Basin has extensive experience with the assessment of contaminated sites in the upstream oil and gas industry across Alberta and southern Saskatchewan. Basin’s environmental site assessment (ESA) experience includes Phase I ESAs, Phase II ESAs and Phase III   Our staff have completed projects related to project and data management, liability assessments, asset retirement and divestitures and acquisitions.

See the service areas below for additional information. 

Our Phase I ESAs include:

• The review of historical records to assess the probability of contamination.

• The review of historic and current aerial photography of the surrounding area.

• Site visits to assess the current conditions of the site, and to determine if anomalous areas are present due to historical activity.

• A professional report including photo documentation and recommendations based on the outcomes of the investigation. 

 Our Phase II ESAs include:

• Soil, water and vapor sampling (as applicable) in the areas of concern and in control areas.

• Laboratory analysis of the samples.

• The results of the chemical analysis compared to the applicable regulations and guidelines.

• A professional report including photo documentation and recommendations based on the outcomes of the investigation. 

Our Phase III ESAs include:

• A detailed cost estimate including a time frame required for completion of the work.

• Correspondence with the client regarding options available for clean-up.

• Confirmatory sampling of the contaminated area(s).

• Laboratory analysis of the samples.

• The results of the chemical analysis compared to the applicable regulations and guidelines.

• A professional report including photo documentation, a detailed summary of the remediation and reclamation activities, and the current site status. 

Vegetation Management

Staff are knowledgeable in plant identification and vegetation management procedures. We control and prevent invasive plants, and noxious and nuisance weeds based on jurisdiction guidelines. Basin monitors vegetation growth, and proactively plans vegetation management to decrease overall costs. 

Silviculture

Site preparation and transplanting techniques are not new to the natural resource industry. Silviculture foresters have been using site preparation to increase microsite availability for tree planting for many years and it is a proven method to increase seedling performance and decrease seedling mortality. Basin has the experience to prescribe best management practices to establish a disturbed area quickly and cost effectively so that site reclamation goals can be met. 

Detailed Site Assessments

Basin employees are trained to conduct detailed site assessments (DSAs) to ensure all guidelines and regulations are met. When completing DSAs, the contour of the lease, the soil conditions and the vegetation parameters are assessed. If the DSA concludes that the area meets criteria, a reclamation certificate application will be completed. If the site does not meet criteria, Basin will complete a reclamation plan to bring the site to reclamation standards in a reasonable time period.

Reclamation Certificate Application

Basin employees are trained to complete reclamation certificate applications.  Basin is familiar with the Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan reclamation certificate process and reporting requirements. 

Gas Migration Testing

Gas Migration Tests are conducted to determine if the well has a gas migration problem and is recommended as per AER ID 2003-01. Gas migration can occur due to certain soil conditions or cementing issues in both active and abandoned sites. 

Ground Water Monitoring

Groundwater monitoring refers to the monitoring of local groundwater resources to evaluate changes in chemical, biological and physical characteristics. 

Remediation and Reclamation

Basin is experienced in completing cost-effective remediation and reclamation programs in the upstream oil and gas industry. Basin abides by regulations and guidelines, and consistently brings sites to reclamation certification standards. 

Spill Response

Basin is qualified to provide spill response services. Our spill response services include:

• An assessment of the spill area, including the volume and contents of the contaminated soil and contaminant.

• Soil, water and vapor sampling (as applicable) in the areas of concern and in control areas.

• Laboratory analysis of the samples.

• The results of the chemical analysis compared to the applicable regulations and guidelines.

• The supervision of the clean-up, which includes the proper disposal of the contaminant.

• A professional report including recommendations and or confirmation that contaminants are no longer present.

Decommissioning Programs

Basin can provide guidance and coordination for full service facility decommissioning and abandonment planning.  Basin will work with sub-contractors to provide cost efficient solutions for facility abandonment. Basin will collect soil samples from abandoned facility areas to ensure regulatory compliance. 

Risk Assessment & Management

Basin and its team of specialized subcontractors are versed in Alberta soil and groundwater remediation guidelines. The Tier 1 and 2 guidelines are based on contaminant and health protection and land use. Risk management relies on ongoing exposure control to mitigate risks to human health and the environment. Basin can develop soil and groundwater sampling and analysis plans to address solutions for environmental risk assessment and management for differing site scenarios.

Site Remediation

Basin can develop and implement remediation plans for impacted soils in order to meet regulatory guidelines. Depending on the contaminant present, we can tailor our remediation plan. In addition to conventional dig and dump processes, we have successfully remediated sites using technologies such as thermal desorption, reverse osmosis, phyto remediation and bio-remediation.   

Liability Assessments

Basin can complete liability assessment on oil and gas sites, including Site-Specific Liability Assessments required under the Alberta Energy Regulator.

Our staff have assessed a number existing facilities and licence transfers. Utilizing our diverse backgrounds and experience, Basin is able to provide timely and accurate liability assessments for our clients.

Basin has been able to work with clients to the reduce Liability Management Rating (LMR) and to reduce AER security deposit requirements thus minimizing costs to the client and improving the LMR rating.