RemTech Silent Auction NOW OPEN
Still Accepting Items
Auction Opens – October 6th at 10 am
Auctions Closes – October 16th at 6:30 pm
BID NOW
RemTech 2025 will not only be a great learning and networking event, it will also be one of the largest charity fundraisers supported by the environment industry. Since its inception 23 years ago, RemTech delegates have raised over 1 million dollars for charity. In fact, ESAA events and member activities have raised over $1.96 million for a variety of charities.
Proceeds raised from the auction will be donated to the following organizations: Ilsa Mae Research Fund at Muscular Dystrophy Canada, Jane Goodall Institute Canada – Roots and Shoots Program, The Wilder Institute – Burrowing Owl Conservation Program, Little Warriors – Be Brave Ranch and Joe Chowaniec Scholarship Fund at ESAA.
The RemTech Silent Auction is now open and closes at 6:30 pm on October 16th. To view the auction site and bid on the amazing items that have already been donated, visit: https://app.galabid.com/
You don’t need to be in attendance to participate.
At this time ESAA is requesting items for the silent auction being held during RemTech. The auction will be held via an online auction platform / app and will be open to all delegates and anyone else interested in supporting the 2024 charities. All auction interactions will be electronic, no paper bid sheets.
Suggested donations include, sporting event tickets, hotel stays, electronics, golfing, spa packages, gift cards for local business, unique experiences, etc. Be creative! ESAA may combine items into packages.
All donors will be highlighted on the conference website, on site and on the auction app.
To donate an item, contact Erin Ciezki at the ESAA Office, ciezki@esaa.org
The RemTech 2024 auction is sponsored by McLennan Ross LLP.
Visit our sponsors at: https://esaa.org/remtech/
Protecting Alberta from Droughts and Floods
Alberta’s government is investing $25 million to help protect people, homes, businesses and communities from floods and droughts.
In recent years, drought and flooding have been felt across the province, and building the critical infrastructure needed to protect Albertans can be costly for many municipalities.
Alberta municipalities and Indigenous communities can now apply for major funding to help protect people, homes and infrastructure from floods and drought.
This fall, $25 million is available for communities across the province as part of the five-year, $125 million Drought and Flood Protection Program.
“We are continuing to step up to help protect communities from the risks of drought and floods for years to come. With another $25 million in funding available this fall, we are supporting communities across our province in building the infrastructure they need.”
“Drought and floods can threaten public safety and have devastating effects on critical infrastructure, private property and our economy. That’s why we continue to invest in priority projects that protect families from extreme weather events and keep businesses safe and operating for years to come.”
Alberta’s Drought and Flood Protection Program is helping communities make the upgrades they desperately need. To date, $50 million has been invested into 28 projects, including funding to help the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo improve its water infrastructure and Siksika Nation build roadways to act as flood berms.
“Rural municipalities manage 85 per cent of Alberta’s land and therefore make significant contributions to Alberta’s flood and drought resiliency. Rural Municipalities of Alberta appreciates the Government of Alberta’s support for local flood and drought mitigation infrastructure investment. The Drought and Flood Protection Program is a key component of protecting rural communities and industry from flood and drought risks.”
The program has also provided funding to help Medicine Hat protect its wastewater treatment plant from flooding and help Pincher Creek install water intakes within the Crowsnest River and assess future options to help meet water demand, along with many other important projects.
The application deadline for this round of funding is Dec. 1. Municipalities, improvement districts, special areas, Metis Settlements, First Nations and, new this year, regional service commissions and Tribal Councils, are all eligible and encouraged to apply.
Quick facts
- Projects eligible for funding include, but are not limited to:
- Drought and flood-proofing or relocation of critical infrastructure and infrastructure required to access those services.
- Structural measures such as berms, flood walls, bank protection and stabilization works, retention ponds and diversion structures intended to protect critical infrastructure and ensure public safety.
- Purchase of property for the purpose of relocation or for access to and/or construction of a project.
- Infrastructure designed to increase flood attenuation and reduce the impacts of drought.
- Details on the program and all previously funded projects is available at Alberta.ca.
Related information
AER: Invitation for Feedback on Revisions to Directive 058: Oilfield Waste Management Requirements for the Upstream Petroleum Industry
We are seeking feedback on updates to Directive 058: Oilfield Waste Management Requirements for the Upstream Petroleum Industry. This directive sets out requirements for handling, treating, reusing, and disposing of oilfield waste produced by the upstream petroleum, geothermal, and brine-hosted mineral resource development industries.
We are also seeking feedback on our proposed Manual XXX: Oilfield Waste Management. The manual complements Directive 058 and provides guidance on managing oilfield waste and schedules with detailed application requirements for oilfield waste management facilities, oilfield waste management components, and one-time waste management activities.
When the new edition of Directive 058 is released, we propose to rescind Directive 030: Digital Data Submission of the Annual Oilfield Waste Disposition Report. The manual includes an updated process for oilfield waste disposition reporting.
To provide feedback on the proposed revisions to Directive 058 and the new manual, complete the public comment form on our website. We would prefer to receive comments in the original document format (i.e., Word); however, comments in other formats can be emailed to engagement@aer.ca or mailed to Alberta Energy Regulator, Suite 1000, 250 – 5 Street SW, Calgary, Alberta T2P 0R4. Feedback will be accepted through November 2, 2025.
All feedback received will be reviewed and may be used in finalizing the directive. Personal information is collected by the AER under section 4(c) of the Protection of Privacy Act(opens in new window) (POPA). Comments may be processed using “automated systems” (e.g., AI tools), and the AER may use the personal contact information you provide for follow-up communication related to your feedback. Access is limited to authorized AER personnel and will not be disclosed except as permitted under section 13 of POPA. If you have questions about how your personal information is managed, please contact inquiries@aer.ca.
Following the public comment period, the AER will publish the What We Heard – And Our Response to the feedback provided on the directive only.
The draft directive is available on the directives webpage under draft/open for comment, and the new manual is on the Manuals landing page. If you have any questions, contact our Customer Contact Centre by phone at 1-855-297-8311 or by email at inquiries@aer.ca.
Saskatchewan Defines Royalty Structure to Prepare for Lithium Development
The Government of Saskatchewan is supporting the development of the province’s emerging lithium industry with the introduction of regulatory amendments to set a clear and consistent royalty framework for lithium and other minerals produced from natural brine aquifers.
These amendments to The Subsurface Mineral Royalty Regulations, 2017 will provide certainty for resource companies looking to develop or invest in lithium projects in Saskatchewan.
“Lithium is a critical mineral that is expected to see strong demand and growth in the decades ahead, and Saskatchewan is well-positioned to take advantage of this opportunity,” Energy and Resources Minister Colleen Young said. “By putting this royalty framework in place now, we are providing certainty for industry, while ensuring the people of Saskatchewan benefit as this sector develops.”
The new royalty framework sets a Crown royalty rate of 3 per cent of the value of brine mineral sales, with a two-year holiday for new productive capacity. The rate set is consistent with Saskatchewan’s Crown royalties for potash, salt and sodium sulphate, while the overall system is competitive with other leading jurisdictions developing lithium from deep natural brine aquifers.
“This is another example of the Government of Saskatchewan continuing to encourage responsible resource development and employment in the province,” Grounded Lithium President and CEO Gregg Smith said. “This new regulatory framework provides a reasonable royalty rate while also recognizing the significant risk and initial investment companies make in processing facilities to ultimately achieve commercial production. Our pursuit of the most attractive geology brought Grounded Lithium to Saskatchewan, and we are pleased to be here.”
Saskatchewan remains Canada’s leading province for mining investment, according to the Fraser Institute’s Annual Survey of Mining Companies. In 2025 Saskatchewan is projected to attract over $7 billion in mining investment and account for more than 25 per cent of total mining investment in Canada.
In 2023 the province introduced ‘Securing the Future: Saskatchewan’s Critical Minerals Strategy,’ aiming to grow the sector in line with the Saskatchewan growth plan. This strategy targets increasing Saskatchewan’s share of national mineral exploration to 15 per cent by 2030, doubling the number of critical minerals produced, and growing the output of potash, uranium and helium. It also aspires to position Saskatchewan as a key hub for rare earth elements.
Click here to learn more about the province’s critical minerals strategy.
Brownie Awards 2025: Jury reveals finalists from across the country
(Source: Environment Journal) The Brownie Awards jury has revealed the finalists for the 2025 program! Brownfields are once contaminated, under-utilized, or undeveloped sites, usually in an urban or industrial setting but not always. Unlike their greenfield counterpart, they pose a certain number of challenges to remediate and redevelop. But the benefits of brownfield initiatives are well worth it: improving the environmental health of communities, reducing urban sprawl, boosting local economies, and more.
The annual Brownie Awards provide a forum to recognize and celebrate outstanding brownfield projects, people, and policies that have helped transform sites across Canada. The awards program, which is presented through the partnership of the Canadian Brownfields Network (CBN) and Actual Media Inc. (parent company of Environment Journal), celebrated its 25th anniversary last year. This year, the finalists have been selected from the highest number of submissions received so far.
“These renewed residential, commercial, industrial, and open space projects contribute to the growth and resilience of healthy cities and communities,” says Christopher De Sousa, chair of the Brownie Awards jury and past president of the CBN. “We look forward to celebrating the amazing achievements of the well-deserving finalists at this year’s Brownie Awards gala, which will shine a bright light on a variety of diverse projects from across the country, from Nova Scotia to British Columbia, and as far north as Nunavut.”
Brownie Awards 2025 Finalists
REPROGRAM: Legislation, Policy and Program Initiatives
- Chinguacousy Beneficial Soil Reuse Site – Caledon, ON
- Removing Environmental Barriers at a Municipal-Wide Scale – Guelph, ON
- Groundwater Plume Stability Guidance Document – Vancouver, BC
REMEDIATE: Technological Innovation
- Transforming Waste to Value: Innovative Thermal Remediation of Oil-Impacted Mill Scale – Contrecoeur, QB
- Deep Chlorinated Solvent Soil Mixing Remediation – Stoney Creek, ON
- PCB Free Product Boundary Control and Encapsulation – Mississauga, ON
REMEDIATE: Sustainable Remediation
- Remediation and Restoration of Chemetron Lagoon for the Port Hope Area Initiative – Port Hope, ON
- Redevelopment of Legacy Mine Site and the Sustainable Management of Impacted Soil and Tailings – Geraldton, ON
- Pétromont: Réhabilitation environnementale d’un ancien terrain d’usine – Varennes, QB
RESTRATEGIZE: Partnership and Community Engagement
- Bedford Heritage Park – Bedford Park, ON
- Coral Harbour Inuit Capacity Building Program for Remediation of a Former Military Site Nunavut – Southampton Island, NU
- Indigenous Climate Resiliency in Watershed Zones to Protect Current and Future Development in the Fraser Valley – Langley, BC
- Picton Base31: Redefining Rural Urbanism on a WWII Airbase – Picton, ON
REBUILD: Project Development at the Building Scale
- Charlie West – Kitchener, ON
- 2 Tecumseth Street Rehabilitation – Former Quality Meat Packers Abattoir – Toronto, ON
- uOttawa, Faculty of Health Sciences – Ottawa, ON
- Leslie Lookout Park – Toronto, ON
RENEW: Project Development at the Neighbourhood Scale
- Britannia Fan Area Redevelopment – Britannia Beach, BC
- Galleria on the Park – Toronto, ON
- Sugar Wharf Condominiums Phase 1 & Phase 2 – Toronto, ON
- Biidaasige Park – Toronto, ON
- Richmond Yards – Halifax, NS
REFOCUS: Vision of Alternative Benefits to Brownfield Remediation
- Wellness Precinct & Portage Warehouse Redevelopment – Fort Frances, ON
- Indigenous Brownfield Redevelopments (Thermal Soil Remediation) – County of Wetaskiwin, AB
- Dow’s Lake Revitalization – Ottawa, ON
- 320 Geneva St. – St. Catherines, ON
The prestigious Brownfielder of the Year award winner will be announced soon. Stay tuned!
Three additional awards will be presented for Best Small-Scale Project, Best Large-Scale Project, and Best Overall Project, selected from all the nominations received.
The awards will be presented in person at the Brownie Awards Gala on November 13th, 2025, at the Delta Hotel by Marriott in Toronto.
For further information about these projects and the Brownie Awards, visit: https://brownieawards.ca/
To register for the Brownie Awards, visit:
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/brownie-awards-2025-tickets-1262675800309?
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:
CORE Energy Services
PO Box 1510 Stn Main
Camrose, AB T4V 1X4
Phone: (403) 613-7250
Jason Pocza, Vice President, Business Development
jason@coreenergyservices.ca
“Built for Challenges. Trusted to Deliver.” At CORE Energy Services Inc., we take pride in providing reliable, efficient, and safety-driven solutions across the energy, environmental, and construction sectors. Headquartered in Camrose, Alberta, we are strategically positioned to serve clients throughout Western Canada with a comprehensive suite of specialized services, including integrated decommissioning, remediation, and environmental construction. By combining heavy civil and environmental expertise with practical innovation, CORE Energy Services helps clients retire assets, restore sites, and build resilient infrastructure—delivering results that are both safe and sustainable.
Upcoming Industry Events
RemTech East 2026
April 8 -10, 2026
Ottawa, ON
Early Bird Registration & ALL Sponsorship Opportunities are now OPEN
– Call for Abstracts –
RemTech East 2026 will feature technical talks, 2 receptions, 30 exhibits, networking opportunities and 2 great keynotes.
Thursday Lunch Keynote
Todd Hirsch – Navigator of Economic Disruption
Speaker and Author
Friday Lunch Keynote
Co-Founder of the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund
Registration
Passes are available at a Early Bird Price. $825 Members and $975 Non-Members. Early bird rates will be in effect and available until October 1st. Registration details at:https://esaa.org/remtecheast/
Call for Abstracts
Complete details for the 2025 call for abstracts is available at:https://esaa.org/remtecheast/
Sponsors / Exhibitors
A variety of sponsorship opportunities are available, and a limited number of exhibit spaces remain. For more information, please contact, Heather Harcott – Heatherharcott@gmail.com
To see all Sponsorship and Exhibitor Opportunities Click here
Hotel Reservations
The Westin Ottawa will be accepting reservations shortly. Accommodations for RemTech East™ 2026 delegates start at $299 per night plus fees per night depending on the type and occupancy of the room. Rates do not include taxes and surcharges.
Book your room here – Book your group rate for ESAA Remediation Technologies Symposium Apr2026
Full RemTech East 2026 details can be found at: https://esaa.org/remtecheast/
Thank you for your continued support!
ESAA & ONEIA
ESAA is excited to bring back the
PFAS 1-day Symposium
PFAS, PFOS and other forever chemicals are widely used, long lasting chemicals, components of which break down very slowly over time. These chemicals are now everywhere in the environment (soil, water and blood streams of people and animals). Remediation and management of PFAS-contaminated sites are very challenging and complex, and the removal of PFAS from the broader environment is not currently possible.
This one day symposium will feature 2 panel discussions, a legal talk and 5 technical talks.
ESAA hopes to have the full agenda available within a week.
For additional details, limited sponsorship opportunities, pop-up exhibit banner opportunities and to register
JUST CLICK YOUR CITY:
Thank you for your continued support of ESAA and our events.
ESAA Job Board
Check out the new improved ESAA Job Board. Members can post ads for free.
Current Listings:
- Senior Technical Specialist – Summit
- Intermediate/Senior Environmental Specialist – Summit
- Intermediate/Senior Environmental Specialist – Summit
- Junior Environmental Scientist – Arletta Environmental Consulting Corp