Reclaiming Canada Issue 1, 2010

Rec aiming Canada issue 1 | 2010

Kindness Prevails government of Canada and Ducks Unlimited Canada join forces to conserve wetlands in the estrie Region

Publications Mail Agreement #40606022

Also in this issue

maritime provinces emerge as frontrunners in the recycling and composting movement.

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Rec aiming Canada

Table of Contents Issue 1 | 2010

Features 5

Turning the tide on an ocean of waste

5

Diverting recyclables is an idea whose time has come.

7

Turning a waste into a resource The rise of composting.

12

Greenest games ever?

Sustainability played huge role in latest Olympic Games.

15

7

Getting Back to Nature With the success of Gateway Hill, Syncrude has established a major claim to reclamation fame.

17

C O V E R S T O R Y:

Kindness prevails

Government of Canada and Ducks Unlimited Canada join forces to conserve wetlands in the Estrie Region.

15

Departments 3

Reclamation News Passing of wetlands enhancement measure opens door for Canadian project funding n Two contracts worth $7.7 million awarded n Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan support greywater reclamation project n

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17

Organization Profile Big changes at Deepwell: Their new name is just the beginning

20

Technological Advances

3

Abrasion-resistant pipe exhibits dual personality.

ON THE COVER: With diminishing wetlands, Canadian wildlife – such as this mallard photographed in mid-flight – now has to rely on the kindness of our citizens.

As Shelley Wildgen writes in the cover story of this issue of Reclaiming Canada, it’s heartening to see that kindness does, indeed, prevail.

19 1

Letter from the editor “Nature is the unseen intelligence that loved us into being.” – Elbert Hubbard

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would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to the readers of Reclaiming Canada as the publication’s new editor. Since assuming my new duties at Lester Communications, I naturally have been familiarizing myself with the company’s many fine publications and have been most impressed with the consistent high quality print and editorial standards of each, second to none in the publishing industry. In that regard, I will strive to maintain the level of excellence our readers have come to expect from this unique and informative periodical.

I feel the purpose of Reclaiming Canada is of vital importance. Although we hope the stories and articles presented in each issue will be entertaining to the reader, of equal significance is the message that each conveys. Who is doing what to ensure that our beautiful country retains its valuable resources – and what you can do to help the process. The stories featured in this, my premiere issue, should be enlightening and, as always, are complemented by high-quality photographs.

The theme of this issue focuses on the national waste disposal issue, addressed in two features that discuss the effectiveness of composting and the cost of disposing garbage. With the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games still a strong part of public consciousness, we are pleased to have in this issue a story on Environment Canada’s positive role in sustainability at the world-watched event. Finally, as the inroads of progress continue to be a threat to the natural habitat of our Canadian wildlife, we are also proud to present an update on how the Government of Canada is joining forces with Ducks Unlimited Canada to conserve the wetlands in the Estrie Region.

As is always the case, the ongoing success of Reclaiming Canada depends highly on our readers’ feedback. After all, this is your magazine and so I heartily welcome and encourage your comments, suggestions and, most importantly, your ideas for upcoming stories and articles. Perhaps an issue or concern you would like to see discussed in an upcoming feature. If it deals with keeping Canada Greener and Cleaner, I would love to hear from you. Feel free to drop me a line at: swallace@lesterpublications.com.

And remember, by each of us making a difference to the environment, we can all feel better about ourselves and the world we leave behind to future generations.

Till next time, Stone Wallace, Editor

Rec aiming Canada Publisher Lester Communications Inc. 701 Henry Avenue Winnipeg, Manitoba R3E 1T9 Phone: 1-204-953-2189 Toll Free: 1-866-953-2189 Fax: 1-204-953-2184 www.lesterpublications.com President Jeff Lester Vice-President Sean Davis Editor Stone Wallace Contributing Writers Jim Chliboyko Margaret Anne Fehr Heather Hudson Michael LaPonza Daniel Paul Kenton Smith Shelley Wildgen Graphic Designers John Lyttle Myles O’Reilly Account Executives Quinn Bogusky Kathy Kelley Louise Peterson © 2010 Lester Communications Inc. All rights reserved. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced by any means, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of the publisher.

Stock photos, unless otherwise credited, are from Photos.com, a division of Getty Images.

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Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by the authors and/or editorial sources contained in Reclaiming Canada magazine are those of the respective parties and do not necessarily represent the opinion of the Publisher.

Publication Mail Agreement #40606022 Printed in Canada The Olympic and Paralympic Village in Vancouver (shown here in a photographic mockup) demonstrated Canada’s positive role in sustainability.

Photo: © VANOC/COVAN 2

Reclaiming Canada

Please recycle where facilities exist.

Reclamation News

In this department, Reclaiming Canada will provide information on the news and events that matter to the industry. If you have anything to report, contact the editor at 1-877-953-2588, or swallace@lesterpublications.com

Passing of wetlands enhancement measure opens door for Canadian project funding

Oak Hammock Marsh, Man. – The U.S. Senate has unanimously passed a bill to allow for funds raised in Canada to become eligible match for North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) projects funded for Canada.

Previously, Canadian contributions did not count toward the required match for these projects.

“This is great news for Canada and is a major step toward expanding wetland conservation efforts across the country,” says Jeff Nelson, Chief Executive Officer, Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC). “This legislation will allow up to 50 per cent of the non-federal match for wetland conservation projects in Canada to be funded

by Canadian conservation supporters.”

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the bill in October. Now, with the passing of this bill by the Senate, the measure will go to President Obama in the coming days to be signed into law.

Since 1989, more than 1,600 NAWCA projects have conserved more than 25 million acres of habitat across North America. Each project requires at least a 1:1 match for each dollar from the U.S. federal government – however, the projects often attract two to three times that from conservationists, local governments and other sources. Over $1 billion in federal grants have been allocated for NAWCA projects – a figure that has

Oak Hammock Marsh: wetlands worth saving.

leveraged an additional $3 billion from matching and non-matching funds.

Nelson says the increased support and engagement of Canadian partners will prove invaluable toward assembling the funding necessary to conserve many more of Canada’s wetlands. Nelson also applauded the leadership of U.S. partners who supported this amendment, including Congressman Robert Wittman from Virginia, who introduced the bill, and all those who guided it through the process toward approval. The United Issue 1 | 2010

Photo: Robert H. Nunnally, Jr. (Gurdonark)

States Fish and Wildlife Service and the North American Wetlands Conservation Council (NAWCC), which is the panel that administers the NAWCA program, deserve special credit for their support.

“The North American Wetlands Conservation Act continues to be one of the great success stories of conservation,” says Alan Wentz, Ducks Unlimited Senior Group Manager for Conservation who sits as a member on the NAWCC. “Enacting this bill will help foster future success.”

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Reclamation News

Two contracts worth $7.7 million awarded Contracts valued at $7.7 million were awarded to two Cape Breton companies as the Sydney Tar Ponds and Coke Ovens cleanup heads into its peak construction season.

McNally Construction Inc., Port Hawkesbury, was awarded a $3.8-million contract to remove contaminated material from the lower reaches of Coke Ovens Brook from the Victoria Road overpass to Inglis Street, and to build a protective liner along the bottom of the brook. It will join the Coke Ovens Groundwater Collection Treatment System, now under construction to an engineered channel. Work is expected to run from April to October.

ALL-TECH Environmental Services of Cape Breton, Sydney, was awarded a twoyear $3.9-million contract to continue monitoring and evaluating air quality for the Sydney Tar Ponds Agency. The consulting firm provides real-time data upwind and downwind of the site. It also reports on data collected on a six-day cycle.

“The awarding of these contracts illustrates the continued progress being made

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on this important cleanup as well as the government of Canada’s commitment to a safe environment and a strong economy for the people of Sydney,” said Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services Canada.

“This remediation project continues to build a lasting legacy that will have a positive impact on the Cape Breton economy and its residents for years to come,” said Bill Estabrooks, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal. “As these contaminated properties are safely transformed into useable land, local contractors and tradespeople continue to gain valuable skills and experiences they can market to the world.”

In January 2007, the government of Canada and the province of Nova Scotia committed $400 million to ensure the Tar Ponds and Coke Ovens cleanup is completed by 2014.

Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan support greywater reclamation project

Regina, Saskatchewan – Dr. Stephanie Young’s research team at the University of Regina (U of R) will install and pilot test greywater reclamation technology at the campus’ Research & Innovation Centre to prepare it for the commercial marketplace, thanks to a federal and provincial government investment announced today.

“Our Government is investing in innovative research which will help strengthen our economy and support made-in-Canada solutions to environmental challenges,” said the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification.

“Saskatchewan institutions have been at the forefront in developing technologies that assist industry to preserve the environment while maximizing output,” Enterprise Minister Ken Cheveldayoff said. “It is why we support the greywater reclamation project. We want to see more of our innovations go from the labs to market for everyday use.”

Dr. Young’s research team members will be pilot testing five plants that reclaim and reuse greywater for small applications. Substituting reclaimed water (greywater) for purposes that do not require high-quality drinking water, Reclaiming Canada

such as irrigation or toilet flushing, helps extend available fresh water supplies, and also substantially decreases the wastewater load into sewage collection systems.

The reclamation plants are expected to be commercialized nationally and internationally where they will help conserve water resources and protect aquatic ecosystems. Six patents have already been submitted for assessment for the innovative technologies related to the greywater reclamation system that has been selected for the Award of Innovation 2010.

An investment of $202,400 is being provided under the CanadaSaskatchewan Western Economic Partnership Agreement (WEPA) for the testing, while the non-profit organization, Communities of Tomorrow, itself a recipient of WEPA funding, will provide $75,000.

“Communities of Tomorrow support the development of technologies and innovative solutions for problems municipalities face every day,” said John Lee, President of Communities of Tomorrow. “Solutions to infrastructure challenges, like this greywater reclamation technology led by Dr. Stephanie Young, can be developed, tested and prepared for the world market right here in Saskatchewan.”

“This is the latest example of the U of R partnering with governments to develop practical solutions to issues facing our world,” said Dr. David Gauthier, Vice-President of Research at the University of Regina. “We deeply appreciate the funding support provided by WD, our provincial government and Communities of Tomorrow through the years. Our long-standing relationships have proved beneficial not only for our researchers at the University of Regina, but also for the greater community that benefits from the applied solutions that result from research.”

Communities of Tomorrow work with municipalities, industry and researchers to find innovative solutions to infrastructure challenges, as well as capitalize on the trillion-dollar global market for infrastructure.

Both Canada and Saskatchewan are contributing $25 million each, over four years, to the Canada-Saskatchewan We s t e r n E c o n o m i c P a r t n e r s h i p Agreement to strengthen economic activity and improve the quality of life in western Canadian communities. n

Turning the tide on an ocean of waste

By Margaret Anne Fehr

N

ever underestimate the power of an idea whose time has come. And perhaps that’s what we’re witnessing to varying degrees in the ongoing campaign to divert recyclables from an inglorious end in the despairing wastelands that we call landfills.

Yesteryear reminders around “not wasting your food” and “cleaning off your plate” that Mom or Dad so often admonished at the end of supper takes on a new significance these days as “green” issues continue to permeate our environmental consciousness.

Organic materials account for about 50 per cent of the waste stream. “If they are missed, it becomes a huge problem,” states Dr. Shirley Thompson, Associate Professor at the Natural Resources Institute, University of Manitoba.

“When it comes to organic materials, you can divert them, but if you don’t compost them the problem becomes that they produce toxic leachate, an acidic liquid and organic, that can break down other materials around them.” Moreover, if not properly managed the leachate is at risk for mixing with groundwater near the site which can have even more dire effects.

Dr. Thompson refers to the admirable performance statistics that Switzerland, for example, has achieved with a 90 percent waste diversion through the implementation of backyard composting.

But despite the widespread use of this method, for those who can’t or choose not to compost in their own backyards, pickup of organic waste is always available. “You can’t really have a successful program without the option of pickup,” says Dr. Thompson.

Backyard composting diverts organic waste and it’s great for gardening.

In Canada, it’s the Maritime provinces that have emerged as frontrunners in the recycling movement. “Nova Scotia as a whole has diverted a lot and it has some of the best records. Prince Edward Island has a similar policy where they have banned organic landfills. It has led to significant participation not only in backyard composting, but also allows for apartment dwellers to participate since pick-up has been incorporated into the overall system.”

Issue 1 | 2010

According to Statistics Canada 2006 data, Nova Scotia had the highest diversion rate, at 41 per cent, followed

by Prince Edward Island at 38 per cent and New Brunswick coming in at 36 per cent.

Dr. Thompson explains that the Halifax Regional Municipality established a rule disallowing the inclusion of organic materials with regular garbage.

“They have pickup of organic materials versus garbage on alternative weeks, so 5

“People are much more aware and taking into account opportunities to reduce or recycle waste. It’s a more hopeful outlook.”

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nice bins that can be rolled out to the curb. It represents a very good state of the art system,” she says.

Dr. Thompson is less impressed with the inroads that her home province of Manitoba have made. In fact, it is Manitoba’s significantly lesser populated second city, Brandon, which is outstripping Winnipeg’s efforts by introducing a comprehensive composting system. Stats Canada’s 2006 findings list Manitoba along with Saskatchewan, and Alberta as diverting less than 20 per cent of their waste from landfills.

Another very problematic aspect for Manitoba, according to Dr. Thompson, is the province’s e-waste collection policy that is funded by the provincial government that stands in contrast to most other Canadian provinces that require the computer industry to pay for the disposal of their own computer waste.

Dr. Murray Haight, Associate Professor at the School of Planning at University of Waterloo speaks on the waste diversion projects that are currently ongoing or in the planning stages in Ontario.

“You have to start by looking at the composition of the waste to begin with. One example is that there’s a fair proportion of the waste labeled as ‘organic.’ That would include yard waste, household food preparation, organic waste from restaurants, green waste that comes out of grocery Reclaiming Canada

stores in the preparation of fruits and vegetables for display, as well as a fair amount of material that comes out of the food processing industry to become a resource for other uses such as livestock.”

“What’s left over is typically landfilled, and in a way it’s a resource that’s willing to be tapped. In Ontario right now, we have a New Energy Act that’s promoting the use of bio-mass materials that go into anaerobic digestion. You end with two by-products, electricity and compostable materials. It’s in operation right now and there are bins going out all over the place. There’s a big unit being built near London, Ontario and there’s a proposal right in the centre of my town, Elmira, Ontario for the development of an anaerobic flash power generation unit.”

Dr. Haight sees significant changes that are happening in terms of products that consumers are buying as well. “The manufacturing sector is looking at the kinds of waste that they have typically generated in the past, either in the processing or the packaging of waste associated with their products. They are trying to reduce that or cut it down as much as possible.

They are realizing that there are energy and all sorts of environmental issues that can save them money in the long run.”

Dr. Haight adds that “it’s a hard issue to read because it’s product-specific in terms of whether you need a certain kind of packaging for safety reasons versus the kind of packaging you need for promotional issues.”

Take-back programs also offer another means of diverting so-called hazardous waste materials such as paint and oil back to the producers. “It’s another big thrust that’s going on in Ontario because that’s the area I know best, but I know it’s happening right across Canada.”

“The whole idea of the take-back program is that most governments, both middle and higher levels, are beginning to realize that this is the way to deal with a lot of the waste that we create. The products that are being sold will ultimately be best handled by going back to the original producer at their source.”

A quiet optimism regarding waste diversion is gradually taking hold. “The issue is higher up on the radar screen,” says Dr. Haight. “People are much more aware and taking into account opportunities to reduce or recycle waste. It’s a more hopeful outlook.” n

Turning a waste into a resource

T

he word “compost,” may conjure images of the old plastic bin in your grandmother’s garden where the more benign table scraps eventually ended up. But these days the idea of composting is becoming a key element for many of Canada’s municipal leaders, and the practice of composting is gaining greater national attention.

Depending on the source, “organics,” aka compostable material, are responsible for anywhere from 40 to 70 percent of any given city’s waste, depending on your source (and whether or not that figure includes paper). And because that is such Issue 1 | 2010

by Jim Chliboyko

a large proportion of any city’s garbage, cutting the amount of organics heading to a landfill is an incentive-laden pursuit, especially for municipalities experiencing limited landfill space.

It also becomes an environmental impact issue. As boosters of composting will tell you, looking at the organic part of garbage as waste is the first big mistake; if it’s handled properly, compostables become a resource.

“It is a resource, and it has value. It’s a matter of creating that value,” said Susan Antler.

Antler is the executive director of the Ontario-based Compost Council of 7

Top photo: Photos.com, bottom photo: D Askey

The rise of composting

Composting

Children can participate in the backyard process and see the reward of composting.

Canada, and she has seen Canada’s composting participation increase slowly, but dramatically, over the past 20 years. In one Compost Council survey from the early 1990s, the organization tallied 100 composting facilities processing 275,000 tonnes of organics, or about 1 percent of

the country’s waste stream. These days, the numbers point to over 300 facilities handling approximately 4 million tonnes of organics.

“It’s getting stronger and stronger, becoming more and more centre stage,” she said. “It’s something I thought would

have taken a lot less time … but it’s just as important as other kinds of recycling.”

Some cities are changing their way of doing things to accommodate composting. Just this year, Vancouver gave the okay for 110,000 of its households to dump compostable food waste into the

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Reclaiming Canada

Composting same bins holding their grass clippings.

In other cities, composting kits are available for citizens at subsidized prices.

There are various ways in which composting is beneficial for the environment.

It reduces waste, as well as reduces the production of greenhouse gasses; methane is, after all, produced from the breakdown of organics. And composting is good for the soil.

“I always see composting and organic recycling as a multi-vitamin pill for the environment,” says Antler. “It’s the production of a product that needs to go back to the soil and has so many applications. It revitalizes and reinvigorates soil and plant life.”

But composting initiatives take different forms, from a big effort like Vancouver’s to small citizen-centered efforts elsewhere. In May, the city of

Winnipeg held its annual compost bin and rain barrel sale, offering thousands of units at subsidized prices ($30 and $50, respectively). The city actually ran out of their 3,000 compost bins at last year’s sale – and witnessed long, but patient, line-ups. There were about 2800 available this year.

“In theory, that’s the reason for the sale, reducing the amount of waste going to the landfill,” says Kate Bergen of Resource Conservation Manitoba. “(Composting is) the most cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to do that.”

Antler loves the idea of the backyard compost.

“I think it’s the best thing we can do.

Children can participate in the backyard process,” she said. “And with organics recycling, you put it in and see your reward.”

Offering cheap compost units is one way to get people involved in composting, as Bergen says that the lack of bins is the largest hurdle towards Winnipeggers buying in to the program. But despite the obvious demand for a more affordable compost bin, the city still has a way to go to improve participation rates.

“Manitoba is one of the lowest areas for household compost participation,” said Bergen. “It’s great to have the sale, but it would be great to have more awareness, too.”

While some of the numbers could use improving, the composting movement does seem to have gained momentum, and also the satisfaction of promoting something that people can feel “green” about.

Says Antler, “We’re on the side of right.” n

Manitoba has one of the lowest participation levels for composting. Too much organic waste ends up in a landfill.

Issue 1 | 2010

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Greenest games ever?

Sustainability played huge role in latest Olympic Games

By Heather Hudson

D

espite copious amounts of snow and ice, the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games was one of the greenest in history.

That’s because the environment was top-of-mind for organizers, sponsors and government from the earliest planning stages. With the country on the world stage at the pinnacle of the environmental movement, it was more important than ever to deliver a sustainable Olympic Games.

Working with the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games (VANOC) and other partners, Environment Canada played a

huge role in minimizing the environmental impact of the Games. Among other things, it worked to help incorporate green building design, reduce the federal carbon footprint and showcase “made in Canada” innovations in sustainable building and clean energy.

“Overall, we were extremely pleased Canada hosted one of the most environmentally friendly Games the world has ever seen,” said John Beveridge, acting director of Environment Canada’s Sustainability Division.

“The president of the IOC, Jacques Rogge, praised Vancouver 2010 for establishing new standards for environmental sustainability and providing a blueprint for future Games.”

The most visible and revolutionary achievements included: • Sustainable attributes found in many of the Olympic venues, including the Vancouver Olympic and Paralympic Centre, which featured sustainability elements influenced by a federal/ VANOC study on how to maximize environmental performance at minimum cost; • T h e Va n c o u v e r O l y m p i c a n d Paralympic Village, which featured Canada’s first net-zero energy, multiuse residential building; and • The Richmond Oval, whose innovative wood wave roof was made from pine beetle-killed wood.

The Olympic and Paralympic Village in Whistler illustrated Environment Canada’s role in sustainability of 2010 Games.

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Reclaiming Canada

Photo: © VANOC/COVAN

Green Olympics

The Olympic and Paralympic Village in Whistler illustrated Environment Canada’s role in sustainability of 2010 Games.

There were several components of the Government of Canada’s role in the sustainability of the Games.

Photo: © VANOC/COVAN

LEED Business Case for Olympic Facilities

Offsetting federal emissions

This study helped improve the environmental and energy performance of the Vancouver Olympic/Paralympic Centre and other Olympic venues. By demonstrating how to maximize building sustainability at minimal cost, the study has gone on to be used in workshops for the Vancouver construction industry.

Environmental assessments

The eTV program helps establish Canadian use of light-duty vehicle technologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, pollutants and fuel consumption. During the 2010 Winter Games, several advanced green vehicles from this program were used.

A mindful approach was taken to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for the 2010 Winter Games, but Canada became the first national government in Olympic history to commit to offsetting its GHG emissions for the Games. Its offset investments support technologies that reduce GHG emissions.

Every competition venue as well as the two athletes villages were subjected to environmental assessments intended to reduce the impacts on surrounding environments.

Environment Canada focused on the protection of air and water quality, migratory birds and species at risk. As part of the assessments, the ski jump at Whistler Nordic Centre was moved to reduce effects on old growth forest, wetlands and local species.

A section of a stream at the Whistler Sliding Centre was also relocated to protect habitat for the rare tailed frog.

Sustainability Star program

Six Government of Canada-supported initiatives were recognized

by VANOC’s Sustainability Star program for demonstrating positive and measurable social, economic and environmental impacts.

ecoTECHNOLOGY “Green” Vehicles

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Issue 1 | 2010

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gReeN olympiCs On-the-road performance data gathered from this experience will help build a cleaner transportation system for Canadians.

Homeless Partnering Strategy

Human Resources and Skills Development Canada’s Homeless Partnering Strategy (HPS) makes strategic investments in community priorities. It encourages cooperation between governments, agencies and community-based organizations to find local solutions for people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. For the 2010 Winter Games, training participants of the RONA Vancouver 2010 Fabrication Shop had support for their housing needs provided for through an HPS pilot project.

BC Hydrogen Highway

The BC Hydrogen Highway showcases Canadian hydrogen and fuel cell technology development. It connects Whistler, Victoria, Metro Vancouver and the Vancouver International Airport.

Canada Line

The Canada Line is a 19-kilometre extension of Metro Vancouver’s rapid transit network from downtown Vancouver to the City of Richmond and the Vancouver International Airport. Placed in one of the region’s biggest transportation corridors, the new rapid transit line provides a sustainable alternative to carbon-intensive travel.

Richmond Oval

The Richmond Oval is best known for its one-of-a-kind woodwave roof made from wood affected by the mountain pine beetle infestation. Inside the Oval, the energy used to refrigerate the ice surface is recycled back into the building’s heating systems using a Canadian technology called ECO CHILL. The Canada Green Building Council has also recognized the unprecedented achievements in green building for the 2010 Winter Games. At least 31 Vancouver 2010 buildings pursued Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification, the highest ever for an Olympic Games. The Vancouver Olympic Village was also awarded LEED Platinum status, making it the “greenest neighbourhood in the world.”

Now that the skiers, skaters, lugers and ’boarders have vacated and Vancouver is once again seasonally green, the legacy of the Games will go on in the lessons learned, including making clean technology choices, number of sustainable new structures and an expanded transport system for the city.

The Games’ green performance will be reviewed by the vaunted UN Environment Program in an environmental assessment report to be published later this year.

In the meantime, check out the Vancouver 2010 Sustainability Journey at www.youtube.com/environmentcan. This five-minute video highlights the initiatives that made the 2010 Winter Games the most sustainable to date. n

“We were extremely pleased Canada hosted one of the most environmentally friendly Games the world has ever seen.”

– David Beveridge, Acting Director of Environment Canada’s Sustainability Division

The Richmond Olympic Oval, the competition site for speed skating at the 2010 Winter Olympic Games.

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Reclaiming Canada

Photo: © VANOC/COVAN

Getting Back to Nature With the success of Gateway Hill, Syncrude has established a major claim to reclamation fame

By Kenton Smith

F

or Syncrude, one of the largest producers of crude oil from Canada’s oil sands, satisfying Alberta government regulations isn’t the most crucial thing.

“It’s really important for Albertans to know this piece of land is sustainable,” says Cheryl Robb, Syncrude’s media relations advisor, in reference to Gateway Hill – a site north of Fort McMurray, and Syncrude’s first, most established piece of reclaimed land.

“We’re really proud of our certification – it’s the first issued for Alberta oil sands,” Robb says. “It shows we did it right.”

“Syncrude very consistently satisfied all the government’s concerns,” says Jessica Potter, a public affairs officer for Alberta Environment. In the case of Gateway Hill, she continues, there are no potential problems anticipated: “The Alberta government wouldn’t certify it for reclamation otherwise.”

This distinguishes the site from classification as temporary reclamation.

“Permanent reclamation is intended to be just that – permanent,” Potter says.

Syncrude spent $100 million last year on the reclamation, a sum that will be matched in 2010.

Although there are some generalities to all applications, Potter explains, there are also very specific demands regarding any particular piece of land under consideration. In the case of Gateway Hill, the specifics were many and varied.

For one, the company was required to meet specific soil depth requirements in place during the time the landform was built, Potter explains. Syncrude also had to install, operate and maintain sampling facilities to monitor pollution levels, and comply with the provincial sampling code.

Other requirements included the installation of pollution abatement equipment, and the design and installation of an industrial wastewater control system. The same went for seepage collection wells.

In 1983 200,000 tree and shrub seedlings were planted. About a quarter of the Gateway Hill land has been reclaimed since 1978.

Intense monitoring was done all the while to ensure the redeveloping landscape would be sustainable – that is, that the land will continue developing as a natural boreal forest. As Robb notes, at least 15 years of monitoring a piece of land is necessary to get a government certificate for reclamation.

Issue 1 | 2010

“Intense observation is necessary to ensure any reclamation can indeed be permanent,” Potter says. Among other requirements, the Alberta government also mandates the return of wildlife.

Today, deer, coyotes, rabbits and birds once again inhabit the site. An interpretive trail has been established so the 15

Gateway Hill public can walk the site and see the reclamation for themselves. Government requirements have demanded an interconnection be established with surrounding ecosystems.

Syncrude first incorporated the Gateway Hill site in 1964; it was in 1978 that the Alberta provincial government finally allowed mining for oil there. The company started reclaiming the area (i.e., planting) within five years of the first oil production at the site, in 1983.

Syncrude had been shaping the land for several years prior.

It was in 1983 that 200,000 tree and shrub seedlings were planted, including Aspens, spruce trees, and Saskatoon bushes. About a quarter of the land has been reclaimed in total since 1978.

In a nutshell, Robb says, there are four phases to a reclamation: shaping, soil cap, planting, and monitoring. The preparatory process of shaping involves diverting and managing rainwater so it doesn’t erode the landscape; again, Syncrude was required to show steps towards erosion control that satisfied provincial standards.

Then there is the matter of introducing soil (in the case of Gateway Hill, a peat and mineral mix) to support the vegetation you intend to plant. Syncrude’s duty was to return the disturbed land, as well as present a re-vegetation plan.

A detailed land closure plan was also mandated. This had to include such considerations as land uses, land recreation (both intensive and extensive), forestry resources, traditional land use, watercourses (including specific design for fish habitat), and other commercial, industrial, and miscellaneous uses.

It is important to recognize, as Potter says, that because Gateway Hill was reclaimed over a number of years – and quite a while ago – the expectations were different from what is expected today.

“Non-native vegetation species were planted back then, whereas now we don’t allow that; only native species are used,” Potter says. Soil placement depths were also shallower than they are now.

“We use adaptive management to change our approvals and operational practices over time,” she continues.

“Syncrude was required to meet their approval requirements and any approved plans at that time.”

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Such an undertaking involves multiple challenges. To begin with, says Potter, there has to be recognition of what can and will in fact be realized.

Turning what was during the period of mining operation, a wet area, into a dry area – i.e., a boreal-forested area – is, Potter says, restoring a state of economic equivalency.

“Basically, the area’s original state cannot be replicated completely,” Potter says. “However, what is restored must be of equivalent value.”

Then there is the matter of scope. “Oil sands reclamation takes a long time over a large area,” Potter continues. “The scale, both physical and temporal, is a major challenge.

tailings, which are fine and thus stay suspended in the water. “It can take decades for individual components to settle out,” Potter says.

One approach is to put the clay material through a process wherein it is mixed with gypsum and tailing sand, and then reused at the site – usually to refill holes.

(By contrast, sand particles settle on the bottom of the ponds, which makes them easy to separate.)

Away from Gateway Hill, Syncrude is presently involved in trying to lick another major reclamation challenge: reclaiming a fen.

“Now that’s tough,” Robb says.

“Establishing a fen from scratch is unprecedented.”

“Basically, the area’s original state cannot be replicated completely. However, what is restored must be of equivalent value.”

– Jessica Potter, Alberta Environment public affairs officer “There is also the problem of logistics.

There has to be a great deal of coordination with the involved parties, to make sure everyone is on the same page – especially if any conditions change.”

According to Robb, however, many other specific challenges involved in oil sands reclamation simply weren’t a problem at Gateway Hill. “The project was really exceptional that way,” she says.

What sorts of problems are being referred to, exactly? One of the toughest problems has to do with tailings – particles of sand coated with oil – which are collected in what are called tailings ponds.

“There’s been a significant amount of money invested in researching how to deal with tailings,” Potter says. It’s research that’s ongoing: tailings management facilities and continuing research were explicitly required as part of Syncrude’s reclamation certification.

When the soil is dug up, it is mixed with hot water to wash off the oil, with leftover materials – that is, the process water – going into the tailings ponds. The task then is to clarify the water, which is next recycled through the operation.

The greater challenge of this process is removing clay particles, known as fine Reclaiming Canada

Indeed, Potter adds, there are still many outstanding question marks regarding how to turn an area back into a wetland.

What’s the difficulty? “Wetlands are incredibly complex,” Potter says. The challenge is in restoring and maintaining the sheer variety that’s inherent in a wetland’s natural state. Certainly there are more variables at work than in the boreal forest state that is Gateway Hill.

“We do know that wetlands perform a signature number of functions,” Potter says. “Two examples are natural water circulation and water filtration. We still don’t 100% understand all of the machinations.

But we’re getting closer to understanding how to accomplish a reclamation.”

That is precisely what’s underway right now, at the site known as East Mine, north of Gateway Hill. Syncrude has been researching the project for a year and has even started shaping the area in question.

Hence Syncrude continues to lead the way in the energy industry. Potter admits that projects such as East Mine are exciting for her, personally.

“It’s been said within the industry that Syncrude has pioneered oil sands technology,” Robb concludes. “It has also proven itself a leader in reclamation.” n

Cover Story

Kindness prevails Government of Canada and Ducks Unlimited Canada join forces to conserve wetlands in the Estrie Region

By Shelley Wildgen

I

t’s a fact: A duck is only as healthy as its habitat.

Canada has always boasted a natural ability to provide for our feathered friends, but with diminishing wetlands, our wildlife now has to rely on the kindness of our citizens … and in our whirring world of advancing technology, it’s heartening to see that kindness does, indeed, prevail.

On March 19, 2010, Christian Paradis, Minister of Natural Resources and Member of Parliament for MeganticL’Erable, joined forces with Ducks Unlimited Canada and the Nature Conservancy of Canada to announce a huge ecological gift, donated by Domtar.

Valued at $400,000, this generous bestowment will allow Ducks Unlimited Canada to protect more than 800 hectares in the Estrie region of Quebec.

Was the Estrie Region in immediate environmental danger? Well, as is the case with much of our developing countryside, the Estrie region is in a precarious position. Located to the south between Montreal and Quebec City, Estrie is a choice destination for resorts and has seen increased infrastructure development, while the more forested southern reaches of the Estrie Region are seeing more and more depletion from the wood processing industry.

Given the immediate benefits of protecting this land, we may initially

“The wetlands, covering 750 contiguous hectares south of the second largest lake in the Eastern Townships, as well as the wetlands and a chain of islands in the Saint-Francois River, are sites considered to be of great ecological significance for several wild species including other migratory birds.” – Pierre Aquin

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Cover Story

envision thousands of grateful geese and ducks flocking to the Estrie Region to enjoy their newly protected space, but this gift is not quite so simplistic and it is much farther reaching.

When asked about the Estrie Region’s importance to our birds, Environment 18

Canada’s Pierre Aquin stated that “although the region does not have the type of habitat that supports migrating ducks and geese, it is an area of high ecological value and biodiversity. The wetlands, covering 750 contiguous hectares south of the second largest lake in Reclaiming Canada

the Eastern Townships, as well as the wetlands and a chain of islands in the Saint-Francois River, are sites considered to be of great ecological significance for several wild species including other migratory birds. The agreement signed

by Domtar and Ducks Unlimited Canada protects the natural areas needed to ensure the long term water quality in Megantic Lake, a source of drinking water for several municipalities, and in the Chaudiere River that flows from this lake.”

So, it would seem that with the outlying forests creating a buffer zone for the wetlands, the added protection of the surrounding life-sustaining water sources is an amazing extension of this gift.

And it doesn’t stop with Estrie. Over the past fourteen years, Canadians have donated more than 783 ecological gifts resulting in more than 132,000 hectares of ecologically sensitive land, valued at over $519 million. Our land is vast, and it is precious – so these gifts of preservation, though not wrapped in costly public relations campaigns, may indeed be as vital to our day to day lives as the clean air we breathe.

This being the International Year of Biodiversity, Domtar could not have timed their generous gift to Ducks Unlimited better.

When asked about Domtar also being a toxin producing industry, Pierre Aquin asserted that “Domtar’s ecological gift to Ducks Unlimited Canada was made through the Ecological Gifts Program, which falls under the Income Tax Act. Pollution prevention falls under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act. These two laws are administered independently within the federal government.”

Add to that the Ecological Gifts program providing tax incentives for landowners who donate ecologically sensitive land or partial interests in land to eligible charitable organizations, along with ecological gifts no longer being subject to the capital gains tax, and it’s easy to see this is a win/win for everyone! Since this is Domtar’s second gift to Canada under the Ecological Gifts Program, the bestowment is clearly a smart and agreeable arrangement for all concerned. Canada may not be known as the land of the free and the home of the brave, but we seem to know a lot about working together – keeping our land clean while our industries thrive. n

orGaNiZatioN ProFile

Big changes at Deepwell Their new name is just the beginning

By Daniel Paul

A

recent acquisition was announced at Deepwell Energy Services, an Alberta based income trust focused exclusively on providing waste treatment and disposal services to the oil and natural gas industry in Western Canada. In addition to owning and operating three full service waste management facilities located in Claresholm, Mayerthrope and Grande Cache, Deepwell also oversees a waste water facility in Rycroft, Alberta.

The Board of Directors at Deepwell just publically announced the merge with Palko Energy Ltd; a Saskatchewan based family owned and operated waste facility company that has dedicated itself to providing service to the oil and gas industry by receiving physical waste. They strive to be the best solution to waste management. They add integrity, ease and dedicated customer service to their daily operations and aim for the competitive edge not only in their area, but now in western Canada, as well.

In the heart of the Bakken oil play, the Midale, Saskatchewan company is recognized for its ethically and environmentally responsible full service oilfield waste management and water disposal facility. Palko is a company that strives for excellence. Because they are locally owned and operated, they recognize and honour their accountability and are committed to keeping their customers satisfied. They pride themselves on truly understanding their customers needs, and work diligently in creating and modifying their plants to best serve their clients.

Deepwell is to be renamed Palko Environmental Ltd upon the completion of the conversion. The familiar logo boasting their environmental green and blue will also be going into redesign but is subject to various customary commercial conditions, including the receipt of unit-holder and regulatory approval.

Deepwell’s familiar blue and green logo will be going into redesign.

One thing that will remain the same is their assurance to continue to provide the highest standard of service to the oil and gas industry by receiving physical waste. The facility can receive, store, treat and process in-province and outof-province non-hazardous wastes and by-products (completion fluid, fresh water - i.e. surface ground water/pipeline lease, turnaround fluid, and abandonments-cement), also including work-over fluids, fracturing fluids and drilling fluids generated from and associated with the upstream petroleum industry.

Mr. Steven Peterson, currently the President of former Palko, will serve as the President of Palko Environmental, and Mr. Jay B. Simmons, currently Chairman and CEO of the Administrator of Deepwell, will serve as the Chairman and CEO of Palko Environmental.

“Since the opening of its water disposal facility in Midale, just over two and a half years ago, the performance of Palko Energy has been outstanding.

Steve Peterson and his team have done an extraordinary job creating effective waste management solutions for their clients,” said Jay Simmons, adding: “The extensive opportunities for future growth as a result of Palko’s strategic position in the heart of the growing Bakken oil play are exciting. Moreover, the addition of Steve Peterson into a leading role in the combined business will serve us well. In addition to Steve’s strong work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit derived Issue 1 | 2010

from his past business leadership experience, Steve’s outstanding character and reputation will positively contribute to Deepwell’s culture of optimizing available resources to harness the best possible returns.”

“Working in this new partnership will strategically position Palko Environmental in the larger and more diversified oilfield waste management marketplace,” commented Steve Peterson.

“I am very enthused to have the opportunity to work with Palko Environmental on a much larger scale going forward and am excited about the opportunity to contribute my knowledge and operating experience to further optimize all of Palko Environmental’s assets,” Peterson added. “I also look forward to working more closely with Deepwell’s largest unit-holder and strategic partner, Gibson (Gibson Energy ULC), to evaluate and capitalize on the extensive opportunities available for rapid growth within the waste management, disposal and resource recovery business.”

Given the proposed merging conditions and the resulting opportunities for Deepwell to advance its strategic growth plan, Deepwell believes that it is in its best interest to convert to a corporation at this time. Upon the completion of the conversion, Palko Environmental will operate the existing businesses of the Trust and former Palko. n 19

TECHNOLOGical Advances

Abrasion–resistant pipe exhibits dual personality Induction hardened steel pipe is hard on inside (600 BHN), soft on outside (250 BHN)

By Michael LaPonza, Power PR

W

hen abrasive material is transported through piping, either as pumped slurry or via pneumatic conveyance, the effect on the inner surface is devastating. The abrasive material quickly erodes the pipe from the inside out, which in more extreme cases can result in pipe leaks and even failure, or significant maintenance costs and downtime for pipe replacement.

For industries that regularly transport abrasive material, such as mining, power generation, pulp and paper, food, wastewater, cement, and steel industries, mild steel piping systems are simply not tough enough to stand up to the beating for more than a couple of years.

As a result, engineers are seeking better alternatives to reduce maintenance and prolong system life, at a price point that will not significantly impact the budget.

Abrasion-resistant pipe

Today, there are a variety of “abrasionresistant� products and accessories that have come on to the market to replace mild steel pipe in high wear areas. Most operate on the premise that when two objects meet, the harder object wins out.

As such, products are available in a variety of increasing hardness, measured on the Brinell Scale from A-R steel (200 BHN) through iron cast pipe (up to 800 BHN).

Unfortunately, any product that is very hard throughout the wall thickness is also extremely brittle. This brittleness is unacceptable as piping systems are constantly flexing and moving as a result of pressure surges and spikes, and due to mechanical and physical contact at the facility.

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Ultra Tech begins with a steel pipe manufactured to a proprietary chemistry, followed by induction heating, and finally water-quenching the inner surface to create a single-wall pipe.

Photo courtesy of Ultra Tech

One type of pipe delivers the best of both worlds: an induction hardened pipe with an abrasion-resistant inner surface that tapers to a strong, yet ductile outer surface.

Manufactured by Port Washington, Wisconsin-based Ultra Tech, this unique pipe is produced under the Ultra 600 brand. Ultra Tech begins with a steel pipe manufactured to a proprietary chemistry, followed by induction heating, and finally water-quenching the inner surface to create a single-wall pipe.

At 600 BHN, the inner surface of this induction hardened pipe can withstand most common abrasives, and tapers to a 250 BHN outer surface that is ductile enough to accommodate normal Reclaiming Canada

handling during shipment, installation and maintenance. With this proprietary process, pipe can be created in various diameters up to 40", in varying lengths and wall thickness.

Because the outer surface behaves like mild steel, the product can be cut and welded with proper procedure in the field, configured into a variety of fittings, and can accept the standard end options of flanges, weld rings and couplings.

The company can also produce the Ultra 600 pipe in long radius bends to further reduce wear and eliminate the frequent replacement, repair, and associated expense accepted as the norm at the bends and elbows in high wear applications.

At 600 BHN, the inner surface of this induction hardened pipe can withstand most common abrasives, and tapers to a 250 DHN outer surface that is ductile enough to accommodate normal handling during shipment, installation and maintenance.

Photo courtesy of Ultra Tech

Where are the high wear applications?

Abrasive wear is produced by hard particles forced against and sliding along the wall of the pipe. The loss of material is the result of the hard, sharp angular edges producing a cutting or shearing action on the pipe wall.

The hardness of the conveyed product is one of the major indicators of the potential for abrasive wear. Even small percentages of highly abrasive minerals will cause severe abrasive wear. Velocity is another variable that influences wear rate. Doubling the velocity can increase the wear rate by 4 – 6 times, depending upon the system arrangement.

A short list of specific applications with known high wear rates include the conveyance of rock, stone and waste in mining, the transport of chopped pulp or tree bark (including sand and grit that go with it) in the pulp and paper industry; pneumatic conveyance of sugar, dog food and other abrasive foodstuffs; the transfer of residual ash in slurry by power plants; wastewater sludge systems, and any industry that conveys sand through pipe such as a foundry or glass manufacturer.

A case study – phosphate mining The Mosaic Company is the world’s leading producer and marketer of concentrated phosphate and potash, two of

the primary nutrients used to create fertilizer. The Mosaic Company mines these resources in Canada (potash) and Florida (phosphate).

At its phosphate mining operation in Florida, Senior Pipe Technician John Pillard is charged with selecting the pipe for this extremely abrasive application.

Phosphate is mined using large draglines and then pumped as a slurry mixture of pebble-sized rock, sand, and clay through a 20-22" steel pipeline to a beneficiation plant located anywhere from 1½ to 14 miles from the mining site.

The slurry is extremely abrasive and will “wear the bottom right out of the pipe, if you don’t have good pipe,” says Pillard.

“The slurry is so abrasive, that standard grade carbon steel pipe just wears out too

quickly,” explains Pillard. Instead, the Mosaic Company utilizes a combination of abrasion-resistant (A-R) pipe rated at 230 BHN and the induction hardened Ultra 600.

Much of the A-R pipe was initially installed prior to a merger in 2004, but since then “more of the induction hardened pipe is taking the place of the A-R pipe simply because it’s a better value,” says Pillard.

According to Pillard, the pipe for the phosphate slurry is primarily where the Ultra 600 is utilized, as well as for a waste discharge pipe that transports large particles such as limestone and even chunks of wood to a waste pit away from the plant.

Getting the most wear for your money As the senior pipe technician, Pillard says his primary concern is to “get the most wear for your money.”

Pillard estimates that in an extremely high wear area, like the lead dragline in Mosaic’s mining operation, an A-R pipe could wear out in as little as a year and a half. He estimates that the Ultra 600 could easily double that duration in the same location. In a lower (yet still abrasive) wear application, Pillard has seen the induction hardened pipe last as long as 6-8 years.

“You don’t want a pipe that is three times better, but costs ten times as much.

That’s not cost effective,” says Pillard.

“The Ultra 600 induction hardened pipe lasts a lot longer than mild steel, with only a moderate price increase.” n

For more information, contact Ultra Tech Pipe at 777 Maritime Drive, Port Washington WI 53074; 1-800-626-8243; fax: 1-262-284-7878; www.ultratechpipe.com

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North Shore Environmental Consultants is a progressive environmental company based in Sherwood Park and Calgary, Alberta. North Shore offers cost efficient and effective solutions to the complex environmental challenges faced by today’s industries.

Whether it be upstream oil and gas reclamation and remediation, reclamation of borrow excavations or major oilfield construction projects, North Shore delivers results that satisfy the particular needs of both the client and regulators.

North Shore provides services to clients in all eco-regions of Alberta and into North Eastern British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and NWT.

North Shore has extensive experience and provides services in: • • • • • • • • • •

Coordination and supervision of large or small scale reclamation programs Management of large scale drilling programs in cultivated, green zone and environmentally sensitive areas Completion of Environmental Field Reports through to well site reclamation certification (Green zone) Phase I, II, and III Environmental Site Assessments as applies to Alberta Environmental Reclamation Certification process Salt contamination assessment and remediation Spill impact assessment and remediation Pre-construction Environmental Assessments and recommendations Pipeline Environmental Supervision/Inspection Pipeline Environmental Co-ordination Pipeline Pre-Construction Environmental Assessments and recommendations • Pipeline Post-Construction Environmental Assessments and recommendations • Reclamation of Oil Sands Exploration Wells (OSE) and submission of the OSE application • Corporate consulting for small to midsize Oil Companies on ARO, LLR and development of Environmental Programs #143, 201 Kaska Rd. Sherwood Park, AB T8A 2J6 Contact: Darren Cherniak, B.Sc., P.Ag. Phone: 780-467-3354 • Fax: 780-464-9622 Email: dcherniak@northshoreenv.com #120, 3132 118 Ave. Calgary, AB T2Z 3X1 Contact: Kelly Zadko, B.Sc., P.Ag. Phone: 403-228-3095 • Fax: 403-723-3095 Email: kzadko@northshoreenv.com www.northshoreenv.com