14th Annual SABCS Workshop & Conference on Contaminated Sites
September 25-26, 2024
HYBRID EVENT
IN PERSON: Simon Fraser University (Downtown Campus) 515 W. Hastings St. Vancouver
AND ONLINE
The Science Advisory Board for Contaminated Sites (SABCS) in British Columbia is pleased to announce our 14th Annual Conference on Contaminated Sites, to be held in Vancouver, BC, Canada on September 25 (Workshop) and 26 (Conference), 2024. Both events will be in-person with the option to attend virtually (hybrid event).
Over the past thirteen years, the SABCS conferences and workshops have brought together speakers and participants from industry, government, and academia to share innovation, application of technologies, best practices, and lessons learned, through presentations and discussions. We seek to promote excellence and diversity in scientific inquiry and solutions through presentations by individuals representing different perspectives and disciplines.
WORKSHOP
September 25, 2024
New Advances and Challenges for Risk Assessment and Site Restoration with a Special Session on Artificial Intelligence
(Invited Speakers)
Abstract: Human health and ecological risk assessment is often a critical component in the derivation of standards and guidelines and the site restoration process at contaminated lands. The policy framework and science of how to conduct risk assessment continues to evolve. We continue the journey of incorporating Indigenous knowledge and reconciliation in the framework. Risk assessment and site restoration case studies, including large sites, provide opportunities for learning and refining our approaches. Potential challenges are new emerging chemicals and scenarios that are outside of those previously commonly encountered. Our goal in this workshop is to explore recent science and regulatory policy on this important topic addressing the following key topics:
- Using successional patterns to track remediation/restoration, relative to ecological benchmarks, as an approach to address wide-area contaminated sites in wildlands (confirmed speaker)
- Incorporating bioavailability in contaminated site risk assessment (confirmed speaker)
- Developing site-specific water quality guidelines for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (confirmed speaker)
- Research on measuring and modeling light to support development and implementation of new WQG for PAH (confirmed speaker)
- Burrard Inlet Water Quality Objective project, led by Tsleil-Waututh Nation in collaboration with the BC Government (confirmed speaker)
- BC ENV wildfire guidance for contaminated sites (confirmed speaker)
- New understandings of toxicity driving lower guidelines for PFAS
- Emerging research on 6-PPD-quinone, an emerging chemical of concern
- Case studies on human health or ecological risk assessment
Following from the successful special session at last year’s workshop, we will again hold a shorter Special Session on Artificial Intelligence (AI), an emerging topic of significant interest. The use of AI in environmental science and engineering (and other) practice is rapidly increasing but there are limited examples of benefits and potential pitfalls, and appropriate guiderails for its use. Several speakers will be invited to give short presentations on topics such as use cases and applications, ethical considerations and guidelines, data quality and bias, interpretability, and transparency. A facilitated discussion will follow together with a participant survey on use of AI, the results of which will be shared in real-time.
As in previous years, the workshop speakers will comprise a range of local and international speakers, including leading practitioners or experts in their fields.
CONFERENCE
September 26, 2024
Conference on Contaminated Sites Investigation, Remediation and Risk Assessment
For the conference, abstract submissions are now closed. We look forward to reviewing and announcing the full conference schedule soon.
Conference topics of interest (in addition to those above) include:
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Sustainable remediation
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Climate change adaptation and resiliency
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Nature-based solutions
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Emerging contaminants of concern
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Soil reuse and relocation
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Vapour intrusion
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Innovative monitoring methods or tools
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High resolution site characterization
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Use of renewable energy in site management
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Human health and ecological risk assessment
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Indigenous perspectives and knowledge
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In situ remediation technologies
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Analytical methods
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Background contamination issues and case studies
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Legacy gasoline contamination: lead scavengers and tetraethyl lead
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Remediation performance metrics, optimization, and termination
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Natural resources including mining and upstream oil and gas
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Case studies of contaminated sites investigation and remediation
Conference Abstract Submissions Are Closed
Register at Early Bird Pricing!
Early Bird Pricing Ends August 31, 2024
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Authors presenting papers at the Conference are entitled to a 50% reduction in conference registration fees. One author per paper is eligible for this discount. Registrations are transferable. Workshop fee is waived for invited speakers. Virtual Attendees receive 25% discount on fees below.
Workshop Fees
Early Bird
$425
Until August 31, 2024
Regular
$475
Starting September 1st, 2024
Speciality
$300
Indigenous Partner, Young Prof (<5 years’ work experience), Government
Conference Fees
Early Bird
$225
Until August 31, 2024
Regular
$275
Starting September 1, 2024
Speciality
$175
Indigenous Partner, Young Prof (<5 years’ work experience), Government
Be the first to hear all the workshop & conference details as soon as they are released.
SPONSORSHIP
Our sponsors are an important factor to the success of the annual workshop and conference.
If you are interested in sponsoring, please find information below.
Why Attend the Workshop and Conference?
Attending this event will be a highly worthwhile investment that will provide you with new perspectives, practical knowledge, and professional connections (with great networking sessions), and will allow you to be better equipped in your role and professional practice. The benefits include the following:
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Learn: From wide-ranging presentations providing practical information on site investigation and remediation.
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Recharge: Listen to cutting-edge research, new ideas and lessons learned.
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Connect: During session breaks.
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Give Back: Share your expertise and lessons learned and contribute to discussions.
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Interact: With knowledgeable presenters during question-and-answer breaks.
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Access: Benefit from on-demand access to audio and digital presentations after the event (for two months), allowing you to re-fresh knowledge.
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Develop: As a professional and acquire professional development hours.
OUR SPONSORS
GOLD LUNCH SPONSORS
BRONZE SPONSORS
