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An Information Service for Alberta’s Environment Industry The Week Ending May 18th, 2018
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Inside this Issue:
Creating the World’s Largest Boreal Protected Forest
AER Reports Pipeline Incidents are Down due to Improved Performance
Environmental Order Issued to Edson Company
CNR Fined for Violating CEPA
Upcoming Events
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
[email protected] UTTTH T HTTTUwww.esaa.org UTTH T
Comments & submissions are welcome!
Please submit your announcement via e-mail to:
RemTech 2018
October 10-12, 2018
Fairmont Banff Springs
Call for Abstracts - Deadline May 31st
ESAA invites you to submit technical abstracts focusing on technologies for the remediation of contaminated soil. Abstracts are encouraged in, but not limited to, the following areas:
In-Situ and Ex-Situ Treatment
Physical / Biological / Chemical Treatment
Soil Washing and Scrubbing
Thermal Desorption
Incineration
Stabilization / Solidification
Immobilization
Aeration
Soil Venting
Membranes
Encapsulation
Vitrification
Natural Attenuation
Oil Sands Remediation / Reclamation
Oil Spills Management
New Technology and Research
Remote and Difficult Locations
Reclamation
Emerging Contaminants
Superfund Projects
Landfill Closure
Phyto-remediation
All other related topics will be considered
The preliminary selection of presentations will be based on submitted abstracts and reviewed by a panel of peers. Abstracts should be no longer that 500 words (not including bio), should include a presenter biography and be submitted as a Word Document by no later than May 31, 2018. Before submitting your abstract, ensure that client approval has been obtained for your potential presentation.
Send abstract submissions to Joe Chowaniec via email to: [email protected] Notification of acceptance will be given by July 13, 2018.
Full presentations must be submitted by September 28, 2018. Full details available: www.esaa.org/remtech/agenda/call-for-abstracts/ Sponsorship Opportunites: A limited number of bronze and silver sponsorships are remaining for RemTech 2018. For information contact: Lorrine Hamdone, [email protected] Early Bird Registration is now open with special delegate rates available for Members and Non-Members. Register Now and save 20%. Early bird rate ends June 1st, 2018. Full details available online at: www.esaa.org/remtech/
ALBERTA - CREATING WORLD’S LARGEST BOREAL PROTECTED FOREST The largest contiguous area of boreal protected land in the world has been established in northern Alberta.
The Government of Alberta partnered with The Government of Canada, the Tallcree First Nation, Syncrude and the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) on the conservation of more than 6.7 million hectares (67,000 sq. km) of boreal forest.
The creation of the Kazan, Richardson and Birch River wildland provincial parks connects the federal government’s Wood Buffalo National Park to other existing wildland provincial parks.
The new and expanded wildland provincial parks are: Kazan, Richardson, Dillon River, Birch River and Birch Mountains. In total, these northern Alberta parks contribute more than 1.36 million hectares to the province’s protected area network.
This is the largest addition to the Alberta Parks system in its history, and will constitute the largest contiguous protected boreal forest in the world under the guidelines of the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
“Our government is committed to protecting our land, water and forests for future generations. Preserving these areas has allowed Alberta to establish the largest contiguous boreal protected area in the world. This historic achievement shows what can be accomplished when governments, First Nations, industry and environmental organizations work together.” - Shannon Phillips, Minister of Environment and Parks
“The environment and the economy go together – that’s why our government is investing in protecting nature and wildlife habitat. It’s encouraging to see governments, Indigenous peoples, industry and conservation groups working together to protect this significant part of Alberta’s boreal forest as an important natural legacy for Albertans, Canadians, the world and future generations.” - Catherine McKenna, federal Minister of Environment and Climate Change
Identified in the Lower Athabasca Regional Plan (LARP) in 2012, the new parks were fully reviewed to ensure there are no economic impacts on natural resource industries or communities. Industry tenures in the parks were compensated years ago, leaving the lands free for protection.
For the five new and expanded wildland provincial parks, the Government of Alberta proposes to enter into cooperative management arrangements with Indigenous communities. Indigenous advice and knowledge will inform decision-making and management of these lands and the province will provide resources to support this process.
“Our government is listening to the Indigenous peoples of Alberta who share a deep connection with this land. This opportunity for cooperative management will help to enrich and strengthen the planning, management and operation of Alberta’s provincial parks, while also implementing our commitment to reconciliation and our respect for Indigenous heritage and traditional knowledge.” - Richard Feehan, Minister of Indigenous Relations
“This collaboration between the Nature Conservancy of Canada, the governments of Canada and Alberta, and industry are aligned with the Tallcree Tribal Government’s values regarding the preservation of the boreal forest. The boreal forest holds greater value to the First Nation for exercising our traditional way of life and the quiet enjoyment of our treaty rights.” - Rupert Meneen, Chief, Tallcree First Nation
In addition, Alberta plans to integrate an Indigenous Guardian Program into these wildland provincial parks. Under this program, First Nations and Metis peoples will be hired to monitor the areas, help maintain the lands and provide education and outreach to park visitors.
“The new wildland provincial parks ensure Indigenous peoples have places to hunt and fish with their families for generations to come. The Government of Alberta’s commitment to work collaboratively with Indigenous communities to develop cooperative management plans provides a historic opportunity to have Indigenous knowledge and values influence land-use planning.” - Bill Loutitt, CEO, McMurray Metis
Treaty 8’s Tallcree First Nation, in cooperation with the NCC and the Alberta and federal governments and with support from Syncrude, generously relinquished their Birch River area timber licence and quota to enable one of the new parks (Birch River WPP) to proceed.
The Government of Alberta thanks the Tallcree First Nation for working with the government and the NCC to achieve this historic outcome. Alberta and the Tallcree First Nation have agreed to manage the Birch River WPP with mutual benefit toward conservation and economic opportunities.
“Canada’s boreal forest is unique in the world. The ecological value of this region cannot be overstated—this is a conservation achievement of global significance. Through partnership, we have been able to make a significant step forward in advancing meaningful conservation in Canada.” - John Lounds, president & CEO, Nature Conservancy of Canada
In addition, the environmental benefits created through the establishment of the Birch River WPP will provide conservation offsets that Syncrude can apply towards future industrial activities.
“Syncrude is proud to play a role in this remarkable initiative that provides both economic and environmental benefits for Albertans and Canadians. This agreement supports our commitment to responsible development of the oil sands
resource while contributing to the conservation of the boreal forest for future generations.” - Doreen Cole, managing director, Syncrude Canada Ltd.
"Alberta-Pacific Forest Industries Inc. (Al-Pac) extends our support and congratulates the Government of Alberta as it formalizes the creation of the world’s largest network of protected areas in Canada's boreal forest. Al-Pac has long recognized the importance of conservation areas as an integral part of managing human activity in the boreal forest for the long-term benefit of both biodiversity and the economy. " - Elston Dzus, forest ecologist, Alberta-Pacific Forest Industries Inc.
Establishing the wildland provincial parks (WPPs) will mean a protected area that is more than twice the size of Vancouver Island (32,000 sq. km), slightly smaller than the province of New Brunswick (72,908 sq. km), slightly bigger than the Great Bear Rainforest in British Columbia (64,000 sq. km), and 10 times the size of the Greater Toronto Area (7,124 sq. km).
Background
In 2010, the Lower Athabasca Regional Advisory Council, consisting of representatives from municipalities, industry, First Nations, and environmental non-governmental organizations, recommended that the Government of Alberta establish the Kazan, Dillon River and Richardson WPPs and expand the existing Birch Mountains WPP.
In 2012, the Government of Alberta completed the Lower Athabasca Region Plan (LARP), establishing the Birch River Conservation Area in a section of the A9 forestry management unit (FMU). While the oil sand agreements in the area were cancelled, forestry was permitted.
Between 2012 and 2016, the Government of Alberta spent $45 million to purchase oil sands and metallic mineral leases in the identified conservation areas.
In March 2018, the Government of Alberta, the NCC, the Tallcree First Nation, and Syncrude signed a Memorandum of Understanding that would see the Tallcree First Nation relinquish its timber licence and quota in the A9 FMU to the Government of Alberta.
By Tallcree First Nation voluntarily relinquishing its timber licence and quota, commercial forestry will no longer take place in Birch River WPP.
The establishment of the Kazan (570,822 hectares of new land for a total of 659,397 hectares), Richardson (264,727 hectares of new land for total of 312,068 hectares), Dillon River (191,545 hectares) and Birch River (331,832 hectares) WPPs, and the expansion of the Birch Mountains WPP (by an additional 1,563 hectares) create 1,360,390 hectares of new protected land.
Birch Mountains WPP is already designated and is now 145,969 hectares in size.
AER REPORTS PIPELINE INCIDENTS ARE DOWN DUE TO IMPROVED PERFORMANCE The number of pipeline incidents in Alberta dropped by almost half over the last 10 years, according to a report on pipeline performance released today by the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER).
The Pipeline Performance Report shows that pipeline incidents fell by 48 per cent—from 800 incidents in 2008 to 417 incidents in 2017. At the same time, the length of pipelines grew by 11 per cent to 426 000 kilometres. In 2017 alone, pipeline incidents declined by six per cent over the previous year, with 62 per cent of incidents resulting in less than one cubic metre of substance released.
“The continued reduction in incidents shows that companies are getting better at managing the risks of their pipelines and that the steps we’re taking to keep them safe are working,” says Jim Ellis, president and CEO of the Alberta Energy Regulator. “While we’re encouraged that the performance of pipeline companies is improving, more needs be done because all pipeline incidents are preventable.”
The report also shows that 80 per cent of the pipeline incidents in 2017 had little to no impacts on the public, wildlife, or environment, while those that had high consequences made up 6 per cent of the total.
Internal corrosion remains the leading case of pipeline failures, with 92 per cent of high-consequence incidents occurring on pipelines that carry corrosive substances such as salt water or oil well effluent, which is a mixture of oil, gas, and salt water.
“In most cases, pipeline incidents are caused by problems that could’ve been avoided if the pipeline had been properly maintained,” says Ellis. “We know that in order to reduce incident rates, companies need to improve their performance
further, and that means more than just complying with our requirements. Good performance means that companies need to go above and beyond to ensure that the right systems are in place to keep their pipelines safe.”
The Pipeline Performance Report is part of the AER’s industry performance program, which launched in 2016 to measure, evaluate, and report on energy development activities that the AER regulates and to help improve the performance of oil and gas companies.
The Alberta Energy Regulator ensures the safe, efficient, orderly, and environmentally responsible development of hydrocarbon resources over their entire life cycle. This includes allocating and conserving water resources, managing public lands, and protecting the environment while providing economic benefits for all Albertans.
ENVIRONMENTAL ORDERS ISSUED TO EDSON COMPANY The province has issued enforcement orders to a company and its directors in relation to an unauthorized gravel pit in Yellowhead County.
The orders, under the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act, the Public Lands Act and the Water Act, were issued to Edson-based Jade Oilfield Maintenance Company Ltd. and its two directors.
The parties operated a 30-hectare gravel pit that spanned both private and public lands. They neither obtained nor applied for an authorization to open, operate or reclaim a gravel pit.
Incident details
In 2015, Environment and Parks staff observed signs of aggregate operations, including excavation of surface and subsurface materials on private land, a loader and gravel truck actively hauling aggregate and three constructed drainage ditches.
In August 2015, Environment and Parks staff advised the parties that they must obtain a registration for the pit under the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act to authorize all construction, operation and reclamation on private land, all applicable approvals under the Water Act and a surface material lease under the Public Lands Act to authorize operations on public land.
In May 2017, the parties were advised that no further activities were to be conducted at the pit until a registration was obtained. In June 2017, Environment and Parks staff observed active and ongoing gravel pit activities being conducted and there are no authorizations to date.
Terms of the Enforcement Orders Under the orders, the responsible parties must:
Cease immediately all unauthorized activity on private and public land.
Prevent immediately all earthen material that leaves public and private land from, among other things, coming into contact with the bed, shore, and water of any water body.
Submit detailed site assessments of both the public and private land signed and stamped by a qualified professional by July 31, 2018.
Ensure the assessments include detailed descriptions of all areas of the public and private land that has been disturbed by the construction or operation of the pit, including detailed descriptions of soils, vegetation and terrain with off-site control sample comparisons.
Submit by June 30, 2018 a written remedial plan that includes, among other requirements, a detailed plan to return the entire area from which vegetation was removed to pre-disturbance conditions, rendering ineffective the three drainage ditches constructed on site.
ALBERTA - BALANCED PLANS PROTECT LAND, BOOST RECREATION New land management plans for the Livingstone-Porcupine Hills areas will help conserve and protect sensitive ecosystems while improving economic and recreation opportunities.
The Land Footprint and Recreation Management plans establish the Livingstone and Porcupine Hills areas as Public Land Use Zones (PLUZ). This follows through on the government’s commitment to science-based land management
that protects the environment, enhances recreational opportunities and ensures local residents can continue to make a living off the land.
“Generations of Alberta families have enjoyed getting outdoors to explore the Livingstone-Porcupine Hills area. These balanced plans will help us protect the region’s headwaters, biodiversity, esthetic beauty and historic value, while providing safe, high-quality recreation experiences for all users.” - Shannon Phillips, Minister of Environment and Parks
“For so many years, I have witnessed the increasing destruction of our backcountry and headwaters. The land plan and the recreation plan for the Livingstone-Porcupine Hills, coupled with the PLUZ, give our landscape a long overdue reprieve and will provide the guidance and enforcement framework necessary to protect a resource precious to all Albertans.” - Cam Gardner, reeve, MD of Ranchland
The area forms part of southern Alberta’s Eastern Slopes, which are highly valued for their natural resources and as the source of most of the region’s drinking water.
Alberta’s growing population combined with diverse interests on the landscape – including forestry, energy and mining, tourism, recreation and grazing – have led to a need to focus on land management for the area’s long-term health and use.
“The PLUZ, Footprint, and Recreation plans have been needed for a long time and will make a positive difference for many ranchers and local residents who rely on the land for their livelihood. Important work remains to be done on implementation of the plans and we look forward to working with the government and other stakeholders in this process.” - John Lawson, landowner, Porcupine Hills Coalition
The two new Public Land Use Zones provide designated trails for hiking, mountain biking and off-highway vehicle use while limiting access in some areas to protect the ecological integrity of the landscape. Maps are available online and at information kiosks in the area. The PLUZ designations also provide additional enforcement tools that support responsible public use.
“Alberta BHA is pleased to see the provincial government moving forward with the Livingstone-Porcupine Hills management plans. We have members that participate in a range of activities year-round, and the establishment of a Public Land Use Zone, along with a comprehensive Recreation Plan, provides something for everyone while keeping land and streams healthy.” - Cody Spencer, co-chair, Alberta Backcountry Hunters and Anglers
“It's important that the planning process for the Livingstone-Porcupine Hills included consideration of scientific evidence. The plan for roads, trails and motorized vehicle access drew on sound evidence regarding the impacts on soil compaction, erosion, water quality, fish habitat and wildlife behaviour, among other impacts.” - Jon Mee, Department of Biology, Mount Royal University
Almost $5 million in capital funding over four years will be used to improve staging areas, rebuild and improve trails, install bridges over water crossings, and protect and enhance fish habitat in the southern Alberta Eastern Slopes. In 2018, 20 projects will be delivered in the Livingstone-Porcupine Hills PLUZ, and Castle parks.
2018 new projects include
Three bridges for off-highway vehicles (OHV) installed along trails out of the McGillivray staging area.
Outhouses and site improvements at the McGillivray and Atlas staging areas.
New trails and a bridge designed to accommodate a snow groomer for grooming snowmobile trails at the Allison and McGillivray staging areas.
New camping infrastructure, signage and general improvements at the Atlas, McGillivray, Window Mountain, Beaver Creek and Trout Creek staging areas.
Improvements to three camping nodes in Willow Creek.
New OHV bridges at damaged water crossings in the Crowsnest Pass area.
Stream bank stabilization, bioengineering and landscape planting for fish habitat at various sites across the PLUZ and parks.
CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY FINED OVER $1 MILLION FOR VIOLATING THE CANADIAN
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ACT, 1999 Canadians recognize the importance of a safe and a clean environment. Environment and Climate Change Canada’s enforcement officers work to ensure that individuals comply with Canada’s environmental laws.
On May 14, 2018, the Canadian National Railway Company (CN) pleaded guilty to importing a fuel that does not meet the requirements of the Renewable Fuels Regulations. CN was fined $25,000 and was ordered by the court to pay a sum of $1,101,627 to promote the protection of the environment.
The investigation conducted by Environment and Climate Change Canada found that—between July 1, 2011 and December 31, 2012—CN imported over 224 000 000 litres of diesel fuel. Under the Regulations, 2 percent of that volume should have been renewable fuel unless compliance units were acquired. Despite the compliance units acquired during that period, CN’s renewable-fuel deficit was 3 672 090 litres below the 2 percent requirement.
The fine and penalty will be directed to the Environmental Damages Fund administered by Environment and Climate Change Canada.
Quick facts
The Renewable Fuels Regulations require fuel producers and importers to have an average renewable content of 5 percent in gasoline and 2 percent in diesel fuel and heating distillate oil, based on volume. A trading system is in place whereby renewable fuel compliance units may be traded.
The Department’s enforcement officers conduct inspections and investigations under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 to ensure that individuals comply with the environmental protection laws to which they are subject.
The Environmental Damages Fund is administered by Environment and Climate Change Canada. It was created in 1995 to provide a mechanism for directing funds received as a result of fines, court orders, and voluntary payments to projects that will benefit our environment.
MYSTERIOUS RISE IN EMISSIONS OF OZONE-DAMAGING CHEMICAL (Source: BBC News) Scientists have detected an unexpected rise in atmospheric levels of CFC-11, a chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) highly damaging to the ozone layer.
Banned by the Montreal Protocol in 1987, CFC-11 was seen to be declining as expected but that fall has slowed down by 50% since 2012.
Researchers say their evidence shows it's likely that new, illegal emissions of CFC-11 are coming from East Asia.
These could hamper the recovery of the ozone hole and worsen climate change.
CFC-11 is also known as trichlorofluoromethane, and is one of a number of CFCs that were initially developed as refrigerants during the 1930s.
They were also used as propellants in aerosol sprays and in solvents.
However, it took many decades for scientists to discover that when CFCs break down in the atmosphere, they release chlorine atoms that are able to rapidly destroy ozone molecules.
The finding that the destruction of ozone was creating a large "hole" over the Antarctic led to the signing of the Montreal Protocol in 1987.
This treaty saw the production of CFCs, including CFC-11, banned in developed countries in the mid 1990s and in the rest of the world by 2010.
As production stalled, existing reservoirs of the chemicals were expected to gradually escape to the atmosphere and diminish.
Scientists have been carefully gathering data from air monitoring stations around the world ever since to make sure everything is progressing as anticipated.
And so successful has Montreal been that scientists have spoken of a recovery being under way.
But there a growing scientific doubts about the progress of healing in the ozone hole. Reports last year indicated that production of new chlorine-containing chemicals could cause significant delay.
The new study published on Wednesday shows that, as expected, the rate of decline of concentrations of CFC-11 observed was constant between 2002 and 2012. However, since 2012, this decline has slowed by around 50%.
The authors of the new report discount the idea that this change could be due to releases from existing stores, emissions from older buildings being decommissioned, or from the accidental production of CFC-11 as a by-product of other chemical manufacture.
Image copyright SPL Image caption Older fridges are more likely to contain compounds that will damage the ozone layer
In 2013, plumes of air containing elevated levels of CFC-11 were detected at the Mauna Loa observatory in Hawaii.
The authors of this research say it's likely that illegal production of CFC-11 in East Asia is behind the rise.
"They do point in that direction, fairly definitively," Dr Stephen Montzka from the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (Noaa) told BBC News.
"We are making the measurements from very far away from these regions and I think more specificity is going to come once the people... in that region...look carefully at their measurements and publish their results," he added.
"Any production of an ozone-depleting gas that's controlled by the Montreal Protocol has to be reported to the ozone secretariat, and, currently, global production is essentially zero. We know of no production even for intermediary or side products."
The researchers are puzzled as to what the motivation for any unauthorised new production might be.
They point to the fact that since the production of these chemicals was ended over eight years ago, any industry that was involved in this work would have transitioned to other substances.
"It's disappointing, I would not have expected it to happen," said Dr Michaela Hegglin from Reading University, UK, who was not involved in the study.
"The newer substances that are out there, the replacements for CFC-11, might be more difficult or expensive for some countries to produce or get at.
"I hope that somehow the international community can put pressure on South East Asian countries, maybe China, to go and look at whether they can get more information on where the emissions come from. They should tell the industries that's not going to work."
The study authors point out that while CFC-11 can persist in the atmosphere for 50 years, the overall level of chlorine atoms is still declining.
However, if no action is taken on the new source of emissions, it could be highly significant.
"If the emissions were to persist, then we could imagine that healing of the ozone layer, that recovery date, could be delayed by a decade," said Dr Montzka.
It could also make a contribution to rising global temperatures.
The researchers say that the study also shows that early warning air monitoring systems are an essential element to police emissions of ozone damaging chemicals going forward as countries agreed on further, significant phase outs in
With the international community agreeing further, significant phase-outs in Kigali, in 2016, the researchers say early-warning, air-monitoring systems will be an essential part of the future policing of emissions.
The new study is published in the journal Nature.
UPCOMING EVENTS
SUBSOIL SALINITY TOOL (SST) VERSION 3.0 UPCOMING COURSES Update 1 day course (only for previously certified SST practitioners): The Alberta Environment and Parks (AEP) Subsoil Salinity Tool (SST) Version 3.0 is a software tool used to generate Tier 2A and 2B Subsoil Remediation Guidelines (SRGs) for chloride, SAR and sodium. This 1-day update course provides a description of key changes for chloride from the previous version (v2.5.3), and also describes the SAR and sodium guideline calculations introduced into this version. A pre-release version of Version 3.0 will be available to attendees during the course, with the official software for Version 3.0 to be released directly by AEP/AER later in 2018. This course does not include an exam and will not provide SST certification. This course is for previously certified SST practitioners only. Cost for the update course is $400 + GST. Location: Calgary
Equilibrium Environmental, 3004 Ogden Road SE Dates: June 19, 2018 For further information, please email [email protected] or contact Equilibrium Environmental at 403-286-7706 or visit www.eqm.ca for future course dates and a copy of the registration forms.
SUBSOIL SALINITY TOOL (SST) VERSION 3.0 UPCOMING COURSE Full 3.5 day certification course: The Alberta Environment and Parks (AEP) Subsoil Salinity Tool (SST) Version 3.0 is a software tool used to generate Tier 2A and 2B Subsoil Remediation Guidelines (SRGs) for chloride, SAR and sodium. This 3.5 day course includes three days of instruction on theory and case studies, with the exam on the morning of the fourth day morning (four-hour comprehensive exam). Students achieving a passing mark (80%) will obtain AEP certification and a certificate number registered at AEP for submitting SST derived SRGs. The course will include instruction on both the current Version 2.5.3 and upcoming Version 3.0 in order to gain familiarity with the existing software as well as becoming familiar with the various updates/upgrades in Version 3.0, including the subsoil SAR/sodium module. A pre-release version of Version 3.0 will be available to attendees during the course, with the official software for Version 3.0 to be released directly by AEP/AER later in 2018. Successful completion of the course including passing the exam will result in an SST certificate which notes both Version 2.5.3 and Version 3.0 on it with thus no need for further updating to Version 3.0. Cost for the full certification course is $1200 + GST. Location: Edmonton
Sandman Signature Edmonton South 10111 Ellerslie Rd. SW (780) 430-7263
Dates: June 5 - 8, 2018 For further information, please email [email protected] or contact Equilibrium Environmental at 403-286-7706 or visit www.eqm.ca for future course dates and a copy of the registration forms.
Industry Positions Openings
For more information visit ESAA’s Job Board under the news section of HTUwww.esaa.org UTH
Intermediate Reclamation and Remediation Consultant
Term: Full-Time Number of Positions: 2 Application Deadline: May 31, 2018 Job Start Date: Immediate Job Location: Calgary and Sherwood Park
North Shore Environmental Consultants Inc. (North Shore) is a progressive environmental company that specializes in providing environmental management services to the upstream oil and gas industry. Since our inception in 2002, North Shore has offered cost efficient and effective solutions to the complex environmental challenges faced by today’s industries. We offer our employees exceptional career development opportunities and an excellent team-oriented working environment.
North Shore is currently seeking Intermediate Environmental Consultants for our Reclamation and Remediation Teams, based out of our Calgary and Sherwood Park, Alberta offices.
Key Responsibilities:
Assist with the coordination and execution of Phase 1, Phase 2, and Phase 3 environmental site assessments through to reclamation certification.
Coordinate and supervise small and large scale reclamation and remediation projects.
Coordinate and complete detailed site assessments.
Complete vegetation assessments and supervise weed management activities in forested, native prairie, and cropland settings.
Complete daily cost tracking and project status reports.
Implement corporate and client safety programs.
Prepare technical reports.
Ensure that project requirements are met in a timely and effective manner.
Support other environmental service line projects as required.
Qualifications:
Comfortable working around various types heavy equipment and supervising small and large scale reclamation and remediation projects.
Proficient at completing Detailed Site Assessments using the 2010 Reclamation Criteria for Wellsites and Associated Facilities.
Familiar with the Alberta Tier 1 and 2 Soil and Groundwater Remediation Guidelines.
Willingness to travel and be in the field for extended periods of time.
Technical Diploma or University Degree in environmental science or related discipline.
Excellent communication, writing, and problem solving skills.
Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and database entry.
Solid understanding and working knowledge of the upstream oil and gas regulatory requirements in Alberta.
Valid driver’s license.
Good physical health and ability to work outdoors in varying conditions.
Willingness to work within a team environment.
Highly organized and have the ability to prioritize multiple tasks.
Preference will be given to candidates with five or more years of experience in the upstream oil and gas industry and who have or are eligible to obtain a professional designation. Reclamation experience in Alberta will also be considered an asset. Compensation will be based upon candidate experience.
North Shore Environmental Consultants Inc. supports a shared commitment to a Representative Workforce that is respectful and reflective of all staff and clients. North Shore strives to build diversity among our staff to increase our ability to provide high quality service to our diverse client base.
How to Apply: Please submit your resume via email to [email protected]. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those considered for an interview will be contacted. For more information about North Shore, please visit our website at www.northshoreenv.com.
This position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND REGULATORY
ADVISOR
Term: Full-Time Number of Positions: 1 Application Deadline: June 7, 2018 Job Location: Calgary
Job Description
Birchcliff Energy is seeking a dynamic and motivated Environmental and Regulatory Advisor to join our team. Reporting to the HSE Manager, the primary role of this key position is to work closely with the HSE and Operations teams assisting to steward, and implement the Health, Safety and Environmental programs for Birchcliff’s operating areas.
Key Responsibilities
Develop, Implement and Support Corporate Environment programs and initiatives.
Preparation and distribution of internal environmental alerts, memos and correspondence.
Manage regulatory requirements and programs including: o Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHG); o Fugitive Emissions program; o Non-Pollutant Regulatory Index (NPRI); and o Multi-Sector Air Pollutant regulations (MSAPR).
Assist with Regulatory audits as required.
Manage AER Inspection and Investigation tracking.
Data entry and submission into AER DDS system: enforcement follow up, etc.
Submit AER reports as directed by our facility license approvals, monthly and annual.
Various annual regulatory reporting.
Support the Waste Management program.
Assist with HSE documentation updates including the Corporate Environmental Program, Corporate Health and Safety Manual, Waste Manifests, etc.
Support and provide input for the HSE Quarterly Summary Report.
Create and deliver Environment and Regulatory training materials and presentations.
Prepare Abandonment and Reclamation Liabilities Summary for Acquisition/Divestiture Reports.
Incident Management: o Tool management for Workplace Incident Tracking System;
o Incident reporting support; and o Investigation support; ensuring full circle documentation of incident including root cause and effective corrective
actions.
Participate and support Corporate ERP and training program.
Assist with planning for Safety Stand Down and annual HSE Safety Seminars.
Education, Skills and Abilities
Must have a B.Sc. or B.A in Environmental Science, Studies or Engineering.
Must have a minimum 10 years’ Environment and Regulatory experience in the oil and gas industry (Preference will be given to those with some Health and Safety exposure).
Candidate must have solid understanding and knowledge of the current regulations.
Motivated to learn and provide direction on new and upcoming regulatory updates and changes.
Oil & gas experience in Drilling, Completions and/or Production Operations would be an asset.
The ability to work as a team member.
Motivated to support all aspects of our Operations.
Must be able to manage time and priorities.
Must be able to take direction as well as add professional input into decisions and provide direction.
Excellent critical thinking skills.
Ability to mentor and work with staff.
Strong organizational skills.
Demonstrate a keen interest for accuracy and attention to detail.
Strong computer software skills including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Strong TEAM player with effective and open communication skills. Birchcliff is a highly interactive company and expects a high level of team work and communication across all departments.
Advanced communication skills, both written and verbal.
Must be able to travel to the field and support the Operations Team in all aspects of HSE on a regular basis.
How to Apply: Interested applicants are invited to submit their resume to [email protected] with the term “Environmental and Regulatory Advisor” in the subject line of the email.
The successful applicant will be a highly motivated, flexible, enthusiastic and well-organized individual who enjoys being part of a fast-paced team.
We thank you in advance for your submission; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
