Environment and Industry News
Access to information formerly on the Environment Site Assessment Repository
With the retirement of the Government of Alberta’s Environmental Site Assessment Repository (ESAR), contamination management records previously available through ESAR are now available from the Alberta Energy Regulator’s Products and Services Catalogue(opens in new window).
The Products and Services Catalogue now includes records relating to environmental site conditions, including
- records of site condition,
- environmental site assessments,
- contamination management reports,
- remedial action plans,
- risk management plans, and
- correspondence between regulated parties and the regulator under Part 5 of the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act (EPEA) and the Remediation Regulation.
The following related AER products are also available on the Products and Services Catalogue:
- EPEA approvals
- EPEA codes of practice
- reclamation certificates
- field surveillance incident inspection lists (spill reports).
Contamination management information submitted to the AER through the OneStop record of site condition (since July 2021) is available in the OneStop application query and OneStop public map viewer. Turn on the “submissions” layer to view the record of site condition locations on the map.
Environment and Climate Change Canada presents summer seasonal outlook
Today, Environment and Climate Change Canada presented a seasonal outlook for the summer. Experts predicted warmer-than-normal temperatures across most of Canada. Although some regions have received higher-than-normal amounts of precipitation in recent months, delaying conditions favourable for wildfire, fire risk is expected to increase as the summer progresses.
This spring, most of Canada experienced a cold and wet start with brief warm-ups. There are some exceptions, such as southern British Columbia, the eastern Northwest Territories, Nunavut, northeastern Quebec, and Labrador, as those areas have had more dry weather.
A transition to El Niño is expected to develop this summer, taking full effect later this year. El Niño occurs when the surface water temperatures in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean become warmer than average. This rise in temperature changes the atmosphere circulation and weather patterns around the globe, which can impact food supplies, energy systems, and influence extreme climate, such as wildfire risk and a change in air‑quality conditions.
Environment and Climate Change Canada uses a variety of tools, such as Canada’s Air Quality Health Index (AQHI), to help people understand what the air quality around them means for their health.
Thunderstorm Outlooks will be available on Canada.ca/weather and the WeatherCAN app next week. They will show where conditions may become favourable for thunderstorms or tornadoes in the next 36 hours. This will help emergency managers, industries, and the public stay aware and prepare before potentially dangerous weather develops.
Understanding the risks of these extreme weather events can help Canadians make informed decisions to protect their health, safety, and property. The public is urged to regularly monitor weather forecasts, monitor the AQHI and UV Index, take all weather alerts seriously, and get prepared this summer. Canadians can download the WeatherCAN app to receive weather alerts directly on their mobile devices and set personal notifications for temperature and the AQHI.
Quick facts
Climate change is causing extreme hot temperatures at a greater frequency than in the past, increasing the severity of heat waves and contributing to the risk of drought and wildfires.
Thunderstorm Outlooks will provide early awareness of potential storm activity and help people in Canada plan in advance.
Thunderstorms remain one of Canada’s most frequent hazardous weather types, producing potentially life-threatening lightning, hail, damaging winds, flash floods, and tornadoes. Remember, when thunder roars, go indoors!
As Canada’s official source for weather forecasts and alerts, Environment and Climate Change Canada is modernizing its public weather program to better serve Canadians.
- Following the successful introduction of colour-coded weather alerts, over the next year the Department will continue to launch a series of initiatives to improve its services, ensuring Canadians have the most accurate weather information when they need it most.
For the latest forecasts and severe weather warnings, visit Canada.ca/weather and download our meteorologist-verified WeatherCAN app (available for Android and iOS devices).
Minister Dabrusin and Minister Michel mark Clean Air Day in Canada
The Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of the Environment, Climate Change and Nature, and the Honourable Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health, issued the following statement to mark Clean Air Day in Canada:
“Today is Clean Air Day in Canada, a time to reflect on the importance of clean air to our health, our communities, and our environment. While air quality in Canada is among the best in the world, exposure to air pollution contributes to serious health issues, including heart and lung disease, and is linked to thousands of premature deaths each year. Climate change is contributing to this by increasing the risk of wildfires, causing smoke that affects air quality in the affected communities, as well as thousands of kilometres away. The impacts are also felt across our economy and health care system, with the total health and economic costs of air pollution estimated at approximately $146 billion annually.
“As wildfires continue to affect communities across Canada, the Government of Canada is helping Canadians understand the health risks associated with wildfire smoke and how to reduce their exposure. We support this by providing forecasts, alerts, and the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) through the WeatherCAN app and Canada.ca/weather. The AQHI helps people understand how air quality in their area could impact their health so they can limit their exposure or adjust activity levels during periods of increased air pollution.
“We are also taking action to reduce air pollution across the country. This includes measures to address emissions from industry, transportation, and everyday products. Recent actions include more stringent Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards for fine particulate matter, regulations to reduce harmful volatile organic compounds such as benzene, and new rules to reduce methane emissions from landfills and the oil and gas sector. In addition, the Government of Canada has announced a new National Electricity Strategy aimed at reducing emissions in the electricity sector and expanding the use of clean, reliable, and affordable energy to support a clean and prosperous future.
“We continue to work with provinces and territories, as well as international partners, to advance clean air for all Canadians. At the same time, we are protecting natural landscapes and ecosystems through A Force of Nature: Canada’s Strategy to Protect Nature, helping to support cleaner air and healthier communities for current and future generations.
“There are also steps individuals can take to protect their health from air pollution, including:
- Checking air quality information on the WeatherCAN app before going outside
- Setting air quality alerts to stay informed of changing conditions
- Limiting outdoor activity during periods of high air pollution
- Improving indoor air quality by using carbon monoxide alarms and high-quality air filtration or portable air cleaners
- Consulting a health care professional if concerned about air quality impacts, particularly for those with heart or lung conditions
“Everyone deserves clean air to breathe, and we all have a role to play. On this Clean Air Day, we encourage Canadians to learn more about air pollution, understand how government actions are improving air quality, and take steps to protect their health.”
U.S. EPA commits $2.9 billion to replace aging lead water pipes
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is providing nearly $2.9 billion in funding through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund to help states identify and replace lead service lines, part of a nationwide effort to reduce exposure to lead in drinking water.
EPA officials said the funding will support state and local projects to locate lead pipes, plan replacement work and remove aging lead service lines that continue to deliver water to homes across the country. The agency estimates that about four million lead and galvanized service lines still require replacement nationwide.
The average cost to fully replace a single lead service line is more than $10,000, according to the EPA.
“An investment in removing lead pipes is an investment in America’s children and families,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Jess Kramer. “The Trump EPA is committed to tackling lead exposure and this $2.9 billion will help protect current and future generations by accelerating local efforts to find and replace toxic lead pipes.”
The allotments are based on EPA’s state-by-state estimates of lead service line counts using data from the agency’s seventh Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey and Assessment, along with service line inventories submitted by water systems under the Lead and Copper Rule Revisions.
EPA said the funding aligns with its broader Powering the Great American Comeback Initiative, which includes reducing exposure to lead as part of efforts to provide safe drinking water nationwide.
The Drinking Water State Revolving Fund programs are administered by states and help water systems meet health protection requirements under the Safe Drinking Water Act. EPA said it will work with states to ensure the funding is distributed quickly to communities with lead service line replacement needs.
In addition to the new funding announcement, EPA said it is redistributing another $18 million in previously announced Drinking Water State Revolving Fund money that had not been used by states. Under the Safe Drinking Water Act, unused funds can be reallocated to other eligible states with lead replacement projects.
EPA also recently updated its lead information website and launched a new interactive StoryMap focused on lead and children’s health. Agency officials said the updated resources are intended to help parents, contractors, health-care professionals and communities access information on preventing lead exposure.
The funding announcement is part of broader federal efforts under the Federal Lead Action Plan, which was first introduced during U.S. President Donald Trump’s first term to coordinate lead reduction initiatives across federal agencies.
EPA said the fiscal 2026 lead service line replacement allotments are now available through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund webpage.
Digital water investment set to double as utilities move toward system-wide deployment
Municipal water utilities across the U.S. and Canada are accelerating investments in digital infrastructure as aging assets, climate pressures and stricter regulations reshape the sector, according to a new report from Bluefield Research.
The firm projects spending on digital water solutions will grow from US$14.4 billion in 2026 to US$28.6 billion by 2036, with cumulative investment reaching US$230 billion over the next decade.
Bluefield’s report, U.S. and Canada Digital Water Landscape: Trends and Growth Forecasts, 2026–2036, found utilities are moving beyond early-stage technology adoption toward system-wide deployment of connected infrastructure, analytics and automation tools.
“Digital technology is reshaping every corner of the economy, and municipal water infrastructure is no exception,” said Leigh Ramsey, senior analyst at Bluefield Research, in a statement. “It is important to note, however, that the pace of adoption varies significantly by system size, local pressures, and regulatory environment,” Ramsey added.
The report found advanced metering infrastructure to be among the fastest-growing segments, with smart meter adoption projected to grow at a 9.7% compound annual growth rate as utilities seek real-time network visibility, leak detection and demand management capabilities.
Asset management is also expected to expand from US$2.3 billion to US$5.5 billion by 2036 as utilities increasingly adopt drones, inspection technologies and predictive maintenance tools to prioritize infrastructure investment.
The report states that leak detection spending is forecast to nearly quadruple over the next decade as utilities confront water loss, drought conditions and population growth pressures. Wastewater monitoring and digital resilience tools are gaining momentum following major sewer overflow events and mounting concerns over aging infrastructure.
Bluefield also projects cybersecurity spending will nearly double as utilities deploy more connected infrastructure and comply with emerging regulatory requirements.
The report adds that utilities face growing pressure from aging systems, workforce shortages, climate impacts and tightening regulations related to lead, PFAS, water loss and cybersecurity, while operating under constrained budgets.
According to Bluefield, the next phase of digital water investment will focus less on isolated technology deployments and more on integrating systems across utility operations to improve efficiency, resilience and long-term infrastructure planning.
Canadian consulting engineering sector positions itself as key partner in nation-building agenda
The Association of Consulting Engineering Companies Canada (ACEC) used National Consulting Engineering Day on May 26 to position the sector as a critical partner in helping the federal government strengthen the economy, expand trade infrastructure and bolster national defence readiness.
Speaking at a news conference on Parliament Hill, ACEC President and CEO John Gamble and Vice President Martine Proulx said consulting engineering firms are central to delivering the large-scale infrastructure investments and strategic projects increasingly tied to Canada’s economic resilience and geopolitical priorities.
“Too often, infrastructure is only noticed if it fails, but the truth is good infrastructure is what makes strong communities possible,” said Gamble. “It connects our communities. It drives our economy. It protects public health and safety. It supports national security, and increasingly, it determines our competitiveness in a rapidly changing world.”
The event marked National Consulting Engineering Day, which ACEC said recognizes the engineers, planners, architects, environmental scientists and project managers involved in designing and delivering infrastructure across Canada.
A proclamation was issued in the House of Commons and ACEC also hosted a webinar on the future of engineering to mark the day.
Proulx said the industry is operating at a pivotal moment as governments rethink supply chains, trade corridors, housing, energy security and defence infrastructure amid growing global uncertainty.
“The federal government has recognized the importance of nation-building infrastructure through major commitments, including over $115 billion in planned infrastructure investments over five years,” she said.
Proulx pointed to federal initiatives such as the proposed Canada Strong Fund, the Major Projects Office and the Defence Investment Agency as examples of programs that could create significant opportunities for Canadian engineering firms.
“These initiatives represent a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build a stronger, more connected and more self-sufficient country,” she said. “Canadian consulting engineering companies are critical to delivering these bold programs.”
According to ACEC, the consulting engineering sector supports nearly 500,000 jobs and contributes close to $70 billion annually to Canada’s economy. Gamble noted that three of the world’s largest engineering firms are headquartered in Canada.
The organization emphasized that consulting engineering firms are increasingly being called upon to address challenges linked to climate resilience, transportation efficiency, housing-enabling infrastructure, critical minerals development and energy transition projects.
Proulx said engineering expertise early in project planning can improve outcomes through stronger risk management, better value for taxpayers and more efficient delivery.
“Whether it’s climate adaptation, trade diversification, defence readiness or energy transition, infrastructure is central to the conversation,” she said.
The speakers also highlighted the sector’s work on flood mitigation systems, water treatment modernization, transportation improvements and infrastructure development in northern and remote communities.
Gamble said the day was also intended to recognize the professionals working behind the scenes on infrastructure Canadians rely on every day.
“Behind every successful infrastructure project are people with the expertise and commitment to make it happen,” he said.
Coral Harbour project team receives recognition for environmental excellence
The Inuit-led Nunami Stantec Limited Coral Harbour Remediation Project team was recently named the recipient of the 2026 Northwest Territories and Nunavut Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists (NAPEG) Award for Environmental Excellence, for their role on the clean-up of the former Cold War-era radar site and military staging facility in Salliq, Nunavut.
Supported by the Government of Canada, the multi-partner remediation team, which also included Inuit-owned Sudliq Developments Ltd and partner Milestone Environmental Contracting Inc., previously won accolades for partnerships and community engagement at the 2025 Brownie Awards.
Northern Contaminated Sites Program
Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC) manages a portfolio of contaminated sites across the Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut.
The contamination of these properties is the result of private sector mining, oil and gas activities, and government military activity that occurred more than 50 years ago – at a time when environmental impacts were not well understood.
Under the Yukon devolution and Northwest Territories devolution agreements, which transferred administration and control of most public lands to the territorial governments, the Government of Canada accepted responsibility for historical contamination that pre-dates implementation of the agreements, and continues to be legally obligated to fund and oversee remediation of the sites.
The objective of the Northern Contaminated Sites Program is to address and sustainably manage contaminated sites in the North under CIRNAC’s responsibility, while advancing partnerships and socio-economic opportunities for Northerners and Indigenous Peoples. The program aims to reduce or eliminate, where possible, risks to human and environmental health, and to decrease the federal environmental liability associated with these sites.
The 8 largest abandoned mine projects in the Yukon and the Northwest Territories are administered through the Northern Abandoned Mine Reclamation Program.
CIRNAC’s remaining sites in the North are managed under the Northern Contaminated Sites Program with funding provided through Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan.
Each project has a team responsible for advancing remediation, working in collaboration with territorial and Indigenous governments and other partners throughout the process.
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
June 9 – ITRC: PFAS Chemistry Explained
June 10 – Federal Facilities Online Academy: Resolving Issues before Formal Dispute
New Documents and Web Resources
New ESAA Member News
Onterris formerly Montrose Environmental – Unveils New Brand Identity – CLICK HERE
PTAC – 2026 Alberta Upstream Petroleum Research Fund (AUPRF) RFPs – CLICK HERE
New ESAA Member
ESAA welcomes the following new member. If you are not a member of ESAA you can join now via: https://esaa.org/join-esaa/
Full Member:
Indian Oil and Gas Canada
Suite 100, 9911 Chula Boulevard
Tsuu T’ina, AB T2W 6H6
Canada
Sarah Sidane, Excutive Assistant
sarah.sidane@sac-isc.gc.ca
Upcoming Industry Events
- June 16/17; Wetlands of Lesser Slave Lake – A Wetlands in the Boreal Workshop Series –CLICK HERE
- June 11; Excess Soils Symposium – CLICK HERE
- ** STUDENTS ** United Nations Canada ECO Clubs Programme – CLICK HERE
ESAA Job Board
Check out the new improved ESAA Job Board. Members can post ads for free.
Current Listings:
- Environmental Geoscientist or Engineer – Terex Environmental Group Inc.
- Environmental Inspector – Summit, An Earth Services Company
- Environmental Inspector Consultant – Summit, An Earth Services Company
- Labourer – Summit Decommissioning Services
- Junior Environmental Consultant – Trace Associates Inc.
- Intermediate Environmental Consultant – Trace Associates Inc.
- Biologist – Summit, an Earth Services Company
- Intermediate/Senior Environmental Specialist – Summit, an Earth Services Company
- Labourer – Summit, an Earth Services Company
- Senior Project Manager – Summit Decommissioning Services
- Biologist – Summit Liability Solutions Inc.
- Project Manager – Summit Liability Solutions Inc.
- Intermediate / Senior Environmental Specialist – Summit