ENTECH's Experience: ENTECH has successfully completed projects in a very broad range of categories, as shown in the list below. Each category is expanded upon following this list, citing examples of ENTECH 's past experience as a basis for further discussions with potential clients. ENTECH would be pleased to provide further details of the firm's experience in specific areas upon request. SOIL AND WASTE INVESTIGATIONS Downtown Residential Tower Development Working under tight time frame dictated by financial concerns, ENTECH used existing geotechnical reports to prepare a comprehensive sampling and analysis program to assess potential contamination on the site in least time possible. Soil and ground water analyses indicated the presence of imported fill contaminated with metals and polynucleated aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Initial results were passed on to the client in less than two weeks, and the final report with recommendations for remediation was delivered in less than three weeks from the date ENTECH was hired.back to table Urban Waste Recycling and Contaminants Remediation ENTECH is providing consulting services to a Canadian firm importing German technology aimed at urban waste recycling (80% recovery) and the remediation of soils and aquifers which have been contaminated with oils, heavy metals and other toxic materials. ENTECH's services to this firm included the evaluation of candidate technologies and investments, including risk and environmental consequences and implications; the evaluation of regulatory agency and government requirements to ensure consistency; participation in the designing of a demonstration project; site location studies; and market studies for the technology and for recycled products.back to table ENTECH has conducted Stage 1 and 2 Environmental Site Assessments at a number of sites in British Columbia. The work, carried out to CMHC standards, typically involved historical use investigations, research of various agency data bases, geotechnical surveys, drilling, and soil and ground water sampling to determine if any contamination existed on the sites. The work always culminated in the preparation of reports of the findings, including recommendations for further action. ENTECH's services to the client have included negotiations with former owners for cost recovery.back to table ENTECH provided consulting services to a corporation specializing in hazardous waste management. The work involved the evaluation of possible processes and technologies to be used in the remediation and recycling of specific hazardous wastes.back to table DEVELOPMENT IMPACT STUDIES ENTECH has carried out environmental impact assessments at a number of gas transmission pipeline projects. These have included the Harmac and Crofton laterals for the Vancouver Island Natural Gas pipeline project, and two alternate routes for a 30" gas transmission pipeline from Roebuck (Surrey) to Tilbury (Delta), BC. Topics of investigation included geology, hydrology, agriculture, vegetation, fisheries, wildlife and archaeology. The latter project was monitored during the construction phase to ensure that environmental impacts were minimized.back to table Environmental Impact of Marina Development ENTECH conducted full environmental impact assessment studies for a marina development on British Columbia's Sunshine Coast. The development proposal included an extensive residential complex requiring secondary treatment and ocean disposal of domestic sewage, as well as situation of the marina in a biologically productive estuary. The work included mathematical modelling to predict future water quality, habitat mapping, preparation of recommendations for impact mitigation and habitat compensation, and intercession with government agencies and the public. Studies were conducted in compliance with "No Net Loss" guidelines.back to table Environmental Impact of Base Metal Mines Environmental impact assessments were performed at a number of base metal mines in British Columbia. These studies typically included fish and wildlife population and habitat assessments as well as surface and groundwater quality and hydrometry studies. The objective of these was to minimize environmental impacts resulting from the siting and operation of surface and underground works, waste dumps, tailings ponds, and roads. ENTECH had input into development and impact mitigation planning and the application of regulations and permitting requirements.back to table Environmental Impact of Sand Borrow Pit The environmental impact of a proposed sand borrow pit located in Surrey, BC, was assessed. The deposit was studied to identify perched water tables, and clay/silt deposits that could create siltation problems in an adjacent salmon stream. Water quality, land use, land status, access roads and bridge structures were also studied, and development and operational plans were presented.back to table ENTECH has assisted with environmental impact assessment and mitigation planning for a number of airport siting and expansion studies in British Columbia. Work included studies of fisheries and wildlife habitat alienation through runway, road and facilities construction, and the siting of approach corridors, as well as socio-economic impact analysis.back to table In a preliminary environmental assessment of a proposed industrial park south of Tilbury Island, BC, ENTECH reviewed the impact of development in the Fraser Delta. Environmental indices were monitored during the winter to enable the client to take steps to lessen any adverse affects that would arise from developing an industrial park in this estuary, which contains critical fisheries and wildlife habitat.back to table A study dealing with the initial environmental evaluation of the Kootenay River diversion was initiated in 1975. The study, consigned to ENTECH (Project management) in cooperation with Peter McLoughlin Associates Ltd. and Canadian Bio Resources Consultants Ltd., was divided into the following areas: Agriculture and Rural People; Recreation/Tourism; Transportation; River Regime and Morphology; Geology, Land and Water Use Elements; Climate; Water Quality; Fisheries; Wildlife, Social and Economics. A four volume report was completed in 1978.back to table BIOLOGICAL STUDIES Bird survey work has included tallies of waterfowl, shorebirds and raptors around the Fraser River estuary and Columbia River system. Work has included enumeration of nests, broods and migratory population by season. Habitat was classified in terms of its capacity to support bird populations.back to table ENTECH scientists have carried out taxonomic surveys in the Fraser River and Squamish River estuaries (among others), as part of productivity studies of these estuaries. Identifications were carried out to the species level for many organisms, and the relative abundance and biomass for each group of organisms was determined.back to table There have been reports of fishing nets sinking in Portland Inlet as a result of jellyfish clogging and silt buildup. These prompted a prospective local salmon farming concern to commission ENTECH to carry out a study of the problem. The work included a literature search, an industry survey and field investigations to determine the potential for interference of the farming operations by jellyfish. Recommendations for mitigation were included with the final report.back to table Faced with charges under the Fisheries Act, a company responsible for a spill of toxic caustic material into a salmonid bearing Lower Mainland stream engaged ENTECH to assess the impact of the spill. ENTECH conducted a quantitative survey of the stream, including counts and identification of all fish and invertebrate biota, which helped define the impact of the spill.back to table ENTECH has conducted stream inventory studies for fish and invertebrate organisms, and vegetation and stream bed material. Fisheries habitat has been classified according to standard procedures. Recommendations were made for minimizing impacts of developments including remedial measures, and advising clients were, when and how logging or various types of industrial development should proceed.back to table ENTECH has carried out wildlife population surveys of deer, moose, bear and other fur bearing animals. Migratory patterns and the seasonal use of specific land areas by wildlife were identified. This helped to identify and classify the importance to wildlife of the various land areas under investigation. Recommendations were made to minimize the impact of industrial activities upon the various wildlife types. Rodent population surveys were conducted in the Lower Fraser Delta and the Columbia River valley. This study identified the level of importance of specific habitats as feeding areas for raptorial birds.back to table Native Salmonid Enhancement Projects Technical advisors were provided to train native people to actively participate in the Salmonid Enhancement Program's Economic Development Program. Native people were given management and technical training, at their reserves and elsewhere, in the fertilization and incubation of salmon eggs, rearing of salmon, enumeration, stream improvement, etc.back to table ENTECH conducts annual surveys of heritage buildings and other important wooden structures, as a protective measure against wood boring insects and associated decay.back to table ENTECH has surveyed and classified vegetation in all types of coastal and interior biogeoclimatic zones, both in terms of present vegetation coverage and land capability, including agriculture. Ecological classification units identified and mapped from aerial photographs were ground truthed and often quantitatively surveyed. Vegetation survey transects were run at times most appropriate for each habitat type.back to table Waterbird Deterrent and Dispersal Systems A program of testing waterbird deterrent and dispersal systems to be used in the event of an oil spill to reduce losses of birds was conducted in the Boundary Bay area of British Columbia.back to table An intertidal study involved sampling, sorting and identifying benthic animals, many to species level, from the Fraser Delta was conducted to enable scientists to calculate the short term environmental effect of an electrical cable crossing to Vancouver Island.back to table ENTECH consultants conducted an inventory of terrestrial plants, animals, old trees and special features such as rock formations, old trees, rare trees and plants. The information was collected following the BC Forest Service guides. The information was recorded by GPS survey instruments and mapped using GIS coordinates. Seven map layers were prepared delineating land status; accurate location of trails; special features such as rock outcrops, old trees or rare trees, and interesting user information, etc.; biogeoclimatic and geological features; wildlife survey information; park facilities and infrastructure; and finally the park impacts and disturbances map.back to table FORESTRY Work included design of research projects dealing with water quality and sedimentation problems in logged over watersheds in the Queen Charlotte Islands. Forest inventory surveys were conducted to assist clients with the multi-use management of their land and to minimize conflict with other resource users.back to table Value Added Development Projects Projects conducted to date include adding value for the manufacturing and marketing of various products from roof shingles to cabinet manufacturing, and the waste stream from sawmills.back to table Forest resource surveys of damage caused by floods or severe wind storms were done to allow a client to change logging plans to harvest the most affected forest land.back to table Resource Inventory (Multi-use Management) ENTECH outlined the inventory requirements for multi-use resource management of a 6,000 square mile area of forest land in northwestern British Columbia, with particular reference to the BC Government forest folio system.back to table ENTECH advised forest companies in planning their harvesting operations in order to minimize long term environmental impacts, with emphasis on soil conservation, water quality, and fisheries and wildlife concerns.back to table ENTECH provides wood protection surveys to determine the structural damage caused by mould and wood boring pests. The extent of decay and damage to older buildings, marine pilings, and artifacts can be severe, requiring immediate protective measures. Recommendations are provided on how to rectify the problem and protect the structures against further damage. (Click here to see pictures of a project)back to table ENTECH's experts are trained in assessing Dangerous and Wildlife Trees. Assessments are required by the Workers Compensation Board of British Columbia for Forestry and Parks workers. Danger trees represent a liability to cities and companies and it is critical that Danger Tree Assessments be carried out by a certified inspector.back to table ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY STUDIES Sustainable Resource Development On behalf of the Clayoquot Sound Sustainable Development strategy, ENTECH examined and quantified the benefits of the aquaculture and fisheries economics sectors which accrue to the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District, and assessed their sustainability. The work involved the identification of all of the factors (environmental as well as socio-economic) affecting the sustainability of those sectors and the quantification of their impacts.back to table Data Inventory and Evaluation (QA/QC) ENTECH conducted a survey of all government, corporate and academic agencies likely to have carried out any environmental monitoring in Burrard Inlet, BC, over a 7 year period. The intent of the survey was to create a database of existing monitoring programs for the implementation of future coordinated inter-agency monitoring programs. As such, an important part of the work was an evaluation of the Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) measures employed by each of the identified programs to allow a determination of the acceptability of the data.back to table Market Response (Environmental Concerns) ENTECH personnel were contracted to identify and evaluate the real, perceived and potential environmental concerns associated with the marketing and consumption of BC seafood. The study identified possible environmental problems within the seafood industry and recommended ways in which the industry might safeguard itself against environment-related backlashes in the market place.back to table ENTECH consultants conducted forest road surveys to determine the sections of unstable cut-slopes, missing - wrongly placed - inadequate culverts, eroding ditches and road embankment erosion into creeks in the BC interior. Estimates were provided of the number of man-days needed to stabilize the erosion. Information was presented in table format and with roads and trails mapped at a scale of 1:20,000.back to table The Fraser River was monitored on a number of occasions over a two year span to identify the biological oxygen demand of the effluent from the Annacis Island sewage treatment plant.back to table ENTECH professionals have carried out audit monitoring and baseline data gathering water surveys. Baseline data gathered through water sampling programs have been used in process design planning to minimize the environmental effects of new industry effluents in receiving waters. Audit monitoring sampling programs of existing industries were designed to monitor discharge compliance with permits and guidelines.back to table Work has included the surficial geological assessment of aquifers to ensure the availability of necessary groundwater, as well as testing and proving the quantity and quality of groundwater flow characteristics.back to table Saltwater Wells for Land Based Farms ENTECH has carried out extensive surveys in British Columbia and Washington and Oregon states to locate potential salt water well sites for a land based salmon farming operation. Selection parameters included sustainable water delivery volume and quality, as well as local regulatory and economic environments. A report was prepared which reviewed all technical, economic and demographic matters pertinent to siting, constructing, and operating a farm supplied with ground water.back to table BUSINESS ANALYSIS AND DEVELOPMENT ENTECH has developed a comprehensive computer program that utilizes pertinent data and produces on a monthly basis for a five year period, all the financial budgets needed to evaluate the viability of a proposed aquaculture operation. This program is unique in the industry with respect to its capacity to deal with all pertinent variables and to produce all the financial budgets required. Variations of any proposed plan can be quickly compared, making strategic decisions easier to achieve with confidence. Computer print-out data is summarized in a rational order to provide the form of schedules needed for management decisions and financing. Consequently, this program can also be used to monitor performance.back to table ENTECH provided a 15 year economic forecast regarding the mariculture prospects for BC Salmon to the Sunshine Coast Economic Development Commission. This forecast was in support of their presentation to the BC Government to gain support for the development of a new salmon farming industry in BC.back to table ENTECH consultants provides analytical evaluation of technological advances, benefits, competitive factors and conducts market evaluation to assess the opportunities for developing a successful business. Cost of supplies, availability of trained labour and available infrastructure are all important assessment factors. Studies have been conducted for forestry products, agriculture, and aquaculture, fish processors and equipment manufacturing companies.back to table ENTECH has provided detailed business plans to meet financial and regulatory requirements of the fish farming industry. In general, business plans have included descriptions of farm sites (including the land status of properties), the biophysical environment and the infrastructure available to a site. Also included are reviews of the corporate entity and the management capabilities of the proponents; a market evaluation of finished products, as well as detailed analysis of the finances of the company. The complete inventory of the fish is handled in detail using feed, growth, attrition and sales variables. The various detailed budgeting schedules provided the analysis for a comprehensive business plan.back to table Market evaluation studies for aquaculture products firms, forest products firms and others provided a general overview of specific product utilization and government regulations and standards, trade association considerations and industry problems. Specific market overview details included market potential and industry growth projections. Market competition and taxes and duties were also highlighted. ENTECH 's recommendations included suggested corporate action on how to obtain a greater market share.back to table ENTECH prepared an aquaculture modelling and business plan program. This sophisticated computer program for detailed monthly budget projections was designed to handle all variable factors and produce cash flow, profit and loss projections in detail and in summary. This program allows management to make sound decisions based on farm specific data to ensure economic viability.back to table AQUACULTURE ENTECH surveyed and evaluated occupational safety conditions in British Columbia's aquaculture (finfish and shellfish) industry. As it was carried out with the intent to promote circumstances which would allow the industry to remain self-regulating with respect to occupational safety, a significant aspect of the work was the preparation of an extensive list of recommendations addressing identified shortcomings.back to table A biophysical survey of potential fish farm grow out sites was conducted along the BC coast. This study included the many water quality variables such as oxygen, salinity and temperature stratification, biological organisms present, ocean currents, etc. and ground and surface water availability and quality, including mineral content, hardness, pH, etc. Site specific diving surveys were conducted in accordance with regulatory requirements.back to table ENTECH has carried out inventory enumerations for salmon farms. Inventory certification includes stock counts and biomass determinations accurate to within 2%, as well as an assessment of the health and physical condition of the fish.back to table ENTECH prepared a feasibility study on behalf of a commercial halibut fisherman to pond his catch. Further work involved the implementation of the first halibut 'feed-lot' project in BC. Our consultants provided guidance and supervision of the collection of scientific data to enhance future farm operations.back to table AGRICULTURE DEVELOPMENT ENTECH conceptualized the idea of ginseng farming in BC, prepared the feasibility study / business plan and selected a growing site in the Fraser Valley near Lillooet as the first farm site. This developed into a major agricultural industry for the Province.back to table ENTECH prepared the feasibility study and business plan for the first compressed feed block manufacturing plant in BC. The plant is situated in Armstrong, however, there is a need to develop a more efficient processing line. Test marketing from the early production runs confirmed strong market acceptance in Asia, the Middle East and Europe.back to table TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT ENTECH scientists have developed a point-of-use water filtration system that was rated as the best in comparison tests which included many other systems from around the world. Also, ozonation technology for water sterilization was simplified and improved for a client's commercial system. The result was a reduction in the manufacturing cost of the product by some 90%.back to table ENTECH has consulted on process controls for both the pulp and paper industry and the petroleum industry. Specific projects dealt with the formation prevention and removal of calcium carbonate deposits in boilers and piping systems. Treatment equipment was developed, tested and patented.back to table COMMUNICATIONS ENTECH has carried out a number of projects in the field of information communication. These have included salmon farming seminars, seminars for the Economic Development Commission of the Sunshine Coast Regional District, and a widely distributed brochure entitled "Aquaculture in British Columbia" (in cooperation with Price Waterhouse), among others.back to table ENTECH has conducted several training courses for members of the aquaculture community. Ranging from one day seminars up to multi-month programs, courses have assisted aquaculture professionals in learning sucessful farm management techniques, in addition to the latest information available. Instructors are drawn from our list of associate professionals, as well as independent instructors from industry, university and government sources. Classes can be arranged to satisfy the requirements of clients from our listing of professionals. Please contact us directly to specify the requirements of your company.back to table ENTECH personnel have acted as agents and negotiators for foreign firms who have sought to establish viable business ventures in British Columbia or Washington state. The work has involved preparing detailed and informative technical, economical and demographic reports for the clients and acting on their behalf in direct negotiations with government officials, suppliers, buyers and potential joint venture partners.back to table ENTECH undertook a study of the causes of mortality in a trout hatchery operation in Mission, BC. Expert witnesses were provided for the Supreme Court trial when an action was brought by the owner of the hatchery against the proprietor of a neighbouring gravel pit.back to table ENTECH provided technical advice and script writing assistance to a consultant charged with the production of a video promoting an innovative aquaculture technology and turnkey salmon farming system initially developed in Norway.back to table |
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