - uab.ca/erm SPRING 2018 courses Applied Hydrogeology in Alberta – EXERM 4291 (39 hours) April 6 – May 5
Thursday + Friday + Saturday and Friday + Saturday over two (2) weeks 8:30
– 4:30
https://www.ualberta.ca/extension/continuing-education/courses/EXERM-4291
Instructor: Morris Maccagno
uab.ca/erm
The course will introduce the practice of hydrogeology as generally applied in Alberta. Three areas of hydrogeology will be explored, with emphasis on conditions in Alberta. These areas include: (1) Hydrogeological Site Assessment, (2) Groundwater Resource Evaluation and Management, and (3) Groundwater Monitoring. Topics will include principles and practices of contaminated site assessment, regulatory considerations, conceptual models, environmental risk management, and groundwater remediation. Methods of characterizing regional baseline hydrogeology, groundwater resource quantity and quality, and groundwater vulnerability will be covered, along with discussion of issues such as groundwater modelling, watershed management, groundwater-surface water interaction, and implications of climate change. Also considered will be the key elements of designing an effective groundwater monitoring program both on a local and a regional scale.
Classification & Mapping of Soils (39 hours) May 14 – 18 Monday to Friday 8:00 – 5:00 https://www.ualberta.ca/extension/continuing-education/courses/EXERM-4297 Instructor: Dr. Konstantin Dlusskiy
Introduction to classification and mapping of soils with emphasis on soil-forming processes; principles of the Canadian system of soil classification; soil profiles, diagnostic features, soil-forming factors and processes; kinds and distribution of soils in Canada; soil survey procedures, and utilization of existing spatial information to support soil mapping at a detailed scale. This course includes a mandatory field trip to collect data for mapping exercises. Prior knowledge of soil science is recommended.
Wetland Delineation, Classification and Assessment (39 hours) May 28 – June 1 OR Monday to Friday June 11 – 15 https://www.ualberta.ca/extension/continuing-education/courses/EXERM-4280 Instructor: Kristen Anderson 8:00 – 5:00
Through lecture, classroom and field exercises, students can expect to learn methods to identify wetlands and delineate their boundaries based on indicators of vegetation, soils, and hydrology, in addition to conducting desktop delineations through aerial photo interpretation. Other topics to be covered include wetland classification, impact and assess reports, and relative-value assessments. Prior knowledge of soils and vegetation is helpful, but not required. Two (2) mandatory field trips are included within this course.
Industry Positions Openings
For more information visit ESAA’s Job Board under the news section of HTUwww.esaa.org UTH
ENVIRONMENTAL Assessment, Remediation (Soil or
Groundwater) and Reclamation Specialists CALGARY & EDSON, ALBERTA
Term: Full-Time Number of Positions: 1 Application Deadline: April 30, 2018 Job Start Date: May 7, 2018 Job Location: Alberta
Earthmaster Environmental Strategies Inc. is focused on serving the upstream oil and gas and commercial-industrial sectors in Western Canada. We are a multi-disciplinary consulting firm offering an exceptional team-oriented working environment, a comprehensive compensation package and an opportunity for excellent career development and growth.
We are seeking a Junior and Intermediate level soil and/or groundwater assessment and remediation professional and a Junior professional wanting to specialize in disturbed site reclamation to work in our Calgary or Edson offices.
Applicants with agricultural, environmental and forestry backgrounds/degrees with field and office experience in the above noted disciplines will be an asset.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Manage site specific projects:
Develop work plans and associated budgets with supervisor
Co-ordinate, supervise and execute field work
Prepare technical reports
Responsible for on-site safety supervision and reporting
Work with land owners, clients and external contractors
Collaborate with staff located both in head office and satellite offices
Provide leadership in the activities you undertake
Maintain excellent client communications and service
Effectively track and adhere to project budgets
Participate in business development
Mentor junior staff as applicable QUALIFICATIONS:
University degree or technical diploma in a relevant discipline
Professional designation or eligibility for a designation such as RPF, P.Eng., P.Geol., P.Ag., P.Chem, etc. are an asset
Minimum 1 year of field experience
Previous experience working for a consulting firm or related industry
Strong communication skills and excellent written and oral (English) skills
Well-developed interpersonal skills including problem solving, decision making and stress management
Reside in Edson, Calgary or surrounding areas
Willingness to be away from home base for extended periods of time
Valid driver’s license and clean drivers abstract
Desire to provide excellent client service and a commitment to project management excellence
How to Apply:
Please forward cover letter and resume to:
Earthmaster Environmental Strategies Inc. #200, 358 – 58 Avenue SW Calgary, AB T2H 2M5 Email: [email protected] Web: www.earthmaster.ca
Remediation Engineer/Scientist
Term: Full-Time Number of Positions: 2 Application Deadline: April 14, 2018 Job Location: Cochrane, AB
We are currently recruiting for a full time Remediation Engineer/Scientist to join in our western Canada team (head office in Cochrane, AB) and may also include support of
international operations in South Korea and China. Applications should be made to [email protected] or via fax 403.932.5016. Please send a detailed resume and cover letter.
Responsibilities include:
As a remediation engineer/scientist, lead in remedial planning, design, engineering of contaminated site remediation projects, related to in-situ and ex-situ physical, chemical and biological remediation projects.
Evaluate/Interpret environmental site assessment data/reports and develop remediation strategies and design remedial system and equipment.
Define project scope and goals, develop proposals, plan and monitor project schedules and budgets, and project technical reports in collaboration with Project Directors and Project Coordinators.
Prepare and manage field supplies, equipment and third party sub-contractors.
Supervise or interpret fieldwork results at remediation sites to ensure project continuity, quality and general support necessary for completion of remediation projects.
Implement project quality management system including quality control, quality assurance and health and safety management.
The preferred candidate will possess the following skills and attributes:
Bachelor’s degree specializing in Engineering, Hydrogeology/Geology, Environmental/Remediation Science or a Technology Qualification appropriate to the work qualification.
Minimum of five (5) years of experience in environmental site assessment and engineered remediation projects, however, an applicant with less years of experience but having extensive experience in the engineered remediation area (e.g. chemical oxidation, vapour extraction, bio-remediation) would be considered. Experience with landfilling procedures will be considered however only with other treatment/technology experience.
Must be willing to travel to project sites in Canada and aboard as required by tasks for various assignments.
Strong interpersonal, communication and sound business judgment skills.
Corporate Information For more information please see our website at www.triuminc.com.
Application Details: Forward your resume and cover letter to: [email protected]
Project Director, China Projects
Term: Full-Time Number of Positions: 1 Application Deadline: April 14, 2018
We are currently recruiting for a full-time Project Director, China Region working in the International Venture and Science Group out of our head office in Cochrane, AB. Applications should be made to [email protected] or via fax 403.932.5016. Please send a detailed resume and cover letter.
Responsibilities include:
As a remediation project director, lead in activities that contribute to the management and execution of contaminated site remediation and/or consulting projects in China, related to site assessments, remedial investigation, remedial planning and in-situ and ex-situ physical, chemical and biological remediation projects.
Define project scope and goals, develop proposals, plan and monitor project schedules and budgets, control and manage projects and project technical reports in collaboration with local partners in China.
Liaise with project stakeholders on an ongoing basis and develop new opportunities with existing and new clients.
Supervise or interpret fieldwork results at remediation sites to ensure project continuity, quality and general support necessary for completion of remediation projects.
Implement project quality management system including quality control, quality assurance and health and safety management.
The preferred candidate will possess the following skills and attributes:
Minimum Bachelor’s degree specializing in Engineering, Hydrogeology/Geology, or Environmental/Remediation Science. Relevant postgraduate degree would be an asset.
Minimum of five (5) years of experience in environmental site assessment and engineered remediation projects using some of engineered remediation technologies in physical, chemical and/or biological processes. Experience with landfilling procedures will be considered however only with other treatment/technology experience.
Must be willing to travel aboard for various assignments and execution of project oversight.
Fluent in English and Chinese (Mandarin), strong interpersonal, communication and sound business judgment skills.
Corporate Information For more information please see our website at www.triuminc.com.
Application Details: Forward your resume and cover letter to: [email protected]
Junior or Intermediate Environmental Consultant
Term: Full-Time Application Deadline: April 13, 2018 Job Location: Sherwood Park, AB
North Shore Environmental Consultants Inc. is a progressive environmental company that specializes in providing environmental management and consulting services. Since our inception in 2002, North Shore has offered cost efficient and effective solutions to the complex environmental challenges faced by today’s industries. We offer our employees exceptional career development opportunities and an excellent team-oriented working environment.
North Shore is currently seeking a Junior or Intermediate Environmental Consultant for our Phase 1 ESA Team, based out of Sherwood Park, Alberta.
Key Responsibilities:
Completion of file reviews and preparation of a Phase 1 ESA report including: o Records review and information gathering o Aerial photograph review and interpretation o Interviews with landowners, stakeholders, regulatory officials, operations and occupants
Ensuring that project requirements are met in a timely and effective manner
Support other environmental service line projects, as required (ie. Detailed Site Assessments, Reclamation Certificate Applications)
Qualifications:
Technical Diploma or University Degree in environmental science or related discipline
Self-motivated and have a willingness to succeed within a team environment
Must be eligible for professional registration in Alberta
Understanding and knowledge of the Upstream Oil and Gas regulatory requirements in Alberta
The ability to make responsible decisions with the support and mentoring of senior staff
Highly organized and have the ability to prioritize multiple tasks
Advanced technical report writing skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
Strong time management skills and attention to detail
The ability to work independently or in a team setting
North Shore Environmental Consultants Inc. supports a shared commitment to a Representative Workforce that is respectful and reflective of all staff and clients. North Shore strives to build diversity among our staff to increase our ability to provide high quality service to our diverse client base.
Please submit your resume via email to [email protected]. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those considered for an interview will be contacted. For more information about North Shore, please visit our website at www.northshoreenv.com.
This position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.