An Information Service for Alberta’s Environment Industry The Week Ending January 10th, 2014

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Inside this Issue:

• Alberta Company Fined for Misleading Environment Officials

• Oilsands Environmental Agency Gets Temporary Reprieve

• Purge of Canada’s Fisheries Libraries a ‘Historic’ Loss, Scientist Say

• Pesticides ‘Contaminating’ Prairie Wetlands: Scientist

• New Memebrs

• Job Board

• and much more ….

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WATERTECH AND REMTECH 2014

Early Bird Registration Rates end Friday, January 10th, 2014

Early bird registration rates for both WaterTech 2014 and RemTech 2014 end on January 10th. Register early and save approx. 10%.

• WaterTech 2014 - April 9-11 - Register Now • RemTech 2014 - October 15-17 - Register Now

Complete event details can be found via the links above.

EB 2014: Professional Development Courses - 70% Sold Out

February 10-12, 2014 Edmonton Marriott @ River Cree Resort and

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There is a limit of 25 registrations per course. As of January 9th, courses are 70%sold out.

Complete courses descriptions and on-line registration available at: www.environmentbusiness.ca. Space remains in the following courses: February 10, 2014 - One Day Courses

• Soil Chemistry for Remediating Salt-Affected Soils – 7 Spots Left • An Introduction to Environmental and Regulatory Law 2014 – 4 Spots Left • Introduction to the Federal Fisheries Navigable Waters Protection Acts – 16

Spots Left • Business and Project Risk Management of Contaminated Sites – 15 Spots Left

February 10 & 11, 2014 - Two Day Course

• Introduction to Soil Science – NEW – 11 Spots Left February 11, 2014 - One Day Courses

• Soil Chemistry for Remediating Salt-Affected Soils - 2nd Course – 19 Spots Left

February 11 & 12, 2014 – Two Day Courses

• An Introduction to Using Groundwater Models in Contaminated Site Assessment and Remediation Design – 21 Spots Left

• Air Quality Management – 6 Spots Left • Environmental Project Management Planning Essentials – 14 Spots Left • Occupational Hygiene – NEW – 19 Spots Left

Complete courses descriptions and on-line registration available at: www.environmentbusiness.ca.

ALBERTA COMPANY FINED FOR MISLEADING ENVIRONMENT OFFICIALS

(Source: Edmonton Journal) A central Alberta company has been fined $10,000 and ordered to complete final steps to remediate contaminated soil at a property near Daysland.

Daysland Welding Ltd. pleaded guilty Jan. 3 to one count under the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act for knowingly providing false or misleading information to provincial officials.

In an agreed statement of facts, the company admitted that it submitted a plan to Environment officials to remediate a former Petro Canada gas station but then opted to use a significantly different and cheaper method that had less desirable results.

OILSANDS ENVIRONMENTAL AGENCY GETS TEMPORARY REPRIEVE

(Source: Edmonton Journal) In an unexpected move, some oil companies put up enough cash in late December to temporarily avert the closure of a key environmental agency working on new policies to clean up the oilsands.

On Jan. 1, the 12-year-old agency in Fort McMurray faced office closure, layoffs and terminating contracts with scientists working on a range of issues from speeding up land reclamation in the oilsands mines to improving water quality. But then companies injected $400,000 that will keep the lights on for a couple of months in the offices of Cumulative Environmental Management Association, executive director Glen Semenchuck.

But the association’s problems will not be over until Environment Minister Robin Campbell pushes back on the energy industry’s call last September to disband the organization and hand over its policy development job to an industry-only group, Semenchuck said.

“We’re very close to losing CEMA,” he said.

The association is the only agency that does policy development work for government engaging with all local stakeholders, First Nations, environment groups, industry and government with consensus decisions. Many of its recommendations are accepted by government.

But with no money for the 2014 work plan, scientific projects are frozen. Scientists won’t stay around and now there’s just enough cash to wind things down, Semenchuc said.

“We’ve been waiting for five months for the minister to respond. Is CEMA going to survive? I don’t know.”

A spokesman for Campbell’s office said the minister, who only recently took over Environment, has no comment at this time.

In August, the industry members on association’s 40-person board called for disbanding CEMA and refused to renew industry funding. First Nations and Métis are particularly upset at the prospect of closure because it’s one place they have a direct voice in environmental issues.

They are also worried about a second agency also facing a financial crunch in the Fort McMurray area, the Wood Buffalo Environmental Association that monitors air pollution.

“The loss of these mechanisms would be very unfortunate and we do not feel there is an appropriate substitute, ” says the Fort McKay First Nation in a letter to Campbell.

Kyle Harrietha, spokesman for the Fort McMurray Métis Local 1935, said the loss of CEMA’s longtime expertise would be particularly ill advised these days with too much in flux — unresolved issues with the federal-provincial monitoring (Joint Oilsands Monitoring Plan or JOSM) and the shift of hundreds of Environment Department jobs over to the new Alberta Energy Regulator, to name a few.

In a similar situation to CEMA, the air pollution agency was forced to dip into its $2 million emergency fund to stay afloat after oil industry stakeholders declined to renew its $12-million budget in the Dec. 11 meeting. A final decision to resolve the financial impasse will be made in late January, said executive director Kevin Percy.

ALBERTA PUBLIC LAND DISPOSITION NAME CHANGES - ESRD FACT SHEET 2013-DECEMBER

Changes to Public Land Dispositions Names As of December 1, 2013 the Department of Environment and Sustainable Resource Development is no longer responsible for issuing energy related disposition approvals under the Public Lands Act (PLA) and the Mines and Minerals Act (MMA). What Has Changed? The activities relating to upstream oil and gas, oil sands, coal mines and geophysical exploration have transitioned to the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER). As a result of this transition, there has been a series of changes to PLA dispositions that have been effected. Effective December 1, 2013 ESRD has made the following changes to disposition activities to separate similar activities between ESRD and the AER:

Disposition Type Description Managing Regulator

DLO Department License of Occupation ESRD

LOC License of Occupation AER

DML Department Miscellaneous Lease ESRD

MLL Miscellaneous Lease AER

DMS Department Mineral Surface Lease ESRD

MSL Mineral Surface Lease AER

DPL Department Pipeline Agreement (gas-co-ops and federally regulated pipelines only)

ESRD

PLA Pipeline Agreement AER

RVC Regulated Vegetation Control Easement AER

VCE Vegetation Control Easement ESRD Existing disposition holders will see (example):

Old Disposition Number New Disposition Number

LOC040838 DLO040838

MLL940003 DML940003

MSL060001 DMS060001

PLA3511 DPL3511

VCE090023 RVC090023 Future correspondence will reference the newly assigned disposition number. New applications to the department will be applied for under the new disposition names. What Has Not Changed? Disposition holders will maintain the same rights and privileges and will be subject to the existing terms and conditions. Any rental owed is still required to be paid. Future contact regarding any failure to make these payments will be referenced under the new disposition number. Any outstanding reclamation requirements are still required to be completed within the timelines identified. Any security deposits will be maintained under the new disposition number. Any compliance investigations currently under investigation will continue but will now reference the newly assigned disposition number. What Can You Expect Moving Forward? Disposition holders affected by this change can expect to receive a letter outlining the name changes to the disposition(s).

Energy clients can contact the AER’s Customer Contact Center at 1-855-297-8311 or look to their web site at http://www.aer.ca/

MEDICINE HAT LANDFILL FIRE AS

OUT AS CAN BE: COUNTY (Source: Medicine Hat News) There may be smoke at times but there is no longer a fire at the Westar Landfill and Hellfire Suppression Services is demobilizing and leaving town this weekend, says Cypress County.

“The fire is not only ‘out’ Hellfire is demobilizing,” said Dennis Mann fire chief for Cypress County on Friday.

The landowners adjacent to the Westar Landfill have photos taken on Thursday showing smoke over the landfill.

Mann says during investigative digging of about 50 holes, there were some hot spots.

“When they dealt with those it caused a plume of smoke,” said Mann. “Yesterday we had concerns about the southeast corner but today Hellfire said it’s done. There is no more they can do to make it any further ‘out’ than what it is.”

At a meeting of affected landowners on Thursday evening, many said they want to see the landfill closed and stricter regulations from Alberta Environment for Class 3 landfills.

Even thoughts of trying to sell up and leave are no longer options because of the loss in property value as a result of the fire, they say.

“We are concerned about our water wells and the water for our cattle,” said Kelly Marshall.

“We are also concerned about all the water used to put the fire out,” said Trina Marshall. “What will that do to the water in the spring?”

Some of the landowners expressed concerns about animal carcasses they’ve heard were in the landfill.

“There may have been an animal carcass of some sort. It could have been a dog, a cat, a cow, a horse. I don’t know. It’s not as though there was a truckload of carcasses,” said Mann.

Hellfire also found railway ties in the pit and these were separated.

“Railway ties are extremely difficult to extinguish because of the creosote in them,” said Mann. “When you uncover those a big ball of smoke comes up.”

It is the toxins from items such as this that have the evacuated landowners feeling worried and they say the lack of transparency from Alberta Health Services and Alberta Environment has them feeling as though something is being kept from them.

After being evacuated in a hurry due to deteriorating air quality, a couple days after the fire began on Nov. 18, they were told they could return home equally quickly.

They were given two hours notice of a meeting at Cypress County and told they could go home an hour later and sleep at home that night. (See related story Page A5)

Hellfire initially expected to have to dig down about 80 feet into the pit to uncover the hot spots.

“Hellfire is confident they’ve turned over everything in that entire pit,” said Mann.

The garbage that was extracted from the fire, doused and placed on the perimeter of the site is still in those piles.

“That will have to be addressed at some point before summer,” said Mann. “This is part of the recommendations given to us from Hellfire and this will be forwarded to Alberta Environment.”

Mann says he will not be making any recommendations to Alberta Environment regarding the future of Westar Landfill.

“That will be made by our senior administration with our council,” said Mann.

Cypress County will continue to monitor the Westar Landfill on a daily basis, including taking photos, for the next few weeks or longer, said Mann.

COUNTY EVACUEES WHO WANT AIR QUALITY INFORMATION WILL GET IT

(Source: Medicine Hat News) Tests were not done for dioxins during the Westar Landfill fire but copies of air quality data will be provided to those who requested it, says Alberta Health Services.

“Copies of the air quality reports have been requested by some and they are coming,” said Dr. Vivien Suttorp, medical officer of health for AHS South Zone. “AHS doesn’t own the reports, they belong to Alberta Environment, but according to an email dated Dec. 24 they are coming.”

Suttorp cautions that the data will need interpretation. She says most people are not well versed in toxicology and rely on Google for information and that can lead to unnecessary concerns.

“Dioxins are created at very hot temperatures. The tests we did were not directly for dioxins,” said Suttorp.

AHS determined from the data whether there was any immediate impact from the fire and smoke. The longer term impact was determined to be extremely small, said Suttorp.

Particulate matter in the air, during the fire, was monitored. Whether particulate matter settling on the ground or in evacuated homes poses a health risk is a question evacuees still want answered.

Trina Marshall says the cost of getting that analyzed can be as high as $4,000 depending on what the test includes.

Suttorp says dust in the air is different than settled dust. She has a report indicating the public health inspector went to each of the 10 homes for an inspection when the evacuees were allowed to return home.

“I was in touch with the inspector multiple times a day and I did not hear of any additional concerns. We really tried to work as a team to meet the peoples’ requests,” said Suttorp. “If there are more questions around health or people feel they weren’t heard, or were laughed off, that was definitely not our intent. We’ve spent an inordinate amount of time on this. Way more than with any other fires, ever.”

Suttorp says monitors in strategic locations are not picking up long-term, high volumes of the substances that were in the smoke.

“There is an extremely low likelihood, with doing calculations and projecting, that this is accumulating in a home,” said Suttorp.

She says many of the affected homes did not smell of smoke and there was no dust residue.

At a meeting on Thursday night those who had been evacuated said they’d have felt better if professional cleaners, accustomed to handling cleanup after smoke, had been given that responsibility.

Suttorp says AHS is not responsible for getting professional cleaners for the homes just like it is not responsible for cleaning homes that have an issue with mould or bedbugs.

“All we can do is give recommendations on how best to do this,” said Suttorp.

Suttorp says each person’s comfort level is different and for some that may mean getting additional sampling done and they can pursue that.

“There also needs to be an element of trust in the scientific community,” said Suttorp who advises making a list of questions they need answers to.

Suttorp says AHS, Alberta Environment and Cypress County would be prepared to attend a meeting with the evacuees if they still have questions they would like answered.

PURGE OF CANADA’S FISHERIES LIBRARIES A ‘HISTORIC’ LOSS, SCIENTISTS SAY

(Source: Globe and Mail) Scientists knew last spring that the Department of Fisheries and Oceans was closing seven of its 11 regional libraries housing decades of aquatic research.

But it was not until they saw the shelves being cleared, the books and journals being scooped up for free by private companies, and the scientific reports being hauled off to the dumpster that the magnitude of the purge hit home.

“It’s a loss,” said Burton Ayles, a former DFO regional director and the former director of science for the Freshwater Institute in Winnipeg, the site of one of the libraries that have been shut down. “It’s a loss of historic material, it’s a loss of the grey [not widely published] literature.”

The department says it will save $430,000 annually by consolidating material that “remains pertinent to the department’s mandate” in two primary locations – the Institute of Ocean Sciences in Sidney, B.C., and the Bedford Institute of Oceanography in Dartmouth, N.S. – and two specialized collections.

“The decision to consolidate our network of libraries was based on value for taxpayers,” Fisheries Minister Gail Shea said in a statement on Tuesday.

“An average of only five to 12 people who work outside of DFO visit our 11 libraries each year,” the statement said. “It is not fair to taxpayers to make them pay for libraries that so few people actually use.”

The primary users of the libraries were DFO scientists, who prefer to obtain their information digitally, said Sophie Doucet, a spokeswoman for Ms. Shea. Peter Wells, an adjunct professor and senior research fellow at the International Ocean Institute at Dalhousie University in Halifax, said it is not surprising few members of the public used the libraries. But “the public benefits by the researchers and the different research labs being able to access the information,” he said. Scientists say it is true that most modern research is done online. But much of the material in the DFO libraries was not available digitally, Dr. Wells said, adding that some of it had great historical value. And some was data from decades ago that researchers use to determine how lakes and rivers have changed.

“I see this situation as a national tragedy, done under the pretext of cost savings, which, when examined closely, will prove to be a false motive,” Dr. Wells said. “A modern democratic society should value its information resources, not reduce, or worse, trash them.”

Dr. Ayles said the Freshwater Institute had reports from the 1880s and some that were available nowhere else. “There was a whole core people who used that library on a regular basis,” he said.

Dr. Ayles pointed to a collection of three-ringed binders, occupying seven metres of shelf space, that contained the data collected during a study in the 1960s and 1970s of the proposed Mackenzie Valley pipeline. For a similar

study in the early years of this century, he said, “scientists could go back to that information and say, ‘What was the baseline 30 years ago? What was there then and what is there now?’ ”

When asked how much of the discarded information has been digitized, the government did not provide an answer, but said the process continues.

The department says material was offered to other libraries and third parties. It was also offered to the DFO staff on site, then the general public, and recycled if there were no takers, Ms. Doucet said. Scientists at the Freshwater Institute say a Winnipeg consulting company hauled away anything its workers thought might be useful – material that the scientists say is now lost to them.

“On my last visit, there were bound journals and maps strewn all over the place ... ,” said a scientist who asked to remain anonymous because he still does work for the department. “And it was just appalling.”

NEW BRUNSWICK CRUDE-BY-RAIL FIRE STOKES SAFETY DEBATE

(Source: HazMat Magazine) A Canadian National (CN) freight train derailed January 7, 2013 in northwestern New Brunswick (N.B.) while transporting crude oil, liquefied petroleum gas and other goods. The latest derailment is the third time in recent weeks that a train carrying crude has caught fire. The latest accident also continues the spotlight on the dangers of crude-by-rail transport, most notably following the Lac-Mégantic derailment in July 2013, when 47 people died in crude-based fiery blasts.

Seventeen of the 122 train cars derailed in N.B., casing fireballs, but leaving no injuries in the area near Wapske, N.B. Five of the tankers carried crude and were on their way to Irving Oil’s refinery in Saint John, N.B.

Four other cars were carrying liquefied propane gas.

Early reports from the Transportation Safety Board have isolated a possible fault with the mechanics of the train's braking system as the potential culprit of the derailment.

Approximately 150 people were evacuated from nearby homes as the fire burned at the accident site.

CN has said the only people on board the train—the conductor and engineer—have provided statements, but that information has not yet been released.

FAILURE TO PROTECT ENDANGERED SPECIES LANDS FEDS IN COURT

Environmental groups say the federal government has failed produce recovery plans for at-risk species

(Source: CBC News) Environmental groups are in federal court in Vancouver today trying to force the federal government to abide by its own Species At Risk Act.

Ecojustice is arguing on behalf of five other groups — including the David Suzuki Foundation, Greenpeace Canada, Sierra Club B.C., Wilderness Committee and Wildsight — that Ottawa has failed to prepare timely recovery strategies for endangered wildlife threatened by proposed resource development projects, including the Northern Gateway pipeline.

The act recognizes the Pacific humpback whales, Nechako white sturgeons, marbled murrelets and southern mountain caribou as being at-risk, but the government has delayed the release of recovery plans that are mandated by the law.

The group says the government waited until October 2013 — 4.5 years past its due date — to produce a plan for Pacific humpbacks. The strategy identifies toxic spills and tanker traffic from proposed pipelines and ports as threats to the whales' habitat and survival. But the plan was released too late for the Joint Review Panel to consider before giving cabinet its recommendation to approve the Northern Gateway pipeline in December.

“Chronic delays in producing recovery strategies for Canada’s endangered wildlife are forcing species already struggling to survive to wait even longer for the protection they desperately need,” said Ecojustice executive director Devon Page in a statement released yesterday.

The Species At Risk Act identifies Pacific humpback whales as being threatened by resource development projects like the Northern Gateway pipeline, but the federal government delayed releasing recovery plans until October 2013. (The Associated Press)

"Not having these recovery strategies in place makes it impossible for regulators to consider the full environmental impact of major projects,” said Page.

Ecojustice says the government has released its overdue plans for the white sturgeon and marbled murrelet in recent weeks — the latter just 24 hours before today's hearing. However, recovery strategies are still needed for an additional 160 at-risk species, including the southern mountain caribou.

PESTICIDE 'CONTAMINATING' PRAIRIE WETLANDS: SCIENTIST

Researcher suggests pesticide may be linked to insect, bird declines (Source: CBC News) Biologist Christy Morrissey is raising concerns about the new class of pesticide. (CBC)

A University of Saskatchewan biologist says many wetlands across the Prairies are being contaminated by a relatively new pesticide that is threatening the ecosystem.

Christy Morrissey says that over the past few years neonicotinoids have been used increasingly on crops in Western Canada and the chemical is making its way into wetlands, potentially having a devastating "domino effect" on insects and the birds that rely on them.

'The impact on biodiversity could be probably bigger than we've ever seen before.'—Christy Morrissey, biologist

Morrissey is just a year and a half into a four-year study, but she's alarmed by what she's finding.

"This is huge" Morrissey said. "The impact on biodiversity could be probably bigger than we've ever seen before if we keep going at this rate."

Neonics, as they're commonly called, hit the market in the early 2000s, but sales have taken off over the past five years.

They're used on a wide variety of crops such as corn, soybeans, wheat, oats, barley, potatoes and fruit. In Western Canada, neonics are most commonly found on canola. Virtually all of the 8.5 million hectares of canola planted in Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Alberta are now treated with them.

Based on confidential data obtained from the federal government, Morrissey said her conservative estimate is 44 per cent of crop land in the Prairies was treated with neonics in the year she reviewed.

"We're not talking about a little regional problem. We're talking about something that's happening over tens of millions of acres."

Morrissey said her study is the first in Canada looking at how the widespread use of this chemical may be affecting wetlands across the Prairies.

Neonics 'contaminating' western wetlands

Her research has found the chemical is commonly showing up in wetlands in concentrations at least three to four times higher than what has been deemed habitable for insects.

"In some cases we have peak concentrations that are 100 times or more higher than those benchmarks of safe levels." Morrissey said. She and her fellow researchers have sampled hundreds of wetlands and have found that "upwards of 80 to 90 per cent of the wetlands are contaminated."

Most alarming, she said, is that the chemical was detected in the water before farmers planted in the spring. Morrissey said her research shows neonics are persisting in the water for months and in some cases years. She said that is likely to be devastating to insects.

"The longer that the chemical is in the water the longer the exposure time for the bugs. So they basically are being hit continuously with the chemical."

Insect and bird populations may be affected

Morrissey said preliminary data suggests just what she suspected: an apparent decline in mosquito and midge populations, which could have serious ramifications for birds.

"So birds that are flying around, they are primarily eating midges and mosquitos," Morrissey said. "The ducks in the ponds, they are reliant on the midges, for example. So we know that these insects are basically the food supply for a lot of wildlife."

Neonicotinoids have been blamed for declines in bee populations.

Morrissey said there's plenty of evidence to show bird and insect populations are declining, but she acknowledges it's not yet clear if neonicotinoids are playing any role. Morrissey said she's attempting to learn how all of these pieces fit together.

"It's forensics, really, to see whether or not this one is causing the other. That takes a considerable amount of careful experimentation."

'We all want to have food that we consume and enjoy. But at what cost?'—Christy Morrissey, biologist

She said she's approaching this work with a real sense of urgency, because of how quickly neonics have become the pesticide of choice.

"We all want to have food that we consume and enjoy. But at what cost?" Morrissey wonders. "Is that at the cost of having no more birds around? Of having no more butterflies? Having no bees? People are thinking about that now."

Former government scientist calls for neonic ban

Morrissey isn't alone in her concerns. In March 2013, American Bird Conservancy published a paper citing data from Canada, California and the Netherlands claiming "that concentrations of several of the neonicotinoid insecticides are high enough to be causing impacts in aquatic food chains."

The paper is titled "The Impact of the Nation's Most Widely Used Insecticides on Birds." It was written by Pierre Mineau, a former senior research scientist specializing in pesticide ecotoxicology with Environment Canada, and an adjunct professor at Carleton University and the University of Saskatchewan.

The paper refers to Morrissey's research and other findings that led Mineau to conclude "it is clear that we are witnessing contamination of the aquatic environment at levels that will affect aquatic food chains. This has a potential to affect consumers of those aquatic resources, be they birds, fish or amphibians."

Mineau criticizes the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for its continued approval of new neonicotinoids for use in that country.

"EPA risk assessments have greatly underestimated this risk, using scientifically unsound, outdated methodology that has more to do with a game of chance than with a rigorous scientific process."

Mineau said concerns about neonics have now led the American Bird Conservancy and partners in the National Pesticide Reform coalition to urge the EPA to ban the use of neonics as seed treatments and do a thorough review of their effects on the ecosystem.

Despite these concerns, there is not unanimity in the scientific community regarding the reasons behind declining bird and insect populations. Another study by Mineau points out that "most investigators have blamed farmland bird declines on some aspect of agricultural intensification."

In other words, declining bird populations could be explained by farms that are larger and more dense than in the past, and as a result wildlife is losing its previous habitat.

Other scientists blame the decline on increased predation, which they argue is also a consequence of changes in habitat.

Neonics more environmentally friendly, industry says

The companies that manufacture neonicotinoids, Bayer CropScience and Syngenta, say their products have been rigorously tested and were found to be safe before they were introduced into the market.

CropLife Canada is an industry group that speaks on behalf of those companies. It said there's no reason to believe that neonics persist in water over long periods of time.

"The companies have done studies in Europe and in North America where they've applied the product consecutively for 10 years and have seen no accumulation, no bioaccumulation." explained CropLife Canada's Pierre Petelle. "And they've also seen no persistence beyond the levels that you would expect in a field for one year."

'The levels that would be detected under normal use won't pose a problem.'—Pierre Petelle, CropLife Canada

And so, while he hasn't yet seen Morrissey's data, he's quite sure, based on previous research, that it won't identify significant concerns with neonics.

"We're confident that the levels that would be detected under normal use won't pose a problem. So we would love to discuss these data with the researchers."

Petelle said that neonics, far from causing harm, are a welcome replacement to older sprayed-on pesticides that were potentially harmful to humans and animals.

"This class of insecticide [neonicotiniods] had extremely low toxicity to humans, extremely low toxicity to other mammals as well as birds and fish."

Petelle said the coated seeds make a lot of sense because they do away with the possibility of overspray and allow farmers to avoid multiple applications of pesticides throughout the growing season.

But Morrissey said that it's still quite possible farmers are applying more chemical to their fields now, using these treated seeds.

"Obviously the disadvantage from an environmental perspective is that every single plant is treated whether it needs it or not." said Morrissey. "So now you have a situation where large tracts of land are basically treated when they may or may not need to be treated."

Neonics embroiled in global bee controversy

Until now, neonics have primarily raised environmental concerns because of their perceived effect on bees.

In April of last year the European Union placed a two-year trial ban on the chemical because of complaints from beekeepers about dramatically declining populations, and scientific evidence that may show neonics are partly to blame.

'The problem here is that now you've got activist groups who've got a very clear anti-pesticide perspective.'—Pierre Petelle, CropLife Canada

CropLife Canada said the ban was a reaction to overheated rhetoric.

"The problem here is that now you've got activist groups who've got a very clear anti-pesticide perspective and they don't hide that," Petelle said. "And it's unfortunate."

He said there's no unambiguous evidence to suggest that neonics are to blame for the decline in bee populations.

No neonic ban in Canada

Unlike Europe, which has moved to ban neonics, the Canadian government said in an email to CBC "we do not feel a suspension is warranted at this time."

However, Health Canada's Pest Management Regulatory Authority has publicly raised concerns about the pesticide, and its possible effect on bees in the corn-growing regions of Ontario, Quebec and Manitoba.

In the statement, Health Canada said its research shows "the use of neonicotinoid treated corn and soybean seed are affecting the environment due to their impact on bees and other pollinators."

It found that about 70 per cent of dead bee samples tested positive for neonic residue, whereas the chemical was detected in one sample of unaffected bees.

"We concluded that the majority of pollinator mortalities were a result of exposure to neonicotinoid insecticides" the report said.

And so Ottawa is now publicly consulting on new proposed standards for safer planting practices and enhanced warning labels on soybean and corn seed treated with the pesticide. It is also conducting a detailed scientific re-evaluation of the effects of neonics on bees, which will be released this year.

While not commenting directly on Morrissey's research, Health Canada does say that "the overall potential effects of neonicotinoid insecticides to Canada's ecosystem are one of the topics that will be examined as part of the broader re-evaluation, which is currently underway."

ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP CALLS PLANNING FOR OIL-BY-RAIL 'UNDERHANDED'

(Source: Canadian Press) VANCOUVER - A task force report has been handed in to the British Columbia and Alberta governments that examines the idea of transporting oilsands' crude via rail if proposed pipelines don't get the green light, government documents show.

It's an idea the environmental group ForestEthics calls "underhanded."

It's a "backdoor way for industry to bring tankers to the coast without the same sort of public oversight or public process that we’ve had around the Enbridge pipeline or would have around the Kinder Morgan pipeline,” said Ben West, campaign director for ForestEthics.

A joint provincial working group was announced by premiers Christy Clark and Alison Redford in July to develop recommendations related to energy exports and the opening of new export markets for products like bitumen for the two provinces, including pipeline and rail transport.

"Rail can be considered a viable alternative to pipeline movement based on costs of transport," the terms of reference for the group states. "If pipelines are not developed, rail will step into the void to deliver bitumen to the West Coast."

West said the report raises safety questions, especially in light of two recent high-profile train accidents.

Oil transport by rail has become a contentious topic after a train containing crude oil derailed and exploded in Lac-Megantic, Que., in July, killing 47 people, and another train exploded without injuries last month in North Dakota.

"Myself and other people were pretty freaked out about what happened there," West said of the two fiery blasts.

The provincial working group was mandated to submit a report to both leaders by the end of December.

An Alberta government official did not respond to a question about the completion or release of the report, while an official in Clark's office said the report is complete but that no date has been set for a public release.

CN Rail declined comment.

The task force is led by Steve Carr, deputy minister of natural gas development in B.C. and Grant Sprague, deputy minister of energy in Alberta.

No one from either ministry could be reached for comment.

EPA TO RECOGNIZE BOTH E1527-05 AND E1527-13 ESA STANDARDS

(Source: HazMat Magazine) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized the revision of ASTM E1527 "Standard Practice for Environmental Site Assessments: Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Process.”

The revised EPA rule E1527-13 does not cancel out ASTM standard E1527-05. Both standards are acceptable.

The definition of a Recognized Environmental Condition (REC) has been simplified to be more consistent with the All Appropriate Inquiries rule and would include “any release to the environment.”

The environmental assessment industry will also have to understand and adopt a new term – “Controlled Recognized Environmental Condition” (or CREC) — which applies to risk-based closures of contaminated sites.

ASTM 1527-13 also includes a definition of “migration”, which refers to the movement of contaminants in any form, including vapor.

COLORADO RIVER DROUGHT FORCES A PAINFUL RECKONING FOR STATES

(Source: New York Times) LAKE MEAD, Nev. — The sinuous Colorado River and its slew of man-made reservoirs from the Rockies to southern Arizona are being sapped by 14 years of drought nearly unrivaled in 1,250 years.

The once broad and blue river has in many places dwindled to a murky brown trickle. Reservoirs have shrunk to less than half their capacities, the canyon walls around them ringed with white mineral deposits where water once lapped. Seeking to stretch their allotments of the river, regional water agencies are recycling sewage effluent, offering rebates to tear up grass lawns and subsidizing less thirsty appliances from dishwashers to shower heads.

But many experts believe the current drought is only the harbinger of a new, drier era in which the Colorado’s flow will be substantially and permanently diminished.

Reclamation officials say there is a 50-50 chance that by 2015, Lake Mead’s water will be rationed to states downstream. That, too, has never happened before.

“If Lake Mead goes below elevation 1,000” — 1,000 feet above sea level — “we lose any capacity to pump water to serve the municipal needs of seven in 10 people in the state of Nevada,” said John Entsminger, the senior deputy general manager of the Southern Nevada Water Authority.

Since 2008, Mr. Entsminger’s agency has been drilling an $817 million tunnel under Lake Mead — a third attempt to capture more water as two higher tunnels have become threatened by the lake’s falling level. In September, faced with the prospect that one of the tunnels could run dry before the third one was completed, the authority took

emergency measures: still another tunnel, this one to stretch the life of the most threatened intake until construction of the third one is finished.

These new realities are forcing a profound reassessment of how the 1,450-mile Colorado, the Southwest’s only major river, can continue to slake the thirst of one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions. Agriculture, from California’s Imperial Valley to Wyoming’s cattle herds, soaks up about three-quarters of its water, and produces 15 percent of the nation’s food. But 40 million people also depend on the river and its tributaries, and their numbers are rising rapidly.

The labyrinthine rules by which the seven Colorado states share the river’s water are rife with potential points of conflict. And while some states have made huge strides in conserving water — and even reducing the amount they consume — they have yet to chart a united path through shortages that could last years or even decades.

“There is no planning for a continuation of the drought we’ve had,” said one expert on the Colorado’s woes, who asked not to be identified to preserve his relationship with state officials. “There’s always been within the current planning an embedded hope that somehow, things would return to something more like normal.”

Unfortunately, the Colorado during most of Lake Mead’s 78-year history was not normal at all.

Studies now show that the 20th century was one of the three wettest of the last 13 centuries in the Colorado basin. On average, the Colorado’s flow over that period was actually 15 percent lower than in the 1900s. And most experts agree that the basin will get even drier: A brace of global-warming studies concludes that rising temperatures will reduce the Colorado’s average flow after 2050 by five to 35 percent, even if rainfall remains the same — and most of those studies predict that rains will diminish.

Already, the drought is upending many of the assumptions on which water barons relied when they tamed the Colorado in the 1900s.

The Colorado basin states tried in the 1920s to stave off future fights over water by splitting it, 50-50, between the upper-basin states of Utah, New Mexico, Colorado and Wyoming and the lower-basin states of Arizona, Nevada and California.

In fact, the deal underestimated how much water the fast-growing lower-basin states would need. During most of the wet 20th century, however, the river usually produced more than enough water to offset any shortage.

Now, the gap between need and supply is becoming untenable.

Lake Mead currently stands about 1,106 feet above sea level, and is expected to drop 20 feet in 2014. A continued decline would introduce a new set of problems: At 1,075 feet, rationing begins; at 1,050 feet, a more drastic rationing regime kicks in, and the uppermost water intake for Las Vegas shuts down. At 1,025 feet, rationing grows more draconian; at 1,000 feet, a second Las Vegas intake runs dry.

Lake Powell is another story. There, a 100-foot drop would shut down generators that supply enough electricity to power 350,000 homes.

The federal Bureau of Reclamation’s 24-month forecasts of water levels at Powell and Mead do not contemplate such steep declines. But neither did they foresee the current drought.

“We can’t depend on history to project the future anymore,” Carly Jerla, a geological hydrologist and the reclamation bureau’s Colorado River expert, said in an interview. The drought could end tomorrow, she said — or it could drag on for seven more years.

That raises questions that the states are just beginning to sort out.

The river’s upper-basin states are worried that they might have to curb their consumption to meet their obligations downstream. But the thorniest problems are in the lower basin, where a thicket of political and legal deals has left Arizona holding the bag should the Colorado River continue to diminish.

In the 1960s, California’s legislators demanded first dibs on lower-basin water as a condition of supporting federal legislation to build the Central Arizona Project, a vast web of canals irrigating that state’s farms and cities. Should rationing begin in 2015, Arizona would sacrifice a comparatively small fraction of its Colorado River allotment, while California’s supply would remain intact.

Painful as that would be, though, it could get worse: Should Mead continue to fall, Arizona would lose more than half of its Colorado River water before California lost so much as a drop.

That would have a cascading effect. The Central Arizona Project would lose revenue it gets from selling water, which would raise the price of water to remaining customers, leading farmers to return to pumping groundwater for irrigation — exactly what the Central Arizona Project was supposed to prevent.

“By going back to the pumps, you’ll have made the decision that agriculture will no longer be an industry in central Arizona,” David Modeer, the project’s general manager, said in an interview.

Even Californians doubt Arizona would stand for that, but no successor to the 1960s agreement is in place. And California has a vital interest in holding on to its full allotment of water. The Southern California region using Colorado water is expected to add six million people to the existing 19 million in the next 45 years, and its other water source — the Sierra Nevada to the north — is suffering the same drought and climate problems as the Colorado basin.

“The basic blueprint of our plan calls for a reliable foundation that we then build upon, and that reliable foundation is the Colorado River and Northern California water,” said Jeffrey Kightlinger, the general manager of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. “To the extent we lose one of those supplies, I don’t know that there is enough technology and new supplies to replace them.”

There may be ways to live with a permanently drier Colorado, but none of them are easy. Finding more water is possible — San Diego is already building a desalination plant on the Pacific shore — but there are too few sources to make a serious dent in a shortage.

That leaves conservation, a tack the lower-basin states already are pursuing. Arizona farmers reduce runoff, for example, by using laser technology to ensure that their fields are table flat. The state consumes essentially as much water today as in 1955, even as its population has grown nearly twelvefold.

Working to reduce water consumption by 20 percent per person from 2010 to 2020, Southern California’s Metropolitan Water District is recycling sewage effluent, giving away high-efficiency water nozzles and subsidizing items like artificial turf and zero-water urinals.

Southern Nevada’s water-saving measures are in some ways most impressive of all: Virtually all water used indoors, from home dishwashers to the toilets and bathtubs used by the 40 million tourists who visit Las Vegas each year, is treated and returned to Lake Mead. Officials here boast that everyone could take a 20-minute shower every day without increasing the city’s water consumption by a drop.

Moreover, an intensive conservation program slashed the region’s water consumption from 2002 to 2012, even as the area added 400,000 residents.

Even after those measures, federal officials say, much greater conservation is possible. Local officials say they have little choice.

“The era of big water transfers is either over, or it’s rapidly coming to an end,” said Mr. Entsminger, the southern Nevada water official. “It sure looks like in the 21st century, we’re all going to have to use less water.”

New ESAA Members

ESAA’s Board of Directors and staff would like to welcome the following new members: Full Member:

CARO Analytical Services 100, 17225 – 109th Avenue NW

Edmonton, AB T5S 1H7 Phone: (780) 489-9100

Fax: (780) 489-9700 Web: www.caro.ca

Ed Hoppe, Business Manager

e-mail: ehoppe@caro.ca

110 – 4011 Viking Way Richmond, BC V6V 2K9 Phone: (604) 279-1499

Fax: (604) 279-1599

Patrick Novak, Sales Manager e-mail: pnovak@caro.ca

Profile: CARO Analytical Services is a full service environmental analytical laboratory with locations in Edmonton, Richmond and Kelowna British Columbia. In operation for over 20 years, we provide full-service environmental testing services with expertise in microbiological analysis, general chemical analysis, aquatic toxicity and contaminated site testing for drinking water, wastewater, air and soils. Our diverse client base includes health authorities, public utilities, government ministries, consultants, industry, businesses and private individuals.

SENA Waste Services Inc. Mail Bag 1500

Swan Hills, AB T1G 2C0 Phone: (780) 333-4197 ext. 1154

Fax: (780) 333-4196

Cameron Prichard, Environmental Supervisor e-mail: cameron.prichard@senawasteservices.com

Don Freckelton, Plant Manager

Phone: (780) 333-4197 ext. 1116 e-mail: don.freckelton@senawasteservices.com

Profile: SENA Waste Services is an industry leader and global provider of engineering, construction, environmental, infrastructure development, and facility operation services to meet the varied needs of government and industrial clients in our changing world. Our technical excellence, depth of resources, financial strength, global presence, and customer focus are the basis for our reputation of providing responsive, high-quality, and innovative services.

Upcoming Events

Clubroot Disease Presentation – Alberta Soils Network

The Alberta Soils Network (ASN) presents “CLUBROOT DISEASE IN THE CANADIAN CANOLA (BRASSICA NAPUS) CROP” by Dr. Stephen Strelkov, January 31, 2014. The event, which is sponsored by Alberta Innovates Technology Futures will be held in Edmonton at Alberta Innovates Technology Futures Auditorium and broadcast across Alberta via weblink. Weblink participants will be sent the weblink access information via email 24 hours prior to the event. Please ensure that your email information registered with the AIA is correct. EVENT DESCRIPTION: Clubroot, caused by the obligate parasite Plasmodiophora brassicae, is an important soilborne disease of cruciferous plants. In Canada, clubroot has long been established as a problem in cruciferous vegetables, but was not reported on the Prairie canola (Brassica napus) crop until 2003, when 12 clubroot-infested fields were identified in central Alberta. Continued surveillance has shown that the disease is spreading, and by 2013 at least 1,483 fields in the province had confirmed clubroot infestations. While the outbreak is still confined mainly to central Alberta, isolated clubroot infestations and the presence of viable P. brassicae inoculum have been confirmed in southern Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. Dissemination of the parasite appears to be predominantly through the movement of infested soil on farm and other machinery, although secondary mechanisms of spread, such as via wind and water erosion and in soil tags on seeds and tubers, also have been implicated. Given the significant economic value of the Canadian canola crop, the increased incidence of clubroot on canola has caused major concern and led to the initiation of a large, coordinated research effort aimed at understanding and managing this disease. This presentation will summarize the extent and nature of the clubroot outbreak in the Canadian canola crop, 10 years after it began, and provides a context for the research and management strategies that have been developed over this period. SPEAKER BIOGRAPHY: Stephen Strelkov is a Professor of Plant Pathology at the University of Alberta. He received a B.Sc. from the University of Alberta, followed by M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in plant pathology from the University of Manitoba. After a short stint as an NSERC Visiting Fellow with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in Winnipeg, Stephen accepted a faculty position at the University of Alberta, where much of his focus has been on improving understanding and management of clubroot disease of canola. In addition to his work on clubroot, Stephen also has conducted research on other important diseases of field crops, including tan spot of wheat and stem rot of canola. He is active in graduate and undergraduate teaching at the university and is responsible for several courses in plant pathology and integrated pest management. REGISTRATION: Members and non-members should register online. Registration closes at 4:00 pm on January 24, 2014. Please note that for group registration for the weblink; each individual attending must register. Only individuals that have registered qualify for AIA Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credits. Should you have questions regarding the event, please contact Rosemarie Franke at 780-232-1967. Event Schedule: 11:30 – 12:15 Lunch 12:15 – 13:00 Presentation 13:00 – 13:30 Questions & Answers Date: January 31, 2014 Location: Alberta Innovates Technology Futures Auditorium, 250 Karl Clark Rd NW Edmonton or Weblink Fee: $20.00 for attendance or $12 for weblink Contact: Rosemarie Franke 780-232-1967 Website: http://www.albertaagrologists.ca/default.aspx?page=31

SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE WEBINAR

Date and Time : January 16, 2014 - 2:00 PM EST Environmental Project Management & Sustainability Solutions, in partnership with WCI Environmental Solutions Inc., is pleased to be hosting a free information webinar introducing WCI’s sustainable Solids Waste Management and Water/Wastewater Remediation solutions

Topics Being covered include:

· Solids Waste Management - Composting of Organics and Baling of Non-Organics · Wastewater Lagoon – Remediation – Odour, Algae, Pathogens, Sediment Loading · Lake / Pond Reservoir Remediation - Water Quality and Turbidity, Nutrient Loading

(Phosphorous & Nitrogen) and Contamination (e.g hydrocarbons) · Council of Canadian Ministers of the Environment (CCME) National Standards- Initial

Characterization Analysis Requirements We will also address specific challenges and issues raised by participants through our pre-webinar survey and during the Q&A session post- Unable to attend the Webinar? No Worries! We will be recording the session ! To gain access to the recording, Contact Us! This FREE Webinar will have lots of valuable information so don't forget to add the date to your calendar! Forward this Email to colleagues who may benefit from this information or may be interested in attending the Webinar! Don't forget to Register first! For additional information on the webinar workshop topics Contact Us! To register for the webinar – Click Here or insert this URL into your browser https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5067295404065643009

Industry Positions Openings

For more information visit ESAA’s Job Board under the news section of HTUwww.esaa.org UTH

Manager – Environmental Due Diligence

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the day-to-day operations for GENIVAR’s Due Diligence group based out of the Calgary office • Coordinate and review Phase I ESAs, compliance audits, and liability assessments for oil and gas facilities,

industrial and commercial properties across western Canada • Coordinate and review environmental due diligence assessments for property acquisitions and divestitures • Provide technical and logistical support to field personnel for field-based projects • Liaison with clients, regulatory agencies, other GENIVAR business units and stakeholders regarding

projects and environmental issues • Manage the performance and professional development of technical staff • Attract and retain key talent by actively recruiting, coaching, and mentoring staff • Create succession and development plans for key staff • Lead the development of new business opportunities in this region • Implement corporate and client safety programs

Qualifications

• University degree in environmental science, engineering or related discipline • 10 years of relevant upstream oil and gas environmental consulting experience • Member in good standing with an applicable professional association • Certified Environmental Auditor (CEA) designation is considered a strong asset

• Proven success in client relationship management • Strong leadership and motivational skills with the ability to develop positive working relationships in a team

environment • Highly developed mentoring capabilities for technical staff • Understanding of provincial and federal regulations, acts, and guidelines • Ability to deal with changing situations, tight deadlines and conflicting demands and priorities • Excellent written, technical reporting and communication skills • Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and database entry • Valid and fully licensed driver in Alberta • The desire to succeed in a dynamic and progressive global organization

To apply for this position please refer to the GENIVAR Website at http://careers.genivar.com/, job posting 27-0533.

GENIVAR is committed to the principles of employment equity. Only the candidates selected will be contacted.

Manager – Environment

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the day-to-day operations for GENIVAR’s environment group in the Calgary region • Lead GENIVAR Alberta’s oil and gas sector for environmental services including the identification and

acquisition of work, and coordination and oversight of client activity • Provide thought leadership in environmental services required by the sector • Work closely with the Discipline Leads and Management Team • Provide technical and logistical support to field personnel for field-based projects • Review environmental site assessment, remediation & reclamation work plans, project cost estimates and

technical reports • Liaison with clients, regulatory agencies, other GENIVAR business units and stakeholders regarding work

plans, projects and environmental issues • Manage the overall performance and professional development of staff • Attract and retain key talent by creating an effective work environment and actively recruiting, coaching,

and mentoring staff • Create succession and development plans for key staff • Implement corporate and client safety programs • Understand, live and nurture our values.

Qualifications

• Strong leadership and motivational skills with the ability to develop positive working relationships in a team environment

• University degree in environmental science, engineering or related discipline • 15 years of relevant upstream oil and gas environmental consulting experience • Member in good standing with an applicable professional association • Proven success in client relationship management at all levels of the client organization • Proven success in people development and growth • Thorough understanding of Alberta remediation and reclamation guidelines • Excellent written, technical reporting and communication skills • Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and the use of online system • Valid and fully licensed driver in Alberta • The desire to succeed in a dynamic and progressive global organization

To apply for this position please refer to the GENIVAR website at http://careers.genivar.com/, job posting 27-0550.

GENIVAR is committed to the principles of employment equity. Only the candidates selected will be contacted.

Intermediate/Senior Environmental Scientist/Engineer Regina, SK

SLR is an environmental consultancy that specializes in the energy, mining & minerals, waste management, planning & development, infrastructure and industrial sectors. SLR is one of a very small number of truly international specialist environmental consultancies.

As an employee controlled company, in which many of our staff have a share, SLR offers rewarding careers to all of its staff and values and rewards customer care and commitment as well as technical expertise. SLR provides a healthy and dynamic work environment, challenging career opportunities and competitive compensation and benefit packages.

For more information, please visit http://www.slrconsulting.com.

ROLE:

SLR has an immediate requirement for a highly motivated individual with excellent technical, client service and people skills to join our operations in Regina, SK.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide leadership including mentorship of team members • Management of complex contaminated sites projects, including preparation and review of technical reports • Liaison with clients, subcontractors and regulatory agencies • Development of budgets and financial acumen ensuring that projects are delivered on time and on budget

TECHNICAL SKILLS / ABILITIES / EXPERIENCE:

• The successful candidate will have a minimum of 5 years experience in contaminated sites and remediation work and possess strong project management, written, leadership, organizational, technical and communication skills

• Experience with high levels of client service and working with a team • Superior communication, interpersonal and writing skills • Additional experience in hydrogeology, reclamation or ecology is an asset

EDUCATION / QUALIFICATIONS / MEMBERSHIPS:

• Technical Diploma, Undergraduate and/or Graduate Degree in related field of expertise • Professional registration with APEGS, P.Eng, P.Ag or P.Geo

To apply for this position, please submit your resume (with job title and office location in the subject line) to Human Resources at canadacareers@slrconsulting.com.

We thank all those who apply, however, only selected candidates will be contacted for interviews.

SLR Consulting is an equal opportunities employer. For details of our equal opportunities policy please contact a member of our HR team on the above email address.

Environmental Specialist

NOVA Chemicals develops and manufactures chemicals, plastic resins and end-products that make everyday life safer, healthier and easier. Our employees work to ensure health, safety, security and environmental stewardship through our commitment to sustainability and Responsible Care®. NOVA Chemicals, headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, is a wholly owned subsidiary of The International Petroleum Investment Company (IPIC) of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

At our Joffre site, near Red Deer, Alberta, we are seeking an individual for our Environmental and Regulatory Team who is responsible for the development and implementation of a variety of environmental management programs and plans to assist Manufacturing West facilities and customers in ongoing environmental performance improvement. You will be responsible for the site ambient air and noise monitoring programs and the supporting the Cogen operating unit with meeting Responsible Care requirements through the collection, management and evaluation of environmental monitoring data and the compilation of summary reports. The key areas of responsibility include but are not limited to:

• Ambient air and noise program management including coordination of monitoring, data collection, evaluation and reporting, improvement projects, and contractor management.

• Provide day to day support to cross functional teams regarding environmental requirements and initiatives to ensure regulatory compliance. Teams can include operations, maintenance, technical, community and/or regulatory agencies.

• Provide coaching, training and guidance to help others understand environmental strategies and programs in place to manage environmental risk and liability.

• Applies and helps others apply relevant Responsible Care standards, policies and procedures. • Participates in technical interactions with community or joint venture partners to drive performance

improvement. • Complete both internal and regulatory compliance reporting on time and to an acceptable standard.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree with a preference for Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering or a related diploma.

• 10 years of direct experience in an applicable or related industrial or manufacturing environment. • A preference for experience in environmental management/monitoring, including air quality (ambient air,

fugitive emissions, greenhouse gases, continuous emissions monitoring systems and source emissions testing) and environmental noise would be considered an asset.

• Demonstrated analytical and troubleshooting skills. • Ability to interpret and apply technical documentation and general knowledge of environmental monitoring

principles. • Self-motivated focused on results, with the ability to work independently as well as collaborate with the

team. • Comfortable interacting with internal and external contacts and the ability to take initiative in building

relationships. • Excellent communications and organizational skills. • Ability to adapt to new situations and challenges and embrace change and new ideas

For more information or to apply, visit: http://ch.tbe.taleo.net/CH08/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=NOVACHEM&cws=1&rid=1009

ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST – RECLAMATION & REMEDIATION

Chevron Canada Limited (upstream) is celebrating its 75th anniversary in Canada. Since our arrival in Alberta in 1938, our company has established a proud legacy of exploration success, innovation and growth. And throughout this time, we have continued to support the communities where we live and work. After 75 years of operations in Canada, we are looking forward to the future with optimism, as we pursue our vision to profitably grow our core assets and position Chevron for future legacy assets in frontier regions and emerging unconventional

resource plays.

The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing and managing the reclamation and remediation of Chevron’s Canada Business Unit’s (“CBU”) legacy sites. You will also be responsible for managing and coordinating all HES requirements in accordance with Chevron's Property Transfer Standard, including the preparation of HES due diligence assessments, and HES data room materials for potential in-scope property transactions. You will act as CBU's primary HES resource in supporting the implementation of the Chevron’s Asset Retirement Strategic Framework. You will also be responsible for supporting CBU's Asset Retirement Obligations process, which encompasses the assessment and quantification of CBU's legacy site end-of-life costs. Finally, you will be expected to provide general environmental technical support, as required, to CBU’s project teams and various other functional groups.

Chevron is accepting online applications for the position of Environmental Specialist – Reclamation &

Remediation located in Calgary, AB through January 17, 2014 at 11:59 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time). Job Responsibilities:

• Act as CBU’s HES subject matter expert in the area of reclamation and remediation and provide technical expertise where needed in CBU operations.

• Manage all aspects of reclamation and remediation of CBU's legacy sites. • CBU's primary HES resource in supporting the implementation of the Asset Retirement Strategic

Framework. • Coordinate all HES requirements in accordance with Chevron's Property Transfer Standard, including the

preparation of HES due diligence assessments and data room materials for potential in-scope property transactions.

• Support CBU's Asset Retirement Obligations, including the assessment and quantification of CBU's legacy site end-of-life costs.

• Ensure alignment of CBU’s Reclamation and Remediation efforts with Chevron Global practices. • Provide environmental technical support, as required, to the project teams and functional service groups

supporting field operations. Qualifications:

• Minimum Bachelors degree in Science, Engineering or Environmental Management. • Minimum 10 years experience in managing reclamation and remediation activities and projects in upstream

operations. Preference for previous upstream oil and gas company experience. • Previous experience managing environmental consultants and contractors, and in implementing and

executing contractor safety programs. • Knowledge of and experience with the Alberta environmental and regulatory framework is desired. • Experience with the implementation and execution of a corporate Asset Retirement Strategic Framework. • Must have sound, proven environmental project management skills and experience. • Demonstrated ability to work effectively within a global, multi-disciplinary team with superior problem

solving skills. • Excellent verbal and written communications skills. • Ability to meet multiple deadlines. • Must have direct experience coordinating and completing HES property transfer assessments, and in

assessing and quantifying HES liabilities and end-of-life obligations for upstream oil and gas operations. • Must be legally eligible to work in Canada.

Relocation Options: Relocation will not be considered within Chevron parameters. How to Apply: Go to www.chevron.ca/careers

Intermediate Environmental Engineer or Scientist Victoria, BC

McElhanney Consulting Services Ltd. seeks an Intermediate Environmental Engineer or Scientist to join our quickly growing corporate environmental team, with this position located in our Victoria office. JOB DUTIES:

• Provide project management and design for contaminated site assessment and remediation projects from proposal stage through completion

• Conduct environmental studies from proposal preparation through data collection, interpretation, approvals,

and reporting • Capitalize on project opportunities and develop new business • Liaise and develop strategic relationships with key clients, agency representatives and partners • Prepare and submit superior proposals and technical reports • Support environmental team planning and marketing initiatives

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Degree in engineering or sciences from an accredited institution • Professional registration in good standing in British Columbia, or eligibility to be registered • Ability to work independently and with integrated consulting teams • Sound business development and client liaison skills and a keen entrepreneurial spirit, with excellent

written and verbal communication skills • High productivity, attention to detail, and an ability to work well in a team environment are essential • Valid BC driver’s license, willingness to travel for project work

DESIRED EXPERIENCE BASE:

• 5- 10 years’ relevant work experience, or a relevant combination of education and experience • Experience with BC contaminated site regulations, Alberta / Saskatchewan experience would also be

assets • Experience liaising with government agencies and with licensing and approvals • Previous consulting experience

This position is designated as safety sensitive. To be considered for this opportunity, submit your resume and cover letter online at www.mcelhanney.com/careers. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

McElhanney Consulting Services Ltd. is a Canadian company offering outstanding engineering, mapping, surveying, planning and environmental services to its clients. At McElhanney, you are working within a strong team that is well established in the local industry. Our employees love working here because of our varied projects, high levels of autonomy, opportunities for career development, and the opportunity to travel to exciting projects in Western Canada. Established in 1910, McElhanney is a stable and secure employee-owned company. McElhanney offers an excellent total compensation and benefits package, as well as a great team of professionals to work with and continuous opportunity for development.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER (CANADA)

A member of the Washington Companies, Envirocon was founded in 1988 to serve the growing demand for environmental clean-up and has since developed a business approach focused on innovation, best practices, and long-term client relationships. Envirocon is known as a leader providing high quality remediation, demolition, sediment remediation, environmental construction and geotechnical services to private and public clients across the United States and Canada. Envirocon was structured to fulfill a market need for remedial construction services based on scientific and self-performance capabilities. Envirocon’s steady growth, based on consistent high-quality service, is evidenced by objective measures including revenue; size and complexity of our projects and the number and credentials of personnel. Envirocon is seeking a Business Development Manager who will be responsible for developing and executing strategies and initiatives to secure major industrial and commercial clients for the company’s environmental services, specifically in the oil and gas sector. Reporting to the Director, Strategy & Business Development, you will

evaluate strategic opportunities and leverage Envirocon’s service lines and regional capabilities to proactively develop sales opportunities, proposals and close identified opportunities. In addition to sales development, you will manage client and strategic partner relationships, and carry out market research to remain abreast of overall business trends within the market. The ideal candidate will be a proven sales leader with a minimum of 5-10 years’ direct sales experience in a relevant field (environmental, industrial, and/or construction/engineering). You have a professional presence and experience developing enterprise-wide relationships with key decision makers and clients at project sites and client offices across seniority levels. Results driven, with strong business acumen and analytical skills, you have a sound understanding of the oil and gas sector and prospective clients’ environmental and demolition needs. You are an exceptional communicator with a straightforward style, and a relationship builder, both internally and with clients. The ability to take initiative and to work independently, excellent organizational skills and well-developed, communication skills will be required for success in this role. A University degree in a related discipline (Business, Engineering, Technical, etc.) will be preferred. An equivalent combination of education and/or experience may be considered. Location is open to Edmonton, Calgary or Vancouver and you must be willing to travel as required. If you are interested in this exciting role with an industry leader, please submit your background, in confidence online (http://careers.wmc.ca). For more information, please contact Lynn Armstrong at Western Management Consultants at (604) 687 0391.

Senior Remediation Specialist

For decades, CH2M HILL has been a global leader in engineering, consulting, design, program management, construction and operations, working on the

most challenging and impactful projects around the world. Through these challenging projects, we develop our people — who transform complex and creative ideas into reality, every day. Join us and together we can work to build a sustainable world. We support you to reach your greatest career goals through continued professional development, a positive work life balance and undeniably cool engineering projects. Join employee-owned CH2M HILL and discover why our diverse team has been consistently ranked as one of the leading employers and repeatedly recognized as a best place to work in the U.S. Environmental Jobs at CH2M HILL Today, the importance of environmental stewardship is unprecedented. As businesses go “Green” and society becomes more proactive, your role inCH2M HILL’s Environmental Group provides opportunities to participate in projects that will protect the Earth’s natural resources. We help our clients in both government and industry markets safeguard and restore natural resources as cost-effectively as possible. Overall it is a monumental task, but with each day, we have the opportunity to limit our footprint. Ready? Let’s Get to Work. This position requires 15+ years relevant experience, and will support environmental investigation and remediation projects; including the delivery of all related components such as site characterization, regulatory interpretation, feasibility studies, and remedial design. Experience in investigating historical releases at large industrial facilities, in a variety of media: soil, sewers, groundwater, air, and surface water. Knowledge of chemical properties, fate and transport, as well as conceptual site model development very pertinent. **Ideally we are seeking the preferred candidate to reside in our Toronto office. However, we are open to other locations within Canada (Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver). Responsibilities

• Develop and conduct the remedial investigations, develop feasibility studies, risk management plans, rough order of magnitude cost estimates, and conceptual designs for treatment facilities and remedial systems

• Provide strategic planning for programs and projects and technical expertise in negotiating remedial actions and site closures with regulatory agencies

• Lead hazardous waste investigation and remediation studies • Participation in Business Development activities is also required • Lead discussions with regulators on behalf of clients

Qualifications:

• Proven skill in characterization investigation planning, development of conceptual site models • Proven technical capabilities in environmental remediation projects • Familiarity with regulations and guidance on site remediation and demonstrated ability to incorporate that

knowledge into remedy planning and negotiation with regulatory agencies. • Ability to lead staff/groups through strong communication and team building • BS Degree in Civil, Environmental or related Engineering Degree • P.Eng / P Geo License

At CH2M HILL, the greatest challenges provide the biggest rewards. Each day, your drive and creative ideas will be providing solutions that help build a better tomorrow. Whether it is the pride that comes with accomplishment, personal growth or making a difference in the world, you will discover true success in a career that brings out the best in you at CH2M HILL. Ready? Let’s get to work. Developing People through Challenging Projects - CH2M HILL is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

REGIONAL MANAGER, ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES

PUBLIC WORKS AND GOVERNMENT SERVICES CANADA Location: Vancouver, British Columbia Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC) is looking for a regional manager for its Environmental Services Group in the Pacific Regional Office. The ideal candidate will be someone who has, within the last six years, had experience in leading, planning, developing, implementing and managing environmental programs of work, including management responsibilities related to human and financial resources. He or she will also have experience in developing environmental management partnerships or programs with stakeholders, such as government departments, regulatory agencies and service providers, and in establishing business priorities, plans, practices and performance standards and frameworks. The successful candidate will be able to communicate effectively and will demonstrate strong leadership and client service skills. The annual salary for this position ranges from $97,867 to $111,347. The employer also offers its employees excellent benefit packages (including medical and dental), a pension plan, as well as continuous learning and career development opportunities. The Public Service of Canada is committed to building a skilled and diverse workforce reflective of Canadian society. As a result, it promotes employment equity and encourages candidates to voluntarily indicate on their application if they are a woman, an Aboriginal person, a person with a disability or a member of a visible minority group. PWGSC has been recognized as one of Canada’s Top Diversity Employers by The Globe and Mail. To apply, submit your application through the website of the Public Service Commission of Canada at http://jobs-emplois.gc.ca. Only applications submitted via the website will be considered. The closing date for applications is January 22, 2014. The process number is 2013-SVC-EA-PAC-93601. The reference number is SVC13J-007605-000502.

FOR ADVICE ON HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION, PLEASE CONSULT THE FOLLOWING ADDRESS: HTTP://WWW.TPSGC-PWGSC.GC.CA/CARRIERES-CAREERS, OR CALL INFOTEL AT 1-800-645-5605.

Gestionnaire régional/régionale, Services environnementaux Travaux publics et Services gouvernementaux Canada

Lieu de travail : Vancouver (Colombie-Britannique) Travaux publics et Services gouvernementaux Canada (TPSGC) est à la recherche d’un gestionnaire régional ou d’une gestionnaire régionale pour le groupe des Services environnementaux du bureau régional du Pacifique. La personne idéale possède de l’expérience, acquise au cours des six dernières années, de la direction, de la planification, de l’élaboration, de la mise en œuvre et de la gestion de programmes de travail en environnement, y

compris des responsabilités en gestion des ressources humaines et des ressources financières. Il ou elle aura également de l’expérience de l’établissement de partenariats ou de programmes en gestion environnementale avec des intervenants, tels que des ministères, des organismes de réglementation et des fournisseurs de service, de même que de l’expérience de l’établissement et de la réalisation de priorités opérationnelles, de plans, de pratiques et de normes ainsi que de cadres de rendement. La personne retenue sera apte à communiquer efficacement et fera preuve de solides compétences en leadership de même que d’un souci du service à la clientèle. L’échelle salariale du poste est de 97 867 $ à 111 347 $ par année. L’employeur offre également à ses employés d’excellents avantages sociaux (assurance-maladie et assurance dentaire), un régime de pensions de même que des possibilités d’apprentissage continu et de perfectionnement professionnel. La fonction publique du Canada s’est engagée à se doter d’un effectif compétent et diversifié qui est représentatif de la société canadienne. Par conséquent, il favorise l’équité en matière d’emploi et encourage les candidats et candidates à indiquer volontairement sur leur demande d’emploi s’ils sont une femme, une personne autochtone, une personne handicapée ou un membre d’une minorité visible. TPSGC a été reconnu comme l’un des meilleurs employeurs au Canada au chapitre de la diversité par le quotidien The Globe and Mail. Pour postuler, envoyez votre demande d’emploi par l’entremise du site Internet de la Commission de la fonction publique du Canada, à http://jobs-emplois.gc.ca. Seules les candidatures reçues par le site Internet seront prises en compte. La date limite pour la présentation des candidatures est le 22 janvier 2014. Numéro du processus : 2013-SVC-EA-PAC-93601 Numéro de référence : SVC13J-007605-000502

POUR OBTENIR DES CONSEILS SUR LA FAÇON DE POSER VOTRE CANDIDATURE, CONSULTEZ L’ADRESSE SUIVANTE : HTTP://WWW.TPSGC-PWGSC.GC.CA/CARRIERES-CAREERS, OU COMMUNIQUEZ AVEC INFOTEL AU 1-800-645-5605.

Decommissioning Consultant

JSK Consulting Ltd. is currently seeking an Decommissioning Consultant to manage pipeline abandonment and decommissioning projects in the field. The successful candidate will be responsible for performing the following duties:

• Initial site inspections, procedure and scope development; • Project estimating, scheduling and planning; • Procedure planning and execution; • Co-ordination of project with Program Manager; • Site Safety Management including planning and execution of all procedures; • Responsible for the planning and implementation of Environmental Controls; • Allocation of work to sub-contractors; • Cost tracking and progress reporting to the Program Manager; • Quality Control and Quality Assurance data inspection and drawing control;

Qualifications for this full time, permanent position include:

• A minimum of 5 years experience working within the Oil and Gas Upstream Industry in the Decommissioning, Production/Operation or Construction Sectors, where the incumbent has been responsible for the direct management of a project on a site by site basis;

• Post-Secondary Technology Diploma or Certificate in a related discipline such as: Petroleum Engineering, Power and Process Operating Certificate. Successful completion of additional industry related diplomas, certificate and apprenticeship programs will be considered.

• Excellent communication, writing, organization and computer skills; • Understanding of Piping Codes and Acts (i.e. Z662, ABSA & B31.3) is considered an asset; • Working knowledge of Welding and X-Ray Inspection.

JSK offers a competitive benefit package, a company sponsored RRSP contribution program and all required training. A valid driver’s license and a clean driver’s abstract are required for employment. Compensation will be based on candidate’s experience. Please send your resume to sthygesen@jskconsulting.ca

Remediation Coordinator - ConocoPhillips Company Overview ConocoPhillips is the world’s largest independent upstream energy company, based on proved reserves and production of liquids and natural gas. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, the company had operations in almost 30 countries and approximately 16,700 employees as of May 1, 2012, with 2011 average production of 1.62 million BOE per day and proved reserves of 8.4 billion BOE as of Dec. 31, 2011. ConocoPhillips Canada (CPC) is one of the country's largest oil and natural gas production and exploration companies. Headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, we are a leading producer of natural gas and liquids, with a world-class portfolio of assets in Western Canada, the Arctic, Atlantic Canada and oil sands interests near Fort McMurray, Alberta. We are the largest leaseholder in the Athabasca region of the oil sands. With about one million net acres in holdings, CPC is well positioned to become a leading in-situ producer. Our story in Canada began over 100 years ago and continues today with our team of over 2,100 full-time employees. We develop our projects in a way that is intended to enhance the economic and social benefit to communities while minimizing the environmental impact associated with development. Together we will continue our journey toward becoming Canada’s safest, most respected and most profitable gas and bitumen producer. Description ConocoPhillips is looking for an intermediate- to senior-level individual to join its Remediation and Risk Management Team. This position will be part of a small, integrated team of technical specialists and program managers that direct consultant work on a large number of projects in Canada. The position will also liaise with key stakeholders including landowners, regulators, consultants and contractors. Responsibilities

• Manage a large portfolio of downstream remediation sites (i.e., former gas stations, refineries, etc.) across Canada • Provide technical direction to consultants on downstream remediation projects • Communicate, and negotiate solutions, with challenging stakeholders • Review consultant reports and evaluate technical evidence for legal claims • Ensure remediation project work complies with safety standards and policies • Conduct field site inspections

Basic/Required Qualifications

• Minimum Bachelor’s degree in engineering, environmental science, geology, or a related field of study • Minimum of 10 years of assessment, remediation and project management experience, preferably with downstream

sites. • Legally entitled to work in Canada on a full-time basis without restrictions

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with environmental legislation in various provinces • Experience with legal claims relating to contaminated sites • Ability to work with minimal supervision • Based in Calgary and willing to travel within Canada 6 – 8 times per year on short-duration trips • Superior organizational abilities, especially the ability to work many short- and long-term issues or projects concurrently • High level of technical competence • Demonstrated problem solving and conflict management skills • Excellent interpersonal, written & oral communication skills

In order to be considered for this position you must complete the entire application process, which includes answering all prescreening questions and providing your eSignature on or before the requisition closing date of

January 29, 2014.

Please visit www.conocophillips.ca/careers to apply online.

For information on our Sustainable Development performance in Canada, visit www.cpcsustainability.ca

ConocoPhillips is an Equal Opportunity Employer