1 An Information Service for Alberta’s Environment Industry The Week Ending January 8 th , 2016 Inside this Issue: Q&As with Alberta’s Environment Minister TSB Investigation Train Derailment at Scotford Yard Paper Companies Fined EPA Announces 2015 Annual Environmental Enforcement Results Remediation Technology News and Resources Upcoming Events and much more …. The ESAA Weekly News is published weekly by: Environmental Services Association of Alberta 102, 2528 Ellwood Drive SW Edmonton, AB T6X 0A9 (P) 780.429.6363 (F) 780.429.4249 [email protected]www.esaa.orgComments & submissions are welcome! Please submit your announcement via e-mail to: [email protected]...environmental integrity through innovative business solutions WaterTech 2016 Call for Abstracts Deadline Extended to January 8th April 6-8, 2016 Fairmont Banff Springs, Banff WaterTech returns to the Fairmont Banff Spring and features a closing keynote by Rick Mercer. The 9th Annual WaterTech Symposium will be held April 6-8, 2016 at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. Call for Abstracts: Information on the Call for Abstracts is available via the WaterTech website: www.esaa.org/watertech/agenda/call-for-abstracts/ Deadline to submit abstracts is January 8 th , 2016. Keynote Speakers: WaterTech 2016 will feature the following keynote speakers: Opening Keynote: Dr. Zafar Adeel, Director, United Nations University, Institute for Water, Environment and Health Thursday Lunch Keynote: Mac Stone, Everglades Photographer Friday Lunch Keynote: Rick Mercer, Host of The Mercer Report on CBC Sponsorship and Exhibitor Information: Sponsorship and exhibitor information is now available via the WaterTech website: Sponsors - www.esaa.org/watertech/sponsors/ and Exhibitors - www.esaa.org/watertech/exhibitors/ Registration Information: Early bird registration is now open with special delegate rates available for Members and Non-Members until January 15th, 2016. Registration details available at: www.esaa.org/watertech/ ESAA REGULATORY FORUMS - 65% OF SPOTS SOLD February 11, 2016 – 90 Spots Remaining Marriott River Cree, Edmonton March 16, 2016 – 56 Spots Remaining Safari Lodge, Calgary Zoo, Calgary The Environmental Services Association of Alberta (ESAA) will be hosting one day forums in Edmonton and Calgary focused on the changing regulatory landscape in Alberta. Presentations from Alberta Environment and Parks, Alberta Energy Regulator, Alberta Environmental Monitoring and Reporting Agency, Alberta Transportation, Environmental Appeals Board and the Public Lands Appeal Board.
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1
An Information Service for Alberta’s Environment Industry The Week Ending January 8th, 2016
U
Inside this Issue:
Q&As with Alberta’s Environment Minister
TSB Investigation Train Derailment at Scotford Yard
WaterTech 2016 Call for Abstracts Deadline Extended to January 8th
April 6-8, 2016
Fairmont Banff Springs, Banff
WaterTech returns to the Fairmont Banff Spring and features a closing keynote by Rick Mercer.
The 9th Annual WaterTech Symposium will be held April 6-8, 2016 at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. Call for Abstracts: Information on the Call for Abstracts is available via the WaterTech website:
www.esaa.org/watertech/agenda/call-for-abstracts/ Deadline to submit abstracts is January 8th, 2016. Keynote Speakers: WaterTech 2016 will feature the following keynote speakers:
Opening Keynote: Dr. Zafar Adeel, Director, United Nations University, Institute for Water, Environment and Health
Thursday Lunch Keynote: Mac Stone, Everglades Photographer
Friday Lunch Keynote: Rick Mercer, Host of The Mercer Report on CBC Sponsorship and Exhibitor Information: Sponsorship and exhibitor information is now available via the WaterTech website: Sponsors - www.esaa.org/watertech/sponsors/ and Exhibitors - www.esaa.org/watertech/exhibitors/ Registration Information: Early bird registration is now open with special delegate rates available for Members and Non-Members until January 15th, 2016. Registration details available at: www.esaa.org/watertech/
The Environmental Services Association of Alberta (ESAA) will be hosting one day forums in Edmonton and Calgary focused on the changing regulatory landscape in Alberta. Presentations from Alberta Environment and Parks, Alberta Energy Regulator, Alberta Environmental Monitoring and Reporting Agency, Alberta Transportation, Environmental Appeals Board and the Public Lands Appeal Board.
Registration Fee: $149 Members and $179 Non-Members (registration fees include: continental breakfast, hot lunch, coffee breaks, free parking.) Space is limited to 200 attendees per location. Registration sold out for both cities in 2014.
RemTech 2015 October 12-14, 2016
Fairmont Banff Springs
RemTech 2016 Delegate Rates Will Not Rise for the 5th Consecutive Year!
ESAA works hard to keep costs for delegates at a minimum. Even though our costs have increased dramatically over the past 6 years we are holding delegate fees for the 6th consecutive year. Early Bird Registration is now open with special delegate rates available for Members and Non-Members. 100 passes are available at a discount of 20%. Once those passes are sold another 100 passes will be available at a discount of 10%. Full details available online at: www.esaa.org/remtech/
Q AND A: ALBERTA'S ENVIRONMENT MINISTER ON CLIMATE CHANGE, GRIZZLY BEARS
AND THE CASTLE PARKS (Source: Calgary Herald) Shannon Phillips, elected as MLA for Lethbridge-West in early May, was later appointed that month as Alberta’s environment and parks minister under the new NDP government.
Her first challenge was getting ready for the climate change talks in Paris, but it wasn’t the only environmental issue.
In a year-end interview with the Herald’s environment writer Colette Derworiz, Phillips discussed the Paris talks, the creation of two new parks, and how she will continue to deal with those issues — and others related to air, land, water and wildlife — in 2016.
Q. You had to hit the ground running as the environment minister due to the December climate change talks in Paris. How did Alberta’s plan go over at the international conference?
A. We were very well received. We had meetings with investors, with many of our trading partners, the United States and representatives from other jurisdictions, as well as, of course, other provincial and federal counterparts.
We got an enormous amount of positive feedback and really what it demonstrated to us … (is) the extent to which the global economy is moving in a certain direction and global investment is moving toward certain jurisdictions that are exercising this kind of climate leadership. That’s where the jobs and investment growth are moving toward and Alberta has signalled to the international community that we are prepared to be a part of those conversations.
There was a great deal of relief — a number of jurisdictions said there was no longer a need to hold up Alberta as an example of being a laggard.
Q. There’s still some hard work to be done. For example, we’re still waiting to hear more about an energy efficiency rebate program referenced in the climate change strategy. Any details on that program?
A. We’ll have more to say on those pieces in the new year.
Q. The climate change strategy wasn’t the only immediate matter. Your government also announced the creation of two parks in the Castle wilderness area. Why was that a priority?
A. We made the commitment during the campaign.
The science of conservation indicated that area was home to a number of ecologically sensitive species and even species that were becoming at risk (i.e. cutthroat trout). There was a scientific imperative; there was an imperative because this government is committed to doing what we pledge we are going to do.
We also moved quickly on that because we wanted to ensure there was certainty for the logging interests in that area so we acted quickly to end the logging, based on the fact it was very clear there was some sensitive habitat and headwater protection issues.
And the final reason: it takes a long time to make a park management plan that works for everyone. So we knew that we would need to begin undertaking those matters right away. The first step, of course, was to extend the protection and now there are so many details to work out, which is what we’ll start doing in 2016.
Q. What is the status of the province’s updated grizzly bear recovery strategy, which was due out this fall?
A. We have received a draft and we are considering it. We take the view in this government that, on the things we inherit from the previous government, we want to take the time to examine them and to ensure they are consistent with our policy direction. So we are doing that right now with that piece to make sure we are getting it right.
It’s an important species for a number of reasons and so we’ll have more to say about it early in the new year.
Q. On the topic of threatened species, the federal government just announced critical habitat protection for Westslope cutthroat trout. How will Alberta respond to that order?
A. I think we have a number of different tools at our disposal. One way we have already responded was by extending the protections in the Castle. We know that commercial logging at the scale of clear cutting does have an effect on habitat for species like the Westslope cutthroat. Through the parks management plan, that will of course form part of our deliberations there.
And I am awaiting a few more pieces of policy advice to make sure we have a recovery plan in place.
Q. You’ve talked about logging in the Castle, but there are also concerns in the Ghost wilderness area, which is also important for watershed health. Another minister deals with forestry, but does logging in the Ghost raise any concerns for you as environment minister?
A. On the matter of the Ghost, it’s a forestry management agreement. It was an activity that was long planned for by the company in question so it does proceed. I defer to my colleague in terms of the logging practices.
The headwaters protection, erosion and flood control is all on our minds and that’s why we have been investing in the watershed resiliency projects in and around that area.
Of course, we are keeping a close eye on it, but these are agreements that were lawfully executed. This is a forestry management agreement … so they have a much weightier force of law. There are a number of standards to which the government is holding those companies involved. We will be watching it very closely.
Q. You mentioned flood protection and mitigation. Is that a continued priority for the NDP government?
A. We’ve made significant investments with the both the community resilience program and the watershed restoration program.
Of course, we are in very depressed economic circumstances … the trick in this financial climate is simply going to be keeping the status quo in many cases. That’s unfortunate. I would love to make more investments in some of these really exciting programs, but we have certain fiscal realities right now and that’s what we’re going to be examining through Budget 2016. All departments are having to do that. These are some very tough economic times that have been imposed on Alberta by global oil prices so we have some very careful policy choices to make.
We might not be able to control the price of oil, but what we can control as a province is how we treat each other and our relationship to our environment.
This interview has been edited for length.
ALBERTA ENERGY COMPANY FIGHTS ORDER TO TRUCK WATER TO FAMILY FARM THEY CONTAMINATED
Bonavista Energy dug two wells after being ordered to do so, but water was unfit for use.
(Source: Metro News) An Alberta energy company is fighting an order to truck water to a family farm the company admits it has tainted with chemicals from its gas plant.
Bonavista Energy (TSX:BNP) acknowledges it is the source of the solvent that has contaminated groundwater on the dairy farm near Edson, Alta. But the company is taking on the powerful Alberta Energy Regulator in the Alberta Court of Appeal over a ruling forcing it to truck usable water to the farm.
"The (regulator) erred by issuing an order that is not objectively justifiable based on the evidence," say court documents filed by the company.
In late October, the regulator ordered Bonavista to truck water to the dairy farm owned by Ron and Lonni Saken. Those shipments began immediately and still continue.
The order came after Bonavista's own experts had found high levels of sulfolane — a solvent used in processing sour gas — in the farm's well water. The chemical was traced to a gas plant the company had purchased from Suncor.
The company drilled new wells. But that water was highly alkaline and had high levels of both methane and flouride.
Milk production cratered. Pregnant cows spontaneously aborted their calves.
The Sakens argued the contamination has destroyed their farm's value. Plans to bring their son into the operation and expand the farm — which has been in the family since 1929 — have been cancelled.
But Bonavista argues it has done enough by drilling the two wells, which are free of sulfolane.
"While there have been issues related to bacteria, fluoride, and pH levels in relation to the two new wells, those issues are naturally occurring," says Bonavista's argument.
"Bonavista submits that the fact that there is no presence of sulfolane in the two new wells demonstrates that the (regulator's) order was not required for the purpose of protecting the landowners or the environment."
The company also argues the regulator has unfairly made any long-term solution subject to approval by the Sakens.
"Granting to the landowners what amounts to a veto power is a denial of Bonavista's legitimate expectation of procedural fairness and a denial of Bonavista's right to natural justice," says the appeal.
Lonni Saken said Bonavista's move came days before a scheduled meeting with the company.
"I am absolutely shocked that Bonavista would bring a court case against the regulator," she said.
Ron Saken said milk production is up and the abortions have stopped since water was trucked in.
"It's quite exciting to milk again — they want to get milked. It's good to see.
"If I had to go back to that old water, there's no way I would do it. I would quit farming."
Keith Wilson, the Sakens' lawyer, called the appeal an attack on the regulator.
"This is a company behaving extremely aggressively not only with this family farm, but also with the regulator," he said. "These steps seek to limit the ability of the regulator to enforce Alberta's environmental laws."
Wilson has filed a request of his own with the regulator that seeks to have the Saken farm declared a contaminated site. That would broaden the regulator's enforcement powers and allow it to go after previous owners of the leaky gas plant, which include Suncor and Shell.
Spokesmen from Bonavista or the Alberta Energy Regulator were not immediately available.
TSB INVESTIGATING TRAIN DERAILMENT AT SCOTFORD YARD 'There is no risk of further spilled product,' says CP spokesman
(Source: CBC News) The Transportation Safety Board is investigating the derailment of a Canadian Pacific train northeast of Edmonton that spilled nearly 100,000 litres of styrene into a ditch.
Four cars went off the tracks around 3:30 p.m. Tuesday near the Scotford Shell plant. The train was reversing at a slow speed at the time.
One car tipped over, damaging a valve and spilling 98,860 litres of styrene. Material in the other cars was transferred to trucks and moved.
"There is no risk of further spilled product," CP spokesman Martin Cej said in an email.
Styrene is a hazardous material used in plastics. However, TSB investigator Dan Holbrook said the spill site is far enough from homes to not pose a danger to the public.
Holbrook describes the incident as a minor switching accident. He said the TSB will determine this week whether the incident merits a full investigation.
No one was hurt in the incident. Cej said CP will work on removing the cars Wednesday and start spill remediation measures.
The town of Bruderheim sent out tweets Tuesday night saying the spill is being contained. A 500-metre radius is being maintained with roadblocks.
OPINION: BRING BACK CREDIBLE ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATION (Source: Edmonton Journal) A Canadian Press story published Dec. 4 indicates the Alberta government believes the province’s energy regulator is performing well and there are no plans to make major changes to the agency. Energy Minister Marg McCuaig-Boyd is quoted as saying, “It is working well. Industry likes it.”
Of course industry likes it! The creation of the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) in 2013 was a significant transformation of the province’s environmental regulatory regime. It was something that Big Oil and Big Coal have been lobbying for more than 30 years. They had always complained about the role and power the Environment Department had over project decision-making, as well as ongoing monitoring and enforcement. They hated it because they did not have control of it as they did with the old Energy Resources Conservation Board (ERCB), then the Energy and Utilities Board (EUB) and now the AER and Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC).
Finally, in 2013, they got their wish from the previous Tory government, which essentially dismantled the Environment Department and destroyed important democratic rights. This was done even though opposition parties at the time screamed to high heaven about what a travesty this transformation was.
So for now, deregulation of environmental enforcement continues.
Alberta’s deregulation — and that which happened federally — are a big embarrassment. We want to look green, sustainable and progressive, yet the NDP gleefully has decided not to overturn bad decisions made by the previous government. Fortunately, the federal government will rebuild Fisheries and Oceans, Environment Canada and the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency, with moves already underway. Federal scientists have been set free, thankfully.
For Alberta, I quote Donald Bur, a formidable Canadian constitutional lawyer: “If the NDP acts now, and reverses deregulation, the PCs get to wear that decision. However, if the NDP don’t act now, they will get to share it. There is only so much time that a government gets to blame the previous government, but after they are aware, and do nothing, the blame gets shared.”
We all know how powerful and threatening Big Oil and Big Coal are. They took this new government to task and laid out the bottom line as to what was going to happen: “Go too far and this place becomes a ghost town.” And with the worldwide crash in oil, gas and coal prices, this government was already on its knees.
It does not have to be this way. We have all learned that it is not bad economics to give equal standing to ecological concerns. In fact, it is bad business not to. Albertans should be outraged with these ongoing economic policies that shortchange nature and with leaders who succumb to short-term political and economic compromises.
So I say to this current government, find the strength to bring back credible regulation — even if they have to have secret backroom meetings.
There are big questions to ponder. How is the Department of Environment going to be rebuilt, so that it becomes a credible agency? It is paramount that the staff and resources transferred to the AER be replaced, along with the authority to act and enforce.
With this decision to leave the AER alone, the NDP government is saying only the energy sector matters — and not tourism, agriculture, chemical industry, transportation, urban development. None of these other sectors will face valid and credible environmental reviews, as there is no capacity in what is left of the Environment Department for this to happen. For now, Albertans and First Nations facing industrial development are on their own. And as with the AER, in Alberta, due to deregulation, there is no credible formal public test for approving and managing industrial development.
But hey, industry likes it!
Brian Staszenski is co-chair of the Strawberry Landowners Group in the County of Leduc. He was one of the founding members of the Alberta Environmental Network, the Canadian Environmental Network, the Alberta Round Table on the Environment and Economy, the Clean Air Strategic Alliance, and the Emerald Awards for Environmental Excellence. For six years, he was president of the Alberta Wilderness Association.
OPINION: ENVIRONMENTAL BLACK EYE FOR THE ALBERTA GOVERNMENT (Source: Edmonton Journal) Its withdrawal from the Cumulative Environmental Management Association reflects poorly on the new Alberta government.
On Dec. 17, Alberta Environment and Parks advised CEMA in Fort McMurray that it would not hold membership in the association — an association the government itself was involved in creating. It’s important to understand how and why this happened and why it is a poor decision.
In 1999, the Alberta government, in collaboration with regional stakeholders, developed a Regional Sustainable Development Strategy for oilsands development. This comprehensive strategy identified and proposed processes for addressing the key environmental impact issues associated with the oilsands. To implement many of the recommendations in this strategy, CEMA was formed with the idea and intent that multi-stakeholder-developed management plans would have credibility and give oilsands development a “social” licence.
Through the development of guidelines, management frameworks and policies, CEMA addressed issues ranging from acid deposition, reclamation, biodiversity and traditional environmental knowledge. The development of these frameworks, guidelines and policies was underpinned by extensive regional studies and monitoring which form a body of environmental knowledge that is extensive and invaluable in terms of understanding and managing the environmental impacts of oilsands development. As an environmental professional working on oilsands issues, I regularly use this information, as do many others.
Although initially established as a multi-stakeholder and partnership process, the governance structure was such that industry in essence controlled the association which led, in 2007 and 2008, to a number of environmental and aboriginal groups withdrawing from CEMA. In 2010, the structure was changed to make industry, government, environmental organizations and aboriginal communities equal partners in governance. This resulted in many environmental organizations and aboriginal communities re-engaging with CEMA. One might think this was a positive change, but ironically it is what led to the association’s downfall.
Industry and, to a lesser extent government, lost control of CEMA’s agenda and priorities. It turned out that having to actually address the concerns and issues of the aboriginal and environmental communities was not always a priority for, or in the interest of, industry and government.
The result was that under the guise that CEMA’s work was largely done — and also that other recent initiatives have made CEMA redundant — industry and government have withdrawn from it. Having been involved in CEMA work for the last 10 years, and more recently with these recent initiatives, I know first-hand they are not a replacement for CEMA — a point that CEMA and its aboriginal caucus has made to Environment and Parks Minister Shannon Phillips, unfortunately to no avail. In the future, there may be a new organization or structure that can replace CEMA, but it doesn’t exist today.
For a new government that has indicated it has a strong commitment to responsible environmental management — and also to meaningful engagement with aboriginal communities — it is very disappointing to see them withdraw from, and allow industry to withdraw from, an association that does both without having established a viable alternative.
David Spink, P. Eng., is former director of Air & Water Approvals & Environmental Science with Alberta Environment. He’s currently an environmental consultant.
BC TERMINAL A EXTENSION PROJECT GRANTED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT APPROVAL Environment Minister Mary Polak and Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Todd Stone have issued an environmental assessment certificate to Rio Tinto Alcan for the Terminal A Extension project in Kitimat.
The decision was made after considering a review led by British Columbia’s Environmental Assessment Office. The ministers have issued the certificate with legally enforceable conditions that have given them the confidence to conclude that the project will be constructed and operated in a way that ensures that no significant adverse effects are likely to occur from the project. A record of the factors that the ministers considered in making their decision can be found in the Reasons for Ministers’ Decision at: http://tinyurl.com/qdnubhd
Twelve conditions are attached to the environmental assessment certificate. Design requirements are specified in the certified project description. Each of the conditions and the certified project description are legally-binding requirements that Rio Tinto Alcan must meet to be in compliance with the certificate.
The certificate conditions were developed following consultation and input from Haisla Nation, government agencies, communities and the public. Key conditions for the project require Rio Tinto Alcan to:
avoid or mitigate impacts to fish and fish habitat;
monitor marine water quality from dredging and take action if thresholds are reached;
monitor marine mammals during pile driving and take action to prevent injury to marine mammals;
manage and monitor the dredge disposal site, including adaptive management measures in the event that the effects of contaminants are not mitigated to the extent predicted;
retain the services of an environmental monitor throughout the construction phase, with the authority to stop work if necessary to prevent or reduce adverse effects; and
implement measures to protect marine mammals during construction.
In addition, Rio Tinto Alcan proposed a number of design changes during the environmental assessment, based on feedback received during the process, including:
changes to the laydown area to avoid an existing wetland;
selection of a tug dock option that reduces the overall dredge footprint and avoids higher-density eelgrass;
selection of the dredge-disposal site at an existing landfill, avoiding impacts on wildlife habitat;
selection of the same disposal at sea site as LNG Canada Development Inc., which avoids Aboriginal fishing and harvesting sites; and
use of LNG Canada workforce accommodation facilities to reduce potential health effects on workers and allows access to on-site, camp health-care professionals.
The Terminal A Extension project will require various federal and provincial authorizations to proceed. The Environmental Assessment Office will co-ordinate compliance management efforts with other government agencies to ensure that the office is satisfied that certificate conditions are met throughout the life of the project.
The project is the extension of the existing Terminal A wharf by up to 250 metres to accommodate bulk carriers. It will replace existing facilities for the import and export of bulk materials.
In addition to the wharf extension, the project includes a barge ramp, tug dock and laydown area. The project will involve dredging over three years, with a dredge disposal site for contaminated dredged sediments and laydown soils and disposal at sea for other sediments. Construction is expected to take over three years, with the extension in operation for over 50 years.
Terminal A Extension is required because Rio Tinto Alcan has entered into an options agreement for its Terminal B facility with LNG Canada Development Inc. for LNG shipping.
British Columbia’s Environmental Assessment Office is a neutrally administered office that is required by law to undertake rigorous, thorough reviews of major projects in British Columbia. These reviews provide significant opportunities for Aboriginal groups, government agencies and the public to influence the outcome of environmental assessments by providing input on the potential for environmental, economic, social, heritage and health effects from a proposed project.
B.C. MINES INSPECTOR MAKES 19 RECOMMENDATIONS OVER COLLAPSE OF TAILINGS POND (MySask.com) VICTORIA - Operators and engineers at the Mount Polley mine were over confident in the design of a tailings-storage facility that collapsed and created an environmental disaster, says British Columbia's chief inspector of mines.
Al Hoffman also found weak water-management standards at the site but said Thursday he couldn't find enough evidence to pursue charges under the Mines Act against Imperial Metals Corp. (TSX:III).
"There were no non-compliance (issues) that we could find," Hoffman told reporters. "That doesn't mean there won't be in he future. We're going to tighten up our regulations and improve our oversight."
Hoffman's report into the Mount Polley disaster makes 19 recommendations, including that all mines with the same storage facilities employ designated mine-safety managers and staff to oversee the management of tailings.
The disaster and the 15-month investigation, the largest and most-complex mining probe in B.C. history, has taken its toll on him personally, said Hoffman.
"It's been the most difficult period of my entire career, to be blunt," he said.
"It's something I never hoped would happen on my watch. Now, I feel very strongly that we have the recommendations going forward that we can, to a large extent, prevent this from ever happening again."
An independent panel of engineering experts appointed by the B.C. government reached similar conclusions about the cause of the tailings-pond breach last January.
Both reports found the spill was caused by a poorly designed dam that didn't account for drainage and erosion failures associated with glacial till beneath the pond.
"The root causes of the event were organizational," Hoffman said. "My report describes how a mistaken belief in the foundation characteristics led to a design of a dam that was inadequate for its location."
Hoffman's report said the company and its engineers "did not fully recognize and manage geotechnical and water management risks associated with design, construction ... and operation of the tailings storage facility."
Mines Minister Bill Bennett said he accepts the report's recommendations and plans to introduce legislation that cracks down on companies that do not comply with mining regulations.
"I hope to be taking legislation forward in the spring that will authorize administrative penalties under the mining legislation so that we can levy penalties easily, quickly when necessary, and that obviously will help us in terms of compliance," he told reporters.
Bennett said Hoffman's investigation confirms that weak practices at a mine site increase the risk of failure and environmental consequences.
"This is unacceptable," he said in a statement.
Opposition New Democrat mines critic Norm Macdonald said he's concerned the report does not include sanctions or charges.
He said neither the government nor the company is being held accountable for a disaster with environmental, social and economic impacts.
"This is business as usual," he said. "Nobody's responsible for what went wrong here."
Last month, the province granted Imperial Metals a short-term permit to discharge treated water from a Mount Polley storage pit into nearby Hazeltine Creek and through a pipeline into Quesnel Lake.
Williams Lake Mayor Walk Cobb said the permit allows 200 people at the mine to continue working and could result in up 170 others being recalled to the site.
CATALYST PAPER FINED $200,000 FOR THE DEPOSIT OF UNTREATED PULP AND PAPER EFFLUENT December 18, 2015 – Vancouver, British Columbia – Environment and Climate Change Canada
Catalyst Paper, operating in Powell River, was fined $200,000 in British Columbia Provincial Court on December 8, 2015, after pleading guilty to offences under the Fisheries Act related to the deposit of a deleterious substance into water frequented by fish.
The offences stem from two releases of untreated pulp and paper effluent. On September 4, 2012, 3,500,000 litres of effluent were released into the Malaspina Strait, located near the City of Powell River. Another release of 100,000 litres occurred on September 18, 2012. The investigation determined that the first release was due to a power loss and the second was due, in part, to a broken check valve. In addition, on September 14, 2014, Catalyst Paper failed to collect samples from a deposit that contained deleterious substances above limits authorized under the Pulp and Paper Effluent Regulations, which is also in contravention of the Fisheries Act.
Of the $200,000 fine, $185,000 will be directed to the Environmental Damages Fund (EDF). The remaining $15,000 fine ($5,000 per count) will be directed to General Revenue. As a result of this conviction, the company’s name will be added to the Environmental Offenders Registry.
TWIN RIVERS PAPER COMPANY INC. FINED $320,000 FOR FISHERIES ACT OFFENCES December 22, 2015 – Moncton, New Brunswick – Environment and Climate Change Canada
Twin Rivers Paper Company Inc. was fined $320,000 on December 18, 2015 in New Brunswick Provincial court after pleading guilty to offences under the Fisheries Act related to the deposit of deleterious substances into water frequented by fish.
On September 6, 2013, Twin Rivers Paper Company Inc. notified Environment and Climate Change Canada of a spill of evaporator condensate into the Madawaska River. Evaporator condensate is a by-product of the mill process and is deleterious to fish.
During the investigation, the mill reported two more deposits on March 3 and March 10, 2014, of effluent acutely lethal to fish into the Saint John River in contravention of the Pulp and Paper Effluent Regulations and theFisheries Act.
The investigation determined that in 2013, the overflow tank of evaporator condensate was blocked in order to prepare for the mill’s annual shutdown. This contributed to the spill into the Madawaska River. The deposits in 2014 occurred during dredging activities at the mill’s secondary effluent treatment lagoon located in Saint-Basile, New Brunswick.
Of the total fine, $319,000 will be directed to the Environmental Damages Fund (EDF), with the remaining $1,000 directed to the court. As a result of this conviction, the company’s name will be added to the Environmental Offenders
EPA ANNOUNCES 2015 ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL ENFORCEMENT RESULTS WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today released its annual enforcement and compliance results highlighted by large cases that reduce pollution, level the playing field for responsible companies, and protect public health in communities across the country. In fiscal year 2015, EPA secured record-setting hazardous waste, Clean Air Act, and Superfund settlements, and acted swiftly to win a large criminal plea agreement following a major coal ash spill, among other accomplishments. Additionally, EPA made significant progress on cases that will benefit communities well into the future, by pursuing a final settlement that puts billions of dollars to work restoring the Gulf and helping communities affected by the BP oil spill, and by launching an investigation against Volkswagen for illegally emitting air pollution from diesel vehicles. “The large cases we tackled in 2015 will drive compliance across industries, and protect public health in communities for years to come,” said Cynthia Giles, Assistant Administrator for EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “These cases are putting cutting edge tools to work, and using innovative approaches to reduce pollution. Through another strong year in enforcement, we are implementing America’s environmental laws and delivering on EPA’s mission.” In fiscal year 2015, EPA enforcement actions required companies to invest more than $7 billion in actions and equipment to control pollution and clean up contaminated sites. EPA’s cases resulted in $404 million in combined federal administrative, civil judicial penalties, and criminal fines. Other results include:
Reductions of an estimated 430 million pounds of air pollutants.
Almost $2 billion in commitments from responsible parties to clean up Superfund sites.
More than $39 million invested in environmental projects that provide direct benefits to communities harmed by pollution.
EPA pursues high impact cases that drive compliance across industries:
Mosaic Fertilizer, LLC, one of the world’s largest fertilizer manufacturers, committed to ensuring the proper treatment, storage, and disposal of an estimated 60 billion pounds of hazardous waste at eight facilities across Florida and Louisiana, the largest amount of hazardous waste ever covered by a federal or state Resource Conservation and Recovery Act settlement.
A Clean Air Act settlement with Hyundai-Kia netted a record $100 million penalty, forfeiture of emissions credits, and more than $50 million invested in compliance measures to help level the playing field for responsible companies, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions fueling climate change.
Noble Energy, Inc., a leading oil and gas producer, will use advanced monitoring technologies to detect air pollution problems in real-time, and ensure proper operation and maintenance of pollution control equipment at its facilities in Colorado.
EPA holds criminal violators accountable that threaten the health and safety of Americans, while directing funds to affected communities:
EPA’s criminal program secured $4 billion in court-ordered environmental projects, generated $200 million in fines and restitution, and sentenced defendants to a combined 129 years of incarceration.
Three subsidiaries of Duke Energy Corporation, the largest energy utility in the United States, agreed to pay a $68 million criminal fine and spend $34 million on environmental projects and land conservation to benefit rivers and wetlands in North Carolina and Virginia. As part of the plea, two Duke subsidiaries will ensure they can meet legal obligations to remediate coal ash impoundments within North Carolina, which will cost an estimated $3.4 billion.
EPA enforcement work reduces pollution in the sectors that impact American communities the most:
Settlements with Interstate Power and Light, Duke Energy Corporation and power companies in Arizona and New Mexico are cutting coal fired power plant emissions, requiring companies to control pollution, and conduct innovative projects that promote renewable energy development and energy efficiency practices.
EPA is working closely with local governments and utilities in places like Fort Smith, Ark., Delaware County, Pa., and across Puerto Rico, to cut discharges of raw sewage and contaminated stormwater through integrated planning, green infrastructure and other innovative approaches.
Cal-Maine Foods, one of the nation’s largest egg producers, is implementing a series of measures to comply with laws that control pollutants, including nutrients and bacteria, from being discharged into waterways.
XTO Energy, Inc., a subsidiary of ExxonMobil and the nation’s largest holder of natural gas reserves, will restore eight sites in West Virginia damaged when streams and wetlands were filled to build roads, and implement a plan to comply with water protection laws.
Through settlements with three Nevada gold mining operations, Newmont, Barrick and Veris, EPA ensured that over 180 million pounds of mercury containing RCRA hazardous waste were treated, minimized, or properly disposed.
The largest bankruptcy-related cleanup settlement in American history, with Anadarko and Kerr McGee, will put more than $4.4 billion into toxic pollution cleanup, improving water quality and removing dangerous materials in tribal and overburdened communities.
EPA ensures federal agencies take responsibility and clean up toxic pollution. The Army addressed over 19 million cubic yards of contaminated groundwater at the Anniston Army Depot in Alabama, and the U.S. Navy and Defense Logistics Agency are required to implement at least $90 million in upgrades and improvements to prevent potential leaks at the Red Hill Bulk Storage Facility in Hawaii.
More information about EPA’s Fiscal Year 2015 enforcement re sults: http://www.epa.gov/enforcement/enforcement-annual-results-fiscal-year-fy-2015
Remediation Technology News and Resources
(The following are selected items from the US EPA's Tech Direct - http://clu-in.org/techdirect/)
Upcoming Live Internet Seminars
SERDP & ESTCP Vapor Intrusion: Regulatory Update and Advances in Assessment Tools - January 14, 2016, 12:00PM EST (17:00 GMT). Join SERDP and ESTCP for a webinar featuring two presentations: "Impact of EPA's Final Vapor Intrusion Guidance on the Regulated Community" by Dr. Helen Dawson and "Demonstration/Validation of Passive Samplers for Vapor Intrusion Assessment" by Dr. Todd McAlary. For more information and to register, see please visit https://serdp-estcp.org/Tools-and-Training/Webinar-Series/01-14-2016.
ITRC LNAPL Training Parts 1, 2, and 3 - January 21, 26, 28, 2016. Light non-aqueous phase liquids (LNAPLs) are organic liquids such as gasoline, diesel, and other petroleum hydrocarbon products that are immiscible with water and less dense than water. LNAPLs are important because they are present in the subsurface at thousands of remediation sites across the country, and are frequently the focus of assessment and remediation efforts. Part 1 of this training course explains how LNAPLs behave in the subsurface and examines what controls their behavior. Part 1 also explains what LNAPL data can tell you about the LNAPL and site conditions. Relevant and practical examples are used to illustrate key concepts. Part 2 addresses LNAPL characterization and site conceptual model development as well as LNAPL recovery evaluation and remedial considerations. Specifically, Part 2 discusses key LNAPL and site data, when and why those data may be important, and how to get those data. Part 2 also discusses how to evaluate LNAPL recoverability. Part 3 uses the LNAPL conceptual site model (LCSM) approach to identify the LNAPL concerns or risks and set proper LNAPL remedial objectives and technology-specific remediation goals and performance metrics. Part 3 also provides an overview of the LNAPL remedial technology selection framework. For more information and to register, see http://www.itrcweb.org or https://clu-in.org/live.
ITRC Issues and Options in Human Health Risk Assessment - A Resource When Alternatives to Default Parameters and Scenarios are Proposed - February 2, 2016, 1:00PM-3:15PM EST (18:00-20:15 GMT). After participating in this ITRC training course, the learner will be able to apply ITRC's Decision Making at Contaminated Sites: Issues and Options in Human Health Risk (RISK-3, 2015) document when developing or reviewing site-specific risk assessments by: identifying common issues encountered when alternatives to default parameters and scenarios are proposed during the planning, data evaluation, toxicity, exposure assessment, and risk characterization and providing possible options for addressing these issues; recognizing the value of proper planning and the role of stakeholders in the development and review of risk assessments; and providing information (that includes links to additional resources and tools) to support decision making when alternatives to default approaches, scenarios and parameters are proposed. For more information and to register, see http://www.itrcweb.org or http://clu-in.org/live.
ITRC Environmental Molecular Diagnostics: New Tools for Better Decisions - February 4, 2016, 1:00PM-3:15PM EST (18:00-20:15 GMT). Environmental molecular diagnostics (EMDs) are a group of advanced and emerging analytical techniques used to analyze biological and chemical characteristics of environmental samples. Although EMDs have been used over the past 25 years in various scientific fields, particularly medical research and diagnostic fields, their application to environmental remediation management is relatively new and rapidly developing. The ITRC Environmental Molecular Diagnostics Fact Sheets (EMD-1, 2011), ITRC Environmental Molecular Diagnostics Technical and Regulatory Guidance (EMD-2, 2013) and this companion Internet-based training will foster the appropriate uses of EMDs and help regulators, consultants, site owners, and other stakeholders to better understand a site and to make decisions based on the results of EMD analyses. At the conclusion of the training, learners should be able to determine when and how to use the ITRC Environmental Molecular Diagnostics Technical and Regulatory Guidance (EMD-2, 2013); define when EMDs can cost-effectively augment traditional remediation data sets; and describe the utility of various types of EMDs during remediation activities. For more information and to register, see http://www.itrcweb.org or http://clu-in.org/live.
New Documents and Web Resources
Technology News and Trends (EPA 542-N-15-002). Greener cleanup best management practices (BMPs) can reduce the environmental footprint of activities involved in remediating contaminated sites. Each feature article in this issue of Technology News & Trends provides site-specific examples of footprint reductions addressing one or more of the five core elements of a greener cleanup as outlined in the U.S. EPA Principles for Greener Cleanups. The articles also highlight quantitative and qualitative improvements in project outcomes as a result of implementing the BMPs (Fall 2015). View at http://clu-in.org/tnandt/1115. Characterization, Modeling, Monitoring, and Remediation of Fractured Rock. This report examines the state of practice and state of art in the characterization of fractured rock and the chemical and biological processes related to subsurface contaminant fate and transport. Many new characterization tools have been developed in the last 20 years along with a greater appreciation for the importance of chemical and biological processes that can occur in the fractured rock environment. The findings of this report are particularly applicable to engineered repositories for buried or stored waste and to fractured rock sites that have been contaminated as a result of past disposal or other practices (2015, 244 pages). View or download at http://www.nap.edu/catalog/21742/characterization-modeling-monitoring-and-remediation-of-fractured-rock. Assessment of Mitigation Systems on Vapor Intrusion: Temporal Trends, Attenuation Factors, and Contaminant Migration Routes under Mitigated and Non-Mitigated Conditions (EPA 600-R-13-241). In 2011, researchers began an investigation into the general principles of how vapors enter into a single residence study site, a highly instrumented pre-1920 residential duplex located in Indianapolis, Indiana. This report, the second in a series of reports based on that research, examines the efficiency of a subslab depressurization system to prevent and remove radon and VOCs with reference to (a) subsurface conditions that influence the movement of VOCs and radon into the home; (b) system effects on VOC and radon concentrations; and (c) the influence of a winter capping event on vapor movement into the home (June 2015, 608 pages). View or download at https://clu-in.org/download/issues/vi/VI-EPA-600-R-13-241.pdf. Determination of the Biologically Relevant Sampling Depth for Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecological Risk Assessments. Ecological risk assessors are frequently faced with the challenge of defining the biologically active zone, or biotic zone, in soils and sediments during the design and interpretation of soil and sediment sampling programs. With respect to terrestrial assessments, this study uses a meta-analysis approach to quantify the zone of highest biological activity for soil-dwelling ecological receptors commonly utilized in ecological risk assessments. For decisions related to ecological assessment or remediation in aquatic scenarios, we develop practical default values for the depth of the biotic zone (i.e., biologically relevant sampling depth) in various habitats based on the 80th percentile of abundance or biomass depth distributions. In areas populated by a high density of deep dwelling organisms such as those listed in this paper, the biotic zone may be somewhat deeper than our recommended values. View or download at: http://cfpub.epa.gov/ncea/erasc/recordisplay.cfm?deid=310058. Technology Innovation News Survey Corner. The Technology Innovation News Survey contains market/commercialization information; reports on demonstrations, feasibility studies and research; and other news relevant to the hazardous waste community interested in technology development. Recent issues, complete archives, and subscription information is available at https://clu-in.org/products/tins/. The following resources were included in recent issues:
CO2 Sparging: Phase 2 Full-Scale Implementation and Monitoring Report, LCP Chemicals Site, Brunswick, GA
Pilot Study Implementation Report [ISCO], Evandale Avenue Sources, Middlefield-Ellis-Whisman Regional Groundwater Remediation Program, Mountain View, California
An Updated Look at PCBs
In-Situ Arsenic Removal During Groundwater Recharge Through Unsaturated Alluvium
Wildlife Toxicity Assessments for Chemicals of Military Concern
EUGRIS Corner. New Documents on EUGRIS, the platform for European contaminated soil and water information. More than 9 resources, events, projects and news items were added to EUGRIS in December 2015. These can be viewed at http://www.eugris.info/whatsnew.asp . Then select the appropriate month and year for the updates in which you are interested. The following resource was posted on EUGRIS: SR2008 No 27: Mobile Plant for the Treatment of Soils and Contaminated Material, Substances or Products. Updated by the UK's Environment Agency in 2015, this document lists standard rules to operate a mobile plant for the treatment of soils and contaminated material, substances or products and includes a link to the deployment form.View or download at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/standard-rules-sr2008-number-27 Promising Intervention to Capture and Degrade Fuel Spills in Antarctic Soils. In the December 10, 2015 Issue 439 of Science for Environment Policy from the European Commission, results from a 2005 PRB project are highlighted. This project involved a narrow trench dug downstream of a fuel spill at Casey Station, Antarctica. A PRB was inserted to release nutrients in a sequenced fashion. The PRB was monitored over time to measure its effectiveness at bioremediation. View or download at http://ec.europa.eu/environment/integration/research/newsalert/pdf/promising_intervention_to_capture_and_degrade_fuel_spills_in_Antarctic_soils_439na5_en.pdf
Upcoming Events
CHANGE THE CLIMATE, FIRST ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL GATHERING
FEBRUARY 25-27, 2016 AT MOUNT ROYAL UNIVERSITY
Alberta Ecotrust is seeking partners in presenting Change The Climate, Alberta’s first annual Environmental Gathering in February at Mount Royal
University.
For 24 years Alberta Ecotrust has played a unique role on the environmental landscape. As an important intermediary organization, Alberta Ecotrust builds trust and focuses on solutions. With a vast network and deep understanding of the environmental issues, players and policies in Alberta, Alberta Ecotrust brings people from industry and environmental groups together to address Alberta’s emerging environmental challenges. With support from concerned citizens, small businesses, foundations and their corporate and environmental partners, they have invested in close to 600 environmental projects in Alberta over the last 24 years. Their programs build bridges, support collaborative leadership and invest in high impact organizations and environmental initiatives that benefit communities across the province. With it’s expertise in convening, connecting and facilitating collaboration combined with their extensive data on networks and capacity of the environmental nonprofit sector Alberta Ecotrust is well positioned to improve how ENGOs engage with their communities and invest in their strategic capacity to more positively, collectively and effectively solve the environmental problems facing all Albertans. Through Change The Climate Alberta Ecotrust will gather the sector together in one place to improve how ENGOs connect in meaningful ways with each other, with industry and with government. Change the Climate will offer small businesses and large corporate sponsors alike a premier opportunity to showcase their commitment to environmental stewardship and authentic community engagement. Together with their partners, sponsors and participants they hope to change the climate on how we all work together in the future and create further connections, capacity and collaboration on the environment.
Change the Climate is the first step in Alberta Ecotrust’s long-term goal of gathering environmental champions annually to identify issues of highest common priority across sectors, discover strategic opportunities and facilitate widespread cooperative action on Alberta’s environment. There are many ways to get involved, and potential for engagement as a presenter or panel member. Please visit our website at www.albertaecotrust.com or call us at 403-209-2245 to learn more. “At Cenovus, we’re committed to being a responsible developer of one of Canada’s most valuable resources – the
oil sands. And taking care of the environment is an important part of what we do. That’s why we partner with organizations like Alberta Ecotrust. Their deep understanding of the Alberta environmental non-profit sector allows them to facilitate strategic, collaborative partnerships between a variety of stakeholders across the province. They
challenge all of us to help create a healthy ecosystem for all Albertans.” - Kendall Dilling, Vice-President Environment & Regulatory, Cenovus Energy
BEST 2016 Call for Abstracts and Early Registration Information
May 25 to 27, 2016 | Fairmont Chateau Whistler Save up to $150 on regular price!
The British Columbia Environment Industry Association’s BEST Conference is the premier Environmental Business Conference in the province of British Columbia. Conference registration includes: welcoming reception, two days of programming (technical sessions and panel discussions), off-site networking reception, and all meals and coffee breaks.
CALL FOR ABSTRACTS
Presenters receive 50% off the conference registration price!
The British Columbia Environment Industry Association invites submissions of papers and technical presentations for its second annual Bettering Environmental Stewardship and Technology (BEST 2015) Conference to be held in beautiful Whistler, BC May 25 – 27, 2016. Papers and presentations are encouraged in, but not limited to, the following areas:
Air Quality
Clean Energy
Construction and Municipal Infrastructure
Contaminated Sites Innovative Technologies / Practices, Case Studies, Lessons-Learned
Emergency Spill Response
Environmental Assessment & Permitting
Environmental Law & Case Studies
Environmental Policy Initiatives
First Nations Consultation & Partnerships
Large Projects Mines, Dams, Road Infrastructure, Terminals, Industrial Properties
LEED Building
Mining
Oil & Gas
Sustainable Business Practice Case Studies
Upcoming Major Project Updates and Successes in Western Canada
The preliminary selection of papers and presentations will be based on submitted abstracts and reviewed by a panel of peers. Abstracts should be no more than 500 words, should include a presenter biography, the subject(s) you feel your presentation best suits, and must be received by January 15, 2016.
Please send submissions via e-mail to [email protected] Notification of acceptance will be given by February 12, 2016. Full presentations must be submitted by April 15, 2016.
Download the Call for Abstracts
Visit the BEST2016 Conference website for more information at BestConference.net
Clean technologies are the focus of the Innovation Expo at GLOBE 2016. Why? Because we believe our economy is on the brink of major transformation, and the cleantech sector will play an important role in providing innovative, efficient, and cost-cutting solutions to some of industry’s toughest challenges. GLOBE 2016 is also focused like never before on connecting people and companies so they can build their networks, forge partnerships, and do business. One of our new B2B tools and services this year, is the launch of a state-of-the-art B2B software platform, GLOBE MaX, to help delegates and exhibitors connect and do business with each other from December 2015 through to summer 2016. Being part of the GLOBE MaX community has a number of benefits:
View and search the profiles of the other funders, investors, buyers, and suppliers
Send direct messages to others in GLOBE MaX (your personal contact information remains private)
Schedule 1:1 meetings with contacts
Create your own unique profile which helps others identify with your conference objectives
Participate and build relationships through technical discussions and challenge-pitches;
Discover which contacts from Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn are also online
SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY: Try out the B2B networking platform for free - and with no obligation to attend
GLOBE - until January 15, 2016*.
To take advantage of this limited time opportunity, simply email [email protected] to set up your GLOBE MaX profile and start connecting with high-value contacts. For more information and to *Register for the GLOBE 2016 conference visit: http://www.globeseries.com/register/ or check out our website to learn more about why you should attend the Innovation Expo as either an Investor, Buyer or a Solution provider.
Air & Waste Management Association Canadian Prairie and Northern Section
EDMONTON LUNCHEON ANNOUNCEMENT
Friday, January 8, 2015
Separating Organic Waste at Source in the Business Sector
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ About the Presentation ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dr. McCartney will provide some basis definitions and facts about biodegradable organic waste in the business sector. He will also discuss the benefits of diverting these materials from our landfills. The objectives of his presentation are: (1) to share some best practices for source separation; and (2) share some lessons learned at the University of Alberta. Biodegradable organic waste can be used as feedstock for anaerobic digestion, composting, and/or thermal conversion processes. Source separation involves the segregation of organic materials from other items by the generator of the waste. Some best management practices used to encourage participation and reduce contamination will be discussed. An overview of the contamination mitigation and management strategies used in various SSO programs will also be presented along with the results of a pilot project at the University of Alberta.
Presenter: Daryl McCartney, Ph.D., P.Eng., Professor, U of A Dr. Daryl McCartney is a Professor of Environmental Engineering at the University of Alberta. He is also the Executive Director & Director of Research at the Edmonton Waste Management Centre of Excellence, a not-for-profit agency supporting waste management research, development, and education. Dr. McCartney has developed a successful research and teaching career in wastewater treatment and solid waste management. His current research program is focused on organic waste utilization, e.g. source separation of ICI organics; integrating anaerobic digestion processes into existing composting facilities; optimization of full-scale composting facilities; and plant and human pathogen inactivation during composting. During his career, he has authored or co-authored over 170 journal manuscripts, conference papers, and technical report publications. Dr. McCartney currently sits on the editorial board of the Journal of Compost Science & Utilization; and the University of Alberta’s Waste Diversion Working Group. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ New for the Luncheons This Year ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ To speed up registration this year, we asked that attendees sign up online, in advance, at the following link: http://cpans.org/events/ Advance registration is quick and easy. Payments will be processed with a credit card through PayPal and receipts are printable right away. Note, only cash or cheque will be accepted at the door this season. No credit cards will be accepted at the door. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ About the Luncheon ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The luncheon is scheduled for Friday, January 8, 2016. The luncheon will be a short reception followed by a buffet lunch. Reservations are accepted until noon, Wednesday, January 6, 2016 at 12 noon. Please note: If you register for a luncheon and do not attend, we reserve the right to invoice you if you do not cancel your registration prior to this date. Location: The University of Alberta Faculty Club (11435, Saskatchewan Drive), Papaschase Room (upstairs, right) Date: Friday, January 8, 2016 Time: 11:30 to 1:00 p.m. (registration starts at 11:30) Cost: $30 - A&WMA Members / $40 - Non-Members / $15 – Students (includes hot lunch & coffee). All prices include GST.
2016 Edmonton Lunch and Learn Series
We are pleased to announce the upcoming Edmonton Lunch and Learn:
Teck Coal Ltd., Elkview Operations: Conceptual Reclamation Planning and Developing an
Effective Native Tree and Shrub Planting Program
Registration form is available on the CLRA website.
Thursday, January 28, 2016
11:30 a.m. - 1:15 p.m. (Doors open at 11:15 a.m.)
Royal Glenora Club - 11160 River Valley Road, Edmonton
Speaker: John Przeczek, R.P.F.
PRYZM Environmental Ltd., Cranbrook, B.C.
Deadline for registration is January 21, 2016.
Should you have any questions please contact: Christine Johnson at 780-458-7787 ext 117 or [email protected]
The Emerging Contaminants Summit, Westminster, Colorado, March 1-2, 2016. Brought to you by
the producers of the RemTEC Summit, the Emerging Contaminants Summit is a brand new conference dedicated to the latest developments in the detection, fate and transport, risk assessment, treatment and regulation of emerging contaminants. The summit draws leaders and key stakeholders from academia, government, regulatory community as well as site owners, private consulting agencies and various other environmental professionals to discuss the mitigation of emerging contaminants across all environmental media including surface water, groundwater, drinking water, wastewater, recycled water and soils. This year, USEPA staff will present or chair sessions on a variety of topics including Steve Dyment (Analytical, Toxicity, Regulatory and Legal Frontiers), Hilary Thornton (Characterization And Mitigation of Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) and Rick Stevens (Trace Organics in Biosolids: A Regulatory Perspective).The early bird registration deadline is January 29, 2016. For more information and to register, see http://www.contaminantssummit.com/.
Intersol 2016 - International Conference-Exhibition on Soils, Sediments and Water, Lille,
France, March 15-17, 2016. Intersol 2016 themes cover polluted sites and soils and health risks, pollution diagnoses, and research on toxicological and eco-toxicological effects. For more information and to register, see http://www.intersol.fr/.
Petroleum Vapor Intrusion: Fundamentals of Screening, Investigation, and Management - ITRC 2-day Classroom Training, Denver, CO, May 9-10, 2016. This 2-day ITRC classroom training is based on the ITRC Technical and Regulatory Guidance Web-Based Document, Petroleum Vapor Intrusion: Fundamentals of Screening, Investigation, and Management (PVI-1, 2014) and led by internationally recognized experts. The class will enable you to develop on-the-job skills to screen-out petroleum sites based on the scientifically-supported ITRC strategy and checklist; focus the limited resources investigating those PVI sites that truly represent an unacceptable risk; communicate ITRC PVI strategy and justify science-based decisions to management, clients, and the public; understand the essential principles of biodegradation and the fundamentals of vapor movement through the vadose zone; and appreciate the important role of modeling in the investigation of petroleum sites. Interactive learning with classroom exercises and Q&A sessions will reinforce these course learning objectives. You will also have the opportunity to network with other environmental professionals. For local, state, and federal government; students; community stakeholders; and tribal representatives, ITRC has a limited number of scholarships (waiver of registration fee only) available. For more information and to register, see http://www.itrcweb.org/training.
CALL FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST: ALBERTA MISSION TO THE ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK The Government of Alberta is collaborating with the Embassy of Canada based in Manila, Philippines, and the Governments of Saskatchewan and Quebec to coordinate a development mission to the Philippines in March 2016. The mission will be held in conjunction with the 7th annual Asian Development Bank (ADB) Business Opportunities Fair (BOF) and will focus on international development project opportunities in the region. Following the BOF in Manila, participants are invited to take part in a side mission to a secondary country that is a primary market for the ADB. Please see the attached for additional information. If you are interested in this opportunity, please respond to this email and we will send you additional details as soon as they become available. For additional information, you are also invited to join a webinar hosted by the Embassy of Canada in the Philippines on Monday, January 11 at 4:30 pm MST. The webinar: How to maximize your participation at the ADB’s BOF will feature program overviews from Marciano “Butch” Dela Cruz, Jr., Business Opportunities Outreach Initiatives, ADB and Mr. Xuguang Huang, Trade Commissioner, Embassy of Canada in Manila. If you are interested in participating in the webinar, please email [email protected] before January 8, 2016.
For more information visit ESAA’s Job Board under the news section of HTUwww.esaa.org UTH
Laboratory Manager – Edmonton
Term: Full-Time Number of Positions: 1 Application Deadline: January 21, 2016 Job Location: Edmonton
CARO Analytical Services is a Western-Canadian based environmental analytical laboratory that provides professional analytical testing services to public and private clients throughout Canada. With operations in Richmond, Kelowna and Edmonton, we provide our clients with complete peace of mind through the highest level of product, service and technical excellence.
Our operations have seen steady growth that we plan to continue into the future. To support this, we are seeking a client focused Laboratory Manager for our Edmonton operation. This position is an excellent opportunity for a laboratory professional who brings proven client management skills, management experience and good technical understanding of the environmental laboratory business. Core responsibilities will include:
Client Development – Support growth objectives by maintaining and building client relationships.
Workload Management – Oversee resources (people, equipment, and facility) to ensure that work commitments are completed within established performance targets.
People Management – Maintain a high-performance culture and a positive work environment. Ensure awareness of company policies, procedures, goals, and objectives.
Technical Leadership – Work with team to develop and refine methods through technical guidance and expertise.
At CARO, we are proud of our high performance culture based on core values of purpose, performance and harmony. Candidates must be able to demonstrate high-performance attributes including: a) showing accountability by taking ownership and leading by example; b) being customer-focus; c) accelerating change by championing new ideas; d) supporting team vs. self-success; e) demonstrating professionalism, showing respect and inspiring confidence; f) showing authenticity and transparency; g) creating positive energy and inspiring others; and h) demonstrating excellence in their field of specialization.
Additionally, candidates should have least 5 years laboratory experience in an environmental laboratory or closely related position; and a post-secondary degree or diploma in a chemical or biological science related discipline.
As a growing company, CARO Analytical Services provides an exciting work environment, opportunity to learn, potential for career advancement, and competitive remuneration and benefits. In this role, you will be given the opportunity to build and enhance existing practices, and will also have the opportunity to make your mark in the organization. If you aspire to a career with a thriving, fast-paced environmental laboratory and work with the best team in the business, consider CARO.
Please respond with cover letter and resume by January 21, 2016 to:
![NACEASTM G19310a Available to NACE Members Only[1]](https://static.documents.pub/doc/80x56/55247a8e4a7959bc488b4792/naceastm-g19310a-available-to-nace-members-only1.jpg)
