ARC2020 Lunchtime Webinar Series

The ARC2020 Lunchtime Webinar Series will take place on November 9th, 10th, 12th, and 13th from 12:15 to 1:00 p.m. Presentations will cover a variety of remediation projects including environmental forensics, soil remediation, and the Highway 104 twinning project in Nova Scotia. See details below.

Reserve your spot before November 1st by sending an email with your name, company/association, and phone number to atlantic@clra.ca

Access the Webinar Series

Click on the link below to register and access the webinars from 12:15 – 1:00 PM on November 9th, 10th, 12th and 13th.

November 9, 2020 - INTRODUCTION TO THE CLRA

Presented By:

ABBY VAN DER jAGT

president, clra

business development representative – maritimes

agat laboratories

 The kickoff presentation will be an informal discussion about WHO is the CLRA, WHAT do we do, WHY do we exist, WHEN do we do things, WHERE are we. It will be especially geared toward new and perspective members and students. Existing members are encouraged to attend and participate in discussion about what you would like to see from the CLRA locally and nationally, now and in the future.

Abby van der Jagt is a Business Development Representative at AGAT Laboratories in Dartmouth, NS where she works to capture new business while maintaining existing major accounts in the Maritime Provinces.  Abby’s primary activities include relationship management, account management, and contributing to the preparation of proposals and contracts. Abby has served on the CLRA Board for several years and is in her first of a two year term as president of the Atlantic Chapter. She also serves as Co-Chair of the Canadian Ecotoxicity Workshop being hosted in Halifax. Always interested in learning about her client’s industries, she has attended several industry educational conferences and has completed a three day Phase II Environmental Site Assessment Course by the Associated Environmental Site Assessors of Canada as an introduction to the world of remediation.

November 10, 2020 - AN OVERVIEW OF ENVIRONMENTAL FORENSICS

Presented By:

James MacDonald, B.Sc., M.Sc.

Technical services manager – maritimes

agat laboratories

 James MacDonald is the Technical Services Manager for AGAT Laboratories in Atlantic Canada. He received his B.Sc. (Hons) from Saint Francis Xavier University and a M.Sc. from Queen’s University, and he has over thirty years of experience in the Environmental Laboratory and Environmental Services sectors. James has held laboratory positions in Laboratory Management, Quality Assurance as well as method development and implementation, providing him with extensive experience with all aspects of laboratory operations particularly trace analysis and the Atlantic RBCA Hydrocarbon Methodology. Of particular interest is petroleum hydrocarbon forensics, having established hydrocarbon forensic programs at different laboratories, working with clients across North America to solve complex issues. James has provided management and analytical oversight for several multi-million dollar projects including Sydney Tar Ponds Characterization and Clean-up, several offshore environmental effects monitoring projects (EEM), and the Goose Bay Remediation Project.  James currently represents AGAT as an industry partner with the NSERC Industrial Research Chair in Water Quality and Treatment at Dalhousie University and has worked with Acadia University’s Geology Department through NSERC’s Engage program.  In his role, James  provides support and expertise to  industry clients, academic partners and regulatory bodies to continue to develop AGAT Laboratories’ presence in the testing market.

November 12, 2020 - REVEGETATING DIFFICULT SOILS

PRESENTED BY:

Renee Barrientos, mba

Agricultural Engineer

ECBVerdyol

 How using biotic soil amendments can increase vegetation success on sites when used as topsoil replacement or in conjunction with less than ideal soils. A multitude of factors come into play in creating healthy soils and vegetation densities. You’ll also be able to view examples of successful projects and case studies.

 Making the best out of opportunities to contribute with relevant eco-friendly improvements in different business lines has driven Rene’s passion for new challenges. Born and raised in El Salvador in an environment closely related to coffee plantations influenced his early interest in environmental and agricultural sciences. Uniquely evolving through this path, helped shaped a technical sales career over diverse industries. The accumulation of combined experiences from distinct areas, such as crop production and crop protection, water pumping systems, industrial pest control, and erosion control, has given way to a broad perspective providing sustainable solutions. Rene obtained his Agricultural Engineering, BSc degree in Zamorano University, Honduras, graduating with honours. Additionally, he earned an MBA degree from INCAE Business School, Costa Rica. As a professional fluent in English and Spanish has lived in several Latin American countries. He is currently committed to assisting as Regional Sales Manager for Canada, Midwestern U.S. and Latin America.

November 13, 2020 - A CONTRACTOR'S PERSPECTIVE ON HABITAT RESTORATION FOR THE HIGHWAY 104 TWINNING PROJECT

PRESENTED BY:

JAMIE BURNS, P.GEO

Environmental Director at Dexter Nova Alliance

& Director of Remediation and Environmental Services,

The Municipal Group of Companies

&

Grace Gillis

Environmental Supervisor at The Municipal Group of Companies 

The presentation will focus on high level habitat restoration efforts associated with the Highway 104 Twinning Project between Sutherlands River and Antigonish. Discussion will include an overview of the project, a review of environmental permitting requirements, and various restoration works associated with the project including restoring fish habitat through culvert improvements, reclamation associated with stream realignments, and wetland compensation requirements and strategies.

Jamie is an environmental professional with over 25 years of experience working within the environmental industry. He is the leader of the DNA Environmental Team managing the environmental requirements of the Highway 104 Twinning Project. Jamie’s experience includes various roles in consulting, regulatory, and construction.

Grace is an environmental professional with over 10 years of experience working within the construction and utilities industry in the Atlantic region. She is a member of the DNA Environmental Team managing the environmental requirements of the Highway 104 Twinning Project. Grace’s experience includes supervising and implementing environmental management systems, regulatory permitting, and environmental remediation.