AEL completed a major abatement project of a flight services station in Canada’s Far North. A logistically challenging endeavour, AEL was proud to be part of a highly capable team to manage this work. The project was completed over 3 seasons due to the harsh climate of the region.

Background: AEL was retained to manage a logistically challenging demolition and abatement project in Resolute Bay, Nunavut. The site included several large buildings with asbestos containing material and lead based paint. The client’s goals for the project were to remove all buildings, dispose of all materials appropriately, and perform an environmental screening investigation on the empty site upon completion.  

Approach: AEL explored a variety of options for disposal of the materials, and worked with the client and local authorities to decide which approach was most appropriate. Because the local landfill was not able to accommodate the hazardous waste, the team chose to ship much of the hazardous waste off-site. By collecting copper wiring from the building prior to demolition, the cost of disposal was offset. Some of the material was able to be recycled. 

AEL ensured quality work and results through industry standard operating procedures for the decommissioning, demolition, and disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous materials, and by providing the client with high quality documentation and reporting to ensure appropriate knowledge transfer. 

Health and safety was a major concern due to the nature of the hazardous materials that were being disposed of. The team was trained in hazard-specific safety, including identification, airway precautions, environmental risk mitigation, and safety specific to work in the Northern environment. The team was equipped with all necessary safety equipment and monitored daily for inhalation of contaminants. Safety is a high priority for AEL and AEL has safety procedures specifically designed for remote site work.  

AEL used the services of a local contractor who had strong relationships with the local Aboriginal community. He assisted AEL in hiring local labourers, providing 12 jobs for two work seasons. He also managed logistics such as transporting equipment and shipping containers. 

Result: AEL completed the three year project on schedule in 2014.  

Benefit: AEL’s remote site experience and involvement of local contractor allowed for informed decision-making regarding clean-up on time and on budget. AEL demonstrated their ability to successfully navigate the complicated logistics of a large project at a remote northern site, adapting their work plan to account for the weather, limited work season, limited access to equipment and utilizing local crews to keep the project on budget and on schedule.