Part three – Risk management

Overview

Exposure control can involve removing or mitigating an exposure pathway or receptor. It can also involve controlling a contaminant source rather than remediating it.

Exposure control differs from remediation, which follows the Soil and Groundwater Remediation Guidelines.

Risk management plans

A formal risk management plan (RMP) is needed when remediation cannot (or will not) be completed.

This could be due to:

• adjustments to site-specific parameters or exposure pathways/receptors that require management or control measures
• adjustments to site-specific parameters or exclusion of pathways that result in conditions or restrictions on land and/or water use
• decisions to implement risk management in association with remediation, or management of contamination at an operating facility

Making a plan

A formal RMP outlines exposure-control methods. This plan is to be submitted to the Alberta government and the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) for review.

The Alberta government and the AER can accept exposure control as an option if:

• the proponent is willing and able to successfully implement and follow through with the plan as long as necessary
• the plan meets the Alberta government’s regulatory and technical requirements as outlined in regulatory and technical guidance
• the plan does not conflict with Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act regulations

Learn more

Find out more about when risk management is appropriate and the requirements for implementing a plan:

• Alberta Exposure Control Guide
• Alberta Risk Management Plan Guide
• Alberta Risk Management Plan Guide Checklist (PDF, 327 KB)
  • This checklist was designed to be used in conjunction with guidance provided in the Risk Management Plan Guide.
  • The RMP Checklist is intended as a companion document to the Guide and must not be used as a substitute or on its own.
  • The review checklist must be reviewed, completed and submitted by the environmental professional as an Appendix to the RMP.