R&D > Market Readiness | Investments | Adoption

The Adoption of innovative remediation solutions involves overcoming barriers to the use and acceptance of innovative remediation solutions in Canada. Most commonly expressed barriers include: Liability Concerns, Regulatory Compliance, Reliability of Solutions (short and/long term), and Application (site-specific conditions). Other real barriers include:

• Disconnection among stakeholders in the innovation chain
• Customers (clients and investors) worried about being guinea pigs
• Scarcity of funding (treatability studies and demonstrations)
• “Tried and true” mentality (reluctance to accept the unfamiliar)

Despite potential significant economic, environmental and social benefits of using innovative remediation solutions, several specific barriers have been identified that prevent their widespread acceptance and adoption such as:

• Lack of an effective network that links the technology vendors (developers or suppliers) with potential users (solution adopters or buyers);
• Dedicated events (e.g. workshops, seminars, symposiums) that help to bridge the gap between the developer/vendor and their route-to-market;
• Government policies and decision-making processes that discourage innovative approaches due to risk aversion;
• Regulatory agencies responsible for approval of remediation projects have historically used proven approaches (dig-and-dump) and established (but not necessarily the most appropriate) remediation technologies to reduce risks and ensure protection of the environment and human health;
• Buyer (land owner) risk aversion drives purchasing decisions that result in the selection of conventional remediation technologies and approaches;
• Market perception that innovative solutions have higher costs and risks compared to conventional approaches;
• Limited technical performance and cost data or it is typically not objective and from an independent source;
• Government and private sector funding to support the development and demonstration of innovative remediation technologies has been limited; and
• Limited incentive to support the application of Clean Technologies or Green Remediation solutions.

Testing & Demonstration

An independent analysis and review of environmental technology performance claims is required to provide the industry with tools to assist in the selection and application of commercial and novel environmental solutions for use into the market place.

Treatability Studies
Years of laboratory-to-field research have repeatedly demonstrated the strong correlation between laboratory bench scale treatability study results and achievement of remediation goals at field scale. Laboratory studies are a cost effective tool to determine key performance variables, which may reduce costs of field implementation and provide knowledge of performance prior to field implementation.

Performance Benchmarking
Performance benchmarking to assist in the establishment of acceptable performance criteria would enable brownfields owners and managers to identify and select proven technologies using a stakeholder-driven process and, in turn, provide greater assurance to investors, regulatory authorities and the public.

Technology Demonstrations
Remediation technologies that are at the commercial stage usually have to go through demonstration testing for regulatory approval. The data generated during demonstration for regulatory approval are usually of sufficient quality and quantity for validation of the performance claims.

Solutions

Key enablers required to overcome barriers to commercialization and advancement of innovative solutions include:

• Real life demonstration sites
  
• Increased collaboration (partnerships and project consortia)
  
• Sufficient funding for demonstrations
  
• Supportive government and regulatory policies (approval process)
• Increase awareness and build capacity of available innovative solutions
• Early adopters with capability and capacity to support stakeholders

BLOOM recognizes that in order for our public and private sector clients to successfully implement sustainability practices and projects, they need to change their behaviour and current management and operational procedures. But knowing where to go and how to get there is a challenge faced by many organizations seeking to create value through sustainability. BLOOM has a developed a unique approach to guide our clients through their change management process.

EXAMPLE 1: Workshops / Technical Symposiums

BLOOM in collaboration with the Government of Canada Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan (FCSAP) developed and delivered two Innovative Remediation Solutions Workshops in Ontario (February 2 and 3, 2009) and the Pacific & Yukon Region (October 28, 2009). The workshop highlights included:

• Addressing barriers and challenges faced by custodians of contaminated sites;
• Presentations by Technology Vendors / Providers that address issues in respective regions;
• Presentations on Site-Specific Bench-scale and Pilot-scale Treatability Studies;
• Case Studies on the use of innovative solutions at Federal Contaminated Sites;
• Breakout Sessions on opportunities and impediments to innovative solutions;
• Exhibitor Tradeshow & Poster Displays; and
• Networking Opportunities (Reception and Breaks)

EXAMPLE 2: Tradeshow Delegations / Showcase

BLOOM showcased the Canadian Remediation and Brownfield Redevelopment Industry at major Brownfield events in both Canada and the US. BLOOM has collaborated with the Federal and Provincial Governments to showcase public and private sector organizations at the US EPA Brownfields Conferences (2008 in Detroit, 2006 in Boston and 2005 in Denver). The 2008 showcase involved:

• Federal, Provincial and Municipal Governments;
• Over 20 private sector organizations;
• A distinguishable 600 sq.ft. Pavilion with kiosks for exhibitors;
• A Networking Reception for business development (matchmaking event); and
• Profiles of participants (business directory)

For more information on the 2008 Showcase please contact BLOOM