Seneca Companies, Inc’s Post

I’ve completed my first year at LDD Advanced Technologies ltd, specializing in soil and groundwater remediation. During this time, I’ve had the privilege of participating in a wide range of essential environmental protection projects. I've worked in various sectors, including military sites, chemical plants, and factories. Here’s a brief overview of a typical project stages: 🔹Initial study of the potentially contaminated site 🔹Creating an investigation plan based on the study and MoEP regulations 🔹Conducting soil, gas-soil, and groundwater surveys as required 🔹Preparing findings report and remediation plan if necessary 🔹 Executing the remediation process More to come 🙌 🌍

Key legal fights in 2024 could shake up how the federal government responds to a changing climate. The lead article in this issue of Energy Today focuses on Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo. The justices will soon decide whether to scrap or limit a long-standing legal principle — known as the Chevron Deference. Two other articles in this issue focus on cases destined for the highest court that could also reshape environmental regulations. The fourth article examines a crucial case that SCOTUS rejected and will not hear: Alaska asked the courts to overturn a Biden administration decision that bars development of the controversial Pebble mine project. Together, all four cases reviewed in this issue of Energy Today illustrate the inherent tension between individual liberty and regulatory authority.  https://lnkd.in/gBw3Tv8v

I began my career as an environmental scientist working in Alberta's oil sands region. One of the most intriguing observations that I made during my tenure in this unique ecosystem, was the pervasiveness of hydrocarbons feeding into many of the region's waterways. It is common to find river bottoms literally coated in bitumen and south facing eroded cutbanks to be oozing (leaching) hydrocarbons into streams and rivers. Bitumen is by definition a heavily biodegraded hydrocarbon, so it should not be surprising to learn that most plants, insects and animals in this region show no negative trend in exposure to this hydrocarbon.

A part of this article that resonates most with me, is the role of people (lol not AI, had to sneak that in...). I'm thinking about the note in the article that adding skilled workers to the Dow project will be one of the project's main challenges. While there are the OG oil and gas experts, there is a growing need for "emerging energy sectors." In fact, this developing area will provide 8-10% of new roles. What does this mean and who is teaching this? How do we as instructors, and learning institutions and networks provide this important learning path and ensure it's broad availability?

The recent approval of the Comprehensive Area Plan (CAP) for oil and gas drilling at Lowry Ranch has ignited a significant debate among residents, environmental advocates, and industry stakeholders. Civitas Resources' proposal covers 32,000 acres in Arapahoe County, and concerns are mounting over the potential health and environmental impacts near Aurora Reservoir, a key drinking water source. While the Colorado State Board of Land Commissioners highlights the economic benefits, with leases generating substantial revenue for public schools, advocacy groups like Save the Aurora Reservoir (STAR) argue that the risks to public health and the environment are too significant. As Civitas moves forward, the ongoing tension between economic interests and environmental protection will shape the future of energy development in Colorado. What are your thoughts on balancing economic growth with environmental concerns? Read More: https://lnkd.in/e8Hcm8FB

Insight on the recent Supreme Court argument on Chevron from the Steptoe team. If you want more direct insight on impacts in the energy space (particularly FERC), touch base with Shaun Boedicker or I can connect you.

🌟 Check out Scout's latest monthly blog where one of our own senior NEPA PMs, Callie Hansen, shares her valuable career insights in government and contracting roles for environmental and engineering projects! Read more now here: https://lnkd.in/g7ggMKCf #environmentalcareers #engineering #publicservice #scoutingforyou

Not sure I agree with their probabilities of failure ( and can guess where that number came from) but a significant ruling against the Donlin Gold Mine that Federal entities approving it did not take adequate account of the risk of significant harm to waters and lands on which 6 downstream tribes rely. Haven't had a chance to review the actual decision but it sets important limits on what state and federal law can allow, at least with respect to indigenous peoples. " Anchorage, Alaska — In a major victory for Southwest Alaska Tribes who depend on the Kuskokwim River and the surrounding lands and waters for their continued existence, a U.S. District Court in Alaska ruled today that key federal agencies responsible for permitting the Donlin mine failed to fully consider the project’s harms in the environmental study for the project.Specifically, the judge’s ruling found that federal agencies failed to realistically study the impacts to downstream waters and villages from a potentially catastrophic tailings dam failure. The mine developers are proposing to build a 471-foot-tall tailings dam to contain more than 500 million tons of toxic mine waste. The court found that the risk of a catastrophic tailings spill was a 1 in 1,000 chance in a year or 2 in 100 (2%) in 20 years. As the court stated, “to put these numbers into perspective, these same odds for the risk of an airplane crash would likely deter nearly anyone from flying” and yet federal agencies failed to consider the risk."

Did you know that we offer Phase 1 and Phase 2 environmental assessments? The ACS scope of study can range from a preliminary site assessment, commonly called a Phase I ESA (Phase 1), to a Phase II (Phase 2) study which involves actual sampling and testing. Learn more below!

Are you looking to hire a groundwater control and dewatering company? 🌊 Before diving into your next dewatering project, it's crucial to choose the right partner. Our latest blog outlines seven essential considerations to keep in mind when hiring a groundwater control and dewatering company. From assessing their experience and technology to understanding their environmental practices and compliance standards, we cover everything you need to make an informed decision. Equip yourself with the knowledge you need to ensure project success. Read more here: https://bit.ly/3R6hbAa