
ESAA Announces New Executive Director
With over 10 years of experience working with the Alberta Water and Wastewater Operators Association, and 25 years of combined experience in Real Estate, Property Management, and the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency, Erin brings a unique and diverse perspective to ESAA. Her enthusiasm and drive will undoubtedly serve her well in this new role.
As Executive Director, Erin will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of ESAA, as well as the delivery of our signature high-level events, including RemTech and the Environmental Summit. Her exceptional people skills and infectious enthusiasm will be a valuable asset to our organization, helping to build on ESAA’s legacy and take us to the next level.”

ESAA Environmental Summit
April 1-3, 2025
Kananaskis Mountain Lodge
Draft Program Now Available – Early Bird registration ends February 1st
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 nine (9) panel discussions over the two-days of the conference, two networking receptions and two great keynotes. Full event details can be found at: https://esaa.org/summit/
Registration is now OPEN. Early bird rates end February – Register now at: https://esaa.org/summit/register/ ** Day passes are also available (limited quantity)
Sponsorship is now OPEN. See our the website for all sponsorship opportunities https://esaa.org/summit/sponsors/
ESAA truly appreciates your support of world-class events and looks forward to welcoming you to ‘The Summit’ at the amazing Kananaskis Mountain Lodge.
RemTech 2025
October 15-17, 2025
Fairmont Banff Springs
Call for Abstracts / Super Early Bird Registration
ESAA is pleased to announce that early bird registration is open for the 24th edition of RemTech.
RemTech 2025 will feature technical talks, 2 receptions, 55 exhibits, networking opportunities and three great keynotes.
Keynotes:
Opening Keynote
Robert Bilott, Environmental Lawyer
Robert was instrumental in the lawsuit against Dupont over PFAS exposure in a community in West Virginia and resulted in a $1B settlement against Dupont and the basis of the movie – Dark Waters.
Thursday Lunch Keynote
Kate Moore – Author of Radium Girls
The Radium Girls fully illuminates the inspiring young women exposed to the “wonder” substance of radium, and their awe-inspiring strength in the face of almost impossible circumstances. Their courage and tenacity led to life-changing regulations, research into nuclear bombing, and ultimately saved hundreds of thousands of lives.
Friday Lunch Keynote
Julie Angus – Explorer, Scientist, Author
First person / Woman to row solo across the Atlantic.
Registration
100 passes are available at a Super Early Bird Price. $925 Members and $1,325 Non-Members. When the 100 passes are sold, regular early bird rates will be in effect and available until May 30th. Registration details at: https://esaa.org/remtech/register/ Register Early and Save. (65 passes remaining at the super early bird prices)
Call for Abstracts
Complete details for the 2025 call for abstracts is available at: https://esaa.org/remtech/call-for-abstracts/. Submission deadline is June 13th, 2025.
Sponsors / Exhibitors
Previous sponsors and exhibitors will be contacted by early February to secure your previous sponsorship level and exhibit space. Once their deadline to respond passes, remaining spots will be offered to companies on the waiting list. For additional information contact Lorrine Hamdon, lorrine@tl2.ca
Hotel Reservations
The Fairmont Banff Springs will be accepting reservations shortly. Accommodations for RemTech™ 2025 delegates start at $289 per night plus $16 resort fee (tipping of bell and housekeeping not required) per night depending on the type and occupancy of the room. Rates do not include taxes and surcharges. Rate also includes 1 free drink (per room) at any Fairmont Banff Springs bar (valid during RemTech, October 15-17, 2025). Full details available soon along with the reservation link.
Full RemTech 2025 details can be found at: https://esaa.org/remtech/
Thank you for your continued support!
Rio Tinto Fer et Titane inc. is ordered to pay $2 million for violating the Fisheries Act and the Metal and Diamond Mining Effluent Regulations
Environment and Climate Change Canada enforcement officers strive to ensure that individuals and businesses comply with Canada’s environmental laws to keep the environment safe and clean.
On January 13, 2025, Rio Tinto Fer et Titane inc. was sentenced by the Court of Québec to pay fines totalling $2 million after pleading guilty to eight counts of violating the Fisheries Act and the Metal and Diamond Mining Effluent Regulations. The conviction stems from various deposits of deleterious substances that occurred between February and August 2023, as well as the failure to take a sample following an unauthorized deposit of a deleterious (harmful) substance in November 2023. The fines will be paid in full to the Government of Canada’s Environmental Damages Fund and will support projects that have a positive impact on Canada’s natural environments.
The company Rio Tinto Fer et Titane inc. operates a mine at Lac Tio, north of Havre-Saint-Pierre, Quebec. The site has final discharge points subject to the Metal and Diamond Mining Effluent Regulations. Two of these discharge points are RH-Léo and Ancienne-Croix. Effluent from these two discharge points flows into Lac Petit Pas, which is frequented by fish.
In October 2023, enforcement officers launched an investigation after being informed by Environment and Climate Change Canada’s National Environmental Emergencies Centre of deposits of deleterious substances at the site operated by Rio Tinto Fer et Titane inc. The investigation showed that in February 2023, excesses of nickel occurred in the effluent from the RH-Léo final discharge point. These excesses were caused by the accidental severing of electrical cables, which interrupted the pumping and treatment system of this effluent.
In July and August 2023, deposits of a low pH effluent were also observed at the Ancienne-Croix final discharge point. Effluent with a low pH is harmful to fish. The investigation revealed that at the time of these offences, this effluent was not treated.
In addition, in November 2023, Rio Tinto Fer et Titane inc. failed to take a sample without delay following an unauthorized deposit of a deleterious substance, as required by the Regulations.
As a result of this conviction, the company’s name will be added to the Environmental Offenders Registry. The Registry contains information on the convictions of companies that committed offences under federal environmental laws.
Potential Leak at Eagle Gold Mine in the Yukon
(Source: Hazmatmag.com) PricewaterhouseCoopers Inc., the court appointed Receiver for Victoria Gold Corp., recently issued a notification to the Government of Yukon and the First Nation of Nacho Nyak Dun regarding a potential leak in a newly constructed containment pond at Eagle Gold Mine. The notification was prompted by irregularities in storage pond volumes. Regulatory and enforcement agencies have been notified and ongoing water quality monitoring results will determine if a leak may be impacting Haggart Creek.
The Government of Yukon continues to work closely with the Receiver’s and First Nation of Nacho Nyak Dun’s technical team to determine the cause of irregularities in storage pond volumes and potential impacts to the environment. In the meantime, temporary measures have been approved to dilute the pond’s water to reduce its toxicity. Enhanced monitoring of groundwater and surface water in Haggart Creek is underway to track any environmental impacts.
These actions, along with emergency approvals to prevent overflows of untreated water, are part of the Yukon government’s ongoing efforts as the primary territorial regulator and enforcement body for the mine site to manage the situation responsibly and minimize environmental impacts. The Receiver is now in control of the mine site for the purpose of carrying out remediation of the failure and its impacts. The Receiver is overseeing and facilitating the work with the input and support of the Yukon government and is responsible for implementing all directions issued by the Government of Yukon and federal regulators.
Environmental mitigation measures
- Monitoring pond volumes in winter conditions is not precise due to snow and ice formation and the expected settling of newly constructed ponds.
- Further work is required to determine if the reduction in volume is due to settlement and ice formation or if water has leaked into the environment.
- The Receiver, with input from the Government of Yukon, is conducting further assessments to determine the cause of decreased pond levels and options to mitigate a potential release of pond water.
- Water levels on site are at a critical level and more storage within this pond is necessary to reduce the risk of other ponds with cyanide-contaminated water from overflowing.
- Treated water is being pumped to the pond on a temporary basis to, among other things, dilute the water stored in this area and reduce the potential for environmental impacts. Storage of treated water in the pond is the most environmentally protective option under the current circumstances.
- Increased environmental monitoring is underway in the area including sampling of pond water for quality and toxicity, monitoring of adjacent groundwater wells and surface water monitoring in Haggart Creek.
- The Receiver’s water treatment specialist is currently investigating additional treatment steps to reduce copper prior to discharge.
- These most recent water quality results continue to be posted on yukon.ca and the Government of Yukon will continue to provide regular updates on a monthly schedule.
Yukon Water Board licence amendment
- PricewaterhouseCoopers Inc., the court-appointed Receiver, is in control of the mine site for the purpose of overseeing the work involved in remediation of the heap leach failure and its impacts.
- On December 20, 2024, the Yukon Water Board approved the Receiver’s application for an emergency amendment to the site’s water licence to allow for the discharge of partially treated water.
- Under the amended licence, partially treated water will be non-toxic but will have higher levels of copper, particulate solids and cyanide than previously allowed. The levels in the amended licence are consistent with federal regulations that set standards aimed at avoiding harm to fish and aquatic species.
Source: Yukon Government
Alberta government lifts ban on coal exploration in Eastern Slopes
The provincial government said Monday night the direction from the minister amounted to “housekeeping” following moves it already announced in December to modernize its coal policy.
But a natural resources and energy law expert says it will once again open up large tracts of land to coal exploration and potentially undermine ongoing legal cases coal companies launched against the province for billions in damages following a series of policy changes.
“It means that projects that had already got exploration permits, those permits are effectively now reinstated, and exploration can start again on those properties,” said Nigel Bankes, an emeritus professor of law at the University of Calgary.
“The Eastern Slopes is open again for coal activities.”
Four separate statements of claim are scheduled to be heard at the same time this April, with coal companies alleging Alberta’s decision to change coal mining rules cost them financially and resulted in a “de facto expropriation” of their coal assets.
“Instead of waiting for the spring session [of the legislature], they have made this decision now. And I think the reason is to take the wind out of the sails of those compensation claims,” Bankes said.
Speaking Tuesday morning from Washington, D.C., Alberta Premier Danielle Smith told reporters the province was thinking about taxpayers when it made the move.
“If you look at the lawsuits that have been filed, it’s $16 billion with the potential liability,” she said. “We have to take that seriously, and we have to make sure that the taxpayers are protected. At the same time, metallurgical coal is incredibly valuable.”
CBC News has reached out to four companies involved in a trial that was to be heard at the same time this April. Those companies are Cabin Ridge Holdings Ltd. and Cabin Ridge Project Ltd.; Atrum Coal Ltd., along with its subsidiary, Elan Coal Ltd.; Black Eagle Mining Corp.; and Evolve Power Ltd., formerly Montem Resources Ltd.
A fifth company, Northback Holdings, launched a damages claim in June 2024, which will be heard separately. Combined, the five companies are seeking north of $15 billion in damages.
Northback declined to comment.
In a letter sent to the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) on Jan. 15, Alberta Energy and Minerals Minister Brian Jean wrote that he had decided to cancel three previous ministerial orders from 2021 and 2022 to reduce regulatory confusion.
The letter went on to say that the AER must lift the suspension on all coal project approvals that were put on hold under the rescinded orders. Expiry dates for the approvals would also be extended to account for the time they were suspended, the letter states.
In an email to CBC News, a spokesperson with the AER wrote that companies with approvals that were paused by earlier orders can move forward again, and new applications for coal projects can now be submitted.
“Until Alberta’s modernized coal policy is ready, coal exploration and development applications will be subject to the land categories outlined in the 1976 coal policy for Alberta when evaluating coal applications,” Renato Gandia wrote in an email.
In December, Jean said the province was developing rules that would shape the future of coal mining in the province. The province has said those eventual new rules would not permit mountaintop removal mining, which it noted has never occurred in Alberta. There would also be no new open-pit coal mines approved for the Eastern Slopes region.
The 1976 coal policy was previously scrapped by the Alberta government in 2020, but was later reinstated temporarily following a period of public pushback.
One of the biggest consequences of the revocation of the policy from 1976 was that the department of energy started to issue hundreds, if not thousands, of coal leases immediately, Bankes said.
These leases were based on old applications that had been on hold for decades but were kept on file, he said.
Jean’s latest directive removes the ministerial orders that acted as a moratorium on those old applications, allowing suspended leases and new applications to move forward under the revised guidelines.
“The implication of that was, as I say, hundreds if not thousands of new leases issued, which were then put on hold as a result of the moratorium, but now are available for possible exploration activities,” Bankes said.
“These are big tracts of land in the Bighorn area, west of Red Deer. So it’s not just southern Alberta. And there are big tracts of land on the west side of Highway 22, the Cowboy Trail.”
The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society released a statement on Monday, writing that it believed the move served to illustrate that the government’s coal modernization plans “will serve to cater to the coal industry.”
“This is a profoundly short-sighted and irresponsible decision by the Minister of Energy and Minerals that puts the health, future and prosperity of Alberta, and our communities, at grave risk,” wrote Katie Morrison, executive director at CPAWS Southern Alberta, in a statement. “We will be fiercely opposing this new direction — and we know we won’t be alone. Albertans have fought this fight before and won.”
In a statement, a spokesperson in Jean’s office wrote that the move was “essentially a housekeeping change to implement the changes [announced] in December.”
“Rescinding the old orders and giving a new one will bring clarity to the regulatory process for Albertans and potential investors while the Alberta Coal Industry Modernization Initiative (CIMI) is created and implemented,” the statement reads.
“This does not open the door for coal development projects hoping to get approval before the new rules come into force. The Alberta Energy Regulator will be expected to keep the environmental protection and land-use goals of the CIMI, announced on Dec. 20, 2024, in mind when evaluating any coal exploration applications submitted from this point on.”
Bankes didn’t agree with the characterization of the move as “housekeeping,” writing in an email that he thought the province’s statement was “dishonest.”
“It is not housekeeping. It actually changes the rules and it changes the rules now,” he said.
Smith noted there was concern about selenium, which she said would impact water and disrupt habitat.
“We’re bringing through a better, more robust policy, and so that’s part of the reason why we put that forward,” Smith said.
The AER said it was in the process of sending letters of reconsideration to impacted companies. It added, upon their confirmation of receipt, those letters would be posted online.
AER: New Direction for Coal Activity in the Eastern Slopes of Alberta’s Rocky Mountains
On January 16, 2025, the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) received Ministerial Order 003/2025, issued by the Minister of Energy and Minerals, Hon. Brian Jean.
The order rescinds the three previous ministerial orders (054/2021, 093/2021, and 002/2022) related to coal mining activities in the Eastern Slopes and confirms the 1976 A Coal Policy for Alberta (opens in new window). The government has directed the AER to lift the suspension of all approvals and extend the expiry dates to account for the period of suspension. The AER is directed to comply with the directions given under Ministerial Order 003/2025 by January 31, 2025.
Under the 1976 policy, which is currently in effect, provincial lands are classified into four numbered categories with respect to coal exploration and development. The coal land classification map (opens in new window) shows these categories. Under the policy, no coal exploration or development activities are permitted on Category 1 lands.
We will continue to implement future policy direction as it is received from the Government of Alberta. If you have any questions, contact our Customer Contact Centre by phone at 403-297-8311 (1-855-297- 8311 toll free) or by email at inquiries@aer.ca.
Alberta’s plans to control wild horse population not backed by science, advocates say
(Source: CBC News) Maverick, Radar and White Spirit mostly gallop in the confines of the Rocky Mountain foothills, but they are known among equine enthusiasts around the world.
“They are loved,” said Joanne King, a retired teacher who lives near Sundre, Alta., where the rolling hillsides northwest of Calgary contain the highest concentration of Alberta’s 1,500 wild horses.
“Those horses are my world.”
She said she goes out to photograph the horses multiple times a week and talks to them from a distance.
“The more I got to know the individual stallions and their bands, the more close I got. Every time I go out there, there’s always someone else pulled over, watching them, photographing them, too.”
Thousands of people around the world follow the animals’ exploits in a social media group King runs. She also takes visiting friends and family to see them.
But now, she says, Maverick, Radar and White Spirit are among the wild horses at risk, with the Alberta government announcing plans to control their population.
Wildlife advocates say the proposed measures aren’t backed by science, have an arbitrary population threshold and are designed to appease the cattle industry. The province, meanwhile, says it’s necessary to limit the risk to the landscape and to other grazing animals.
Forestry Minister Todd Loewen said that if a count beginning later this month finds the wild horse population has exceeded management thresholds, 30 would be selected for adoption and up to 90 would be given contraception.
He said the government has been discussing the measures since last year after a helicopter and ground survey found the population was up.
“The numbers in two equine management zones exceeded the thresholds, so action should be taking place,” he said.
He said he understands people are divided over the measures, which would only be taken after a second count.
“Some people believe the feral horses shouldn’t exist on the landscape at all because they’re not native species to Alberta and there’s some people that feel that there should be feral horses across the whole province,” he said.
He said the government wants to “ensure that these horses thrive and coexist in their ecosystems in the landscape.”
A government document called the Feral Horse Management Framework describes how horses went extinct in North America after the most recent ice age but were later reintroduced by European settlers.
“Horses served vital roles in labour in the fields, providing transportation and improving the quality of life for settlers in Alberta,” the framework said.
When demand for horsepower went down in the 1900s, some were released on unfenced rangelands along the Eastern Slopes of the Rockies by First Nations, ranchers, loggers, miners and hunters.
About 2,100 horses have been removed since the 1960s in response to natural resource concerns, the framework said. In 2013, the province established a committee to find ways to better manage populations.
There are now six zones managed by the government across the slopes where wild horses roam. Most are in the Sundre area, where there were 969 animals by the 2023 count. The threshold is 1,000.
Darrell Glover, who founded the Help Alberta Wildies Society in response to previous horse culls, said the measures amount to “equine genocide” and the government hasn’t proven they’re necessary.
“We have been pressuring the government to provide the proof, the science that the wild horses are responsible for damaging the landscape,” said Glover, also a member of Alberta’s Feral Horse Advisory Committee.
“They cannot provide it because it does not exist.”
Asked about the research backing the threshold, Loewen said it was after consultations with several stakeholders, including Glover’s group.
“Everybody had the opportunity for input and that input was put together and the Feral Horse Management Framework is what came out of it,” he said.
“I’m not sure how to respond to someone who was at the table and had the opportunity to advocate for feral horses.”
Glover said the province did not heed the concerns he brought up, and accused it of trying to appease the cattle industry, which he said causes the most damage to grazing land.
“Certain ranchers possess a grazing lease agreement with the government. So if there wasn’t any wild horses out there, these grazing allotments and grazing leases could be increased,” he said.
“It’s all about money.”
He said the horses have natural predators like bears and cougars and injecting several with contraception would further decrease their population. Glover added that adopted horses have been sold at auction and later sent to slaughter following previous culls.
Glover, a pilot, said when the government begins its survey this year, the Help Alberta Wildies Society will be conducting one, too.
Back near Sundre, King said there’s enough grass for cattle and wild horses alike.
“The people who live here are attached to these horses,” she said. “They love these horses and we’re going to fight for them.”
The Alberta Energy Regulator lays nine charges against Imperial Oil Resources Limited for release at Kearl Oil Sands Processing Plant
CALGARY, AB, January 17, 2025 – The Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) has laid nine charges in relation to an industrial wastewater release at Imperial Oil Resources Limited’s Kearl Oil Sands Processing Plant.
The charges are related to a berm overflow of industrial wastewater that occurred at the Kearl plant that was reported to the AER on February 4, 2023.
Six charges, laid under the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act (opens in new window), are as follows:
- One count for releasing a substance into the environment that caused or may have caused a significant adverse effect.
- One count for failing to report a release as soon as they knew or ought to have known of the release.
- One count for failing, as soon as they became aware or ought to become aware of the release, to take all reasonable measures to repair, remedy and confine the effects of the substance.
- One count for failing, as soon as they became aware or ought to become aware of the release, to take all reasonable measures to remediate, manage, remove or otherwise dispose of the substance in such a manner as to prevent an adverse effect or further adverse effect.
- One count in contravention of approval number 46586-01-00, condition 4.2.1, for releasing substances from the plant to the surrounding watershed.
- One count in contravention of approval number 46586-01-00, condition 2.1.1, for not immediately reporting to the AER Director by telephone at 1-780-422-4505.
Three charges, laid under the Public Lands Act (opens in new window), are as follows:
- One count for the accumulation of waste material, debris, refuse, or garbage on public land.
- One count for causing the loss or damage of public land.
- One count for causing activities on, or the use of, public land that is likely to result in loss or damage to public land.
The company’s first appearance in court will be on February 26, 2025, at the Alberta Court of Justice in Fort McMurray.
For more information, visit the AER Compliance Dashboard (opens in new window).
As this matter is now before the court, the AER will not be providing any additional information.
Contaminated soil from Pond Inlet diesel spill to stay put
(Source: CBCE News)
Some contaminated soil from a diesel spill in Pond Inlet earlier this year can’t be cleaned up due to the need to preserve the structural integrity of the area that’s propping up the pipe.
On June 11, Nunavut’s Petroleum Products Division (PPD) discovered7,000 litres of diesel had leaked out of a 950-metre pipe that was damaged by the extreme cold over the previous winter.
CBC has obtained a copy of the final report by the environmental consultant company, Qikiqtaaluk Environmental Inc. (QE), from August 19.
Between June 29 and July 15, they manually excavated 36 cubic metres of impacted soil, and took 18 samples. All 18 exceeded national and territorial environmental quality guidelines.
At the time, they estimated another 75 cubic metres of affected soil was “reachable”, but that it would be almost impossible to excavate all that soil safely.
“The soil closer to the pipeline should not be removed, to ensure the integrity of the structure under the concrete block that supports the pipeline,” the report states.
There are also boulders around that affected area which can’t be moved.
“Since there is no access for heavy equipment on the northern side of the pipeline, it is almost impossible to remove more soil in depth by manual excavation.”
That concerns Andrew Dumbrille, the North American advisor for the Clean Arctic Alliance. He said fossil fuels can take a long time to break down in the environment, or they bio-accumulate in wildlife and plants.
“These types of chemicals build up in the fatty tissues of wildlife for instance, and their levels increase and they don’t disperse,” he said.
“Over months and years … then we consume that build up in our own tissues and that’s when we have major health problems like cancers.”
In a statement to CBC, PPD said QE crews returned to Pond Inlet in September and removed another 20 cubic metres of contaminated soil.
PPD acknowledged there isn’t any feasible way to remove more affected soil — but said they’ll continue to keep an eye on it.
“PPD continues to work with regulators and is committed to monitoring the site over the coming months and years to ensure it remains secure and does not pose additional risks to the environment or community,” a spokesperson from PPD said.
PPD had believed a large quantity of the diesel went into the ocean and was working to soak that up.
QE crews dug 10 boreholes on the larger pieces of ice and found no fuel stuck in pockets underneath.
Canadian regulators lag behind U.S. after harmful ‘forever chemicals’ found in fertilizer, say experts
A U.S. government study warning of potentially dangerous levels of “forever chemicals” in sewage sludge sold as fertilizer is raising concern among some experts in Canada, who say more needs to be done to ensure application of the material isn’t contaminating the environment and harming people.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (E.P.A.) released a report Tuesday warning exposure to sewage sludge containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, could pose risk of human health.
The substances include a group of 4,700 “forever chemicals” that have been found in everything from cosmetics and food packaging to carpets, non-stick cookware, diapers and clothing.
In some cases, the E.P.A. assessment found concentrations of the chemicals exceeded regulatory thresholds “by several orders of magnitude.”
The chemicals take many years to break down and have been linked to a range of illnesses — including altered immune and thyroid function, negative reproductive and developmental outcomes, liver and kidney disease, and cancer.
The study found biosolids contaminated with PFAS have not contaminated the general food supply. But the agency did find human health risks connected to PFAS exposure when treated sewage sludge — known as biosolids — was disposed in landfills, incinerated, or applied to farms or range lands.
Domestic manufacturers in the U.S. voluntarily phased out production of the two “forever chemicals” analyzed in the report — PFOS by 2002 and PFOA by 2015. The E.P.A. says its continued presence is likely due to historic contamination and ongoing introduction through consumer, commercial and industrial products.
Canada, for its part, banned PFOS by 2002 and PFOA 2012, though there are some exemptions.
The Canadian federal government is in the process of developing a chemical management plan for PFAS. A July 2024 updated draft state of PFAS in Canada found contamination from “forever chemicals” present throughout Canada and “not limited to a few sources or areas.”
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), meanwhile, has been working with provinces and municipalities since 2023 to implement interim standards for PFAS in biosolids. The agency implemented an interim standard in October 2024 that prohibits the importation and sale of municipal biosolids into Canada that contain PFOS levels at 50 parts per billion or higher.
“The standard applies to all domestic and imported biosolids intended for use as commercial fertilizers,” said a spokesperson in an email.
Despite Canadian attempts to regulate PFAS, an estimated 15,000 PFAS substances remain on the market, said Peter Ross, a toxicologist who runs Raincoast Conservation Foundation’s Healthy Waters program.
Ross said his team has found “forever chemicals” in most of the waters samples they have collected across British Columbia. He said there is “significant concern” in Canada that the substances are being redistributed into agriculture, forestry and mining reclamation through the application of biosolids from wastewater treatment plants.
“Everyone knows they’re harmful. Everyone knows they’re considered to be ‘forever chemicals,’” said Ross. “But only a handful have been banned.”
At the time of publication, Health Canada had not responded to questions over how it might respond to the U.S. PFAS assessment.
B.C.’s Environmental Management Act encourages wastewater operators to find a beneficial use for biosolids — a policy backed nation-wide by the federal government. But quality control only requires measuring for heavy metals and pathogens like fecal coliform. Nobody, said Ross, has to look for pesticides, hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dioxins, flame retardants or PFAS.
That doesn’t mean some people aren’t testing. Last year, federal scientist Sarah Gewurtz published a study monitoring the fate and behaviour of 42 “forever chemicals” in 27 Canadian wastewater plants.
The results, which anonymized the locations of the wastewater plants, found some PFAS concentrations decreased over time, something the researchers attributed to the phase-out of industrial production and regulations.
However, the presence of PFOS in wastewater — a “forever chemical” highlighted in the recent U.S. assessment and exempt from the Canadian ban when used by firefighters at airports and military installations — was found not to decrease over time.
“We’re basically dealing with contaminated sites at airports across Canada,” Ross said.
Meanwhile, concentrations of other “forever chemicals” used to replace phased-out PFAS were found to increase in Canadian wastewater between 2009 and 2021, according to the updated draft state of PFAS in Canada.
For the past 30 years, Metro Vancouver has sold biosolids across B.C. and Alberta under the brand name Nutrifor. The fertilizer is an end product of “advanced wastewater treatment” that transforms raw sewage into a sludge or biosolid.
Left over sludge is treated and heated to reduce odours and kill pathogens. At that point, the biosolids become nutrient-rich fertilizers that have been used to reclaim landfills and mines, fertilize range lands and regional parks, and has been regularly sold to the public to boost growth in backyard gardens.
Nutrifor has been applied to public parks from North Vancouver to Surrey, ranches and dairy farms in the province’s Interior, and is sold as turf and garden blends for up to $20 a bag. The peat-like substance is even used as a key ingredient in a soil for landfills that absorbs methane gas and reduces greenhouse gas emissions, according to Metro Vancouver.
Janelle Hunt, a program manager at Metro Vancouver’s liquid waste services department, said the region’s wastewater treatment plants do not receive large inputs of PFAS. She said Metro regularly tests for “forever chemicals” in wastewater sludge it treats and sells as fertilizer across Western Canada.
“Not all biosolids are the same; their quality reflects what the community sends down its drains,” Hunt said.
She added test results show PFAS levels in Metro Vancouver are consistently lower than the Health Canada Soil Quality Guideline limits.
“Metro Vancouver continues to stay current with the available science to ensure the safety and quality of its biosolids,” said Hunt. “We have a rigorous quality control program and regularly test biosolids for PFAS.”
But others in B.C. worry the benefits of the nutrient-rich sludge are outweighed by the risk the unwanted contaminants pose to the environment and people.
Biosolid Free BC founder Philippe Lucas said he turned against the application of the sewage sludge on agriculture land while serving as a Victoria city councillor. At the time, he said the Capital Regional District (CRD) was considering distributing the biosolids to local farms.
He was part of a group that fought against that effort — and won. The south end of Vancouver Island has become a rare biosolid-free region ever since, said Lucas.
But in the years since, the former councillor said the province has pressured the CRD to allow disposal at the local Hartland landfill as part of a federally led policy that encourages biosolids producers to find a “beneficial use” for the material.
At the same time, some jurisdictions have recently moved to regulate the potential application of PFAS on agricultural land. In 2022, Maine was the first U.S. state to ban the application of biosolids on farmer fields. A year later, five European countries — Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark and Norway — called for a major restriction on PFAS across the European Union.
And in a Canadian first, the B.C. government filed a class-action lawsuit against manufacturers of PFAS in 2023, alleging they were involved in the widespread contamination of drinking-water systems.
Lucas said that puts the province in an “unquestionable position of hypocrisy where they’re suing the PFAS manufacturers while insisting municipalities distribute biosolids they know have forever chemicals in them.”
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Environment and Parks declined to comment for this story, saying the class action remains before the courts.
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: PFAS Introductory Training – Tuesday, January 28, 2025, 1:00PM-3:00PM EST (18:00-20:00 GMT). This training will include emerging science on PFAS, including topics such as Properties of PFAS, Fate and Transport, Sampling and Analysis, and Treatment Technologies. The technical presentations will be focused on those who are relatively new to PFAS. The training will last approximately 90 minutes and include time for questions. For more information and to register, see https://www.itrcweb.org
ITRC: Introduction to Hydrocarbons Training – Thursday, January 30, 2025, 1:00PM-3:00PM EST (18:00-20:00 GMT). This class is designed to provide a basic overview of hydrocarbon behavior in the subsurface and how to scientifically assess concerns arising from the release of petroleum products into the environment. It will highlight key issues that help identify and manage TPH, LNAPL, and PVI risks together. For more information and to register, see https://www.itrcweb.org
New Documents and Web Resources
Research Brief 360: Combining Plants and Sunlight to Break Down Hazardous Compounds. Researchers funded by the NIEHS Superfund Research Program designed a new material that effectively degrades harmful compounds, like PFAS, and bacteria. By combining the power of sunlight and a component of plants, called lignin, this approach harnesses sustainable and renewable resources to reduce exposures and protect health. For more information, please visit https://tools.niehs.nih.
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:
- Incorporating Matrix Diffusion in the New MODFLOW Flow and Transport Model for Unstructured Grids User Guide
Upcoming Events
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
February 6th, Calgary
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
Unlocking Opportunities: Beyond Dig and Dump Part 2
Location: Virtual
Website Link: https://canadianbrownfieldsnetwork.ca/events/cbn-webinars
Date: January 22
Explore a vision for brownfield redevelopment where ‘dig and dump’ is no longer the default. Traditionally, project timelines and constraints have made soil excavation and landfill disposal seem like the only viable option. Today’s presenters are here to challenge that paradigm, showcasing proven remediation and risk management approaches with real-world examples that check all the boxes: financial viability, scheduling efficiency, and sustainability. Add these practical methods to your toolbox and help make them as standard as ‘dig and dump’.
Speakers:
- Myriam Cadotte, Directrice de projets Environnement, ALTRA-Sanexen
- Ryan Riess, Senior Environmental Engineer, President, R Squared Environmental Inc.
- Jevins Waddell, President, Trium Environmental Inc.
- David Meikle, (moderator) Vice President, Western Region, Manager, Milestone Environmental Contracting Inc.
Building the Future: Insights and Aspirations from Emerging Leaders in Brownfields and Contaminated Lands
Location: Virtual
Website Link: https://canadianbrownfieldsnetwork.ca/events/cbn-webinars
Date: January 29
Join us for an engaging panel discussion featuring early career professionals in the brownfield and contaminated land industry. Our panelists will share their experiences navigating the challenges and opportunities in the field, discuss their career aspirations, and explore how organizations and industry leaders can better support the next generation of environmental professionals. Whether you’re an industry veteran or just starting out, this webinar offers valuable insights into the future of our profession and the essential changes needed to thrive in our industry.
Speakers:
- Hannah Chessell, Project Hydrogeologist, Geosyntec Consultants
- Samson Walsom, Business Development Coordinator, Milestone Environmental Contracting Inc.
- Marissa Smirl, Environmental Scientist, WSP
- Adam Yee, Project Coordinator, Nichols Environmental
- Reanne Ridsdale, PhD Candidate, Toronto Metropolitan University
- Melody Vachon-Gregory, Senior Staff Scientist, SiREM
ESAA Job Board
Check out the new improved ESAA Job Board. Members can post ads for free.
Current Listings:
- Project Technologist – Pinchin Ltd.
- Environmental Project Manager – Arletta Environmental Consulting Corp
- Environmental Risk Assessor & Technical Reporter – Arletta Environmental Consulting Corp
- Environmental Professional / Project Coordinator – Ecoventure Inc.
- Junior Environmental Scientist – Trace Associates Inc.
- Junior Geoscientist – Trace Associates Inc.
- Environmental Student – Trace Associates Inc.