ONEIA Excess Soil Session – September 9, 2014

Dealing with contaminated soil is a significant challenge for Ontario.  Millions of dollars in development – and the quality of life in our communities – hang in the balance.  Where is Ontario going on this issue – and what do industry practitioners and regulators think?  How can our relationships be more productive for all concerned?

ONEIA hosted a half-day event on September 9 that looked at regulatory and practical issues around soil management in Ontario.  A capacity crowd of more than 100 people from a range of firms heard from representatives of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, as well as the Region of Waterloo, Waterfront Toronto and Metrolinx, as well as RCCAO/SOiiL and a panel that provided the contractor perspective. 

Presentations are available via the following links:

Region of Waterloo

MOECC

Panel presentation Janet Bobechko

RCCAO/SOiiL

Waterfront Toronto

Metrolinx

Presenters:

Elise Croll, Director, Environmental Programs and Assessment, GO Transit, A Division of Metrolinx.

Lisa Prime of Waterfront Toronto presented on how the Waterfront revitalization activities can fit within the BMPs for excess soils within the City of Toronto.

Janet Bobechkoof Blaney McMurty LLP and co-chair of the ONEIA Brownfields Subcomittee moderated a panel of industry professionals dealing with soil movements on a daily basis.  Participants for the industry panel included:

• J.P. Marini of Pinnacle Environmental and co-chair of the Excess Soils Working Group of the ONEIA Brownfields Subcommittee shared his working knowledge of soil movement in the contracting industry and how the new BMPs are being perceived within the industry.
• Ashley Herman of Green Soils Inc. provided a unique insight into how a soil remediation firm has adopted the guidance provided with the BMPs and limitations that are present within the BMP guidance.

Kathleen Anderson – Assistant Director/Program Services Manager - Central Region, Ontario Ministry of Environment and Climate Change
provided a detailed review of the Best Management Practices document and the expectations of the Ministry, offering an opportunity for participants to clarify a number of issues.
 
Chris Lompart – Acting Manager – Land Use Policy - Ontario Ministry of Environment and Climate Change
Chris is leading the policy review currently underway at the MOECC and provided a detailed update on this process to date and the expected progress over the next few months.
 
Naz Ritchie, P.Eng. – Environmental Engineer, Waste Management Regional Municipality of Waterloo
The Region of Waterloo has been undertaking a full review of their process in dealing with excess soils within the Regional boundaries. Naz provided a glimpse into what issues may still lie ahead for the Region of Waterloo in Excess Soil Management.
 
Alan Durand – Representing RCCAO and Soiil
The RCCAO has been instrumental in promoting the use of the Best Management Practices for excess soil management in construction and civil projects in Ontario. Al updated us on their efforts in this area, discuss the success of “Soiil” and excess soil supply and demand web-site.

 

Thanks to our Sponsors
 

    

      

In-kind partner: