inside this issue · into environment canada’s monitoring activities. and she warned more clarity...
TRANSCRIPT
An Information Service for Alberta’s Environment Industry The Week Ending October 10th,2014
U
Inside this Issue:
• AB Auditor General Finds Oilsands Monitoring Lacking
• Sediment from Mount Polley Mine Dam Collapse Found Deep in Quesnel Lake
• Fed. Gov’t Falling Further Behind on Emissions Reductions, Audit Finds
• New Member • Job Board • and much more ….
U
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] T HTTTUwww.esaa.orgUTTH T
Comments & submissions are welcome!
Please submit your announcement via e-mail to:
...environmental integrity through
innovative business solutions
ALBERTA RECYCLING REGULATORY AMENDMENTS In late 2013, the Alberta government consulted on proposed changes to Alberta’s recycling regulatory framework. Consultation details and results can be found at: http://esrd.alberta.ca/waste/default.aspx.
Based on the results of these consultations, policy research, and data analysis, regulatory amendments are being developed to:
· Consolidate Alberta’s eight existing recycling regulations under one regulation – the Designated Materials Recycling Regulation;
· Remove specified maximum environmental fees from regulation while still ensuring consumer protection;
· Expand the electronics program to include small appliances, audio/visual equipment, telecommunication equipment and power tools; and
· Expand the used oil materials recycling program to include other automotive fluid containers.
The target for the completion of a regulatory package for decision makers’ review is Winter 2015.
For the remaining items included in the designated materials recycling regulation consultation, the results indicated a need for additional research and discussion before final recommendations can be developed. In the months ahead, further consultation will take place on: extended producer responsibility and potential programs for managing packaging and printed paper and household hazardous waste.
Information and updates will continue to be posted on the Environment and Sustainable Resource Development Waste page at: http://esrd.alberta.ca/waste/default.aspx. Please continue to check the site periodically for further information.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What are the next steps regarding the regulatory amendments? Work on these regulatory amendments is underway. The target for the completion of a regulatory package for decision makers’ review is Winter 2015. What are the major changes the regulatory amendments will achieve? The amendments will achieve four main goals: 1. Consolidate existing recycling regulations.
The eight currently existing recycling regulations in Alberta will be consolidated into one regulation, the Designated Materials Recycling Regulation. The regulation will include the following designated materials, and their related managing boards: the paint, tires, and electronics recycling programs managed by the Alberta Recycling Management Authority; the used oil materials recycling program managed by the Alberta Used Oil Management Association; and the beverage container recycling program managed by the Beverage Container Management Board.
2. Develop environmental fee-setting criteria.
Specific maximum environmental fees will be removed from regulation. Instead, the regulation will identify the environmental fee-setting criteria that managing boards will be required to follow when they assess or change environmental fees on designated materials. 3. Expand Alberta’s existing electronics recycling program.
The program -- which currently only includes televisions and computer equipment -- will be expanded to include small appliances, audio/visual equipment, telecommunications equipment, and power tools. Suppliers (e.g., manufacturers, brand owners, retailers) of these products into the Alberta market will be required to remit applicable environmental fees to the Alberta Recycling Management Authority, and are allowed to pass the environmental fees on to their customers if they so choose. 4. Expand Alberta’s existing used oil materials recycling program.
The program will be expanded to include diesel exhaust fluid containers and anti-freeze/ coolant containers. Suppliers of these products into the Alberta market will be required to remit applicable environmental fees to the Alberta Used Oil Management Association, and are allowed to pass the environmental fees on to their customers if they so choose. When will the regulatory amendments come into effect? Work on the regulatory amendments is underway. Completion of a regulatory package for decision makers’ review is anticipated for Winter 2015. Specific timing for implementing the regulatory changes, particularly the expansions of the used oil and electronics programs, will be determined in discussion with decision-makers, managing boards, and suppliers who must comply with the regulation. Why is additional consultation going to take place on extended producer responsibility, and potential programs for managing packaging and printed paper, and household hazardous waste? The consultation results indicated that while many stakeholders showed support for extended producer responsibility and related programs, there are a number of issues requiring further research and consultation. Across sectors, many stakeholders requested more detail on what the proposed changes would mean to them, their organizations, and their future activities in Alberta.
Further research, discussion and analysis are needed before final policy recommendations can be developed. What happens next in regards to additional consultation on extended producer responsibility, packaging and printed paper, and household hazardous waste? The details of this process are being developed and once finalized will be posted on the Environment and Sustainable Resource Development Waste page at: http://esrd.alberta.ca/waste/default.aspx. Please continue to check the site periodically for further information. Who do I contact for more information? Please send any questions or information requests to [email protected]
ALBERTA AUDITOR GENERAL FINDS OILSANDS MONITORING LACKING
(Source: The Canadian Press ) CALGARY – Alberta’s auditor general says a report from the Alberta and federal governments on their much-vaunted joint oilsands monitoring program took too long to release and was flawed.
Merwan Saher examined the first report from the Joint Canada-Alberta Plan for Oilsands Monitoring and said he found many elements lacking.
“The report lacked clarity and key information and contained inaccuracies,” he told reporters Tuesday. He said it was “disturbing” that the report covering the year ended March 31, 2013 was not released until June of this year, nine months after the targeted release date.
“The lack of timeliness made the report less relevant,” Saher said in the audit.
Important events took place in the 15 months between the year’s end and the report’s release, including the establishment of the Alberta Environmental Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting Agency (AEMERA) and the withdrawal of key First Nations groups from the plan.
“Despite the significance of these events to the joint plan implementation and to Albertans, the report did not mention them because it only covered the period that ended on March 31, 2013. “
In early 2012, Alberta and Ottawa announced a three-year plan to work together to track the oilsands’ effects on air, water and biodiversity in northern Alberta. It has been described as a “world-class” system by politicians looking to blunt some of the attacks on the controversial industry, which have contributed to lengthy delays in getting new pipelines built.
Oilsands operators are to provide up to $50 million to fund the program annually. During the program’s first two years, the companies paid for the monitoring directly, but the government now has more control over that work.
Saher said the first report contains inaccuracies and makes it hard to discern what tasks have been completed and whether the program is on track. He also flags weak project management on the part of the Department of Environment and Sustainable Resource Development, and poor communication between the two levels of government.
A separate report released Tuesday by the federal environment watchdog, Julie Gelfand, took a more positive view toward the joint monitoring program.
“We conclude that Environment Canada has implemented most of the projects we examined according to their 2013-14 timelines and budgets. The department has also established quality assurance and quality control procedures and standard operating protocols for each examined project,” Gelfand said in her first report as Canada’s commissioner of the environment and sustainable development.
However, she said more should be done to consult First Nations and to incorporate traditional ecological knowledge into Environment Canada’s monitoring activities. And she warned more clarity is needed on what the department’s role in oilsands monitoring will be after March 2015.
Saher did note some improvements since the program’s first year, but those were not examined in the latest audit.
AEMERA, the arms-length agency established in April that is now in charge of Alberta’s role in the joint plan, said the auditor general has asked for a formal plan outlining how it intends to address his findings by Oct. 30.
A number of steps have already been taken, it said. For example, its next annual report will be released in two phases to avoid unnecessary delays. A report on how the plan’s implementation is coming along will be released later this week, and a separate one on the more scientific elements is expected to be released in February.
“We think the auditor general’s recommendations are valid and we’re confident that AEMERA’s going to address them appropriately,” said Jason Maloney, a spokesman for Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development.
Alberta NDP environment critic Rachel Notley said she’s not holding her breath that oilsands oversight is going to improve under the governing Progressive Conservatives, especially with industry funding monitoring through a “fox-guarding-the-henhouse kind of model.”
“I think that the so-called world-class monitoring plan was always more about the press release than the delivery and the auditor general’s review demonstrates that more clearly than almost anything else could.”
Alberta Auditor General Report – October 2014 Report
SLOCAN VALLEY WOMAN SEEKS TO FILE FISHERIES ACT CHARGES OVER
FUEL SPILL (Source: Vancouver Sun) OTTAWA — A B.C. woman frustrated by government inaction has launched a private prosecution over a 33,000-litre spill of jet fuel into Lemon Creek in the Slocan Valley last year.
Marilyn Burgoon, who lives just south of the spill area, said the July 2013 spill was a clear violation of a federal Fisheries Act prohibition that prohibits deposit of any “deleterious substance” into water “frequented by fish.”
The spill, from a tanker truck owned by Calgary-based Executive Flight Centre Fuel Services Inc., caused the death of hundreds of fish, according to a 2013 report by SNC-Lavalin done for the company and the B.C. Environment Ministry.
The report was made available to provincial nor federal environment authorities, which both have the power to file Fisheries Act charges. Yet neither has gone after the company.
A statement from the B.C. environment ministry this week confirmed that, after a “detailed investigation” following the spill last summer, the case was closed with
no recommendation for charges.
No reason was given and Environment Canada wouldn’t discuss the issue other than to say in a statement Thursday that it has been “working in cooperation” with its B.C. counterpart, which according to Ottawa is the “lead agency” dealing with the incident.
Burgoon’s private prosecution, which is allowed under the federal legislation, is being financially assisted by the West Coast Environmental Law organization.
“I’ve been waiting on the ministries of the Environment, both federal and provincial, to file charges,” she said Wednesday in an interview. “I’m doing what I consider is a citizenship responsibility on behalf of fish that don’t really have a voice in this situation.”
The Harper government, when it watered down the federal Fisheries Act prohibitions against harming fish and fish habitat, stressed that it was toughening penalties to prove it is serious about protecting fish.
The new legislation included a $500,000 minimum fine for large corporations and a maximum of $6 million on a first indictable offence, doubling for second offences. The previous maximum was $300,000.
It also included a new maximum fine for individuals of up to $1 million for indictable offences involving “serious” harm to fish.
But former federal fisheries biologist Otto Langer, a frequent critic of his former employer, ridiculed the notion Ottawa wants a “tough on crime” policy when it comes to fish and the environment.
“Talking tough and being tough are two different things. It’s like Harper talking tough on the Middle East,” he said. “The message is pretty clear for civil servants to not lay charges and back off of industry at any cost.”
Burgoon’s lawyer, Lilina Lysenko, said she expects to make her case to a provincial court judge in November that a summons should be issued.
The spill involved a tanker carrying jet fuel for helicopters dealing with a forest fire. The tanker went off the road and down an embankment into Lemon Creek, a tributary of the Slocan and Kootenay rivers.
The SNC-Lavalin report said 261 dead fish were recovered, primarily mountain whitefish, torrent sculpin and rainbow trout, while “vast numbers” of dead benthic invertebrates were observed in Lemon Creek and the Slocan River.
“The number of deceased fish is likely higher than the numbers physically removed by crews deployed during the emergency response,” the report noted.
Of the 32,850 litres spilled, just 2,150 litres were recovered by a vacuum truck. Response teams removed 1,600 tonnes of contaminated soil along with 20 tonnes of “contaminated absorbent material and vegetation,” according to SNC-Lavalin.
The report said that jet roughly a third of the jet fuel likely evaporated within 24 hours of the spill, and the rest within nine to 12 days.
But Langer said he visited the site several months after the spill and could smell the fuel 30 metres from the creek.
Provincial New Democrat MLAs blasted Environment Minister Mary Polak in the legislature in May, saying that jet fuel is still being found in the creek, while residents who have suffered financial losses haven’t been compensated.
“So much for ‘polluter pays,’” scoffed Kootenay West MLA Katrine Conroy.
Polak said that while the government still believes strongly in the “polluter pay” principle, she couldn’t comment on compensation issues due to civil lawsuits filed by community members who claim they suffered damages.
“I know that this has been just an awful experience for the community in and around Lemon Creek,” she added.
“I can’t say enough about the community members and especially organizations like the Slocan River
Streamkeepers and how they have participated and worked with us as a ministry. There is ongoing monitoring taking place and ongoing remediation.”
Calgary lawyer Martin Ignasiak said private prosecutions under the Fisheries Act are usually stayed by the Attorney General’s office. Often Crown prosecutors will consider whether the accused can successfully defend the charge by claiming they undertook reasonable “due diligence” at the time of the incident.
“Some of the issues that might be taken into consideration in that type of scenario is, ‘why was the person on that road and at whose direction, and was the road properly maintained or not?’”
SEDIMENT FROM MOUNT POLLEY MINE DAM COLLAPSE FOUND DEEP IN QUESNEL LAKE
University of Northern B.C. researchers found plume extends over an area of ‘many’ tens of square
kilometres at depth of about 25 metres
(Source: Vancouver Sun) A cloud of sediment from the collapse of the tailings dam at Imperial Metals’ Mount Polley mine extends over “many” tens of square kilometres, deep below the surface of Quesnel Lake, shows research by the University of Northern B.C.
The tailing dam failure on Aug. 4 released millions of cubic metres of water and tailings containing potentially toxic metals into Polley Lake adjacent to the mine, Hazeltine Creek and Quesnel Lake.
Residents in Likely, on the shores of Quesnel River near the mine site, have raised concerns about the cloud of sediment that appears and disappears from time to time, described as a “funny” green colour.
The B.C. government and Imperial Metals have acknowledged the plume, but UNBC’s research is the first to characterize the size of the sediment cloud.
“In a matter of a few hours, the watershed was affected at an extent never before seen, and that will possibly last for decades,” said UNBC professor Phil Owens.
The plume of sediment, typically located below 25 metres, is moving both down the lake towards the town of Likely and up the lake past Cariboo Island, UNBC’s research shows.
There is a concern that sediments from the plume could accumulate in Quesnel River but also in the deltas of rivers up the lake, including the Horsefly River, an important sockeye salmon spawning river, said Owens.
Researchers investigating the affects of the tailings dam collapse — which includes scientists from UNBC and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans — are concerned about the potential for heavy metals to accumulate up the food chain, explained Owens.
Research is beginning on microscopic zooplankton, at the bottom of the food chain, and samples are about to be sent off for testing, said Owens.
To determine the long-term implications for lake trout and salmon will probably take a couple of years, he said, adding UNBC is seeking funding for a four- to five-year study.
“It’s nice to be able to say at the moment that drinking water standards are pretty good and the plume is quite diffused. But if things concentrate down into certain focus areas such as gravel beds, which is key for the salmon and lots of different organisms, I think that could then be more of a concern,” said Owens, the research chair of land ecology at UNBC.
“We don’t know the answer to that yet,” he said.
The Quesnel Lake watershed is an important salmon spawning ground for Fraser River runs, particularly for sockeye. About one million sockeye spawn in the watershed each year.
Imperial Metals has argued the effects on the environment should not be great from the tailings, as its acid-generating potential is neutralized by the significant amount of carbonate in the rock.
UNBC water sample analysis shows the plume comprises very fine particles with a median diameter of about one micron (a human hair is 40 to 50 microns).
The university operates the Quesnel River Research Centre, just a few kilometres downstream of Quesnel Lake, and staff began a sampling and monitoring program the same day the tailings dam collapsed.
Owens says it remains unclear how much tailings ended up in the lake or the creek, and that continuing research will be needed to determine that.
Imperial Metals has hired consultants Tetra Tech EBA, which has an 11-metre research boat on Quesnel Lake, carrying out bottom sampling and water testing. The company has not released results of that work yet.
The company has also produced a rehabilitation plan for Hazeltine Creek. Its main thrust is to create a series of collection pools so that sediment can be filtered out before water reaches Quesnel Lake.
The Ministry of Environment says it has not yet accepted Imperial Metals' plan.
The release of tailings and clay from Hazeltine Creek is likely to be a continuing issue when it rains and during snowmelt, noted Owens.
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT FALLING FURTHER BEHIND ON EMISSIONS REDUCTIONS, AUDIT FINDS
(Source: Canadian Press) Julie Gelfand, Canad's commissioner of the environment and sustainable development, addresses a news conference in Ottawa, Tuesday, Oct.7, 2014. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld
OTTAWA - Canada is all but certain to miss its Copenhagen Accord target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2020, the country's environmental watchdog warned Tuesday.
And not only has the Harper government failed to introduce regulations to limit emissions from the oil and gas sector, the fastest growing emitter, it has no plan for meeting the target, Julie Gelfand said in her first report as Canada's commissioner of the environment and sustainable development.
Under the accord, which the government signed in lieu of participating in the Kyoto Protocol, greenhouse gas production was to be cut to 17 per cent below 2005 levels by 2020.
Gelfand's predecessor warned in 2012 that the government was off course and "two years later, the evidence is stronger that growth in emissions will not be reversed in time and that the target will be missed," said the report.
"I think when you make a commitment, you need to keep it," Gelfand told a news conference. "It's very difficult for us in Canada to expect other countries to meet their commitments when Canada can't meet its own."
The government has introduced regulations to govern the automotive and transportation sector, the biggest source of emissions, as well as the area of electricity production.
But Gelfand's report says that while regulations for coal-fired plants are in place, emissions have yet to be reduced because "performance standards take effect only in July 2015, and only apply to new plants or to existing plants when they reach the end of their useful life."
Using Environment Canada data, the commissioner estimated that by 2020, greenhouse gas production in the oil and gas sector will be 27 megatonnes higher than it was in 2012. That's the biggest increase of any sector.
Gelfand also found that detailed, proposed regulations are sitting on the environment minister's desk, but the "federal government has consulted on them only privately, mainly using a small working group of one province and selected industry representatives."
Federal officials told the commissioner implementation has been delayed over "concern about whether regulations would make Canadian companies in the sector less able to compete with their U.S. counterparts," the report said.
Timelines to put reduction measures in place have not been met and there has been little in the way of consultation with the provinces on how to achieve the national emissions target, Gelfand said.
Environment Minister Leona Aglukkaq told the House of Commons that greenhouse gas emissions are 130 megatonnes lower than they would have been under the Liberals, but she didn't say how she arrived at the calculation.
She went on to highlight the restrictions on automobile and electricity emissions.
"These initiatives build on our already impressive record," Aglukkaq said.
But Liberal environment critic John McKay said it's clear the government is not serious about imposing regulations on the energy sector until perhaps well after the next election.
"Canadians are being grossly misled if they think that this government has even the remotest intention of ever trying to achieve any greenhouse gas targets, let alone join the realm of civilized nations," McKay said.
The commissioner's report also tore a strip off Environment Canada, Transport Canada and Fisheries and Oceans Canada, saying mapping and icebreaking services in the Arctic are not what they should be at a time of growing marine traffic in the Far North.
For almost a decade, the government has been talking up issues of sovereignty and resource development in the Arctic, but many high-traffic, high-risk areas remain inadequately surveyed and most of the available charts may not be current or reliable, the report found.
"The Canadian Coast Guard cannot provide assurance to mariners that aids to navigation meet their needs for safe and efficient navigation in high-risk areas of the Arctic," Gelfand concluded.
Aglukkaq said the government is working on northern issues.
"Canada is co-leading, with the United States, a program to enhance the development of international best practices for cruise ships in the Arctic," she said in a statement. "As well, the minister of transport appointed the independent tanker safety expert panel, which is reviewing marine ship-source oil spill prevention, preparedness, and response in the Arctic."
The government did receive good marks for how it is monitoring development of Alberta's oilsands, but Gelfand said more should be done to consult First Nations and to incorporate traditional ecological knowledge into Environment Canada's monitoring activities.
Plans to continue monitoring the project are unclear after March 2015, she warned.
Aglukkaq said the government is committed to meaningful consultation with First Nations, Metis and Inuit communities.
When it comes to deciding which projects are designated for environmental assessment, the rationale is unclear, the commissioner also noted.
In addition, federal departments need to do a better job of flagging individual ministers about the environmental impact of their decisions; in addition, strategic environmental assessments are often not stapled to projects put before cabinet.
New ESAA Member
ESAA’s Board of Directors and staff would like to welcome the following new member: Full Member:
KLS Earthworks Inc. 2882 Glenmore Trail SE Calgary, AB T2C 2E6
Phone: (403) 240-3030 Web: www.klsearthworks.com
Tony Ciarla, Vice President
e-mail: [email protected] Profile: KLS specializes in environmental construction, remediation, and excavation of road interchanges, tower foundations, bridges, storm ponds and commercial building projects. Our elevated standard of safety, quality, and value provides our clients with solutions to their environmental and earthworks challenges.
Upcoming Events
The Alberta Soils Network (ASN) presents “CHANGES TO THE GUIDELINES FOR SUBMISSION OF A PREDISTURBANCE ASSESSMENT AND CONSERVATION AND RECLAMATION PLAN” by Isaac Amponsah, M.Sc., Ph.D., P.Ag. of the Alberta Energy Regulator on October 24, 2014. The event, which is sponsored by Alberta Innovates Technology Futures will be held in Edmonton at Alberta Innovates Technology Futures Auditorium and broadcast across Alberta via weblink. Weblink participants will be sent the weblink access information via email 24 hours prior to the event. Please ensure that your email information registered with the AIA is correct.
EVENT DESCRIPTION: The Predisturbance Assessment and Conservation and Reclamation Plan (PDA/C&R plan) is a document that is required under an Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act (EPEA) approval for Enhanced Recovery In situ Oil Sands and Heavy Oil Processing Plant and Oil Production Sites (In-situ oil sands facility). The PDA/C&R plan is required to provide site-specific information regarding the construction, operation and reclamation of specific footprint components of the overall project. In particular, the PDA/C&R plan provides details regarding baseline biophysical conditions, the proposed disturbance footprints, and the steps that will be taken during the various phases of construction, operation and reclamation to ensure that the disturbed areas will be reclaimed to an equivalent land capability as defined in the Conservation and Reclamation Regulation. Where an EPEA approval has been issued for an In situ oil sands facility, PDA/C&R plans are required for land disturbances and developments pursuant to the EPEA approval and must be submitted to the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER), prior to commencing construction. The approval holder is required to prepare the PDA/C&R plan in accordance with these Guidelines and must implement the PDA/C&R plan as submitted. This presentation provides an overview of the goals of the Guidelines and some updates.
SPEAKER BIOGRAPHY: Isaac Amponsah is a Senior Advisor with Closure and Liability of the AER. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Natural Resource Management from the University of Science and Technology, Ghana, West Africa, and then completed his Master of Science degree in Forest Soils from Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, Ontario and a Doctor of Philosophy degree with specialization in soil science and plant nutrition from the University of Alberta. Isaac’s career started with the Department of Forestry in Ghana as a Forester, then as a Forest Analyst with Canadian Forestry Service, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. He also worked as a Soil Scientist with NorthWind Land Resources Inc. Edmonton. Isaac joined Alberta Sustainable Resource Development as a Land Use Specialist in November 2007 and held different positions until November 4, 2014 when he joined the AER. He currently provides advice on environmental and ecosystem management issues.
REGISTRATION: Members and non-members should register online. Registration closes at 4:00 pm on October 17, 2014. Please note that for group registration for the weblink; each individual attending must register. Only individuals that have registered qualify for AIA Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credits. Should you have questions regarding the event, please contact Alana Clark at 780-792-7469.
Event Schedule:
11:30 – 12:15 Lunch 12:15 – 13:00 Presentation 13:00 – 13:30 Questions & Answers
Date: October 24, 2014 Location: Alberta Innovates Technology Futures Auditorium, 250 Karl Clark Rd NW Edmonton or Weblink Fee: 20.00 for attendance members and nonmembers $12.00 for attendance students (must present valid student ID) $12.00 for weblink members, nonmembers, students Contact: Alana Clark 780-792-7469 Website: http://www.albertaagrologists.ca/default.aspx?page=31
Industry Positions Openings
For more information visit ESAA’s Job Board under the news section of HTUwww.esaa.org UTH
ESAA IS HIRING!
Industry and Government Relations Manager Environmental Services Association of Alberta (ESAA)
The Environmental Services Association of Alberta (ESAA) is a not-for profit, event funded and
membership driven association dedicated to supporting a strong environmental services industry.
The Environmental Association of Alberta (ESAA) was established in 1987, and with over two hundred member organizations it has grown to become one of Canada’s leading environment industry associations. ESAA is an industry association with a business approach to providing programs leading to its member’s corporate success. Since its establishment, ESAA has continued to provide its members with educational publications and conferences much needed in the ever changing environment industry, as well as providing important networking opportunities. ESAA is committed to promoting its many members and their services. ESAA’s mandate is to be a leader in promoting and developing the environmental services industry through education, events and meetings which facilitate productive relationships with relevant organizations and government. Currently, ESAA is seeking an individual to fill the role of Industry and Government Relations Manager who will build upon the goals and opportunities provided in the organizations current business plan and help to continue to strategically build ESAA’s growth in line with the membership needs and regulatory changes. The Industry and Government Relations Manager position is responsible for fostering relationships that will promote ESAA and the industry with other industry sectors and levels of government. This position is responsible for being a bridge between government and ESAA’s membership from which to build and foster relationships, support the messaging of key trends and communicate changes in the regulatory areas which directly impact our membership. Core responsibilities include:
• Support the development and implementation of strategic goals of the Association relating to membership and government relations;
• Create and manage key membership task groups to provide focused feedback on regulatory changes; • Engage with Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Assistant Deputy Ministers and other government and regulatory
officials both provincial and federally (AER, AESRD, etc.); • Build communication and relationships between all regulatory levels and branches; • Promote growth and retention by engaging with members and non-members; • Manage the membership database; • Provide stakeholder engagement and feedback to regulators; • Ensure the efficient and effective delivery of relevant member services, and; • Participate in quarterly board meetings and provide quarterly reports to the Board of Directors.
Other responsibilities include:
• Collaborate with the senior management team to support the efficient and effective operation of the association;
• Work with other members of the senior management team on the development of ESAA’s annual budget and business plan and otherwise as needed;
• Attend tradeshows and conferences to promote ESAA, its events and membership;
• Attend and support all ESAA events, and; • Support the marketing and business development with other organizations locally, nationally or
internationally. ESAA is seeking an innovative and dynamic person with the skill set and background experience needed to build and foster relationships with both industry and government. The individual will be a collaborator with strong interpersonal skills such as being a, effective negotiator confident networker and competent public speaker. Since this position involves communication with high levels of government, industry and our membership, the successful incumbent will have superior communication skills, comfortable with formal and informal verbal and written communication. This position will involve routine travel to meet with its membership, potential members and regulators, as well as to attend tradeshows and conferences to promote ESAA. An estimate of 25-40% of total time will be travel related, however, this travel is planned in advance and flexible for the successful incumbent. This position is a permanent full-time position, with the location flexible provided the successful incumbent would be willing to travel to the home office, located in Edmonton, on a regular basis. Remuneration: Commensurate with experience. ESAA provides a competitive package, based on industry standard and current salary indexes. The position includes a comprehensive health and medical benefit package as well as employer matched RRSP. Deadline: Until a suitable candidate is found Please submit your resume electronically in confidence to the attention of the: Hiring Committee, Environmental Services Association of Alberta- [email protected]
We thank all applicants for their expression of interest however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Please be advised that the potential incumbent will be screened and selected through the Board of Directors who meet quarterly
(October, February, May and August).
Senior Remediation Specialist
Matrix Solutions Inc. is a 100% Canadian-owned environmental and engineering consulting company specializing in providing practical solutions to our clients, both domestically and internationally. Over the years, Matrix has expanded both our service and geographical base and has become a recognized leader in:
• environmental and social impact assessments and audits; • environmental management, planning and regulatory compliance; • environmental site assessment, remediation and reclamation; • environmental monitoring; • hydrology and hydrotechnical engineering; and • overburden characterization and oil sands delineation.
Our client base includes all levels of government; upstream and downstream oil and gas; mining; power; forestry; agriculture; manufacturing; and commercial developments.
We are currently looking for a Senior Remediation Specialist to join our growing Assessment, Remediation and Reclamation (ARR) team in Edmonton.
The primary responsibilities for the successful candidate will include:
• Providing practical, cost-effective and scientifically sound solutions to satisfy the needs of our clients • Managing contaminated sites projects including large scale remediation programs • Providing technical direction to a team of remediation engineers and scientists • Writing and reviewing technical reports and proposals
• Communicating with clients and contributing to overall business development • Mentoring and guiding technical staff
The ideal candidate will have the following qualifications:
• A minimum 10-15 years of consulting experience in conceptual site model development, and designing/planning/managing ex-situ and in-situ remediation programs.
• Experience in developing remediation action and risk management plans. • A degree in environmental science, geology, hydrogeology or engineering with the eligibility for registration in a
professional organization (APEGA). • Self-motivated with strong written and verbal communication skills • Ability to provide effective technical direction and mentorship to other professionals • Function effectively as part of collaborative team • Excellent time management and multitasking skills • Excellent problem-solving ability and effective project management skills • Holds a class 5 driver’s license with no restrictions
Matrix is an organization that promotes training, work/life balance, accountability- based leadership and employee led innovation that creates impact. Matrix offers a comprehensive compensation package that includes an employee share-ownership program, profit share, employer RSP contributions, an annual professional development stipend and an education fund. We are also committed to flexible work hours and schedules, team-based work, cross-training opportunities, and rewarding our star performers.
Matrix is committed to providing a safe and productive work environment and to promoting the health, safety and well-being of our employees. In keeping with our Alcohol and Drug Policy, individuals in safety sensitive positions are subject to alcohol and drug testing.
If you believe this position is a fit for you, please submit your resume through our career portal at www.matrix-solutions.com.
Hydrogeologist – Alberta
Career Opportunity
Ridgeline Environment is looking for an experience Hydrogeologist. This position is available to be posted throughout our Alberta office locations. Successful candidates will have a diverse skill set and
experience, including; managing projects through planning and supervising data collection, interpretation and technical reporting for contaminated site investigations relative to the upstream oil & gas industry. The individual will work closely with the company professionals in our Environment division by coordinating work for our clients as well as maintaining excellent communication between the clients and our field professionals. The Hydrogeologist will successfully manage the Geologists-In-Training program through educating competent field professionals to meet and exceed industry standards.
Required Qualifications
• B.Sc., P.Geol. and a member of good standing with APEGA; • At least 3 years of experience working on groundwater assessment projects (groundwater quantity and quality
assessment/monitoring, design and installation of groundwater monitoring wells, contaminant assessment, etc.); • Demonstrated understanding of hydrogeological principles (i.e. groundwater flow direction, hydraulic gradients,
hydraulic conductivity testing, contaminant migration, surface water-groundwater interactions), standard field operations and accepted practices;
• Experience with regulatory bodies in preferably Alberta and Saskatchewan; • Experience with risk assessment, application of the Alberta Tier 1 guidelines. Expertise in Alberta Tier 2 guideline
modification and exclusion will be considered an asset; • Experience in reclamation and remediation practices on private and public lands; • Successful experience in managing all project costs and associated reporting; • Experience in technical report writing and preparation of associated appendices. • Knowledge in analytical and numerical modelling of groundwater flow and solute contaminant transport would be
considered an asset;
• Experience in business development and preparing proposal requests; • Proficient in MS Word, Excel, Surfer, Aquifer Test Pro, and potentially other state of the art software packages like
modflow, feflow, etc.; and • Knowledge of pertinent provincial and federal environmental regulations.
What you will be responsible for
• Develop and conduct contaminated site investigations relative to the upstream oil and gas industry; • Design and install groundwater monitoring wells/networks to assess/delineate contaminants of concern; • Manage data collection and evaluate groundwater flow and contaminate transport; • Design and operate groundwater remediation systems for the removal and treatment of impacted groundwater; • Manage and complete groundwater monitoring and assessment reporting requirements and submission to government
agencies on an annual basis for facility operating approvals; • Establish cost estimates for projects; • Create scopes of work in accordance with Ridgeline standards; • Assign projects to field staff and initiating fieldwork; • Review and interpret laboratory analytical results, error free; • Ensure all field work has been documented and uploaded to site specific files by the field staff assigned, ensure all
required documentation (including safety documentation), and analytical has been reviewed and is correct; • Work with the billings coordinator and/or billings assistant to complete final invoicing; • Ensure compliance with all safety regulations and SOPs are completed as regularly required and all safety
documentation is forwarded to HSE from field staff. Educate field professionals of any hazards and provide hazard controls;
• Remain current with environmental legislation and regulatory updates, provide updated information as it becomes available to staff;
• Provide opportunities for mentorship, training and development of field professionals; and • Review completed reports for accuracy and formatting.
Compensation
• Competitive Salary; • Tech Set provided by Ridgeline Canada Inc.; • Subsistence and Mileage Allowances; • Group Life and Health Benefits; • Health and Wellness Spending account; • Sick and Illness hours; • RRSP + Employer contributions; and • Professional Development Program including; the School of Ridgeline, designation attainment support, bursaries,
training, conferences and paid annual dues.
At Ridgeline we invest in our personnel, we take pride of our open team orientated culture and strive to provide and sustain a balance between the professional and personal life style. We offer the opportunity to our valued employees to be challenged and grow within Ridgeline through an energetic and engaged team environment.
Contact Information For further information, please refer to our website at www.ridgelinecanada.com. To apply for this position, please send your resume to the Human Resource Department; [email protected] Subject Line: Hydrogeologist & the Location you wish to apply for.
This posting will remain open until a suitable candidate has been selected. We thank all applicants for applying and advise that only those candidates selected for interviews will be contacted. Since 1999, Ridgeline Environment has prided ourselves with providing practical environmental strategies. Ridgeline provides its clients with a diverse team of experienced professionals able to plan and execute projects efficiently and effectively. Client dedicated teams of Project Managers, Professional Agrologists, Soil Scientists, Hydrogeologists, Biologists and Environmental Consultants keep Ridgeline clients at the forefront of changing or pending regulator legislation and industry needs in regard to our cradle to grave environmental services. Ridgeline’s in-house expertise and experience gives us the capability to develop remediation and reclamation programs for oilfield sites across Western Canada. Ridgeline provides an energetic and vibrant work environment dedicated to developing environmental professionals. Through Proactive Execution, Ridgeline’s management and employees are committed to fostering a workplace team that values quality, accountability, integrity, communication and safety.