ESAA Weekly News – Week ending September 2nd, 2022

 

ESAA Calendar: Sponsor a Month – 9 Remaining

Sponsor a page in the upcoming and first ESAA Calendar.  The 2023 calendar will feature13 photos from the ESAA Photo Contest.  By sponsoring a page you will get an ad for one of the months of the calendar. (12 available)   Ad size: 8″ x 1.75″
 
Cost of sponsoring is $750 + GST.  Calendars will be distributed at RemTech to attendees.  
 

20 calendars will be available for each sponsor to distribute as well.

 
 

Alberta Tier 1 and 2 Guidelines – 2022 Revised Edition

Alberta Environment and Parks has released the 2022 edition of the Alberta Tier 1 Soil and Groundwater Remediation Guidelines and the Alberta Tier 2 Soil and Groundwater Remediation Guidelines.

The updated guidelines are available here:   https://www.alberta.ca/part-one-soil-and-groundwater-remediation.aspx

Although the 2022 editions of the Alberta Tier 1 and Tier 2 guidelines may be used immediately, they formally come into effect on January 1, 2023. Alberta Environment and Parks and the Alberta Energy Regulator will continue to accept applications for reclamation certificates and remediation certificates that are compliant with the 2019 edition of the Alberta Tier 1 and Tier 2 guidelines, provided that laboratory analytical data reports from Phase 2 environmental site assessments or confirmatory sampling events are dated on or before January 1, 2023. Laboratory analytical data reports dated January 1, 2023 or later must be compliant with the 2022 edition of the Alberta Tier 1 and Tier 2 guidelines.

This revision includes updates to the text to remove redundancy and better harmonize with other guidance documents within the Contaminated Sites Management Framework. These include:

  • Contaminated Sites Policy Framework
  • Environmental Site Assessment Standard
  • Alberta Site Specific Risk Assessment Guide
  • Alberta Exposure Control Guide
  • Alberta Risk Management Plan Guide

Changes to the guidelines are documented in the attached files. 

Questions about the Tier 1 and 2 guidelines may be sent to: [email protected]

10-year review of Lower Athabasca Regional Plan

The Land Use Secretariat, on behalf of the government, has launched the Lower Athabasca Regional Plan 10-Year Review.

As part of this review process, feedback from Albertans, Indigenous communities and key stakeholders will help the Government of Alberta assess the ongoing relevancy and effectiveness of the existing plan in supporting the long-term vision for economic, social and environmental needs in the region. Public engagement will take place in the fall, beginning with the launch of a survey in mid-September. Further details about the 10-year review engagement process and timelines will be available on the Land-use Framework website.

Established in 2012, the Lower Athabasca Regional Plan sets the stage for growth, vibrant communities and a healthy environment within the region over the next 50 years.

The 10-year review is required under the Alberta Land Stewardship Act and will consider the ongoing relevance and effectiveness of the plan. The Lower Athabasca Regional Plan remains in effect. It continues to be implemented and provide strategic direction for the region.

The government will consider lessons learned in implementing the existing regional plans, their five-year evaluations and feedback provided over the past 10 years as part of the review. The government has requested the Land Use Secretariat also consider the recommendations of the Review panel report 2015: Lower Athabasca Regional Plan, which resulted from a panel review process requested by Indigenous communities.

The Land Use Secretariat leads the process for developing and reviewing regional plans for government. A 10-year review does not amend, repeal or replace the regional plan. The 10-year review will result in a report from the Land Use Secretariat to the Stewardship Minister on the ongoing relevancy and effectiveness of the regional plan.

Quick facts

  • The Alberta Land Stewardship Act established seven land-use regions identified in the Land-use Framework (2008). The regions are the Upper Athabasca, Lower Athabasca, Upper Peace, Lower Peace, North Saskatchewan, South Saskatchewan and Red Deer.
  • Two regional plans are currently in place – the Lower Athabasca Regional Plan was established in 2012 and the South Saskatchewan Regional Plan was established in 2014 (and further amended in 2017 and 2018).
  • This is the first 10-year review of a regional plan to be conducted under the Alberta Land Stewardship Act.
  • The Land Use Secretariat was created under the Alberta Land Stewardship Act to be separate from government departments to:
    • Prepare or direct the preparation of regional plans for cabinet’s consideration.
    • Facilitate and encourage cooperation among government departments and agencies.
    • Periodically report on the process of a regional plan.
    • Evaluate the objectives and audit the policies of a regional plan at least once every five years.
    • Conduct a review of a regional plan for ongoing relevancy and effectiveness at least once every 10 years.
  • The Stewardship Minister is designated under the Government Organization Act as the minister responsible for the Alberta Land Stewardship Act. The act specifies the duties and responsibilities of the Stewardship Minister.
  • Under the Designation and Transfer of Responsibility Regulation, the Minister of Environment and Parks is also designated the Stewardship Minister.

 

The Government of Canada supports Indigenous Guardians nature conservation with $30M fund

August 29, 2022 – Whitehorse, Yukon

Indigenous Peoples have been stewards of the natural environment since time immemorial. Canada is committed to working in partnership with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis in supporting Indigenous leadership, Traditional Knowledge, and Indigenous science in nature conservation to help ensure lands, waters, and ice are protected for generations to come.

Today, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, announced nearly $30 million in funding for more than eighty First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Guardians initiatives across the country. These initiatives to address the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss are taking place from coast to coast to coast, providing benefits for Indigenous communities, the natural environment, and species at risk, including boreal caribou.

Northern First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Guardians initiatives receiving funding include the following:

  • Carcross/Tagish First Nation Guardians to expand their capacity for deeper collaboration, monitoring, and management of wildlife and human activities in their traditional territory in southern Yukon and northern British Columbia
  • Inuvialuit Land Administration Guardians to develop and implement an Inuvialuit-led environmental monitoring program to support evidence-based decision-making, management, monitoring, and protection of the Inuvialuit settlement region, which includes Yukon and the Northwest Territories
  • Northwest Territory Métis Nation Guardians to build capacity and establish “eyes and ears” on the land to protect species and their habitats, to monitor and observe climate change and industrial-related impacts on their traditional homelands, and to facilitate opportunities for intergenerational knowledge transfer to youth

First Nations, Inuit, and Métis have always been stewards on their traditional lands, waters, and ice, monitoring ecological and climatic health, maintaining cultural sites, and protecting sensitive areas and species. Funding through Indigenous Guardians initiatives creates meaningful local employment and supports Indigenous leadership in conservation, providing a concrete example of reconciliation in action.

As countries from around the world travel to Montréal, Quebec, this December for the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity, Canada will continue to demonstrate a leadership role in biodiversity and nature conservation. Along with international partners, Canada is championing both the development of an ambitious post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework with clear targets and actions, as well as the important role Indigenous Knowledge plays in efforts to conserve and protect biodiversity and natural environments at home and around the world.


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/


Full Members:

Astute Environmental and Regulatory Inc.

Suite 450,  7220 Fisher Street SE
Calgary, AB T2H 2H8
Phone: (587) 284-3323

https://astuteenvironmental.com/

Zachary Cormier, Business Development Lead
zcormier@astuteenvironmental.com 

Profile:

Astute Environmental and Regulatory Inc. (Astute) is a Calgary-based environmental consulting group providing cost-effective and innovative environmental, regulatory, and ESG consulting services to oil and gas, commercial, and municipal clients in Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan.

With field offices in Edmonton and Grande Prairie and over 125 years of combined senior experience in the oil and gas industry, Astute has gained a strong reputation for our practical, efficient, and responsive solutions to all environmental and regulatory challenges faced by our clients.

Our diverse team consists of expert environmental practitioners with professional designations in Agrology (P.Ag.), Biology (P. Biol.), Geology (P.Geol.), and Project Management (PMP).

 

Clear-Site Solutions

204 Copperfield Hts. SE.
Calgary, AB T2Z 4R4
Phone: (403) 827-0550

https://www.clearsitesolutions.ca/

Brandon Smith, President
[email protected]


Profile:

The simple presence of a contaminant does not equate to a risk. We use proven, accepted processes and procedures to evaluate your liability, provide options to reduce (or eliminate) that liability and give you the truth, up front, about your return on investment for taking such action.

 

Remediation Technology News and Resource

(The following are selected items from the US EPA’s Tech Direct – http://clu-in.org/techdirect/)


 

Upcoming Live Internet Seminars

ITRC Characterization and Remediation of Fractured Rock – September 20, 2022, 1:00PM-3:15PM EDT (17:00-19:15 GMT). The
basis for this training course is the ITRC guidance: Characterization and Remediation of Fractured Rock. The purpose of this guidance is to dispel the belief that fractured rock sites are too complex to characterize and remediate. The physical, chemical and contaminant transport concepts in fractured rock have similarities to unconsolidated porous media, yet there are important differences. By participating in this training class, you should learn to use ITRC’s Fractured Rock Document to guide your decision making so you can: develop quality Conceptual Site Models (CSMs) for fractured rock sites, set realistic remedial objectives, select the best remedial options, monitor remedial progress and assess results, and value an interdisciplinary site team approach to bring collective expertise to improve decision making and to have confidence when going beyond containment and monitoring — to actually remediating fractured rock sites. For more information and to register, see https://www.itrcweb.org or https://clu-in.org/live.

ITRC Remediation Management of Complex Sites – September 22, 2022, 1:00PM-3:15PM EDT (17:00-19:15 GMT). This training course and associated ITRC guidance: Remediation Management of Complex Sites (RMCS-1, 2017), provide a recommended holistic process for management of challenging sites, termed “adaptive site management.” By participating in this training course we expect you will learn to apply the ITRC guidance document to: identify and integrate technical and nontechnical challenges into a holistic approach to remediation; use the Remediation Potential Assessment to identify
whether adaptive site management is warranted due to site complexity; understand and apply adaptive site management principles; develop a
long-term performance-based action plan; apply well-demonstrated techniques for effective stakeholder engagement; access additional resources, tools, and case studies most relevant for complex sites; and communicate the value of the guidance to regulators, practitioners, community members, and others. For more information and to register, see https://www.itrcweb.org or https://clu-in.org/live.

SERDP ESTCP Management of AFFF Impacts in Subsurface Environments and
Assessment of Novel and Commercially Available PFAS-Free Foams (Part 2)
– September 22, 2022, 12:00PM EDT (18:00 GMT). 
Join SERDP and ESTCP on Thursday, September 22 for a webinar featuring DoD-funded research efforts to remediate sites impacted by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and to identify aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) alternatives. First, Dr. Detlef Knappe (North Carolina State University) will discuss his research to enhance PFAS mineralization during thermal reactivation of granular activated carbon (GAC). Then, Dr. Braden Giordano (U.S. Naval Research Laboratory) will talk about the development of AFFF alternatives using polyethylene oxide-based polymers synthesized with reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT). For more information and to register, see https://www.serdp-estcp.org/webinars.

New Documents and Web Resources

Climate Adaptation Profile: Continental Steel Corp. EPA recently released a climate adaptation profile describing measures taken at the 183-acre Continental Steel Corp. Superfund site in Kokomo, Indiana. Remedial actions currently focus on extracting contaminated groundwater to be treated by the municipal wastewater treatment plant. The site is vulnerable to flooding and associated soil and sediment erosion; approximately half of the site is located within a 100-year floodplain associated with either of two onsite creeks. Measures to assure the remedy’s resilience to flooding involved weatherproofing the buildings and equipment used for groundwater extraction, using nature-based techniques to minimize stormwater runoff and associated erosion, and converting the site’s former quarry pond to a four-acre stormwater basin capable of storing 58,000 cubic yards of stormwater. Onsite measures also were taken to contribute to climate change mitigation. Operation of three grid-tied wind turbines in the former quarry area offset up to 60 percent of the grid electricity required for groundwater extraction. Additionally, a 20-year power purchase agreement now enables operation of a 7.2 megawatt solar energy farm above the site’s constructed soil cap. To view or download, please visit https://www.epa.gov/superfund/climate-adaptation-profile-continental-steel-corp.

Superfund Research Brief 332: Improving How Microbes Break Down PFAS. NIEHS Superfund Research Program (SRP) grantees demonstrated a method to break down per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) into smaller, non-toxic molecules. Led by Yujie Men, Ph.D., of the University of California, Riverside, the team also showed that some types of PFAS can be more easily degraded than others. PFAS are a group of more than 9,000 man-made chemicals used in a variety of industrial and consumer products. Known as forever chemicals, PFAS persist in the environment because they are made up of strong carbon-fluorine chemical bonds, which are difficult to break. View or download the brief at https://tools.niehs.nih.gov/srp/researchbriefs/view.cfm?Brief_ID=332.

Technology Innovation News Survey Corner. The Technology Innovation News Survey contains market/commercialization information; reports on demonstrations, feasibility studies and research; and other news relevant to the hazardous waste community interested in technology development. Recent issues, complete archives, and subscription information is available at https://clu-in.org/products/tins/. The following resources were included in recent issues:

      • Groundwater Pump and Treat System Optimization Report U.S. DOE NNSA Pantex Plant, Texas
      • Characterizing and Treating PFAS-Impacted Source Zones
      • A Review of Exit Strategies and Site Closeout Challenges at Navy Cleanup Sites

 

 

 Upcoming Events


 

RemTech 2022

October 12-14, 2022
Fairmont Banff Springs

Program Now Available

140 Delegate Passes Remaining

 
ESAA is pleased to announce that program for 21st edition of RemTech is now available.   The program will feature 80 talks on variety of topics including: 
  • Alberta Environment and Parks Updates
  • Alberta Energy Regulator Updates
  • Bioremediation
  • Business Growth and Support
  • Emerging Contaminants
  • Groundwater
  • Indigenous Engagement and Consultation
  • In-Situ Treatment and Management
  • Interesting Projects
  • Legal / Regulatory
  • Natural Attenuation of Petroleum NAPLs (NSZD)
  • PTAC Reclamation and Remediation Research Update
  • Research and Technology
  • Risk Management
 
The complete program can be found online at: https://esaa.org/remtech/agenda/
RemTech 2022 will also feature an out door tailgate party to start the conference, the Magic of RemTech Reception on Thursday, and Introduction to Indigenous Engagement and Consultation Workshop, 52 exhibits, technical talks, networking opportunities and four great keynotes, featuring:
 
  • Mark Hineline, Author, How Editors, Booksellers, Publishers, and Other Bookish Types Helped Craft the Environmental Movement in North America
  • Dr. Dave Williams, Former Canadian Shuttle Astronaut, ER Doctor and 
    Aquanaut
  • A conservation update from the Wilder Institute (Calgary Zoo)
  • Peter Mansbridge, Former Chief Correspondent for CBC News and Anchor of The National
 
Full conference details can be found at: https://esaa.org/remtech/
Registration:  150 delegate passes still available.  Registration capped at 650 people – visit: https://esaa.org/remtech/register/ to register.
 
40th anniversary logo
 

Dreams Fulfilled – Dreams to Build: Saturday Oct 15 6:45 at Telus World of Science

You are invited to come celebrate WISEST’s 40 year history of leading, shifting and transforming the face of STEM at the University of Alberta (and beyond) – fulfilling dreams for some, and enabling dreams to come true for others.  This event is open to anyone who wants to celebrate with us and we are particularly hopeful that we will see many familiar faces of current and past volunteers, staff, program participants and supporters. However space is limited so plan to purchase your tickets early when they go on sale Sept 6.

If you would like to support this event financially please contact Fervone Goings ([email protected]) for more information.  Suggested donations include:

  • Friend: $500 logo/name in program, 2 tickets 
  • Bronze: $1,000 logo/name in program, event website, 2 tickets 
  • Silver: $2,500 logo/name in program, event website, WISEST newsletter, 2 tickets
  • Gold: $5,000+ logo/name in program & event website, WISEST newsletter & social media recognition, 2 tickets

WISEST gratefully recognizes the financial support from these Gold Level Donors: Enbridge Fueling Futures Grant, AWSN, Shell Canada, and Gord & Jan Winkel in support of the David and Joan Lynch School of Engineering Safety and Risk Management.

 
 
 

Join us for the Biggest Cleantech Conference in Manitoba!

MEIA Emerging Issues Cleantech Conference: Pathways to Net-Zero

Wednesday, November 30, 2022 | 8:30 AM – 4:30 Pm
RBC Convention Centre, 375 York Ave, Winnipeg, MB

Join the 600 business leaders, sustainability experts, academia, government, First Nation communities and SMEs in the largest cleantech event in Manitoba on Nov 30, 2022. Explore new technologies, share sustainability innovation and learn solutions to thrive in the new green economy. Highlights will include:

  • Opening Blessing, Chief Heidi Cook, Misipawistik Cree Nation
  • Morning Keynote, Dr. David Suzuki
  • Afternoon Keynote, Jane McDonald, Executive VP, International Institute of Sustainable Development
  • Master of Ceremonies, Steve Patterson, CBC’s The Debaters
  • BAM Green Dragon’s Lair Pitch Competition
  • 600 attendees, 6 Breakout Sessions, 40 Booth Tradeshow
  • Funding Opportunities Hub
  • Student Chapter Mentorship
  • Networking reception with entertainment from trio from local band Indian City

 

Cleantech is any process, product, or service that reduces negative environmental impacts through significant energy efficiency improvements, the sustainable use of resources, or environmental protection activities.

For Registration and Sponsorship Click Here

 

CBN Webinar: Strategies for Utilizing Brownfields in the Delivery of Affordable Housing

This webinar will use case studies to explore how municipalities and the private sector are working together to deliver affordable housing while supporting the reuse of brownfield properties, addressing two important public policy objectives. The lessons learned will benefit the spectrum of stakeholders working to deliver affordable housing, as well as, brownfield practitioners, including municipal leaders, developers, and the range of consultants that collectively work to achieve the desired outcomes.

Website Link To Register: https://www.canadianbrownfieldsnetwork.ca/events/cbn-webinars

 

Brownie Awards 2022

November 14, 2022

The Brownie Awards recognize the builders, innovators and visionaries who are dedicated to the rehabilitation of brownfield sites that were once contaminated, under-utilized and undeveloped into productive residential and commercial projects that contribute to the growth of healthy communities across Canada.

Website Link To Register: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/2022-brownie-awards-tickets-314591681187


ESAA Job Board

Check out the new improved ESAA Job Board.  Members can post ads for free.


 
Current Listings:
  • Intermediate Environmental Scientist – Trace Associates Inc.
  • Intermediate/Senior Environmental Specialist – Summit, An Earth Services Company
  • Environmental Analyst – Summit, An Earth Services Company
  • Environmental Analyst – Summit, An Earth Services Company
  • Senior/Intermediate Emissions Specialist – North Shore Environmental Consultants Inc
  • Project Manager – Summit, An earth Services Company
  • Field Project Manager – Clean Harbors
  • Project Manager- Assessment, Remediation & Risk – Arletta Environmental Consulting Corp.
  • Environmental Scientist (Biology/Biologist) – Summit, An earth Services Company
  • Junior Environmental Specialist – Evotek Consulting Inc.
  • Intermediate Environmental Specialist –Evotek Consulting Inc.
  • Intermediate Environmental Specialist – Evotek Consulting Inc.
  • Livestock Operations Environmental Inspector – Natural Resources Conservation Board
  • Environmental Engineers/Scientists/Technologists – Nichols Environmental (Canada) Ltd.
  • Intermediate Environmental Science/Field Technologist – Stantec Consulting
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