What is Atlantic PIRI?

Atlantic PIRI is a multi-stakeholder group that oversees the implementation of the Atlantic RBCA process in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador. The acronym PIRI stands for Partnership in RBCA Implementation.

The Atlantic PIRI Mandate

Atlantic PIRI was established in 1996 as the forum where the four Atlantic Provinces could work together and with experts from the region in developing and implementing a RBCA process for Atlantic Canada. Government and petroleum industry members provide financial support for the activities of Atlantic PIRI and all members contribute in-kind services.

Atlantic PIRI MOU – 1997

Essentially, “An agreement between the four Atlantic Provinces regarding the development and implementation of a RBCA management process (Atlantic RBCA) for use on petroleum contaminated sites in the Atlantic Provinces.”

Atlantic PIRI MOU – 2002

An agreement to endorse the continuance of Atlantic PIRI as the working group responsible for the enhancement and implementation of the RBCA process in the Atlantic Provinces.

Atlantic PIRI MOU – 2008

A renewed mandate for Atlantic PIRI, signed by all four Environment Deputy Ministers includes additional mandate

  • to assess technical issues and resources required to accommodate an expanded RBCA tool;
  • to offer support in developing contaminated sites regulations in all Atlantic jurisdictions;
  • to promote a liaison with the federal government to encourage elimination of brownfield impediments;
  • to develop a roadmap and work plan to assess possible next steps, expertise required, funding requirements and options for outstanding issues associated with brownfield redevelopment; and to develop a draft plan by year end 2008.

Goal of Atlantic PIRI

The goal of Atlantic PIRI is to ensure the Atlantic RBCA (risk-based corrective action) process is effective and serves the needs of Atlantic Canadians. Effective RBCA remediation should mean more sites are returned to safe use and at a reduced cost.

The Atlantic PIRI Process

Atlantic PIRI functions as a forum where Provincial regulators, representatives of the petroleum industry and regional technical expertise come together to guide the implementation of the RBCA process in Atlantic Canada. The group meets several times a year to review national initiatives, identify regional issues and management approaches, and to discuss communications and outreach needs. Atlantic PIRI reports annually to the Provincial Ministers responsible for environment.

Working Groups and Task Groups

Much of Atlantic PIRI’s work is accomplished through three Working Groups (Harmonization, Technical, and Stakeholder Working Groups) and issue-specific, ad hoc Task Groups as projects require.

Harmonisation Working Group

Each province in Atlantic Canada retains the responsibility for developing policy and implementing its’ own programs. The forum Atlantic PIRI helps regulators identify issues, harmonise their approaches and share best practices.

Technical Working Group

Atlantic PIRI is responsible for technical support to the provinces and for ensuring the Atlantic RBCA process is updated as new requirements develop. This includes technical training and continuous improvement of the Atlantic RBCA technical tool.

Stakeholders Working Group

Central to Atlantic PIRI is communications to ensure that people have the information they require about Atlantic RBCA and Provincial policy and regulations. By providing clear understandable information to site professionals, government departments and the public, Atlantic PIRI will increase community confidence in how contaminated properties are managed.

Members of Atlantic PIRI

Regulators

New Brunswick
New Brunswick Department of Environment and Local Government
Impact Management Branch (Remediation Section)

Contact: Michel Poirier
Téléphone: 506-453-7945
ou 506-453-6857
Courriel: michel.poirier@gnb.ca 
ou danny.stymiest@gnb.ca 
PO Box 6000
20 McGloin Place
Marysville Place
Fredericton, NB
E3B 5H1

Newfoundland Labrador
Newfoundland & Labrador Department of Municipal Affairs and Environment
Pollution Prevention Division

Contact: Jennifer Strickland
Phone: 709-729-2648
e-mail: christacurnew@gov.nl.ca
P.O. Box 8700
Confederation Building, 4th Floor West
St. John’s, NL
A1B 4J6

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Environment

Contact: Brent Cox (Co-chair)
or Jonathan Kay
Téléphone: 902-424-7497
ou 902-424-2532
Courriel:
Brent.Cox@novascotia.ca
Jonathan.Kay@novascotia.ca
1903 Barrington Street
Suite 2085
PO Box 442
Halifax, NS
B3J 2P8

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Prince Edward Island Dept. of Communities, Land and Environment

Contact: Barry Jackson
Phone: 902-368-5173
e-mail: bajackson@gov.pe.ca
Jones Bldg. 11 Kent Street,
PO Box 2000
Charlottetown, PE
C1A 7N8

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Environment and Climate Change Canada

Contact: Rita Mroz
Phone: 902-426-9064
e-mail: rita.mroz@ec.gc.ca
Queens Square, 45 Alderney Drive
Dartmouth, NS
B2Y 2N6

Representatives of the oil industry


Canadian Fuels Association
Bill Simpkins, PIRI Co-Chair


Imperial Oil
Justin Ly


Suncor
Holly Losignore


Irving Oil
Michelle Paul Elias and Steve Little


Regional Consulting Professionals


CBCL

Kelly Johnson


Dillon Consulting Limited
Jeff Earle


GHD
Jamie O’Neill


Amec Foster Wheeler
Susan Barfoot


Atlantic PIRI Committee – Corresponding Member (CM)

Purpose

The purpose of identifying corresponding members is to provide for knowledgeable input to Atlantic PIRI developments from a broader stakeholder group where required. Furthermore, Atlantic PIRI recognizes the value to seek advice and capture the views of a broad range of interests and to provide an opportunity whereby committed stakeholders can be involved on an informal basis in the review process.

Role and Responsibilities

The role of a corresponding member will be to provide expert insight and recommendations into periodic draft documents developed by Atlantic PIRI. Corresponding members will be invited to provide comments within specified limitations when applicable draft materials are produced by Atlantic PIRI Working Groups. Typically, the Working Group of Atlantic PIRI that requests comments will provide a 30-day timeline for receipt of these reviews.

Corresponding members benefit by being able to participate in, provide input to and potentially influence the documents Atlantic PIRI produces. CMs also receive knowledge of upcoming developments relevant to their professional field regarding contaminated sites management.

Corresponding members placed on a contact list also may have the opportunity to participate on regional task groups and may be requested to meet directly with either Atlantic PIRI or subcommittees on specific issues, as required and requested.

Qualifications

Atlantic PIRI Corresponding Members require significant knowledge and experience in the assessment and management of contaminated sites in Atlantic Canada. It is anticipated that CMs will represent various aspects of contaminated sites management and brownfield redevelopment (i.e. regional environmental consulting firms, property developers and realtors, manufacturing industries, fuel production and distribution, utility companies, insurance providers, bankers, etc.). As such, potential CMs should have specific experience in either, or all, of:

  • human health and /or ecological risk assessment. CMs will have taken training in the use of the Atlantic RBCA model toolkit. Practical experience in the use of the RBCA model toolkit and guidance is considered desirable;
  • management and development of contaminated sites and/or brownfields and real estate transactions;
  • knowledge and understanding of provincial legislation, regulations, policy and applicable guidelines for the management of contaminated sites.

Appointment

A CM list will be developed and updated by the Stakeholder Working Group in conjunction with the needs and interests of the Technical Working Group and the Harmonization Working Group.

Application to become a Corresponding Member of Atlantic PIRI will require a CV. Not all applicants will necessarily be accepted. Accepted applicants must supply the necessary contact information. A confidentiality agreement prohibiting the use or disclosure of draft materials must be signed.

Corresponding members on the contact list would, from time to time, receive e-mailed documents for review, or receive other requests for contributions as determined by Atlantic PIRI.

If a corresponding member wishes to resign, or not receive further e-mails requesting reviews, Atlantic PIRI will remove their name from the contact list. Atlantic PIRI may annually renew corresponding members, at their request, and verify contact information.

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