THORHILD LANDFILL COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE...

THORHILD LANDFILL COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE (CAC) sponsored by Waste Management of Canada Corporation (WM)

SUMMARY MEETING NOTES Tuesday, April 16, 2013

6:00 to 8:30 p.m. Newbrook Community Centre, Newbrook, AB

Participants

Bill Kowal Betty Leischner

Graham Waterman Nick Kuzyk

Suzie Zatorski Vi Zolkewski Jim Sauchuk

Carmen Ewasiw Donna Ellefson

Marc Leduc, WM Facilitator: Jim Gendron, LTG Consulting

Unable to attend:

Doug Coenen, WM Rina Blacklaws, WM

Marcie Mazurenko Bob Bencharski

Brent Bard Cecile Sisson

Meeting Purpose

Provide CAC members with an update on follow-up from the January 9, 2013 CAC meeting; To review and confirm the CAC Terms of Reference; and To update the CAC on the EAB Hearing held in January 2013.

1. Welcome, introductions, review of agenda and confirmation of January 9, 2013 meeting summary

Jim Gendron, CAC facilitator, welcomed everyone, reviewed and confirmed the agenda. CAC members were asked if there were any questions of clarity, recommended changes or omissions from the previous meeting summary of January 9, 2013. There were none.

Action/follow-up: Jim Gendron will arrange for distribution of the approved meeting summary of January 9, 2013 to the CAO and Manager, Land Use Planning with the County of Thorhild.

Marc Leduc, WM, will arrange to have the meeting summary posted to the Thorhild Project web site.

CAC member comment: I went on to the updated Thorhild Project web site and noticed that the CAC meeting summaries are only current to January 2012. The 2012 meeting summaries and now the January 2013 meeting summary have to be added to the site.

Action/follow-up: A check of the Thorhild Project web site (www.thorhildproject.ca) showed that the meeting summaries are up-to-date to October 3, 2012. With the addition of the approved January 9, 2013 meeting summary, all approved CAC meeting summaries will have been posted. Marc Leduc will coordinate placement of the January 9, 2013 meeting summary on the CAC Thorhild Project web site.

2 Meeting Summary – April 16, 2013

2. Welcome and introduction of new CAC members

Marc Leduc, WM, welcomed new CAC members to the meeting. He thanked them and the returning CAC members for their interest and participation. All CAC members introduced themselves and indicated the interest they bring to the CAC.

3. Orientation to the CAC for all members with an Annual Review of the Terms of Reference

Jim Gendron, CAC facilitator, supported a review and discussion of the CAC Terms of Reference with CAC members. The purpose was to ensure they are clear and continue to be applicable. One change was recommended related to “Quorum” with the following direction provided and agreed to.

The Quorum statement will be changed to read: CAC members have identified the CAC quorum as 7 members based on those who have confirmed their attendance at least 7 days in advance of a planned meeting. The facilitator will notify the members if an insufficient number of people will be in attendance and select an acceptable alternate meeting date.

Action: Jim Gendron will make the change as noted and provide the revised CAC Terms of Reference to all members and coordinate with Marc Leduc, WM, for posting on the WM Thorhild Project web site following endorsement at the next CAC meeting.

New member orientation

When asked, new members said their orientation was limited. They found out they had been accepted as members of the CAC when phoned by Jim Gendron, CAC facilitator, about two weeks before this meeting. Accordingly, it was recommended that a new member orientation guide be prepared by WM and the CAC facilitator to support new CAC members as they are confirmed.

Action: Jim Gendron will draft an orientation process for new CAC members for review and discussion with WM representatives. The recommended new CAC member orientation process will be discussed and confirmed with CAC members at the next meeting.

Annual reporting

The Hosting Agreement between the County of Thorhild and WM identifies the need to provide annual reports on environmental performance to CAC members. There have been two reports completed for submission to Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development under both the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act and the Water Act that can be supplied to CAC members.

Action: Marc Leduc, WM, will provide the two reports for attachment to the April 16, 2013 CAC meeting summary. Copies will also be made available at the next CAC meeting.

4. Update on results of the Environmental Appeals Board (EAB) Hearing held January 14 to 17, 2013

Marc Leduc, WM, provided an update on the EAB Hearing held in January. Highlights of Marc’s presentation included:

• The EAB provided recommendations to the Minister of Environment and Sustainable Resource Development (ESRD) within 30 days of the hearing.

3

April 16, 2013 – Meeting Summary

• The EAB’s recommendations are still under consideration by the Minister of ESRD and WM representatives are still awaiting a decision on the Thorhild Integrated Waste Management application.

CAC members had the following questions for Marc regarding the EAB Hearing and the Minister ESRD’s upcoming decision:

Q. Will the lack of a decision by the Minister affect anything you have planned for the project? A. Yes, since we haven’t received a decision in time for the construction season, we will be deferring

some of the planned 2013 construction activities until we know if the Minister’s decision will affect any design plans and subsequent construction activities. (Note: Please see the next item – 2013 Thorhild Project site construction update for more detail from Marc Leduc, WM).

Q. Depending on the Minister’s decision when it’s made, is there another step that intervenors can use for additional appeals of the Thorhild Project?

A. Yes, following the Minister’s decision, another appeal can be made to the Alberta Court of Appeal.

Q. Can the project appeals continue indefinitely? A. There is a further opportunity to appeal the Minister’s decision when it’s received, based on certain

legal conditions, to the Alberta Court of Appeal.

Q. Will waste be stored at the County’s waste transfer stations until the landfill is open? A. The waste transfer stations being constructed by the County are not part of the landfill project;

they are owned and will be operated by the County. The County will probably be making arrangements for waste transfer to other landfill locations until the WM Thorhild Project begins operation.

CAC member comment: The County is transferring waste to Morinville at the moment.

5. 2013 Thorhild Project site construction update

Marc Leduc, WM, provided an update on the Thorhild Project 2013 construction program. Marc shared a letter sent to the Chief Administrative Officer with the County of Thorhild, Jim Squire. The letter provided an update to the County on WM’s construction schedule. Based on the fact that there has been no decision to date by the Minister of Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development (ESRD) based on the Environmental Appeals Board recommendations, in particular information regarding potential changes that could affect the landfill design plans, WM has altered the 2013 construction schedule with site operations anticipated for 2014. A copy of the letter is included with this meeting summary.

The extent of construction activity originally planned during 2013 is being reviewed with the contractor, Tervita. While not yet confirmed, the focus of the work this summer will be on wetland development and work on the internal roads at the site.

CAC members had the following questions and comments:

Q. If WM gets a decision from the Minister that enables the project to proceed as planned, will the construction schedule for 2013 resume?

A. The revised construction activity and schedule for 2013 is now being planned for site opening in 2014. The Minister’s decision, when it’s received, will now influence the construction requirements for 2014.


Q. Is the project being cancelled? A. No, it’s just slowing down so that we can ensure the Minister’s decision following the EAB

recommendations are accounted for.

CAC member comment: When the site was previously under construction, some of the local roads became hazardous for school bus travel due to mud being dropped on them by trucks hauling dirt. For example, Range Road 205 became difficult to navigate.

A. If there are any construction-related problems or needs that CAC members are aware of during the 2013 site construction period, please feel free to contact Marc Leduc by telephone at 780.233.2547.

Q. There is an Impact/Benefit program available for neighbours within 1.5 miles of the landfill; when will it start?

A. When waste begins to be delivered to the site.

CAC member comment: Nearby residents to the landfill site should receive compensation during the construction phase to account for the noise and traffic.

A. The Hosting Agreement between the County of Thorhild and WM outlines the Impact/Benefit program for site neighbours and will apply when the first waste is received at the site.

6. Advice, questions or comments from CAC mMembers

CAC meetings

CAC members were asked what they thought was “good,” “could be improved” or “could be changed” about CAC meetings, based on their experience as continuing and new members. The following comments were provided:

• Generally, CAC meetings have operated well; getting up-to-date, real information about the project and what’s happening has been helpful and opportunities to comment on the project have been important.

• The meeting format works well, but I’m concerned about the lack of progress on the project; it’s been seven years since the project application process was announced and the site has yet to be completed.

• The meetings seem to work well; we can anticipate that once the site gets more active during the construction phase and as it moves into operation, there will be more questions that arise and more advice that can be provided.

Additional questions and comments

CAC members were encouraged to ask questions, make comments and provide advice that will be helpful as the Thorhild Landfill Project proceeds.

CAC member comment: I know someone who lives close to the Big Valley Landfill operated by WM. They said they appreciate WM as a neighbour for their contributions to the community and how portions of their site are available for community and outdoor activities.

A. Thanks for that comment. The Big Valley site received construction and demolition materials and has been in operation since the early 1990s. The Landfill was purchased by WM from BFI Waste Systems in 2000 following a number of changes in ownership.

5

April 16, 2013 – Meeting Summary

Q. The entrance road to the site on Highway 63 seems to my mind to be unsafe for traffic entering or leaving the site along Highway 63; is anything going to be done to change it?

A. This question came up at a previous CAC meeting with advice provided by CAC members to WM. The following discussion and response was provided at the October 3, 2012 CAC meeting and included in the meeting summary:

Safe Access and Exit – Highway 63 Entrance and exit turning lanes to the site from Highway 63 appear to be inadequate for the traffic volumes that residents of Thorhild County observe along Highway 63. This coupled with the fact that there is a curve in the highway near the intersection appears to make it particularly risky. CAC members’ strongly advised that both the length and width of the turn lanes at the intersection should be increased.

Doug Coenen, WM, acknowledged the concern and commented that the intersection was built to standards prescribed by Alberta Transportation based on the type of highway and the volume and types of traffic that use it. The design and construction is directed, inspected and approved by Alberta Transportation with WM required to comply. WM’s is concerned with safety in all of WM’s site operations including traffic movement to and from the site. He thanked CAC members for the comment.

Q. Why doesn’t WM have their dumpsters available in the County of Thorhild? A. WM’s hauling operations are located rather far away, making it costly to service the area.

CAC member comment: If WM’s dumpsters were available for lease in the County, it may help with the company’s visibility and build awareness among County residents.

Site tours

Since some members of the CAC missed the site tour held in October 2012 and new members have not yet had a chance to see the site construction to date, Marc Leduc, WM, offered CAP members the opportunity to make arrangements to do so.

Any CAC members who wish to tour the WM Thorhild site can contact Marc by phone at 780.233.2547 and he will make arrangements.

7. Next meeting date, location and agenda

CAC members discussed and agreed that the next meeting should be arranged once a decision on the WM Thorhild Project application had been received from the Minister of Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development. The focus of the meeting will be on the Minister’s direction based on the EAB recommendations.

Jim Gendron, CAC facilitator, thanked everyone for their participation and comments.

The meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m. Attachments:

• Environmental Performance Reports to Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development under both the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act and the Water Act

• Copy of letter sent to Jim Squire, Chief Administrative Officer, County of Thorhild providing an update on WM’s construction schedule


CAC meeting follow-up requirements:

Item Description Responsibility/Schedule Approved January 9, 2013 CAC Meeting Summary

Distribution and posting of approved meeting summary is required. The approved meeting summary will be sent to designated representatives of the County of Thorhild and posted on the Thorhild Project web site.

Following the meeting, Jim Gendron, CAC facilitator, will ensure distribution to Thorhild County representatives Marc Leduc, WM, will coordinate posting of the meeting summary on the Thorhild Project web site.

Update of the Thorhild Project web site – Missing CAC meeting summaries

Approved CAC meeting summaries on the updated Thorhild Project web site include October 3, 2012. The following meeting was the January 9, 2013 meeting. The meeting summaries are up-to-date on the web site.

Marc Leduc, WM, will coordinate placing the approved January 9, 2013 meeting notes on the Thorhild Project web site.

Annual review of CAC Terms of Reference

Following review and discussion of the CAC Terms of Reference with CAC members, one change was recommended related to the “Quorum” description.

Jim Gendron, CAC facilitator, will make the change noted and provide the updated Terms of Reference to CAC members at the next meeting. Following the next CAC meeting, they will be posted on the WM Thorhild Project web site.

CAC new member orientation guide

As part of the CAC terms of reference review it was recommended that a new member orientation guide be prepared by WM and the CAC facilitator to support new CAC members as they are confirmed.

Jim Gendron, CAC facilitator, will draft an orientation process for new CAC members for review with WM representatives. CAC member orientation process will be discussed and confirmed with members at the next meeting.

Annual reporting The Hosting Agreement between the County of Thorhild and WM identifies the need to provide annual reports on environmental performance to CAC members. There have been two reports completed for submission to Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development under both the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act and the Water Act that can be supplied to CAC members.

Marc Leduc, WM, will provide the two reports for attachment to the April 16, 2013 CAC meeting summary.

Prepared by: AECOM 200 – 6807 Railway Street SE 403 254 3301 tel Calgary, AB, Canada T2H 2V6 403 270 9196 fax www.aecom.com Project Number: 60287006 Date: April, 2013

Environment

Waste Management of Canada Corporation

2012 Annual Landfill Operations Report Thorhild Landfill

AECOM Waste Management 2012 Annual Landfill Operations Report Thorhild Landfill

AECOM: 2013-01-06 © 2009-2013 AECOM Canada Ltd. All Rights Reserved. 60287006_Thorhild 2012_Annualreport_FINAL_01APR2013

Statement of Qualifications and Limitations The attached Report (the “Report”) has been prepared by AECOM Canada Ltd. (“Consultant”) for the benefit of the client (“Client”) in accordance with the agreement between Consultant and Client, including the scope of work detailed therein (the “Agreement”). The information, data, recommendations and conclusions contained in the Report (collectively, the “Information”):

• is subject to the scope, schedule, and other constraints and limitations in the Agreement and the qualifications contained in the Report (the “Limitations”);

• represents Consultant’s professional judgement in light of the Limitations and industry standards for the preparation of similar reports;

• may be based on information provided to Consultant which has not been independently verified; • has not been updated since the date of issuance of the Report and its accuracy is limited to the time period and

circumstances in which it was collected, processed, made or issued; • must be read as a whole and sections thereof should not be read out of such context; • was prepared for the specific purposes described in the Report and the Agreement; and • in the case of subsurface, environmental or geotechnical conditions, may be based on limited testing and on the

assumption that such conditions are uniform and not variable either geographically or over time. Consultant shall be entitled to rely upon the accuracy and completeness of information that was provided to it and has no obligation to update such information. Consultant accepts no responsibility for any events or circumstances that may have occurred since the date on which the Report was prepared and, in the case of subsurface, environmental or geotechnical conditions, is not responsible for any variability in such conditions, geographically or over time. Consultant agrees that the Report represents its professional judgement as described above and that the Information has been prepared for the specific purpose and use described in the Report and the Agreement, but Consultant makes no other representations, or any guarantees or warranties whatsoever, whether express or implied, with respect to the Report, the Information or any part thereof. Without in any way limiting the generality of the foregoing, any estimates or opinions regarding probable construction costs or construction schedule provided by Consultant represent Consultant’s professional judgement in light of its experience and the knowledge and information available to it at the time of preparation. Since Consultant has no control over market or economic conditions, prices for construction labour, equipment or materials or bidding procedures, Consultant, its directors, officers and employees are not able to, nor do they, make any representations, warranties or guarantees whatsoever, whether express or implied, with respect to such estimates or opinions, or their variance from actual construction costs or schedules, and accept no responsibility for any loss or damage arising therefrom or in any way related thereto. Persons relying on such estimates or opinions do so at their own risk. Except (1) as agreed to in writing by Consultant and Client; (2) as required by-law; or (3) to the extent used by governmental reviewing agencies for the purpose of obtaining permits or approvals, the Report and the Information may be used and relied upon only by Client. Consultant accepts no responsibility, and denies any liability whatsoever, to parties other than Client who may obtain access to the Report or the Information for any injury, loss or damage suffered by such parties arising from their use of, reliance upon, or decisions or actions based on the Report or any of the Information (“improper use of the Report”), except to the extent those parties have obtained the prior written consent of Consultant to use and rely upon the Report and the Information. Any injury, loss or damages arising from improper use of the Report shall be borne by the party making such use. This Statement of Qualifications and Limitations is attached to and forms part of the Report and any use of the Report is subject to the terms hereof.

AECOM 200 – 6807 Railway Street SE 403 254 3301 tel Calgary, AB, Canada T2H 2V6 403 270 9196 fax www.aecom.com

60287006_Thorhild 2012_Annualreport_FINAL_01APR2013

April 1, 2013 Sam Jiries Environmental Protection and Engineering Western Canada MA 12707 170th Street Edmonton, AB T5V 1L9 Dear Mr. Jiries: Project No: 60287006 Regarding: 2012 Annual Landfill Operations Report - Thorhild Landfill AECOM Canada Ltd. is pleased to provide the DRAFT 2012 Annual Landfill Operations Report for the Thorhild Landfill to address the requirement of the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act (EPEA) Approval No. 236328-00-00, dated September 22, 2011. We trust this annual report meets your present requirements. If you wish to discuss the information presented in the attached report, please do not hesitate to contact the undersigned directly at 780.486.5921. Sincerely, AECOM Canada Ltd. Jessica Ham, P.Eng Environmental Engineer [email protected]

KG:kw Encl. cc:



Table of Contents Statement of Qualifications and Limitations Letter of Transmittal Distribution List

page

1. Introduction .................................................................................................................................. 1

2. Background .................................................................................................................................. 1

3. Reporting Requirements ............................................................................................................. 3 3.1 Section 4.10.13 (a) Table 4.10-A ......................................................................................................... 4

3.1.1 Weight and Type of Waste Received ..................................................................................... 4 3.1.2 Weight and Type of Material Removed .................................................................................. 4 3.1.3 Hazardous Waste Detection ................................................................................................... 4 3.1.4 General Location of Waste Deposited .................................................................................... 4 3.1.5 Cover Material for Nuisance Management ............................................................................. 4 3.1.6 Public Complaints Regarding Nuisances and Responses ..................................................... 4 3.1.7 Fugitive Waste Retrieval: Onsite and Offsite .......................................................................... 4 3.1.8 Final Intermediate Cover Material .......................................................................................... 4 3.1.9 Working Face Width ............................................................................................................... 4

3.2 Section4.10.13 (a) Table 4.10-B .......................................................................................................... 5 3.2.1 Leachate Level Monitoring ..................................................................................................... 5 3.2.2 Leachate Analysis ................................................................................................................... 5 3.2.3 Volume of Leachate Remove ................................................................................................. 5 3.2.4 Volume of Leachate Disposed ................................................................................................ 5 3.2.5 Leachate Pond(s) Action Leakage Rate ................................................................................. 5 3.2.6 Volume of Liquid Removed from the Leachate Pond(s) Secondary Leachate

Collection System ................................................................................................................... 5 3.3 Section 4.10.13 (a) Table 4.10-C ........................................................................................................ 5

3.3.1 Subsurface Landfill gas (methane) ......................................................................................... 5 3.4 Section 4.10.13 (a) Table 4.10-D ........................................................................................................ 5

3.4.1 Run-off Water Analysis and Volume ....................................................................................... 5 3.5 Section 4.10.13 (b) – Summary of Waste Types Stored ..................................................................... 6 3.6 Section 4.10.13 (c) – Summary of Landfill Gas Monitoring Data ........................................................ 6 3.7 Section 4.10.13 (d) – Inspections ........................................................................................................ 6 3.8 Section 4.10.13 (e) – Run-on and Run-off Control Systems ............................................................... 6 3.9 Section 4.10.13 (f) – Operations Plan ................................................................................................. 6 3.10 Section 4.10.13 (g) – Information Requested by Director ................................................................... 6 3.11 Section 4.11 – Groundwater ................................................................................................................ 7

3.11.1 Section 4.11.6 – Annual Groundwater Monitoring Program Report ....................................... 7 3.12 Section 4.12.2 – Financial Security ..................................................................................................... 7 3.13 Monitoring and Management Plans ..................................................................................................... 7

3.13.1 Section 4.4.4 – Wildlife Nuisance Management Plan ............................................................. 7 3.13.2 Section 4.5.7 (a) Develop Leak Detection Response Action Plan ......................................... 7



List of Tables

Table 1. Construction Activities that Occurred in 2012 at the Thorhild Landfill. ............................................................ 2 Appendices

Appendix A. Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act Approval Appendix B. 2011 Annual Financial Security Review and Update for Thorhild Landfill


60287006_Thorhild 2012_Annualreport_FINAL_01APR2013 1

1. Introduction The Thorhild Landfill is owned and operated by Waste Management of Canada Corporation (WM). The site is located within the County of Thorhild. The landfill site is authorized under the Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development (ESRD) Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act (EPEA) Approval number 236328‐00‐00 issued on September 22nd, 2011 (herein referred to as the Approval) (Appendix A). The current report is the Annual Waste Management Report for the Operating Year 2011, and has been prepared in accordance with Section 4.10.13 of the Approval. The Approval requires that the annual report be submitted annually, on or before March 31st of the year following the year in which the information was collected. The reporting requirements of the operating approval are identified primarily in Section 4.10.13, 4.11 and 4.12 of the Approval and are listed as follows: • Summary of all of the information collected as required in Table 4.10‐A, Table 4.10‐B, Table 4.10‐C, Table

4.10‐D • A summary of waste types stored pursuant to Section 4.3.2, including their origin • A summary of the landfill gas monitoring data interpretation as per Section 4.10.10 • All records of landfill inspections conducted by ESRD • A summary of the performance of the landfill run‐on and run‐off control systems • Any changes to the Operations Plan The Approval also requires the following be reported in the annual report: • The Subsurface Landfill Gas Monitoring Program; • The annual groundwater monitoring program report; • Section 4.12.1 ‐ the annual financial security; and • an annual closure report In addition to the Approval requirements as listed, the following information is also included in the report: • Any other information not specifically required by the Approval or the operations plan that is considered by

Waste Management to be relevant to the Approval.

2. Background The Thorhild Landfill is located in rural Alberta. The legal land description is Section 19, Township 61, Range 20, West of the 4th Meridian and west of the Fourth Meridian and the NW of Section 18, Township 61, Range 20, West of the 4th Meridian and west of the Fourth Meridian. The landfill footprint of the site is approximately 85 hectares and is separated into four areas. The entrance road to the facility is located on the east side of Highway 63 approximately 15 km northwest of the town of Thorhild. The entrance to the landfill is approximately 1 km west of Highway 63. The site is bounded by Township Road 614 to the north, rural properties to the south, Range Road 210 to the west and Range Road 205 to the east.



In September 2011, the Operating Approval was awarded based on the application submitted to ESRD and Approval number 236328‐00‐00 was issued under the EPEA. In addition, ESRD also issued a Water Act Approval for the site, Approval number 266612‐00‐00 and a separate annual report has been prepared for this. The landfill was not operational in 2012, however construction activities associated with the development of the landfill did occur in 2012. The construction activities that occurred in 2012 are summarized below.

Table 1. Construction Activities that Occurred in 2012 at the Thorhild Landfill.

Timeline Activity Location on Site Description

January 1 to July 2 Earthworks activity not occurring

n/a n/a

July 3 to July 5 Contractor mobilization Landfill Lands Contractor equipment and field office mobilized to site. July 6 to July 28 Stripping of topsoil/peat

and subsoils Landfill Lands Stripping of topsoil/peat as well as subsoils, for the

main access road, to competent subgrade(about 0.5 to 1.5 meters deep).

July 10 to July 28 Stripping of topsoil/peat and subsoils

Landfill Lands Stripping of topsoil/peat, as well as subsoils for East Pond and stockpile locations.

July 18 to Aug. 8 Excavation of East Pond & construction of Main Road

Landfill Lands Excavation of clay material. Placement of excavated clay material and placement for construction of Main Road from RR 205 to ~800 meters west.

July 31 to Aug. 10 Shaping of drainage channels

Landfill Lands Constrution of drainage channels on north and south sides of main access road. Channels constructed to East Pond.

Aug. 10 to Sept. 22 Topsoil placement and hydroseeding

Landfill Lands Topsoil placement & hydroseed of fill areas along Main Road, channels and East pond.

July 27 to Aug. 1 Grading of channels & disturbed areas

Transportation Lands (east of RR 205)

Main Road channel shaping and grading of north area from 2011 construction.

Aug. 12 to Aug. 25 Stripping of topsoil/peat and subsoils along Highway 63

Transportation Lands (near Hwy 63)

Topsoil/peat and subsoil removal along east and west side of Highway 63 in preparation of construction for bypass and turning lanes at our entrance from Highway 63.

Aug. 17 to Sept. 22 Construction of Highway 63 turning and bypass lanes


Clay fill excavation from borrow areas and placement/compaction of fill for lanes. Stone placement and asphalt paving of lanes along Hyw 63.

Aug. 17 to Sept. 22 Road Grading and channel construction


Shaping and grading of service road to existing gas well and channel construction along Hwy 63.

Sept. 18 to Sept. 28 Road Grading and channel construction

Transportation Lands (RR 205)

Preparation of RR 205 clay subgrade, granular stone and channels on east and west sides of RR 205 at intersection of RR 205 and Main Road. Work area including channels was ~100 meters to the north and ~100 meters to the south along RR 205 at the intersection with the Main Road. Asphalt paving of the intersection and RR 205 in this area.



Timeline Activity Location on Site Description

Sept. 24 to Oct. 2 Topsoil placement & Hydroseeding


Grading of disturbed areas, topsoil placement and hydroseeding of areas East of Highway 63, west of Highway 63 to railroad tracks and areas east of RR 205.

Aug. 20 to Sept. 16 Stripping of topsoil/peat and subsoils

Landfill Lands Stripping of areas along the North Berm working west to east, Screening Berm areas along the east side of RR 210 and the West Pond area. Stripping of the contractor laydown area to the north of Cell 1A also completed. Depth of stripping ranged from ~0.5 to ~1.5 meters.

Sept. 13 to Sept. 29 West Pond excavation Landfill Lands Excavation of clay soils from the West Pond area were placed and compacted in the North Berm, Screening Berms and West Run-on Control Channel.

Sept. 22 to Sept. 29 North Berm Channels Landfill Lands Shaping and grading of channels on the north and south side of the North Berm.

Sept. 28 to Oct. 1 Stripping of topsoil/peat and subsoils

Landfill Lands Stripping of areas for the east side of the North Berm leading to and ending near the north side of the East Pond.

Oct. 4th to Oct. 16th North Berm - East Side Landfill Lands Outloading clay from stockpile and placement/compaction of clay fill to construct the North Berm heading east.

Oct. 5th to October 16th

West Pond Landfill Lands Completed sand berm and diversion ditches

Oct. 6th Hwy 63 Transportation Lands (near Hwy 63)

Painting of lines on Hwy.

Oct. 6th to Oct. 16th Area of Cell A Landfill Lands Completed part of stripping for Cell A.

Oct. 5th to Oct. 18th West Pond and Access Landfill Lands Screening berm placement and pond access (near West Pond) soil placement and shaping.

Oct. 15th to Oct 20th Landfill Lands Landfill Lands Placement of culverts near west pond and along northern diversion berm.

November Wetland Restoration Landfill Lands Removed berm from within existing wetland.

In addition, various activities related to wetlands enhancement/compensation were undertaken in 2012. These activities are described in the annual report provided to AERSD pursuant to the Water Act approval for the site. Construction activities are expected to continue in 2013. Because decisions on appeals related to both ESRD approvals have not yet been issued, WMCC expects completion of construction, and subsequent initiation of operations, to occur in 2014.l

3. Reporting Requirements This section of the annual report has been prepared in accordance with Section 4.10.13 of the Approval. Each Approval reporting section is listed below along with supporting information in response to or pertaining to that section.



3.1 Section 4.10.13 (a) Table 4.10-A

“Summary of all the information monitored as required in Table 4.10-A”

3.1.1 Weight and Type of Waste Received

The Thorhild Landfill site did not operate in 2012.

3.1.2 Weight and Type of Material Removed


3.1.3 Hazardous Waste Detection


3.1.4 General Location of Waste Deposited


3.1.5 Cover Material for Nuisance Management


3.1.6 Public Complaints Regarding Nuisances and Responses

A complaint was received by ESRD on October 2, 2012, which initiated an on-site meeting and assessment by ERSD on October 3rd 2012. The complaint was related to on-site surface water management systems and volumes on surface water directed south of the landfill lands. Further information was requested by ESRD. WM provided additional information along with specific answers to each question posed in a communication dated on October 22nd 2012. No further action was taken by ESRD No other complaints related to nuisances were received in 2012.

3.1.7 Fugitive Waste Retrieval: Onsite and Offsite


3.1.8 Final Intermediate Cover Material


3.1.9 Working Face Width




3.2 Section4.10.13 (a) Table 4.10-B

“Summary of all of the information monitored as required in Table 4.10-B”

3.2.1 Leachate Level Monitoring


3.2.2 Leachate Analysis


3.2.3 Volume of Leachate Remove


3.2.4 Volume of Leachate Disposed


3.2.5 Leachate Pond(s) Action Leakage Rate


3.2.6 Volume of Liquid Removed from the Leachate Pond(s) Secondary Leachate Collection System


3.3 Section 4.10.13 (a) Table 4.10-C

“Summary of all of the information monitored as required in Table 4.10-C”

3.3.1 Subsurface Landfill gas (methane)


3.4 Section 4.10.13 (a) Table 4.10-D

“Summary of all of the information monitored as required in Table 4.10-D”

3.4.1 Run-off Water Analysis and Volume




3.5 Section 4.10.13 (b) – Summary of Waste Types Stored

“A summary of waste types stored pursuant to 4.3.2; including their origin” The Thorhild Landfill site did not operate in 2012.

3.6 Section 4.10.13 (c) – Summary of Landfill Gas Monitoring Data

“A summary of the landfill gas monitoring data interpretation as per 4.10.10” The Thorhild Landfill site did not operate in 2012.

3.7 Section 4.10.13 (d) – Inspections

“all Alberta Environment landfill inspection records” The Thorhild Landfill site did not operate in 2012.

3.8 Section 4.10.13 (e) – Run-on and Run-off Control Systems

“Summary of the performance of the landfill run-on and run-off control systems” The Thorhild Landfill site did not operate in 2012.

3.9 Section 4.10.13 (f) – Operations Plan

“Any changes to the Operations Plan” The Operations Plan is currently being updated to reflect the approval conditions and once complete, a copy will be provided to ESRD prior to the initiation of operations at the site, as required by the approval.

3.10 Section 4.10.13 (g) – Information Requested by Director

“Any other information requested in writing by the Director” Additional information was requested by ESRD staff on October 3th 2012 during a meeting and on-site assessment in regards to a complaint filed for the site (See Section 3.1.6). A Supplemental Information Request (SIR) was provided by ESRD to WMCC dated on April 18, 2012 and WMCC provided a response dated on June 11, 2012. In e-mails dated on July 31st, August 1st, as well as questions from a meeting on August 27th, 2012 ESRD’s Water Division requested information. WMCC responded on November 22nd, 2012. No other information was requested in 2012.



3.11 Section 4.11 – Groundwater

“Groundwater monitoring and Reporting”

3.11.1 Section 4.11.6 – Annual Groundwater Monitoring Program Report

The Thorhild Landfill site did not operate in 2012 and the Groundwater Monitoring Plan is currently being updated to reflect the approval conditions and once complete, a copy will be provided to ESRD prior to the initiation of operations at the site, as required by the approval. .

3.12 Section 4.12.2 – Financial Security

The Financial Security report was reviewed in 2012 and a copy is included in Appendix B.

3.13 Monitoring and Management Plans

3.13.1 Section 4.4.4 – Wildlife Nuisance Management Plan

The Thorhild Landfill site did not operate in 2012. The Wildlife Nuisance and Management Plan will be developed and once complete, a copy will be provided to ESRD prior to the initiation of operations at the site, as required by the approval.

3.13.2 Section 4.5.7 (a) Develop Leak Detection Response Action Plan

The Thorhild Landfill site did not operate in 2012. A Leak Detection Response Action Plan will be developed and once complete, a copy will be provided to ESRD prior to the initiation of operations at the site, as required by the approval.

Appendix A Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act Approval

APPROVAL NO. 236328-00-00 Page 1 of 38 ………………….

TERMS AND CONDITIONS ATTACHED TO APPROVAL PART 1: DEFINITIONS

SECTION 1.1: DEFINITIONS

1.1.1 All definitions from the Act and the regulations under the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act apply except where expressly defined.

1.1.2 In all PARTS of this approval:

(a) "Act" means the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act, R.S.A. 2000, c.E-12, as amended;

(b) “action leakage rate” means the amount of leakage that would occur through the primary liner, based on two holes per hectare, each with a diameter of 2 mm;

(c) "active landfill area" means the area of the landfill that has received or is receiving waste and has not been closed and that is being used for disposal, storage, processing, transport or handling of waste;

(d) "APEGGA" means the Association of Professional Engineers, Geologists and Geophysicists of Alberta;

(e) "application" means the written submissions to the Director in respect of application number 001-236328 and any subsequent applications for amendments of approval number 236328-00-00;

(f) “as-built plans” means survey plans, signed and stamped by a professional registered with APEGGA, that document variances from design or construction plans that were either approved or authorized according to the terms and condition of this approval;

(g) "bulk liquid" means a liquid transported in a vehicle tank or body that is not contained in barrels or other such containers;

(h) "cell" means a designed or designated area of the landfill comprised of an excavation or earthen structure in which waste is enclosed by a cover;

(i) “cell closure” means the capping of a cell with a barrier layer and subsoil and topsoil;

(j) "certified operator" means a person who holds a valid Certificate of Qualification;


TERMS AND CONDITIONS ATTACHED TO APPROVAL

(k) “class II landfill” means what it means in the Waste Control Regulation (AR 192/96) as amended;

(l) “compliance boundary” means the location or locations where measurements of groundwater quality for regulatory purposes are taken to assess the landfill’s performance;

(m) "composite liner" means a liner comprised of:

(i) clay material that:

(A) has been compacted to achieve an in-place hydraulic conductivity of 1x10-9 metres/second or less; and

(B) has a minimum thickness of 0.6 metres at all points, measured perpendicular to the slope; and

(ii) a high density polyethylene geomembrane that:

(A) has a minimum thickness of 60 mil; and

(B) has been placed directly on the top surface of the compacted clay;

(n) "construction quality assurance" means an integrated system of management activities involving planning, implementation, documentation, assessment, reporting and quality improvement to identify the level to which construction is in compliance with the specifications;

(o) "construction quality control" means the overall system of technical activities that measures the attributes and performance of construction to verify that construction meets the specifications;

(p) “control chart” means a graph plotting analytical concentrations versus time, with control points designed to alert the analyst to trends beyond normal sampling variability, before established criteria are exceeded;

(q) “cover” means soil or other material that is used to cover compacted waste in a cell;

(r) "day" means any sampling period of 24 consecutive hours unless otherwise specified;

(s) "Director" means an employee of the Government of Alberta designated as a Director under the Act;



(t) "final closure" means the period of time when waste will no longer be placed in the defined portion of the landfill and activities are undertaken to complete the final cover system and decommission components and facilities that are no longer required, and this period of time includes the construction of any additional components or monitoring systems that are necessary for post-closure care;

(u) "final cover" means a designed system, natural or man made, that is placed on the surface of a landfill or landfill cell that has reached its maximum designed waste elevation to control transmission of moisture and gas, and conforms to the end use plan;

(v) "fugitive waste" means substances originating from the landfill that are moved by natural forces, including but not limited to the following:

(i) styrofoam;

(ii) paper;

(iii) cardboard; or

(iv) plastic;

(w) "geomembrane" means a sheet of manufactured synthetic material designed to control the migration of liquid and gas;

(x) "grab sample" means an individual sample collected in less than 30 minutes and which is representative of the substance sampled;

(y) "groundwater" means groundwater as defined in the Water Act;

(z) "hydraulic conductivity" means the ease with which a fluid can be transported through a material;

(aa) "ISO 17025" means the international standard, developed and published by International Organization for Standardization (ISO), specifying management and technical requirements for laboratories;

(bb) "incompatible wastes" means substances which when mixed can produce effects which are harmful to human health or the environment such as heat, pressure, fire, explosion, violent reaction, toxic dusts, mists, fumes or gases, or flammable fumes or gases;



(cc) "landfill" means all buildings, structures, cells, storage facilities, material handling facilities, process and pollution abatement equipment, vessels, trenches, roadways, berms, monitoring wells, pipelines and other installations, and includes the land, located on the Section 19, Township 61, Range 20, West of the 4th Meridian and the northwest of Section 18, Township 61, Range 20, West of the 4th Meridian, that is being or has been used or held for or in connection with the Thorhild Class II landfill;

(dd) "landfill gas" means a mixture of gases generated by the microbial decomposition of and the chemical reactions between wastes in the landfill;

(ee) "leachate" means a liquid that has been in contact with waste in the landfill cell and has undergone chemical or physical changes;

(ff) "leachate collection system" means a system that gathers leachate so that it may be removed from the landfill and which could include a permeable drainage layer, a network of perforated pipes, and sumps or manholes from where leachate can be removed;

(gg) “leachate pond” means a pond that is designed for temporary storage of leachate;

(hh) "LEL" means a lower explosive limit that is the lowest percentage by volume of an explosive vapour or gas in air that will propagate a flame at 25o Celsius at atmospheric pressure;

(ii) "liner" means a continuous layer placed beneath and at the sides of a landfill cell that is compatible with the waste and restricts the migration of leachate, or landfill gas or both;

(jj) “major ions” are defined as the following constituents: calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, iron, manganese, chloride, carbonate, bicarbonate, fluoride, and sulphate;

(kk) “maximum acceptable leachate head” means the maximum depth of leachate above the primary liner at it’s lowest point, not including the sumps or leachate pipe trenches;

(ll) “maximum designated waste elevation” means the maximum elevation of waste in metres above sea level as described in the application;



(mm) “metals” are defined as the following constituents: aluminum, antimony, arsenic, boron, barium, beryllium, bismuth, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, lithium, molybdenum, nickel, lead, selenium, silver, strontium, thallium, tin, titanium, vanadium, and zinc;

(nn) "monitoring system" means all equipment used for sampling, conditioning, analyzing or recording data in respect of any parameter listed or referred to in this approval including equipment used for continuous monitoring;

(oo) "monitoring well" means a well drilled at a site to measure groundwater levels and collect groundwater samples for the purpose of physical, chemical, or biological analysis to determine the concentration of groundwater constituents;

(pp) "month" means calendar month;

(qq) “nutrients” are defined as the following constituents: ammonium (as nitrogen), nitrate and nitrite (as nitrogen), total kjeldahl nitrogen, total organic carbon, and total phosphorus;

(rr) “post-closure” means:

(i) a minimum period of 25 years following the final closure of the landfill;

(ii) the groundwater quality performance standards are met at all points of compliance; and

(iii) the quality and quantity of leachate and landfill gas generated at the landfill meet objectives that, in the opinion of the Director, show the landfill has stabilized;

(ss) "primary liner" means the uppermost liner of a double liner system;

(tt) "QA/QC" means quality assurance and quality control;

(uu) "representative grab sample" means a grab sample consisting of equal volume portions of water collected from at least four sites between 0.20-0.30 metres below the water surface within a pond;

(vv) "run-off" means any rainwater or meltwater that drains as surface flow from the active landfill area, excluding leachate;

(ww) "run-off control system" means any parts of the landfill that collect, store or treat run-off;



(xx) "run-on" means any rainwater or meltwater that drains as surface flow into the active landfill area;

(yy) "run-on control system" means parts of the landfill that divert run-on away from the active landfill area;

(zz) “secondary leachate collection system” means a system that gathers liquids between a primary liner and a secondary liner system;

(aaa) “secondary liner" means the lowermost liner of a double liner system;

(bbb) "soil" means unconsolidated mineral or organic surficial materials that can be, have been, or are being altered by weathering, biological processes, or human activity;

(ccc) "subsoil" means the layer of soil directly below the topsoil, to a maximum depth of 1.2 metres below the topsoil surface, that consists of the B and C horizons as defined in The System of Soil Classification of Canada, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 1998, Publication 1643, 3rd Edition, as amended or replaced from time to time;

(ddd) "suitable quality" means topsoil having a good, fair or poor rating as described in the Soil Quality Criteria Relative to Disturbance and Reclamation, Alberta Agriculture March, 1987, as amended;

(eee) "surface water management system" means a system that manages run-off and run-on;

(fff) "tank" means a stationary device, designed to contain an accumulation of a substance, which is constructed primarily of non-earthen materials that provide structural support;

(ggg) “topsoil” means the uppermost layers of soil that consist of the L,F,H,O, and A horizons as defined in The System of Soil Classification of Canada, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 1998, Publication 1643, 3rd Edition, as amended or replaced from time to time;

(hhh) "waste storage area(s)" means the area(s) designated for waste container storage and/or waste tank storage as described in the application;

(iii) "week" means any consecutive 7-day period unless otherwise specified;



(jjj) "working face" means that portion of the active landfill area where waste is currently being deposited, spread and compacted; and

(kkk) “year” means a calendar year, unless otherwise specified.

PART 2: GENERAL

SECTION 2.1: GENERAL

2.1.1 The approval holder shall immediately report to the Director by telephone any contravention of the terms and conditions of this approval at 1-780-422-4505.

2.1.2 The approval holder shall submit a written report to the Director within 7 days of the reporting pursuant to 2.1.1.

2.1.3 The terms and conditions of this approval are severable. If any term or condition of this approval or the application of any term or condition is held invalid, the application of such term or condition to other circumstances and the remainder of this approval shall not be affected thereby.

2.1.4 The approval holder shall immediately notify the Director in writing if any of the following events occur:

(a) the approval holder is served with a petition into bankruptcy;

(b) the approval holder files an assignment in bankruptcy or Notice of Intent to make a proposal;

(c) a receiver or receiver-manager is appointed;

(d) an application for protection from creditors is filed for the benefit of the approval holder under any creditor protection legislation; or

(e) any of the assets which are the subject matter of this approval are seized for any reason.

2.1.5 If the approval holder monitors for any substances or parameters which are the subject of operational limits as described in this approval more frequently than is required and using procedures authorized in this approval, then the approval holder shall provide the results of such monitoring as an addendum to the reports required by this approval.


TERMS AND CONDITIONS ATTACHED TO APPROVAL 2.1.6 All abbreviations used in this approval follow those given in Standard Methods for the

Examination of Water and Wastewater published jointly by the American Public Health Association, the American Water Works Association, and the Water Environment Federation, 1998, as amended, unless otherwise specified in this approval.

SECTION 2.2: RECORD KEEPING

2.2.1 The approval holder shall record and retain all the following information in respect of any sampling conducted or analyses performed in accordance with this approval for the life of the landfill, unless otherwise authorized in writing by the Director:

(a) the place, date and time of sampling;

(b) the dates the analyses were performed;

(c) the analytical techniques, methods or procedures used in the analyses;

(d) the names of the persons who collected and analyzed each sample; and

(e) the results of the analyses.

SECTION 2.3: ANALYTICAL REQUIREMENTS

2.3.1 With respect to any sample required to be taken pursuant to this approval, the approval holder shall ensure that:

(a) collection; (b) preservation; (c) storage; (d) handling; and (e) analysis;

shall be conducted in accordance with the following unless otherwise authorized in

writing by the Director:



(i) for air monitoring;

(A) the Methods Manual for Chemical Analysis of Atmospheric Pollutants, Alberta Environment, 1993, as amended;

(B) the Air Monitoring Directive, Alberta Environment, 1989, as amended; and,

(ii) for run-on, run-off, leachate and groundwater parameters:

(A) the Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, published jointly by the American Public Health Association, American Water Works Association, and the Water Environment Federation, 1998, as amended;

(iii) for soil samples:

(A) Soil Sampling and Methods of Analysis, Lewis Publishers, 1993, as amended;

(B) the Test Methods for Evaluating Solid Waste, Physical/Chemical Methods, USEPA, SW-846, September 1986, as amended;

(C) the Soil Quality Criteria Relative to Disturbance and Reclamation, Alberta Agriculture, March 1987, as amended;

(D) the Guidance Manual on Sampling, Analysis and Data Management for Contaminated Sites – Volume I: Main Report, CCME EPC-NCS62E, 1993, as amended; and

(E) the Guidance Manual on Sampling, Analysis and Data Management for Contaminated Sites – Volume II: Analytical Method Summaries, CCME EPC-NCS66E, 1993, as amended;

(iv) for waste analysis:

(A) the Test Methods for Evaluating Solid Waste, Physical/Chemical Methods, USEPA, SW-846, September 1986, as amended; or

(B) the Methods Manual for Chemical Analysis of Water and Wastes, Alberta Environmental Centre, Vegreville, Alberta, 1996, AECV96-M1 as amended; or



(C) the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) USEPA Regulation 40 CFR261, Appendix II, Method No. 1311, as amended; or

(D) the Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, American Public Health Association, American Water Works Association, and the Water Environment Federation, as amended; or

(E) the Interim Compilation of Test Methods and Methods of Dangerous Goods Regulations, Environment Canada, as amended.

2.3.2 The approval holder shall analyze all samples that are required to be obtained by this approval in a laboratory accredited pursuant to ISO 17025, as amended, for the specific parameter(s) to be analyzed, unless otherwise authorized in writing by the Director.

2.3.3 The approval holder shall comply with the terms and conditions of any written

authorization issued by the Director under 2.3.2. PART 3: LANDFILL CONSTRUCTION


3.1.1 The approval holder shall construct the landfill as a Class II landfill and as described in the application, unless otherwise specified in this approval.

3.1.2 The approval holder shall conduct a detailed hydrogeological investigation, at least six (6) months prior to the commencement of construction of each of the following areas described in Figure 2 of the application:

(a) the west boundary of Landfill Cell Area 2; and

(b) the south boundary of Landfill Cell Area 4.

3.1.3 The approval holder shall:

(a) conduct the investigation in 3.1.2 using a borehole spacing of no more than seventy five (75) metres apart along the boundaries;

(b) submit the results of the investigation in 3.1.2 in a report signed and stamped by a professional registered with APEGGA, to the Director at least six (6) months prior to commencement of construction in the areas specified in 3.1.2;



(c) incorporate any findings from the investigation in 3.1.2 into an updated Design Plan and Specifications;

(d) submit the updated Design Plan and Specifications to the Director in accordance with the requirements of 3.1.4; and

(e) implement the updated Design Plan and Specifications as authorized in writing by the Director.

3.1.4 Unless otherwise specified in writing by the Director, at least three (3) months prior to construction of any:

(a) landfill cell;

(b) surface water management system for the landfill;

(c) leachate pond; or

(d) cell closure system;

the approval holder shall submit to the Director, the following plans for the proposed construction, signed and stamped by a professional registered with APEGGA:

(i) a Design Plan and Specifications prepared in accordance with the application or as otherwise specified in this approval for the proposed construction,

(ii) a Construction Quality Assurance Plan, and

(iii) a Construction Quality Control Plan.

3.1.5 The approval holder shall not begin construction of any of the following prior to receiving written authorization from the Director, should the Design Plan and Specifications deviate from the application:

(a) landfill cell;

(b) leachate pond; and

(c) cell closure system.


TERMS AND CONDITIONS ATTACHED TO APPROVAL 3.1.6 The Design Plan and Specifications in 3.1.4 for any new cell shall include, at a

minimum, all of the following:

(a) a composite liner;

(b) a leachate collection system capable of maintaining the maximum acceptable leachate head above the liner;

(c) a groundwater monitoring system;

(d) a run-on control system to prevent flow onto the active landfill area for events up to at least the peak discharge from a 1 in 25 year – 24 hour duration rainfall event; and

(e) a run-off control system to collect and convey the run-off peak flow from at least a 1 in 25 year – 24 hour duration rainfall event from the developed and active landfill area to the storm water detention pond.

3.1.7 The Design Plan and Specifications in 3.1.4 for any leachate pond shall include, at a minimum, all of the following:

(a) a primary geomembrane liner;

(b) a secondary geomembrane liner; and

(c) a secondary leachate collection system between the primary and secondary liners.

3.1.8 The Design Plan and Specifications in 3.1.4 for any cell closure shall include, at a minimum, all of the following unless otherwise authorized in writing by the Director:

(a) a final clay barrier;

(i) consisting of at least 0.6 metres of clay, and

(ii) having a maximum hydraulic conductivity of 1x10-7 metres/second or less;

(b) a subsoil layer overlying the clay barrier with a minimum thickness of 0.35 metres;

(c) a topsoil layer overlying the subsoil layer with a minimum thickness of 0.20 metres;



(d) a contoured profile having no slope less than 5% or greater than 30%; and

(e) a vegetative cover.

3.1.9 The approval holder shall not deviate from the Design Plan and Specifications, as submitted under 3.1.4, unless the following conditions are met:

(a) the deviation results in a minor adjustment to the Design Plan and Specifications in 3.1.4 to suit field conditions encountered; and

(b) the deviation will result in an equivalent design performance of the landfill.

3.1.10 The approval holder shall submit to the Director, for written authorization prior to continuing construction, an update to the Design Plan and Specifications in 3.1.4, in the event the approval holder encounters site geological conditions during construction of any of the components of 3.1.5, that were not considered in the application.

3.1.11 Prior to commencing the operation of any cell following construction, excluding the placement of waste as a protective layer, the approval holder shall submit to the Director a summary report of the Construction Quality Assurance and Construction Quality Control results signed and stamped by a professional registered with APEGGA.

3.1.12 The summary report in 3.1.11 submitted by the approval holder shall include the following information, as a minimum:

(a) confirmation that the landfill has been constructed according to:

(i) the Construction Quality Assurance Plan,

(ii) the Construction Quality Control Plan, and

(iii) the Design Plan and Specifications subject to the deviations as per 3.1.9;

(b) documentation of any minor deviations as per 3.1.9;

(c) confirmation by the professional registered with APEGGA, that deviations as per 3.1.9 will result in an equivalent design performance of the landfill; and

(d) as-built plans.


TERMS AND CONDITIONS ATTACHED TO APPROVAL 3.1.13 The approval holder shall maintain:

(a) the integrity of the landfill liners; and

(b) the integrity of the leachate collection system.

SECTION 3.2: SURFACE WATER MANAGEMENT

3.2.1 The approval holder shall construct surface water management systems at the landfill as described in the application except as otherwise provided in this approval.

SECTION 3.3: SOIL CONSERVATION

3.3.1 The approval holder shall conserve all topsoil from disturbed land at the landfill.

3.3.2 The topsoil in 3.3.1 shall be used for reclamation of the landfill.

3.3.3 The approval holder shall not use topsoil for cover of the working face.

3.3.4 The approval holder shall salvage, from disturbed land, sufficient subsoil to meet the subsoil replacement requirements for cell closure.

3.3.5 The approval holder shall locate all topsoil stockpiles at the landfill.

3.3.6 When topsoil and subsoil are stockpiled, the approval holder shall construct all stockpiles as follows:

(a) topsoil and subsoil shall be stockpiled on stable foundations;

(b) topsoil shall be stockpiled in a manner that prevents admixing with subsoil;

(c) subsoil shall be stockpiled in a manner that prevents admixing with topsoil;

(d) topsoil and subsoil shall be stockpiled separately from each other;

(e) stockpiles shall be stabilized to control wind and water erosion;

(f) stockpiles shall be accessible and retrievable; and

(g) stockpiles shall be revegetated.


TERMS AND CONDITIONS ATTACHED TO APPROVAL 3.3.7 The approval holder shall immediately suspend topsoil and subsoil salvage when:

(a) wet or frozen field conditions will result in the admixing, degradation, or compaction of topsoil or subsoil; or

(b) high wind velocities, any other field conditions or landfill operations will result in the admixing, degradation, or loss of topsoil or subsoil.

3.3.8 The approval holder shall only recommence topsoil and subsoil salvage when suspended under 3.3.7, if field conditions referred to in 3.3.7 no longer exist.

PART 4: LANDFILL OPERATIONS, LIMITS, MONITORING AND REPORTING


4.1.1 The approval holder shall maintain the landfill within 19-61-20-W4M and NW ¼ 18-61-20-W4M, as described in Appendix 15: Design Report, Waste Footprint and Leachate Pond submitted with the application.

4.1.2 The approval holder shall limit the top of waste elevation of the landfill to no more than 713 metres above sea level.


(a) operate, and

(b) maintain the following waste management facilities at the landfill:

(i) Class II waste disposal areas,

(ii) waste storage areas,

(iii) public waste drop-off area, and

(iv) recycling area.

4.1.4 In addition to 4.1.3 the approval holder shall operate the following infrastructure components at the landfill, at a minimum:

(a) leachate collection system;

(b) leachate storage pond(s);

(c) run-on control systems;



(d) run-off control systems;

(e) groundwater monitoring wells;

(f) landfill gas monitoring wells;

(g) equipment maintenance building(s);

(h) administration building(s);

(i) weigh scale(s);

(j) all weather accessible internal roads; and

(k) site access control

as described in the application, unless otherwise authorized in writing by the Director.

4.1.5 The approval holder shall maintain the infrastructure components listed in 4.1.4.

4.1.6 The approval holder shall operate all above ground tanks to conform to the Guideline for Secondary Containment for Above Ground Storage Tanks, Alberta Environment, 1997, as amended, unless otherwise authorized in writing by the Director.


(a) audit the landfill to assess compliance with the terms and conditions of this approval; and

(b) compile the results of the audit into an Audit Report.

4.1.8 The audit in 4.1.7 shall be:

(a) conducted by an independent third party environmental consultant or organization; and

(b) conducted at least once every three years.

4.1.9 The approval holder shall submit the Audit Report in 4.1.7 to the Director as part of the annual report required in 4.10.13.


TERMS AND CONDITIONS ATTACHED TO APPROVAL LANDFILL OPERATOR CERTIFICATION

4.1.10 The operation of the landfill shall be supervised by a Certified Operator in accordance with:

(a) the Waste Control Regulation, as amended; and

(b) the latest edition of the Alberta Landfill and Composting Facility Operator Certification Guideline.

SECTION 4.2: OPERATIONS PLAN


(a) develop;

(b) maintain; and

(c) implement;

an Operations Plan that does not contravene the requirements of this approval.

4.2.2 The Operations Plan shall include, at a minimum, all of the following:

(a) waste acceptance policies and procedures;

(b) policies and procedures for wastes requiring special handling, if accepted;

(c) operating procedures for nuisance management;

(d) operating procedures for leachate management;

(e) the Leak Detection Response Action Plan in 4.5.7(a); and

(f) an emergency response plan.

4.2.3 Prior to depositing any waste into the landfill, the approval holder shall submit to the Director, an updated Operations Plan for written authorization.


TERMS AND CONDITIONS ATTACHED TO APPROVAL 4.2.4 The approval holder shall:

(a) review the Operations Plan annually at a minimum;

(b) make written updates to the Operations Plan as required; and

(c) notify the Director thirty (30) days prior to any changes made to the Operation Plan.

4.2.5 The approval holder shall ensure a copy of the most up to date Operations Plan is retained at the landfill at all times.

SECTION 4.3:WASTE ACCEPTANCE

4.3.1 The approval holder shall not dispose of the following at the landfill:

(a) hazardous waste as defined in the Waste Control regulation (AR 192/1996), as amended;

(b) bulk liquid waste;

(c) domestic wastewater;

(d) explosives;

(e) radioactive waste;

(f) biomedical waste; and

(g) ozone depleting substances.

4.3.2 Except as provided for in 4.3.3, if any waste listed in 4.3.1 is received at the landfill, the approval holder shall remove it within seven days of receipt or such time as directed in writing by the Director.

4.3.3 The approval holder shall remove the following waste listed in 4.3.1 from designated storage areas within 365 days of acceptance:

(a) household hazardous waste; and

(b) ozone depleting substances.


TERMS AND CONDITIONS ATTACHED TO APPROVAL 4.3.4 The approval holder shall dispose of waste that the landfill is not authorized to

dispose of to a facility holding a current Approval, Registration, or as otherwise authorized under the Act, or to facilities approved by a local environmental authority outside of Alberta.

4.3.5 The approval holder shall prevent incompatible wastes from mixing.

SPECIAL WASTES

4.3.6 The approval holder shall dispose of asbestos wastes in accordance with Guidelines for the Disposal of Asbestos Waste, Alberta Environmental Protection, as amended.

4.3.7 The approval holder shall dispose of contaminated sulphur and sulphur containing wastes in accordance with the Guidelines for Landfill Disposal of Sulphur Waste and Remediation of Sulphur Containing Soils, as amended.

4.3.8 The approval holder shall dispose of non-hazardous oilfield wastes in accordance with the EUB Interim Directive ID 99-4, as amended or replaced from time to time.

4.3.9 Treated biomedical waste shall be managed in compliance with the latest edition of Guidelines for the Management of Biomedical Wastes in Canada, published by the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment, as amended.

4.3.10 The approval holder shall cover the following immediately after disposal at the landfill:

(a) dead animals;

(b) animal parts; and

(c) meat and bone meal.

SECTION 4.4: NUISANCE MANAGEMENT

4.4.1 The approval holder shall implement the nuisance control procedures specified in the Operations Plan submitted with the application at a minimum, unless:

(a) otherwise specified in this approval; or

(b) otherwise directed in writing by the Director.


TERMS AND CONDITIONS ATTACHED TO APPROVAL 4.4.2 The approval holder shall take all necessary measures to control nuisances within the

landfill boundary, including but not limited to:

(a) minimizing the size of the working face;

(b) compacting the waste;

(c) covering waste with soil or other alternative cover material immediately after closing at the end of each day at a minimum;

(d) establishing and maintaining litter controls to minimize the escape of fugitive waste from the landfill boundary;

(e) maintaining recycling storage areas in a clean and orderly manner;

(f) implementing dust control measures; and

(g) retrieving litter that accumulates within the landfill boundary.

4.4.3 The approval holder shall retrieve all fugitive waste outside of the landfill boundary at least once per week, or as otherwise authorized in writing by the Director.

4.4.4 The approval holder shall submit a Wildlife Nuisance Management Plan to the Director, and receive a written letter of authorization, prior to commencing landfill operations.

SECTION 4.5: LEACHATE MANAGEMENT

LANDFILL

4.5.1 The approval holder shall dispose of leachate removed from the landfill leachate collection system only by one or more of the following methods:

(a) to the on-site leachate pond for temporary storage;

(b) recirculation through a landfill cell, unless otherwise stated in writing by the Director;

(c) disposal to a wastewater treatment facility that is authorized to accept such waste;

(d) disposal to a deep well currently approved by the Alberta Energy Resources Conservation Board; or

(e) any other treatment or disposal options authorized in writing by the Director.


TERMS AND CONDITIONS ATTACHED TO APPROVAL 4.5.2 Subject only to 4.5.4, during landfill operations, closure and post-closure, the

maximum acceptable leachate head shall not exceed the limits specified in Table 4.5-A.

4.5.3 The approval holder shall remove leachate from a cell at a frequency that maintains the level of leachate at or below the maximum acceptable leachate head.

4.5.4 Notwithstanding 4.5.2, upon detection of any exceedances of the maximum acceptable leachate head, the approval holder shall reduce the leachate head level to below the maximum acceptable leachate head level within a maximum of 14 calendar days subsequent to the detection.

TABLE 4.5-A: MAXIMUM ACCEPTABLE LEACHATE HEAD LIMITS

Parameter Maximum Acceptable Leachate Head Limit

Leachate within a cell 300 mm

LEAK DETECTION

4.5.5 The approval holder shall develop an action leakage rate for the sump(s) associated with the secondary leachate collection system(s), as per the Action Leakage Rate Guideline published by Alberta Environment, during the detailed design of the leachate pond(s).

4.5.6 The volume of liquid removed from the secondary leachate collection system(s) shall not exceed the action leakage rate(s) developed in 4.5.5.


(a) develop a Leak Detection Response Action Plan in accordance with the Action Leakage Rate Guideline published by Alberta Environment prior to commencement of operations; and

(b) immediately implement the Action Plan in the event of an exceedance of the action leakage rate(s).


TERMS AND CONDITIONS ATTACHED TO APPROVAL 4.5.8 The approval holder shall dispose of liquid removed from the secondary leachate

collection system(s) only by one or more of the following methods:

(a) to the on-site leachate pond for temporary storage;

(b) disposal to a wastewater treatment facility that is authorized to accept such waste;

(c) disposal to a deep well currently approved by the Alberta Energy Resources Conservation Board; or

(d) any other treatment or disposal options authorized in writing by the Director.

SECTION 4.6: SURFACE WATER MANAGEMENT

4.6.1 The approval holder shall not release any substances from the run-off control system to the surrounding watershed except as authorized by this approval.

4.6.2 The approval holder shall not allow run-on to enter the active landfill area. 4.6.3 The approval holder shall direct all run-off from the landfill area to the run-off control

system as described in the application.


TERMS AND CONDITIONS ATTACHED TO APPROVAL 4.6.4 The approval holder shall not release from the run-off control system unless the

release water complies with the limits for the parameters specified in TABLE 4.6-A

TABLE 4.6-A: RUN-OFF LIMITS

Parameter Maximum Concentration or Range (in mg/L unless otherwise specified)

pH 6.0-9.5 pH units Total Dissolved Solids 2,500 Total Suspended Solids 25 Ammonia (total) 5.0 Chloride 250 Sodium 200 Sulphate 500 Chemical Oxygen Demand 50 Oil and Grease No visible sheen Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon 10

SECTION 4.7: SUBSURFACE LANDFILL GAS MANAGEMENT


(a) implement; and

(b) maintain;

the Subsurface Landfill Gas Monitoring Program described in the application unless otherwise specified in this approval.

LIMITS 4.7.2 Subsurface landfill gas shall not exceed the explosive gas limits specified in TABLE

4.7-A.



TABLE 4.7-A: SUBSURFACE LANDFILL EXPLOSIVE GAS LIMITS

Sampling Location Explosive Gas Limits

In the subsurface at the landfill property 50% LEL In an on-site building or enclosed structure or in the area immediately outside the foundation

of the building structure 20% LEL

In an off-site building or enclosed structure or in the area immediately outside the foundation

of the building or structure 1% LEL

SECTION 4.8: DOMESTIC WASTEWATER

4.8.1 The approval holder shall release domestic wastewater only to a septic tank (holding tank).

4.8.2 The approval holder shall only disposal of domestic wastewater to a wastewater treatment facility holding a current Approval or Registration under the Act.

4.8.3 The approval holder shall dispose of sludge only at a facility holding a current

Approval or Registration under the Act. SECTION 4.9:WATER WORKS

Not used at this time

SECTION 4.10: MONITORING AND REPORTING

LANDFILL OPERATIONS

4.10.1 The approval holder shall monitor as required in TABLE 4.10-A.

4.10.2 The approval holder shall report to the Director the results of the monitoring as required in TABLE 4.10-A.


TERMS AND CONDITIONS ATTACHED TO APPROVAL TABLE 4.10-A: OPERATIONS - MONITORING AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

Monitoring/Measuring/Observing

Monitoring/ Measuring Activity

Frequency Method Monitoring Location Reporting

Weighing and observing type of waste received

Continuously (when operating)

Measurement At entrance to landfill

Weighing and observing type of material removed


Measurement At entrance to landfill

Detecting hazardous waste


Observation, analytical results, or load inspections

At entrance to landfill and at all disposal or storage locations

Tracking general location of waste deposited

Daily (when operating)

As per survey, or by estimation

At active landfill area or survey co-ordinates

Observing cover material for nuisance management


Observation At active landfill area

Tracking public complaints regarding nuisances and responses

Daily Recording in daily log

Landfill

Tracking off-site fugitive waste retrieval

Each time fugitive waste is retrieved offsite

Recording in daily log

Landfill

Checking final and intermediate cover

When cover is applied

Intermediate cover by observation; final cover by survey or test cores.

On each completed cell

Observing working face width

Daily Observation At active landfill area

Annually, as per 4.10.13, on or before March 31st of the year following the year in which the information was collected


TERMS AND CONDITIONS ATTACHED TO APPROVAL LEACHATE

4.10.3 The approval holder shall monitor leachate at the landfill as required in TABLE 4.10-B.

4.10.4 The approval holder shall report to the Director the results of the leachate monitoring as required in TABLE 4.10-B.

TABLE 4.10-B: LEACHATE MONITORING AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

Monitoring

Monitoring Activity Minimum Frequency Method Sampling

Location

Reporting

Leachate level monitoring in landfill cell(s)

April to

October – Weekly

November to March –

Monthly

Measurement At each leachate manhole and sump

Leachate parameters:

pH Total Dissolved Solids

Total Suspended Solids Ammonia (total)

Major Ions Nutrients

Chemical Oxygen Demand 5-day Biochemical Oxygen

Demand Total Metals

Benzene Toluene

Ethyl-benzene Xylene

Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons Petroleum Hydrocarbon

fractions F1 and F2 Total Phenols

Semi-Annually

Once in summer

Once in winter

Grab sample

a) at each leachate manhole and sump; and

b) at the leachate pond

Annually, as per 4.10.13, on or before March 31st of the year following the year

in which the information was collected



Monitoring

Monitoring Activity Minimum Frequency Method Sampling

Location

Reporting

Volume of leachate

removed from landfill cell(s)

As removed Measurement At each leachate

manhole and sump



Volume of leachate

disposed to leachate pond(s)

As disposed Measurement At leachate pond(s)

Leachate Pond(s) Action Leakage Rate Monthly Calculated At leachate pond(s)

Volume of liquid removed from the leachate pond(s)

secondary leachate collection system

Monthly Measurement or calculated

At secondary leachate collection system sump(s) of leachate pond(s)



4.10.5 The approval holder shall inspect the landfill site for any evidence of leachate breakout, at a minimum, once per week between April 1 to November 30.

4.10.6 The approval holder shall record and retain the results of the inspections required in 4.10.5 for the life of the landfill.

4.10.7 Upon discovery of a leachate breakout, the approval holder shall:

(a) immediately suspend leachate recirculation described in 4.5.1 (b);

(b) not resume leachate recirculation in 4.5.1 (b) until the approval holder receives written authorization from the Director;

(c) immediately report the leachate breakout to the Director, as per 2.1.1;

(d) conduct repairs and corrective measures;



(e) conduct an investigation into the cause of the breakout; and

(f) unless otherwise authorized in writing by the Director, within thirty (30) days of initial discovery, submit to the Director a written plan to prevent further breakouts.

LANDFILL GAS

4.10.8 The approval holder shall monitor subsurface landfill gas as required in TABLE 4.10-C.

4.10.9 The approval holder shall report to the Director the results of the subsurface landfill gas monitoring as required in TABLE 4.10-C.

TABLE 4.10-C: LANDFILL GAS MONITORING AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

Monitoring

Monitoring Activity Frequency Method Sampling Location Reporting

Subsurface Landfill Gas (methane) Yearly Measurement

Subsurface landfill gas monitoring locations as

described in the application



4.10.10 The subsurface landfill gas monitoring data shall be interpreted by a professional registered with APEGGA, or other professional authorized in writing by the Director, to determine the potential impacts from subsurface migration of landfill gas.

SURFACE WATER

4.10.11 The approval holder shall monitor the run-off control system as required in TABLE 4.10-D.

4.10.12 The approval holder shall report to the Director the results of the run-off control system monitoring as required in TABLE 4.10-D.


TERMS AND CONDITIONS ATTACHED TO APPROVAL TABLE 4.10-D: RUN-OFF WATER MONITORING AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

Parameters Frequency Sample Type

Sample Location Reporting

pH Total Dissolved Solids Total Suspended Solids Ammonia (Total) Chloride Sodium Sulphate Chemical Oxygen Demand Oil and Grease Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon

a) prior to each release, and b) during any unanticipated release from the runoff control system

Represent-ative grab

sample

Each runoff Control System

Pond from which a release (a) is to occur,

or (b) is occurring

Volume When released Measured Discharge Point



ANNUAL REPORT

4.10.13 The approval holder shall submit to the Director, an Annual Landfill Operation Report which shall include, at a minimum, all of the following information:

(a) a summary of the information collected as required in TABLE 4.10-A, TABLE 4.10-B, TABLE 4.10-C and TABLE 4.10-D;

(b) a summary of the waste types stored pursuant to 4.3.2, including their origin;

(c) a summary of the landfill gas monitoring data interpretation as per 4.10.10;

(d) all records of landfill inspections conducted by the Approval Holder;

(e) a summary of the performance of the landfill run-on and run-off control systems;

(f) any changes to the Operations Plan; and

(g) any other information requested in writing by the Director.


TERMS AND CONDITIONS ATTACHED TO APPROVAL SECTION 4.11: GROUNDWATER

4.11.1 The approval holder shall develop a revised proposal for the Groundwater Monitoring Program described in the application for the landfill which shall include, at a minimum, all of the following:

(a) any requirements set out in the Standards for Landfills in Alberta, February 2010, as amended;

(b) groundwater monitoring wells shall be constructed no more than 200 metres from the nearest groundwater monitoring well as measured along the compliance boundary;

(c) a detailed process for decommissioning groundwater monitoring wells; and

(d) a detailed process for establishing groundwater quality control limits

4.11.2 The approval holder shall submit two copies of the Groundwater Monitoring Program proposal to the Director on or before December 30th, 2011.

4.11.3 If the Groundwater Monitoring Program proposal is found deficient by the Director, the approval holder shall correct all deficiencies as outlined in writing by the Director within 120 days of the deficiency letter.

4.11.4 The approval holder shall implement the Groundwater Monitoring Program for the landfill as authorized in writing by the Director.

MONITORING AND REPORTING 4.11.5 The approval holder shall monitor all groundwater monitoring wells at the landfill for

the parameters specified and according to the schedule specified in the Groundwater Monitoring Program authorized in writing by the Director.

4.11.6 The approval holder shall compile an Annual Groundwater Monitoring Program

Report which shall include, at a minimum, all of the following information:

(a) a legal description of the landfill and a map illustrating the landfill boundaries;

(b) a topographic map of the landfill;

(c) a description of the landfill activities and processes;



(d) a map showing the location of all surface and groundwater users, and, a listing describing surface water and water well use details, within at least a three kilometre radius of the landfill;

(e) a general hydrogeological characterization of the region within a five kilometre radius of the landfill, including a map showing the location(s) of nearby buried valley and channel networks;

(f) a detailed hydrogeological characterization of the landfill;

(g) a geological cross-section(s) of the landfill;

(h) a map of surface drainage patterns located within the landfill;

(i) a map of groundwater monitoring well locations and a table summarizing the existing groundwater monitoring program for the landfill;

(j) a summary of any changes to the groundwater monitoring program made since the last groundwater monitoring report;

(k) a description of purging and sampling procedures;

(l) analytical data recorded as required in 4.11.5;

(m) an interpretation of changes in fluid elevations;

(n) an interpretation of groundwater flow patterns, including:

(i) horizontal flow gradients and velocities;

(ii) vertical flow gradients and velocities; and

(iii) approximate three-dimensional flow direction(s)

(o) an interpretation of the analytical results, including the following:

(i) diagrams indicating the location of any contamination identified;

(ii) a description of probable sources of contamination; and

(iii) the extent of contamination identified;



(p) a summary and interpretation of the data collected since the groundwater monitoring program began including:

(i) hydraulic conductivity analyses conducted;

(ii) control charts which indicate trends in water levels and groundwater quality; and

(iii) the migration of contaminants;

(q) a description of the following:

(i) contaminated groundwater remediation techniques employed;

(ii) source elimination measures employed;

(iii) risk assessment studies undertaken; and

(iv) risk management studies undertaken;

(r) a sampling schedule for the following year;

(s) recommendations, as follows;

(i) for changes to the groundwater monitoring program to make it more effective; and

(ii) for remediation, risk assessment or risk management of contamination identified.

4.11.7 The Annual Groundwater Monitoring Program Report shall be signed and stamped by a professional registered with APEGGA, or other professional authorized in writing by the Director.

4.11.8 The approval holder shall submit two copies of the Annual Groundwater Monitoring Report to the Director on or before March 31st of the year following the year in which the information on which the report is based was collected, unless otherwise authorized in writing by the Director.


TERMS AND CONDITIONS ATTACHED TO APPROVAL SECTION 4.12: FINANCIAL SECURITY REQUIREMENTS

4.12.1 The approval holder shall annually review and revise the cost estimate for reclamation of the waste management facility including decommissioning, reclamation, closure and post-closure care of the landfill.


(a) adjust the financial security of the waste management facility based on the review in 4.12.1 or due to inflation; and

(b) submit to the Director for review the revised estimate of financial security as part of the Annual Landfill Operation Report in 4.10.13.

4.12.3 The approval holder shall provide additional financial security as required in writing by the Director.

4.12.4 The approval holder shall

(a) maintain the required financial security for the landfill; and

(b) renew the required financial security for the landfill at least 30 days prior to the date it expires.

4.12.5 The approval holder shall renew the financial security for the waste management facility 30 days prior to the date of expiry of the financial security.

PART 5: FINAL CLOSURE, RECLAMATION AND POST-CLOSURE

SECTION 5.1: FINAL CLOSURE AND RECLAMATION

5.1.1 The approval holder shall submit a Final Closure Plan to the Director at least 180

days prior to permanently ceasing the landfill operation.

5.1.2 The Final Closure Plan in 5.1.1 shall include, at a minimum, all of the following:

(a) a schedule for completion of the final closure;

(b) a plan for completion of the final cover system;

(c) a drawing that shows the proposed slopes of the final cover;



(d) a plan for replacement of soil;

(e) a plan for remediation of areas affected by subsidence and differential settlement;

(f) a plan for erosion control;

(g) a plan for restoration of surface water drainage;

(h) plans for changes to the groundwater and landfill gas monitoring systems, including but not limited to the addition or deletion of components of those systems;

(i) plans for changes to the leachate collection and landfill gas control systems, including but not limited to the addition or deletion of components of those systems;

(j) plans for decommissioning and removal of buildings, storage areas, processing areas or any other property that will no longer be required; and

(k) a Quality Assurance/Quality Control Program.

5.1.3 The Final Closure Plan in 5.1.1 shall be signed and stamped by a professional registered with APEGGA.

5.1.4 If the Final Closure Plan in 5.1.1 is found deficient by the Director, the approval holder shall correct all deficiencies as outlined in writing by the Director within 60 days of the deficiency letter.

5.1.5 The approval holder shall implement the Final Closure Plan as authorized in writing by the Director.

5.1.6 The approval holder shall commence closure of individual cells no later than 180 days following the cell reaching the maximum designated waste elevation in 4.1.2, unless otherwise authorized in writing by the Director.

5.1.7 By March 31st of the year following the year in which any portion of a cell is closed, the approval holder shall submit to the Director an Annual Closure Report.

5.1.8 The Annual Closure Report in 5.1.7 shall include, at a minimum, all of the following:

(a) as-built plans and details on the location of cells that have been closed;



(b) certified construction QA/QC procedures employed during cover construction and installation; and

(c) survey reports showing the final cover depths.

5.1.9 The approval holder shall notify the Director of the proposed date of the completion of final closure of the landfill at least one year prior to the proposed date.

5.1.10 The approval holder shall commence final closure of the landfill:

(a) no later than 180 days after the landfill reaches the maximum designated waste elevation in 4.1.2; or

(b) if no waste is received at the landfill for disposal for a period of 180 days.

5.1.11 The approval holder shall notify the Director of the date of commencement of final closure of the landfill no later that 30 days following commencement of final closure.

5.1.12 The approval holder shall complete final closure of the landfill no later than 180 days following the date of commencement of final closure specified in 5.1.10 or another time authorized in writing by the Director.

5.1.13 The approval holder shall submit a Final Closure Report signed and stamped by a professional registered with APEGGA within 60 days following completion of the final closure of the landfill.

5.1.14 The Final Closure Report shall include, at a minimum, all of the following:

(a) the date of completion of the final closure;

(b) a statement including supporting evidence that the final closure has been completed in accordance with the final closure plan;

(c) a description of any deviations to the final closure plan and the reasons for the deviations;

(d) a description of the final cover system and the installation methods and procedures used;

(e) an estimate of the maximum quantity of waste placed in the landfill for disposal over the life of the landfill;



(f) a description of how the following elements have been, or will be dealt with:

(i) the final use of the closed areas;

(ii) drainage restorations;

(iii) soil replacement;

(iv) final cover slopes;

(v) erosion control;

(vi) re-vegetation and condition of the site; and

(vii) subsidence and differential settlement remediation; and

(g) as-built plans, signed and stamped by a professional registered with APEGGA, for the landfill showing the location of fill areas, final grades and structural components.

SECTION 5.2: POST-CLOSURE

5.2.1 The approval holder shall submit to the Director, an up-to-date Post-Closure Plan, no less than 180 days prior to the proposed date of the completion of final closure of the landfill.

5.2.2 The approval holder shall include the following in the Post-Closure Plan at a

minimum:

(a) a plan for maintaining the integrity of the final cover systems;

(b) a plan for maintaining the surface water run-on and run-off systems;

(c) a plan for maintaining the groundwater monitoring system;

(d) the groundwater monitoring program including performance standards and compliance boundary;

(e) a plan for maintaining the landfill gas monitoring system;

(f) the landfill gas monitoring program and performance standards at compliance boundary;



(g) a plan for maintaining the leachate collection and monitoring system;

(h) quality and quality objectives of leachate and landfill gas that show the landfill has stabilized;

(i) a plan for remediating areas affected by subsidence and differential settlement;

(j) a plan for erosion control;

(k) a plan for maintaining vegetative cover; and

(l) any other information requested in writing by the Director.

5.2.3 If the Post-Closure Plan is found deficient by the Director, the approval holder shall correct all deficiencies as outlined in writing by the Director within 60 days of the deficiency letter.

5.2.4 The approval holder shall implement the Post-Closure Plan as authorized in writing by the Director.

POST CLOSURE MONITORING AND REPORTING 5.2.5 The approval holder shall monitor in accordance with the Post-Closure Plan for the

duration of the post-closure period.

5.2.6 The approval holder shall compile an Annual Post-Closure Report.

5.2.7 The Annual Post-Closure Report shall include the following at a minimum:

(a) the annual groundwater monitoring report;

(b) details on any repairs and maintenance of the final cover system and vegetation;

(c) a report of any remedial or corrective actions taken; and

(d) any other information requested in writing by the Director.

Appendix B 2011 Annual Financial Security Review and Update for Thorhild Landfill

1

2012 Annual Wetland Compensation and Monitoring Summary Report

Prepared for: Waste Management of Canada Corporation Thorhild Landfill Project Alberta Water Act Approval 00266612-00-00 Feb 22, 2013

Prepared by

Kevin Kemball

#200, 14440 123 Ave NW Edmonton, Alberta T5L 2Y3 780-437-1847 [email protected]

WMCC Thorhild Landfill Water Act Approval No. 00266612-00-00

2

Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS ........................................................................................................................ 2

1.0 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................. 3

2.0 BACKGROUND .............................................................................................................................. 4

3.0 REPORTING REQUIREMENTS – APPROVAL NO. 00266612-00-00 ...................................... 5

3.1 OBJECTIVES ..................................................................................................................................... 5 3.2 PROGRESS AND TIMELINES ............................................................................................................. 7 3.3 MONITORING PARAMETERS AND FREQUENCY ................................................................................ 9 3.4 DATA ANALYSIS................................................................................................................................ 9 3.5 MODIFICATIONS ................................................................................................................................ 9 3.6 DRAINAGE AND FLOW PATTERNS .................................................................................................... 9 3.7 PROGRAM BOUNDARIES .................................................................................................................. 9 3.8 SAMPLING AND MONITORING LOCATIONS ....................................................................................... 9

4.0 ANTICIPATED 2013 ACTIVITIES AND TIMELINE ..................................................................... 9

REFERENCES..................................................................................................................................... 10

APPENDIX A. COPY OF Q&A WITH AESRD REGARDING MONITORING METHODS ............ 13


3

1.0 Introduction

The Thorhild Landfill Project (the Project) is owned and operated by Waste

Management of Canada Corporation (WMCC) and is located near Newbrook, in

the County of Thorhild, Alberta. Operation of the Project is governed by a variety

of legislation, including an Approval issued under the Water Act.

Approval No. 00266612-00-00 (the Approval) was issued on September 22, 2011

and requires WMCC to submit an “Annual Wetland Compensation and

Monitoring Summary Report to the Director on or before March 31 of each year

following the year in which the information was collected.”

This report is the Annual Wetland Compensation and Monitoring Summary

Report for the 2011 operating year, and has been prepared in accordance with

sections 8.0, 8.1, 8.2, and 8.3 of the Approval. Reporting requirements identified

in Section 8.1 are:

a. “measurable wetland objectives for the constructed compensation and monitoring, the rationale for the objectives and proposed timelines to meet these objectives;

b. a list of the completed compensation objectives including monitoring and sampling;

c. an assessment of the progress toward completing unfinished wetland objectives and timelines to meet these objectives;

d. a list of parameters to be monitored and the monitoring frequency for each;

e. interpretation of all data collected since the last reporting period, including an assessment of any trends;

f. a rationale for any changes to the compensation or monitoring plan; g. a description of water drainage and flow patterns of the constructed

wetlands; h. identification of the boundaries for the compensation and monitoring

program; i. a plan showing the location of sampling and monitoring points; j. a description of the monitoring, sampling and analytical procedures; and k. any other information requested in writing by the Director.”

Incremental Forest Technologies (IFT) was engaged to prepare the 2012 Annual

Wetland Compensation and Monitoring Summary Report in accordance with the

requirements of the Approval. The information presented in this report is based

on plan(s)/report(s) included in project approvals, as well as field activities

conducted in 2012. Plan(s)/report(s) in the approval include:


4

Technical Wetland Compensation Report for the Proposed WMCC Thorhild Landfill. Geographic Dynamics Corp. March 2010, AENV number: 00266612-R001

Amendment to Wetland Compensation and Restoration Report. Incremental Forest Technologies Ltd. May 2011. AENV number: 00266612-R002

Thorhild Landfill Surface Water Preliminary Design Report. AECOM Canada Ltd. March 2010. AENV number: 00266612-R003

Surface Water Monitoring Program. AECOM Canada Ltd. March 2010. AENV number: 00266612-R004

Proposed Thorhild Landfill End Use Plan. EDA Collaborative Inc. March 2010. AENV number: 00266612-R005

2.0 BACKGROUND

The lands for the facility are approximately 15km northeast of Thorhild, Alberta,

and include all of Section 19 – Township 61 – Range 20 – W4M and the

northwest quarter of Section 18 – Township 61 – Range 20 – W4M (the Landfill

Lands). WMCC also intends to utilize portions of the south half of Section 20 –

Township 61 – Range 20 – W4M (the Transportation Lands) to construct a new

access road to the Landfill, to construct new wetlands, and to restore degraded

peatlands (the Transportation Project). Figure 1 shows the location of these

lands.

WMCC has identified approximately ten hectares of wetlands that may be

affected by the Landfill Project, as set out in Section 7 of the Project application

(WMCC 2010). In discussions with Alberta Environment and Water it became

apparent that compensation for this disturbance in the immediate vicinity of the

Landfill Lands is preferable to off-site compensation, and a compensation

proposal was developed to take advantage of opportunities within the Landfill

Lands and the Transportation Lands. A Technical Wetland Compensation Report

was prepared in 2010 (GDC 2010), with an Amendment prepared in 2011 (IFT

2011). The compensation program described in this Report was developed in

consultation with Alberta Environment and sustainable Resource Development

(formerly Alberta Environment) and with Alberta Sustainable Resource

Development, and comprises the following principal elements:

The Landfill Lands contain two adjacent wetlands, which cover an area of 2.7

hectares and are currently disturbed by cattle foraging. WMCC’s wetland

compensation strategy includes full restoration of these already


5

compromised wetlands, with the expectation that the final restored wetland

will be 4 hectares;

WMCC will also construct a 20 hectare wetland complex within the

Transportation Lands, comprising of a series of small constructed wetlands

ranging from 400 m2 to not more than 5,000 m2. The objective is to create a

minimum of 8 hectares of Class III and Class IV wetlands, however, this

target is considered to be conservative and WMCC expects that the actual

area of Class II, Class III and Class IV wetlands will be significantly greater

than 8 hectares once the complex has matured;

The complex will be constructed in three phases. The combination of the

restored and constructed wetlands will fully ameliorate any disturbance to

wetlands caused by the Landfill Project; and

WMCC will establish a wildlife corridor comprised of a 50 m buffer along an

ephemeral drainage channel to create linkages between naturalized (native

vegetation) areas proposed in reclamation activities and in the end use plan.

The corridor is expected to cover approximately 28 hectares. Initial actions

will be to exclude cattle and establish a mixture of upland woody species.

3.0 REPORTING REQUIREMENTS – APPROVAL NO. 00266612-00-00

This section is intended to provide information required by Section 8.1 of the

Approval. Each subsection presents summary information for the 2012

operational year.

3.1 Objectives

Following resumption of WMCC construction in early 2012, an action item and timeline report titled “Summer – Fall 2012 Operating Plan: Wetland Construction, Wildlife Corridor, and Peatland Restoration, Borrow pit contouring.” was completed by Incremental forest Technologies Ltd. (IFT) in July 2012. This report was based on the supplementary wetland compensation report (Kemball and Magai January 2011) that was not fully implemented due to suspension of project construction activities.

The report (Kemball and Magai January 2011) was a supplementary wetland compensation report and was prepared in anticipation of a spring 2011 construction start date. This report included a timeline and wetland design parameters for the phase one wetland complex area on the transportation lands. The report also included plant community objectives complete with desired species for seeding and or planting. This report assumed that substantial construction of the sites first landfill cell, surface water management systems,


6

roads and other support facilities would be constructed in 2011. Actions and timelines can be found on page 4 of the report as follows:

1. Detailed site investigation (Spring 2011) 2. Detailed restoration plan (Spring 2011) 3. Cattle exclusion (Summer 2011) 4. Topsoil salvage (Summer 2011) 5. Site contouring (Summer-Fall 2011)

a. limited site contouring may be required b. includes restoration of natural drainage on surrounding lands

6. Topsoil placement where required (Fall 2011) a. 20 cm depth b. topsoil or peat-mineral mix

7. Weed management and site preparation for seeding 8. Seeding (Fall 2011 or Spring 2012)

a. native seed will be used 9. Monitoring (2011-2015)

a. vegetation establishment and cover b. amount and permanence of water c. natural ingress of species d. weeds

Specific objectives in relation to revegetation within the wetland complex include:

Selecting plant species suitable for establishing wetland communities based on end wetland class;

Providing early monitoring to direct the transition to the desired end wetland class; and

Implementing necessary maintenance and remedial action to each wetland within the complex and vegetation to achieve success.

Also contained in the report were specific objectives for selection and placement of woody species within the wetland complex. These included:

Increasing diversity,

Achieving plant community goals,

Achieving wildlife habitat goals,

Moderating microclimate within the wetland complex, o Providing shade o Providing cover o Reducing wind speeds o Reducing soil erosion

Moderating water levels o Trapping snow o Reducing evaporation (planting on south aspects) o Lowering water levels (higher density, planting on north aspects)

The rational for the above actions and timelines were based on the objectives described in the 2010 compensation reports as well as the anticipated


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construction schedule and equipment availability. Not all work outlined in the Kemball and Magai 2011 report was undertaken as scheduled because the start date for overall project construction was delayed.

Updated objectives for 2012, in order of operational priority, were:

1. Monitor natural ingress of desirable species and weeds in the constructed wetland area.

2. Layout and prepare site for the first phase of the wildlife corridor plantings. 3. Scan for presence of prohibited and noxious weeds for targeted control. 4. Order planting stock for deployment in the wildlife corridor in the summer

of 2013. 5. Reclamation of borrow pits west of rail line and north of access road on

the transportation lands: i. Provide slope and depths for final landscape configuration ii. Order alternative seed mix iii. Monitor moisture levels for future deployment of woody

species. 6. Begin restoration of the disturbed peatland on the north portion of the

landfill lands. 7. Indentify trial wetland construction locations within the phase one area

constructed wetland area. 8. Implement wetland construction trials in the phase one area (optional)

3.2 Progress and Timelines

Each 2012 objective is described below with outcomes:

1. Monitor natural ingress of desirable species.

Outcome: Abundant natural ingress of spruce, larch, poplar and birch was noted in the phase 1 wetland area (see Figure 1 at end of this document for location).The aggressive ingress of birch will impede future reclamation efforts and control of birch may be required.

2. Layout and prepare site for the first phase of the wildlife corridor plantings

Outcome: Layout of the first phase of wildlife corridor was completed. Site was prepared in strips with herbicide application then decompacted with a rip plow (Figure 2).

3. Scan for presence of prohibited and noxious weeds for targeted control.

Outcome: abundant weeds continue to be an issue on the site due to its history as an agriculture field and abandoned industrial peat mine. Weed control activities conducted in 2011 were effective, however Canada thistle and hemp nettle are abundant throughout the remainder of the site. A targeted weed control spray program was undertaken on the transportation lands within the phase 1 area and all along the access road construction west of the rail line.


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4. Order planting stock for deployment in the wildlife corridor in the summer of 2013.

Outcome: 5000 spruce trees have been ordered for planting in 2013. In addition, due to the abundance of competing vegetation and weeds, 5000 biodegradable planting mats have also been ordered.

5. Reclamation of borrow pits west of rail line and north of access road on the transportation lands.

Outcome: The approved seed mix was modified to include two additional native species with greater tolerance to flooding in order to ensure better coverage. Locations for seeding was marked and seeding occurred in late summer. Monitoring will be undertaken in 2013 for future planting of native woody species.

Also, recommendations on final contouring, surrounding drainage, and slopes were provided to contractors in order to avoid “dugout/pond” shape typical of borrow pit reclamation. The intent is to ensure reclaimed borrow pits can be integrated into the restored area (i.e., natural shapes, slopes, plant species) in the future. Note that this is additional to the required compensation but is desired due to the adjacency of the disturbance to the wetland compensation lands and the wildlife corridor.

6. Begin restoration of the disturbed peatland on the north portion of the landfill lands.

Outcome: Restoration activities proceeded as planned with 1) removal of cattle, 2) removal of berms and impediments to drainage left in place from agriculture land use (Figure 3). Cattle were removed from the area entirely, thus additional fencing identified for the restored peatland will not be required. Video was taken of activities and is available for review by AESRD.

7. Indentify trial wetland construction locations within the phase one area constructed wetland area.

Outcome: Trial locations have been identified, marked in the field and a GIS map prepared for construction. Included in the plans is the filling of peat mine drainage ditches and ponds on the south portion of the phase 1 constructed wetland area. These actions are planned for the spring of 2013 before thaw as operation of heavy equipment must be restricted to frozen conditions in most locations.

8. Implement wetland construction trials in the phase one area (optional).

Outcome: See item 7 above.


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3.3 Monitoring Parameters and Frequency

Detail of proposed monitoring methods and parameters was provided in a Q&A response to AESRD (attached as appendix A). Final monitoring program is awaiting feedback from AESRD.

3.4 Data Analysis

Construction was delayed and then suspended for the winter. No data was collected or analyzed.

3.5 Modifications

Construction was delayed and then suspended for the winter.

3.6 Drainage and Flow Patterns

The drainage and flow patterns of the initial five planned wetlands within the phase 1 area of the wetland complex are described in Kemball and Odsen (2011).

3.7 Program Boundaries

Figure 1 is attached.

3.8 Sampling and Monitoring Locations

Construction was delayed and then suspended for the winter. Sampling and

monitoring locations will be determined following an assessment of reclaimed

wetland biophysical properties.

In 2013 two areas are likely to have the permanent monitoring transects installed. These are the restored peatland and the phase 1 wetland trial area. Once established baseline data will be collected.

4.0 Anticipated 2013 Activities and Timeline

Vegetation/weed control is planned and will be undertaken. A detailed 2013 plan

and budget is currently being prepared. Likely activities that will be considered for

2013 include:

1. Detailed plan for remainder of wetlands in the Phase 1 area;

2. Contour borrow areas and wetlands in phase 1area

3. Remove or plug drainage structures as required.

4. Plant the 5000 trees ordered for the corridor


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5. Establish permanent monitoring plot and collect baseline data for the

restored peatland on the landfuill lands

6. Monitor results of phase one trial are (if constructed) and establish

monitoring locations

References

WMCC. 2010. Thorhild Landfill Project: Application for regulatory authorization.

Submitted for approval of the Landfill Project under the Alberta Environmental

Protection and Enhancement Act, for a licence under the Alberta Water Act and

for a Development Permit under the County’s Direct Control Bylaw. 64 pp.

Kemball, K., Magai, M. 2011. Supplementary wetland compensation report for the proposed WMCC Thorhild Landfill. Prepared for Waste Management of Canada Corporation. 12707, 170th Street Edmonton, Alberta. T5V1L9. January 2011.

Kemball, K., and Odsen, S. 2011. Fall 2011- Spring 2012 Operating Plan: Wetland Construction, Wildlife Corridor, and Peatland Restoration. Prepared for Waste Management of Canada Corporation. 12707, 170th Street Edmonton, Alberta. T5V1L9. August 22, 2011.

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Figure 1. Location map.


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Figure 2. Corridor phase 1 area site preparation map. For each red line shown five 1m wide lines were treated to control weeds and other competing vegetation then decompacted with a RipPlow. Planting will occur in 2013. Green line is the 50m buffer placed around the ephemeral swale marked in blue.

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Figure 3. 2012 Photos of work conducted within restored peatland to remove peat piles (berms) and restore natural drainage.

Before.

After.


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APPENDIX A. Copy of Q&A with AESRD regarding monitoring methods


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WMCC Thorhild Project ESRD Questions/Comments and Response for:

2011 Annual Wetland Compensation and Monitoring Summary Report

July 30, 2012.

Questions supplied by:

Zeinab Sulieman, P.Eng

Water Approvals Engineer

ESRD, Northern Region Operation

Tel: 780/4277049, Fax: 780/644597

Question response by:

Kevin Kemball PH.D., P.Biol.

Incremental Forest Technologies

Cell/Office: 780 910-9781

Office: 780 437-1847

[email protected]


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AESRD Questions

With respect to the monitoring plans present in the 2011 Annual Water Act Report

(Appendix A: 2011 Annual Wetland Compensation and Monitoring Summary

Report), we have the following questions/comments:

Question [] 3. 3.4 Data Analysis

Although there are no data to analyze at the present time, what statistical analyses

will be used to analyze each parameter once there are monitoring data available?

Reply: Analysis will be basic summary measures including presence/absence and cover

(%) of desired species (species characteristic natural communities), presence/absence and

cover (%) of undesirable species (weeds and non native species), amount (area) and

permanence of water. Though the proposed sampling methodology can be used to collect

data suitable for analysis as a nested plot design and or multivariate ANOVA or similar

analysis technique, these would yield little if any additional information unless suitable

controls are established nearby. The amount of noise due to natural variation in plant

community data confounds most parametric, and many non-parametric, analysis methods

unless sample size is very high. Due to the extensive history of agriculture disturbance

suitable control plot locations are not present and the number of transects and thus plots,

will initially be small.

The sampling methodology will allow for analysis of trends as permanent transects

(metal posts will be used to mark transect start locations) with repeated measurements at

the same locations will be conducted. This will allow for results to be graphed together

over time. Generally the sampling methodology (copied below) will follow that described

in Geographic Dynamics Corp. 2009. Riparian Classification and Reclamation Guide.

Developed for Shell Canada Energy and Suncor Energy Inc. By Geographic Dynamics

Corp. Edmonton, Alberta (revised by Incremental Forest Technologies Ltd. Edmonton,

Alberta).

Permanent transect locations will be established once final site contouring is completed

and after initial deployment of plant propagules. Transects will extend from the emergent

wetland zone through to upland areas. Transects will not be restricted to a single wetland

or upland unit but will be located so that they bisect as many different expected plant

communities as possible (i.e., a single transect can cross several wet areas and the

intervening uplands). The number of transects will be determined by the number and

expected class of wetlands established each year. Transects will be located to ensure that

at a minimum one of every three distinct wetlands is sampled.

Question [] 4. How will the monitoring data be interpreted given confounding

effects of climate variability on both water levels and plant communities? It would

be wise to also monitor 2 or 3 comparable class III to class IV natural wetlands in

the local area to serve as reference systems.


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Reply: Unfortunately the extensive history of agriculture use has eliminated suitable

reference wetlands from the transportation lands and from the landfill lands. Presence and

abundance of plants characteristic of class III and class IV wetlands, and presence of

weeds and other undesirable species will be used for interpretation.

The amount and permanence of water will be recorded during all three planned visits

each year during the initial establishment phase (likely 3-5 years). This data will be

reported, and graphed, with local climate data (e.g., precipitation, temperature, PET) to

provide context to the variability that is expected.

Question [] 5. 3.8 Sampling and Monitoring Locations

How many transects, and how many points along each transect, will be sampled?

Will this sampling intensity provide enough statistical power to detect trends?

Reply: See answer above and attached methodology below.

Question [] 6. If a reference site approach is to be incorporated into the monitoring

program, identify class III and IV wetlands that could be used as local natural

reference systems.

Reply: due to the extensive disturbance by agriculture no natural class III or IV wetlands

remain on the transportation lands or on the landfill lands suitable for use as controls.

Within the wetland complex the amount and permanence of water as well as the presence

and abundance of native species characteristic of class III and class IV wetlands will be

used as indicators of success. Once intervention (e.g., weed control, fill planting or

seeding) is no longer required comparisons with natural wetlands may be undertaken.

This would require use of multiple reference wetlands as the natural variation

(particularly for class III wetlands) is very high and reference wetlands would not be

adjacent, thus not directly comparable.

Sampling method approach. The sampling methodology will generally follow that described in Section 4.2 page 52 of the recent CEMA report titled Riparian Classification and Reclamation Guide. The plot layout along transects will be modified to accommodate the small area and rapid transition from wetland to upland back to wetland that will be present within the constructed wetland complex. It is anticipated that many forb quadrats (2.5 m X 10 m plots) and few tree and shrub quadrats will be established. Citation: Geographic Dynamics Corp. 2009. Developed for Shell Canada Energy and Suncor Energy Inc. By Geographic Dynamics Corp. Edmonton, Alberta (revised by Incremental Forest Technologies Ltd. Edmonton, Alberta).


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Field Sampling Protocol A number of factors must be taken into consideration when implementing field sampling for riparian areas. Because the classification system is based on underlying environmental factors controlling or limiting the distribution of plant communities along a riparian zone (i.e., assessment of environmental gradients), the sampling strategy must accommodate changes (particularly in moisture regime) across a riparian area. There is also the issue of scale, as the majority of riparian systems have little relief (i.e., differences in elevation), with the transition from aquatic to upland conditions occurring rather abruptly over a relatively short distance. As a result, a belt-transect system, running perpendicular to the water source and into the upland, is the recommended sampling design. Belt transects are essentially a series of quadrats that are strung together (either adjacent to one another or with space in between) and are often used in combination to evaluate environmental gradients (EPA 1994). The field sampling methods described in this section are largely adapted from Korol (1996). Transect Design Figure 0.1 gives a cross-sectional profile of a typical riparian zone. Transects should be 20 m in width and extend from the terrestrial/aquatic interface (0 m) to the prominent upland plant community (20 to 90 m in total, depending on the sample location).

Figure 0.1 Cross-sectional profile of a typical riparian area.

Plots are to be placed along transects at appropriate intervals to describe plant communities within each dominant physiognomic growth form. This is required to ensure that there is enough resolution to capture the variability of the plant communities. Plots are established at set intervals along the length of each transect (Figure 0.2) and labeled consecutively from 0 m (start point). Please note that modification to the design may be required depending on the width and overall size of the riparian area to be sampled. Intervals along each transect should be established as follows:

Where tree and shrub strata are lacking (<5% cover), a 2.5 m interval is used to describe the dominant forb and graminoid physiognomic groups.


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A 5.0 m interval is used for the shrub and tree physiognomic groups that have a length of less than 25 m along the transect.

A 10.0 m interval is used for the shrub and tree physiognomic groups that have a length of more than 25 m along upland portions of the transect, and are relatively uniform in plant species composition. This interval is used to reduce the sampling intensity in upland areas, as they are not the primary focus (large scale definition of riparian area).

Figure 0.2 Example of the riparian transect sample design, with corresponding plot, distance and interval information. Clear areas indicate where no plots are established, while shaded areas indicate quadrats where plots are established.

Quadrat Size and Selection for Vegetation Sampling A nested hierarchical quadrat design is suggested for vegetation sampling. The base plot (quadrat) size is 5 m by 20 m, within which a series of randomly assigned, nested quadrats are used to sample different vegetation strata (Figure 0.3, Error! Reference source not found.).


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The 5 by 20 m quadrat is used to assess canopy and understory tree species (strata 1 and 2) and is also used to collect mensuration data (where present). The shrub strata (strata 3 and 4) are sampled within a nested 5 by 10 m quadrat, randomly assigned to the left side (A) or right side (B) of the 5 by 20 m plot. Forb, graminoid, moss and lichen strata (strata 5, 6, 7 and 8) are further sampled within a 2.5 by 10 m quadrat nested within the 5 by 10 m quadrat and randomly assigned to either upper side (A) or lower side (B) of the 5 by 10 m quadrat.

Figure 0.3 Example of the nested quadrat sampling design used to classify vegetation data.

References Alberta Environment (AENV). 2006. Land Capability Classification System for Forest Ecosystems in the Oil Sands, 3rd Edition. Volume 1: Field Manual for Land Capability Determination. Published online at http://www.cemaonline.ca/content/view/51/122/. Accessed January 2007. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 1994. Terrestrial plant community sampling. SOP#: 2037. Online at http://www.ertresponse.com/sops/2037.pdf. Accessed April 2007.

Korol, J.B. 1996. Riparian forest communities in the Southern Boreal Region of central Saskatchewan. Prince Albert Model Forest Association Inc., Prince Albert, Saskatchewan.

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