Alberta releases drought response plan
Alberta’s government is releasing its 2024 Drought Response Plan to help support Albertans through any drought conditions this year.
Alberta’s new 2024 Drought Response Plan will help guide the province through any and all drought conditions. This is a plan covering everything from conservation plans and water-sharing agreements to declaring an emergency and prioritizing water for human health and safety. It will help make sure that Albertans, communities, farmers, ranchers and businesses get the support they need, whatever the weather.
“This spring has brought much-needed moisture to many areas of the province, and new forecasts showing increased precipitation are a cause for optimism. However, we must remain prepared for drought now and into the future. Alberta’s Drought Response Plan is foundational to that work and will help our province respond to all levels of drought for years to come.”
“From my conversations with producers, associations and irrigation districts, I have heard concerns about the potential for drought conditions this growing season. This drought response plan, in combination with Agriculture Financial Services Corporation’s business risk management programs, will be important supports for the hardworking Albertans who put food on tables here and around the world.”
Drought Response Plan
Drought conditions can change rapidly and impact different areas in very different ways. The Drought Response Plan will help government, irrigators, communities, businesses and others respond quickly and effectively to a wide range of drought conditions. The plan outlines:
- The five stages of Alberta’s drought response.
- The roles and responsibilities of partners, including government, to help everyone collaborate and communicate.
- The regulatory and non-regulatory approaches and tools that may be used in various drought conditions.
- How and when emergencies would be declared, with recognition that declaring an emergency is used as a last resort.
Current situation: Stage 4
Alberta is currently at Stage 4 of the Drought Response Plan. Government is now working proactively with major water users to employ all existing regulatory and non-regulatory tools available. This includes creating water shortage response plans, fast-tracking temporary diversion licenses to allow water to be temporarily diverted from new sources, and the landmark water-sharing agreements announced on April 19, along with other steps being implemented across southern Alberta.
Stage 5: Declaring an emergency
Under the 2024 Drought Response Plan, Alberta would only declare an emergency under the Water Act as a last resort. Should the government declare an emergency, Albertans should be advised that:
- Emergency declarations are temporary and allow government to prioritise water uses.
- Emergency declarations do not replace the regulatory requirements of the Water Act.
- Emergency declarations only apply to a specific location. This could range from a small geographical area within a sub-basin to the entire South Saskatchewan River basin or province, depending on the severity of a drought.
There are three triggers that would make the province consider declaring an emergency:
- If there is not sufficient water available for the priority uses. Human health and safety is the top priority, followed closely by ensuring sufficient water supplies for critical infrastructure, livestock welfare and critical environmental needs.
- If there is increasing distress from local authorities, or if local authorities are unable to respond to issues caused by drought. For example, if a state of local emergency is declared or if the Provincial Emergency Coordination Centre is activated at level 3 or higher.
- If Alberta’s water management system becomes so overwhelmed that staff cannot process or implement regulatory measures in a timely manner, impeding the drought response.
These triggers will be watched closely. Each situation will be considered on a case-by-case basis to determine when or if an emergency declaration is needed.
Alberta has never before declared an emergency under the Water Act. In the event one is declared, Alberta’s government, working closely with water users, would temporarily take steps to manage water in the emergency area. Various steps may be needed, depending on the situation. Potential actions could include suspending approvals, registrations or water licenses, and designating the purposes and volumes for which water may be diverted or used.
While drought is a real risk, May and June often come with risk of floods. That’s why we have 24-hour monitoring and emergency response, as well as the new $125-million Drought and Flood Protection Program and investments in wetlands, watersheds and modernizing Alberta’s water management system.
Quick facts
- Alberta Environment and Protected Areas is the Government of Alberta’s lead agency for drought preparation and response.
- This plan is led by Alberta Environment and Protected Areas but also applies to drought response activities across Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation, Alberta Municipal Affairs, Alberta Forestry and Parks and the Alberta Energy Regulator, among others.
- The objectives of Alberta’s Drought Response Plan are:
- Protecting the health and safety of Albertans from the impacts of drought.
- Minimizing the impacts of drought on Alberta’s communities and economy, and the environment.
- Implementing a proactive, risk-based approach to rapidly assess, prepare for and respond to the impacts of a drought.
- Ensuring response to drought conditions are agile and adjusted in real time as information changes.
- Enabling all Albertans to take appropriate action to conserve water and work together.
- The Drought Response Plan is considered a living document and will be updated as Alberta’s drought situation changes, or if new actions could potentially improve the response to a drought emergency.
- There are currently 51 water shortage advisories in place for select water management areas across Alberta.
Related information
Making Alberta a geothermal energy leader
Alberta is creating Canada’s first geothermal test site to advance drilling innovation, reduce emissions and create jobs.
Geothermal energy uses naturally occurring heat within the earth to heat water and buildings and generate power, with few emissions or environmental impacts. Alberta has vast pockets of heat below ground, making the province Canada’s geothermal leader, but testing and developing new technologies can be a barrier for many companies. Unlike the United States, Japan and other countries, Canada does not currently have an open-access test site to help spur innovation.
Alberta is taking the first steps to create a new Alberta Drilling Accelerator. This groundbreaking facility would be the first of its kind in Canada, establishing Alberta as a global hub for geothermal technology. This will drive new innovations in geothermal and other clean energy projects that can reduce emissions and power communities around the world.
To kick-start the project, the Alberta government is investing $750,000 to conduct a feasibility study led by Calgary-based Eavor Technologies and other stakeholders. The study is the first step in assessing the proposed facility. It will include identifying a site, business planning, research on the governance model, an economic impact analysis and stakeholder engagement that will lay the groundwork for the initial planning stages of the project.
“Alberta has been a global energy leader for more than a century, renowned for our skilled workforce, innovation and one of the largest oil and gas reserves on the planet. The proposed Alberta Drilling Accelerator presents enormous potential to help our province lead the next wave of energy projects here at home and around the world that reduce emissions, create jobs and enhance energy security.”
The Alberta Drilling Accelerator would help companies test out and develop new geothermal drilling techniques or technologies to reduce emissions and drive growth across the clean energy sector. It would be an open-access, technology-agnostic drilling test facility capable of drilling in challenging environments, including deep depths, high temperatures and different rock types.
The accelerator also would help speed up the development of carbon capture, utilization and storage; helium; critical minerals; and other clean technologies and commodities that rely on Alberta’s drilling sector. All of this helps attract investment and bring new technologies to scale in Canada.
“With cumulative geothermal investment poised to reach $1 trillion by 2050, a geothermal arms race is very much underway to commercialize novel drilling techniques that accelerate geothermal development – exhibited by testing facilities in the United States, China and Iceland. As Canada’s first geothermal test bed, the Alberta Drilling Accelerator will help bring geothermal technologies to scale, supporting companies like Eavor. We commend the Government of Alberta for this bold initiative.”
“We are proud to witness Eavor, a CDL-Rockies alumni company, create new opportunities for innovators like themselves to advance the adoption of energy transition technologies like geothermal. The Alberta Drilling Accelerator will further solidify Alberta’s position as a leader in the global sustainable energy landscape.”
If the feasibility study shows the facility is economically and environmentally viable, and if the project is approved by the Alberta government, the facility will start taking shape at the selected site and drilling could start as early as 2025.
“Canada is home to the most advanced drilling technology in the world. Not only do our members support the responsible development of oil and gas, but we are integral in the extraction of new energy resources like geothermal and critical minerals. Our workers are at the epicentre of Canada’s energy transformation. Our people, technology and processes are leading the way towards a more diverse energy future. The Alberta Drilling Accelerator is a government-enabled policy approach to expand Alberta’s drilling capacity and reach its full potential as the world’s most diverse and technologically advanced producer and exporter of sustainable energy and critical minerals.”
“The Alberta Drilling Accelerator is a testament to Alberta’s innovative and entrepreneurial spirit. Leveraging our oil and gas sector expertise, Alberta is poised to become the global leader in developing new geothermal technologies that will play an integral role in reducing emissions while supporting job creation.”
Quick facts
- The Canadian Association of Energy Contractors estimates that one active drilling rig, whether drilling for natural gas or geothermal, creates approximately 220 direct and indirect jobs and
$1 million in tax revenue. - In 2019, Eavor received $2 million in provincial funding through Emissions Reduction Alberta and Alberta Innovates for the world’s first closed-loop geothermal system.
Related information
AER: Increased Risk of Wildfire
Alberta is experiencing another extremely dry wildfire season, and historically, most fires related to the energy industry in Alberta occur from April through June. These fires are usually due to flaring operations, inadequately extinguished old burn/brush piles, and hot vehicle exhausts, including exhaust from off-highway vehicles.
Proactive fire control measures should be in place that include wildfire mitigation, prevention, preparedness, and response as well as acquiring and maintaining fire suppression equipment as required under the Forest and Prairie Protection Act and associated regulations, including the AER’s Directive 060: Upstream Petroleum Industry Flaring, Incinerating, and Venting and Directive 071: Emergency Preparedness and Response.
Under Directive 071, duty holders who must have an emergency response plan (ERP) must have one at a level of detail proportionate to its operations and address hazards and potential consequences of the emergency scenarios that its operations pose to the public and the environment, including oil and gas activities that have the potential to ignite a wildfire. Directive 071 also provides information on criteria to evaluate when contemplating an ERP activation. Mutual aid should also be considered through effective communication and coordination with local fire departments and municipalities.
Approximately 61% of all wildfires in the 2023 Alberta wildfire season were determined to be caused by human activities. With your cooperation, effective planning, and preparedness, this number can be reduced. Additional information about wildfire conditions in your area, how to be notified if they occur, and how to prepare for wildfires or other natural hazards can be obtained from the following resources:
Questions regarding this bulletin may be directed to the AER’s Customer Contact Centre by phone at 403-297-8311 (1-855-297-8311 toll free) or by email at inquiries@aer.ca.
Government of Canada welcomes reports from the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development
The Government of Canada welcomes the five reports tabled by the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development today, which assess federal management of environmental and sustainable development issues and work to mitigate climate change. The findings and recommendations offered by the reports support accountability and transparency and strengthen ongoing work to protect and preserve Canadian communities for future generations.
Federal departments are already taking steps to address a number of the Commissioner’s recommendations.
The ministers of Environment and Climate Change; Northern Affairs; Agriculture and Agri-Food; Innovation, Science and Industry; and the President of the Treasury Board of Canada provided the following statements.
Report 1 – Contaminated sites in the North
“I want to thank the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development for his report and welcome his observations of the work that we are doing to protect the environment. The Government of Canada is committed to taking the necessary actions to clean up federal contaminated sites for the health of the environment and Canadians. We are investing to identify sites, assess risks, estimate costs, and record liabilities, and remediate and close these sites. Since 2005, over 24,000 federal contaminated sites have been identified, and we have successfully closed more than 75 percent of them, meaning they no longer pose a risk. We will continue to make progress to address the remaining sites.
The Commissioner states that contaminated sites in Northern Canada have not been managed to reduce the financial liability under our programs. However, it is important to note that increasing liability amounts reflect the fact that more sites have been assessed, revealing the more accurate underlying liabilities. The ongoing assessment and remediation activities throughout Canada help the Government understand the true scope and scale of contamination. Contamination at many of the sites is the result of historic activities, spanning decades. Without the significant actions taken by the Government, that liability would amount to an additional $4.6 billion.
Healthy land is fundamental to reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. The Government of Canada has assessed and remediated thousands of contaminated sites in places where Indigenous peoples live. Government programs to address contamination have also been an important source of employment, particularly for many Indigenous communities in the North. We will continue to build upon the efforts we have taken so far to ensure that work at contaminated sites supports reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.”
– The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister Environment and Climate Change
“The recommendations of the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development report will help Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs improve the effectiveness of the Northern Contaminated Sites Program. This will, in turn, result in more efficient and effective remediation of Northern contaminated sites, greater economic opportunities for Northern Indigenous communities, and a cleaner Northern environment.
On our shared path toward reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, we’re actively exploring ways to promote Indigenous participation in remediation activities and ensuring they benefit from the management of contaminated sites in the North. This occurs through the many community benefits agreements signed with Indigenous governments, which are developed with Indigenous partners and aligned with community priorities.
Protecting the health and safety of Indigenous and Northern communities and the environment is a key component of the Arctic and Northern Policy Framework, as we work to advance reconciliation and renew relationships with Indigenous peoples based on respect, partnership, and recognition of rights.”
– The Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs
Report 2 – Greening of building materials in public infrastructure
“Under the Greening Government Strategy, we are taking important steps to cut emissions across government and reach our goal of net-zero operations by 2050. I thank the Commissioner for his report and findings. Through Buy Clean measures and this overarching Strategy, we are building on Canada’s world-class clean manufacturing advantage to encourage the use of construction materials that reduce carbon emissions for federally owned major construction projects. We agree with the Commissioner’s recommendation and will collaborate with key stakeholders to identify which high-embodied carbon structural materials should be included in the Standard on Embodied in Construction by the end of March 2025. We will continue to work within our ambitious Strategy to reduce emissions in government operations and leverage the government’s purchasing power.”
– The Honourable Anita Anand, President of the Treasury Board
Report 3 – Zero plastic waste
“The Commissioner’s report provided valuable observations that help strengthen the federal government’s work to protect the environment by tackling plastic waste and pollution. It also provided recommendations on reporting out to Canadians on progress toward zero plastic waste. Finally, it recognized that actions by Canadians, including all orders of government, Indigenous communities, industry, and civil society are needed to address this pressing issue.
For its part, the Government of Canada recently launched a Federal Plastics Registry to require producers to report annually on the quantity and types of plastic they place on the Canadian market, how these plastics move through the economy, and how they are managed at their end-of-life. The data it collects will be valuable in designing and delivering targeted actions and measuring progress, not just by the Government of Canada, but by all stakeholders, to reach zero plastic waste and transition to a circular plastics economy. This is just one example of Canada’s comprehensive plan to reduce plastic waste and pollution and improve how plastics are made, used, and managed to keep them in the economy and out of the environment.”
– The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister Environment and Climate Change
Report 4 – Strategic Innovation Fund’s Net Zero Accelerator initiative – Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
“I would like to thank the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development for his recommendations. At Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, we are always looking for ways to improve our program delivery.
Already, the Strategic Innovation Fund’s $8 billion Net Zero Accelerator initiative has made important contributions to Canada’s climate goals by supporting the decarbonization of heavy emitters. While we would prefer to reduce heavy emissions even further by 2030, company readiness is a factor, since many heavy emitters are still in the planning stages of their decarbonization initiatives. This is why the Net Zero Accelerator is about so much more than 2030 goals—it’s shaping our clean economy for decades to come and building a net-zero future.
The Net Zero Accelerator has supported the industrial transformation of Canada’s traditional industries and promoted both clean technology development and the battery ecosystem. Just as important as Canada’s 2030 emissions reduction goals, these objectives cannot be measured by immediate carbon reductions.
Therefore, an assessment of the Net Zero Accelerator program’s value is incomplete if it does not include the commitments to create or maintain over 34,000 good-paying jobs, and the investments in the technology of the future that will help business and industrial sectors achieve our 2050 net-zero goals. The program’s processes align with international standards, support sound investment decisions, and incorporate the advice of greenhouse gas experts.
Already, there are signs of success: Canada’s net-zero economy grew to $14 billion in 2023, according to RBC. The Net Zero Accelerator is setting the stage for a net-zero future and supporting the prosperity of Canadians as we transition to a clean economy.”
– The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry
Report 5 – Agriculture and climate change mitigation – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
“There is no doubt we need to do more to help the agriculture sector reduce emissions, and quickly. I would like to thank the Commissioner for the work and research undertaken in preparing the Agriculture and Climate Change Mitigation Report, and I am pleased to share that work is well underway to action the recommendations. Since 2020, the Government of Canada has announced over $1.5 billion in funding to advance climate change mitigation in the sector, including the Agricultural Clean Technology Program, the Agricultural Climate Solutions – Living Labs Program, and the On-Farm Climate Action Fund. We are also preparing work on a Sustainable Agriculture Strategy, which has been developed in partnership with folks from across the agriculture sector, including producers, provincial and territorial representatives, and Indigenous partners, and will set a shared vision to support the sector’s ambition and actions on climate change and sustainability. Canadian farmers work hard every day to produce the best products in the world and are already making significant efforts to be more sustainable. Being on the front lines of climate change, they have felt the devastating effects first-hand, from droughts to wildfires to floods. It is vitally important that we collectively take action to support their livelihoods and the long-term success and sustainability of the sector.”
– The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
Violations lead Alberta village to consider geotechnical investigation of wastewater lagoon issues
Big Valley’s Public Works Foreman, Monte DeMarco, noted in a February 2024 letter to environmental enforcement officers that upon starting his position earlier this year, he “discovered a history of turnover in key positions, resulting in minimal attention or direction given towards maintaining or meeting regulatory standards.”
Some of the violations raised by the Enforcement Branch of Environment and Climate Change Canada include the village exceeding the suspended solids limit for the lagoon. Its average concentration of suspended solids exceeded the 25 mg/L threshold by 1 mg for 2019.
Big Valley had also been late in submitting its monitoring reports, one by nearly a year.
The village was also found to not have had its undersigned inspector test for carbonaceous biochemical oxygen demand (CBOD) for three straight years, beginning in 2019.
A report to Big Valley’s village council from MPE Engineering, who began an infrastructure study in 2023, identified four cells at the entrance of the lagoon that are a major concern, as well as a crack at the end of the lagoon system effluent pond that could contribute to leakage.
MPE Engineering, a division of Englobe, recommended that the village undertake a geotechnical investigation in order to determine the true soil and groundwater conditions, as well as the condition of the lagoon’s liner and foundation.
Additionally, MPE noted the presence of ice buildup during winter 2004, which indicates ice lensing has accelerated seepage, and represents a significant risk to the safety of the embankment, which is also in question with respect to stability and internal erosion.
MPE noted that the embankment meets the definition of a dam, according to the Water Act, and a number of engineering and administrative tasks need to be undertaken.
The geotechnical inspection is estimated to cost about $48,000.
Two Ontario companies fined for improper waste management practices at Dresden disposal site
(Source: esemag.com) Numbered company 1230934 Ontario Limited and Waste Wood Disposal Ltd. have been fined for breaches of the Ontario Water Resources Act (OWRA) and the Environmental Protection Act (EPA) in relation to improper waste management practices and non-compliance with provincial orders.
The Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks laid charges over waste management practices discovered at a waste disposal transfer site in Dresden, Ontario. Waste Wood Disposal Ltd. operated the site, which was owned by the numbered company.
A provincial bulletin states that in December 2019, the ministry was informed that greenhouse waste was being piled at the site and that liquid leachate was running off from the material.
“On various dates during December 2019 and January 2020, ministry staff inspected the site and observed large quantities of waste with pools of leachate at the sides and noted a strong rotting odor,” the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, announced in a statement.
Ministry staff also observed a well pumphouse at the site in poor condition in close proximity to the waste. Dark liquid was pooled around the base of the pumphouse and there was black frothy liquid in the well pit, states the bulletin.
In January 2020, ministry staff issued an order to the companies requiring them to undertake the following:
- Remove leachate from inside and around the on-site pumphouse
- Submit a detailed abatement plan to the ministry with proposed actions to deal with the discharge of odor from waste or leachate at the site
- Cease permitting, causing or arranging for the deposit of waste at the site.
None of the requirements in the ministry Order were met by the compliance deadlines, states the provincial bulletin.
Additionally, based on aerial photography of the site taken in January 2020, the ministry determined that 8,613 tonnes of waste was present at the site, contrary to the 75-tonne approval limit issued to Waste Wood Disposal Ltd.
Waste Wood Disposal Ltd. was fined $37,000 plus a victim fine surcharge of $9,250; 1230934 Ontario Limited was fined $15,000 plus a victim fine surcharge of $3,750.
BC: New tool empowers citizens during environmental assessments
Alberta to appoint new chair, three other board members to AER amid stormy times for regulator
(Source: Post Media) As the AER takes on new and expanding areas of oversight and continues to face the daunting issue surrounding the cleanup of Alberta’s aging wells, a hard look at its capacity will be required
The Alberta Energy Regulator, an agency at the centre of sweeping industry change — and frequent turmoil — is about to add four new members to the board, with longtime industry veteran Duncan Au set to become its chair later this summer.
The UCP government will also appoint three other board members with a long history working in the sector, including the premier’s new special adviser, David Yager, who recently completed a review of the AER — and his appointment is likely to raise eyebrows.
The other new members include Theresa Watson, a professional engineer who previously served as a board member with the predecessor Energy Resources Conversation Board last decade, and Carey Arnett, previous CEO of pipeline construction business Arnett & Burgess Pipeliners.
Au, previously the chief executive of Calgary-based CWC Energy Services Corp. before its acquisition by Precision Drilling last year, said the AER is at the forefront of an evolving energy landscape.
As the AER takes on new and expanding areas of oversight — such as the development of lithium, geothermal, and carbon capture and storage — and continues to face the daunting issue surrounding the cleanup of Alberta’s aging wells, a hard look at its capacity will be required.
“The AER has had a lot of things put onto their plate,” Au, who is a chartered professional accountant, said in an interview.
“You need to have the right types of people to understand what those project proponents are looking to do. That’s one of the things we’re going to need to take a look at and say, ‘Do we have the right people at the AER’ . . . so we can make decisions on a timely basis and do what the regulator is supposed to do for all Albertans.”
The AER has grappled with a series of big challenges in the past decade, such as the ongoing development and oversight of the oilsands, the reclamation of thousands of inactive wells — and growing liability concerns surrounding them — and even helping municipalities deal with the non-payment of property taxes by energy companies.
The sector is under pressure to decarbonize, and the widespread deployment of carbon capture, utilization and storage technology is advancing in the province.
The AER has also been in the middle of its own controversies over the years, including Alberta’s ethics commissioner finding late last decade that its former CEO breached the Conflict of Interest Act, and the removal of the previous board of directors by the UCP government in 2019.
The regulator also saw about 200 jobs cut during a reorganization process the following year.
More recently, the regulator’s shortcomings in communicating with Indigenous communities — after the AER learned of seepage and a spill of industrial wastewater at the Kearl oilsands mine — prompted current CEO Laurie Pushor to apologize at a parliamentary committee hearing a year ago.
In November, Chief Allan Adam of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation called for the regulator to be overhauled, and it later launched a lawsuit against the regulator.
A review of the organization was conducted last year by Yager, who in March took on the contract role of special adviser to the premier in executive council.
The AER review determined the board needed more technical expertise, he said, noting the regulator has been handed more issues over the years.
“It’s just been, let’s give them more things to do with finite resources,” Yager said.
“The easy change to make is to add some more technically based board members with a lot of industry experience to get things done. The question will be . . . do we do fewer things, or do we add capacity? And those are the issues that we’ll deal with as a group.”
Yager is a former oilfield services company executive, a one-time chair of the Petroleum Services Association of Canada, writer, and recent chair of the premier’s advisory council on Alberta’s energy future.
His appointment is sure to attract attention and criticism — he was the Wildrose Party president at one time — but Yager stressed he will be a non-voting board member, appointed for a two-year term, instead of the usual five-year period.
“It is basically to just be there for the orientation and transition process and then go on to my next assignment,” he said.
“I asked to go on the board . . . so I can work directly with the new board and the old board and the organization to see if I could help.”
Yager said his job in government will be to work with multiple groups and government departments on complex files across multiple industries, noting he won’t be paid to be on the AER board.
Neil McCrank, who chaired Alberta’s Energy Resources Conservation Board from 1998 until 2007, said it makes sense to have technical expertise at the AER at all levels.
However, McCrank also said he’s not seen a member of executive council have a board role in the past, even a non-voting position.
“The board has to be independent of the political environment, so it can balance the decisions between the industry, the public and government,” said McCrank.
“This is the first time I have heard of this concept. And I’m not saying it’s a problem, but I hope they thought it through.”
With the pending appointment of the new board members, several board members have recently left. Current chair David Goldie announced this month that he will step down this fall after almost five years in the post.
Three other board members — Gary Leach, Allison Rippin Armstrong and Corrina Bryson — will remain in their roles.
Canada is ‘missing the mark’ on remediation and reconciliation, says Yellowknives Dene chief
(Source: CBC News) Caption: Yellowknives Dene Chief Ernest Betsina, left, and Yukon Conservation Society mining analyst Lewis Rifkind, right, both agreed with parts of an auditor’s report that criticized the federal government’s handling of contaminated sites in the North. (Sara Minogue/Dave Croft/CBC)
Perpetual care plans
“After 20 years, much work is still needed to reduce the financial liability related to contaminated sites and to lower environmental and human health risks for current and future generations,” he said at a press conference.
“As well, the government needs to take urgent action to advance socio-economic benefits, including employment opportunities and to support reconciliation with Indigenous peoples whose lands are often affected by contaminated sites.”
According to the report, the cost of remediating known contaminated sites has increased from $2.9 billion to $10.1 billion since a federal action plan was launched in 2005.
The report states that while only 11 percent of Canada’s 24,109 federal contaminated sites are in the North, they account for more than 60 percent of the total estimated cleanup cost.
In particular, the report said the cost to remediate the eight largest and highest-risk abandoned mines in the North has increased by 95 percent since they were grouped under a single federal umbrella in 2020-21.
“This is an enormous financial burden on taxpayers and represents a failure to properly implement the polluter-pays principle, because many private-sector sites had to be taken over by the federal government,” DeMarco said.
The report specifically pointed to the Faro Mine in Yukon and Giant Mine in the Northwest Territories as complex sites with long-term risks to the environment and human health.
In November 2022, the Treasury Board of Canada approved a new $4.38-billion cost estimate for the remediation of Giant Mine, a figure more than four times the original estimate. Remediation work on the mine is projected to be complete by 2038, though some parts of the site, including 237,000 tonnes of highly toxic arsenic trioxide dust stored underground, will require perpetual care and maintenance.
The audit further found the Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan does not include realistic targets for climate adaptation and is missing targets for Indigenous engagement and socio-economic benefits to support reconciliation.
DeMarco’s office pointed to the Giant Mine Remediation Project, which has failed to meet northern and Indigenous hiring targets.
The report also described Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada’s reporting on climate change for the project as “weak,” adding the closure plan for Giant Mine was lacking in its approach to climate change adaptations and the department had not developed a complete estimate of annual greenhouse gas emissions during remediation.
The audit’s recommendations include developing more accurate liability estimates, directly measuring environmental and human health risk reduction, and developing a consistent approach for documenting and reporting on program priorities.
It also recommends clear reporting on program commitments and progress made toward them, as well as leveraging opportunities for Indigenous people to participate in and benefit from the management of northern contaminated sites.
Specific to Giant Mine, the report recommended updating the remediation project’s climate change risk assessment, developing or improving strategies to reduce on-site emissions, and completing the project’s perpetual care plan, which has been delayed.
The federal government agreed to all of the recommendations.
In a statement responding to the audit, environment minister Steven Guilbeault said the increasing cost estimates reflect that more sites have been reassessed, resulting in more accurate cleanup costs.
“The ongoing assessment and remediation activities throughout Canada help the government understand the true scope and scale of contamination. Contamination at many of the sites is the result of historic activities, spanning decades,” he said.
The minister said that since 2005, more than 75 percent of federal contaminated sites have been successfully closed.
“The Government of Canada is committed to taking the necessary actions to clean up federal contaminated sites for the health of the environment and Canadians,” he said. “We are investing to identify sites, assess risks, estimate costs and record liabilities, and remediate and close these sites.”
Northern affairs minister Dan Vandal said the report would help his department to improve the effectiveness of the Northern Contaminated Sites Program, which covers the eight highest-risk projects in the North.
“Protecting the health and safety of Indigenous and northern communities and the environment is a key component of the Arctic and Northern Policy Framework, as we work to advance reconciliation and renew relationships with Indigenous peoples based on respect, partnership, and recognition of rights,” he said in a statement.
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 Beyond the Basics: Topics on PFAS Biosolids: Sources, Transport, and Management of PFAS Surface Releases Training – May 9, 2024, 1:00PM-3:00PM EDT (17:00-19:00 GMT). This training class builds on the earlier information for introductory PFAS topics presented in the PFAS 101 CLU-IN training. The ITRC PFAS Beyond the Basics class provides more information related to potential sources of PFAS in biosolids, implications of PFAS associated with land-applied biosolids, vadose zone fate and transport processes that likely govern biosolids releases, treatment/disposal options for PFAS-impacted biosolids, and regulatory considerations. For more information and to register, see https://www.itrcweb.org
FRTR Spring 2024 General Meeting: Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to Optimize Site Remediation – May 21, 2024, 8:00AM-4:45PM EDT (12:00-20:45 GMT). The FRTR 2024 Spring General Meeting provides an opportunity to share progress and results of recent artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) projects providing advanced contaminant plume characterization and predictive modeling, and improved cleanup efficiency. The meeting highlights site-specific case studies where AI/ML has substantially enhanced remedial decisions, remedy implementation and performance monitoring, and reduced needs for extensive sampling. Discussions during the meeting seek to provide remedial project managers and technical staff with information and best practices for deploying AI/ML technology. For more information and to register, see https://www.clu-in.org/
ITRC PFAS Beyond the Basics: PFAS Fate and Transport, Site Characterization and Source ID Training – May 23, 2024, 1:00PM-3:00PM EDT (17:00-19:00 GMT). This training class builds on the earlier information for fate and transport and site characterization presented in the PFAS 101 CLU-IN training. It provides more in-depth information for fate and transport, site characterization, source identification and some introductory information on environmental forensics. These topics will be presented along with options and a framework for data visualization. This training will focus largely on PFAS fate and transport in groundwater. The goal is to provide detailed information about the inputs practitioners can use to develop a robust conceptual site model to help understand fate and transport at PFAS sites, and how to gather evidence of multiple sources. For more information and to register, see https://www.itrcweb.org
New Documents and Web Resources
Biden-Harris Administration Finalizes Critical Rule to Clean up PFAS Contamination to Protect Public Health. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking another step in its efforts to protect people from the health risks posed by exposure to “forever chemicals” in communities across the country. Exposure to per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) has been linked to cancers, impacts to the liver and heart, and immune and developmental damage to infants and children. This final rule will designate two widely used PFAS chemicals, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), as hazardous substances under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), also known as Superfund, and will help ensure that polluters pay to clean up their contamination. To learn more, visit https://www.epa.gov/
Research Brief 352: Tracking Mercury Conversion and Distribution in Aquatic Environments. NIEHS Superfund Research Program (SRP)-funded researchers, led by Heileen Hsu-Kim, Ph.D., of the Duke University SRP Center, provided insight into how and at what timescale mercury changes within a wetland ecosystem. They found mercury from different sources is converted into other mercury forms that eventually have similar properties. This finding can inform environmental management or pollution control strategies. For more information, please visit https://tools.niehs.nih.gov/srp/researchbriefs/view.cfm?Brief_ID=352
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://www.clu-in.org/products/tins/. The following resources were included in recent issues:
- Development of a Cost Effective 1,4-Dioxane Treatment System for Small Community Water Supplies
- Remote Monitoring of Natural Source Zone Depletion Using Temperature Data to Support Long-Term Passive Management Strategies
- Trace Metal and Phosphorus Loading from Groundwater Seepage into South Fork Coeur D’Alene River After Remediation at the Bunker Hill Superfund Site, Northern Idaho, 2022
Guidance on the Assessment and Monitoring of Natural Attenuation of Contaminants in Groundwater (CL:AIRE 2024). Monitored natural attenuation (MNA) can be a sustainable risk management strategy for a wide range of groundwater contaminants, where environmental data are collected and assessed that demonstrate natural attenuation will protect receptors from pollution or harm. Natural attenuation refers to the combination of physical, chemical and biological processes that act, without human intervention, to reduce contaminant concentrations, flux or toxicity. The Environment Agency originally published technical guidance for MNA in 2000 in its R&D Publication 95. Since then, significant scientific advances have been made in understanding contaminant behaviour and reactive transport in the subsurface, alongside ongoing developments in site characterisation, monitoring and predictive modelling approaches and technologies, that are captured in this updated guidance. View or download from https://www.claire.co.uk/home/news/1945-guidance-on-the-assessment-and-monitoring-of-natural-attenuation-of-contaminants-in-groundwater?utm_source=newsletter_235&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=cl-aire-ealert
Guidance on Natural Source Zone Depletion (CL:AIRE 2024). Natural source zone depletion (NSZD) can be a sustainable risk-management strategy for petroleum hydrocarbon light non-aqueous phase liquids (LNAPLs) impacting the subsurface. NSZD refers to the combination of naturally occurring processes – biodegradation, vaporisation, volatilisation and dissolution – that act to reduce LNAPL mass, saturation and mobility in the subsurface. Recent advances in NSZD are captured in this document, alongside a decision-making framework, to provide technical guidance for practitioners, regulators and liability owners on the science and practical considerations for the application of NSZD-based risk management strategies in the UK. View or download from https://www.claire.co.uk/home/news/1946-guidance-on-natural-source-zone-depletion?utm_source=newsletter_235&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=cl-aire-ealert
New ESAA Members
ESAA welcomes the following new member. If you are not a member of ESAA you can join now via: https://esaa.org/join-esaa/
WTI Environmental Services (WTI)
3710 33 ST
Whitecourt, AB T7S 0A2
Phone: (780) 779-1803
https://www.whitecourttransport.com/
Jeff Rosnau, CEO
JEFF@WHITECOURTTRANSPORT.COM
WTI Environmental Services (WTI) is a division of Whitecourt Transport Inc, a respected service provider to the Alberta Energy and Forestry sectors for over 75 years. WTI is a full-service equipment contracting and transportation supplier that works collaboratively with experts and clients to deliver cost effective environmental solutions. Our team has extensive experience with environmental projects including: facility abandonment and decommissioning, site remediation (in-situ and ex-situ), reclamation, restoration, spill response and containment, civil earthworks, road building, bridge building, and watercourse crossings. As well, we have the expertise and equipment to safely execute projects of all sizes that require specialized transportation, materials handling, logging, land clearing, mulching, grinding and biomass recovery and utilization.
Student
Karin Mohoric
Royal Roads University
Upcoming Events
Upcoming ESAA Mixers – Medicine Hat, Lethbridge and Calgary & Red Deer (New)
Join us for 1 or all 4 Mixers as always we will have Drinks, Food and Fun!
ESAA will be donating 50% of all registration fees to;
Medicine Hat:
- The Medicine Hat and District Food bank is the next step in the evolution of a strong and sustainable city. Their mission is to build community by improving the lives of all community members through the power of local food.
Lethbridge:
- The Friends of the Helen Schuler Nature Centre Society support a community of environmentally responsible citizens with nature-based educational experiences, presentations, and workshops. Our desire is to further position the Helen Schuler Nature Centre as a world-class facility that connects visitors and residents to the many benefits of the great outdoors. We want to facilitate interactive experiences and memorable moments.
Calgary:
- The Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society (AARCS) is a grassroots animal welfare organization with a foundation of compassion and kindness, embodied by its hard-working staff, volunteers, foster homes and supporters. Their goal is to help homeless animals in communities across Alberta and provide community support programs to address the root causes of animal overpopulation and homelessness. Every day AARCS receives calls about animals in need of help — from broken bones, gunshot wounds, embedded porcupine quills, and mange to deadly diseases such as parvovirus. AARCS strives to ensure that these animals receive the medical care they need, along with the chance to recover in a loving foster home.
Red Deer – July 16th – Details at: https://esaa.org/events/mixers/
To Sponsor or to RSVP, visit: SOUTHERN ALBERTA MIXERS
Call for Abstracts / Registration 45% Sold Out / Limited Sponsorships Remaining
Lyndon J Linklater
Traditional Knowledge Keeper and Storyteller
Timothy Caulfield
Professor of Health Law and Science Policy, University of Alberta
Bill Weir
Chief Climate Correspondent, CNN
The Hon. Jody Wilson-Raybould
Former Member of Parliament, Former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,
Bestselling Author
Registration
Early Bird registration details are available at: https://esaa.org/remtech/
Call for Abstracts
Complete details for the 2024 call for abstracts is available at: https://esaa.org/remtech/call-
Limited Number of Sponsorship Opportunities Remaining
A limited number of sponsorship opportunities are remaining for RemTech 2024. Full conference details can be found at: https://esaa.org/remtech/
Sponsorship with an Exhibit Space (5 Remaining)
Gold
$7,850 + GST | Silver
$6,650 + GST |
Sponsorships (No Exhibit Space)
- 1 delegate passe
- Half page ad in program
- Logo on website, app, event screens, program
- Corporate profile in program and app
- $3,800 + GST
Bronze
- Third page ad program
- Logo on website, app, event screens, program
- Corporate profile in program and app
- $1,900 + GST
Hotel Reservations
The Fairmont Banff Springs will be accepting reservations shortly. Accommodations for RemTech™ 2024 delegates start at $265 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 2 free drinks (per room) at any Fairmont Banff Springs bar (valid during RemTech, October 16-18, 2024). Full details available at: https://esaa.org/remtech/
Full RemTech 2024 details can be found at: https://esaa.org/remtech/
Thank you for your continued support!
ESAA
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.
- Intermediate Environmental Consultant – North Shore Environmental Consultants Inc.
- Intermediate Vegetation and Wetland Ecologist – Ecoventure Inc.
- Environmental Specialist – City of Medicine Hat
- GIS Technician – North Shore Environmental Consultants Inc.
- Fugitive Emissions Specialist – North Shore Environmental Consultants Inc.