The level of expertise and detail that our team employs on environmental science projects ensures that our clients are receiving precise evaluations and appropriate solutions for their projects.
We compel our staff of engineers, environmental scientists, hydrogeologists and field staff to adhere to a high technical standard that ensures that our clients’ goals are met with accurate, timely and financially responsible solutions.
Our Environmental Services Include:
Environmental Site Assessment
MTE is a leader in providing environmental science solutions for site assessment and remediation projects. Our commitment to providing thorough assessments and remaining knowledgeable of current environmental legislation means that our clients' timeline and financial expectations are met.
Our clients and projects benefit from our expertise with the following:
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- Phase I and II Environmental Site Assessments
- Record of Site Conditions
- Site Redevelopment, Decommissioning and Redevelopment
- Brownfield Development and Remediation
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- Underground Storage Tank Removals
- Spill Remediation
- Environmental Assessments and Compliance Audits
- Litigation Support, Expert Witness and Technical Peer Reviews
Environmental Permitting and Compliance
The environmental laws and regulations that are enacted from all layers of government are constantly evolving. The regulatory burden affecting businesses and individuals as well as the difficulties with achieving compliance presents unique challenges to overcome. Our skilled team of trained engineers and scientists are dedicated to helping our clients solve these complex issues and navigate the current environmental regulatory landscape. We provide environmental permitting and compliance assistance to our clients.
Our team offers a range of technical environment science services, including:
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- Assistance with obtaining an Environmental Compliance Approval (ECA)
- Registering on the Environmental Activity and Sector Registry (EASR)
- Reporting through the National Pollutant Release Inventory (NPRI)
- Completing a Toxic Substance Reduction Plan
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- Preparing a Spill Management and Response Plan
- Developing environmental management programs and systems (procedures, training, information management, etc.)
- Environmental risk analysis
Hydrogeological / Groundwater Resources
Hydrogeological studies are an integral part of development applications and are an important step in determining development and construction alternatives. Southern Ontario’s reliance on groundwater makes it a vital resource that requires specific knowledge and expertise.
Our Groundwater Resources group provides unique geoscience consulting services to our clients. This environmental science team consists of hydrogeologists and environmental geoscientists who focus on providing sustainable solutions for our clients.
Our staff has over 50 years of combined experience in providing the following services:
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- Hydrogeological Investigations
- Drinking Water Treatment Studies
- Source Water Protection Studies
- Nutrient Management Plans
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- Quality Monitoring and Modelling
- Dewatering Assessments
- Ministry of the Environment Permit To Take Water
Ecology & Natural Environment Consulting Services
Through proper study of the natural environment, we can scientifically evaluate the data and potential impacts of a proposed development.
Our goal is an economically viable plan which supports a sustainable natural environment.
With a solid understanding of critical features and functions of the natural environment, we can recommend approaches which lead to approvals for your development plans or proposed land use change through:
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- Environmental Assessments (EA)
- Environmental Impact Studies (EIS)
- Renewable Energy Assessments (REA)
- Natural Environment reports for Aggregate Act application
- Environmental Management Strategies for Area Plans
- Endangered Species Act permits
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- Permit to Take Water (surface)
- Habitat Restoration and Channel Relocation
- Tree Assessment
- Fisheries Act Permits
- Expert Witness
Toxicology & Risk Assessment
We are leaders in providing toxicology and risk assessment services to both public and private sector clients. We help our clients overcome obstacles using environmental science methods that are performed by experienced professionals. Clients receive clear communications of our findings and are provided with scientifically defensible data that allows them to make informed decisions.
We have a strong reputation in our industry for technical quality, which is delivered by our team of experts who publish their work in peer-reviewed journals, present at conferences, and participate on government advisory committees.
The services listed below reflect our areas of expertise within the fields of toxicology and risk assessment.
We provide all of the services and expertise to investigate, understand and manage risks related to chemicals in the environment.
Our environmental science team evaluates risks to human and ecological receptors resulting from exposure to substances in various media. Risk Assessments can be used to identify if any unacceptable risks exist, and whether remediation or risk management measures are required to reduce exposure. They can also assist in the development of site-specific environmental quality targets that are protective of people and the environment. These assessments help developers and property owners to evaluate and consider various site development locations and environmental management options. We help our clients determine the appropriate type of risk assessment that will achieve their project objectives.
Examples of risk assessment solutions that MTE provides include:
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- Risk Assessment submissions to the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) for the purpose of obtaining a Record of Site Condition (RSC) under Ontario Regulation 153/04
- Tier 3 Risk Assessment
- Modified Generic Risk Assessment (MGRA)
- Risk Assessments for due diligence purposes (e.g., in support of property transactions and financing)
- Risk Assessments for federally-owned properties in accordance with Health Canada and the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) guidance
- Preliminary Quantitative Risk Assessment (PQRA)
- Detailed Quantitative Risk Assessment (DQRA)
- Vapour Intrusion Assessments
- Risk Assessment submissions to the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) for the purpose of obtaining a Record of Site Condition (RSC) under Ontario Regulation 153/04
We can also develop and deliver basic or detailed human health and ecological risk assessment training courses to suit the specific needs of our clients in the private or public sector.
Increasingly, government agencies, corporations and other service providers are required to protect against impacts to the environment and human health. However, without the necessary scientific expertise and knowledge of regulations, this can be a complex, costly and time-consuming process.
Our environmental science team helps our clients effectively integrate regulatory requirements and scientific information to promote informed decision making. Since 1992, Canadian, American and international corporations, government agencies, and not-for-profit organizations have relied on us to help them identify, assess, apply and effectively communicate the information that is most critical to managing their toxicology-related issues.
Our Toxicologists provide expertise in the following areas:
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- Maximum Concentration Level Assessments (MCLAs)
- Chemical Risk Assessment
- Research and literature review to support updating of standards
- Development of new and updated toxicology profiles
- Litigation Support
- Development of health-based standards and exposure limits
- Development of site-specific benchmarks for ecological protection
We review technical documents produced by other scientists, including risk assessments, toxicological profiles and regulatory guidance documents. Our reviews on behalf of our industry and government clients focus on evaluating documents with respect to:
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- Appropriateness of scientific methods or approach used
- Ensuring that cited information is complete and up-to-date
- Consistency with cited regulatory guidance
- Fulfillment of stated objectives
- Appropriateness of conclusions and recommendations
- Appropriateness of writing style for the target audience
We believe that our role as peer reviewers is to bring an independent eye to a document, and to look for opportunities to suggest changes which make the document more scientifically defensible, more transparent, or more complete. We have a reputation for being constructive peer reviewers whose involvement contributes positively to the projects we are involved in.
Stormwater management ponds are often inhabited by fish due to connections with adjacent natural water sources or through public introduction. Stormwater management ponds may also provide suitable habitat to support wildlife such as turtles and frogs. Following best management practices detailed by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) for stormwater management pond clean-outs, fish and wildlife should be removed prior to clean-out activities being carried out.
MTE helps our clients obtain MNRF licenses and authorizations that are required to capture or handle fish and wildlife present within stormwater management ponds, as well as complete the removal of fish prior to pond clean-out. MTE also provides fish capturing and handling services for clients conducting other activities which may impact fish habitat such as culvert repairs.
MTE has the experience to effectively communicate complex scientific information to a variety of audiences. Our risk communication services ensure that stakeholders are appropriately informed about potential hazards and the risks that can affect people and the environment. We help our clients understand the risk assessment process and help stakeholders make informed decisions related to risk management. Our team understands that the ideal means of risk communication occurs when stakeholders are educated and enabled to participate in finding solutions to potential concerns.
