Property owners and developers in British Columbia and Alberta face unique challenges when seeking regulatory closure on sites impacted by petroleum hydrocarbons (PHCs) and light non-aqueous phase liquids (LNAPL). While risk assessments (RAs) can reduce costs and accelerate redevelopment, both provinces impose additional hurdles when LNAPL is present. In BC, even minor occurrences of LNAPL can trigger “high-risk site” classification, requiring long-term monitoring and vapour intrusion evaluations. In Alberta, regulators often require removal or control of LNAPL “to the extent practicable,” which can result in significant cost overruns and project delays.

Recent advances in in-situ technologies now offer practical alternatives. Direct sensing tools such as Laser Induced Fluorescence (LIF) provide faster and more reliable delineation of mobile versus stable LNAPL. Novel in-situ amendments – including adsorptive and biodegradative materials – can effectively degrade or immobilize bulk LNAPL, while stabilization techniques can lock mobile plumes in place. These strategies are proving to be more sustainable, cost-effective, and timely than traditional extraction-based methods.

This webinar will highlight innovative approaches to overcome LNAPL-related barriers to risk assessment–based closures in BC and Alberta. Real-world Canadian case studies will demonstrate how these tools can support more predictable project outcomes, reduce long-term monitoring obligations, and ultimately enable redevelopment of impacted properties.