2016 SMART Remediation Ottawa – February 4, 2016

SMART Remediation talks have focused on innovative technologies for remediating contaminated sites, approaches for site characterization, project case studies, regulatory and industry perspectives, and other related topics.

The 17th SMART Remediation conference was held in Ottawa on Thursday, February 4th, 2016. Details on the speakers and presentations are provided below.

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Speakers

Marc McAree, Willms & Shier Environmental Lawyers LLP
Experts in Environmental Litigation
Bio | Abstract | Presentation

Paul Martin, Matrix Solutions Inc.
Modelling Uncertainty Analysis for Contaminant Risk Assessment
Bio | Abstract | Presentation

Gary Simpson, AST Environmental, Inc.
Overburden and Bedrock Remediation Using Activated Carbon Based Injectates
Bio | Abstract | Presentation

Nathalie Mantha, Golder Associates Ltd.
Perfluorochemicals (PFCs): Lessons Learned and Challenges of Site Characterization and Site-Specific Risk Assessment
Bio | Abstract

Perfluorochemicals (PFCs): Lessons Learned and Challenges of Site Characterization and Site-Specific Risk Assessment

Perfluorinated compounds are an emerging class of contaminants of concern which have been used globally for more than 50 years in water, oil and grease repellents in the paper, packaging, fabric and other related industries as well as in aqueous film-forming foams used in fire suppression. Concentrations of PFCs have been shown to bioaccumulate and biomagnify with increasing trophic levels of food chains and are typically highly persistent in the environment. Data gaps have been identified in available chemical and toxicological data for many individual PFCs and as such, additional lines of evidence in the form of reference site characterization, tissue residue analysis, additional ecological surveys, surface water and sediment toxicity testing are required to provide a better understanding of risks to human/ecological receptors. Given that PFCs are now almost ubiquitous in natural environments and many man-made substances, the development of rigorous drilling, sampling and monitoring procedures for preventing cross-contamination are essential to obtain reliable data, particularly at complex sites. The potential environmental concerns and health risks related to PFCs in the natural environment and gaps in available toxicity information drive PFC-related monitoring programs under the Government of Canada’s Chemicals Management Plan. These points highlight the importance of additional scientific assessment, characterization and monitoring work related to PFCs in the natural environment. This presentation will focus on environmental site assessments of PFCs in soil, groundwater, surface water and sediment. The presentation will also highlight key findings and challenges of quantitative human health and ecological risk assessments that are typically used to support the development of risk management and remediation strategies to address risks related to the presence of PFCs in various media.