Hydro Utilities

Electrical distributions, as owners and operators of kilometers of line, transformers, distribution sites, face unknown amounts of environmental liability. With this substantial investment in real property and equipment, every distribution company owes it to themselves to be informed about the status of their potential environmental risks.

AEL’s years of experience at high hazard electrical sites allow our staff a comprehensive understanding of the environmental issues experienced at utility properties and the expertise to work safely in these environments. 

AEL has completed hundreds of investigations and remediations at electrical distribution sites across Ontario. Click here for a case study.

Common Environmental Issues at Electrical Distribution Sites

Due to the industrial nature of electrical distributions sites, there is a high likelihood that one or more of the following contaminants is present at a company’s distribution sites:

Arsenic – Very common contaminant due to its common historical use as a herbicide (in the form of arsenic trioxide) at distribution sites across Ontario 

Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) – Manufactured as an insulating fluid in electrical transformers prior to its ban in 1977. Often included in “transformer oil”, it may still be present in old transformers manufactured before 1977.

Petroleum Hydrocarbons (PHCs) – Transformer oils generally show up as petroleum hydrocarbons during an environmental investigation. Although different in composition from automotive oils and fuels, they fall under similar restrictions in the environmental regulations.

Solutions for Hydro Utilities

AEL’s use of on-site testing can quickly characterize contamination and provide a quick and clear path forward for hydro sites.

AEL recommends managing environmental liability by completing necessary regulatory due diligence, such as an O.Reg. 153/04 compliant Phase 1 and Phase 2 ESA. 

Contact us to discuss how this will benefit your site.

Our Process

Step One:

Request Report

We help you identify which reports you may need for your property. Once authorized AEL’s dedicated team of professionals will complete a high-quality, detailed report based on the applicable standards you require. 

Step Two:

Review Report

You are not alone! We take the time to review the reports and analyze together. We answer any questions or concerns you may have and provide creative solutions for your needs.

Step Three:

Identify next steps

Together, we will identify next steps to meet your desired outcome. 

Why AEL Environment?

Save Time & Money

We ensure that our robust reporting and recommendations not only meet your needs, but help you make decisions efficiently and effectively.

Get Educated

With AEL environment not only do you receive detailed assessments and reports but we make sure you understand them as well. Learn more.

Excellent Client Services

Our dedicated team will answer any of your questions, big or small. We are committed to providing customized solutions. Contact us.

Expert Engineers

With over 30 years of experience our expert engineers will be able to address any concern or issue on your property. Meet the team.

What Our Clients Are Saying
AEL
“I have introduced AEL to many of my clients and have been well satisfied with their ability to keep within budget and on time. They are in addition, known and accepted by most lending institutions.”
Alastair Strachan, Senior Vice President
Lennard Commercial Realty, Brokerage
AEL
“As a real estate investor in Southern Ontario, I routinely rely on environmental services offered by AEL, including Phase 1 and Phase 2 procedures. The AEL team has consistently provided professional services that are timely, cost-effective, and in my opinion, the gold standard of the industry. I have used AEL on several occasions and plan to continue to do so as we focus on building our property portfolio.”
John Papanikolaou, Co-CEO
TenDream Properties
AEL
"In my two decades plus as a specialist in Environmental Law, I have dealt with numerous environmental consulting firms right across Canada, and from big to small, Not all of them are able to deal with sophisticated scientific questions and not all of the ones with greater scientific skills are practical."
Michael Peterson, Environmental Law
Sky Counsel Group
AEL
"Environmental liability is a huge issue for my clients, and AEL has helped to manage this risk in an effective and confident way. I appreciate their attention to detail and responsiveness."
Dave Robertson, Vice President
Indusite Realty Corporation
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