An Information Service for Alberta’s Environment Industry The Week Ending August 4th, 2017

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Inside this Issue:

Syncrude Charged in Death of Herons

Town of Pincher Creek Raises Concerns over Incinerator License

No BC Charges in Mount Polley Spill

Remediation Technology News and Resources

New ESAA Members

Upcoming Events

Industry Position Openings

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DON'T FORGET TO TAKE PHOTOS OF ICONIC CANADIAN

LANDSCAPES! The subject for this year’s photo contest is “Iconic Canadian Landscapes”. Canada will be celebrating its 150th birthday this upcoming weekend and we would like to highlight the beauty of Canada’s landscapes! Applicants are encouraged to submit photos that display Canada’s scenic vistas with emphasis on iconic locations. ESAA PHOTO CONTEST The ESAA Photo Contest celebrates the connection between the environment and ESAA members. Photos are submitted throughout the summer and winners are selected in early fall. The organizations that submit the winning photo(s) are highlighted every year at the RemTech Symposium where canvas prints are auctioned off with all proceeds going to charity. You can find all this information and how to apply online at - http://www.esaa.org/photocontest/ THE DEADLINE TO APPLY IS AUGUST 11th. Any questions or concerns can be directed to kinasewich@esaa.org.

We look forward to your submissions.

SYNCRUDE CHARGED IN DEATHS OF 31 GREAT BLUE HERONS (Source: Calgary Herald) Oilsands giant Syncrude Canada Ltd. has been charged under environmental rules after dozens of great blue herons were found dead near its mine north of Fort McMurray two years ago.

In August 2015, the consortium reported finding 30 of the large shorebirds at various stages of decomposition at its Mildred Lake oilsands facility, on top of another that was discovered two days earlier covered in oil before it was euthanized.

Syncrude didn’t have any deterrents at the inactive sump pond to spook wildlife when the herons were discovered, though it later installed fences, sound cannons and bird-scaring statues.

“We are truly saddened and deeply regret the deaths of these blue herons,” Syncrude spokesman Will Gibson said.

“This has strengthened our resolve to make sure that deterrent systems are everywhere they need to be on our sites.”

Alberta’s energy watchdog said Thursday it has charged Syncrude with one count under the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act for failing to store a hazardous substance in a way that avoids contaminating animals.

If convicted, the consortium now controlled by Suncor Energy could face a financial penalty of up to $500,000. Its first court appearance is scheduled for Sept. 27.

“We must review the charges in detail before we decide how we will proceed,” Gibson said.

Greenpeace said it welcomed the charge, but argued the province should increase fines and “begin to take action on the toxic waste water and tailings ponds that are growing by the minute.”

“A fine that can be paid off by a few hours’ profit doesn’t send much of a signal to the company or to the industry, and as long as these toxic ponds and lakes are around, these preventable deaths will continue to happen,” the group said in a statement.

The 31 herons did not die in a tailings pond, but their deaths were far from the only bird fatalities at the oilsands.

Syncrude was fined $3 million after more than 1,600 ducks died at one of its tailings ponds in 2008. Images of oil-soaked birds spread around the world and helped crystallize environmental opposition against Alberta’s oilsands.

Another 550 birds were destroyed a couple years later when a storm forced them to land on waste ponds owned by Syncrude and Suncor.

In 2014, 122 birds died after landing in tailings ponds at three sites controlled by Syncrude, Suncor and Canadian Natural Resources.

CCME ANALYTCIAL METHODS: METHANOL PRESERVATION FOR VOLATILE ORGANICS IN SOIL Alberta Environment and Parks has adopted the 2016 CCME Guidance Manual for Environmental Site Characterization in Support of Environmental and Human Health Risk Assessment, Volume 4: Analytical Methods for compliance with the Alberta Tier 1 and Tier 2 soil and groundwater remediation guidelines.

In response to questions from remediation practitioners, Alberta Environment and Parks has released additional guidance for the methanol preservation method for volatile organic compounds in soil. The guidance can be found at:

http://aep.alberta.ca/land/land-industrial/inspections-and-compliance/alberta-soil-and-groundwater-remediation-guidelines.aspx

Questions can be directed to Land.Management@gov.ab.ca

BC MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT: CONTAMINATED SITES PROTOCOLS AND GUIDANCE DOCUMENTS RELEASED

DEADLINE FOR COMMENTS IS SEPTEMBER 5, 2017 JULY 31, 2017 – As a result of Stage 10 (Omnibus) amendments to the Contaminated Sites Regulation (CSR), the following Contaminated Sites Protocols and Guidance Documents have been updated or developed and are now ready for stakeholder comment:

Protocol 2: Site-Specific Numerical Soil Standards

Protocol 6: Eligibility of Applications for Review by Approved Professionals

Protocol 11: Upper Cap Concentrations for Substances Listed in the CSR

Protocol 13: Screening Level Risk Assessment

Protocol 22: Application of Vapour Attenuation Factors to Characterize Vapour Contamination

Protocol 27: Soil Leaching Tests for Use in Deriving Site-Specific Numerical Soil Standards

Protocol 30: Determination of Carcinogenic Substances

Technical Guidance 4: Vapour Investigation and Remediation

Technical Guidance 7: Supplemental Guidance for Risk Assessments

Technical Guidance 24: Site-Specific Numerical Soil Standards Model Parameters

Some documents have minor administrative changes and these limited revisions have been highlighted in yellow. However, other documents have undergone significant re-writing or are entirely new and need to be reviewed in their entirety to see the full scope of changes (i.e. there is no yellow highlighting).

It was originally expected that Protocol 12 would require updates as a result of the Stage 10 amendments but this was not the case. As such, Protocol 12 is not part of this package.

Please provide comment on the above documents by Tuesday, September 5, 2017. Comments should be sent to site@gov.bc.ca.

Website: www.gov.bc.ca/siteremediation E-mail address: site@gov.bc.ca

TOWN OF PINCHER CREEK RAISES CONCERNS OVER INCINERATOR LICENSE

(Source: Pincher Creek Echo) PINCHER CREEK - The Town of Pincher Creek held a special meeting to discuss their concerns regarding the application put forth by the Crowsnest Pass/Pincher Creek Landfill (CNPC) that will change their licensing to accommodate the operation of an incinerator.

Mayor Don Anderberg announced that the Town has had concerns about the proposed incinerator that would accept wood, animal carcasses and agricultural plastics for “a long time.”

“But, obviously, the application has gone ahead and the direction is to put an incinerator in the landfill,” Anderberg said.

Landfill manager Emile Saindon said at this point no decisions have been finalized.

“It’s a license to operate,” he said. “It’s not a license to build one. That comes after. Alberta Environment is going to look at our application and say, ‘OK, everything meets the criteria.’”

Following approval, if that’s the case, AEP will provide CNPC with a detailed list of criteria outlining their air quality and monitoring standards amongst other things that the landfill will have to meet before purchasing and operation of an incinerator, Saindon explained.

But the Town, amongst many of the public, still has a number of concerns regarding air and water quality, odour, soil contamination and particulates. These were elaborated on in a letter sent to Alberta Environment and Parks’ Regulatory Approvals Centre (AEP) on behalf of the Town of Pincher Creek on July 18. Saindon, however, noted that he has not seen this letter.

Air quality a must Due to the town’s location downwind and downriver from the landfill, emissions and potential effects on water bodies and soil quality were a main topic of discussion.

“The number one thing that I feel came forward was air quality,” Anderberg said. “We’ve always talked about air quality and what that looks like and at this point in time nobody has been able to satisfy our questions about what air quality would look like with this incinerator.”

According to the CNPC’s application, dated Jan. 27, 2017, and prepared for by Integrated Sustainability LTD., “there are no significant effects predicted outside of the landfill boundary,” in terms of air quality.

The proposal states the “negative effects” within the landfill boundary “are anticipated to be restricted to the impact of air emissions from the incinerator.” These, along with ground level contaminants, “are predicted to register as a small fraction of the relevant air quality standards.”

Dispersion modelling was completed by North Shore Environmental Consultants to examine ground-level concentrations of contaminants that would result from the operation of the incinerator. The findings were presented to the public during the open house meetings. CNPC’s application states the maximum level of contaminants are “predicted to be well within the [Air Quality Standards].”

“Therefore, it is the position of North Shore that the proposed incinerator is not a risk to air quality,” the application reads.

The standards were pulled from Alberta Ambient Air Quality Objectives, Ontario Ambient Air Quality Criteria and Canada Ambient Air Quality Standards. But, councillors were still worried about how these predicted numbers would pan out in reality due to Pincher Creek’s notorious winds.

“It doesn’t just affect Pincher Creek,” Coun. Jim Litkowski said. “It affects Piikani and further east. We have to consider and look at all of this too. It doesn’t just affect the immediate surrounding people. It affects a lot of people.”

Burning agricultural plastics: an air quality concern During the public open houses that took place in Lundbreck, Pincher Creek and Blairmore in the fall of 2016, Eco Waste Solution CEO Stephen Meldrum assured the audience that only polyethylene plastics would be incinerated.

However, according to CNPC’s proposal, polypropylene, nylon, high and low-density polyethylene and natural sisal will all be accepted. Polyvinylchloride (PVC) and polychlorinated biphenyl will not be incinerated.

The incinerator of interest is a two chamber device that is top loaded with materials which are heated until combustion, Meldrum explained. The second chamber is heated to 1,000 C and the gas is treated for a minimum of two seconds, leaving only a heatwave which is then released.

“Not only is there not the fuel to create [dioxins], but we’ve created the conditions where it is very, very, difficult for them to form,” Meldrum said.

According to a 2013 report entitled Alberta Agricultural Waste Characterization Study, funded by Growing Forward 2, it was estimated that between 6,600 and 14,000 tonnes of twine, net wrap, silage bags, grain bags and other agricultural plastic waste are generated annually.

The report also found these plastics are being handled in various ways such as reusing, burying them in the landfill or on the farm, sending them to be recycled or burning them.

“Burning of plastics can release highly toxic substances, like dioxins, heavy metals and volatile organic compounds,” reads a “Survey of Municipalities” published by Growing Forward 2. “These substances have many potential health impacts ranging from headaches and dizziness to lung disease, cancer and growth defects.”

The landfill, however, states in their application that the expected emissions are well within the standards and regulations set by the province and Canadian government.

Particulates and contaminants The CNPC landfill has experienced an exponential growth in deadstock.

According to the application, the landfill currently receives over 2,000 tonnes annually along with other animal-based biomass.

After careful deliberation, the CNPC determined that incineration would be the best and most viable way to reduce waste.

But some are concerned that burning animal carcasses and potentially harmful plastics is not the best way to deal with the increased waste loads.

The possible transfer of BSE prions from the incinerated biomass through emissions was also a concern, Coun. Mark Barber said.

“I don’t want to be a fear monger here,” Barber said. “But, I am very concerned that anything downwind — it might be everything within a 50-mile radius — could all of a sudden become [unusable] for agricultural production because the prions would be there.”

The CNPC’s application states that contaminants emitted, while modelled, showed the maximum concentrations of contaminants occur within the boundaries of the landfill.

It also says they expect “negligible toxins within the ash derived from the combustion of animal-derived biomass” and that ashes will be disposed of properly within the landfill.

Soil contaminants Councillors said they worry about particulates emitted in the incineration process may settle and spread in events of rain and affect soil, ground water and water sources.

The Town’s letter to AEP seeks further testing on potential effects to soil and request a baseline test of soil contents in a “10, 20 or 30 km radius.”

The ash produced by the incinerator is to be disposed of properly in the landfill cells, the application says. And the CNPC “expects there to be negligible toxins within the ash derived from the combustion of animal-derived biomass, polyethylene and clean wood waste.”

Water contamination The application says that maximum concentrations of contaminants will be monitored as per the Amendment Approval and they will occur “within the landfill boundary.”

But, councillors said they feel there is always the chance of mechanical failure.

“It only takes one time,” Coun. Wayne Elliott said.

The Town, therefore, requested for more information and a thorough environmental impact assessment to be completed by a third party.

“Are the water streams east of the landfill going to be monitored on the levels of toxicity derived from air particulates and ground water run-off which will be derived by burying the final, remaining ash after incineration into the landfill?” The Town asks in their letter.

Does it stink? The Town outlined their concerns of the potential offensive odours related to the burning of animal carcasses, their hair, treated wood and agricultural plastics.

The landfill’s application says “odour from the incinerator is not expected to be negligible at the landfill boundary,” due to the design of the incinerator, although Saindon said the final design of the machine has yet to be confirmed.

Technology: is it the best fit? Mayor Anderberg mentioned during the meeting that he was concerned that the landfill was only investigating one particular incinerator.

Landfill manager Saindon said they are still leaning towards the product from Eco Waste Solutions.

“We’ve gone through the potential incinerator providers in North America and they were the best fit for what we were looking for,” Saindon said.

Public input The Town’s letter pushes for more transparency and public hearings, but Saindon said that is up to AEP and the regulatory body.

“Right now, the only thing they’re looking at is to add an amendment to our approval to operate,” he said. “Not to put one up, nothing. It’s just, ‘will you recognize that if we meet your criteria based on what you’re saying, will you license us, or amend our approval to operate one.”

“Then, at that point, we begin discussions with the manufacturer and what Alberta Environment wants and what needs to be done to satisfy the general public,” Saindon said.

The Town’s letter addresses that although public engagement has already taken place, “many local residents did not feel that their concerns were given due consideration.”

“The process appears to have a foregone conclusion, and was not seen to be open and transparent,” the letter continues. “Resident’s should be given an opportunity during a public meeting to share their concerns and objects, if applicable with the Crowsnest Pincher Creek Landfill Board.”

WATCHING THE FOREST RETURN, SCIENTISTS SEEK NEW ANSWERS FOR OILSANDS RECLAMATION (Source: Fort McMurray Today) Across nearly 1.5 million acres of land incinerated last year, charred tree stumps are slowly being covered in green. Wild flowers, lichens and green shoots of aspen - the dominant tree species in the area - are sprouting across Wood Buffalo.

Researchers are hoping that observing that new life will provide lessons on what to expect with reclaiming tailings ponds and open-pit mines in the oilsands.

“To restore forests in mining areas, we need to understand how forests develop and wildfires give us natural examples of that,” said Simon Landhausser, a professor at the University of Alberta’s faculty of agricultural, life and environmental sciences.

“If you look at how life recovers and disperses after a disturbance, or observe what kinds of stresses they can tolerate, that information is very important in forest mining areas.”

Mining and forest fires may alter the landscape in different ways, but researchers interested in reclamation work argue there is value in understanding how the forest behaves while watching it after a fire.

After all, wildfires are natural parts of the forest’s lifecycle, vital in clearing factors such as disease and dead vegetation to make way for new life. The human touch can only go so far, and those natural forces bringing that life will be vital for reclamation.

“The fact the fire was so large is interesting because it destroyed an area the size of many mines which would need to be reclaimed,” said Brad Pinno, a research scientist studying forest ecology and reclamation with the Canadian Forest Service.

Observations in areas immolated by flames last year will not necessarily be comparable to reclamation sites, said Landhauser, who is also an Oilsands Industrial Research Chair in Forest Land Reclamation for the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERCC).

For instance, it may take less than a decade before most signs of last year's wildfire disappear and even longer for some trees to mature. Bogs might need between 50 to 60 years to regenerate fully.

But once open-pit mining is over, the Alberta government demands the sites are reclaimed. In some cases, it could take decades - or even longer - before scientists see these sites form complex ecosystems indistinguishable from surrounding natural systems.

“There is not enough money in this world to restore every little detail in forests in reclamation,” said Landhausser.

An area of the forest once rich in aspen might become packed with jackpine, for instance, after a wildfire. Certain animals, insects and plants that frequented an area scorched by flames might take years to return. Seeds for smaller plants may find themselves sprouting in new parts of the forest.

How will all this influence the ecosystems of the forest? Will plant and animal species that have left a certain area return? How will the landscape adapt without their presence?

Pinno says these are questions his own team asks, and are ones reclamation specialists are wondering constantly.

“Forests are quite complex, even ones we think of as quite simple. There’s lots of ways they can develop,” said Pinno, who has been observing how trees are regrowing after the wildfire, and how they interact with their surroundings. “That range of variability helps set realistic targets for reclamation.”

NO B.C. CHARGES IN MOUNT POLLEY DAM COLLAPSE AS FEDERAL INVESTIGATIONS CONTINUE Provincial investigation continues and charges could happen at a federal level

(Source: CBC News) There will be no provincial charges for a tailings dam collapse in British Columbia but the province's new environment minister says a mining company may still be held responsible through federal laws.

George Heyman said Wednesday the August 2014 disaster has had tremendous economic and environmental consequences and British Columbians deserve to know what went wrong at the Mount Polley mine located in the province's Interior.

"A disaster like this should never have happened in B.C., and it must never happen again," Heyman said in a statement, adding that charges under the federal Fisheries Act "remain very much in play and, in fact, potential penalties are more significant."

A three-year deadline on charges will pass Friday in the midst of an ongoing investigation by B.C.'s Conservation Officer Service, but Chris Doyle, deputy chief of the agency, couldn't say what stage the probe was at.

The federal departments of Environment and Fisheries and Oceans are also part of the investigation.

"It's an integrated investigation team," Doyle said.

"To date, the evidence has been collected under the provincial Emergency Management Act and the federal Fisheries Act and all of this information gathered during the course of this investigation will be considered by the Public Prosecution Service of Canada, should charges be recommended."

The statute of limitations on federal charges will expire in two years.

Mine resumed operations last July

The Mount Polley dam breached at the gold and copper mine, sending 24 million cubic metres of mine waste and sludge into nearby waterways.

Two reports, by B.C.'s chief inspector of mines and an independent panel of engineering experts, found the collapse involving the mine operated by Imperial Metals Corp. was caused by a poorly designed dam that didn't account for drainage and erosion failures.

A scathing report in May 2016 by auditor general Carol Bellringer concluded that almost all expectations for government compliance and enforcement in both the Mines and Environment ministries were inadequate and "not set up to protect the province from environmental risks."

The mine located near Quesnel Lake, about 400 kilometres northeast of Vancouver, resumed full operations last July with a repaired and reinforced tailings dam amid assurances by then-mining minister Bill Bennett that mining code revisions would ensure a similar disaster couldn't happen again.

MiningWatch Canada launched a private prosecution of Mount Polley last fall for alleged violations of the Fisheries Act, but a B.C. provincial court shelved that bid earlier this year.

DISCUSSION PAPER RELEASED ON REVIEW OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND REGULATORY PROCESSES Our government has committed to reviewing and modernizing environmental assessment and regulatory processes. Our goal is to protect the environment and introduce modern safeguards, support reconciliation with Indigenous peoples and ensure good projects go ahead and resources get to market sustainably. Consultation is at the core of these reviews and a way forward in rebuilding public trust.

Today, the Government released a discussion paper — one important step in this effort. Drawn from extensive public consultations, Expert Panel reports and Parliamentary studies conducted over the past 12 months, this paper outlines potential reforms being considered to rebuild trust and modernize Canada’s environmental and regulatory processes. This includes a review of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012, the National Energy Board Act, the Fisheries Act, and the Navigation Protection Act.

The proposed reforms are based on the guiding principles of early, inclusive and meaningful public engagement; nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown, and government-to-government partnerships with Indigenous peoples; and timely decisions based on the best available science and traditional knowledge.

The discussion paper outlines a potential path for good projects to proceed in partnership with Indigenous peoples and effective, science-based, enforceable conditions, with clear timelines. The Government of Canada is interested in the views of Canadians to inform its decision-making as it considers what policy, program and legislative changes to make.

Key measures being considered include:

Establishing a single government agency responsible for assessments of federally designated projects. The review would go beyond environmental impacts to also consider social, health and economic aspects of a project and require a gender-based analysis. Joint assessments will be undertaken with the life cycle regulator for major energy transmission, nuclear and offshore oil and gas projects. Each review will draw on carefully reviewed scientific evidence, Indigenous knowledge and available data on the cumulative effects in the region where the project is planned.

Requiring an early planning phase to foster greater collaboration and engagement between proponents, Indigenous peoples, stakeholders, the public and federal and provincial governments. This will build a common understanding of interests and issues and provide greater clarity and certainty to proponents.

Early and regular engagement and partnership with Indigenous peoples based on recognition of Indigenous rights and interests from the outset, seeking to achieve free, prior and informed consent through processes based on mutual respect and dialogue.

Restoring lost protections and incorporating modern safeguards to the Fisheries Act and the Navigation Protection Act.

Our aim is to modernize the project assessment process so that decisions can be made effectively and efficiently in collaboration with provinces, territories and Indigenous peoples — with the goal of having one assessment for one project. This will position us to remain globally competitive, attract investment, develop natural resources responsibly and advance a clean growth economy.

In June 2016, the Government launched a comprehensive review to address concerns about previous reforms to environmental assessment processes, lost protections for our fisheries and waterways, and the need to modernize the National Energy Board.

Moving forward, we will continue to work closely with provinces and territories, Indigenous peoples, industry, environmental groups and the public to ensure we get this right.

Canadians are invited to share their views on the discussion paper at www.canada.ca/environmentalreviews until August 28, 2017.

Associated Links

Review of Environmental Assessment Processes

National Energy Board Modernization

Fish Habitat Protection

Navigation Protection

GOVERNMENT OF CANADA RELEASES PROPOSED FEDERAL ACTION PLAN ON BOREAL CARIBOU AND

ENCOURAGES COLLABORATION ON PROTECTION EFFORTS Government will consult on proposed plan for 60 days

Canada’s natural heritage is an integral part of our national identity and history; Canadians expect their governments to conserve and manage Canada’s wildlife species and ecosystems responsibly.

Today, the Government of Canada released the proposed federal action plan on the protection and recovery of the boreal caribou. This is an important step forward in our efforts to protect the boreal caribou and enhance biodiversity in Canada, and it fulfills Canada’s commitments under the federal Species at Risk Act.

In addition to plans and actions to protect and recover boreal caribou, the federal action plan also presents recovery measures that the Government of Canada is taking for boreal caribou, under three pillars:

science to support recovery, including the establishment of a knowledge consortium

recovery and protection, with a focus on critical habitat

reports on progress to ensure that recovery efforts are effective

The Government of Canada plays a key coordination role in ensuring boreal caribou are receiving adequate protection across the provinces and territories. Because the vast majority of critical caribou habitat in Canada is managed by provinces and territories, the Government of Canada first looks to provincial and territorial governments to provide protection for boreal caribou and its critical habitat on non-federal lands.

The proposed action plan encourages provinces and territories to complete their range planning work as soon as possible. Provinces and territories are now working to develop range specific plans or other similar documents for boreal caribou by October 2017.

Effective recovery of the boreal caribou will require unprecedented levels of innovation, cooperation, and collaboration amongst the federal government, provinces, territories, Indigenous peoples, industry, environmental organizations, and local communities. It will need to involve creative measures to protect and enhance habitat while also working to ensure continued economic development and job creation.

Indigenous peoples, stakeholders, and other parties will be invited to take part in a series of webinars on this proposed action plan and to submit written feedback on the document by September 27, 2017.

Quick Facts

The boreal population of the woodland caribou (boreal caribou) has been listed as threatened under Canada’s Species at Risk Act since 2003 and has been in decline for some time.

Caribou are found across Canada, including the boreal caribou, which inhabits the boreal forest from Yukon and British Columbia to Labrador.

In 2012, the federal, provincial, and territorial governments agreed on a recovery strategy to address the declining population of the boreal caribou—to protect and recover this iconic species in all 51 caribou ranges in Canada. This strategy was based on extensive consultations and multi stakeholder input, and it provided that the specific plans to recover boreal caribou would be in place by late 2017.

The Government of Canada plays a leadership role in providing the scientific foundation for the boreal caribou recovery strategy. Through continued collaboration with governments, Indigenous peoples, and stakeholders, all partners will build a collective body of evidence to support a successful recovery of caribou.

Related Products

Executive summary – Action Plan for the Woodland Caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou), Boreal Population, in Canada

Public Consultations

Federal Actions – Action Plan for the Woodland Caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou), Boreal Population, in Canada

REMEDIATION TECHNOLOGY NEWS AND RESOURCES

(The following are selected items from the US EPA's Tech Direct - http://clu-in.org/techdirect/)

Upcoming Live Internet Seminars

FRTR Presents?Heavy Metals-Mining Site Characterization and Treatment Session 3 - August 10, 2017, 1:00PM-3:00PM EDT (17:00-19:00 GMT). This webinar will focus on different techniques that can be implemented for site characterization and modelling. The two techniques of focus are as follows: Best practices for monitoring and modeling in situ biogeochemical processes for uranium treatments and AMD will be described as it relates to bioremediation of mining sites; The use of unmanned aircrafts for biological surveys at sites. For more information and to register, see https://clu-in.org/live. ITRC Petroleum Vapor Intrusion: Fundamentals of Screening, Investigation, and Management - August 29, 2017, 1:00PM-3:15PM EDT (17:00-19:15 GMT). Chemical contaminants in soil and groundwater can volatilize into soil gas and migrate through unsaturated soils of the vadose zone. Vapor intrusion (VI) occurs when these vapors migrate upward into overlying buildings through cracks and gaps in the building floors, foundations, and utility conduits, and contaminate indoor air. If present at sufficiently high concentrations, these vapors may present a threat to the health and safety of building occupants. Petroleum vapor intrusion (PVI) is a subset of VI and is the process by which volatile petroleum hydrocarbons (PHCs) released as vapors from light nonaqueous phase liquids (LNAPL), petroleum-contaminated soils, or petroleum-contaminated groundwater migrate through the vadose zone and into overlying buildings. The ITRC Technical and Regulatory Guidance Web-Based Document, Petroleum Vapor Intrusion: Fundamentals of Screening, Investigation, and Management (PVI-1, 2014) and this associated Internet-based training provides regulators and practitioners with consensus information based on empirical data and recent research to support PVI decision making under different regulatory frameworks. The PVI assessment strategy described in this guidance document enables confident decision making that protects human health for various types of petroleum sites and multiple PHC compounds. This guidance provides a comprehensive methodology for screening, investigating, and managing potential PVI sites and is intended to promote the efficient use of resources and increase confidence in decision making when evaluating the potential for vapor intrusion at petroleum-contaminated sites. By using the ITRC guidance document, the vapor intrusion pathway can be eliminated from further investigation at many sites where soil or groundwater is contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons or where LNAPL is present. For more information and to register, see http://www.itrcweb.org or http://clu-in.org/live.

New Documents and Web Resources

Planning for Response Actions at Abandoned Mines with Underground Workings: Best Practices for Preventing Sudden, Uncontrolled Fluid Mining Waste Releases (OLEM 9200. 3-118). The Office of Superfund Remediation and Technology Innovation and the Office of Emergency Management recommend applying these best practices, as appropriate, when carrying out EPA-lead activities under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act at hardrock mining and mineral processing sites with underground mine workings posing actual or potential fluid release hazards (July 2017, 70 pages). View or download at https://semspub.epa.gov/src/document/HQ/176382. 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://clu-in.org/products/tins/. The following resources were included in recent issues:

Voluntary Remediation Program Progress Report #5, Rheem Manufacturing Company, Milledgeville, Georgia

Demonstration and Commercialization of the Sediment Ecosystem Assessment Protocol

Passive Biobarrier for Treating Co-Mingled Perchlorate and RDX in Groundwater at an Active Range: ESTCP Cost and Performance Report

In Situ Geochemical Stabilization Pilot Study Field Implementation Report, Port Of Astoria

Laboratory, Field, and Analytical Procedures for Using Passive Sampling in the Evaluation of Contaminated Sediments: User's Manual

Superfund 2017: Cleanup Accomplishments and the Challenges Ahead

Toolbox for Community Redevelopment: A Beginner's Guide to Contaminated Property Redevelopment

Australian Guidance Values for Assessing Exposure to Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS) and Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA)

New Brownfield Health Indicator Tool

ESAA Member News

INTRODUCING THE FIRST ANNUAL ECO IMPACT AWARDS!

It’s our 25th Anniversary this year and as part of the celebration, we’re launching the ECO Impact Awards to recognize outstanding EPs and EPts who have provided innovative, impactful, productive or engaging solutions that further the environmental sector or who’ve led initiatives in their specialization or workplace.

A panel of knowledgeable judges with multiple specializations will evaluate each nomination based on a set criteria, and select the finalists.

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT: HTTP://WWW.ECO.CA/CERTIFICATION/ECO-IMPACT-AWARDS/

ECO CANADA’S INTERNSHIP PROGRAM AWARDED $8.9M TO HELP

GROW GREEN JOBS CALGARY, July 12, 2017 /CNW/ – ECO Canada’s Internship Program received substantial funding that provides up to 50% in salary for environmental jobs in Natural Resource Sectors. The program will result in the fulfillment or creation of 650 environmentally focused career opportunities for new graduates and corporations.

“Canadian youth have the talent and drive to succeed in the labour market”, says the Honourable Jim Carr, Minister of Natural Resources Canada. “To help them make the transition from school to work and get a strong start in their careers, the Government of Canada continues to invest in the Youth Employment Strategy, a government-wide initiative to help support Canada’s newest workers”.

Funded through Natural Resources Canada’s Green Jobs – Science and Technology Internship Program (STIP), eligible employers who work in science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) can receive up to $15,000 to onboard new environmental positions.

“This program really helps new grads break into that first job and makes them a compelling candidate because their position can be subsidized. At the same time, employers can grow the capacity of their teams where they may not be able to otherwise” explained Jennifer Neuman, Senior Program Manager.

Eligible interns must intend to lead an environmental career related to STEM, be 30 years of age or younger and be eligible to work in Canada. Eligible employers in the natural resources industry must offer a fulltime, permanent position, provide an environment-related position in STEM, and plan to hire a new employee.

“Our 15+ years of experience in managing internship funding programs has resulted in many success stories from the over 5,000 jobs that have been created to date. We are pleased to be able to continue building green jobs with the support of NRCan” said Angie Dzwonkiewicz, Marketing Director.

This program is available to participants across Canada. For more information or to get started with an application, visit http://www.eco.ca/employers/internship-program.

New ESAA Member

ESAA’s Board of Directors and staff would like to welcome the following new members:

Full Members:

Oceans-ESU Ltd

BBIC, Innovation Way Barnsley, South Yorkshire, UK S75 1JL

Website: www.oceans-esu.com

Robert Large, Senior Consultant e-mail: r.large@oceans-esu.com

Profile: Oceans-ESU Ltd is a highly respected technical consultancy specialising in providing sustainable and integrated environmental solutions for a wide variety of industrial, retail and municipal applications. We work with a range of organisations around the world, from small firms and businesses to global blue chip clients. With over 30 years’ experience in the fields of environmental consultancy, troubleshooting and problem solving, we have the ability to draw on our extensive knowledge to provide you with an outcome that fulfils/exceeds the initial requirements. Oceans-ESU Ltd is the world leader in innovative waste water treatment technologies; with over 30 years experience in the research, design, installation and maintenance of engineered reed bed (wetland) treatment systems. Oceans-ESU Ltd offer a variety of services related to the bespoke design, construction, management and maintenance of highly engineered waste water treatment systems for contaminated effluents from industry, agriculture, municipal and domestic sources. Oceans-ESU Ltd are experienced in contaminated groundwater investigations. We can offer groundwater monitoring, modelling and remediation (including in-situ treatment, reed beds and bioremediation). Oceans-ESU Ltd also provides a full contaminated land investigation and land remediation service to construction and redevelopment companies, local authorities, and the commercial/retail sector.

Seisland Surveys Ltd. #8, 343 Forge Rd. SE Calgary, AB T2H 0S9

Phone: (403) 255-2770 Website: www.seisland.com/

Edward Miyagishima, Partner – Vice President of Operations and Development

e-mail: edm@seisland.com

Profile: Seisland Surveys Ltd. has been providing surveying and mapping services to a variety of industries for 37 years. In the past three years we've develpoed a fleet of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for the purpose of reclamation, aerial photography, topography, volumetric surveys and remote sensing.

Terra Services Inc/ Terra Technologies PO Box 422

Lewisporte, NL A0G 3A0 Phone: (709) 691-2333

Website: www.terratechnologies.ca

David Roberts, Owner e-mail: terrasev@yahoo.ca

Profile: Terra Technologies was originally developed with the idea that there had to be a more efficient way to separate oil from water. Since then we have expanded into the removal of contaminates from air emissions.

Terra Technologies supplies environmental control technologies for a wide range of waste water that includes industrial, shipping, process water, fracking. As well as emission sources that include incineration, mineral and chemical processing, renewable energy production, and oil & metal refining. A solution is tailored to meet each individual customer’s requirements.

Our business is driven by increasingly stringent global waste water discharge and emission standards for combustion facilities, which are major sources of a variety of harmful pollutants. Unlike other technologies, our solution easily reduces nitrogen oxides and works all stages of the combustion process.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Northwest Environmental Conference & Tradeshow | Dec. 5 - 6, 2017 | Portland, OR

As the region’s largest environmental conference and trade show, NWEC is the “go-to” event for environmental professionals in the Northwest. The conference provides you with the latest information and

best practices in Environmental Protection & Compliance, New Technologies & Services, Sustainable Business Practices, and Trending Policy Issues.

Focusing on industry-wide issues, NWEC is a collaborative endeavor presented by the Northwest Environmental Business Council (NEBC), Oregon Business & Industry (OBI), Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology).

NWEC convenes the environmental business community for two days of learning, connecting, and doing business. As a cross-sector conference, NWEC covers the environmental industry spectrum, attracting business owners, executives, and environmental managers.

For more information visit: http://www.nwec.org/

Registration Now Open! 2017 National Brownfields Training Conference, Pittsburgh, PA, December 5-7, 2017. With the session selection process completed, Brownfields 2017 is set to offer attendees

a robust and expansive conference experience. This years conference programming and speakers will engage attendees on topics at the forefront of today's brownfields and economic development landscapes; challenging both emerging and seasoned professionals as well as a diverse range of brownfields stakeholders to think outside the norms when addressing land revitalization and redevelopment. Take advantage and register during the pre-registration period for the lowest conference registration fees. For more information and to register, see https://www.brownfields2017.org/register/.

Industry Positions Openings

For more information visit ESAA’s Job Board under the news section of HTUwww.esaa.org UTH

Academic Chair, Water Sustainability Term: Full-Time Number of Positions: 1 Application Deadline: August 31, 2017 Job Location: Calgary, AB

Academic Chair, Water Sustainability

MacPhail School of Energy At the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT), we are the shapers. The makers. The originals, driven by a passion for excellence and impact. We are a global leader in applied education, an Alberta Top Employer and a destination workplace for people empowered to make a difference in the lives of students. We offer action-based learning, solution-focused research and enterprising collaborations with partners from around the world. With a newly launched brand and ongoing celebrations marking 100 years of educating skilled workers, now is an exciting time to join this one-of-a-kind place…SAIT. SAIT’s MacPhail School of Energy is the first school of energy in Canada and one of only a handful of energy schools in North America. Its industry-relevant program offerings, highly qualified industry-trained faculty, state of the art technical lab facilities, and outcome-based curriculum makes it an excellent hands-on training ground for our graduates. We currently have an exciting and unique opportunity for an Academic Chair to develop, manage and provide leadership for a portfolio of water sustainability programs and courses that will progress into a center of knowledge for sustainable water resource stewardship in Alberta! This is a unique opportunity to develop first class programming concerning the investigation, communication, and instruction of water usage, contamination and treatment issues in Alberta and beyond with a current focus on innovation in industrial water management. Reporting to the Associate Dean, you will be accountable for managing and providing leadership for program activities, collaborating on departmental and institutional strategic goals and initiatives, including but not limited to, academic excellence, learner experience, innovation and research integration, stakeholder/market focus and community connections. Our Ideal Candidate: With a passion for water, environment, and circular economy, you are a strategist that can build alignment and long-term partnerships; in fact, you are energized by going after substantial goals and engaging your team to accomplish them. You are passionate about learning, mentorship, and giving back to your industry and community. You get applied learning, maybe, you are even a SAIT grad. You are known for your creativity, drive, and results orientation. You are connected locally but think globally. You are passionate about the future of the energy sector, and want to contribute to its transformation by preparing the next generation of energy professionals that will shape

our world. If you believe this unique role is for you, please tell us in your cover letter how your career experience prepared you for this role! Responsibilities:

Actively engage and integrate faculty, research and students in research projects related to water

Act as a subject matter expert for the water sustainability program, lead the creation of a water hub and establish and support a center of knowledge

In consultation with industry and knowledge network members, develop and deliver flexible modularized training to industry and partner organizations.

Embark on strategic activities required to establish SAIT as a global leader in industrial water management.

Participate in the investigation, communication, and instruction of water usage at SAIT and at external stakeholder events, conferences and forums

Collaborate on water initiatives that focus on contamination, treatment, usage, efficiency, and sustainability both within and outside of Alberta

Identify and obtain industry and government funding to support water sustainability programming.

Liaise with the Applied Research and Innovation Services (ARIS) department at SAIT, as well as other departments, agencies and institutions

Oversee all aspects of resource management, scheduling and recommendations for program growth based on market demand to ensure an effective learning environment

Foster the development of a strong faculty team by leading performance management and coaching faculty on teaching excellence in the classroom, including professional development plans and recognition

Manage employee recruitment, orientation, scheduling and supervision of faculty

Support and promote initiatives that enhance learner success and retention within the program, such as active learning, technology-enabled learning, online or blended delivery

Oversee the recruitment, retention and tracking of student academic progress

Evaluate learner satisfaction results and develop action plans for improvement where necessary

Qualifications:

Minimum Master’s Degree in a relevant field of study; PhD preferred

Currency and technical expertise in water

Minimum 10 years’ of research or leadership experience related to water

Experience leading complex projects or initiatives reliant on collaboration with multiple internal and external stakeholders

Strong collaborator and team player, able to deliver results and leverage networks

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including presentation skills

Strong ability to communicate complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered

Why Work at SAIT: Enjoy a stimulating work environment, a beautiful campus overlooking downtown Calgary and a great benefits package including: comprehensive health and dental coverage, a defined benefit pension plan, professional development programs, generous paid time off, free access to our Wellness Centre, transit subsidies and more. To Apply: Please continue with the online application process through the SAIT careers website orWorkopolis.com. Online applications are strongly preferred. Closing Date & Time: This competition will remain open until a suitable candidate has been found. If you have any questions about the role please contact noorin.mitha@sait.ca. Please do not apply to this email address; all applications should be made through our online system. SAIT’s vision is to be a global leader in applied

education

Intermediate Environmental Consultant Term: Full-Time Number of Positions: 1 Application Deadline: August 7, 2017 Job Location: Edmonton, Alberta

Overview McElhanney Consulting Services Ltd. seeks an Intermediate Environmental Consultant to join our growing, corporate environmental team in Edmonton! The incumbent will work on various environmental projects, with a strong focus on assisting and leading field projects and completing Phase 1 and 2 Environmental Site Assessments (ESA’s). The successful candidate will be based in Edmonton, with the availability to work from our Calgary branch as per workload needs. Responsibilities

Participation in all stages of Phase 1 and 2 ESA’s, remediation projects from proposal preparation through data collection, interpretation, and reporting

Assist with permitting, licensing and approvals as required

Provide environmental advice and solutions to guide site assessments/remedial design and assist planning

Build and maintain strong client relationships

Other tasks as required Requirements

At least 3 years’ work experience in related, relevant project work, or a combination of education and experience

University degree in Biology, Agrology or Engineering or a technical degree in related fields

Registered with or eligible for membership with one or more of the following professional organizations:

Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA) (P.Eng. P.Geo.)

Alberta Institute of Agrologists (AIA) (P.Ag., R.T.Ag.)

Alberta Society of Professional Biologists (ASPB) (P.Biol)

Association of the Chemical Profession of Alberta (ACPA) (P.Chem)

College of Alberta Professional Foresters (CAPF)

College of Alberta Professional Forest Technologists

Ability to travel to Calgary on a regular basis to work on collaborative projects

Experience in proposal preparation, environmental assessments, remediation projects and associated reporting

Experience with and working knowledge of pertinent environmental legislation

Experience in fisheries and/or aquatic sciences would be considered an asset

Possession of a valid AB driver’s license is required at the time of hire If this opportunity is for you, visit www.mcelhanney.com/careers to apply online. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Application Details: If this opportunity is for you, visit www.mcelhanney.com/careers to apply online. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Intermediate/ Senior Environmental Consultants – ALBERTA

Term: Full-Time Application Deadline: August 31, 2017 Job Start Date: ASAP Job Location: Alberta

Career Opportunity

Ridgeline Response, a Division of Ridgeline Canada Inc is looking for Intermediate/ Senior Environmental Consultants to support our existing Team of Emergency Response Professionals in Swift Current, Grande Prairie, Edmonton, Lloydminster, Medicine Hat, Lethbridge & Calgary,

The Successful candidates will have a diverse skill set and experience including; Emergency Spill Response, Environmental Site Assessments (Phase I, II, III), planning and supervising Remediation and Reclamation projects,

including project planning, initial spill response and containment, data collection, analytical interpretation, and technical reporting.

Required Qualifications

Degree (or Diploma) in Environmental Sciences or related discipline;

3-5 years of Project Management experience;

Professional designation or working towards a Professional designation (i.e. AIT or ATT, PAg or RTAg, etc.);

Previous Experience in Spill/Release events in Western Canada, Initial Response, Containment Recovery, Regulatory Compliance, communication with Stakeholders (Clients, Landowners, Regulators) and experience in designing and executing Site Specific Remediation Action Plans;

Experience in Reclamation and Remediation practices on private and public lands;

Experience in building and maintaining projects, budgets;

Experience with technical report writing, proposal support and preparation of borehole logging, site diagrams, formatting site and aerial photographs;

Knowledge of pertinent provincial and federal environmental regulations;

Experience in HAZMAT protocols and situations;

Gas Migration and Surface Case Vent Flow Testing (SCVF) experience would be an additional asset

Required Competencies/Safety Training

Strong commitment to customer satisfaction;

Possess strong verbal and written communication skills, exemplary interpersonal skills and is very detail oriented and organized;

Ability to work and be available on a 24/7 basis for Mobilization (where required);

Precise attention to detail and ability to produce professional quality deliverables on time and on budget;

Accountable to all assigned portfolios;

Accurate data entry into electronic project databases

ICS/WCSS and additional spill training as well as possessing all current and relevant safety tickets is a requirement.

Class 5 Drivers License – Proof of Valid Insurance as per Ridgeline Canada’s Vehicle Use Policy What you will be responsible for

Overall Project Management for Spill/Release events in the Region;

Communicate project objectives and progress updates with clients;

Establish cost estimates for overall projects;

Create scopes of work in accordance with Ridgeline standards;

Assign projects to field staff; initiate fieldwork;

Review and interpret laboratory analytical results;

Ensure all field work has been documented and uploaded to site specific files by the field staff assigned, ensure all required documentation (including safety documentation), and analytical has been reviewed and is correct;

Accurately track and manage project costs and reporting process. Provide monthly updates on projected targets and actual costs to the Ridgeline General Manager;

Work with the billings coordinator and or billings assistant to complete final invoicing;

Ensure compliance with all safety regulations and SOP’s are completed as regularly required and all safety documentation is forwarded to HSE from field staff. Educate field professionals of any hazards and provide hazard controls;

Remain current with environmental legislation and regulatory updates, provide updated information as it becomes available to staff;

Provide opportunities for mentorship, training and development of field professionals;

Review completed reports for accuracy and formatting. Compensation

Competitive salary;

Tech Set provided by Ridgeline Canada Inc;

Per diem and mileage allowances;

Group life and health benefits;

At Ridgeline we invest in our personnel, we take pride of our open team orientated culture and strive to provide and sustain a balance between the professional and personal life style. We offer the opportunity to our valued employees to be challenged and grow within Ridgeline through an energetic and engaged team environment.

Contact Information For further information, please refer to our website at www.ridgelinecanada.com.

Application Details: To apply for this position, please send your resume to the Human Resource Department; careers@ridgelinecanada.com Subject line: Environmental Consultant – Ridgeline Response

Business Development Manager

Term: Full-Time Number of Positions: 1 Application Deadline: August 31, 2017 Job Location: Spruce Grove, AB

PRIMARY ROLE:

The Business Development Manager is primarily responsible for developing the business side of NELSON. Their primary role is to identify rising business opportunities and build long-term relationships with prospects both nationally and internationally.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The key responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to:

Proactively developing new business opportunities with a focus on facility owners, consultants and

contractors

Maintain strong and active relationships with existing clients and channel partners

Prepare proposals and documentation required to respond to clients’ requests and conduct technical sales

presentations as needed

Assist with the analysis, design, and estimate of projects in response to RFPs and direct opportunities

Providing training and producing support material for other members of the sales team

COMMUNICATION & INTERPERSONAL SKILL REQUIREMENTS

Strong communication skills are essential to this position:

Presentation ability

Assert and speak with all the different stakeholders involved

Cold call prospects with confidence in building new client relationships

Proven ability to write technical reports and other documents

Attention to detail and accuracy

COLLABORATION SKILL REQUIREMENTS

Collaboration with multiple parties from inside and outside of NER:

Ability to build relationships

Be influential

Manage and resolve conflicts as they arise

Negotiation and persuasion skills, with the ability to effectively communicate with clients

Ability to work well with our Operational and Technical teams to complete project proposals and to manage

ongoing relationships

PROJECT MANAGEMENT & RESEARCH SKILLS REQUIREMENTS

Setting goals and projections

Strong time management and organizational skills

Strong research skills and the ability to strategize based on research

Maintain a strategic perspective with the ability to effectively manage details

BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE REQUIREMENTS

Full knowledge of NER’s service offerings and

Ongoing market analysis to identify the company’s current position

Understand the competitive advantage of NELSON and properly position the company to maximize our value

proposition to clients

Data collection

COMPUTER SKILLS REQUIREMENTS

This position requires strong computer skills in:

Microsoft Office

Ability to present sound technical presentations and proposals to small and larger groups of potential clients, including engineers, consultants, contractors, and owners

CRM software (ACT)

Strong knowledge of utilizing mobile equipment and web-based software

GENERAL PERSONALITY TRAITS AND CHARACTERISTICS

Compelling interpersonal skills – the ability to develop strong internal and external cross-functional relationships with poise and integrity.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 10 years’ experience in business development or technical sales, preferably promoting services in the civil construction or environmental projects industry.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Completion of a bachelor’s degree (a diploma in civil, environmental engineering/science or in business would be considered an asset.)

Application Details: Please submit your resume and cover letter to: harriet@lplgroup.ca