Remediation & Site Assessment Seminar: PRBs, PFAS, and Digital Innovation in Environmental Engineering
On May 2, 2026, the Chinese Canadian Environmental & Municipal Professionals Association (CCEMP) successfully hosted a remediation-focused seminar featuring cutting-edge topics in environmental engineering, including permeable reactive barriers (PRBs), PFAS (“forever chemicals”), and digital twin applications in site remediation.
The event brought together industry professionals, researchers, and students to explore both technical advancements and practical decision-making in contaminated site management, highlighting how engineering, business strategy, and emerging technologies intersect in real-world environmental projects.
The seminar featured insightful presentations from four distinguished speakers:
- Albert Ho (P.Eng, MBA, Senior Director | First Capital, U of T instructor in Contaminated Sites)
- Daniel Brenner (B.Eng., P.Eng.Division Manager - Remediation& Risk Management | VEI Contracting Inc.)
- Pete Craig (Corporate Development Manager | VEI Contracting Inc.)
- Andrew Li (PhD, PGeo Groundwater Modeler | WSP)
The event was moderated by CCEMP representatives, facilitating engaging discussions and knowledge exchange throughout the session.
🌟 Highlights from the Keynote Presentations
Albert Ho: The ROI of Remediation – Balancing Risk, Business, and Strategy
Albert provided a unique business-oriented perspective on environmental remediation, emphasizing how technical decisions are often closely tied to financial, legal, and redevelopment considerations.
Using a real estate redevelopment case study, he illustrated how environmental due diligence (Phase I/II ESA), risk assessment, and remediation strategies influence property transactions and long-term asset value.
He introduced the concept of PRBs as a cost-effective solution to manage off-site contaminant migration while enabling redevelopment, demonstrating how engineering solutions can align with business objectives.
Albert also sparked discussion by framing PFAS as a potential “distraction” in certain contexts—encouraging professionals to critically evaluate regulatory requirements, risk exposure, and return on investment when prioritizing remediation efforts.
Daniel Brenner: Permeable Reactive Barriers (PRBs) – Design, Implementation, and Case Study Insights
Daniel provided a comprehensive overview of permeable reactive barriers (PRBs), an in-situ remediation technology designed to intercept and treat contaminated groundwater before it migrates off-site.
He introduced the evolution of PRBs from early zero-valent iron systems to modern multi-amendment solutions capable of addressing a wide range of contaminants, including chlorinated solvents, hydrocarbons, and PFAS.
The presentation highlighted various installation methods such as trenching, caissons, and injection-based approaches, along with the importance of QA/QC testing to ensure material performance.
A detailed bedrock case study demonstrated how a complex site with chlorinated solvent contamination required adaptive engineering solutions. When conventional injection methods proved ineffective due to fractured shale conditions, the team pivoted to an alternative GeoTAP™ injection approach, successfully installing a long-lasting PRB system and achieving effective contaminant control.
Pete Craig: PFAS – Current Practices and Future Directions
Pete delivered an engaging and practical perspective on PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), a group of persistent and widely discussed contaminants known for their strong carbon–fluorine bonds and environmental persistence.
He outlined the challenges associated with PFAS, including evolving regulations across Canadian provinces and the complexity of managing risk in the absence of consistent standards.
Through real-world case studies, Pete demonstrated current treatment strategies, such as adsorption using granular activated carbon (GAC) and modified clay media (e.g., Fluoro-Sorb®), supported by bench-scale testing (RSSCT). Results showed that modified clay can significantly outperform traditional media under certain conditions, although performance is highly dependent on water chemistry.
He also discussed emerging destruction technologies—including advanced reduction processes, electrochemical oxidation, and supercritical water oxidation—highlighting that while solutions are advancing rapidly, PFAS management remains a dynamic and evolving field.
Andrew Li: Digital Twin Applications in Site Remediation
Andrew explored the emerging role of digital twin technology in environmental engineering, presenting it as a powerful tool for integrating complex datasets and improving decision-making.
He explained how digital twins—dynamic virtual representations of physical systems—can combine hydrogeological models, analytical data, GIS layers, and real-time monitoring into a unified platform.
Key benefits include:
- Enhanced data integration and visualization
- Improved cross-disciplinary collaboration
- More efficient and defensible project delivery
- Better communication with stakeholders
Through practical examples, Andrew demonstrated how digital twins can support site assessment, remediation design, and performance optimization, offering a forward-looking perspective on the digital transformation of the environmental sector.
💬 Engaging Discussion: Bridging Technical Insights and Career Perspectives
The seminar featured active audience participation, with attendees raising thoughtful questions on topics such as:
- The effectiveness and limitations of PFAS treatment technologies
- Practical challenges in PRB installation under complex geological conditions
- Regulatory uncertainty and risk management strategies
- The real-world implementation of digital twin frameworks
In addition to technical discussions, several questions focused on career development for new graduates and young professionals entering the environmental field. Speakers shared candid and practical advice based on their own career journeys, emphasizing:
- Building a strong foundation in core technical knowledge while remaining adaptable to emerging technologies
- Gaining field experience and understanding real-world project constraints
- Developing communication skills to bridge technical and business perspectives
- Staying curious and proactive in a rapidly evolving industry
The discussion created a well-rounded and engaging dialogue that connected technical learning with professional growth, offering valuable insights for attendees at all career stages.
🤝 Networking & Knowledge Exchange
The event concluded with a networking session where participants connected with speakers and peers across academia and industry. Attendees had the opportunity to discuss career pathways, technical challenges, and emerging trends in environmental engineering.
The seminar served not only as a platform for knowledge sharing but also as an opportunity to strengthen connections within the environmental and municipal professional community.
🎉 Closing Remarks
Thanks to the contributions of our speakers and the enthusiastic participation of attendees, the seminar was a great success. The event highlighted the importance of integrating engineering innovation, business strategy, and digital tools to address today’s complex environmental challenges.
📅 Stay tuned for upcoming CCEMP events as we continue to foster a platform for learning, collaboration, and professional growth in Canada’s environmental and municipal sectors.