Seasons Greetings
On behalf of ESAA, the Board of Directors and Staff, we want to thank you for your support in 2024.
Wishing you and your families a Safe, Joyous and Very Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays.
All the Best in 2025!
In lieu of cards, ESAA has made donations to the Edmonton and Calgary Food Banks.
** The ESAA Office will be closed from December 20th to January 6th, 2024. **
A Message from ESAA’s Executive Director
A couple of years ago, I informed the Board of my decision to retire, recognizing that it was time to hand over the stewardship of this remarkable organization to a new leader capable of guiding ESAA to even greater heights.
Reflecting on my journey from responding to a job ad in 1990 at the Hire-A-Student office in Edmonton, becoming a summer student at what was then the Alberta Special Waste Services Association, to now serving as Executive Director, it has been an extraordinary adventure. Along the way, there have been many challenges and disappointments, but mostly successes.
During this time, I have had the privilege of collaborating with countless remarkable individuals. Many of them mentored me and contributed to my success, while others have become cherished friends. I’ve had the opportunity to attend events across the globe and have spearheaded initiatives that I’m immensely proud of.
The ESAA Board has consistently afforded me the freedom to take calculated risks and advance the Association’s mission. Moreover, they have supported my endeavors in philanthropy, enabling me to contribute to the creation of the Ilsa Mae Research Fund at Muscular Dystrophy Canada.
One of my greatest sources of pride lies in ESAA’s commitment to giving back to the communities we serve, alongside the broader efforts of our industry. As Winston Churchill aptly stated, “You make a living by what you earn. You make a life by what you give.” I firmly believe our industry has embodied this principle.
Although I step down from my day-to-day role as Executive Director on December 31st, I will still manage RemTech for 2025 and 2026 to ensure its continued excellence as the premier conference in North America.
In addition, I will be providing support and guidance for ESAA’s incoming Executive Director, Erin Ciezki. Erin has been shadowing the role for 18 months and is ready for the challenge. Her energy, enthusiasm and amazing people skills will add to ESAA’s amazing legacy and take ESAA to the next level as an organization. You will hear more from her in early January.
When asked what I’ll miss most about this role, the answer is simple: the people. The truly remarkable individuals who have made this journey unforgettable.
Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, and all the best in 2025.
Thank you all for 34 years of unwavering support!
Joe Chowaniec
ESAA Executive Director
ESAA Environmental Summit
April 1-3, 2025
Kananaskis Mountain Lodge
The 2025 ESAA Environmental Summit (‘The Summit’) will feature all of the things you expect from an ESAA event: great talks, great location and
great networking.
The 2025 edition will take place at the Kananaskis Mountain Lodge. The completely modern getaway nestled amidst the pines and mountains. Room rates at the Lodge start at $255.00 + taxes.
The format will be a series of panel discussions over the two-days of the conference. Full event details can be found at: https://esaa.org/summit/
Registration is now OPEN. Early bird rates end January 24st – Register now at: https://esaa.org/summit/register/ ** Day passes are also available (limited quantity)
Sponsorship is now OPEN. See our Website for all Sponsorship opportunities https://esaa.org/summit/sponsors/
ESAA invites you to submit proposals for panel discussions to be held during The Summit.
Proposals for panels are encouraged in, but not limited to, the following areas:
- Risk Management
- Disaster Management
- The Future of Water
- Evolution of Energy in Alberta
- Climate Resiliency
- ESG and the Environment Sector
- Indigenous Engagement and Inclusion
- The Future of the Environment Industry Workforce
- Other topics will be considered
To propose a panel, please submit the following:
- The panel’s topics
- The panel’s overall goal
- A summary of each panelist’s topic/contribution to the panel discussion. Note: Each panel must have 3 speakers and one moderator.
- Panel should include a variety of presenters representing not just individuals from company submitting the proposal. Example: a panel ideally would include, a consultant, a supplier and a client with one of these possibly being replaced by a regulator.
- Limit the proposal to 750 words not including the speaker bios
- Deadline January 10th, 2025.
- Submit to ciezki@esaa.org
Note: The individual submitting the proposal and organizing the panel should act as the moderator and be comfortable with moderating a panel discussion. The moderators registration will be complimentary. Panelists will be required to register at a discounted rate.
ESAA truly appreciates your support of world-class events and looks forward to welcoming you to ‘The Summit’ at the amazing Kananaskis Mountain Lodge.
Alberta: Environmental Site Assessment Standard – 2024 Update
Alberta Environment and Protected Areas has released the 2024 edition of the Environmental Site Assessment Standard.
The updated document can be viewed at: https://open.alberta.ca/publications/environmental-site-assessment-standard
This document replaces the 2016 Alberta Environmental Site Assessment Standard. The document name has been updated for alignment with the recent updates to the Remediation Regulation (2022) as the Environmental Site Assessment Standard is now referenced in the Remediation Regulation. This revision also includes updates to reflect policy guidelines developed since 2016, the addition of the Phase 2 Environmental Site Assessment Checklist into Appendix A, and improved clarity around Environmental Site Assessment requirements in Alberta.
Inquiries related to Environmental Site Assessment Standard can be sent to: land.management@gov.ab.ca
Alberta Energy Regulator penalizes CST Coal Canada Ltd. for contravening the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act
CALGARY, AB, December 17, 2024 – The Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) has issued an administrative penalty to CST Coal Canada Ltd. (CST) for contravening its approval under the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act (EPEA) (opens in new window). A copy of the decision (opens in new window) is on the AER’s Compliance Dashboard (opens in new window).
Following an AER investigation, it was determined that on December 29, 2022, CST contravened section 4.2.4 of its EPEA approval by releasing mine wastewater into the Smoky River. The AER also determined that CST did not immediately report the contravention as required by section 2.1.1 of its approval. Consequently, CST is assessed a $22 000 administrative penalty.
An administrative penalty is one of many compliance and enforcement tools the AER can use when companies do not comply with the rules.
For more information on the AER’s investigation enforcement processes, please see the Investigations webpage.
The Alberta Energy Regulator publishes 2023 Water Use Performance Report
CALGARY, AB, December 12, 2024 – The Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) has published the 2023 Alberta Energy Industry Water Use Performance Report, an annual publication showing how water is allocated and used by the energy industry.
“Industry’s improvements in water use reflect our shared commitment to responsible and efficient resource development,” said Laurie Pushor, President and CEO of the AER. “Water is one of our most valuable resources, and while innovation and technological advancements to reduce its use continue to be a priority, this report highlights the significant progress the industry has made over time.”
The report shows that the energy sector used about 22% of its 2023 water allocation. Of the water used for oil, gas, and bitumen extraction, 82% was recycled water. Of the remaining water used, 17% was nonsaline (i.e., fresh water) and 1% alternative water.
The report covers energy sector water use for four extraction types — oil sands mining, in situ operations, enhanced oil recovery, and hydraulic fracturing and now includes 11 years of data across these types. Expanding the data analysis helps Albertans understand long-term industry water use trends in the province and helps energy companies understand their water use and plan for the future.
The best metric to understand industry water performance is water use intensity. Water use intensity is the amount of nonsaline water required to produce one barrel of oil equivalent. The lower the water use intensity, the better the performance. Since 2013, the energy industry has decreased nonsaline water use intensity by 19%.
The report falls under the Alberta Energy Regulator’s Industry Performance Program, which strives to hold companies accountable for their decisions and actions, improve their performance, and share more information with Albertans.
Alberta: New Regulations for Renewable Energy Projects
New regulations for renewable energy will ensure Alberta’s environment, agricultural land and iconic viewscapes are conserved for generations to come.
Alberta is known around the world for many things – some of the most breathtaking and iconic scenery on earth, a world-class agricultural industry that puts high-quality food on tables across the globe and a rich history of responsible energy development. Alberta is a destination of choice for millions of visitors, newcomers and investors each year.
To ensure Alberta’s continued prosperity, it is imperative that future energy development is balanced with environmental stewardship, protecting Albertans’ ability to use and enjoy their property, and safeguarding agriculture for continued food security.
Alberta’s renewable energy sector has grown rapidly over the past decade, yet the rules to ensure responsible development have not kept up. As a result, municipalities, agricultural producers and landowners across the province raised concerns. Alberta’s government is fulfilling its duty to put Albertans first and restore the balance needed for long-term success by setting a clear path forward for responsible renewable energy development.
“We are doing the hard work necessary to ensure future generations can continue to enjoy the same Alberta that we know and love. By conserving our environment, agricultural lands and beautiful viewscapes, our government is protecting and balancing Alberta’s long-term economic prosperity. Our government will not apologize for putting Albertans ahead of corporate interests.”
Amendments to the Activities Designation Regulation and Conservation and Reclamation Regulation provide clarity for renewable energy developers on new and existing environmental protections.
These changes will create consistent reclamation requirements across all forms of renewable energy operations, including a mandatory reclamation security requirement. Albertans expect renewable power generation projects to be responsibly decommissioned and reclaimed for future generations. Alberta’s government stands firm in its commitment to protect landowners and taxpayers from being burdened with reclamation costs.
“We want to protect landowners, municipalities and taxpayers from unfairly having to cover the costs of renewable energy reclamations in the future. These changes will help make sure that all renewable energy projects provide reasonable security up front and that land will be reclaimed for future generations.”
Alberta’s government committed to an ‘agriculture first’ approach for future development, safeguarding the province’s native grasslands, irrigable and productive lands. The protection of agricultural land is not only essential to food production, but to environmental stewardship and local wildlife protection.
The Electric Energy Land Use and Visual Assessment Regulation follows this ‘agriculture first’ approach and enhances protections for municipalities’ most productive lands, establishing the need to consider potential irrigability and whether projects can co-exist with agricultural operations. These changes are critical to minimizing the impacts of energy development on agricultural lands, protecting local ecosystems and global food security. With these new rules, Alberta’s farmers and ranchers can continue to produce the high-quality products that they are renowned for.
“Our province accounts for nearly 50 per cent of Canada’s cattle, produces the most potatoes in the country, and is the sugar beet capital of Canada. None of this would be possible without the valuable, productive farmland that these new rules protect. Understanding the need for an ‘agriculture first’ approach for energy development is as simple as no farms, no food.”
The new Electric Energy Land Use and Visual Assessment Regulation also establishes specific guidelines to prevent projects from impacting pristine viewscapes. By establishing buffer zones and visual impact assessment zones, Alberta’s government is ensuring that industrial power projects the size of the Calgary Tower cannot be built in front of UNESCO World Heritage sites and other specified viewscapes, which will support the continued growth and success of Alberta’s tourism sector.
As Alberta’s population and economy grows, it is critical that the province has the additional power generation needed to meet increasing demand. Power generation must be developed in a balanced and responsible manner that promotes environmental stewardship, ensures the continued enjoyment of Alberta’s beautiful landscapes, and safeguards food security by protecting Alberta’s valuable agricultural lands. By encouraging the responsible development of additional power generation with these new regulations, Alberta’s government is listening to Albertans and ensuring the electricity grid is affordable, reliable and sustainable for generations to come.
Related information
Alberta laid out new rules for wind, solar power. Some say it should do the same for oil
(Source: CBC News) When Dwight Popowich walks to the middle of his alfalfa field, he sees an inactive oil well on his land that he says is in “shambles.”
He’s envious of the new Alberta regulations placed on wind and solar energy projects, rules he wishes also applied to oil and gas development in the province.
Popowich, who receives about $2,500 a year to have it on his farmland, said it’s not worth the time he’s spent waiting to have it cleaned up. He said it was drilled on his land near Two Hills, Alta., in about 2008 but has been an issue for the past eight years.
“Albertans have made it very clear that they want development of their oil and gas but done safely and in a responsible manner,” he said.
Popowich is not alone. The Alberta Energy Regulator (AER), which oversees the energy and mineral resource sector, reported earlier in December that more than $1 billion was spent last year on closing and reclaiming inactive wells.
Those efforts barely made a dent. There are still billions of dollars worth of inactive wells in waiting.
After a seven-month moratorium on new wind and solar projects, the government of Alberta laid out new regulations earlier this month to manage wind and solar energy sources in the province, but the oil sector is not policed by the same rules.
Three major regulatory changes were announced earlier this month surrounding land reclamation bonds, visual impact assessments and agricultural land assessments for renewable energy.
Beginning Jan. 1, new amendments to provincial government policy will mandate renewable energy developers set aside a security or bond to restore the land when the project is done. That lays out a safety net for property owners negotiating with those developers.
Right now, there is no requirement for oil companies to provide a form of deposit upfront to ensure cleanup is managed at its end. But there is an industry-funded Orphan Well Association (OWA) that is tasked with taking care of wells without an owner. If a company goes bankrupt, for example, the cleanup task can fall to the OWA.
That issue is made more complicated by the Surface Rights Act, which allows the right of entry onto land in Alberta to drill for oil, though there is compensation for it. That right-to-entry privilege is a major difference between the two sectors.
Landowners have to allow oil drilling on their land and are paid annually until the site has been reclaimed, which is the final step in the cleanup process.
In comparison, renewable energy projects are at the landowner’s discretion and have been referred to by some as a “buyer beware” negotiation.
Until now, the negotiation fee and the cleanup guarantee have been up to the landowner. The Alberta Utilities Commission says there is no sister to the Orphan Well Association that takes care of renewable energy developments left behind if a company goes bankrupt.
In November 2022, the Rural Municipalities of Alberta voted to ask the Alberta government to develop policy that protected agricultural land from renewable projects and mandated that cleanup fee.
“It’s not a bad thing for the province to be forcing some of these impacts that emanate from energy development to be addressed. The problem is that they’re only imposing it on one sector of that industry,” said Shaun Fluker, a law professor at the University of Calgary who focuses on energy.
Fluker said the AER doesn’t require oil companies to cut through the same red tape now wrapped around renewable energy projects.
In Fluker’s experience, the regulator rarely imposes the security costs on oil developments.
But the regulator has the discretion to mandate those, the AER told CBC News in an email, and it is phasing in a new way to determine when to require security deposits and how much it should cost.
CBC News asked the Alberta government if it would be mirroring the new rules for the oil and gas sector.
“We continue exploring ways to improve reclamation and liabilities across the energy industry to support responsible development, sustainably conserve the environment and keep growing the economy,” Ministry of Environment press secretary Ryan Fournier said in an email. “Unlike the renewable sector, Alberta already has extensive regulatory requirements for oil and gas facilities, including rules around security and reclamation.
“However, there were previously no regulations requiring security for any renewable energy projects except geothermal. This was not fair, ineffective and placed landowners and future generations at risk.”
Other changes to renewable projects were implemented Dec. 6, on the day of the government’s announcement.
Developers planning wind or solar power plant projects on “high-quality” agricultural land — which is graded in classes based on aspects like the landscape, soil and climate — will have to pass an impact assessment. That assessment will consider aspects like how the build is expected to affect a farm’s productivity.
That mandate is alongside a requirement to assess how the project could affect farmland irrigation.
If the renewable energy development is within certain areas, the operator will need to complete a visual impact assessment to ensure it’s not obstructing the province’s “pristine viewscapes.”
Buffer zones have been designated specifically as no-go zones for new wind projects, but they can be reviewed for use by other electricity developments.
In an email to CBC News, the AER said it does not mandate visual or agricultural impact assessments for oil and gas projects but it does enforce policy to minimize environmental impacts.
CBC News contacted government officials in the other Prairie provinces, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, about their impact assessment policies.
In Saskatchewan, there are no visual or agricultural impact assessments and no financial assurances for renewable projects, according to a spokesperson with the ministry of environment. Instead, there are wildlife and environmental assessments, depending on the project.
In Manitoba, there are environmental assessments for different classes of development, but no absolute restrictions on where renewable projects can be built, according to a provincial spokesperson.
A security can be required for wind, solar and oil, the spokesperson said.
Fluker said the visual impacts from developments can be subjective, but he said landowners in Alberta have long raised concerns about the loss of land.
According to a study from the Pembina Institute, a clean energy think-tank based in Calgary, conventional oil and gas is 125 times more land intensive than wind and solar development.
Some critics of the new regulations have voiced frustration with how the government stopped short of forcing the oil and gas sector to abide by the same regulations.
Others do not see it as necessary.
Daryl Bennett is a director of the Action Surface Rights Association and the Alberta Surface Rights Federation who also represents landowners in their negotiations or grievances with energy companies.
He believes the oil and gas sector should not match the regulations for renewable energy.
“I’m not saying the oil and gas situation can’t be improved. I’m saying it already has greater protections than the renewable energy had,” said Bennett.
Bennett says the oil and gas industry already has land reclamation security through orphan well levies, licence liability ratings and the Orphaned Well Association. He says landowners won’t be responsible for wells on their land.
“It might not be in a timely manner, but with renewable projects it’s the Wild West out there. Many of these landowners are signing surface lease agreements that had no reclamation security requirement whatsoever,” he said.
If a renewable energy developer is not contractually obligated to clean up, Bennett said the build could bankrupt a landowner, financially burden a municipality or become a safety issue.
Jorden Dye is the director of the Business Renewables Centre-Canada (BRCC), which is an initiative of the Pembina Institute.
The BRCC works with large corporations that want to purchase renewable power, including oil and gas companies, and the renewable energy developers who build those projects.
Dye says it’s too early to tell how drastic the impact from land reclamation security will be on energy companies because the specifics will be released in a code of practice in the new year.
He said there are also issues with comparing the two resource sectors.
For one, the end of an oil or gas well’s life depends on how much of the resource is available, compared with a renewable energy project, which is determined by the lifespan of the structure material. There’s potential for it to be rebuilt or adapted rather than permanently torn down.
“The resource is still there; the wind is still blowing, the sun is still shining,” he said.
Beyond that, he said comparing the two is difficult because they can also work in tandem.
A large portion of renewable energy deals made through the centre came from oil and gas companies, so renewable energy regulations could still fall on them.
Nfld. town residents suing feds over PFAS well contamination from fire training area
(Source: esemag.com) A class action lawsuit has been launched against the federal government alleging the presence of PFAS in the groundwater supplying water wells in the southeast area of Torbay, Newfoundland.
Launched by law firm McInnes Cooper, the suit filed in November suggests that a federally-owned fire training area located at the St. John’s International Airport — already deemed a high-priority contaminated site — has contaminated local wells with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances known as PFAS, commonly used in firefighting foams.
The suit alleges that the federal government failed to capture, contain and remediate the PFAS in a timely manner following its release from the fire training area. The claim also suggests that the federal government failed to adequately notify the approximately 8,000 residents of Torbay about the risks posed to their health from the contaminated site.
“As a result, the Plaintiffs and the Class say they have suffered interference with their use and enjoyment of their properties, diminution of fair market value and marketability of their properties, costs associated with the investigation and remediation of their properties, costs associated with monitoring of their drinking water wells, as well as inconvenience, discomfort and distress,” the lawsuit states.
Owned by Transport Canada, Federal Contaminated Sites Inventory data indicates that the groundwater is impacted not only by PFAS, but also petroleum hydrocarbons, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and metalloids.
While the body of research continues to grow for PFAS health risks, some studies have shown connections to cancers and autoimmune and endocrine disorders.
The class action lawsuit has not been certified and the allegations have not yet been tested in court.
Charges laid in relation to tailings pond breach at Mount Polley Mine
The British Columbia Conservation Officer Service, Environment and Climate Change Canada and Fisheries and Oceans Canada have jointly investigated possible contraventions of the Federal Fisheries Act, related to the tailings pond breach at the Mount Polley Mine that occurred in August 2014.
These agencies have been working together as the Mount Polley Integrated Investigation Task Force (MPIITF). A Report to Crown Counsel was previously submitted to the Public Prosecution Service of Canada and the British Columbia Prosecution Service by the MPIITF for assessment of its investigation for prosecution.
The details of the spill and the resulting contamination to the local communities are still unclear, but reports from the Vancouver Sun and Mining.Com, provide some insights. On August 4, 2014, a breach at the copper-gold mine sent the equivalent of 2,000 Olympic swimming pools of mining waste into a creek. Approximately 17 million cubic metres of water and eight million cubic metres of tailings effluent — which allegedly contained toxic copper and gold mining waste — flowed into lakes and streams that served as salmon spawning ground in the province’s Caribou region.
Furthermore, an independent panel review of the incident concluded the following:
“The Panel concluded that the dominant contribution to the failure resides in the design. The design did not take into account the complexity of the sub-glacial and pre-glacial geological environment associated with the perimeter embankment foundation. As a result, foundation investigations and associated site characterization failed to identify a continuous GLU layer in the vicinity of the breach and to recognize that it was susceptible to undrained failure when subject to the stresses associated with the embankment.”
A first appearance date has been scheduled for December 18, 2024, in the Supreme Court of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia.
For further information on this case, click here.
(Source: Chemistry World) The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalised rules banning two common solvents used for purposes like dry cleaning, stain removal and automotive repair that have been linked to cancer. The EPA’s action, announced on 9 December, prohibits all uses of trichloroethylene (TCE) as well as all consumer uses and many commercial uses of tetrachloroethylene (PCE). The agency had first proposed a ban on all uses of TCE in October last year.
The EPA notes that even at very small concentrations, TCE can cause various cancers as well as damage to the central nervous system, immune system, and other organs. The agency will now prohibit all uses of the chemical, most of which will be banned within one year. Under the agency’s new regulations, all TCE uses with longer phaseout timeframes will have worker safety requirements, including an inhalation exposure limit. The EPA states that safer alternatives are readily available for the majority of uses.
Meanwhile, the EPA says that PCE is also linked to several cancers and can cause damage to the kidney, liver and immune system. The chemical is also a known neurotoxin and can cause adverse effects on fertility.
The EPA notes that PCE can biodegrade into TCE, and it may contain trace amounts of TCE as an impurity or a contaminant. However, for many uses of TCE that will be now totally prohibited, the agency suggests that PCE can be used as a substitute as long as appropriate safety measures are taken. Such applications include asphalt testing, the manufacture of refrigerants and vapour degreasing.
Jonathan Kalmuss-Katz, an attorney for US-based environmental nonprofit Earthjustice, estimates that the new rule will ban less than 20% of the current production volume of PCE, allowing the largest PCE uses to continue indefinitely. While the new regulations establish occupational exposure limits to protect workers who will remain exposed to PCE, they do not limit environmental releases of PCE or include protections for fenceline communities, he noted.
‘The last thing we want is for industry to replace prohibited uses of TCE with PCE, swapping one toxic threat for another,’ Kalmuss-Katz warned. ‘But the narrower scope of the PCE ban opens the door to that very substitution, leaving workers and impacted communities at risk.’
The Alliance for Chemical Distribution (ACD), which represents US chemical distributors, is disappointed with the EPA’s decision to completely ban TCE, arguing that certain uses should be allowed.
‘For example, TCE is a critical component in the manufacturing process of lithium and lead–acid battery separators,’ states ACD’s senior vice president of regulatory affairs, Jennifer Gibson. ‘Lead–acid batteries and lithium batteries power our daily lives, and a reduction in this sector will have cascading impacts on the transportation, defense, and energy sectors.’
TCE has been widely used in many industries, from metal degreasing, refrigerants, paints, lubricants, and sealants, explains Lynn Kornfeld, a partner at the Denver, Colorado-headquartered law firm Holland & Hart. Due to historic uses, it is a contaminant of concern at many cleanup sites, she adds.
‘Going forward, companies will have to identify those products or manufacturing processes that utilise TCE and identify and source alternatives,’ Kornfeld advises. She says there are potential replacements already on the market, but companies will have to determine which of those are most suitable for their operations or products.
Several companies are currently selling proprietary brand name products that purport to be suitable replacements for TCE as fast-drying degreasers or cleaners, Kornfeld notes.
Nearly 150 miles of Columbia River added to EPA’s Superfund list
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced Friday a roughly 150-mile stretch of the Columbia River between the Canadian border and Grand Coulee Dam has been added to the Superfund National Priorities List.
The new designation is an early step in what could be a decadeslong cleanup process following nearly a century of Canadian metal smelter Teck Metals Ltd. dumping heavy metals, including lead, into the river.
Teck was founded in 1906 and continues to operate a smelter in Trail, B.C., along the Columbia River about 10 miles north of the U.S. border.
Between its founding and 1995, Teck released millions of tons of lead, cadmium, mercury and other toxins into the Columbia River, according to legal filings and a detailed timeline by The Northport Project.
The facility has repeatedly spilled toxins — including lead, arsenic and mercury — into the river more recently.
Those pollutants, along with some from the long-shuttered Le Roi smelter on the U.S. side of the border, have settled into the riverbed between Trail and Grand Coulee Dam, which doesn’t allow sediment to pass.
Nearly since its inception, the international metal refining giant has faced lawsuits from farmers, environmental groups, members of regional tribes and even the U.S. government.
The EPA has spent decades battling the company trying to get it to pay for the cleanup — a job made more difficult because of Teck’s location in Canada.
Teck spokesman Dale Steeves did not answer questions about if the company had a responsibility to clean up the stretch of contaminated river but emphasized the company has taken action.
“Teck has spent more than U.S. $190 million conducting an extensive remedial investigation and feasibility study (RIFS) of the Upper Columbia watershed under EPA direction over the last 18 years,” he said in a statement. “To date, those studies indicate that the water is clean and the fish are as safe to eat as other fish in the Pacific Northwest.”
(A 2001 EPA analysis found sediment in the river and Lake Roosevelt, the reservoir behind Grand Coulee Dam in northeastern Washington, was contaminated.)
Steeves added the company provides crucial minerals to U.S. customers and has invested $1.7 billion to “continuously advance the environmental and operational performance of the smelter” since the 1970s.
The company’s earnings reports show it made about $4.5 billion last year.
While legal battles simmer, the EPA is moving forward with cleanup.
“EPA can now more comprehensively address long public health and environmental risks posed by over 100 years of mining-related pollution,” Casey Sixkiller, regional administrator for the EPA, said in a statement. “This work will continue to be critical for the people and communities who deserve cleaner and healthier places to live, work, and play.”
The next steps will include conducting studies to determine which places along the roughly 150-river-mile stretch have pollutants at unacceptable levels, and determining how to clean them and any health impacts they might be having on nearby communities, EPA spokesman Bill Dunbar said.
“Once the final cleanup plan is complete — and that’ll be some years down the road — then we’ll have an idea of exactly how large the Superfund site is,” Dunbar said.
The project is at the beginning of a complex process. Other regional projects such as the Lower Duwamish Waterway Superfund site took more than a decade to make it through those steps, though Dunbar said this project was less complex.
There are about 50 Superfund sites around Washington.
While the specifics of the eventual Upper Columbia Site cleanup will be determined by the coming studies, it will revolve around removing contaminated soil and sediment, especially from people’s yards and land that may be developed, Dunbar said. The agency can’t yet say if cleanup will happen at Lake Roosevelt.
Dunbar emphasized there will be very little impact to river users on the lower Columbia.
“We’re not talking about water quality at all; we’re concerned about what’s in the river sediment,” he said. “Any sediment in the river that gets moved down(stream) that we would be concerned about would certainly be trapped by the (Grand Coulee) Dam.”
However, he noted, no matter where you are, if you’re eating fish caught locally, you should check for health advisories.
A 2022 investigation by Oregon Public Broadcasting and ProPublica tested 50 salmon caught above Bonneville Dam and found unsafe levels of mercury and PCBs for people who eat more servings than average.
Dunbar acknowledged the Upper Columbia Site cleanup could take decades.
“We certainly hope it doesn’t take that long,” he said. “But … it’s certainly appropriate for people to understand that it’s going to take many, many years to get through the cleanup process.”
While the cost is unknown, the cleanup of the more complex Lower Duwamish Waterway Superfund is estimated to total $342 million.
This article was first published by The Columbian through the Murrow News Fellow program, managed by Washington State University.
Project Spotlight: IGNITE – Advancing Low-Carbon Technologies and Bridging the Green Economy Talent Gap
We are proud to spotlight Project IGNITE, an innovative initiative by ECO Canada that addresses two critical challenges in Canada’s fight against climate change: promoting the adoption of low-carbon technologies and closing the talent gap in the green economy. This project is funded by ECCC (Environment & Climate Change Canada). The training and the GHG Management study conducted would on NO COST basis to the participating companies.
Project Overview:
Project IGNITE is designed to build both human and institutional capacity to deploy Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emission reduction technologies and implement carbon reduction projects across the country. By providing training, resources, and technical support, this project equips organizations with the skills and expertise necessary to lead successful GHG reduction initiatives.
Key Activities of the Project:
- Content Development and Training: The project focuses on creating specialized content and providing training to ensure businesses have the knowledge and tools to effectively adopt low-carbon technologies and implement GHG emission reduction projects.
- Capacity Building: IGNITE works to strengthen the skills of individuals and organizations, preparing them to manage and execute carbon reduction strategies across various sectors.
- Pilot Projects with Businesses: By working directly with selected small and medium-sized businesses, the project supports real-world application of low-carbon technologies, demonstrating their viability and effectiveness in reducing emissions.
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Project Goals:
- Promote widespread adoption of low-carbon technologies across Canadian industries.
- Close the green economy talent gap by developing the workforce needed to lead emissions reduction efforts.
- Contribute to Canada’s climate goals under the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan.
IGNITE is a pivotal project in supporting Canada’s transition to a low-carbon economy by providing businesses with the tools, knowledge, and support to reduce emissions while also training a new generation of leaders in the green economy. Together, we’re creating a sustainable future for all.
To learn more about Project IGNITE and how you can get involved, visit https://eco.ca/project-ignite-innovating-ghg-reduction-nurturing-institutions-and-training-enterprises-for-low-carbon-economy/. Feel free to contact Durga Sindhura K, Project Co-lead at skampli@eco.ca / 403-906-3174, Pooja Sharma psharma@eco.ca / 403 906 3171
Pleased to share the link to register for the event https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/ghg-management-training-program-tickets-1115941504079?aff=oddtdtcreator.
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Alberta Wetlands: From Classification to Policy
Aquality is pleased to announce that registration for “Alberta Wetlands: From Classification to Policy” is now open!
The course material includes wetland classification, the ecosystem roles and functions of wetlands, wetland hydrology, and an examination of characteristics of peatlands and mineral wetlands. Federal, provincial, and municipal policies, regulations, and legislations affecting wetlands in Alberta, particularly the Alberta Wetland Policy (2013), will be discussed. Wetland assessments including both desktop delineations and field assessments, ABWRET assessments, and economic valuation of wetlands will be examined. Wetland avoidance, mitigation, compensation/replacement guidelines, and WAIR/WAIF applications will also be addressed.
Element’s 26th Annual Environmental Seminar
Advancing Environmental Excellence: Element’s 26th Annual Environmental Seminar
Join industry leaders and environmental experts at Element’s 26th Annual Environmental Seminar, where innovation meets expertise in addressing today’s most pressing environmental challenges. This premier event brings together distinguished speakers from across the environmental sector for a day of knowledge sharing, networking, and professional growth.
Event Highlights:
- Cutting-Edge Technology Focus: Discover groundbreaking applications of AI in soil analysis and field screening technology, presented by Jevins Waddell from Trium Environmental Inc.
- Critical PFAS Insights: Deep dive into PFAS challenges with back-to-back expert sessions featuring Permveer Bains (Element Materials Technology) and Erik Martin (Ramball), exploring both technical analysis and toxicological impacts.
- Regulatory Updates: Stay current with the latest environmental protection developments from Alberta Environment & Protected Areas.
- Professional Development: Gain valuable insights on mentoring the next generation of consultants from Jackie Maxwell of SLR Consulting.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with peers and industry leaders during multiple dedicated networking sessions, including breakfast, lunch, and coffee breaks.
Website Link To Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/
BEST 2025 Registration Now Open
Join us for the 12th Annual Bettering Environmental Stewardship & Technology (BEST) Conference!
The BCEIA’s BEST Conference attracts environmental professionals every May for two and a half days of technical sessions, networking opportunities, and a sponsor tradeshow.
Mark your calendars now so you don’t miss out on the “BEST” opportunity to network and learn about the current environment industry in BC!
For more information or to register visit: https://bceia.com/events-calendar/#id=142&cid=1941&wid=1601
ESAA Job Board
Check out the new improved ESAA Job Board. Members can post ads for free.
Current Listings:
- Senior Environmental Planner -Stantec
- Site Investigation & Remediation (SIR) Team Lead -Stantec Consulting Services Inc.
- Environmental Risk Assessment & Technical Reporting – Arletta Environmental Consulting Corp
- Environmental Project Manager – Arletta Environmental Consulting Corp
- Project Technologist – Pinchin Ltd.