Contaminated Sites and Remediation
Our team provides reliable, cost-controlled, and environmentally sound outcomes based on strong technical analysis and an in-depth understanding of Canada’s complex regulatory framework. We have experience with diverse contaminated sites, including industrial properties, rail yards, fuel facilities, and sites on First Nations reserve lands.
2.1 Environmental Site Assessments (ESA)
We follow industry standards (like CSA Standard Z768) to systematically investigate and characterize site conditions.
- Phase I ESA: A non-intrusive review of historical records, a site visit, and interviews to identify Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs) and potential contamination sources. This is essential for due diligence in property transactions.
- Phase II ESA: Intrusive investigation involving sampling and analyzing soil, groundwater, soil vapour, and sediments to confirm the presence, nature, and extent of any contamination identified in Phase I.
- Phase III – Remediation and Closure: If contamination is confirmed, we design and implement a cleanup plan to meet specific regulatory criteria.
2.2 Remediation and Risk Management Solutions
We deploy a variety of cost-effective, innovative, and sustainable solutions based on the site’s unique needs.
A) Remediation and Treatment Technologies
Our Remedial Action Plans (RAPs) utilize technologies for effective cleanup.
- Physical Removal: Excavation of contaminated soil and off-site disposal, followed by replacement with clean fill.
- In-Situ/Ex-Situ Treatment (Bioremediation/Chemical Oxidation): Treating contaminants using on-site methods, including using microorganisms to break down contaminants naturally or injecting chemicals to neutralize pollutants.
- Stabilization/Solidification: Binding contaminants to reduce their mobility and disposal volume.
- Groundwater Management: Pumping and treating impacted groundwater using physical or chemical methods.
B) Risk Assessment and Regulatory Closure
When complete removal isn’t feasible, we provide risk-based solutions for compliance:
- Risk Assessments (HHERAs): Performing Human Health and Ecological Risk Assessments to determine if residual contamination poses an unacceptable risk, establishing site-specific cleanup standards.
- Regulatory Compliance: Negotiating with regulators (like the CER) to gain approval for risk-based closure. This can result in a Record of Site Condition (RSC).
- Monitoring Programs: Implementing long-term monitoring for soil, groundwater, and air quality to ensure the site’s ongoing protection.
