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
Less red tape, more Alberta natural resources
Alberta’s government is supporting silica sand exploration and extraction on public land, reducing the province’s reliance on imports.
Alberta’s natural resources provide countless social, environmental and economic benefits, and government is looking to expand the Alberta advantage by creating new opportunities for investment in silica sand production. Silica sand is necessary for many oil and gas production operations, and Alberta currently relies on imports to meet its needs.
“Expanding opportunities for silica sand exploration and extraction will create good-paying jobs for Albertans and support our province’s economic independence. These changes will allow companies to invest with confidence while still ensuring Albertans receive a fair return for the use of their public lands.”
“Silica sand is a critical ingredient in helping Alberta oil and gas companies in the Montney and the Duvernay formations. This oil, gas liquids and natural gas is critical to meeting demand in Canada and around the world. The more we can improve Alberta-based supply chains, the more secure this resource will be while creating jobs and opportunity.”
“Reducing our reliance on imported silica sand is good for business and good for Alberta. Streamlining regulations while maintaining high environmental standards means more investment, more jobs and more long-term value staying right here in Alberta.”
New regulatory changes are making it easier for silica sand producers to conduct exploration and extraction by reducing red tape, shortening decision times and enhancing accessibility on public lands. These changes will reduce the Alberta’s dependence on silica sand imports, create jobs and support economic growth.
“These changes will have significant impact on the ability to grow the industry in Alberta and provide security of supply for the oil and gas sector. Most of these operations are in rural Alberta, providing significant economic benefits and employment opportunities to the counties in which we operate. I want to extend my thanks to Minister Loewen, Minister Schulz, and Minister Jean, for putting Alberta first.”
As tariffs continue to affect businesses and workers on both sides of the border, the province is prioritizing the strength and resilience of Alberta’s economy by investing in natural resource development and Alberta producers.
“As a business that has been working in Alberta for over 50 years, we are excited to see this Alberta government continuing to support Albertans and Alberta businesses. We are experiencing increasing demand for our products and this new program will open up significantly more opportunity for us to meet industry demands and create more jobs for Albertans.”
Quick facts
- Silica sand is an important tool used in the production of oil and gas.
- In 2024, Alberta required 8.4 million tonnes of silica sand for oil and gas, with 12 million tonnes predicted to be required by 2035.
- Alberta currently produces approximately one-third of the silica sands it requires.
AER: Invitation for Feedback on Proposed Revisions to Closure Nomination Requirements in Directive 088
We are seeking feedback on proposed changes to Directive 088: Licensee Life-Cycle Management to support the ongoing implementation and operationalization of closure nomination. Changes include clarifying closure timelines, reporting requirements, and licensee expectations. Section 4.2 of the draft directive includes the following changes:
- Revised table 1 of the closure plan activities.
- Sites without an “abandoned” licence status will have up to three years to complete abandonment, equipment removal, and Phase 1 environmental site assessment (ESA) closure activities.
- Sites with an “abandoned” licence status must complete equipment removal and the Phase 1 ESA within one year.
- Clarified the requirement for licensees to accurately identify any completed or outstanding closure activities for the site.
- Changed the reporting requirements, shifting from reporting by March 31 of each year to quarterly with specific completion dates.
- Added table 2 on closure activity reporting for closure nomination so that licensees are clear on demonstrating compliance and progress for each required closure activity.
- Clarified that the transferee or amalgamation survivor is responsible for being aware of and verifying whether any licences it has received in a transfer application are part of an accepted closure nomination.
Licensees are still required to complete closure activities and retain records of activities as outlined in Directive 088. Please note that reporting for closure activities under closure nomination is delayed for this year; we will provide a notification when new reporting requirements are in effect.
Existing closure nominations can be viewed on the Closure Nomination Dashboard, which will be updated after public comment and publication of the new edition of Directive 088. The AER will notify all licensees and eligible requestors with existing closure nominations on how they are affected by these proposed regulatory changes.
The draft directive is available on the directives webpage under draft/open for comment. To provide feedback on the proposed revisions to section 4.2 of Directive 088, complete the public comment form on our website. Comments in other formats can be emailed to Closure.Nomination@aer.ca or mailed to Alberta Energy Regulator, Suite 1000, 250 – 5 Street SW, Calgary, Alberta T2P 0R4. Feedback will be accepted through November 12, 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.
If you have any questions, contact our Customer Contact Centre by phone at 1-855-297-8311 or by email at inquiries@aer.ca.
The company Canacha Inc. is ordered to pay a fine of $125,000 for failing to comply with an environmental protection compliance order
Environment and Climate Change Canada enforcement officers take all necessary steps to halt illegal transport of hazardous waste and hazardous recyclable materials, both domestically and internationally.
On October 14, 2025, the Court of Québec ordered the company Canacha Inc. to pay a fine of $125,000, after pleading guilty to one count of violating the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. The offence relates to a failure to comply with an environmental protection compliance order. The fine will be directed to the Environmental Damages Fund.
In March and April of 2022, Environment and Climate Change Canada enforcement officers, working with Canada Border Services Agency officers, intercepted several shipping containers declared to contain bales of paper to be exported to India from the ports of Montréal and Halifax. However, the shipping containers were contaminated with household waste, including plastic and metal. The company Canacha Inc. could not export them to India, as they did not have the required authorization.
Following these findings, Environment and Climate Change Canada enforcement officers issued an environmental protection compliance order against Canacha Inc. This order required them, in addition to other requirements, to submit to the Department a detailed environmental management plan for their export activities and to ensure compliance with the Act.
As of September 9, 2022, the date by which the required remedial measures had to be in effect, the company had not submitted an environmental management plan to Environment and Climate Change Canada. Failure to comply with an environmental protection compliance order is an offence under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999.
As a result of this conviction, the company’s name will be added to the Environmental Offenders Registry. The Registry contains information on convictions of corporations registered for offences committed under federal environmental laws.
Brownie Awards 2025: Brownfielder of the Year is Joe Chowaniec
On November 13th, industry and government leaders involved in the redevelopment and revitalization of brownfield properties will be celebrated at the 26th Annual Brownie Awards, presented by Actual Media Inc. in collaboration with the Canadian Brownfields Network (CBN). The awards gala will be held at the Delta Hotel by Marriott in downtown Toronto.
The Brownie Awards provide annual recognition of brownfield projects, policies, and innovators across the country that are dedicated to the rehabilitation of sites that were once contaminated or under-utilized. These properties contribute to the resilient growth of healthy cities and vibrant communities.
The prestigious Brownfielder of the Year Award (BOTY) honours an outstanding individual in the industry who has made a mark. In this case, the BOTY is someone who has enthusiastically supported the remediation sector in Canada. Many are aware of his brilliant mind, funny and kind nature, as he has been a staple in the environmental industry for over 30 years.
Joe Chowaniec has a Bachelor of Science degree (Specialized Physics) and a Bachelor of Science degree (Electrical Engineering) both from the University of Alberta and joined the Environmental Services Association of Alberta (ESAA) as a university summer student in the early 90s. He realized early on in his career that through ESAA he would be able to make an important impact on the environmental industry.
Dedicating more than 30 years to ESAA, Joe has advanced through every level of the association and is now Executive Director, a position from which he will be stepping down in December of this year to start his much-deserved retirement.
Joe is recognized as a visionary and leader within the environmental sector, he is esteemed and respected by his peers. With a commitment to making a difference “one day at a time,” Joe acknowledges the significant impact we each possess within ourselves. He champions people, fostering their achievements, and igniting a passion for excellence while celebrating their triumphs.
One of Joe’s greatest contributions to ESAA and the environmental community was the creation of the Remediation Technologies Symposium (RemTech) in 2002. RemTech was his way to bring the industry together and has become the premier remediation technology transfer event for environmental professionals, encompassing the latest innovations in soil and groundwater remediation. It is also known for its incredible keynote speakers, amazing networking opportunities, and outstanding technical presentations. RemTech will take place next week in Banff, Alberta.
Joe is passionate about giving back to the community we work in and during his time with ESAA he has helped raise $1.2 million dollars for many charities from Muscular Dystrophy Canada to the Jane Goodall Foundation. Joe is also a recipient of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee medal for his work with Muscular Dystrophy Canada.
Beyond his professional endeavours, Joe loves to travel with his wife Rami. Together they have been all over the world, from the ghost towns in Alberta to the Galapagos Islands. Joe captures the splendour of our planet through his photography. He is an award-winning photographer and has published two books: Abandoned Alberta and Abandoned Alberta II, with the third and final edition set to be released in late 2025.
To register for the Brownie Awards, visit: https://brownieawards.ca/
Upcoming Industry Events
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:
Only 12 spots remain at Disaster Forum, presented by Trace Associates Inc., on October 28-30 in Kananaskis!
Immerse yourself in Disaster Forum 2025 – a conference designed for professionals dedicated to enhancing resilience, set in captivating Kananaskis scenery. Engage with experts in emergency management, business continuity, and technology resilience via interactive sessions. Strengthen your knowledge base while forging valuable connections for future success. For more information and to register, visit https://disasterforum.ca
CANECT West Promo Code for ESAA Members
Taking place November 19–20, 2025, in Calgary, Alberta, CANECT West will feature two days of practical, expert-led courses designed to help participants understand and meet today’s environmental compliance and regulatory challenges.
For more than 30 years, the CANECT conference series has helped thousands of environmental professionals stay on top of fast-changing regulations and industry best practices.
In response to strong interest and feedback from past attendees and industry professionals, CANECT West is now bringing this trusted training event to Western Canada.
Topics will include regulatory updates, air and water management, waste and soils, PFAS, environmental emergency response, contaminated sites, and more — delivered by regulators, lawyers, consultants, and industry specialists.
Whether you are an environmental manager, engineer, consultant, or compliance officer, CANECT West offers the knowledge, tools, and connections you need to stay ahead of evolving regulations, prove your organization’s due diligence, and help drive success and sustainability.
Click here to explore course details and the speaker line-up, and use promo code ESAA15 to save 15% on registration today!
SustainTech Call for Abstracts
SUSTAINTECH CONFERENCE 2026
MARCH 18-19, 2026 | DELTA SASKATOON DOWNTOWN
Saskatchewan’s premier environmental conference
Regulatory Sessions
Technical Sessions
The conference highlights the latest environmental practices and technologies from industry, consultants, and regulators to address sustainability issues over the lifecycle of Saskatchewan’s principal resource sectors, including agriculture, mining, and oil and gas.
NOW ACCEPTING TECHNICAL ABSTRACTS
The Deadline for submission of abstracts is
Monday, December 1st at 4:00 pm.
All abstracts must be submitted using the digital form below to be considered.
CBN Brownie Awards
Nov 13, 2025
Details: The Brownie Awards recognize the builders, innovators and visionaries who are dedicated to the rehabilitation of brownfield sites that were once contaminated, under-utilized and undeveloped into productive residential and commercial projects that contribute to the growth of healthy communities across Canada.
Website Link To Register: https://www.brownieawards.ca
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
- Environmental Project Manager – Arletta Environmental Consulting Corp
- Reclamation Coordinator –
- Arletta Environmental Consulting Corp
- Environmental Risk Assessor & Technical Reporter – Arletta Environmental Consulting Corp