Alberta Announces Extension of Site Rehabilitation Program
Energy Minister Sonya Savage issued the following statement on updated timelines for the Site Rehabilitation Program:
“The Site Rehabilitation Program has been a resounding success for Alberta. More than $780 million in grant funding has already been allocated to more than 500 Alberta-based companies, creating more than 3,700 jobs for hard-working Albertans.
“More than 18,800 wells have been approved for abandonment work and more than 9,600 have been approved for reclamation. Up to $1 billion of federal oil and gas relief funding will ultimately help put Albertans to work by speeding up well, pipeline and site closure efforts in the energy sector.
“With more work to do, Alberta requested that the previous timelines be extended, and is pleased that the federal government granted an additional 45 days for the Site Rehabilitation Program. This will allow a little more time for the processing of applications received by March 31, and will provide a few extra weeks for companies to carry out clean-up work.
“The program is benefiting workers and families. It’s providing jobs and other economic benefits to Indigenous communities as well as capacity building, and environmental cleanup across the province. A recent report by the Office of the Auditor General also gave a positive review of the program, and I’ve heard from many operators, landowners and Albertans who’ve benefited from it.
“We will continue to work with the Industry Advisory Committee and Indigenous Roundtable to review the progress of the program with this extension. This program would not have been as successful without their feedback and support.
“I would also like to acknowledge the efforts of the licensees and the oilfield service workers. Their partnership helped keep workers employed during a downturn and ensured that Alberta would have the capacity in the province when the economy started to rebound. We will always stand up for the energy sector and the hard-working Albertans who work in it.”
New wildlife overpass improves highway safety
Alberta’s government is building a wildlife overpass crossing the Trans-Canada Highway in the Bow Valley area to reduce the risk of wildlife-vehicle collisions.
The wildlife crossing will be located east of Canmore near Lac Des Arcs and is the first wildlife overpass to be built outside of Banff National Park.
“This overpass will drastically reduce the chances of wildlife-vehicle collisions. The overpass will not only increase safety for the travelling public and wildlife, it will save thousands of dollars each year in property damage caused by collisions.”
“The wildlife overpass announced today will create a safe, natural route for wildlife crossing in the Bow Valley area, preserving their well-being and protecting the lives of Albertans as they travel Highway 1.”
“The proper coexistence of humans and wildlife is integral to life in the Bow Valley. This overpass, the first of its kind outside a national park in Alberta, will help keep all visitors, commuters and wildlife that travel the Trans-Canada Highway safe on their journey.”
Construction of the wildlife crossing has begun and is expected to be complete by fall 2023. The project will create 102 jobs. The overpass includes 12 kilometres of wildlife fencing along the highway to help guide wildlife toward safe crossing points.
“The Bow Valley Gap overpass is one huge step closer to being used by elk, bears and other wildlife. We’re thrilled to see overpasses added to the provincial tool kit, and to see this overpass added to the network of collision mitigations that help make wildlife and people safer and better connected in the Bow Valley. We extend our congratulations to Alberta Transportation on today’s groundbreaking.”
“First, we acknowledge and give thanks to the land which has and continues to sustain us. As we recognize the importance of relationships in reconciliation, we want to extend warm greetings to Minister of Transportation Rajan Sawhney on this important project. We also give thanks to our friends at PME EllisDon for their continued support. This project will bring forth new economic relationships that centre our values and strengths as Stoney Nakoda people and we are excited to continue working together. Ishniyes.”
“I appreciate that Alberta Transportation has heard the concerns of wildlife experts, local environment groups, and residents and visitors of the Bow Valley. This wildlife overpass will provide vital infrastructure that further protects this environmentally sensitive area, ensures a thriving and reconnected wildlife habitat and increases vehicle safety for everyone on the Trans-Canada Highway.”
“We are extremely pleased to learn of the new wildlife overpass to be constructed just east of Lac Des Arcs. This overpass is another important step to protecting wildlife in the Bow Corridor, serving as an important connection for wildlife across an increasingly busy Trans-Canada Highway.”
Quick facts
- The estimated cost of the project is $17.5 million.
- The project will support 102 direct and indirect jobs.
- About 30,000 vehicles travel this stretch of the Trans-Canada Highway every day.
- There are an average of 69 vehicle-wildlife collisions annually on the Trans-Canada Highway between Banff National Park and Highway 40.
Influence strategies driving equity and inclusion across Canada’s environmental sector
ECO Canada’s 2022 HR Series survey is live, and they are looking for environmental employers and workers to share their knowledge on key trends impacting workforce diversity and compensation for the sector.
While progress has been made to cultivate a diverse workforce, organizations still have a way to go in building an adequate supply of qualified environmental workers and filling the 173,000 net environmental job openings anticipated through 2025. Your insights influence strategic workforce solutions to overcome hiring challenges in today’s competitive labour market.
To thank you for your contribution, you will receive ECO Canada’s Salary and Hiring Insights report and a chance to win 1 of 10 Visa gift cards.
Working with Newfoundland and Labrador to halt biodiversity loss
Conserving and restoring nature is vital to help combat climate change; protect biodiversity and species at risk; and maintain a strong, sustainable economy. Biodiversity, globally and in Canada, is declining at a rate unprecedented in human history. We all depend on nature to supply us with food, clean water, breathable air, and a livable climate.
Today, Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador have committed to accelerate the creation of new protected areas in the province. In recognition of the importance of biodiversity and nature conservation efforts that can support broader environmental goals and climate change resiliency, the two governments agreed to work together to:
- Establish Eagle River Watershed protected area, in consultation with Indigenous communities, by 2025;
- Negotiate a memorandum of understanding by the end of 2022 to assess the feasibility of a South Coast Fjords national marine conservation area and consider an adjacent national park in the Burgeo region; and
- Agree to advance marine conservation opportunities on the Labrador Coast in partnership with Labrador Indigenous communities.
The two governments also agreed to investigate the identification of additional national marine conservation areas, national wildlife areas, national parks, and Fisheries and Oceans–led marine conservation areas in Newfoundland and Labrador. This work builds upon the collaborative efforts between the governments and the legacy and benefits that the four existing national parks bring to the provincial economy. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is supportive of these important efforts to increase protected areas and decrease biodiversity loss.
Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador also agreed to advance negotiations on a Nature Agreement that will focus on advancing a number of nature-related issues, including habitat protection for species at risk and migratory birds.
The Government of Canada has made significant investments to support nature and nature-based climate solutions. This includes committing to protect 25 percent of lands and oceans by 2025 while working towards 30 percent by 2030. These investments will help to decrease the country’s overall net greenhouse gas emissions to help Canada meet its 2030 Paris Agreement and 2050 net‑zero targets. In 2019, the Government of Canada also announced a new protection standard for new federal marine protected areas in which oil and gas exploration and exploitation, mining, dumping, and bottom trawling will be prohibited.
By working together, climate change can be tackled and biodiversity loss halted. The future depends on taking action now.
Two British Columbia mushroom farms fined a total of $650,000 for Fisheries Act offences
Strong and effective enforcement of Canada’s environmental and wildlife protection laws is one of the concrete ways we are delivering on our commitment to provide clean air and water, and conserve wildlife species and their habitat.
On April 4, 2022, in the Provincial Court of British Columbia at Abbotsford, Delfresh Mushroom Farm Ltd. was ordered to pay a total fine of $265,000 and H.Q. Mushroom Farm Ltd. was ordered to pay a total fine of $385,000. These fines come after the companies, both having the same owner, entered guilty pleas on November 22, 2021, for two violations each of the pollution prevention provisions of the Fisheries Act. The offences relate to deposits of deleterious substances by each of the farms in waters frequented by fish, thereby contravening subsection 36(3) of the Act.
In addition to the monetary penalty, the court ordered Delfresh Mushroom Farm Ltd. to provide a report to Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) itemizing the steps it has taken to prevent deleterious deposits from entering waters frequented by fish.
The fines will be directed to the Government of Canada’s Environmental Damages Fund. As a result of this conviction, the company names will be added to the Environmental Offenders Registry.
Environment and Climate Change Canada has created a free subscription service to help Canadians stay informed of what the Government of Canada is doing to protect our natural environment.
H.Q. Mushroom Farm Ltd.
In October 2015, ECCC environmental enforcement officers inspected H.Q. Mushroom Farm Ltd.’s farm. The officers found that effluent from the farm was entering waters frequented by fish and collected samples for analysis. The results of the analysis indicated that the effluent deposited was a deleterious substance and acutely lethal to fish.
Officers issued a Fisheries Act direction, which required H.Q. Mushroom Farm Ltd. to stop the deleterious deposits and to develop and implement a plan to prevent further deleterious deposits from entering waters frequented by fish.
In April 2016, officers returned to the farm to observe the steps taken and to collect effluent samples. Again, laboratory analysis indicated that the effluent being deposited into waters frequented by fish was acutely lethal to fish.
On September 23, 2020, charges were laid under 36(3) of the Fisheries Act.
Delfresh Mushroom Farm Ltd.
In August 2018, officers conducted an onsite Fisheries Act inspection of Delfresh Mushroom Farm Ltd. and collected samples from where the farm deposited effluent in waters frequented by fish. An analysis determined the effluent was deleterious and acutely lethal to fish.
Officers subsequently issued a Fisheries Act direction requiring that Delfresh Mushroom Farm Ltd. stop the deleterious deposit, and develop and implement a plan to prevent further deleterious deposits from entering waters frequented by fish.
In November 2018, officers returned to the farm for a follow-up inspection and observed brown effluent being deposited in a creek. Laboratory analysis of samples taken from the farm at this time confirmed the effluent was deleterious. The officers issued a second direction under the Fisheries Act.
On September 23, 2020, charges were laid under 36(3) of the Fisheries Act.
Bay du Nord project subject to environmental conditions
Yesterday, a Decision Statement to this effect was issued under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 (CEAA 2012).
“The federal government concurs with the recommendation of the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada. As a result, the Bay du Nord Development Project may proceed, subject to some of the strongest environmental conditions ever, including the historic requirement for an oil and gas project to reach net-zero emissions by 2050,” said Guilbeault.
“The project has undergone a robust federal environmental assessment and scrutiny through every part of Canada’s legislated review process. As the demand for oil and gas falls throughout the coming decades, it will be more important than ever that Canadian projects are running at the best-in-class, low-emissions performance to play a competitive role.”
The decision statement sets out 137 legally-binding conditions that the Norwegian company Equinor (the proponent) must comply with throughout the life of the project, which is approximately 500 kilometres east of St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. These conditions include requirements to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) and measures to protect fish and fish habitat, migratory birds, species at risk, air quality, human health and Indigenous peoples’ use of resources. For the first time ever, the decision statement has also been issued requiring the proponent to achieve net-zero GHG emissions by 2050.
In addition to reaching net-zero emissions by 2050, Equinor is also legally-required to consider best available and new technologies to allow for the adaptive management of GHGs, as well as incorporate measures to reduce GHG emissions in the design of the project. The proponent will be responsible for reporting to Environment and Climate Change Canada and to the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board (C-NLOPB) on how these measures will be incorporated into the final project design.
At five times less emissions intensive than the average Canadian oil and gas project, and ten times less than the average project in the oil sands, the federal government cites the Bay du Nord development project as an example of how Canada can chart a path forward on producing energy at the lowest possible emissions intensity while looking to a net-zero future.
The project fits within the federal government’s plan to reach an overall 40 per cent reduction in emissions compared to 2005 levels by 2030, as laid out in the Emissions Reduction Plan. It also fits within a projected sectoral emissions reduction contribution of a little over 30 per cent from 2005 levels from the oil and gas sector, as the government moves forward on capping and cutting oil and gas sector emissions.
As per the Impact Assessment Act, the C-NLOPB will be responsible for enforcing the conditions in the decision statement. Failure by the proponent to comply with these conditions is a violation of federal law.
Going forward, Equinor can now proceed with obtaining any other necessary authorizations and permits from federal departments as well as the C-NLOPB.
This decision statement comes after Government of Canada and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador announced an intent to expand the mandate of the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador offshore energy regime to include the development of renewable energy such as offshore wind and clean hydrogen.
However, some environmental groups are criticizing the federal government’s support for the project.
Équiterre, a Quebec-based environmental advocacy organization, “strongly denounces” the federal government’s decision to approve the Bay du Nord oil project off the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador. The organization states that it’s an irresponsible and incoherent decision locks Canada’s energy future into dependence on fossil fuels and should be put in the same category as the TransMountain pipeline purchase in 2018.
“So called ‘green’ or ‘clean’ oil is a figment of the imagination: it simply does not exist. Oil is oil: it will have impacts however way it is produced and wherever it is burned,” says Émile Boisseau-Bouvier, Équiterre’s climate policy analyst.
Suncor shifts focus to hydrogen and renewable fuel over wind and solar
In a news release Monday, the Calgary-based company says it still intends to be net-zero emissions by 2050, but will accelerate progress towards that target by focusing on hydrogen and renewable fuels instead.
Suncor says its strategy for hitting the 2050 goal is also focused on increasing shareholder returns.
The company says it has developed eight wind power projects since 2002 in three provinces — Saskatchewan, Alberta and Ontario.
The news release says efforts to hit the 2050 net-zero goal also include replacing coke-fired boilers at its Base Plant oilsands project near Fort McMurray, Alta., with lower emission cogeneration units, as well as accelerating commercial-scale deployment of carbon capture technology.
It also notes it’s partnering with ATCO on a project to build a world-scale hydrogen project in Alberta and deploying next-generation renewable fuel technologies like LanzaJet’s sustainable aviation fuel technology and Enerkem’s waste-to-fuels technology.
Seeking comments on the Discussion Document on the Review of the Definitions of Hazardous Waste and Hazardous Recyclable Materials under the Cross-Border Movement of Hazardous Waste and Hazardous Recyclable Materials Regulations
On April 6, 2022, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) released a discussion document on the Review of the Definitions of Hazardous Waste and Hazardous Recyclable Materials under the Cross-Border Movement of Hazardous Waste and Hazardous Recyclable Materials Regulations (the discussion document). This publication initiates a 45-day public consultation period during which stakeholders, interested parties and Indigenous groups may submit comments to ECCC.
The discussion document can be found on here: https://canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/managing-reducing-waste/consultations/definitions-regulations-cross-border-movement.html.
The Cross-Border Movement of Hazardous Waste and Hazardous Recyclable Materials Regulations (XBR), which came into force on October 31, 2021, can be found on the Government of Canada’s website at the following address: CEPA Registry – Canada.ca.
ECCC invites you to review the discussion document and provide your comments, no later than Monday May 23, 2022, to the following email address. While the focus of the discussion document targets the definitions of HW and HRM, we also welcome other comments related to the XBR.
Please type “Discussion document comments – XBR: Review of the definitions” in the subject line of your message.
Please note that ECCC recently initiated a consultation on proposed amendments to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal (the Basel Convention). Amendments to the Basel Convention, if adopted, and if accepted by Canada, could impact the XBR as these regulations contribute to Canada’s ability to meet its obligations under international agreements, such as the Basel Convention.
New ESAA Members
ESAA welcomes the following new members. If you are not a member of ESAA you can join now via: https://esaa.org/join-esaa/
Associate Member:
Alberta Society of Professional Biologists (ASPB)
370, 105-12 Avenue SE
Calgary, AB T2G 1A1
Phone: (587) 329-3764
Beki Syner, Operation Manager
[email protected]
Profile:
The Alberta Society of Professional Biologists (ASPB) is a professional society mandated to regulate the professional practice of biology in the Province of Alberta to protect the interest of the public, through setting high standards of professional competence and ethics in our membership. The ASPB represents biologists in government, industry, consulting, education, not-for-profit and enforcement, and provides a common ground for professional biologists in all practice areas to exchange views on matters of mutual interest. www.aspb.ab.ca
Full Member:
Hydrovac Waste Solutions Ltd.
#202, 17930 – 105 Avenue
Edmonton, AB T5S 2H5
Renee White
rwhite@hydrovacwastesolutions.
Profile:
Hydrovac Waste Solutions Ltd. is an expanding Alberta-based waste company. A management team with a background in environmental waste management, remediation, oil processing, and centrifuge technology allows for incorporating many lessons into the most advanced processes available, with the ability to custom design and manufacture processes to treat a wide range of waste streams for industries such as Oil & Gas, Mining, Industrial, Municipal, and Construction. We are a company with a vision to optimize the re-use and recycling of the solids and water material we handle.
Upcoming Events
EnviroTech 2022 EnviroTech 2022 Register Now and Receive a RemTech DiscountFor the next week, register for EnviroTech and you will receive a special discount code for $125 off your early bird RemTech registration. Register NowFrequently Asked Questions When will I receive the discount code? Codes will be send out via e-mail about 1 week after registering. By supporting EnviroTech, you are supporting ESAA which allows ESAA to continue to provide world class events, networking opportunities and valuable member services. Thank you for your support! The EnviroTech 2022 Program features:
Full program details at: esaa.org/envirotech/agenda/ Full conference passes, students passes and individual day passes now available at: esaa.org/envirotech. We look forward welcoming you back to EnviroTech and thank you for your continued support of ESAA and our events.
|
RemTech East
June 1-3, 2022
Fallsview Casino and Resort
Niagara Falls, ON
Program Now Available
ESAA is pleased to announce that the Program for the inaugural RemTech East is now available. The program features 43 technical talks covering a number of topic areas. The program also features keynotes by: Nik Nanos of Nanos Research, Robert Swan of the 2041 Foundation and Simon Jackson of the Spirit Bear Youth Coalition. The conference also features 45 exhibits, numerous networking opportunnities and registration add-ons including a reception at Table Rock Restaurant and the Water’s Next Award Dinners.
Program details can be found at: https://esaa.org/remtecheast/
Early bird registration rates for RemTech East being held in conjunction with Canadian Water Summit, June 1-3, 2022 at the Fallsview Casino Resort in Niagara Falls end on April 1st.
In addition, registering for RemTech East will give you access to the Canadian Water Summit program at no extra charge. The Canadian Water Summit is being held on the same dates and in the same venue.
Full conference details at: https://esaa.org/remtecheast/
RemTech East Includes:
- 3 Keynotes
- Technical Sessions
- Full Access to the Canadian Water Summit
- Breakfast and Lunch each Day
- 1 Reception
- and much more
RemTech East Extras:
- Reception at Table Rock Restaurant and Behind the Falls Journey
- Water’s Next Awards Dinner – Celebrating Canadian Water Leaders and Champions
Registration Fine Print
- As the event is in Ontario, ESAA will be charging HST (13%) on a ll registration fees.
- Cancellation deadline is April 29, 2022. After April 29, 2022, no cancellations will be accepted and no refunds will be issued. After the cancellation deadline, passes can be transferred to another individual.
- Registration fee includes access to all keynotes, technical sessions, the Canadian Water Summit, networking reception in the exhibit area, 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches.
- Registration fees do not include taxes, hotel or travel. Reception at Table Rock and the Water’s Next Awards Dinner are registration add-ons for all participants.
- HST number R123692360
Sponsors / Exhibitors – A limited number of sponsorship opportunities remain. All exhibit space is currently sold out. For information on the remaining sponsorship email: [email protected]
ESAA looks forward to seeing you at the Falls!
BEST 2022 – Program Now Available – Early Bird Rates End April 4th
May 25 – 27, Fairmont Whistler
EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION ENDS APRIL 4th!
Join us for the eighth annual Bettering Environmental Stewardship & Technology (BEST) Conference!
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.
Register now! You don’t want to miss out on the “BEST” opportunity to network and learn about the current environment industry in BC.
The Abstract Selection team reviewed dozens of abstract submissions and have put together an outstanding program of technical presentations. Preview this year’s program at: bceia.com/best/#program-
ESAA Job Board
Check out the new improved ESAA Job Board. Members can post ads for free.
Current Listings:
- Reclamation Coordinator – Arletta Environmental Consulting
- Senior Technical & Reporting Lead – Arletta Environmental Consulting Corp.
- Contract Environmental Inspectors – Trace Associates Inc.
- Intermediate Environmental Scientist – Trace Associates Inc.
- Intermediate Reclamation Practitioner – Trace Associates Inc
- Junior Environmental Engineer – Trace Associates Inc
- Junior Environmental Scientist – Trace Associates Inc.
- Junior Geoscientist – Trace Associates Inc.
- Project Manager – Trace Associates Inc
- Word Processor/Document Administrator – Trace Associates Inc.
- Division Administrator – Trace Associates Inc.
- Project Technologist, Environmental Due Diligence & Remediation –Pinchin Ltd.
- Senior Technical Specialist – Summit, An Earth Services Company
- Project Manager – Summit, An Earth Services Company
- Administrative Support – SUMMIT, An Earth Services Company
- Project Manager (CISP) – SUMMIT, An Earth Services Company
- Intermediate Environmental Consultant – North Shore Environmental Consultants Inc.
- Environmental Engineers/Scientists/Technologists – Calgary, Alberta – Nichols Environmental (Canada) Ltd.
- Director of Operations – Alberta Recycling Management Authority
- Field Level Supervisor – Summit, An Earth Services Company
- Crew Truck Lead Hand – Summit, An Earth Services Company
- CADD/GIS Technologist (Environmental) – THINK Envirotechnical Services Inc.
- Remediation Specialist/ Supervisor – TRIUM Environmental Inc.
- Intermediate Environmental Engineer/Geoscientist – Dillon Consulting
- Intermediate/Senior Environmental Specialist (Grande Prairie) – SUMMIT, An Earth Services Company
- Environmental Compliance Administrator – SUMMIT, An Earth Services Company
- Project Manager – Nelson Environmental Remediation
- Environmental Technologist Consultant – SUMMIT, An Earth Services Company
- SENIOR HUMAN HEALTH AND ECOLOGICAL RISK ASSESSOR – Matrix Solutions Inc.
- SENIOR RECLAMATION SPECIALIST – Matrix Solutions Inc.
- Reclamation Specialist – TerraLogix Solutions Inc.
- Remediation Specialist – TerraLogix Solutions Inc.
- Environmental Project Manager – TerraLogix Solutions Inc
- Environmental Project Supervisor – Earthmaster Environmental Strategies Inc.
- Labourer (Brooks) –SUMMIT, An Earth Services Company
- Crew Truck Lead Hand (Brooks) – SUMMIT, An Earth Services Company
- Field Level Supervisor (Brooks) – SUMMIT, An Earth Services Company
- Environmental Specialist – City of Medicine Hat