Environment and Industry News
Protecting the Environment and Jobs in Upper Smoky
Alberta’s government has released the new Upper Smoky Sub-Regional Plan to guide conservation and economic activity across 13,000 square kilometres in west-central Alberta. This common-sense plan will protect local jobs in the energy, forestry and tourism sectors while increasing wildfire protection and responsibly managing the environment.
“This plan protects the environment while also protecting jobs. It adds new conservation areas and increases caribou habitat restoration while also helping meet our goal of doubling Alberta’s oil and gas production. This is a practical framework to protect communities from wildfire, restore key caribou habitats and maintain jobs in the Grande Cache area.”
From rolling hills and mountain ranges to vast forests and extensive wetlands, the Upper Smoky area is rich in natural resources, home to diverse species, supports roughly 85,000 jobs and contributes approximately $21.2 billion to Alberta’s GDP.
“This plan protects habitats, keeps people safe, and secures good-paying jobs across Alberta’s forestry sector. It considers the effects of wildfire on critical habitat for endangered species like caribou. Utilizing the forestry industry and their expertise to accomplish these goals provides benefits to communities and our public lands”
For the first time in Alberta, the Upper Smoky Sub-Regional Plan uses three clear zones to guide what development is permitted:
- “Nature First” zone: 3,200 km2, including parks and protected areas, where virtually all industrial development is currently prohibited. These areas focus on conservation, habitat restoration, outdoor recreation and traditional land use.
- “Slow Go” zone: 5,113 km2 where some resource development is allowed with restrictions to manage the footprint and reduce the environmental impact. This will include a new Public Land Use Zone near Grande Cache to help support sustainable recreation and tourism opportunities.
- “Go” zone: 4,928 km2 where a full range of development opportunities, including recreation and grazing, are allowed.
Alberta Forestry and Parks will have completed a wildfire mitigation plan for the area within 60 days of implementation, protecting local communities and critical wildlife habitats from the threat of wildfire.
The plan will expand conservation efforts increasing the total area of parks and protected areas in the sub-region to nearly 3,200 square kilometres through two proposed conservation areas, almost four times the size of Calgary.
The plan sets Alberta’s first restoration targets for legacy seismic lines and inactive well sites in caribou habitat, backed by new reporting requirements. After restoring only 87 kilometres of seismic lines between 2015 and 2019, Alberta has now restored 4,559 kilometres in just the last five years. The Upper Smoky region will now be part of this accelerated progress.
Once the Upper Smoky Sub-regional Plan and regulatory details come into effect on January 1, 2026, Alberta will establish an implementation committee to ensure local perspectives – including Indigenous communities, municipalities and industry – continue to shape how the plan is put into action.
Quick facts
- Highlights from the new sub-regional plan include:
- A new zone approach for managing sustainable economic activity.
- Regional planning to reduce the risk of large-scale wildfires.
- Two new conservation areas and expanded conservation measures.
- New mandatory targets for restoring caribou habitat.
- The Upper Smoky sub-region is located south of Grande Prairie and encompasses Grande Cache, Kakwa Wildland Park and about half of Willmore Wilderness Park.
- It is adjacent to Jasper National Park and covers 13,216 square kilometres.
- The plan and associated regulatory details provide direction for forestry, grazing, recreation, energy development, tourism and many other activities.
- This is the third sub-regional plan completed since 2022, as a part of Alberta’s accelerated approach to land-use planning and is enabled through the Alberta Land Stewardship Act.
- Public engagement was conducted from March to June and feedback from local residents and municipalities, Indigenous communities, industry and many other Albertans was incorporated into the final plan.
- There are no changes for hunting, fishing, outfitting and trapping proposed under this plan.
Canada Advances Global Environmental Priorities at the G7 Energy and Environment Ministers’ Meeting
The Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, alongside the Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, co-hosted the G7 Energy and Environment Ministers’ Meeting in Toronto, Ontario, on October 30 and 31, 2025. The meeting brought together ministers from the world’s leading economies, as well as global partners and allies, to bring focus to shared priorities for energy security, environmental protection, and addressing climate change.
Building on commitments from the 2025 G7 Leaders’ Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, environment discussions focused on global cooperation to protect fresh water and ocean ecosystems; improve resource efficiency; and address extreme weather prediction, preparedness, and response, including for wildfires.
Achieved outcomes included:
- The G7 Water Coalition Workplan, which commits to enhanced global co-operation on water security, pollution prevention, and climate-driven water risks.
- The Toronto Action Plan on Circular Economy and Resource Efficiency, a three-year plan building on efforts led by Germany and other past G7 presidencies, which sets a roadmap for G7 co-operation to promote resource efficiency and combat pollution in high priority sectors, including critical minerals, textiles, and plastics.
Minister Dabrusin also published a Chair’s Statement on Extreme Weather Prediction, Preparedness, and Response, which builds upon the Kananaskis Wildfire Charter to enhance co-operation on extreme weather. Environment ministers explored opportunities to use fast-evolving technologies, such as artificial intelligence, and advance resilient infrastructure and nature-based solutions. In her interventions, Minister Dabrusin recognized the value of international collaboration and sharing of resources during recent wildfire seasons. The statement provides recommendations for further G7 action and discussions on this issue at the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference in November.
Prior to the Ministers’ Meeting, Minister Dabrusin hosted a high-level roundtable on mobilizing private finance for environment, which brought together key international stakeholders to explore strategic investments to accelerate the clean energy transition. Canada’s support for climate action in developing countries is not only a moral and environmental imperative—it is a smart investment in our own future. Leaders from governments, industry, and philanthropies considered how private capital can help developing economies reach their climate goals sooner and transition to low-carbon, climate-resilient markets, creating more opportunities for investment.
Minister Dabrusin also delivered remarks and engaged in an armchair discussion at the second annual Energy Innovation Forum, co-hosted by Canada and the International Energy Agency. She highlighted a comprehensive approach to climate action that strengthens Canada’s economy, drives innovation, and ensures long-term competitiveness. In parallel with the high-level discussions of the Ministers’ Meeting, Canada announced investments to advance clean technology, climate resilience, and sustainable energy initiatives at home and abroad, including:
- $1.25 million to the Climate Finance Access Network to extend support for climate finance advisors in Small Island Developing States and enhance their capacity to develop investment-ready climate projects.
- $2 million to the Creating a Just Transition – Country Platforms initiative, co-led by the International Development Research Centre and the World Resources Institute with partners across the Global South, to promote low-carbon development in countries such as South Africa, Bangladesh, and Brazil.
- Over $6.8 million through Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada’s Northern REACHE program to the Tarquti Corporation in support of the following energy-transition projects in two communities in the Nunavik region of Quebec. These projects will provide renewable energy to meet approximately 60% of the two communities’ electricity needs. Over 25 years, the initiatives will save 96 million litres of diesel and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 253,000 tonnes of CO2.
- Quaqtaq: A three mega-watt wind power project will replace more than 1.1 million litres of diesel each year with clean energy
- Puvirnituq: A nine mega-watt wind power project will replace more than 3.5 million litres of diesel per year with clean energy
Building on this momentum, Canada will continue to pursue every opportunity in the low carbon economy to the benefit of our people, our natural environment, and our nation’s security and economic prosperity.
The outcomes of the Ministers’ Meeting set the stage for further collaboration between Canada and its partners at upcoming international forums, including the 9th Ministerial on Climate Action (MoCA9), the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30), and the 7th United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7), where Canada will continue to advance clean growth, climate resilience, and nature conservation and position itself to lead in the global economy.
Quotes
“This Ministers’ Meeting reinforced that action on the climate and environment can be a key driver of economic competitiveness and prosperity. Canada is advancing global collaboration to safeguard our water, land, and air while accelerating the transition to clean energy and a low-carbon future. By investing in innovation and environmental protection, we’re building a more resilient economy—one that creates good jobs, attracts investment, and ensures a healthy planet for generations to come.”
– The Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of Environment and Climate Change
“Supporting northern and Indigenous communities in their transition to renewable and affordable energy is essential to building healthier, more prosperous communities. These initiatives will deliver environmental, social, and economic benefits while improving energy security and quality of life for Inuit communities in Nunavik, paving the way for a more sustainable future.”
– The Honourable Rebecca Chartrand, Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency
Quick facts
The Group of Seven (G7) is an informal grouping of seven of the world’s advanced economies (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States, as well as the European Union). Its members meet annually at the G7 Summit to discuss global economic and geopolitical issues. Over its 50-year history, the G7 has served as a key forum to address common priorities and urgent global issues.
The country assuming the G7 presidency is responsible for setting the agenda for the year, as well as hosting and organizing the summit, along with several meetings between ministers and senior officials throughout the year. As part of its role as G7 President, Canada is hosting a series of ministerial meetings throughout the year.
Following the G7 Energy and Environment Ministers’ Meeting, Canada will host the 9th Ministerial on Climate Action (MoCA9) in Toronto, Ontario, on October 31 and November 1, 2025, gathering partners to advance global climate action.
From November 10 to 21, 2025, Canada will join the global community at COP30 in Belém, Brazil, to advance the goals of the Paris Agreement, strengthening climate resilience at home and abroad and aligning financial flows with a low-carbon, climate-resilient future that benefits all.
The seventh session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) will take place from December 8 to 12, 2025, at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya, on the theme Advancing Sustainable Solutions for a Resilient Planet.
Canada Launches Consultation on PFAS Restrictions, Starting with Firefighting Foams
The federal government of Canada has opened public consultations on proposed restrictions for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in firefighting foams, marking the first phase in a broader effort to manage the class of persistent chemicals under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA).
The 60-day consultation period, launched September 26 and closing November 25, 2025, invites comments on proposed measures to prohibit the manufacture, import, use, and sale of PFAS — excluding fluoropolymers — not currently regulated in firefighting foams.
The proposal follows the release of the federal State of PFAS Report in March 2025, which concluded that the class of PFAS, with the exception of fluoropolymers, is “toxic” under CEPA. The report found that PFAS meet two criteria under section 64 of the Act: they may cause long-term harm to the environment and pose potential risks to human health.
PFAS are widely used in products ranging from firefighting foams and non-stick coatings to electronics and cosmetics, as well as in a wide range of industrial processes.
- Phase 1 focuses on firefighting foams, given their high potential for environmental and human exposure.
- Phase 2 targets consumer applications not deemed essential for safety or health, such as certain textiles, ski waxes, and food packaging materials.
- Phase 3 will consider uses with limited alternatives, including medical devices, transportation, and military applications.
Comments received through the new consultation will help inform the design of Phase 1 regulations, including possible transition periods and concentration thresholds for incidental PFAS contamination in Class B firefighting foams.
Firefighting foams containing PFAS — known as aqueous film-forming foams, or AFFFs — are used to extinguish flammable liquid fires. Canada already regulates two categories of AFFF, “PFOS-based” and “C8” foams, but not the remaining “C6” formulations, which are the focus of the current PFAS consultation.
More than 400 comments were submitted during earlier PFAS consultations held prior to the March 2025 report. The government has acknowledged that PFAS play roles in many sectors and that some uses may be critical for safety, health, or economic reasons. Industry stakeholders will be invited to help identify viable alternatives and ensure that new restrictions balance environmental protection with economic feasibility.
Fluoropolymers, a subset of PFAS with carbon-only backbones, were excluded from the government’s toxicity findings due to differing exposure and hazard profiles. However, officials say further study is planned to determine whether these substances warrant future action.
If finalized, the proposed measures would support the addition of PFAS — excluding fluoropolymers — to Part 2 of Schedule 1 of CEPA, a step that enables future risk management instruments to be developed.
Researchers Find Gaps in Environmental Impact Assessments of Canadian Mining Projects
A new report from Dalhousie University shows flaws in the environmental review process for mining operations in Canada, with researchers finding that data for 20 per cent of the projects they reviewed was incomplete or missing entirely from public records.
The report collected all available environmental impact assessments on mining projects dating back to 1974 — that’s 266 assessments on 227 projects over 50 years. However, researchers ran into problems. Some provinces, such as British Columbia, had a fully digitized and accessible system; the records for other jurisdictions were much harder to access or simply not available.
Without complete data from environmental assessments, researchers aren’t able to properly judge how a mine is impacting the surrounding community. And regulators can’t establish a baseline for measuring environmental damage.”When we’re talking about starting new projects, there are what’s called ‘cumulative effects,'” Alana Westwood, lead author of the report, said in a recent interview. “Pollution or contamination from a mine can build up over time, reaching dangerous thresholds.”
Passing thresholds can lead to a species dying out, or to serious contamination of groundwater that can leave communities without clean water, she said.
“If we don’t have baseline data, we don’t know where we started and we can’t estimate or understand the potential impacts.”
In one instance, researchers filed an access request with Nova Scotia for environmental assessments done before the year 2000. Nova Scotia started requiring environment assessments in 1989, but prior to 2000 they were recorded manually.
“We filed our (freedom of information request), and they told us it would cost $6,000,” says Ben Collison, a PhD student at Dalhousie and co-author of the report. “Our lab doesn’t have $6,000 in funding and years to wait for that to happen.”
Westwood and Collison also found that provincial and federal environmental assessments on the same project didn’t match in two-thirds of the cases they studied. The assessments looked at separate parts of the project or used different terms, making it difficult for researchers to get a full picture of the environmental risks of the mine.
Canadian mining is a big industry, accounting for about six per cent of the country’s economy. But mining also leaves a big footprint. The report shows there could be more than 10,000 abandoned mines across the country continuing to pollute the environment with no oversight.
Several operational mines run at a huge scale. The Star-Orion Diamond Project in Saskatchewan, for example, is more than 850 times the size of the Rogers Centre in Toronto. The entire mine is roughly the size of the city of Camrose, Alta.
Westwood says environmental assessments are invaluable tools for mining projects, but the current system is not being used effectively. Collison, meanwhile, says the provinces and the federal government should be better aligned on what elements of a project are to be studied and on what work should be carried out.
However, Collison says governments should ensure they aren’t watering down regulations when provincial and federal analyses are fast-tracked or streamlined.
“If that’s the case, I think we risk making decisions that are not well informed by evidence.”
Westwood and Collison have made their report publicly available and searchable. They say they hope that by doing so they can encourage provinces to work together on improving environmental assessments.
Aspenleaf Energy Brings New Life to a Historic Alberta Oil Field While Cleaning up the Past
Producer among several spending more than required on well cleanup and land reclamation. In Alberta’s oil patch, some companies are going beyond their obligations to clean up inactive wells. Aspenleaf Energy operates in the historic Leduc oil field, where drilling and production peaked in the 1950s.
In the last seven years, the privately-held company has spent more than $40 million on abandonment and reclamation, which it reports is significantly more than the minimum required by the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER). CEO Bryan Gould sees reclaiming the legacy assets as like paying down a debt. “To me, it’s not a giant bill for us to pay to accelerate the closure and it builds our reputation with the community, which then paves the way for investment and community support for the things we need to do,” he said.
“It just makes business sense to us.” Aspenleaf, which says it has decommissioned two-thirds of its inactive wells in the Leduc area, isn’t alone in going beyond the requirements. Producers across the province have exceeded the AER’s minimum closure spend in both years of available data since the program was introduced in 2022.
That year, the industry-wide closure spend requirement was set at $422 million, but producers spent more than $696 million, according to the AER. In 2023, companies spent nearly $770 million against a requirement of $700 million.
Alberta’s number of inactive wells is trending downward. The AER’s most recent report shows about 76,000 inactive wells in the province, down from roughly 92,000 in 2021.
In the Leduc field, new development techniques will make future cleanup easier and less costly, Gould said. That’s because horizontal drilling allows several wells, each up to seven kilometres long, to originate from the same surface site. “Historically, Leduc would have been developed with many, many sites with single vertical wells,” Gould said.
“This is why the remediation going back is so cumbersome. If you looked at it today, all that would have been centralized in one pad”. “Going forward, the environmental footprint is dramatically reduced compared to what it was.” Gould said horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing give the field better economics, extending the life of a mature asset. “We can drill more wells, we can recover more oil and we can pay higher royalties and higher taxes to the province,” he said.
Aspenleaf has also drilled about 3,700 test holes to assess how much soil needs cleanup. The company plans a pilot project to demonstrate a method that would reduce the amount of digging and landfilling of old underground materials while ensuring the land is productive and viable for use. “We did a lot of sampling, and for the most part what we can show is what was buried in the ground by previous operators historically has not moved anywhere over 70 years and has had no impact to waterways and topography with lush forestry and productive agriculture thriving directly above and adjacent to those sampled areas,” he said.
At current rates of about 15,000 barrels per day, Aspenleaf sees a long runway of future production for the next decade or longer. Revitalizing the historic field while cleaning up legacy assets is key to the company’s strategy. “We believe we can extract more of the resource, which belongs to the people of Alberta,” Gould said.
“We make money for our investors, and the people of the province are much further ahead.”
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: Microplastics Training
Live Webinar: Thursday, November 13, 2025, 1:00PM-3:00PM EST (18:00-20:00 GMT)
ESAA Member News
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:
Vitae Environmental Construction Ltd.
PO Box 1510 Stn Main
Camrose, AB T4V 1X4
Phone: (403) 613-7250
Jesse Wellsch, Project Manager
Erosion and sediment control, pesticide and herbicide application, reclamation, bioengineered streambank stabilization, and maintenance.
Upcoming Industry Events
ESAA Job Board
Check out the new improved ESAA Job Board. Members can post ads for free.
Current Listings:
- Intermediate Environmental Specialist – Pathway Environmental Solutions Inc.
- AI System Specialist – TRIUM Environmental Inc.
- AI System Engineer – TRIUM Environmental Inc.
- Senior Environmental Scientist – Project Director – WSP
- Project Manager – Environmental Assessment, Remediation, Reclamation – WSP
- Senior Technical Specialist – Summit
- Intermediate/Senior Environmental Specialist – Summit
- Intermediate/Senior Environmental Specialist – Summit
- Environmental Project Manager – Arletta Environmental Consulting Corp
- Reclamation Coordinator –
- Arletta Environmental Consulting Corp
- Environmental Risk Assessor & Technical Reporter – Arletta Environmental Consulting Corp