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An Information Service for Alberta’s Environment Industry The Week Ending February 3rd, 2017
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Inside this Issue:
Alberta Oil and Gas Operators Face over $2B in Environmental LLR Liabilities
Reclaiming Well Sites A Continuing Trend
Ontario Government to Handle Contaminated Land at Stelco
Pipeline Leads Due to Human Error and Increasing Problem, says NEB
Remediation Technology News and Resources
Industry Position Openings
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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
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Please submit your announcement via e-mail to:
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WATERTECH 2017 – DRAFT
PROGRAM AVAILABLE
April 3-5, 2017 Fairmont Banff Springs, Banff
ESAA is pleased to announce that the draft program for the 10th Annual WaterTech Symposium. WaterTech 2017 is now available online: http://www.esaa.org/watertech/agenda/. The 2017 program includes 42 presentations that include:
Eight (8) technical sessions focusing on Groundwater vs. Surface Water, Managing Risk, Urban Development, Regulatory, Water Wells, Analytical, Groundwater Contaminants, Mapping and Modelling.
Two (2) special sessions: PTAC Session - Technical Presentation from the Petroleum Technology Alliance Canada and Business 101 (Presentation around risk management, insurance, corporate theft, mergers & acquisitions)
WaterTech 2017 will also feature three keynote presentations:
Opening Keynote: Troubled Water, Sandra Postel, Director and Founder of the Global Water Policy Project
Tuesday Lunch Keynote: Burrowing Owl Conservation Project, Tatiana Hayek, Conservation Research Associate, Calgary Zoo
Wednesday Lunch Keynote: Autopsy of America - A Look at the Abandoned Parts of America, Seph Lawless, Photojournalist
Registration Information: Early bird registration is now open with special delegate rates available for Members and Non-Members until February 28th, 2017. Rates starts as low as $595 (members) and $695 (non-members) and then increase to $695 (members) and $795 (non-members) after February 28th. Registration details available at: www.esaa.org/watertech/ Sponsorship and Exhibitor Information: Sponsorship and exhibitor information is now available. For additional information contact: [email protected]. Thank you in advance for your support of WaterTech.
ALBERTA OIL AND GAS
OPERATORS FACE OVER $2
BILLION IN ENVIRONMENTAL LLR
LIABILITIES (Source: http://www.jwnenergy.com) Service companies are on alert with more than $2 billion in LLR-related costs currently accruing against abandoned wells awaiting reclamation in Alberta, according to the latest CanOils data.
CanOils gives you the edge in discovering actionable opportunities in Canadian oil and gas.
Engaging service companies to reclaim these abandoned wells (i.e. removing the wells’ final LLR-related liabilities - see note 1) would benefit the producers involved by boosting their overall LLR ratings.
As this $2 billion in reclamation liabilities is spread over the entire province, according to CanOils, Alberta’s environmental service companies have a huge market to operate in.
Source: CanOils Assets LLR – Find out more about how the data can benefit oil service companies here.
Operators with LLR ratings near to provincial thresholds that can reclaim abandoned wells in order to boost LLR ratings will be of particular interest to specialist reclamation companies.
“The environmental benefits of reclaiming the wells reflect positively on operators,” said Karl Norrena, JWN's manager of new product development.
“For some, the motivation will be to return to provincial LLR compliance without having to provide a security deposit or seek other financial measures.”
LLR, or Licensee Liability Rating programs, ensure costs to suspend, abandon, remediate or reclaim a well, facility or pipeline are not borne by the public if a licensee becomes defunct. To fulfil LLR regulations, the value of a licensee’s ongoing assets must outweigh any liabilities related to abandonment and reclamation costs.
“This dynamic, along with the inherent public relations boost with any environmental program being instigated by any E&P company, represents a huge opportunity to find business for environmentally-focused oil service companies that specialise in reclamation operations,” said CanOils managing director Chris Wilson.
While all of these wells may not be ideal reclamation candidates (see note 2), the total liability of over $2 billion in Alberta is certainly striking. CanOils Assets LLR data reveals that this is just the tip of the iceberg.
There is another $1 billion in LLR liabilities for abandoned wells awaiting reclamation across British Columbia and Saskatchewan, while long-term suspended wells—defined here as wells that have not produced oil or gas in the past 24 months but are yet to be abandoned—account for another $1.6 billion in reclamation liabilities across the three provinces combined.
“CanOils Assets LLR data allows reclamation service companies to not only locate every single one of these wells, but also decide which of them represents the best opportunity for immediate business,” continued Wilson.
To find out more about CanOils LLR and how it helps the Canadian service sector unlock sales targets, download our recent whitepaper here.
Notes
1. LLR liabilities for a well include both abandonment and reclamation related costs. For a well that is already abandoned, the only remaining LLR liabilities are reclamation liabilities.
2. A well, despite being abandoned and awaiting reclamation, may be unsuitable for reclamation for a number of reasons. For example, the company in charge of reclaiming the well may not be able to afford to do so just yet, or the well may be in an area where a high number of producing wells continue to exist. Both would preclude any reclamation taking place. It is possible that a well may have already been reclaimed and just be waiting for this change in status to be officially certified by the provincial regulator.
3. All $ amounts refer to Canadian dollars throughout.
RECLAIMING WELL SITES A CONTINUING TREND (Source: Ponoka News) Farmers across the province are finding out, often at the last minute, that a well site on their land is being reclaimed.
And that is leading to the Alberta Farmers’ Advocate Office (FAO) receiving a number of questions and concerns about the process and what some of the legal rights and obligations are regarding operation and clean up of well sites.
Jeana Schuurman, the FAO rural engagement and communications specialist, explained the office has been receiving more calls recently wanting clarification.
“We have been receiving a greater volume of calls lately regarding what is termed ‘end of life’ aspects surrounding well sites,” Schuurman stated.
“The key part is for people to understand the differential in language used, considering all of the various aspects that are involved.
She went on to explain that just because a well may be ‘abandoned’ doesn’t necessarily mean there isn’t a company still responsible for it. That well could simply have been transferred or sold to another company or just taken out of production. As well, farmers need to understand the difference between reclaim and remediate.
“Reclaiming a well means returning the land to the equivalent of its previous state as viable agricultural land, while remediation includes removing and reducing contamination issues,” she said.
“What’s also important to clarify is that companies can’t just walk in and say they are going to reclaim or remediate the land. What a lot of farmers don’t realize is companies are required to go through the regular notification process. Farmers will be told in advance that a company will be coming, though unfortunately that is not well understood by many in the province.”
Schuurman added the office has also been getting questions regarding lease payments and orphaned well sites, so there are a couple key things farmers need to know about both situations.
“The big things to remember is that unless a reclamation certificate has been issued, farmers still have a right to be paid by the company or working interest participants (WIP),” she stated.
WIPs are companies that have a beneficial or legally undivided share in the licence and can be looked to by the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) to look after the abandonment or reclamation of a well if the primary licensed company goes insolvent.
“The WIP would take the lead in that case, responsible for the proportionate share of the costs with the rest covered by the Orphan Well Association,” Schuurman said.
“However, the WIP is not responsible for unpaid rents, so landowners would need to apply to the Surface Rights Board to receive payment or to force a company to comply with its agreement.”
Landowners are also encouraged to either contact the AER or head to their website (www.aer.ca), then search under the tab Systems & Tools, in order to check the status of any well sites. It’s as simple as plugging in the legal land description.
In addition, landowners and farmers can get more information by calling the FAO through the Alberta Ag Info Centre at 310-FARM (3276) or by email at [email protected].
CHANGE TO SUBMISSION OF EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLANS UNDER DIRECTIVE 071: EMERGENCY
PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE PETROLEUM INDUSTRY The Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) is changing the process for filing emergency response plans (ERPs). Effective February 2, 2017, ERPs are to be submitted electronically, through the AER’s Digital Data Submission (DDS) system, rather than by hard copy.
Directive 071: Emergency Preparedness and Response Requirements for the Petroleum Industry has been revised to reflect this change. The February 2017 edition replaces the November 2009 edition, effective immediately.
The following is a summary of the revisions:
Section 1.6 – Added that licensees are required to submit their ERPs and updates through the DDS system.
Section 1.7 – Added that licensees are to upload the ERP application form to the DDS system.
Section 3.2 – Changed the requirement to email a copy of the ERCBH2S CSV file to the EPA section to upload a copy to the DDS system.
Section 5.7 – Changed the requirement to submit a paper copy of the ERP to submit an electronic copy of the ERP.
Appendix 5 – Replaced the direction to distribute one copy of the ERP to the ERCB field centre and to the ERCB EPA section with distribute one electronic copy to the AER via the DDS system.
No other requirements have been changed.
Companies are to use the DDS system to submit new ERPs requiring approval or any other plans relating to emergency response requested by the AER. Existing approved plans are to be converted to electronic format and submitted through the DDS system according to the existing plan maintenance schedule.
Electronic submission applies only to those ERPs submitted to the AER. For the distribution of plans to third parties, the requirements remain unchanged unless written consent is provided by the third party.
The AER may still require a company to provide a hard copy of its ERP upon request.
The DDS system is available through the AER website, www.aer.ca, under Systems & Tools > Digital Data Submission. Instructions on uploading ERPs and supporting documentation can be found in the DDS Online Guide under Registering Emergency Response Plans.
For questions about the electronic ERP submission process, contact Industry Relations at [email protected]
TUNDRA ENERGY REPORTS SECOND, SMALLER SPILL IN SASKATCHEWAN STORTHOAKS, Sask. -- The Calgary-based company handling a pipeline spill that saw 200,000 litres of crude leaked onto First Nations farmland in Saskatchewan is now dealing with another, albeit much smaller, spill.
On Wednesday night, the National Energy Board issued a news release saying it was responding to a release of crude oil at Tundra Energy Marketing Ltd.'s Ingoldsby terminal near the village of Storthoaks, Sask.
The release said the NEB is working to verify Tundra's initial report filed Tuesday that 5,000 litres of crude oil was released and contained on company property, with 4,000 of it being recovered.
There were no injuries, no fire, no nearby residences were evacuated, and no threat to public safety, and the government of Saskatchewan and the Transportation Safety Board were notified.
Tundra is still dealing with the pipeline spill discovered Jan. 20 on Ocean Man First Nation territory.
That spill is under investigation by the Saskatchewan government which is trying to determine why the pipeline's leak detection system did not flag the leak.
The government also said it determined the pipeline was nearly 50 years old and there was no record of it ever being inspected by provincial authorities.
"TEML is working closely with regulatory bodies and and Ocean Man First Nation to determine the cause of the incident," the company said in a statement on its website last week.
"Free-standing product has been removed from the site along with vegetation and contaminants. TEML will continue to work with all governing bodies throughout the remaining phases of the clean up."
The NEB said it will verify that Tundra conducts an adequate and appropriate clean-up and remediation of any environmental effects caused by Tuesday's spill.
An NEB investigation into the incident is underway, and NEB staff will follow up with Tundra to determine the root cause of the incident.
CLEARWATER RIVER DENE NATION, CLEARWATER STORE, AND BAND ADMINISTRATOR FINED FOR
ENVIRONMENTAL VIOLATION January 31, 2017 – La Loche, Saskatchewan – Environment and Climate Change Canada Canadians value clean air, clean water, and a sustainable environment. Environment and Climate Change Canada’s enforcement officers work hard to enforce Canada’s environmental laws.
On January 23, 2017, the Clearwater River Dene Nation, 101077233 Saskatchewan Ltd. (Clearwater Store), and band administrator, Walter Hainault, were sentenced in the Provincial Court of Saskatchewan after pleading guilty to failing to comply with an environmental protection compliance order (EPCO) issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada.
The Clearwater River Dene Nation was fined $100,000; Clearwater Store was fined $25,000; Walter Hainault was fined $5,000. The fines will be directed to the Environmental Damages Fund.
The EPCO was issued following an inspection at the store to verify compliance with the Storage Tank Systems for Petroleum Products and Allied Petroleum Products Regulations. Charges were laid under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 after the EPCO failed to bring about full compliance with the Regulations.
Quick facts
EPCOs are issued under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 by Environment and Climate Change Canada enforcement officers to direct that various measures be taken to stop or to prevent the commission of an alleged contravention of the Act or its regulations.
The purpose of the Storage Tank Systems for Petroleum Products and Allied Petroleum Products Regulations is to reduce the risk of contaminating soil and groundwater due to spills and leaks of petroleum products from storage tank systems.
NORTH MONTNEY MAINLINE PIPELINE PROJECT GRANTED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT APPROVAL Environment Minister Mary Polak and Natural Gas Development Minister Rich Coleman have issued an environmental assessment certificate to Nova Gas Transmission Ltd. for the North Montney Mainline Pipeline project,
which is a natural gas pipeline approximately 301 kilometres long in the Peace River Regional District in northeast British Columbia.
Ministers acknowledge that the National Energy Board has the primary responsibility for ensuring the project is developed, constructed and operated in a manner that is safe and secure, and protects people, property and the environment. The environmental assessment certificate’s 21 conditions are in addition to and designed to supplement the 45 conditions required by the National Energy Board.
These additional conditions respond to concerns that have been raised by Aboriginal groups during consultation undertaken for the project and address key areas of provincial jurisdiction and interest, such as: access, vegetation, caribou and Aboriginal traditional use.
The Provincial decision was made after considering the environmental assessment undertaken by the National Energy Board and its conditions, as well as the Aboriginal Consultation and Accommodation Report for the North Montney Mainline Pipeline Project, the Environmental Assessment Office’s Summary Assessment Report, submissions from Aboriginal groups, supplemental information submitted by Nova Gas, and the recommendations of the Environmental Assessment Office’s executive director.
A record of the factors that the ministers considered in making their decision can be found in the Reasons for Ministers Decision at: http://a100.gov.bc.ca/appsdata/epic/html/deploy/epic_project_doc_list_458_a_waa.html
Key additional provincial conditions for the project would require Nova Gas to:
prepare an Access Management Plan in consultation with Aboriginal groups and government agencies to supplement the plan already approved by the National Energy Board, and to further limit use by predators and motorized vehicles in the right-of-way, protect riparian zones, and ensure the proper deactivation, reclamation and restoration of roads following project construction;
with input from Aboriginal groups and government agencies, prepare a Caribou Habitat Restoration Plan to supplement the plan already approved by the National Energy Board, and to further minimize the displacement, sensory disturbance and potential mortality risks to caribou;
prepare a Peace Moberly Tract Protection Plan to supplement the plan already approved by the National Energy Board, and to further limit use by predators and the public in the right-of-way, avoid or minimize impacts on vegetation, and establish a forum to share share information and discuss monitoring results, the effectiveneess of mitigation measures, and the development of any adaptive management measures with Aboriginal groups and government agencies;
with input from Aboriginal groups and government agencies, prepare a mitigation plan for the Pink Mountain area to minimize limitations on the ability of Aboriginal groups to continue to carry out traditional activities, including harvesting medicinal plants and food, hunting and accessing and traditional trails and travelways; and
consult with potentially affected Aboriginal groups and government agencies to prepare an alternatives assessment report relating to proposed water extraction for use in hydrostatic testing of the project.
The Environmental Assessment Office will co-ordinate compliance management efforts with the National Energy Board and other government agencies to ensure the office is satisfied that certificate conditions are met throughout the life of the project.
Ministers were required to render a decision on the project in keeping with a January 2016 BC Supreme Court decision that found that although the Province could rely on the National Energy Board process and assessment report through its agreement with the National Energy Board, a decision under the British Columbia’s Environmental Assessment Act was also required.
ONTARIO GOVERNMENT TO HANDLE CONTAMINATED LAND AT STELCO (Source: HazMat Magazine) As recently reported in the Hamilton Spectator, the Ontario Government stated it will assume the environmental legacy issues associated with contamination at the Stelco property in the north end of Hamilton. The reason for the decision by the Ontario Government is to make it easier for the sale of the company and keep steelworker jobs.
U.S. Steel Canada (Stelco) is the current owner of the steelworks and is in negotiations to sell the company to Bedrock Industries, an American investment fund. As part of the sale-purchase agreement, Bedrock Industries was reportedly willing to put forward $80 million in a one-time payment that would partially fund the clean-up.
The environmental clean-up costs at the Stelco property is unknown but could be astronomical. As a point of reference, the Canadian and Nova Scotia governments committed $400 million in 2007 to clean-up contamination from the steel plant in Sydney, Nova Scotia.
The commitment by the Province of Ontario to backstop the future environmental clean-up costs in order to aid in the sale of a company is a first in the Province. The reasoning behind the decision is that it makes the Stelco and the lands it sits on a potentially valuable investment. Any costs bore by the Province in clean-up would be balanced by the taxes and other benefits accrued with the infusion of new ownership in Stelco and redevelopment of unused lands at the property.
As reported in the Hamilton Spectator, the land deal would work like this:
All 325 hectares of Stelco property off Wilcox Street would be turned into a land trust administered by the province, union representatives and probably other parties such as the city and the Hamilton Port Authority.
The land trust then would lease 120 hectares back to Stelco. The company would then be able to operate without fear of costs associated with the contaminated ground it is operating on.
The remaining 200 hectares or so would then be remediated to an industrial use standard with the contribution from Bedrock and potentially other funds. That land would then be sold or leased.
Profits from the sale or lease would then be used to assist in shoring up pension funds for Stelco workers as well as to help finance benefits to pensioners.
The land proposal is part of a larger deal that as part of U.S. Steel’s Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA) proceedings that have been continuing for two years. CCAA has been compared proceedings under “Chapter 11” of the “Bankruptsy Code” in the United States. If successful, Stelco will emerge from creditors’ protection under Bedrock ownership with a new lease on life.
CANADIAN GOVERNMENT’S PROPOSED ASBESTOS REGULATIONS (Source: HazMat Magazine) The Canadian federal government recently introduced proposed Asbestos Regulations. It also issued a Notice to manufacturers, importers, exporters, and users of asbestos and asbestos-containing products.
Under the proposed asbestos regulations, a prohibition would be placed on all future activities respecting asbestos and asbestos-containing products, including the manufacture, use, sale, offer for sale, import and export.
The Canadian federal Government Notice required industry to submit information on the manufacture, import, export, and use of asbestos and products that contain asbestos. The information gathered will be used to inform the development of the proposed regulations and will ensure that future decision making is based on the best available information.
As a first step in the consultation process, interested parties were given the opportunity to submit comments on the approach set out. Subsequently, interested parties will also be consulted in the spring of 2017, and additional information will be available on an asbestos information web page: Interested parties will have another opportunity to make written comments specific to the regulatory proposal during the mandatory consultation period that will follow the publication of the proposed regulations in December 2017.
Asbestos (Chemical Abstract Service Registry Number (CAS RN) 1332-21-4) is a commercial term given to six naturally occurring minerals that are incombustible and separable into filaments.
Historically, asbestos was mainly used for insulating buildings and homes against cold weather and noise. It was also used for fireproofing. While many uses have been phased out and alternatives are available, asbestos may still be found in products like:
cement and plaster
industrial furnaces and heating systems
building insulation
floor and ceiling tiles
house siding
car and truck brake pads
vehicle transmission components, such as clutches
The Government of Canada recognizes that breathing in asbestos fibres can cause cancer and other diseases, such as asbestosis, mesothelioma and lung cancer.
More information about the health impacts of asbestos can be found at Mesothelioma and Asbestos Awareness Center web site.
$350M SPENT ON PLANNING THE REMEDIATION OF A YUKON MINE (Source: HazMat Magazine) According to a recent article in the National Post, over $350 million has been spent to clean up an abandoned mine in the Yukon with no actual work being done at the site. The Treasury Board of Canada’s annual report revealed that no actual remediation has occurred at the Faro Mine in Yukon over the past decade although considerable sums of money have been spent on studying and planning.
Classified as one of Canada’s largest contaminated site, the Faro Mine covers 2,500 hectares (6,200 acres). The mine is located 15 kilometres (9 miles) north of the Town of Faro in Yukon Territory. The mine operated from 1969 to 1998, when its last operator declared bankruptcy and abandoned the site.
The mine site has approximately 70 million tonnes of tailings and 320 million tonnes of waste rock that require remediation to protect human health, as well as the local land, water and wildlife.
The remediation of the Faro mine site is being led by the Government of Canada and the Government of Yukon. This includes representatives from Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada’s Northern Contaminated Sites Program and from the Assessment and Abandoned Mines branch of the Government of Yukon’s Department of Energy, Mines and Resources.
The financial responsibility for the site resides with the Government of Canada who provides funding for care and maintenance operations and remediation planning through the Federal Contaminated Sites Program.
“The biggest problem has been figuring out what to do,” said Lou Spagnuolo, the Vancouver-based Faro mine remediation project director for Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC), which has the lead on the mine clean-up, and is also working with the Yukon government and affected First Nations communities.
Between 2003 and 2009, more than 100 technical studies and assessments were undertaken, and 12 plans created to deal with various levels of government and affected communities. A remediation plan was supposed to be in place by 2011.
In 2009, remediating the site was projected to take another 40 years and cost $450 million, according to a statement made at the time by a committee of senior officials from Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (as it was known at the time), the Yukon Government, Selkirk First and Ross River Dena Council.
Parsons Corp., a California-based engineering and construction giant, recently won a $58-million contract to provide care and maintenance at the Faro mine site over the next four years. Before Parsons, Denison Mines Inc. had the contract for $32 million.
These numbers are out of whack with the Treasury Board of Canada annual reports, which indicate that since 2005, just over $29 million has been spent on care and maintenance at the Faro mine, while more than $241 million has been spent on remediation.
The Yukon Conservation Society, a local environmental non-profit, is calling for an audit of Faro mine spending. “Canadian taxpayers have already spent more than a quarter-billion dollars, and nothing has happened,” said Lewis Rifkind, the organization’s mining analyst. “There hasn’t been any remediation or results on the ground. We have no idea where the money has gone, and they’re still issuing contracts like crazy,” he added.
Spagnuolo, the Faro mine remediation project director, estimates that $150 million has been spent on care and maintenance at Faro. Annual monitoring, regulatory compliance and site assessments, which are not included in care and maintenance contracts, have cost another $60 million, he said. Addressing problems at the deteriorating site, including installing a new water treatment system and covering a section of waste rock that was releasing contaminates, have cost an additional $60 million. The remaining $80 million went to “overhead,” said Spagnuolo, including First Nation consultations and government salaries.
Consulting costs of the Faro mine remediation include the $82 million paid to CH2M Hill since 2011, according to the Yukon government’s contract registry.
The current timeframe for a remediation plan is 2018. It is anticipated that the plan will include re-sloping the waste rock piles, installing engineered soil covers over the tailings and waste rock, and upgrading the contaminated water collection and treatment system.
If the plan is approved and the federal government agrees to foot the bill, actual remediation activities are expected to begin in 2024 and take about 40 years to complete.
PIPELINE LEAKS DUE TO HUMAN ERROR AN INCREASING PROBLEM, SAYS NEB Data shows an average of 20 leaks per year over the past three years were the result of improper operation (Source: CBC News) Human error — whether it's burying a pipeline too shallow or not fastening bolts tight enough— is increasingly a factor contributing to pipeline leaks, federal data suggests.
Figures compiled by the National Energy Board show that in the past three years, incorrect operation — which covers everything from failing to follow procedures to using equipment improperly — has caused an average of 20 leaks per year. That's up from an average of four annually in the previous six years.
"It's both probably one of the most difficult things for an organization to deal with, but also the most important," said Mark Fleming, a professor of safety culture at Saint Mary's University in Halifax.
Fleming said operators have made improvements in safety practices, but to achieve the higher levels of safety required by other industries such as the airline or nuclear power sectors would require extreme attention to detail.
'Within the first year or two things fail' What may seem inconsequential at first can later contribute to a disaster, Fleming said.
"It's like a ball balancing on the top of a pyramid," he said. "Safety, particularly very high levels of safety, requires constant attention and effort. And the tendency is for it to degrade." Pipelines installed in the U.S. in the past five years have the highest rate of failure of any built since the 1920s, and human error is partially to blame, said Carl Weimer, executive director of the Washington-based Pipeline Safety Trust.
"A lot of new pipelines being put in the ground just aren't being installed right, or things don't get tightened up quite enough, so within the first year or two things fail," said Weimer.
The consequences of the improper management of pipelines have come to bear in several spills in recent years, resulting in oil coursing down rivers, gushing onto city streets and contaminating many hectares of Canadian wilderness.
Recent examples Alberta Energy Regulator investigations into Plains Midstream Canada, for one, found that the company hadn't inspected its pipelines frequently or thoroughly enough, did a poor job of managing the ground around its pipelines and hadn't properly trained control room staff.
A subsequent audit found the company had improved its safety practices, but not before those failures helped contribute to a 4.5-million litre oil spill in 2011 near Peace River, followed by a 463,000-litre oil leak into the Red Deer River a year later.
In 2015, a Nexen Energy pipeline south of Fort McMurray, Alta. burst, spilling about five million litres of emulsion including about 1.65 million litres of oil near its Long Lake oilsands operation. The AER's investigation into the incident continues, but Nexen's preliminary conclusion was that the pipeline design was incompatible with the ground conditions, and wasn't installed properly.
"There's been a lot of learnings in our industry that have resulted from some very unfortunate incidents," said Patrick Smyth, vice-president of safety and engineering at the Canadian Energy Pipeline Association.
Financial implications of safety Smyth said CEPA, which represents pipeline companies like TransCanada and Plains Midstream, have improved their safety practices in recent years. He points to the fact that CEPA members spilled only about 2,500 litres of oil in 2015, with companies implementing stricter safety practices and using better inspection tools to prevent leaks.
But even as companies make improvements on safety, Fleming said getting pipelines towards the higher safety standards of industries like airlines will likely require significant financial sacrifice.
"To be able to do that, you need to have a very cautious approach to doing work, and that's something that's hard financially," said Fleming. "It does have some cost implications that we are often very uncomfortable talking about."
CANADA WELL REPRESENTED ON GLOBAL CLEANTECH TOP 100 AND 100 ONES TO WATCH LISTS January 26, 2017 – Ottawa, Ontario – On January 23rd, 2017, the Cleantech Group released their well-respected Global Cleantech 100 and 100 Ones to Watch lists. The lists, that single out the private cleantech companies that are the most likely to make the most significant market impact over the next five to ten years, had an impressive showing by Canadian companies. With nearly 10,000 companies considered and 77 countries represented, Canada took 11 of 100 honours (11%) of the Global Cleantech 100, and 5 of 100 honours (5%) on the 100 Ones to Watch list. Having worked with and funded the majority of these companies, Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) can attest that these innovations will help solve the clean technology challenges of the future. Advancing these promising, in-demand technologies into global markets will help position Canada as a global leader in solving these challenges. Said Leah Lawrence, president and CEO of SDTC, “I would like to congratulate all the companies on the Global Cleantech 100 list. SDTC was fortunate to partner with the majority of the Canadian companies on these lists. These Canadian entrepreneurs are taking meaningful strides to improve our environment, while driving real economic and social benefits.” She added, “A strong global cleantech community will ensure companies grown in Canada have the ability to advance their technologies around the world. At SDTC, our focus is to assist entrepreneurs in advancing high potential cleantech inventions to scale up. We are encouraged to see this Top 100 listing showcase some impressive Canadian companies making strides in the global cleantech sector.” The Cleantech Group’s annual ranking was formally released at a gala dinner and award ceremony at the Cleantech Forum held in San Francisco on January 23rd. Click here for full details on the Global Cleantech 100 and who made the list. Click here to see the list of SDTC funded companies represented.
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
ITRC Geospatial Analysis for Optimization at Environmental Sites - February 7, 2017, 1:00PM-3:15PM EST (18:00-20:15 GMT). The purpose of ITRC's Geospatial Analysis for Optimization at Environmental Sites (GRO-1) guidance document and this associated training is to explain, educate, and train state regulators and other practitioners in understanding and using geospatial analyses to evaluate optimization opportunities at
environmental sites. With the ITRC GRO-1 web-based guidance document and this associated training class, project managers will be able to: evaluate available data and site needs to determine if geospatial analyses are appropriate for a given site; for a project and specific lifecycle stage, identify optimization questions where geospatial methods can contribution to better decision making; for a project and optimization question(s), select appropriate geospatial method(s) and software using the geospatial analysis work flow, tables and flow charts in the guidance document; with geospatial analyses results (note: some geospatial analyses may be performed by the project manager, but many geospatial analyses will be performed by technical experts), explain what the results mean and appropriately apply in decision making; and use the project manager's tool box, interactive flow charts for choosing geospatial methods and review checklist to use geospatial analyses confidently in decision making. For more information and to register, see http://www.itrcweb.org or http://clu-in.org/live.
ITRC Long-term Contaminant Management Using Institutional Controls - February 9, 2017, 1:00PM-3:15PM EST (18:00-20:15 GMT). ITRC's Long-term Contaminant Management Using Institutional Controls (IC-1, 2016) guidance and this associated training class focuses on post-implementation IC management, including monitoring, evaluation, stakeholder communications, enforcement, and termination. The ITRC guidance and training will assist those who are responsible for the management and stewardship of Ics. ITRC has developed a downloadable tool that steps users through the process of planning and designing IC management needs. This tool can help to create a long lasting record of the site that includes the regulatory authority, details of the IC, the responsibilities of all parties, a schedule for monitoring the performance of the IC, and more. The tool generates an editable Long Term Stewardship (LTS) plan in Microsoft Word. After attending the training, participants will be able to: describe best practices and evolving trends for IC management at individual sites and across state agency programs; use this guidance to improve IC reliability and prevent IC failures, improve existing, or develop new, IC Management programs, and identify the pros and cons about differing IC management approaches; use the tools to establish an LTS plan for specific sites; and use the elements in the tools to understand the information that should populate an IC registry or data management system. For more information and to register, see http://www.itrcweb.org or http://clu-in.org/live.
ITRC Remedy Selection for Contaminated Sediments - February 14, 2017, 1:00PM-3:15PM EST (18:00-20:15 GMT). ITRC developed the technical and regulatory guidance, Remedy Selection for Contaminated Sediments (CS-2, 2014), to assist decision-makers in identifying which contaminated sediment management technology is most favorable based on an evaluation of site specific physical, sediment, contaminant, and land and waterway use characteristics. The document provides a remedial selection framework to help identify favorable technologies, and identifies additional factors (feasibility, cost, stakeholder concerns, and others) that need to be considered as part of the remedy selection process. This ITRC training course supports participants with applying the technical and regulatory guidance as a tool to overcome the remedial challenges posed by contaminated sediment sites. Participants learn how to: identify site-specific characteristics and data needed for site decision making, evaluate potential technologies based on site information, and select the most favorable contaminant management technology for their site. For more information and to register, see http://www.itrcweb.org or http://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 21, 2017, 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 Integrated DNAPL Site Characterization - March 2, 2017, 1:00PM-3:15PM EST (18:00-20:15 GMT). The Integrated DNAPL Site Characterization Team has synthesized the knowledge about dense nonaqueous phase liquid (DNAPL) site characterization and remediation acquired over the past several decades, and has integrated that information into a new document, Integrated DNAPL Site Characterization and Tools Selection (ISC-1, 2015). This guidance is a resource to inform regulators, responsible parties, other problem holders, consultants, community stakeholders, and other interested parties of the critical concepts related to characterization approaches and tools for collecting subsurface data at DNAPL sites. After this associated training, participants will be able to use the guidance to develop and support an integrated approach to DNAPL site characterization, including: identify what site conditions must be considered when developing an informative
DNAPL conceptual site model (CSM); define an objectives-based DNAPL characterization strategy; understand what tools and resources are available to improve the identification, collection, and evaluation of appropriate site characterization data; and navigate the DNAPL characterization tools table and select appropriate technologies to fill site-specific data gaps. For more information and to register, see http://www.itrcweb.org or http://clu-in.org/live.
New Documents and Web Resources
Best Practices for Environmental Site Management: Recommended Contents of a Groundwater Monitoring Report (EPA 542-F-16-005). The purpose of this issue paper is to recommend information to include in groundwater monitoring reports that will lead to improved report consistency and a useful, readable format. Incorporation of the recommended information will standardize groundwater monitoring report deliverables, which may in turn inform site characterization strategies, analysis of remedial alternatives, monitoring network optimization, remedy performance evaluation, continual refinement of the conceptual site model (CSM), and technical evaluation of groundwater data in five-year reviews (September 2016, 10 pages). View or download at https://semspub.epa.gov/src/document/11/500024623. 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:
In-Situ Capping of Contaminated Sediments
Long-Term Contaminant Management Using Institutional Controls
Geospatial Analysis for Optimization at Environmental Sites
NORDROCS 2016: The 6th Joint Nordic Meeting on Remediation of Contaminated Sites -- Short Papers and Abstracts
IP 2016: 4th International Workshop on Induced Polarization -- Abstracts
Guidance on Assessing the Impacts of Cemeteries on Groundwater
EUGRIS Corner. New Documents on EUGRIS, the platform for European contaminated soil and water information. More than 8 resources, events, projects and news items were added to EUGRIS in January 2017. 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.
UPCOMING EVENTS
2017 CPANS CONFERENCE – CALL FOR ABSTRACTS May 9 @ 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Please mark your calendars for the 2017 CPANS Annual Conference: Conference Theme: “Emissions Management: Challenges and Opportunities” Date: Tuesday, May 9th, 2017 Venue: University of Alberta, Lister Centre, Edmonton, Alberta General Information (Session details and schedule to follow) The 2017 CPANS annual conference will be held at the University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta. Participants of this conference will include environmental researchers, educators, students, environmental managers, other professionals, environmental industries and policy makers. The conference will be a great opportunity for attendees to develop new collaborations and share knowledge with experts from various fields, including: Emissions quantification, monitoring strategies, data validation, legislation, management, and the carbon tax. Call for Abstracts Please submit an abstract to Kim O’Neill at [email protected] on or before March 15th, 2017 along with your biography.
Abstract Instruction and Format: The abstract will be 350 words or less. Type font will be Calibri 12 point. The conference topic will appear at the top left in bold. The author may propose a different conference topic than those listed above. The presentation title (in bold) should follow the conference topic. If selected, authors will be able to alter the presentation title up to two weeks prior to the conference. The affiliation for each author should be next, followed by the author’s name, mailing address, phone number, and email address (all in bold). Email will be the primary means for communication. The conference committee reserves the right to edit the abstract for grammar and format since it may be used in the preliminary and final programs for the conference. Author Name and Biography A brief biography of the presenter must be included with the abstract. Please describe, in no more than 150 words, the professional background, credentials, and education of the presenter. Please contact Kim O’Neill with any questions at [email protected]
MINING AND ENVIRONMENT TRADE MISSION TO SOUTH AMERICA The Alberta Government, in conjunction with the Canadian Association of Mining Equipment and Services for Export (CAMESE), Global Affairs Canada and Export Development Canada, is planning a trade mission to:
Buenos Aires, Argentina – May 8-11, 2017 for Arminera (http://www.arminera.ar.messefrankfurt.com/buenosaires/en/visitors/welcome.html) and Santiago and
Antofagasta, Chile – May 12-19, 2017 for Exponor (http://www.exponor.cl/ingles/index.html) .
It is our intention to recruit approximately 8-10 Alberta equipment, technology and service companies that supply the mining and environmental sectors and are interested in exploring and/or expanding their business into Argentina and/or Chile.
For more information or to register, please contact Aimee Charest, Senior Trade & Investment Officer, Americas, Alberta Economic Development & Trade, Phone: 780-644-1129, E-mail: [email protected] .
Industry Positions Openings
For more information visit ESAA’s Job Board under the news section of HTUwww.esaa.org UTH
Senior Civil or Environmental Engineer
Term: Full-Time Number of Positions: 1 Application Deadline: February 20, 2017 Job Start Date: ASAP Job Location: Edmonton, Alberta
Adelantar Consulting is based in Edmonton and provides civil-environmental engineering and consulting services principally in the field of industrial waste management. We are regularly awarded interesting and challenging assignments for a wide variety of clients mainly in the industrial sector, to responsibly manage their environmental challenges. Services provided include facility siting, containment design and construction management, and regulatory liaison.
We promote a fun, supportive, inclusive and flexible team environment, with an emphasis on achieving a healthy work-life balance. We facilitate professional development of all employees through strong mentoring relationships, thorough training and a collaborative work environment.
This key position is for a senior civil or environmental engineer with design and construction experience on large-scale earthworks construction projects. The role would include the following:
Client development and management
Managing projects to ensure their quality execution on time and budget
Mentoring junior technical staff
Managing and administering construction projects, and providing guidance to field staff
Providing strategic planning input for company direction
Liaising and coordinating with regulatory agencies including preparation of application documents Adelantar offers competitive compensation and benefits and is open to explore various potential employment arrangements with the successful candidate (for example part-time or term contract). Job Qualifications
Experience in a responsible role managing people and projects
Experience in landfill or surface water management projects
Experience in Alberta consulting is an asset (minimum 15 years preferred)
Exceptional communication skills
A positive team-oriented attitude
Please forward a resume and cover letter to [email protected].
INCIDENT COMMANDERS/INCIDENT RESPONDERS
Term: Full-Time Number of Positions: 2 Application Deadline: February 3, 2017 Job Start Date: As soon as possible Job Location: Swift Current, Grande Prairie, Edmonton and Lloydminster
Career Opportunity Ridgeline Response, a Division of Ridgeline Canada Inc. is looking for Incident Commanders and Incident Responders to support our existing Team of Emergency Response Professionals in Swift Current, Grande Prairie, Edmonton, and Lloydminster.
The Successful candidates will have a diverse skill set and experience including; Emergency Spill Response, Environmental Site Assessments (Phase I, II, III), planning and supervising Remediation and Reclamation projects, including project planning, initial spill response and containment, data collection, analytical interpretation, and technical reporting.
Required Qualifications
Degree (or Diploma) in Environmental Sciences or related discipline;
3-5 years of Project Management experience;
Professional designation or working towards a Professional designation (i.e. AIT or ATT, PAg or RTAg, etc.);
Previous Experience in Spill/Release events in Western Canada, Initial Response, Containment Recovery, Regulatory Compliance, communication with Stakeholders (Clients, Landowners, Regulators) and experience in designing and executing Site Specific Remediation Action Plans;
Experience in Reclamation and Remediation practices on private and public lands;
Experience in building and maintaining projects, budgets;
Experience with technical report writing, proposal support and preparation of borehole logging, site diagrams, formatting site and aerial photographs;
Knowledge of pertinent provincial and federal environmental regulations;
Experience in HAZMAT protocols and situations;
Gas Migration and Surface Case Vent Flow Testing (SCVF) experience would be an additional asset.
Required Competencies/Safety Training
Strong commitment to customer satisfaction;
Possess strong verbal and written communication skills, exemplary interpersonal skills and is very detail oriented and organized;
Ability to work and be available on a 24/7 basis for Mobilization (where required);
Precise attention to detail and ability to produce professional quality deliverables on time and on budget;
Accountable to all assigned portfolios;
Accurate data entry into electronic project databases;
ICS/WCSS and additional spill training as well as possessing all current and relevant safety tickets is a requirement.
What you will be responsible for
Overall Project Management for Spill/Release events in the Region;
Communicate project objectives and progress updates with clients;
Establish cost estimates for overall projects;
Create scopes of work in accordance with Ridgeline standards;
Assign projects to field staff; initiate fieldwork;
Review and interpret laboratory analytical results;
Ensure all field work has been documented and uploaded to site specific files by the field staff assigned, ensure all required documentation (including safety documentation), and analytical has been reviewed and is correct;
Accurately track and manage project costs and reporting process. Provide monthly updates on projected targets and actual costs to the Ridgeline General Manager;
Work with the billings coordinator and or billings assistant to complete final invoicing;
Ensure compliance with all safety regulations and SOP’s are completed as regularly required and all safety documentation is forwarded to HSE from field staff. Educate field professionals of any hazards and provide hazard controls;
Remain current with environmental legislation and regulatory updates, provide updated information as it becomes available to staff;
Provide opportunities for mentorship, training and development of field professionals;
Review completed reports for accuracy and formatting.
Compensation
Competitive salary;
Tech Set provided by Ridgeline Canada Inc;
Per diem and mileage allowances;
Group life and health benefits;
RRSP & TFSA program;
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.
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.
To apply for this position, please send your resume to the Human Resource Department; [email protected] - Subject line: Incident Commander/Responder – Emergency Spill Response.
Since 1999, Ridgeline Canada Inc. 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.
ENVIRONMENTAL EXPERIENCED Wetland and Qualified Aquatic Environmental Specialist (QAES) ALBERTA
Term: Full-Time Number of Positions: 1 Application Deadline: February 28, 2017 Job Start Date: Spring 2017 Job Location: Alberta
Earthmaster Environmental Strategies Inc. is focused on serving the upstream oil and gas, commercial and industrial industries in Western Canada. We are a multi-disciplinary consulting firm offering an exceptional team-oriented working environment, a comprehensive benefit package and an opportunity for career development and growth.
We are seeking an Intermediate Qualified Aquatic Environmental Specialist (QAES) /Wetland Specialist to work in our upstream oil and gas and commercial-industrial environmental programs.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Develop and manage environmental programs and site specific projects:
Develop work plans and cost estimates
Co-ordinate, supervise and execute field work
Prepare, review and edit technical reports
Safety reporting and complete commitment to high safety standards
Provide strong leadership skills and mentor junior staff
Ensure excellent client service and foster strong working relationships
Effectively manage project budgets
Participate in business development QUALIFICATIONS:
University degree in a relevant discipline
Applicable professional designation(s) or eligible for professional designation(s)
Minimum 5+ years of field experience working as a QAES/Wetland Specialist
Experienced in environmental approvals and permitting
Experience in contaminated site assessment, remediation and/or hydrogeology will be considered an asset
Strong communication and excellent written and oral (English) skills
Well-developed interpersonal skills including problem solving, decision making and stress management
Valid Class 5 driver’s license Application Details: Please forward cover letter and resume to: Earthmaster Environmental Strategies Inc. #200, 358 – 58 Avenue SW Calgary, AB T2H 2M5 Email: [email protected] Fax: (403) 201-2227 Web: www.earthmaster.ca
