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.