SOMMET NATIONAL DE LA

SCIENCE 2019 - RÉSUMÉS

DES PRÉSENTATIONS

*Prendre note que les présentations seront en anglais seulement.

Topic: Unpacking environmental aspirations, technology and jobs in the age of populism.Keynote Speaker: Nikita James Nanos, Chief Data Scientist and Founder, NANOS RESEARCH

BiographyNik NanosChief Data Scientist and Founder, Nanos Research CorporationResearch Professor, State University of New York (Bu�alo)Global Fellow, Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars (Washington, DC)Chair, Board of Governors, Carleton University, Canada

Nik Nanos leads Nanos Research, one of Canada’s most distinguished research companies.  He is the Chief Data Scientist and Founder of Nanos Research, a Global Fellow at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars inWashington DC, and a research associate professor at the State University of New York at Bu�alo.  He is also the current Chair of CarletonUniversity in Ottawa which has 30 thousand students and a budget of over $500M.

Nik leads the team behind the weekly Bloomberg Nanos Canadian Confidence Index, considered a must-have resource for senior executivesand is also featured in a weekly segment on CTV’s News Channel, Nanos on the Numbers, which focuses on the latest political, business andsocial trends.

He is the pollster for CTV News, Canada’s largest private broadcaster, the Globe & Mail, Canada’s national newspaper, Bloomberg News inCanada.

His book, The Age of Voter Rage: Trump, Trudeau, Farage, Corbyn & Macron – The tyranny of small numbers, explores how the marginalizedand the margins are rewiring democracy through populist style politics, small swings in voter sentiment and computational propaganda. 

Email: nik@nanos.co Twitter: @niknanos

Topic: Women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math)Keynote Speaker: Natalia Shuman, Executive Vice President CIP North America, Bureau Veritas

BiographyNatalia ShumanFrom serving as the part-time receptionist at a small recruitment startup in St. Petersburg, Russia to being the first woman at the helm of a$1B+ North American operation, Natalia’s journey exemplifies the possibilities for women in leadership.

Natalia is CEO of North America for Bureau Veritas, a global leader in the testing, inspection, and certification industry. She is also the firstwoman to join the 200-year-old company’s Executive Committee.

North America is one of the largest strategic markets for Bureau Veritas, which provides leading-edge laboratory testing, digital inspection,and certification services to more than 5,000 clients in oil & gas, food & agriculture, power & utilities, building & infrastructure, and more.Natalia is accountable for roughly $1 billion in revenue and 7,000 full-time employees.

Prior to joining Bureau Veritas, Natalia served as an executive o�icer at Kelly Services, Inc., a Fortune 500 global sta�ing and HR outsourcingcompany. Natalia’s responsibilities at Kelly included leading growth and expansion across 17 countries in Europe and 14 countries in the Asia

Pacific region. Her earlier career at Kelly included one of her first key leadership roles, requiring her to move to New York City for the firsttime.

Natalia graduated from St. Petersburg University with degrees in Economics and Finance and received her dual MBA from ColumbiaBusiness School and London Business School.

Natalia is a truly global business leader with vast experience across diverse cultures and business environments. Having grown up inUzbekistan, she has lived and worked in Moscow, London, Shanghai, Singapore, and New York. She is known for building high-performingteams, for encouraging the growth of women in leadership, and for scaling up business operations while focusing on innovation and serviceexcellence.

Topic: PFAS: A Review “Where we were, where we are and where we’re going…”Speaker: Terry Obal, Ph.D., C.Chem., Chief Science Advisor, Bureau Veritas Laboratories

Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and related per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) arerecognized by environmental practitioners and regulatory bodies around the world as compounds of environmental concern.  Thesepersistent chemicals are found widely in the environment.  The ubiquity of these compounds in a wide range of environmental andbiological matrices, compounded with their chemical properties and studies suggesting human toxicity have resulted in increased publicconcern.

Over the past ten years, there has been an extraordinary amount of attention focused on this class of compounds, particularly with respectto their characterization, delineation, management and regulation in the environment.  Environmental stakeholders are continuallydeveloping a better understanding of: occurrence, exposure and toxicity; proper sampling and analysis protocols; and remedial options. 

“What’s next?”   New science surrounding this group of compounds has led to a dynamic and rapidly evolving regulatory landscape. Replacement compounds, such as GenX, ADONA and F53B are gaining attention as potentially toxic and more mobile PFAS.  New analyticaltechnologies are being evaluated to allow for more comprehensive yet economically viable environmental measurements.  Significant e�ortand resources are being invested in finding e�ective and e�icient treatment and remedial options.

This presentation will provide a brief overview of the science around PFAS including:

PFAS as contaminants of emerging environmental concernExposure and toxicitySampling and analysis considerations – Soil, water, tissue and airTreatment and remediation – What are our options?The future of PFAS in the environmental marketplace

Topic: Parameters on a large-scale Site With Multiple PFAS-Sources and Complete Exposure PathwaysSpeaker: Kathryn Matheson

In recent years, various federal and provincial bodies (Health Canada,  Environment and Climate Change Canada, CCME, British ColumbiaMinistry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy) have released dra� and finalized environmental criteria for per- and polyfluorinatedalkyl substances (PFAS), highlighting the growing need for robust assessment of these parameters in Canada.   Completing sitecharacterization and risk assessment of PFAS-sites poses unique challenges due to the mobility and persistence of PFAS in the environmentresulting in numerous potential exposure pathways and due to the potential for contributions from multiple point and non-point sources.The purpose of this presentation is to showcase a Canadian PFAS case study, where PFAS investigations are underway.  The release of PFASfrom multiple sources, combined with the mobility and persistence of these chemicals, has contributed to the detection of PFAS in surfacewater, groundwater, sediment and soil throughout the site.   Due to the size and complexity of the site, a Human Health and Ecological RiskAssessment Problem Formulation has been prepared to inform next steps and to aid the client in the identification of areas of focus forfuture environmental activities.   The HHERA Problem Formulation assessed potential exposures to on-site personnel and wildlife as well asresidents and terrestrial and aquatic (freshwater and marine) wildlife on surrounding lands.  Works completed in support of the preparationof the HHERA Problem Formulation have included both on- and o�-site sampling programs, including surface water, crop tissue anddrinking water sampling.

The presentation will discuss the results of the HHERA Problem Formulation, including the bioaccumulation assessment and the approachfor assessing PFAS parameters where established toxicity reference values are lacking. Next steps, including planned risk assessmentactivities and lessons learned as the science and regulatory environment for PFAS evolves, will also be discussed.

BiographyKathryn Matheson is a Risk Assessor at SLR Consulting (Canada) Ltd. with over 10 years of experience in Risk Assessment and Contaminatedsites. Ms. Matheson is a QPRA in Ontario and has completed risk assessments under guidance from the Canadian Council of Ministers of theEnvironment (CCME), Health Canada and the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) as well as various provincial and territorial bodies (ON,BC, AB, SK, MB, YK). Kathryn is a Professional Geoscientist and holds a Bachelor of Science, Earth Surface Science from the University ofGuelph and a Master of Environmental Science from the University of Toronto. Kathryn has specialized training in human health toxicologyfrom the American College of Toxicology at the University of Cincinnati and human and eco-toxicology from the University of Guelph. 

Topic: Uncertainties in Conducting Ecological Risk Assessments for PFAS CompoundsSpeakers: Steven M. Jones, Ph.D, and Ian J. Collins, M.Eng., P.Eng. QPRA [presenter], GHD

PFAS compounds have received a great detail of attention in recent years. Whereas strides have been made in analytical chemistry,advances in our knowledge of toxicity, particularly to ecological receptors, have lagged behind. Because PFAS compounds are known tobioaccumulate and biomagnify in aquatic food webs, regulatory agencies at the federal, provincial, and state levels are requiring ecologicalrisk assessments (ERAs) to evaluate potential risks to aquatic life and upper trophic level ecological receptors that forage on aquatic prey.Due to absence of a robust database on the ecotoxicity of PFAS, there is a high degree of uncertainty in evaluating risk to ecologicalreceptors, and subsequently, identifying risk management measures. For example, few studies have identified toxicity reference values

jurisdictions in Canada, Australia/New Zealand, and other countries. Variability in bioaccumulation factors (BAFs), biota sedimentaccumulation factors (BSAFs) and TRVs for avian and mammalian wildlife will also be presented. Measures to reduce uncertainties in ERAswill be discussed.

BiographyIan Collins has 15 years of experience in human health and ecological risk assessments and 7 years of experience in surface water qualityassessment and geochemical modeling. Ian has undertaken numerous federal and provincial human health and ecological risk assessmentson brownfields, mine sites, and other contaminated lands using CCME, CSA N288.6-12, FCSAP, Health Canada, and similar methodologies. Hehas also developed site specific computer models for the derivation of geochemical source terms and water quality predictions for a varietyof nuclear and mining industry sites. Ian has presented at conferences on applications of risk assessment to managing Per- andPolyfluorinated Alkyl Substances (PFAS) in the environment and to closure planning for mines and mineral processing facilities.

Topic: Best Practices for the Management and Disposal of Contaminated Sites Derived PFAS-Impacted Waste MaterialsSpeakers: Ms. Krista Barfoot, Ph.D., C.Chem. – Stantec Consulting Ltd.

Guidance documents have been created by Stantec for federal clients to assist with decision-making in the responsible management ofcontaminated sites derived PFAS-impacted wastes or to provide soil and groundwater management strategies in support of infrastructureprojects. The key objectives of the guidance documents as dra�ed included:  

1. A description of applicable legislation/policies and regulatory requirements as they relate to management of PFAS wastes fromfederal operations in Canada;

2. Waste management options for solid and liquid PFAS waste, including information on landfills and incinerators in Canada; and3. Development of a best-practices framework that can be used to guide decision-making regarding the management of soil and

groundwater during construction projects where PFAS contamination is known to be present and in the general management ofPFAS wastes related to the remediation/risk management of contaminated sites.

The guidance documents provide users with a consistent due diligence approach for managing PFAS wastes from federal operations. Thewaste materials considered include soils, water, sediments and other solid or liquid materials (i.e., granular activated carbon [GAC] filters,bulk aqueous film-forming foam [AFFF]), as well as soil cuttings, purge water from groundwater sampling, and fluid from decontaminationof drilling equipment. While international criteria and guidance are referenced, the best practices framework discussed is specific to federalfacilities and/or operations in Canada, with the understanding that there are no provincial or municipal guidelines or PFAS relatedstandards for assets under their jurisdiction (i.e. landfills, wastewater treatment plants, etc.). 

The presentation will introduce:  

1. Relevant waste management and disposal practices used internationally, and applicable legislation or policies related to wasteclassification, waste practices and methodologies.

2. Considerations for adequate liaison with landfill disposal facilities to determine the suitability of PFAS contaminated soils/liquids foro�site disposal and confirm that suitable controls are established for the acceptance of PFAS impacted material.

3. Appropriate waste testing or classifications methodologies for PFAS wastes.4. Cost-benefit principles to be considered in the decision to dispose of PFAS waste.5. Options for hazardous waste facilities in Canada that can destroy PFAS impacted wastes and include the estimated cost (in 2018 CAD)

of disposal for solids and liquids.

Topic: Survey of PFAS Compounds in Edible Fish Species in CanadaSpeaker: Heather Lord

Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFASs) are ubiquitous, persistent, anthropogenic chemicals that bioaccumulate in both humansand biota. An understanding of the toxicity of this class of compounds has been late to develop, largely because their mode of action doesn’tfollow the routes typical of other persistent organic pollutants. It is now becoming clearer that perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA),perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and several of their shorter carbon-chain analogues do elicit toxic consequences in humans and biota,and modes of transport in the environment are now better understood. The primary transport mechanism is water transport of eitherdissolved or particle bound PFAS and bioaccumulation in aquatic ecosystems can result in many fish species having significant bodyburdens of PFAS. Ingestion of water or exposed fish is understood to be the primary route of human exposure.

Numerous studies have appeared over the past two years describing the levels of PFAS present in various fish species typically consumed byhumans. A particularly enlightening study* by Fair et al. published in January 2019 reports on PFAS burdens in edible fish species from SouthCarolina, in relation to the Michigan Fish Consumption Advisory Program for PFOS (2016), which advises unrestricted fish consumption foronly fish containing less than 9 ppb total PFAS. The most stringent jurisdiction in the US is New Jersey with an unrestricted consumption limitof 0.56 ppb. Most fillets tested exceeded the Michigan limit while all exceeded the New Jersey limit. 

To date no studies have appeared on the levels of PFAS in edible fish in Canada. Bureau Veritas Laboratories collected fresh fish sourcedacross Canada in the summer of 2019 and tested fillets from these at our Mississauga, ON laboratory. 

This presentation will describe:

The methods used to analyse PFAS in tissue samples relative to other solids,Types and amounts of PFAS found grouped by species, habitat preference and source location, andPotential consumption advisories for di�erent groups according to developing guidance. 

*Fair, P.A. Environ. Res. 2019, 171, 266

Topic: Redeveloping Brownfields in a Challenging Urban ContextSpeakers: Joel van Popta, Monisha Nandi

B fi ld di ti t i ll i l th i l t ti f i t t d h t di t d i t l i t

to move seamlessly from demolition and remediation to site development to bring new residential units to market.

This case study will outline the challenges and triumphs in remediating and managing a former hospital and unlicensed fill area to convertthe property to a large multi-phase residential development. Unique aspects to the project included: utilizing two regulatory approaches(generic site condition standards and risk assessment [RA]), management of multiple stakeholders including neighbouring property owners,Conservation Authority and City, integrated and responsible excess soil management with site development teams, integrating non-standardcontaminants into a RA process, and development of risk management measures (RMMs) that respected existing mature vegetation.

The property was first developed in 1953 with construction of the hospital, which was serviced with multiple underground and above groundstorage tanks, providing fuel for various furnaces and boilers. The historical fill area, which was part of the former hospital property, wasactive in the 1950s and 1960s. Identified material in the fill area appeared to be construction-related debris, wood, brick, concrete, plastic. Inaddition to fill-related contaminants (PAHs, inorganics) and an isolated instance of liquid bunker oil, installed vapour probes indicated theproduction of methane at locations within the fill area.

For the ‘generic’ parcel, excavation and o�-site disposal of impacted soil was completed in concert with demolition activities. Throughintegrated site design, attempts were made to minimize the excess soil generated by the site, however ultimately, the cut/fill analysisindicated that the property was in a significant surplus. Additional soil characterization was completed to support movement of the excesssoil to an approved receiving site, diverting soil from landfill and from unauthorized fill sites, consistent with best management practicesand proposed excess soil legislation.

Conveyance of multiple easements to the local municipality required additional e�orts to navigate strict policy on conveyance conditions.An innovative approach was employed to demonstrate that EC/SAR impacts to soil were associated with deicing activities at existing andformer municipal roadways and therefore exempt under the conveyance policy.

A conveyance through private lands to connect a new watermain presented several obstacles due in large part to a third-party owner withlimited expertise on environmental matters. Concerted e�orts on the part of the development and consulting team were required tofacilitate this part of the development. The introduction of an independent third-party peer review was instrumental in breaking the impasseto finalize the terms of an access agreement.

The RA recommended appropriate RMMs to address identified human and ecological risks. Consideration of methane generation in the RAimposed implementation of non-standard risk management. Various fill caps and other measures were proposed to address identified riskswhile attempting to minimize disturbance to existing mature vegetation.

Ultimately, an integrated consulting and development team was instrumental to navigating the many challenges to the development of thisbrownfield property.

BiographyMonisha Nandi, MASc, PEng, PMPMonisha is the Environmental Director at Kilmer Brownfield Management Limited. Kilmer Brownfield Management Limited (KilmerBrownfield) is an investment capital group with expertise that is dedicated to the re-development of former industrial and commercialproperties in Ontario and throughout Canada. The focus of the investment strategy is urban re-development projects that are a planningpriority for many communities as urban intensification is a fundamental principle of the smart growth strategy. Monisha provides strategicdirection on environmental assessment, remediation and risk management activities for Kilmer Brownfield's portfolio of real estatedevelopments and potential acquisitions. With more than a decade of experience in the brownfield management and development industry,Monisha's experience has spanned across many industries including real estate development, oil and gas, manufacturing, andenvironmental consulting. Monisha holds a Masters Degree in Applied Sciences in Chemical and Environmental Engineering from theUniversity of Toronto and is a Board Member and Committee Chair for the Canadian Brownfield Network.

Joel van Popta, MSc, PGeoJoel is a consultant with Stantec Consulting Ltd., and has been practicing in Environmental Site Assessment and Remediation since 2004. Heholds a M.Sc. degree in Contaminant Hydrogeology from the University of Waterloo, and a B.Sc. degree in Earth Science from McMasterUniversity. Joel has designed and implemented numerous contaminated site assessment and remediation programs for a range ofcontaminants, including petroleum hydrocarbons, chlorinated solvents, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls, andmetals. Also, he has experience with insurance claim and litigation support related to contaminant releases and trespass. He also hascapability in spills response and management, contaminant nature and origin assessment, and contaminant fate and transport assessment.

Topic: Excess Soil Management in Ontario: A QPs Vision for 2020Speakers: Dave Harper, TBA, Grant Walsom

With the continued evolution of the proposed regulation for excess soil management in Ontario and the industry waiting for a final decision,this presentation will touch upon details of the newest proposed Regulatory package (April/May 2019) and how it may change the landscapein Ontario.  The presentation will also touch upon some anecdotal case study information and where issues may occur as the constructionand development industry works towards ensuring compliance with the Regulation once passed.  If new information about the proposedRegulation is released by the presentation, it will also be presented and discussed.

BiographyMr. D. Grant Walsom is a senior remediation engineer with over 25 years of experience since graduating from the University of Waterloo. Heis a Partner at XCG Consulting Limited. Mr. Walsom is a Professional Engineer registered in Ontario, Nova Scotia, and Alberta, and aregistered Consulting Engineer in Ontario. In addition, Mr. Walsom is a Qualified Person as defined by O. Reg. 153/04.

Since 2011, Mr. Walsom has been on the Board of Directors for the Ontario Environment Industry Association (current Past-Chair) and is theco-Chair for the Excess Soils Working Group. He has recently participated in the Ontario Ministry of the Environment’s Excess SoilsEngagement Group.

Since 2013, Mr. Walsom has served on the Board of Directors for the Canadian Brownfield Network (past-President).   He was proudly named

Grant enjoys speaking at conferences and technical workshops on site remediation, brownfields and excess soil management.

Topic: From Where, When and How Does Environmental Liability Arise & Just How Bad Can It Get?Speaker: Marc McAree

Environmental liability comes in two flavors: regulatory liability and civil liability. Knowing the legal distinction between regulatory and civilliability is critical to understanding from where, when and how environmental liability arises, and how best to mitigate risk.  Environmentalconsultants and contractors and their clients can and do unknowingly attract environmental liability and they o�en pay the consequences.This Willms and Shier Environmental Lawyers session will provide a primer on environmental liability with focus on recent Court decisions. And, the audience will have a chance to pose their toughest legal questions to the lawyers!

Topic: Commercial Environmental DNA (eDNA) Assays: Sampling, Analysis and Data InterpretationSpeaker: Aron Weir

Reliable detection of target species using environmental DNA (eDNA) is a significant and valuable scientific tool based on the premise thatanimals shed their DNA into their environment.  Key advantages of using eDNA compared with conventional detection methods include:enhanced sensitivity and accuracy; lower sampling e�ort and cost; an expanded time-frame for sample collection; and reduced invasivenessto the habitat and organism.  eDNA samples may also be archived for future testing for additional species of interest without the need toreturn to the field site to collect additional samples, provided that samples are properly preserved and stored.

Regulatory acceptance of eDNA requires that results are reliable and defensible.  This is achieved by following best practices in the field andlaboratory, including proper survey design, field sampling, sample handling and laboratory assay protocols.  It is important that the qualityof eDNA samples be assessed prior to analysis to control for false negatives (type II errors).  eDNA samples that are too degraded or thatcontain assay inhibitors, found naturally occurring in the environment, may not generate a positive signal during analysis and could befalsely interpreted as a “non-detect” for the target species, when in fact the sample quality is unsuitable for analysis.  This applies both tonewly-collected samples and historical samples that are retrieved from archive for testing.

Bureau Veritas Laboratories is accredited by the Standards Council of Canada for eDNA testing to ISO 17025 standards.  This presentationwill highlight best practices for eDNA sample collection and preservation along with eDNA assay validation and analytical testing to ISO17025 through a collaborative case study and inter-laboratory comparison.

1 Bureau Veritas Laboratories, 8577 Commerce Court, Burnaby, British Columbia2 University of Victoria, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, 3800 Finnerty Road, Victoria, British Columbia3 J Hobbs Ecological Consulting Ltd., 9809 Spalding Rd., Pender Island, British Columbia4 Hemmera, 303-1221 Broad Street, Victoria, British Columbia5 Bureau Veritas Laboratories, 335 Laird Road, Guelph, Ontario

Aron Weir1, Caren C. Helbing2, Jared Hobbs3, Doug Bright4, Wayne Murray5, Michael J. Allison2, Jessica M. Round2, Ali Mirabzadeh5, HeatherAllen5, Lauren C. Bergman2, Erin McCormick5

BiographyAron Weir is a Manager of Special Projects based in Vancouver, BC whose mandate is to develop Bureau Veritas’ Environmental DNA (eDNA)services.  During his career, Aron has worked alongside colleagues in the Animal DNA Laboratory to deliver analytical solutions for livestockgenetic testing, eDNA and practical quality control using DNA testing.

Prior to joining Bureau Veritas in 2006, Aron worked as a wildlife biologist in California and as a Research Associate for an agriculture seedcompany where he applied DNA technologies for the investigation of germplasm diversity and genetic mapping of markers associated withdesirable traits in major crop species.

Aron obtained his B.Sc. in Environmental Biology from Queen’s University and a M.Sc. in Plant Genetics from the University of Guelph.  Hehas over 18 years’ experience in applied DNA testing to the agriculture and environmental industries.

Topic: See what you are missing - Elemental analysis by Neutron ActivationSpeakers: Kurt Headrick, Steven Simpson, Robert Allen, Blake Barber

A recent international conference presentation on certification of Reference Materials, where Neutron Activation results were 24% higherthan the consensus of all other methods of elemental analysis, is a timely reminder of the advantages of elemental analysis by NeutronActivation.  This talk gives an overview of neutron activation, why it is more accurate than other elemental analysis techniques, pros andcons, applications, and examples highlighting in what circumstances it should be the technique of choice for elemental analysis.

Topic: Analytical Tools in support of Environmental Forensics: New PerspectivesSpeaker: Virgil Guran, M.A.Sc., C.Chem. – Consulting Scientist, Site Assessment & Remediation

Analytical forensics services as applied to environmental assessment of contaminated sites have become a frequent request of qualifiedpersons and professionals. Although environmental forensics is o�en synonymous with petroleum hydrocarbon forensics, the topic is muchwider. In this talk, Bureau Veritas Laboratories will present on di�erent analytical tools, taking into account both organic and inorganicperspectives of environmental forensics. This talk will highlight analytical tools applicable to the following scenarios: 

(1) The interference of biogenic or naturally occurring compounds with routine hydrocarbon analysis can lead to unnecessary remedialcosts where no actual anthropogenic impact is present. Common alternatives to confirm and characterizing these situations havelimitations, such as reliable di�erentiation, not being fully quantitative and not being to assess the situation within the context of regulatorycompliance. Bureau Veritas Laboratories developed a novel analytical approach of separating and quantifying biogenic and petrogenichydrocarbons from soil or water samples, using the prescribed CCME protocol. This data allows for accurate identification of trueexceedances of applicable standards, as well as an accurate interpretation of qualitative results. 

(2) Toluene is a volatile hydrocarbon o�en identified as a contaminant to environmental media and related to petroleum sources. However,anthropogenic sources of toluene are not the only contributors. Many studies have shown toluene to be naturally found in pristineenvironments, such as oxygen deficient regions of surface water bodies and soils with high organic content. Bureau Veritas Laboratories hasdeveloped a staged approach of analytical forensics tests used to di�erentiate between biogenic and anthropogenic toluene.

(3) The use of rock salt or halite for de-icing road surfaces can cause issues with soil and water quality, due to the excess concentration ofsodium (Na+) and chloride (Cl-). Consequently, the electrical conductivity (EC) and sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) properties ofenvironmental media can exceed standards. Bureau Veritas laboratories has developed an analytical forensics package, including arecently developed test, for the forensics characterization and di�erentiation between genuine road salt impacts and naturally occurringsalts. 

Topic: Road Salt Forensics: A Case StudySpeaker: Jason Slidders

My name is Jason Slidders, I’m currently a Senior Project Manager with EXP Services Inc. and have been with EXP for almost 20 years.  I’vebeen asked to talk about one of my RSC Sites in downtown Toronto where the main issue was Salt, specifically Chloride in Groundwater.  OurSite was historically used for coal storage and fuel storage in the 30’s to 50’s but later was converted into a parking lot.   Our Client’s intentwas to change the land-use of the Site from Commercial to Residential and construct a 30 storey high-rise condo building with three levels ofunderground parking.   As such, an RSC for the Site would be  an important requirement prior to development.  So immediately EXP waswell aware that the Site was to be excavated boundary to boundary and eventually into the bedrock.  As the entire Site was historically aparking lot, the entire site was deemed an Area of Potential Environmental Concern (or APEC) and so we analyzed the soil and groundwaterfor inorganics including Electrical Conductivity, Sodium Adsorption Ratio in Soil and Sodium and Chloride in groundwater.  As expected, allof the soil samples submitted for EC and SAR were above the Table 3 SCS for residential land use down to the rock and the overburdengroundwater also was above the Table 3 Standards for Sodium and Chloride.  In our minds, as this was a corner lot in downtown Toronto,we felt that the groundwater impacts were likely the result of o�-Site salting activities but you really can’t deny the EC and SAR hits in the soiland that the owner was likely salting the heck out of the parking lot to avoid any liability lawsuits.  There were other impacts in the soilincluding PAHs, metals and PHCs, however the only issue in groundwater was the sodium and chloride.  As the soil was proposed to beexcavated boundary to boundary down to the bedrock, EXP was just le� with the overburden groundwater.  As such, EXP moved forwardwith the completion of a Modified Generic Risk Assessment (or MGRA) to handle this aspect as the Client was in a hurry to get the RSC and theMGRA modeling lends itself to dealing with Sites with only salt impacts.  Prior to the completion of the MGRA, Exp was well aware that wewould need to attempt to vertically delineate the groundwater impacts.  As such, EXP installed deep telescopic wells into the bedrock tovertically delineate the groundwater impacts near overburden groundwater wells with the highest concentrations of sodium and chloride. To our dismay, the concentrations of Chloride were actually higher in the bedrock groundwater compared to the overburdenconcentrations.  So we presented the data to the Ministry suggesting that we could not achieve vertical delineation, however based on theproposed development, the increase in concentration would not a�ect the modeling process during the completion of the MGRA.  TheMinistry did not buy into this thinking, however they did suggest looking into the bedrock concentrations further to see if the increasedconcentrations were the result of naturally occurring chloride in the bedrock.  The concentrations of Chloride in the overburden vs. thebedrock were fairly similar so we felt this was a wasted exercise, but we presented the problem to Maxxam (Now BV labs) to see if they couldcome up with a solution for our problem. 

Topic: Forensic Source Identification at a Spill Site with Mixed PlumesSpeakers: Francine Kelly-Hooper, PhD; Environmental Contaminant Scientist; Stantec ConsultingZoe Hole, MSc; Environmental Contaminant Scientist; Stantec Consulting

This presentation provides a case study and lessons learned from using forensic petroleum hydrocarbon source identification at a diesel spilllocation with preexisting impacts. Results of the environmental investigations and remediation activities indicated that there may bedi�erent sources other than spilled diesel for the petroleum hydrocarbon (PHC) impacts identified at the site. Preliminary PHC sourceidentification was completed using Gas Chromatography/Flame Ionization Detector (GC/FID) analysis, parent polycyclic aromatichydrocarbon (PAH) analysis, and interpretation of PAH diagnostic ratios. Based on these lines of evidence, thirty-three (33) soil samples atthirteen (13) locations were characterized as non-diesel related impacts. Di�erentiating the diesel spill plume from an existing plume on siteled to a significant reduction in scope for the Detailed Site Investigation (DSI) and this scope reduction translates to substantial cost savingsfor the client. We will review the methods used to di�erentiate PHC source materials as well as discuss lessons learned. These lessons learnedcan help consultants be prepared with the correct data available for forensics investigations on future projects.

Biography

Francine Kelly-Hooper, PhDDr. Francine Kelly Hooper is an Environmental Contaminant Scientist with 24 years of experience in water and soil/sediment contaminationevaluations. Francine’s PhD research developed the Biogenic Interference Calculation (BIC Scale) for identifying false PHC detections due tothe presence of natural organic soil matter.  This approach has been accepted by Alberta Environment and the Ontario Ministry of theEnvironment Conservation and Parks (MECP) on a Tier 2 basis. Francine has extensive experience with PHC forensics source studies andbeneficial reuse evaluations for brownfield soils and stormwater management (SWM) pond sediments. 

Zoe Hole, MScZoe Hole is a Project Manager with a Master of Science in Environmental Practice with experience conducting all aspects of siteinvestigations in commercial, industrial, upstream and downstream oil and gas sectors across Canada. Zoe has focused primarily on datamanagement for major spill releases in the past five years, especially identifying data gaps and solutions for e�icient management. Zoe hasfulfilled numerous roles both onsite and o�site on emergency management projects within Canada and the United States including withinthe Incident Command System (ICS) and Natural Resource Damages Assessments (NRDA).

Topic: “Case Study: When In-Situ Techniques Fail”Speaker: Bruce Tunnicli�e

In-situ remediation of petroleum hydrocarbon compounds (PHCs) is commonly applied across Canada. So why is it that some projects aresuccessful while other fail? How is a practitioner to know what products to use when is the right time to start remediation and how to select

and how apply an appropriate remediation technique? How does one know how much data to collect beforehand, during and a�erremediation, and what data is the most important to remediation success?

It seems that rarely do people highlight their remediation failures, yet much can be learned from studying what does not work.

The purpose of this talk is to present a case study of a Site where two di�erent in-situ techniques were used to treat PHCs, and they bothfailed. Within this presentation, the Site background and subsurface data will be reviewed, the remediation approach will be presented, andpossible reasons for the failed remediation e�orts will be put forth. The talk will conclude by showcasing what additional Site data wascollected and how a di�erent in-situ remediation approach was selected and applied. This decision-making process resulted in a delayed butultimately successful remediation project.

The Site is a former fueling station located at the corner of a busy intersection. There was significant on-site contamination, yet RiskManagement Measures were used so remediation of the source area was not required. However, it was essential that migration of the PHCplume had to be controlled to prevent its continued o�-site migration. This talk will highlight how a Permeable Reactive Barrier (PRB) forPHCs was unsuccessfully then successfully injected along a busy down-gradient property boundary. Throughout the presentationrecommendations and insights will be o�ered into how to avoid failure and how to maximize success for in-situ remediation.

BiographyBruce Tunnicli�e, M.A.Sc., P.Eng. Mr. Tunnicli�e is President of Vertex Environmental Inc., is an Environmental Engineer, and has over 20 years of experience designing andimplementing remediation of chlorinated solvents and petroleum hydrocarbons. Mr. Tunnicli�e holds a Master’s degree from the Universityof Waterloo where he studied oxidation in fractured bedrock.

Topic: Phytoremediation Technologies for Restoring Salt and Hydrocarbon Contaminated SoilSpeaker and Author: Elizabeth W. MurrayCo-Authors: Kent Cryer, Ben Poltorak, Bruce Greenberg, Adam Dunn, Jess Spies, Perry Gerwing, Earthmaster Environmental Strategies Inc. 

Earthmaster has successfully developed and marketed commercial Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) - EnhancedPhytoremediation Systems (PEPSystems™) for cost e�ective removal of petroleum hydrocarbons (PHCs) and salt from soils. PEPSystemsutilizes soil bacteria coated onto the surface of seeds to enhance the production of abundant root biomass in impacted soils. Thissignificantly augments growth of rhizobacteria which enables e�ective degradation of PHCs, partitioning of contaminants out of the soil,and sequestration of salt into plant foliage. PEPSystems has been successfully deployed on many contaminated sites across Canada andhave proven to be very cost e�ective, compared to other technologies including landfill disposal, in remediating soil in remote or northernareas where harsh conditions and permafrost exist, as well as in dryland settings where precipitation and soil moisture can be limiting.

Several examples of successful PEPSystems applications will be discussed. 1) PEPSystems was deployed at a remote fly-in site in northernCanada in 2008 to treat historical oil and gas related impacts. Between 2008 and 2010, the surface soil across the site (~2,100 m³), whichcontained elevated salt levels, was successfully phytoremediated. Between 2011 and 2017, multiple layers of PHC contaminated soilexcavated from on-site pits and sumps (~5,375 m³) was placed onto a treatment area and successfully phytoremediated. Backfilling theexcavations and re-contouring the site using the treated soil was completed in 2018 and re-vegetation of the site has been initiated. 2)PEPSystems was deployed at three sites in northern Alberta to successfully treat multiple layers of soil (~9,250 m³) containing PHCcontaminants. In March 2017, remediation was complete, the treatment facilities were decommissioned and the sites were re-contoured. 3)PEPSystems was deployed at a former gas plant site located in an agricultural setting in southern Alberta to treat soil contaminated withPHC. Approximately 8,000 m³ of PHC contaminated soil was successfully treated over four growing seasons. 4) PEPSystems was deployed ata large salt contaminated site in southern Saskatchewan with the objective of revegetating the mostly barren and non-productive land to atleast 70% of background agricultural area plant growth levels and to reduce soil salt levels over time. A�er three growing seasons, theproject objectives were achieved. 

The treatment strategies utilized at the di�erent sites and cost benefits realized using phytoremediation will be discussed for each of theprojects. Kinetic modeling of PEPSystems performance will also be presented as the basis for predicting the length of time required toremediate PHC contaminated sites. The results from ongoing research activities will be outlined (e.g. phytoreclamation of marginal andpoor quality soils).

Biography Elizabeth W. Murray, Ph.D., P.Biol., R.P.Bio. – Elizabeth Murray is a senior scientist with Earthmaster Environmental Strategies in Calgary,Alberta. Her background is in human genetics and environmental sciences. She has worked for more than 20 years in medical relatedresearch and in plant based biotechnology, developing biologics as treatments for human diseases. With over 7 years of experience inphytoremediation research and development, she also plays an important role in commercial phytoremediation applications.

Topic: Remediation of the Site of a Former EDC-VCM Plant Using an Innovative TechnologySpeakers: Jean Carpentier, P.Eng.., Petromont Inc.Jean Paquin, P.Eng.., Sanexen Environmental Services Inc.Myriam Cadotte, P.Eng.., Sanexen Environmental Services Inc.

Petromont owns lands at Varennes where petrochemicals plants were operated, including a former vinyl chloride monomer plant (EDC-VCMsector) dating prior to the creation of Petromont.

Within the context of its commitment to sustainable development and Responsible Care®, Petromont first characterized the site of this plantthat was operated by a former owner during the 60s and the 70s. This work concluded that about 315,000 m.t. of soils were contaminated byorganochlorinated compounds, including 1,2-dichloroethane (1,2-DCA) and vinyl chloride (VC).

The native soils are sediments from the former Champlain Sea, a plastic and cohesive clay, which makes handling and extraction of thecontaminants di�icult. In the context of this situation and its commitments, Petromont conducted a technology watch and pilot tests were also carried out to helpdetermine the most appropriate treatment technologies. Petromont proceeded then with a Request for Proposals for the full scale

The technology developed by Sanexen allowed to modify and improve the geochemical structure of the clay to vaporize the contaminantsand capture them on regenerable filtration media. The regeneration allows to recover the contaminants for thermal destruction. 

The full-scale treatment of the soil and groundwater and the remediation of the site were conducted between 2015 and 2019.

The soils were first dewatered and excavated to a depth up to 8 m and were directed to the treatment facility erected alongside thecontaminated area. Two large mobile shelters operating under negative pressure were used to carry out the two steps of the soil treatmentprocess. These shelters were moved above the soil piles to e�ect soil processing while confining and withdrawing the VOCs.

Treatment consisted first in eliminating the plasticity of the clay by creating bonds between the aluminosilicate platelets of the clay, and thenin shredding the soil a�er a curing period to obtain the desired pneumatic conductivity. The VOCs were displaced with a circulation of airthat was treated in adsorption and chemical oxidation units. The elaborate air treatment system also allowed to meet the very stringentambient air criteria for 1,2-DCA, 1,1,2-TCA and VC.

The adsorption filters used to treat the air and the water were periodically regenerated to extract and condense the contaminants usingsuperheated steam and a cooling system.

Innovative technologies were developed, optimized and used at the large scale in the context of this project, making this project aninternational first.

Many challenges pertaining to environment, health and safety were met given the volatility and the toxicity of the contaminants, which ledto the selection of this project as a finalist in the ‘’Grand Prize - Health and Safety at Work’’ of the CNESST, Quebec’s Worker CompensationBoard.

Topic: Risk Assessment Case Study Involving Pinchin’s RA and HAZ Groups Who Were Involved in RemediationSpeaker: Theresa Phillips

The Site consists of a multi-story o�ice tower where, as a result of a fire, heavy smoke infiltrated all levels of the building. Pinchin wasretained to execute post-fire remediation of the building, which included sampling for suspected contaminants of concern in dust/ soot thataccumulated on surfaces following the incident. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were among the potential contaminants testedduring preliminary wipe sampling. A literature search was undertaken to determine background PAH concentrations in urban settings. Anumber of publications exist, providing PAH concentrations in household dust, with comparisons between homes closer to, or father awayfrom, heavily travelled roadways, in addition to considering the presence of other PAH sources such as the presence of woodstoves andother heat sources, cooking appliances and habits, cigarette smoking, etc. Of the studies reviewed, only one was based on a Canadian city.In the study, total carcinogenic PAH concentrations (the sum of seven carcinogenic PAHs reported) ranged from 0.656 to 219 µg /g (ppm),with an arithmetic mean of 18.7 ppm. The total PAH concentrations measured in preliminary samples from the Site Building were as high as93,467 ppm (using a presumed mass of 100 µg dust/cm2 wiped), which exceed levels that may be considered background, based on theavailable literature. Certain PAHs are among the most carcinogenic substances identified by the World Health Organization and the USEnvironmental Protection Agency (EPA). Thus, Pinchin recommended deriving risk-based remedial targets for particulate-bound PAHs thatsettled to surfaces inside the building, for use during Site cleanup. While health-based standards are available for combined soil and dustdermal contact and inhalation, there were no known (published or unpublished) criteria exclusively for PAHs in settled dust within a building.Pinchin derived both settled and bulk dust criteria reflective of the sampling methodologies employed for dust collection, i.e. wipe samplingor bulk dust collection. The derivation method took into consideration the model outlined by the United States Environmental ProtectionAgency (US EPA; 2003) when setting health-based benchmarks for dust exposure that arose from the World Trade Center collapse in 2001.Those benchmarks, for settled dust and bulk dust, were specific dermal contact and incidental ingestion pathways in a residential scenario.Pinchin adjusted the methodology to address a commercial scenario, and incorporated risk assessment guidance from the Ontario Ministryof the Environment, Conservation and Parks. The health-based screening values for settled dust provided remedial criteria protective of thehealth of indoor workers when dust samples were collected via wipe methodologies and the PAH data reported are dependent on the size ofsurface area sampled. The health-based screening values for bulk dust provided criteria protective of the health of indoor workers in caseswhere a bulk sample of dust was possible and a concentration reported that was independent of surface area. 

Topic: Treatment Technologies: Phytoremediation (Rhizodegradation)Speakers: Melissa Bacon, Engineer, Contaminated Sites

Since 2012, Golder has been working on remediating an industrial site located in Québec. The remediation technology used is biopiletreatment which is a bioremediation technology in which excavated soils are formed into compost piles. The contaminants treated arepolycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), petroleum hydrocarbons (HP C10-C50), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), metals andBis(chloroethyl)ether (BCEE).

The biopile treatment was able to decrease the concentrations of the contaminants by more than 95%. However, for the BCEE contaminatedsoil the remediation objective was required to be less than 0.44 parts per million (ppm) which was not achieved with this treatment method.Test results showed that the e�ectiveness of the biopile treatment stabilized at around 1 to 5 ppm of BCEE, meaning the target was not beingmet. Therefore, rhizodegradation was tested to see if it can enhance the biopile-treated soil and meet the target.

Rhizodegradation, a type of phytoremediation, uses plant roots to facilitate the degradation of contaminants by releasing oxygen into thesoil, providing sustenance as well as surface area to the beneficial microbes. The roots also increase the bioavailability of the contaminants,making it easier for the microbes to remediate the soil.Promote economic in-situ solutions that avoid broader environmental impacts.

Besides being a low-cost remediation option, phytoremediation uses plants which help to limit the spread of contaminants through wind,volatization into the atmosphere, or infiltration into the groundwater. 

Demonstrate leadership and innovation in environmental soil remediationO�en, plant-based remediation methods are not preferred over other remediation technologies, mainly due to time constraints. However, inthis case plant-based remediation was intended to be used as a complementary treatment to a prime remediation method as a cost-

In 2018, to test the e�ectiveness of rhizodegradation, a pilot-test was conducted to test this polishing treatment method for BCEEcontaminated soil. The work involved spreading a 60 cm deep layer of the contaminated soil on the ground, plowing the soil, removing therocks, covering the area with straw to protect the seeds, and adding nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium, as well as abeneficial type of fungi. These steps prepared the soil for plant seeding. The plants were chosen based on how fast they could mature – inless than a month – and how quickly they could develop a dense root system. They were also chosen based on their ability to break down thedense clay-type soil, like buckwheat, ryegrass and oats, to better distribute the micro-organisms. Radish and mustard were added becausethey have a high level of biomass and have roots particularly useful to supporting the remediation process, according to the limited amountof literature available.

A�er only 30 days, the plants were at full maturation with the roots going down 40 to 60 cm. Most important, the soil met the remediationgoal of 0.44 ppm and had 80 percent less contamination than the original soil.

The following year, in 2019 a full-scale treatment was set in place in order to treat 7 000 m3 of soil with a soil depth of approximately 80 cm.To date, a�er two months of treatment more than half the volume has reached the desired goal, while the rest of the soil is still being treatedwith a second round of planting.  

Encourage use of innovative, cost-e�ective technologies that shi� perceptions in the marketplace

As seen from this example, plant-based remediation succeeded in enhancing soil quality when it is used in combination with anotherremediation technology. This field test shows that this technology has a well-earned place in the toolbox available to owners of impactedproperties around the world.

BiographyMélissa Bacon holds a diploma in bioresources engineering from McGill University and joined Golder in January 2011. Since joining Golder,Ms. Bacon has worked as a member of the contaminated soil and groundwater rehabilitation team. Her responsibilities include evaluatingrehabilitation technology options, carrying out laboratory and pilot testing, designing, operating and monitoring rehabilitation systemsbased on a range of technologies and methods, both in situ and ex situ.  Ms. Bacon’s expertise includes multiphase extraction and airinjection, in-situ chemical oxidation, bioventilation, soil heating by steam injection, sparging, biosparging, phytoremediation,bioremediation, pump and treat systems, excavation, and ex-situ treatments such as biopiles.

Her current responsibilities as Project and Technical Manager with the rehabilitation at Golder include reviewing historical data, preparingwork programs, managing project teams and field work, designing in-situ and ex-situ treatment systems, tracking budgets and schedules,compiling data and writing reports.  Mélissa Bacon has been a member of the Order of Engineers of Quebec since 2013. 

Topic: Are All Zero Valent Iron (ZVI) Media the Same?  New soil & groundwater treatment capabilities using high surface high reactivity ZVImedia.Speakers: Hyunshik Chang, Alexander Kor�, Carolyn, Somerville, Madan TandukarHöganäs Environment Solutions, Cary, NC, 27513, U.S.A.Jean Paré, P. Eng.

Ever since researchers at the University of Waterloo observed degradation of halocarbons in cast iron wells, zero valent iron (ZVI) mediahave been extensively researched and applied in soil/groundwater remediation projects. Typical application of ZVI includes dehalogenationof chlorinated volatile organic carbon (c-VOC), heavy metal removal/stabilization such as hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)], arsenic (As),selenium (Se), nitrate and nitro-aromatic compound reduction, and uranium (U) reduction and removal. However, there have been severallimitations in using conventional ZVI media, including impurities, surface passivation, pH change of groundwater, iron (Fe) leaching, lowreactivity of media (caused by low surface area and aging), and low selectivity due to the presence of competing ions. Those issues arelargely associated with the intrinsic property and manufacturing processes of the ZVI media. 

There are 5 main types of ZVI with key di�erences and due to variations in manufacturing processes. Most of the early applications of ZVIemployed recycled granular cast iron for permeable reactive barrier (PRB). This type of iron is known as “regrind” iron, which is producedfrom scrap iron. Some regrind iron may have trace amount of impurities such as grease and cutting oil, but more recently many regrindsuppliers have installed washing process to minimize the amount of undesirable organic contents. Another common type of ZVI is atomizedZVI, which is also typically made from scrap iron, but undergoes a melting and slag separation process to reduce impurities and control sizeand shape. As a result, atomized ZVI has a higher Fe content (97 – 98%) and has emerged as a cost e�ective alternative to regrind ZVI. Thethird type of ZVI is sponge ZVI, which is manufactured from iron ore and generally contains even higher Fe content (98 – 99%) thanatomized ZVI. The name of “sponge” comes from the surface morphology of the media. Sponge iron has a porous surface structure, whichresults in higher surface area compared to other types of ZVI. The manufacturing process of sponge ZVI requires a large capital investmentand demands high production volume to maintain quality and costs. The fourth type of ZVI is electrolytic iron, which is manufactured bychemical dissolution of iron and an electrowinning process. Cost of the production is high, but the method produces the highest purity ironproduct (99.9%). The fi�h type of ZVI is a Carbonyl iron for nano-scale ZVI, which is known for its high reactivity and small particle size, butalso has the highest price. There has been some application of nano-scale ZVI but it has not gained widespread acceptance and use due tothe cost and di�iculty in handling. The ZVI media manufactured from various methods have di�erent characteristics. Testing has been conducted to compare those specificcharacteristics in more practical application of soil and groundwater remediation, such as iron content, reactivity, longevity, hydraulicconductivity, etc.

The use of a high surface area high reactivity ZVI allow to deal with specific metals & contaminant in a more diverse and more e�icientreactions rate.A batch kinetic study, using Cleanit® sponge ZVI media, was conducted with an initial selenium concentration of 10 mg /L (a mix of selenate,selenite, selenosulfate, and selenocyanate) and a loading rate of 0.1 mg Se/g media. Within 24 hours, all four selenium species were removedto below the detection limit (1 µg Se/L). The pseudo first order reaction constants for each selenium species mentioned above were 25.0, 23.7,11.1, and 1.0 h-1, respectively. The maximum removal capacities for the four species were 2.70 ± 0.12, 4.90 ± 0.03, 4.74 ± 0.22, 5.00 ± 0.00 mgSe/g media, respectively. Since selenate is the most challenging selenium species to be removed by ZVI, column tests were conducted usingthree di�erent grades of Cleanit® media: Cleanit®-SR.1S, Cleanit®-SR.2S and Cleanit®-SR.3S with site soil and the impacted site groundwater.The initial selenium concentration was 2 200 µg /L With an average retention time of 4 4 hour at a flowrate of 0 5 mL/min all three Cleanit®

potential for organic and inorganic selenium removal for groundwater remediation.  Other data for PCE, TCE, chrome and arsenic will alsobe covered showing cost reduction capability for large scale project implementation.Speaker Bio.     Dr. Hyunshik Chang is currently employed at Höganäs Environment Solutions, LLC as a Manager for Product Development.He earned his PhD in Civil & Environmental Engineering from the University of Washington, and working in Pacific Northwest NationalLaboratory and Savannah River Ecology Laboratory before joining the Höganäs in 2014. His main focus area is soil and groundwaterremediation for chlorinated volatile organic carbon, radioactive waste, and heavy metal removal using ZVI based physicochemicaltreatment method as well as development of new media for industrial wastewater treatment. Dr. Chang has published more than 50 peer-reviewed journal papers, book chapters, technical reports, and conference presentations. He is an author of a patent in Höganäs. He was amember of American Chemical Society, Soil Science Society of America, and American Water Work Association.

Jean Pare, P.Eng., has a degree in Chemical Engineering from Laval University. He has been involved for the last 25 years in the evaluation,development, design, and promotion of both conventional and innovative environmental technologies. As Vice President with Chemco Inc.,his responsibilities include the remediation design, technico-economical analysis and technology supply for chemical oxidation andreduction, soil washing, and enhanced bioremediation. Last year, he worked with over 400 sites applying his expertise to various types oforganic and inorganic contaminants in soil and groundwater. He is also involved with many environmental organizations such as CLRA,CBN, ESAA, BCEIA and Reseau-Environnement where he is an active technical committee member and regular technical speaker.

Topic: ECA required Stack SamplingSpeaker: Kirk Easto, RWDI

This talk will outline the basic requirements of fulfilling the stack testing condition listed in you Ontario Environmental Compliance Approval(ECA). Items covered with include; key deadlines listed in the ECA; what is a pre-test plan?; sampling ports requirements; sampling equipmentrequirements; process conditions; and reporting expectations. The talk will also cover reasonable time lines for scheduling work, lab analysisand final report submission. 

Topic: Basics of Ambient SamplingSpeaker: Kirk Easto, RWDI

This talk will introduce the audience to various types of ambient sampling. Topics will include both short term grab samples and long termambient monitoring.  Sampling methods, techniques and equipment will be presented and discussed. 

Topic: Noise - The Other "Pollutant"TBA

Topic: Evaluating & Remediating Odour SourcesTBA

Topic: WildFire IEQ – Get ready!Speaker: Stephen Booth 

Objective:  

Present a proactive and adaptive approach to managing IEQ in buildings during severe wildfire events.  Wildfire smoke has a significantimpact on health, and properly preparing for these events results in well informed and satisfied building occupants.

Description:  

Large wildfires have become common part of the North American summer.  Global climate change is contributing to environmentalconditions favorable to more frequent and larger events.  Smoke-related particulate (PM2.5) is present local to the fires and travel enormousdistances through atmospheric transport impacting IAQ across the continent.  The toolkit for managing wildfire smoke, is not complicated,but having all the required resources available for rapid deployment can be challenging.  HVAC settings and supplementary filtrationequipment can very e�ectively manage particulate and odours.  

Key Take Aways:

Understand why wildfires will become more prevalent in the coming years.Learn how smoke typically enters commercial buildings.When and how to deploy smoke mitigation techniques.Plan and head, and be prepared for each coming fire season.

Topic: PCBs in Buildings; Are we Doing Enough?Speaker: Michael Harret

Polychlorinated Biphenyls have been regulated in Canada since 1977, with intent of protecting the health of Canadians, and protecting theenvironment by regulating the storage and disposal, and preventing release of PCBs. The focus of the regulations have been on electricalequipment, specifically oils, ballasts and capacitors. Building materials known to contain PCBs at regulated concentrations exist, but notbeing clearly discussed in regulations, are frequently overlooked. 

Demolition and renovation present a potential for worker exposure and environmental contamination, and some scientific papers areindicating that o�-gassing of PCBs in buildings may be impacting indoor environmental air quality.

The session will discuss: 

The potential issues of limited regulations for non-liquid PCB applications; including identify potential sources, the potential workerexposures, and environmental contamination. The 2025 End-of-Use deadline for equipment identified in the PCB Regulations (SOR/2008-273)

Topic: Asbestos – We Put that Sh!t in Everything?Speaker: Michael Harrett

This is not be your typical asbestos awareness class, but rather a reflection on where we have come from, looking at historical uses ofasbestos (household goods and other miscellaneous applications) that will make most cringe, to a look at some lesser known asbestos-containing building materials which may still be among us.

BiographyMichael Harrett is the Regional Practice Leader for Ontario Hazardous Materials Group at Pinchin Ltd.  A graduate of Fanshawe College’sArchitectural Technology, and a Certified Engineering Technologist with the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians andTechnologists (OACETT). A�er 5 years of architectural industry experience, Michael has almost 15 years of experience with Pinchin Ltd. Hehas been responsible for scope development, assessments, development of remedial projects, and abatement oversight for hazardousmaterials, mould and indoor environmental quality projects. Michael has completed various speaking engagements relating to hazardousmaterials, and provides training sessions from basic awareness to Type 3 asbestos worker and supervisor training.

Topic: New Construction and IAQ – Build it right… the first time!Speaker: Stephen Booth Objective: Share lessons learned from new construction projects gone wrong.  The phasing, sourcing and protection of building materialscan have a significant impact on final occupancy conditions in a building.  When executed poorly these issues can result in schedulingdelays, rework and concerned occupants. Description: Construction of a new building is an opportunity to start fresh, install new and e�icient building technologies, and provide thebest possible occupant experience.  The sustainable building industry has brought focus on occupant experience, what could possibly gowrong?  Even with the best intentions, simple risk items are overlooked.

Mould-susceptible building materials frequently get wet during construction.  Construction dust is not managed e�ectively resulting in cross-contamination.  Materials arrive on site, or are brought in by trades that can have a negative impact on the occupied IAQ of the building.  Ittakes a keen eye looking around a construction site to spot these issues, but once you know how, success is a sure thing! Key Take Aways:

Supply chain management and how to inspect building materials before they arrive on site.Proper construction phasing and protection of mould-susceptible materials.Construction dust management strategies.Responding to construction problems, and getting back on track.

BiographyStephen Booth, CET, LEED AP, RESET AP, is the Director of the GTA Indoor Environmental Quality and Occupational Health and SafetyGroups at Pinchin Ltd. Stephen has more than 20 years of hazardous building materials and indoor air quality consulting experience and adiploma in Architectural

Topic: Demonstration of New Methods for Evaluating Soil Vapour IntrusionSpeaker: Todd McAlary

Geosyntec Consultants will provide a seminar, interactive demonstration, real-time data analysis and case study compilation of vapourintrusion monitoring and mitigation design using High Volume Sampling, Pneumatic Testing, Tracer Testing and Mathematical Analysis. These emerging methods were developed during a five-year research program funded by the United States Department of Defense throughtheir Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP).  additional summaries of Building Pressure Cycling and PassiveSampling will also be provided.

Subslab, soil vapour and indoor air sampling provide the most common lines of evidence for assessing human health risks associated withvapour intrusion into buildings.

Conventional collection methods may generate data that show spatial and temporal variability that o�en make site interpretation di�icult. As an alternative, Geosyntec will discuss and demonstrate high volume sampling (HVS), which is based on the concept of integrating thesample over a large volume of soil gas extracted from beneath the floor slab of a building to provide a spatially averaged subslabconcentration.

The demonstration will include:

High Volume Sampling equipment setupFlow measurementMeasurement of static vacuum at wellhead and static probesTransient vacuum monitoringTracer testsSample collection (HVS and conventional using canisters)Presentation of field data collected during demonstration 

Biography

Todd McAlary is a Practice Leader for Vapour Intrusion Services at Geosyntec with 30 years of experience.  Todd performed pure research invapour di�usion for his Master’s degree and on passive vapour sampling for his Doctoral degree, and has performed applied research onHigh Volume Sampling, Building Pressure Cycling, Mathematical Modeling, Tracer Testing, Pneumatic Testing and Forensic analysis.  He hasalso authored or co-authored dozens of vapour intrusion guidance Documents, peer-reviewed journal articles and presented on the topic at

David Bertrand is a principal hydrogeologist with 20 years of experience in environmental consulting.  David has specific experience in theoversight and management of large vapour intrusion investigations, community relations, and the design and installation of many sub-slabdepressurization systems at industrial, commercial and residential properties. David conducted his first vapour intrusion investigation in2001 and since then, one of his primary focuses has been on vapour intrusion assessments and the development of legally defensible samplecollection methods.   Hester Groenevelt is a senior chemist with over 25 years of experience.  She has worked at many large vapour intrusion and DNAPL sitesacross Canada, the US and the UK, both with Geosyntec and as a research associate at the University of Waterloo.  She has specificexperience in data acquisition, data quality and data interpretation, and in collection of data via passive sampling methods. 

Darius Mali is a professional engineer with 5 years of vapour intrusion experience and is C-NRPP certified for radon measurement andmitigation. Darius specializes in vapour intrusion site characterization and mitigation system design. Darius has worked on projects rangingfrom traditional residential sampling to DOD facilities with buildings of over 1 million square feet. Darius’ research includes the developmentof methods and metrics for VI assessment and VOC treatment technologies.

Peter Dollar is a senior hydrogeologist with over 30 years consulting experience.  Peter has been actively involved in vapour intrusion studiesfor over twenty years at industrial, waste disposal, commercial and residential sites in North America, Australia and the United Kingdom. Peter served as Project Director for a large vapour intrusion study in the UK that included extensive vadose zone, indoor and outdoor airquality characterization, mathematical modeling, risk characterization, community relations and remediation.