Providence - An Engineering and Environmental Consulting Firm’s Post

Impassioned Plea from the Community of Guardians: Protecting the Earth and Its Voiceless Inhabitants To the decision-makers of Ontario Public Service Leadership | Leadership dans la fonction publique de l’Ontario and all who value the future of our planet: We, the Community of Guardians, urge you to reconsider the proposal to bypass the Environmental Assessment Act to build Highway 413 through sensitive biological areas. This plea is not just a call to delay development but a demand that we honor our duty to protect the natural world that sustains us all. The highway threatens ecosystems that are home to vulnerable species—creatures without a voice, relying on us to act as their guardians. The push to accelerate this highway in the name of convenience ignores what science tells us: once ecosystems are damaged, the losses are often irreversible. Wetlands, forests, and species at risk will be swept aside in the path of Highway 413, further eroding the biodiversity we so desperately need to protect. Climate change, habitat loss, and pollution are already taking a toll, and this project will exacerbate these challenges. Every tree felled and every habitat disrupted will push us further from the sustainable future we hope to achieve. Building this highway at the cost of the environment reflects a short-sighted approach that prioritizes short-term gains over long-term well-being. While the government claims that this highway will ease traffic and save time, we must ask—what is the true cost? Once the forests are paved, the wetlands filled, and the animals displaced, these treasures cannot be restored with a change of heart or a shift in policy. We risk not only damaging ecosystems but also losing the trust of future generations, who will inherit the consequences of these decisions. Science teaches us that innovative transportation solutions, including improved public transit and smarter urban planning, can meet our needs without sacrificing sensitive ecosystems. Rather than rush into projects that harm the environment, let us explore sustainable alternatives that align with our duty to protect the natural world and the creatures that call it home. To bypass environmental assessments is to silence the voice of science—a voice that has warned us time and again of the perils of environmental degradation. It is also to silence the voices of Indigenous communities, whose wisdom teaches us to live in harmony with nature. These communities, who will bear the brunt of this highway’s construction, deserve meaningful consultation, not a token effort to push the project through. The Community of Guardians believes that every life form, no matter how small, has intrinsic value. We must be their voice. Because the earth has no voice, but we do. Join the discussion and post your comments here: https://lnkd.in/g_YZFTHZ With hope and resolve, The Community of Guardians

The Minister of Transportation, a Bramption MPP, wants to service Bramption with new HWY413. He is exempting the project from an Environmental Assessment (EA) even though the route will transverse ecologically sensitive areas on the Oak Ridges Moraine and the Greenbelt where there are many species a risk. There will also be many potential archeology sites involving First Nations that would be addressed and mitigated in an EA. Further building 413 will stimulate "ribbon sprawl" along the route... completely unheard of in modern environmental planning and regressive I have suggested to the Minister to buy back or expropiate HWY407 and remove the tolls, as the Harris PC government had sold it for 3$billion. There would be no environmental impacts while achieving the same east west, "ring" highway objective. Of course a free 407 or a new 413 will almost immediately fill up with congested traffic due to "latent/induced travel demand". MTO notice as follows: https://lnkd.in/gYnxiy49 ----------- This consultation closes at 11:59 p.m. on: November 20, 2024 Through the proposed Reducing Gridlock, Saving You Time Act, we are proposing the Highway 413 Act that if passed, will: Exempt activities for Highway 413 from the Environmental Assessment Act; Create a process for assessing and reporting on the environmental impacts and mitigation of constructing Highway 413. #planning #sustainability #transportation

🦢 How do you transform a large acidic landscape into a productive tidal wetland using Nature-Based Solutions? In Tomago, Australia, the hydrological regime of a salt marsh has been restored with large-scale engineering. This is achieved by promoting the preferred hydrodynamic regime for salt marsh ecosystems and installing adequate water level controls to limit mangrove expansion (as this is where the natural enemies of migratory waders are often found). 📗 More about the project can be found in the Engineering With Nature® (EWN®) An Atlas Volume 2: https://lnkd.in/e6dpj6Kv Or visit our website: https://lnkd.in/ezdx9G5d #NatureBasedSolutions #EngineeringWithNature

Spatio-temporal pattern and rationality of land reclamation and cropland abandonment in mid-eastern Inner Mongolia of China in 1990-2005 https://t.co/uRVoBxCqqa #EurekaMag

Conservation Halton has just released their Wetland Water Balance Assessment Guidelines. These guidelines should be used to determine whether there is a potential impact to the existing hydrological functions of the wetland as a result of site alteration/development by comparing pre and post development conditions. What I found set these guidelines apart was their inclusion of hydrographs from various wetland communities that they monitor within their watershed (included within Appendix A)! A screenshot of one of them shown below. We typically complete these evaluations for any site-specific study (e.g., subwatershed impact studies, environmental impact studies) where there is alteration proposed near a wetland community that will be retained on the landscape. It is important to understand whether the proposed development activity could impact the hydrology of the wetland, thus impacting the functionality of the feature. There are several mitigation measures that can be explored to maintain or replicate the hydrologic requirements of the existing wetland (e.g., Low Impact Development solutions, rooftop contributions). For those interested in learning more, CH's Guideline can be found here: https://lnkd.in/gHT8j-yw. #wetlandwaterbalance #wetlandhydrology #environmentalconsulting

Exciting news! Our latest research paper has just been published in the Scopus-indexed journal Ecological Engineering & Environmental Technology! The paper, titled "Assessing the Impact of Port Structure on Shoreline Evolution: Case Study of Tangier Med Port, Morocco", presents our in-depth analysis of the Tangier Med Port and its influence on the surrounding shoreline. Our findings offer critical insights into the complex relationship between port structures and shoreline changes, providing valuable information for coastal management and engineering efforts. Check out our research using the link below: https://lnkd.in/ebTWx_qG #Research #Phd #EnvironmentalEngineering #CoastalManagement #GIS #Remotesensing #TangierMedPort #Morocco

KZN PROVINCIAL WATERCOURSE INFRASTRUCTURE STANDARD & ASSOCIATED EXCLUDED ACTIVITIES REQUEST FOR PUBLIC COMMENT Based on compliance with this Standard, the intention is to exclude, in terms of section 24(2)(d) of NEMA, identified activities as set out in the Schedule, from the requirement to obtain an environmental authorisation. The proposed standard is targeted at the following project types: - Local access road culverts, causeways and bridges - Pedestrian bridges - Water and sewer pipelines 👇🏽👇🏽 https://lnkd.in/drw2phf6

Properly planned watercourse crossings are designed in a manner that will reduce the impact on a stream's natural habitat and ecosystem function. Using an open bottomed arch or bridge reduces the effect of the crossing by maintaining a natural streambed through the road right of way. These crossing types have less of an impact on the streams ecological function as compared to traditional culvert structures.   Other benefits of open-bottom structures include: - Better habitat simulation, with natural creek features such as riffles and woody debris - Increased tolerance to high-water when compared to a culvert - Minimal disturbance to the streambed for the lifetime of the structure - Easier to remove and restore a crossing location during end-of-life road deactivation activities Here at Woodlands North Inc., one of our programs is Watercourse Crossing and Creek Restoration. Actively taking part in the AEP's Alberta Watercourse Crossing Program (AWCP), we help our clients maintain full regulatory compliance and assist or oversee any aspect of their watercourse crossing programs. Our WCC team or professionals can complete all aspects of a crossing program, large or small. #EnvironmentalConsulting #EnvironmentalConsultant #EnvironmentalServices #EnvironmentalCompliance #Ecology #Sustainability #Alberta #Canada #Conservation #reclamation #Environmental #Environment #nature #EcologicalRestoration #Makingadifference #environmentalscience #YEG #nature #wildlife #Earth #resourcemanagement #biologicalscience #Biology

In the construction industry, implementing effective erosion and sediment controls (ESC) is essential for minimising environmental impact. Erosion and sedimentation from construction sites can significantly harm local waterways, ecosystems, and infrastructure. ESC measures, such as ground cover, sediment basins, and erosion control blankets, help prevent soil erosion and minimise sediment runoff into water bodies.    With each storm system across Australia, erosion results in plumes of sediment within waterways and into the oceans, significantly altering the water chemistry and ecosystem function. A recent study by Associate Professor Alistair Grinham (2024, University of Queensland) of Brisbane’s Moreton Bay found the area of clean sand, prime habitat for dugongs, has reduced from 442 square km fifty years ago, to only 30 square km today. The deposition of sediment smothers underwater plants and deteriorates ecosystem health. This fine sediment pollution, transported from as far as Toowoomba within the Brisbane River catchment, is caused predominantly from land use changes and the loss of vegetation.     By prioritising ESC, construction companies can demonstrate environmental responsibility, comply with regulations, and protect natural resources. Collaborating with environmental professionals to develop and implement ESC plans is key to ensuring project success while minimising environmental harm. Effective controls assist with project timelines through improving site access during wet conditions and minimising rehabilitation costs.    Stay tuned for upcoming post about the latest industry standard erosion and sediment controls practices which are safeguarding our environment for future generations and read more articles and updates from Applied Environment & Safety here - https://bit.ly/4aQFJVh. #environmental #construction #environmentalcontrols

Exciting New Research on Flocculation in Dredge Plumes!   We are thrilled to share the paper by Dr Andrew Symonds and Dr Rachel White from Port and Coastal Solutions, alongside collaborators from The University of Western Australia and Gladstone Ports Corporation Ltd titled "The influence of flocculation in turbid plumes from mechanical and hydraulic dredging". The research discusses how flocculation impacts the behaviour of sediment plumes created by dredging and how dredge plumes can interact with natural suspended sediment.    We are proud of the contributions this study makes towards sustainable and efficient port and environmental management.   To read the full paper go to: https://lnkd.in/g8t4q7G3   #Dredging #MarineScience #EnvironmentalImpact #SedimentTransport #PortAndCoastalSolutions