​Flare Pit Assessment and Remediation

Enviromarc completed remediation of 35 Flare Pits on behalf of our Client.  The first stage of works was to determine which flare pits should be investigated as a priority. A phased approach was completed to characterize the possible nature and extent of contamination within each flare pit.  

Alberta Environment ‘Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Guideline for Upstream Oil and Gas Sites’ identifies Flare Pits as a source of contamination commonly found at upstream oil and gas sites (AENV 2001).  According to the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) flare pits present a significant risk of contamination due to dumping and disposal of waste fluids (IL 96-04 EUB Policy Update and Clarification on the Use of Earthen Pits).  Although there are no timelines for remediation there is pressure to conduct timely remediation of flare pits because unmanaged contamination that is causing or may cause adverse effect is subject to enforcement action (AENV 2002).  

Therefore, by remediating sooner, there was less chance for the extent of the problem to increase, reducing costs and avoiding the likelihood of an enforcement action. 
 

​Groundwater Treatment for Methanol and Chlorides

In August of 2018, a Limited Phase II ESA was completed to determine if there was evidence of potential contamination in connection with prior and current land use. Seven (7) boreholes were drilled and six (6) groundwater wells were installed to ensure adequate coverage of the site and ensure each APEC was investigated. Additionally, on August 20, 2018, an Electromagnetic (EM) survey was completed at the property. Based on the information collected throughout the course of the Limited Phase II ESA, soil and groundwater impacts were identified; namely methanol and chlorides from the tank farm and associated aboveground storage tanks located on the north side of the subject property.

Enviromarc supervised the installation and operation of the Ekogrid TM remediation technology between August 14, 2019 and March 29, 2020. Bi-weekly soil and groundwater analysis was completed to determine the success of the Ekogrid TM remediation technology.

Following the operation of the Ekogrid TM 20 m3 of remaining contaminated soil/debris was removed and transported to a Class II Oilfield Landfill, for disposal. Additionally, 10 m3 of waste water was removed from the site, manifested and transported by vac truck to the Full Service Terminal for disposal.
​
Following the success of remediation activities, all excavations were backfilled using a combination of clay and gravel with the site being recontoured to match the surrounding area.

---

Spill Response

​​Enviromarc was contracted by a trucking company to conduct an assessment and remediation of soils impacted by a large spill of petroleum crude oil. The site assessment, spill response and remediation plan were developed, executed and completed within two months. Having occurred on a roadway, traffic control was implemented at work area, affected landowners were contacted to prepare for the remediation and three (3) line conflicts were discovered within the release area. Landfill sample, waste characterisation, surface water and soil samples were taken initially for laboratory analysis and water and soil samples were routinely submitted for repeat testing to monitor groundwater and soil changes. Enviromarc was on site to supervise removal of impacted soils, take samples for analysis, monitor and excavate surface water, commence backfill activities, revegetation of land and a final site assessment.  

Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment

Enviromarc was contracted by a property-owner to conduct a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment for a shop yard that was being used for truck maintenance, truck repair, chemical storage and chemical sale purposes. The repair shop and wash bay had inspections completed on the drains and sumps and were determined to be at low risk due to there being no cracks or faults observed during visual inspections; the spot stains, weeds, barrels containing various fluids, chemical storage and ceiling stains in the office were also considered to be low risk. However, the nature and extent of the tank farm, chemical storage building and the historical mixing of potassium chloride at the salt shed were of moderate risk due to the possible contamination and migration of these chemicals into the soil.
 
Due to this risk of soil contamination, it was determined a Phase II ESA was required to test the soil and groundwater, and upon finding abnormally high levels of salt in the soil it was determined an immediate Phase III remediation plan needed to be designed and fulfilled.

Air Quality Study

​Enviromarc was contracted by a provincial department to conduct an Air Quality Survey at one of their branch buildings where after a water leak several of the employees had been experiencing ill health. Although the initial leak had been repaired and the affected building materials had been dried out or replaced, it was suspected there may be a second leak that had occurred historically within the center of the building. There was also significant wildfire smoke in the area at the time and that was accounted for in our samplings and finalized report. Indoor sampling was taken at three locations for Advanced Particulate, Carbon Dioxide, Temperature, Relative Humidity, Carbon Monoxide and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) as basic indicators of air circulation and ventilation rate. Indoor sampling was also taken at three locations for formaldehyde and indoor monitoring through the main subject property building for work surface dust, ventilation airflow and air pressurisation were completed. All air quality parameters tested for within all areas were within Alberta Air Quality Comfort Parameters and the Alberta OHS Code as well as the concentrations of formaldehyde. One room’s results indicated the levels for particulates had exceeded IAQ guidelines but this was likely due to the significant wildfire smoke within the area Air pressure, ventilation airflow and workflow surface dust were also found to be within acceptable limits where one vent had an elevated air velocity rate of 2.35 m/s which may have contributed to the elevated particulate levels within this area. 

Phase II Environmental Site Assessment

​Enviromarc was contracted by a post-secondary institution to assess if on-site soil impacts previously identified in a Phase I ESA were a potential source of contamination to the property. To accomplish this assessment, the lines in the ground were located and then eleven (11) boreholes were drilled on site. Afterwards, soil samples were taken and submitted to a laboratory for analysis. These results were then compiled into a report documenting the investigation. Out of a total of twenty-one (21) soil samples, nine (9) samples had concentrations above health and safety guidelines of benzene, toluene and ethylbenzene. Remediation was recommended to manage the contaminants to ensure there was no risk to human health or environment.  

Mould Inspection and Air Quality Study

​Enviromarc was contracted by a natural oil and gas company to perform an air quality study to confirm the presence of mould or fungi species in the air. The office building had a history of water being released from the water tank room to the surrounding areas and likely below the subfloor. Air quality sampling was taken and completed by Enviromarc within the office/reception area, water tank room, washroom and private office as well as one sample collected from below the office trailer. The analytical results identified elevated numbers of mould/ fungi species that were above guidelines values; the levels of Basidiospores were noted to be significantly above designated values below the office in the crawl space. The transfer is likely happening between the crawlspace and offices. Microbial growth such as fungal spores, moulds and bacteria can cause respiratory illness and allergies. Due to the area of mould being as large and high risk as it was, Enviromarc recommended a highly supervised and intensive remediation plan. 

ECO Plan

Enviromarc was contracted by a contracting company to prepare and implement an Environmental Construction Operations Plan for each phase of their project in accordance with Alberta Infrastructure & Transportation’s manual entitled “Environmental Construction Operations Plan (ECO Plan) Framework”. Several landslide and erosion features have affected the ditch/channel structures and are causing accelerated erosional deposits and there was wildlife and water near the site that had to be accounted for in the ECO Plan. Enviromarc created a detailed construction plan for the company to safely and effectively fulfill their project while maintaining the integrity of the environment surrounding it.