ESAA Announces 2024 Board of Directors
At the ESAA AGM on April 15th, the ESAA Members elected four new directors to the ESAA Board of Directors: Sylvain Bordenave, Louise Burden, Danielle Hutson and Lincoln Weller. Welcome to the ESAA Board.
ESAA would like to thankTom Fleming and Myke Stercl for putting their names forward for the ESAA Board election.
A big thank you to outgoing ESAA Directors, Darren Cherniak, Darrell Haight, Karen Schmidt and Rob Traynor. Your leadership and support of ESAA is greatly appreciated.
The 2024 ESAA Board is:
- Scott Purves, Matrix Solutions – ESAA President
- David Nuell, Nichols Environmental, ESAA Vice-President
- Sean Parker, McLennan Ross LLP – ESAA Treasurer
- Adam Dunn, Earthmaster Environmental Strategies – ESAA Secretary
- Sylvain Bordenave, Trace Associates – ESAA Director
- Louise Burden – Ashwell Consulting – ESAA Director
- Danielle Hutson, Element Material Testing – ESAA Director
- Laura Rathgeber, AGAT Laboratories, ESAA Director
- Lincoln Weller, Stantec – ESAA Director
- Rob Traynor, SLR Consulting – ESAA Past-President
Board member biographies can be found at: https://esaa.org/about/board/
Announcing the Joe Chowaniec Scholarship
Joe 
Chowaniec has dedicated over 30 years to the Environmental Services Association of Alberta (ESAA). Beginning his journey as a university student, Joe advanced through every level of the association and is now retiring from his role as Executive Director.
Recognized as a visionary and leader within the environmental sector, he is esteemed by his peers. With a commitment to making a difference ‘one day at a time,’ Joe acknowledges the significant impact we possess within ourselves. He champions people, fostering achievement, and ignites a passion for excellence while celebrating their triumphs.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Joe captures the splendor of our planet through his photography.
In honor of Joe Chowaniec’s contributions, ESAA is proud to present two scholarships to students enrolled in environmental programs at Canadian universities or colleges. ESAA is offering 2 scholarships. One is for ESAA members, and their families and the second is for non ESAA members. The scholarships are valued at $2,500 for ESAA members and $1,500 for non members. This scholarships are for Full Time students registered in an Environmental Program at a recognized Canadian University, College, or Technical School.
If your company is interested in sponsoring this scholarship, contact Erin at the ESAA office to explore the available options.
The Scholarship application process is open, the winners will be announced in October at RemTech 2024. Joe has dedicated his entire career to ESAA, and this scholarship is a fitting tribute to his contributions.
For more information click here.
The ESAA photo contest has returned. Do you work for an ESAA Member company? If so, they you are eligible to enter the 2024 ESAA Photo Contest.
The theme for 2024 is ‘Canadian Landscape’. Many of us are so busy with life we don’t stop to take in the beauty we see everyday. Remind us how beautiful Canada is. Full details below. Submission deadline – August 2st, 2024.
Prizes:
- 1st Place – $200 Local Restaurant Gift Certificate – Winners choice
- 2nd Place – $100 MEC Gift Certificate
- 3rd Place – $50 Starbucks
- The top 12 photos will be included in the second annual ESAA calendar.
Full contest details, rules, submission upload link and more can be found at: PHOTO CONTEST
Get out and get snapping!
Get Your Nomination in for the ESAA Industry Awards
The ESAA Industry Awards is an annual awards program that recognizes member excellence in the areas of environmental innovation. The program is open to all ESAA member organizations with the winners announced and awarded each year at the RemTech Symposium held in October.
2024 Category – Environmental Project of the Year
The Environmental Project of the Year Award recognizes a company’s innovation and execution of an ongoing or completed environmental project. The award will recognize a company’s project in the areas of Remediation, Reclamation, Decommissioning, Monitoring, Water, Air, Wildlife, Brownfields, etc. No matter the size and scope the project, the key metrics for judging include innovation, effectiveness, and positive environmental outcomes.
You can find all this information and how to apply online at: Industry Awards – ESAA
THE DEADLINE TO APPLY IS AUGUST 16, 2024
Any questions or concerns can be directed to [email protected].
We look forward to your submissions.
Major water-sharing agreements ready for Alberta
The largest water-sharing agreements in Alberta’s 118-year history are now in place to help respond to the risk of severe drought.
After several dry years and El Niño producing a warm, dry winter across Canada, Alberta is at risk of severe droughts this year, especially in southern Alberta. Recent snowfall has helped, but the province’s winter snowpack remains below average, many rivers are lower than normal and multiple reservoirs are below capacity.
To help, 38 of the largest and oldest water licensees in southern Alberta have voluntarily agreed to reduce the water they use if severe drought conditions develop this spring or summer. These groups represent up to 90 per cent of the water allocated in the Bow and Oldman basins and 70 per cent in the Red Deer River basin. The landmark agreements will let more Albertans access water in a drought and reduce the negative impacts on communities, the economy and the environment.
“With these agreements, Albertans are once again coming together when times get toughest. They will help make the most of our limited water supplies and make every drop count if a severe drought hits this summer. These irrigators, industry and municipalities are demonstrating the leadership, dedication and community spirit that makes this province great.”
“Our irrigation network is essential to southern Alberta, providing much-needed water, good jobs and recreational activities. Thanks to Alberta’s farmers, ranchers, producers and irrigations districts for stepping up, providing leadership and collaborating with our government.”
Water use reductions and adjustments
These water-sharing agreements are at the centre of Alberta’s drought response efforts. In 2001, agreements between southern irrigators and others played a key role in helping share water during that drought. This year’s agreements, facilitated by the Alberta government, are even bigger in scale and scope.
There are four water-sharing agreements, one to cover each of the following sub-basins: the Red Deer River, the Bow River, the mainstem of the Oldman River and the upper tributaries of the Oldman River. Specific commitments are laid out in each individual Memorandum of Understanding, but generally speaking:
- Participating municipalities will reduce water consumption by between five and 10 per cent. These are reasonable targets that can be achieved without affecting indoor water use.
- Participating industries will use only the minimum volume of water practical to maintain safe, reliable operations. They will also look for additional water conservation opportunities.
- Participating irrigation districts will use less water and allow other users to get their water first, then use the remaining water available for licenced use.
These collaborative agreements are voluntary. They are designed to be proactive, risk-based and agile enough to be adjusted in real time as conditions change.
The actual water amounts under the agreements will be updated every two weeks based on the latest water supply forecast. WaterSMART Solutions conducted advanced and highly technical drought modelling that provided a variety of hypothetical river flow scenarios and conditions. Using this information and current conditions, exact water use for the following two-week period will be adjusted as needed to ensure that water use doesn’t outpace supply.
“For many years, Alberta’s irrigation districts have been collaborating with the Government of Alberta and other water licence holders in the South Saskatchewan River Basin (SSRB) to progress responsible water use within the SSRB. The 2024 water-sharing agreements continue this important co-operation and put into action irrigation districts’ longstanding commitment to provide water for human use and livestock sustenance in times of extreme drought.”
“The City of Lethbridge thanks the province for spearheading these water-sharing agreements. The agreements are the culmination of time, effort and collaboration between many stakeholders. The City of Lethbridge is proud to be involved in this important work. We will continue working with our regional water partners, and the province, to ensure this vital resource is used efficiently and responsibly.”
Supporting the water-sharing agreement
The ultimate success of Alberta’s drought response will require everyone to do their part, including smaller licence holders and all Albertans.
To support the commitments made by the province’s largest water users, the Alberta government will also be working with smaller licence holders in these basins to request that they implement drought response measures and make similar water conservation commitments.
The Alberta government will play an active role implementing these agreements in the coming months. Specifically, the government will:
- Monitor conditions and alert water users if a signed agreement needs to take affect in a basin.
- Produce bi-weekly water supply forecasts that will be used to adjust the agreements as needed.
- Optimize operations at provincially owned infrastructure, including the Waterton, St. Mary, Oldman and Dickson reservoirs, to ensure that every drop is used.
- Optimize water storage in the Ghost Reservoir and Kananaskis-area reservoirs for flood and drought mitigation, as outlined in the Alberta government’s Water Management Services Agreement with TransAlta.
“TransAlta recognizes the unique role our Bow River system plays in managing water flows while also serving as a key component of Alberta’s electricity grid. We look forward to working with the government and downstream stakeholders to maximize water storage in the spring and optimize flows during the summer to help mitigate drought conditions should they occur.”
“Water is a valuable resource and a critical part of our manufacturing processes at our Joffre manufacturing facility. As an industry leader and founding member of Responsible Care®, NOVA Chemicals takes great care in ensuring the responsible treatment, reuse, and returning of water to the Red Deer River. This focus on water conservation is even more important during periods of potential water scarcity, and we are proud to be part of this agreement with the Government of Alberta, our industry peers and municipalities across the province.”
There are five triggers that will be considered when deciding if an agreement needs to be activated:
- Snowpack and moisture data;
- Final decisions by Irrigation Districts on water allocations per acre;
- Reservoir levels, river flows and expected 7-day precipitation forecasts;
- Water demand; and
- Local challenges or issues.
The government will receive peak snowpack data in late April. Once this is in, government and water users will begin meeting regularly to assess next steps.
‘Just ridiculous’: Bid to halt contentious badlands motor racetrack near Rosebud crashes
(Source: Calgary Herald) An appeal of the EAB ruling is being considered by the opponents but one said he suspects it would have little hope of succeeding
A contentious auto racetrack proposed for a site near the hamlet of Rosebud has been given the checkered flag by an environmental appeals board, angering opponents who fear for impacted wetlands.
In a ruling dated March 28, the Alberta Environmental Appeals Board dismissed a challenge by a group of concerned citizens of a 2020 Water Act approval by Alberta Environment and Protected Places of the $500-million plan to build a motorsports park and residential complex near the Rosebud River, 100 kilometes east of Calgary.
It would be built on a 425-acre site about five km east of Rosebud, a hamlet better known for its dinner theatre.
The two-person panel concluded there wasn’t enough evidence the racing complex, the construction of which would fill in two wetlands and modify three others, would harm birds such as bank swallows, eagles, hawks and falcons, while it imposed conditions like environmental monitoring and wildlife field surveys.
“The board finds that while there will be changes in the valley wetlands there was insufficient evidence of potential harm to the bank swallows arising from those changes, and that furthermore, mitigation measures will be taken during construction of the Badlands Activities,” states the ruling.
“The board also notes that the director has proposed adding a new condition to the approval requiring a wetland monitoring and reporting program. The board is of the view that these measures, taken together, will serve to minimize potential impacts to the bank swallows.”
It’s the latest disappointing pitstop in a fight against the track — proposed by Badlands Motorsports — that dates back more than a decade, said Rick Skibsted, whose farmland borders the site’s northern boundary.
The proposal that includes a 4.8-km road track and residential and commercial components has already been approved by Kneehill County Council.
“It doesn’t really make sense … they completely ignored the critical habitat of the bank swallows,” said Skibsted, who has lived in the area for five decades and insists there’s widespread local opposition to the proposal.
“There’s lots of other places to build racetracks, it’s just ridiculous.”
Skibsted said he has little faith any environmental monitoring program would make a difference or be enforced.
Opponents say it appears the UCP government influenced the appeal board’s decision, making the outcome already decided, and noted Environment and Protected Places Minister Rebecca Schulz signed off on the board’s decision on April 8.
“The fact that the minister only took twelve days to agree full scale with the board’s report shows the decision was pre-determined,” Richard and Wendy Clark, who also live in the area, said in a statement.
“The worst part is … this will be yet another failed racetrack that is already asking for between $15 and $20 million in taxpayer funding to even get started. But not after destroying hectares of wetland habitat.”
A man behind the proposal said the EAB ruling speaks for itself and called the lead opponents “pinheads” who’ve “brainwashed” local residents and managed to drown out considerable support for the project among the Calgary motorsports community and others.
“They have no evidence for (environmental concerns) whatsoever, they just talk about it,” said James Zelazo, CFO for Badlands Motorsports Resort.
“The EAB decision was completely in our favour … we have the right to use our property the way we want as long as we follow the regulations.”
The company hopes to begin construction this year but Zelazo said its progress depends on financing, which is initially focused on constructing a $100-million primary racetrack well above the Rosebud River.
Another potential track, he said, would dip into the valley.
They’re confident the province will kick in $11 million to pay for most of the cost of upgrading a 10-km access road from Hwy. 9.
Once complete, the track would reduce illegal street racing in Calgary by giving those drivers a place to pursue their passion, said Zelazo.
“Three hundred people have put down deposits (to race recreationally),” said Zelazo, adding investor interest has come from as far away as Abu Dhabi.
“This track will be F1 calibre, it’s world-class stuff.”
An appeal of the EAB ruling is being considered by the opponents and has some solid grounds to do so, said Skibsted.
“This government doesn’t care enough about the environment and when you’re fighting the government, it’s really tough,” he said.
In a statement, a spokesman for Schulz said the government will honor the EAB’s decision and rejected any suggestion it intruded in it.
“We care deeply about protecting the environment and respect the appeal board’s decision,” said Press Secretary Ryan Fournier.
Any suggestion that government unfairly influenced this process is incorrect.”
AER: Temporary Water Conveyance Options for Alberta’s Energy Sector
The Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) released a revised Directive 077: Pipelines – Requirements and Reference Tools in November 2023. Requirements around the use of temporary surface pipelines for water conveyance (TSPW) was added in a new section (Section 8), which along with updates to the Pipeline Rules, allows for the movement of poor-quality water through temporary surface pipelines to support energy development (e.g., well drilling and completion, hydrostatic testing). In conjunction with expanded water storage options (in AER Directive 055 and Directive 058) this new water conveyance option supports the Water Conservation Policy for Upstream Oil and Gas Development goal of using less high-quality nonsaline water by providing a new water transportation solution for alternatives to high-quality nonsaline water.
Directive 077 contains information and requirements related to TSPW route selection and landowner permissions, along with TSPW deployment, commissioning, operations, and surveillance. Three water groups are identified based on the potential environmental impact of the conveyed water if it is released, with risk-informed requirements that are commensurate with that potential impact.
Group 1 water (essentially fresh water) may be conveyed through a TSPW upon notification to the AER.
Group 2 waters have the potential for environmental impact and include treated effluent and deeper nonsaline groundwater.
Group 3 waters would likely have an environmental impact and include produced water and saline groundwater.
Group 2 and 3 water TSPWs require an application and approval from the AER before conveyance operations may begin.
Operators seeking to use this option to increase their use of alternatives to high-quality nonsaline water are reminded that appropriate materials and procedures are necessary to reduce the risk of environmental impact from leaks or spills of the conveyed water. Surveillance of the TSPW operation is an important aspect to identify any and all leaks quickly, and it is expected that surveillance will increase as the quality of the conveyed water decreases.
TSPW submissions are completed through web-based forms accessed in the Forms tab within AER’s OneStop system. Questions may be submitted to: [email protected]
New environmental research in Southern Alberta
Alberta’s government is partnering with the University of Lethbridge to study water storage, endangered species and other issues impacting Southern Alberta.
Alberta is a large, diverse province with many environments and ecosystems. Drought, habitat loss and other challenges can impact each region differently, and more research is needed to better understand Alberta’s wildlife, water and ecosystems.
A new $500,000 grant to the University of Lethbridge will help explore water storage in lakes, restoring habitat for the endangered sage-grouse, and other key environmental issues impacting Southern Alberta and other regions of the province. This collaborative research will help government and university researchers better understand and respond to droughts, species at risk, and changes in climate.
“We’re joining forces with the University of Lethbridge to look deeper into environmental issues impacting Southern Alberta. This grant will help us better maximize and manage Alberta’s water supply, reduce emissions, recover species at risk and protect the environment in the years ahead. This is a great example of government and university scientists working together.”
The three-year research grant will help support eight collaborative research projects investigating a wide range of topics, including:
- The water storage potential of Alberta’s lakes
- Carbon storage and carbon sequestration potential of Alberta wetlands and terrestrial ecosystems
- The impact of fire on carbon storage in Alberta peatlands
- The diversity, abundance, and biomass of key insects in provincially protected areas
In addition, the research will explore emerging questions and issues affecting Southern Alberta and the rest of the province:
- How habitat restoration and oil and gas site reclamation can assist in recovery of endangered sage grouse
- How changing weather patterns affect the productivity and carbon sequestration potential of native grassland and prairie wetlands
- How changing water temperature and contaminants may impact rainbow trout and brown trout populations in important fisheries like the Bow River
- How human recreation and other activities are affecting the Upper Oldman Watershed
“The ministry’s significant investment in eight innovative and provincially important research projects led by University of Lethbridge researchers working with Environment and Protected Areas colleagues is greatly appreciated. The research includes answering important questions about water resources and habitat management, carbon storage in landscapes, ensuring diverse and thriving insects, birds, and fish populations, as well as human actions and interventions that affect water and lands.”
“Partnerships between Alberta’s major universities and Alberta Environment and Protected Areas enable us to better understand and respond to current environmental opportunities and challenges in the province. This collaborative grant administered by the Office of the Chief Scientist and the University of Lethbridge provides an important opportunity to fill critical knowledge gaps and help support development of Alberta’s next generation of environmental researchers.”
These research projects will occur over the next three years and their results will be communicated through various academic journals, as well as on Alberta’s Environmental Science Program website.
This grant is part of a rotating program led by Alberta’s Office of the Chief Scientist. Previously, the University of Calgary and the University of Alberta received funding for key research activities. About $1.5 million in research grants will be awarded by the Office of the Chief Scientist this year to better monitor and understand Alberta’s environment.
Have your say on Bow River Reservoir options
Albertans can give feedback on options to help reduce the impact of flood and drought on the Bow River.
The Bow River is the main headstream of the South Saskatchewan River, winding through the most populated regions in Alberta. Managing water levels in this river is important to helping the province respond to floods, droughts and other extreme weather events.
With a feasibility study nearly complete, Alberta’s government is seeking new public feedback on options to increase water storage on the Bow River and help protect communities from future drought and floods.
“Droughts and flood protection is top of mind for many of us this year, especially in Calgary and southern Alberta. We have been taking a hard look at various options to protect downstream communities and the families who call them home. Now we need Albertans’ feedback to help us decide if one of these options should proceed.”
For the next three weeks, Albertans are invited to share feedback to help officials understand what is most important them. An online questionnaire focuses on two possible options:
- Expanding the existing Ghost Reservoir
- Building a new reservoir between Cochrane and the Bearspaw Dam near Calgary
The feedback this spring will be closely considered along with the rest of the feasibility study, once it is completed in December 2024. The findings will help Alberta’s government decide if there is an option that should proceed to the next phase, the engineering and regulatory approval process.
The survey will be open until May 6. After that, government will carefully review the input Albertans have provided to inform the feasibility study and determine how to proceed to engineering and regulatory approval.
Quick facts
- A May 2017 report by the Bow River Working Group included a recommendation to complete conceptual assessments of three major reservoir options on the Bow River, upstream of Calgary.
- In 2021, Alberta began engagement and field studies for Phase 2 of the Bow River Reservoir Options initiative, the feasibility study.
- The feasibility study continues to assess technical feasibility, while carefully considering a variety of social, environmental, cultural, traditional land use, engineering and economic elements.
- The feasibility study is looking at three reservoir options in the Bow River basin, upstream of Calgary:
- Relocated Ghost Dam: An expansion of the existing Ghost Reservoir
- Glenbow East: A new reservoir between Cochrane and the Bearspaw Dam at the western edge of Calgary
- Morley: A new reservoir between Seebe and Morley, on Stoney Nakoda Nations reserve land
- This round of engagement focuses on the Relocated Ghost Dam and Glenbow East options only. The Morley option is not ready for public engagement at this time.
- The feasibility study is also exploring whether any alternatives exist that could reasonably provide the same levels of flood and drought protection as a reservoir.
- All options are being explored. There is no preferred option at this time.
- Bow River Reservoir Options engagement
- Bow River Reservoir Options project homepage
AER Board Chair David Goldie Announces Resignation
AER Board Chair David Goldie announced that he will resign as Chair, and Board Member of the AER, effective September 1, 2024. Mr. Goldie will continue to be involved with the Board until September and will assist the organization with transition to new Board leadership.
“As I approach the 5-year mark with the AER Board, I’m very pleased with where the AER is today particularly as it relates to the organization’s professionalism, culture and engagement of staff, and its efficiency,” says Mr. Goldie. “And this is why I’ve decided it would be a good time to move on to some new challenges. I feel satisfied with where the organization is today and that it is on a good path forward.”
Mr. Goldie joined the interim Board in September 2019, when the Board was given the mandate to reform the AER’s governance, streamline its organization and make it more efficient.
“I am proud to say that these goals have been accomplished,” added Mr. Goldie. “It has been a great honour and a privilege for me to serve on the AER Board and I offer the AER and its employees best wishes for continued success in the future.”
The recruitment of a successor will be forthcoming and in accordance with the Responsible Energy Development Act, S.A. 2012, Chapter R-17.3. Details on the Act and process can be found here: https://static.aer.ca/prd/documents/about-us/general-bylaw.pdf
AER: Conditional Adjustment of Reclamation Liability (CARL) Program and New Edition of Directive 088 and Manual 023
We are announcing the implementation of the Conditional Adjustment of Reclamation Liability (CARL) Program (previously referred to as the Reclamation Liability Reduction Program in Bulletin 2023-37), to allow for conditional adjustments of the liability estimates used in the AER’s liability management programs. Once closure and reclamation activities for a site have been completed, it may take several years before vegetation is fully established and the site becomes eligible for a reclamation certificate. The CARL program will allow licensees to request a temporary conditional adjustment of the liability estimate for a site once reclamation work has been completed but before a reclamation certificate is issued under the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act (EPEA).
Improving closure liability estimates for Alberta’s oil and gas infrastructure is a key component of the AER’s liability management framework (see Bulletin 2023-41). Adjustment of the reclamation liability estimate value does not affect current annual surface lease rental payments owed to landowners and does not remove the requirement to obtain a reclamation certificate.
Starting from April 11, 2024, the CARL requests for wells and facilities licenced under Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules, excluding those with an EPEA approval or sites with a site-specific liability assessment, will be accepted through OneStop when all required abandonment, remediation, and reclamation work has been completed in accordance with the AER’s requirements, and the only thing left to do is to re-establish vegetative cover.
If the CARL request meets these conditions, the associated reclamation liability estimate of the licence will be adjusted to $5000 for cultivated land or $9000 for all other land types for a period of five years or until a reclamation certificate is obtained, whichever occurs first. Obtaining a reclamation certificate within that timeframe becomes a requirement. If it is not possible to meet the five-year timeframe, a request for a single extension of two years must be submitted before the end of the five-year timeframe, and a detailed site assessment must be provided. If the licensee fails to obtain a reclamation certificate within the required timeframe (five years or as extended by the AER), the AER will reinstate the reclamation liability estimate to its full amount prior to the adjustment, and the licence will be ineligible for any future CARL adjustment.
Licensees will need to provide the following information in their CARL request:
- company and site identifier information
- abandonment date
- earthwork reclamation date
- initial revegetation date
- reference to OneStop submission numbers associated with Phase 1 ESA, Phase 2 ESA, remediation (if applicable), and record of site condition
- a submission declaration
Details of the CARL program are now available in a new edition of Directive 088: Licensee Life-Cycle Management and Manual 023: Licensee Life-Cycle Management released today. General questions about the CARL program can be directed to [email protected].
We have also revised Directive 088 to clarify the requirements for the accurate reporting and correcting of closure spends. Please refer to section 4, “Inventory Reduction Program,” for further details on the requirement changes.
The revised edition of Directive 088 is available on our website at www.aer.ca > Regulating Development > Rules and Directives > Directives. The revised edition of Manual 023 is available on our website at www.aer.ca > Regulating Development > Rules and Directives > Manuals.
If you have any questions, please contact our Customer Contact Centre at 403-297-8311 (toll-free 1-855-297-8311) or [email protected].
Quebec cosmetics company fined $500K for not reporting PFAS in eye, lip pencils
The Government of Canada is committed to protecting the environment and the health and safety of Canadians. Environment and Climate Change Canada enforcement officers work to ensure that individuals and businesses comply with the laws and regulations designed to protect Canada’s natural environment.
On March 19, 2024, Groupe Marcelle inc. was ordered by the Court of Québec, at the Montréal Courthouse, to pay a fine of $500,000. The company pleaded guilty to one count of violating the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. The fine will be paid to the Government of Canada’s Environmental Damages Fund.
Between April 15, 2021 and May 18, 2022, Environment and Climate Change Canada enforcement officers conducted various audits and an inspection at the premises of Groupe Marcelle inc., a cosmetics company in Dorval, Quebec. They were able to identify the marketing of cosmetic products (Lise Watier, Marcelle and Annabelle brand eye and lip pencils) containing Perfluorononyl Dimethicone.
In this case, the marketing of cosmetic products containing Perfluorononyl Dimethicone is considered a new activity under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. The Act requires a person or company to provide certain information to the government when Perfluorononyl Dimethicone is used in a new activity that may pose a risk to the environment.
By using Perfluorononyl Dimethicone in cosmetic products, without having previously provided the government with the required regulatory information, Groupe Marcelle inc. has committed an offence under subsection 81(4) of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. The products concerned have been withdrawn from the distribution chain.
As a result of this conviction, the company’s name will be added to the Environmental Offenders Registry. The Registry contains information on convictions of companies for violations of federal environmental laws.
Environment and Climate Change Canada has created a free subscription service to keep Canadians informed about what the Government of Canada is doing to protect the natural environment.
Quick facts
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The cosmetic ingredient Perfluorononyl Dimethicone (whose commonly associated Chemical Abstracts Service number is 882878-48-0) is a silicone polymer that is used in cosmetic products to increase the hold, durability, spreadability, and water or oil resistance of cosmetics applied to the skin. It is one of the perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a group of thousands of synthetic substances.
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PFASs can be present, in various concentrations, in a wide range of products, but there are still gaps in our knowledge of the PFASs used in various products.
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A draft version of the Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Report was published in May 2023. The Government of Canada is working to ensure that the final version of the report is completed as quickly as possible, in order to continue protecting human health and the environment in Canada.
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Environment and Climate Change Canada works with Health Canada to ensure that all cosmetics sold in Canada are safe for the environment and human health and meet the requirements of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, the Food and Drugs Act, and the Cosmetic Regulations.
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Created in 1995, the Environmental Damages Fund is a Government of Canada program administered by Environment and Climate Change Canada. The Fund allocates funds from fines, penalties, court rulings, and voluntary payments to projects aimed at repairing environmental damage or protecting the environment. It aims to invest these sums in the regions where environmental damage has occurred.
The Government of Canada requires producers to take more responsibility for the plastic they put on the market
Less than ten per cent of plastics in Canada are recycled, with the rest ending up in landfills and often on our beaches, in rivers, parks and our oceans, harming wildlife and damaging habitats. Canadians want to see concrete action from governments and plastic producers to step up to tackle plastic pollution. This means improving how plastics are made, used and managed, cutting plastic waste, building green economic opportunities, and sending a clear signal to governments and businesses so they can spur innovation, drive policy, and signal areas of investment.
That is why today, coinciding with Earth Day under the theme Planet vs. Plastics, the Government of Canada announced the new Federal Plastics Registry, a tool to compel plastic producers and other companies across the plastics value chain to help monitor and track plastic from the time it is produced up to its end of life. By better tracking plastic through its full life cycle, both governments and industry will be better equipped to address plastic waste and pollution through increased transparency and sound, robust, evidence-based decision-making. This announcement helps set the tone for the kinds of measures Canada hopes to encourage the world to move toward this week in Ottawa during the fourth session of negotiations toward a new global agreement on plastic pollution.
The Registry requires plastic resin manufacturers, producers of plastic products, and service providers to report each year on the quantity and types of plastic they put on the Canadian market and how that plastic moves through the economy. This tool will provide Canadians, including innovators and decision-makers, with reliable data that will identify opportunities for further action to reduce plastic waste and pollution, as well as help monitor progress over time. Reporting will be phased in over time and by sector. The categories covered by the Registry include packaging, single-use and disposable products, construction, transportation, electronics and electrical equipment, tires, textiles and apparel, fishing and aquaculture equipment, and agriculture and horticulture equipment.
Through the Canada-wide Action Plan on Zero Plastic Waste, the federal, provincial, and territorial governments agreed to develop and maintain Canada-wide data on how plastic moves through the economy. The Federal Plastics Registry supports this commitment and publicly provides critical data to inform and support Canada’s shared plan to address plastic waste and pollution.
The Government of Canada continues to collaborate with partners to advance its comprehensive zero plastic waste agenda. This includes working with provinces and territories through the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment to implement the Canada-wide Strategy on Zero Plastic Waste and Action Plan. The Registry supports the Action Plan commitment to develop and maintain national plastics economy data.
US EPA issues final PFAS rule for drinking water after year of consultation
(Source: esemag.com) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized its national standard for PFAS limits in drinking water, making it the newest contaminant to face protection limits in drinking water since 1996.
Following one year of consultation to determine enforceable maximum contaminant levels for per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), the EPA ultimately maintained its proposal of 4 parts per trillion, or nanograms per litre, for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), the lowest concentration most laboratories can reliably detect.
However, the EPA is also setting a non-enforceable health-based goal, or maximum contaminant level goal, of zero.
For PFNA, PFHxS, and “GenX Chemicals”, the EPA is setting its maximum contaminant level at 10 parts per trillion.
Over the last year, the EPA says it reviewed extensive research and science on how PFAS affects public health, while engaging with the water sector and state regulators to ensure effective implementation. The agency also considered 120,000 comments on the proposed rule from a wide variety of stakeholders.
The EPA says people can be exposed to PFAS through food, drinking water, or by coming into contact with certain products such as cosmetics, non-stick cookware, and firefighting foams. The group of “forever chemicals” has shown links to cancer and other health concerns.
“Our PFAS Strategic Roadmap marshals the full breadth of EPA’s authority and resources to protect people from these harmful forever chemicals,” announced EPA Administrator Michael Regan, in a statement to media. “Today, I am proud to finalize this critical piece of our Roadmap, and in doing so, save thousands of lives and help ensure our children grow up healthier.”
The EPA estimates that between about 6% and 10% of the 66,000 public drinking water systems subject to the new PFAS rule may have to take action to reduce chemicals to meet the new standards. Public water systems have three years to complete their initial monitoring for these chemicals.
Public water systems must inform the public of the level of PFAS measured in their drinking water. Where PFAS is found at levels that exceed these standards, systems must implement solutions to reduce PFAS in their drinking water within five years, according to the new rule.
The EPA estimates the costs for public water systems to implement this regulation are approximately $1.5 billion per year. President Joe Biden’s administration has dedicated $9 billion from the bipartisan infrastructure package to fund efforts to mitigate PFAS in water systems. An additional $12 billion from the package is for general improvements to drinking water infrastructure.
Following the release of the new rule, the American Water Works Association (AWWA) released a statement to reiterate some of its previously-raised concerns.
“As noted in AWWA’s comments on the proposed rule, the association is concerned that the rule’s health and financial impacts are not accurately characterized. AWWA estimates the cost of the rule is more than three times higher than the agency’s calculations. The magnitude of these additional costs will lead to affordability challenges in many communities.”
The National Rural Water Association (NRWA) also issued a statement to reflect concerns over cost, noting that the requirements “will have disproportionate impacts on small, disadvantaged, and rural communities that lack the financial and managerial capacity to make upgrades.”
In recent weeks, a U.S. District Court in Charleston, South Carolina, finalized a settlement from 3M, one of the largest producers of PFAS products in the country. The settlement will impact some 12,000 water systems across the U.S., which claimed damages for PFAS-related testing and monitoring costs, as well as costs for designing and operating treatment systems to reduce PFAS levels.
In its announcement, the EPA stated that the new PFAS limits are achievable using a range of available technologies and approaches, including granular activated carbon, reverse osmosis, and ion exchange systems. For example, the EPA noted that the Cape Fear Public Utility Authority, serving Wilmington, North Carolina, a community heavily impacted by PFAS contamination, has effectively deployed a granular activated carbon system to remove PFAS.
“Drinking water systems will have flexibility to determine the best solution for their community,” the EPA announced.
EPA will host a series of webinars to provide information to the public, communities, and water utilities about the final PFAS drinking water regulation. To learn more about the webinars, please visit EPA’s PFAS drinking water regulation webpage. EPA has also published a toolkit of communications resources to help drinking water systems and community leaders educate the public about PFAS, where they come from, their health risks, how to reduce exposure, and about this rule.
Enroll now for the Certificate in Indigenous Environmental Leadership at RRU!
Are you, or someone you know, looking for an Indigenous-led course to improve your environmental knowledge and leadership skills? Look no further than the Certificate in Indigenous Environmental Leadership (CIEL) at Royal Roads University (RRU)!
This unique program prepares Indigenous learners to identify and address environmental issues within their nations and communities, and shapes students for environmental work in both Indigenous and non-Indigenous environmental fields.
Various career opportunities include, but are not limited to, environmental management, monitoring, regulatory compliance, environmental policy advisor, mediator for Indigenous community and stakeholder groups, consulting, Indigenous park and protected area stewardship, and environmental education.
Why join the CIEL at RRU?
Upon program completion, you’ll receive an Undergraduate Certificate in Indigenous Environmental Leadership, and will start working right away, or pursue your studies by completing a Bachelor Degree in Environmental practice at RRU.
Application Information:
For detailed curriculum information, admission requirements, and application instructions, visit this page. If you need any support, whether it is personal or admission-related, feel free to contact RRU’s Indigenous student service.
What are you waiting for? Take the first step towards a brighter future!
Apply Now |
We look forward to welcoming you to the CIEL program at Royal Roads University.
New ESAA Members
ESAA welcomes the following new member. If you are not a member of ESAA you can join now via: https://esaa.org/join-esaa/
R360 Environmental Solutions Canada Inc.
1900, 140 10 Ave SE
Calgary, AB T2G 0R1
Kayla Flannigan, Sales Coordinator
[email protected]
Discover peace of mind with R360 Canada as your trusted partner in safe oilfield waste solutions. Committed to a sustainable future, we prioritize responsible oilfield waste management with a focus on safety, innovation, and environmental stewardship. Backed by the strength and financial reliability of Waste Connections, Inc., a leading waste management company across North America, we offer expertise and dedication to fulfill all your local oilfield waste service requirements. Join us in shaping a cleaner, safer tomorrow within your communities across Western Canada.
Student
Adebanji Adegoke
University of Saskatchewan
Upcoming Events
ESAAs 7 Week in person Boot Camp
(Starting May 1st)
– ROUND 2 –
ESAA is bringing back our famous BOOT CAMP!
Starting May 1st, 2024 ESAAs is excited to humble you with an exciting 7 week in person Boot Camp class. Chantal Seeney will challenge even the fittest of athletes and be gentle enough to keep the newbies excited for more.
When Chantal is not working at AGAT Laboratories, you can find her teaching all sorts of fitness classes at the Dow Centennial Centre.
WHEN: Every Wednesday
May 1 – June 12
WHERE: The Parking lot of the Alfred Savage Centre
13204 Fox Drive NW, EDM
TIME: 11:30am – 12:30pm MST
BRING: a mat if you don’t love the grass
(Not required)
Registration;
- $8.00 per class
- $50.00 for all 7 classes
7 Weekly Sponsorships Available;
- $50.00 Weekly Sponsorship
** Each Sponsorship comes with a full pass for 1 member **
REGISTER NOW!
Upcoming ESAA May Mixers – Medicine Hat, Lethbridge and Calgary
Join us for 1 or all 3 Mixers as always we will have Drinks, Food and Fun!
ESAA will be donating 50% of all registration fees to;
Medicine Hat:
- The Medicine Hat and District Food bank is the next step in the evolution of a strong and sustainable city. Their mission is to build community by improving the lives of all community members through the power of local food.
Lethbridge:
- The Friends of the Helen Schuler Nature Centre Society support a community of environmentally responsible citizens with nature-based educational experiences, presentations, and workshops. Our desire is to further position the Helen Schuler Nature Centre as a world-class facility that connects visitors and residents to the many benefits of the great outdoors. We want to facilitate interactive experiences and memorable moments.
Calgary:
- The Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society (AARCS) is a grassroots animal welfare organization with a foundation of compassion and kindness, embodied by its hard-working staff, volunteers, foster homes and supporters. Their goal is to help homeless animals in communities across Alberta and provide community support programs to address the root causes of animal overpopulation and homelessness. Every day AARCS receives calls about animals in need of help — from broken bones, gunshot wounds, embedded porcupine quills, and mange to deadly diseases such as parvovirus. AARCS strives to ensure that these animals receive the medical care they need, along with the chance to recover in a loving foster home.
To Sponsor or to RSVP, visit: SOUTHERN ALBERTA MIXERS
ESAA Job Board
Check out the new improved ESAA Job Board. Members can post ads for free.
Current Listings:
- Environmental Co-op Student – Trace Associates Inc.
- Environmental Student – Trace Associates Inc.
- Junior Geoscientist – Trace Associates Inc.
- Junior Environmental Scientist – Trace Associates Inc.
- Senior Environmental Planner –Stantec
- Site Investigation & Remediation (SIR) Team Lead –Stantec Consulting Services Inc.
- Project Technologist –Pinchin Ltd.
- Intermediate Environmental Consultant – North Shore Environmental Consultants Inc.
- Intermediate Vegetation and Wetland Ecologist – Ecoventure Inc.
- Environmental Specialist – City of Medicine Hat