Mark Kavanagh has over 30 years of experience in environmental consulting and regulatory work. He has held senior positions with the Alberta Utilities Commission, Energy Resources Conservation Board, and several environmental consulting firms. He has extensive experience conducting environmental assessments, developing environmental management systems, and advising on regulatory compliance issues in Canada, the United States, India, China, Kazakhstan, and Mongolia. Kavanagh also has experience instructing university courses and conducting training programs internationally.
More than 25 years of proven environmental consulting leadership through key roles with prominent global EPC companies and through long-term business ownership and operation. Demonstrated versatility leading professional teams on critical and highly visible projects for government agencies (e.g., DOD, EPA, various municipalities) and private sector clients (LADWP, Nextera, Solar Reserve, Aerojet General, Waste Management) – from concept to completion. Diverse background as a hydrogeologist, water resource scientist, solid waste/landfill specialist, and permitting and compliance specialist.
BlueScape 2022 Update: CEQA Air Quality & Greenhouse Gas Impact Studies Webin...BlueScape
In 2022, developers completing an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) must complete Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) impact technical studies to address the potential for significant environment impacts. In this webinar, you will learn about:
• Status in 2022 of the CEQA Guidelines, and local lead agency air quality and GHG analysis guidelines;
• When Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas technical studies must be completed under CEQA, or as otherwise required by reviewing agencies;
• Project strategies; working with agencies and the public through the process;
• Types of projects and air emission sources, the construction and operation phases, analysis types, and information needs;
• Pollutant types and typical CEQA air quality and GHG analysis significance thresholds;
• Difference between Project Design Elements and Mitigation;
• Typical air quality and GHG mitigation requirements: How to address mitigation and monitoring;
• How to review project alternatives and cumulative impacts with other projects;
• The role of California air districts in CEQA review and relationship to other actions such as air permitting;
• Special non-CEQA analysis cases, such as projects near schools and freeways;
• 2022 update on software tools and guidance documents, including CalEEMod, EMFAC, AERMOD, and HARP2;
• Elements of CEQA Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas technical study reports;
• An example Case Study.
About the instructor:
James A. Westbrook is the President of BlueScape Environmental, with over 30 years of experience completing CEQA Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas technical studies. He has led this type of work for the development of transmission lines, renewable energy farms, petroleum refinery expansion, power plants, manufacturing, landfills, rail expansion, airports, highways, seaports, retail centers, schools, and multifamily housing.
BlueScape AB 617 Update, The Community Air Protection Program Draft Blueprint...BlueScape
This webinar is an update to BlueScape’s presentation on March 22, 2018. On June 7, 2018, the Air Resources Board (ARB), released the Draft Community Air Protection Program Blueprint. ARB requests that comments on the Blueprint be submitted by July 23rd, 2018. The Blueprint builds on ARB’s previous Concept Paper, containing detailed information on identification and selection of Communities; criteria for emission reduction programs; statewide rulemaking actions, tools and resources; and, Air Monitoring Plan requirements.
Communities have been self-recommending to the Air Districts. The Community Identification process closes by June 29, 2018. One of the main concerns of industry is likely to be how effectively these Communities will collect monitoring data, visualize and analyze potential impacts, and work with the regulatory agencies to make and implement appropriate emission reduction decisions.
AB 617 is a fast-developing program with potentially far-reaching consequences in California. The program is expected to be approved by the ARB Board by fall 2018 and launched by year-end. This webinar will update you on current AB 617 Program developments:
- Summary of important elements in ARB’s Draft Blueprint document;
- Expected Year 1 target Communities List in three major Air Districts;
- AB 617 activities & schedule update, at the State and Air District levels;
- Community governance, and the role of agencies and industries;
- Description of Air Monitoring Plan requirements and expected technical developments;
- Update on Community Funding Grants and other funding resources; and
- Data analysis and visualization; a demonstration on how communities could use monitoring and emissions data to assess emission reductions.
James Westbrook can be reached at jwestbrook@bluescapeinc.com or 877-486-9257. Please contact us for any questions or support you need to work with the air agencies and communities to respond to the developing regulations and requirements under AB 617, and if you have an air quality impact analysis needs.
More than 25 years of proven environmental consulting leadership through key roles with prominent global EPC companies and through long-term business ownership and operation. Demonstrated versatility leading professional teams on critical and highly visible projects for government agencies (e.g., DOD, EPA, various municipalities) and private sector clients (LADWP, Nextera, Solar Reserve, Aerojet General, Waste Management) – from concept to completion. Diverse background as a hydrogeologist, water resource scientist, solid waste/landfill specialist, and permitting and compliance specialist.
BlueScape 2022 Update: CEQA Air Quality & Greenhouse Gas Impact Studies Webin...BlueScape
In 2022, developers completing an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) must complete Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) impact technical studies to address the potential for significant environment impacts. In this webinar, you will learn about:
• Status in 2022 of the CEQA Guidelines, and local lead agency air quality and GHG analysis guidelines;
• When Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas technical studies must be completed under CEQA, or as otherwise required by reviewing agencies;
• Project strategies; working with agencies and the public through the process;
• Types of projects and air emission sources, the construction and operation phases, analysis types, and information needs;
• Pollutant types and typical CEQA air quality and GHG analysis significance thresholds;
• Difference between Project Design Elements and Mitigation;
• Typical air quality and GHG mitigation requirements: How to address mitigation and monitoring;
• How to review project alternatives and cumulative impacts with other projects;
• The role of California air districts in CEQA review and relationship to other actions such as air permitting;
• Special non-CEQA analysis cases, such as projects near schools and freeways;
• 2022 update on software tools and guidance documents, including CalEEMod, EMFAC, AERMOD, and HARP2;
• Elements of CEQA Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas technical study reports;
• An example Case Study.
About the instructor:
James A. Westbrook is the President of BlueScape Environmental, with over 30 years of experience completing CEQA Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas technical studies. He has led this type of work for the development of transmission lines, renewable energy farms, petroleum refinery expansion, power plants, manufacturing, landfills, rail expansion, airports, highways, seaports, retail centers, schools, and multifamily housing.
BlueScape AB 617 Update, The Community Air Protection Program Draft Blueprint...BlueScape
This webinar is an update to BlueScape’s presentation on March 22, 2018. On June 7, 2018, the Air Resources Board (ARB), released the Draft Community Air Protection Program Blueprint. ARB requests that comments on the Blueprint be submitted by July 23rd, 2018. The Blueprint builds on ARB’s previous Concept Paper, containing detailed information on identification and selection of Communities; criteria for emission reduction programs; statewide rulemaking actions, tools and resources; and, Air Monitoring Plan requirements.
Communities have been self-recommending to the Air Districts. The Community Identification process closes by June 29, 2018. One of the main concerns of industry is likely to be how effectively these Communities will collect monitoring data, visualize and analyze potential impacts, and work with the regulatory agencies to make and implement appropriate emission reduction decisions.
AB 617 is a fast-developing program with potentially far-reaching consequences in California. The program is expected to be approved by the ARB Board by fall 2018 and launched by year-end. This webinar will update you on current AB 617 Program developments:
- Summary of important elements in ARB’s Draft Blueprint document;
- Expected Year 1 target Communities List in three major Air Districts;
- AB 617 activities & schedule update, at the State and Air District levels;
- Community governance, and the role of agencies and industries;
- Description of Air Monitoring Plan requirements and expected technical developments;
- Update on Community Funding Grants and other funding resources; and
- Data analysis and visualization; a demonstration on how communities could use monitoring and emissions data to assess emission reductions.
James Westbrook can be reached at jwestbrook@bluescapeinc.com or 877-486-9257. Please contact us for any questions or support you need to work with the air agencies and communities to respond to the developing regulations and requirements under AB 617, and if you have an air quality impact analysis needs.
BlueScape How to Create a CEQA Air Quality Analysis for Development Projects ...BlueScape
This webinar by James Westbrook, President of BlueScape Environmental, provides an overview of how to create a CEQA Air Quality Analysis. The first section of the webinar discusses when an Air Quality Analysis must be completed under CEQA; project types including construction and operation phases; air pollutant emission sources and applicable CEQA significance thresholds; how to construct a conservative analysis while filling in assumption “holes;” review of project alternatives and mitigation requirements; the role of air agencies in CEQA review and relationship to other actions such as air permitting; special analysis cases; and strategies to work with agencies and the public throughout the air quality impact review process. The webinar is presented from the standpoint of CEQA air quality guidelines provided by the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD).
The second part of the webinar presents a technical discussion on methods and tools used to complete air quality studies, including CalEEMod emission modeling software, CARB EMFAC and OFFROAD databases, and AERMOD and HARP2 impact modeling software. A case example for completing an air quality study for a commercial development using CalEEMod is presented.
James Westbrook can be reached at training@bluescapeinc.com or 877-486-9257. Please contact us for questions and support for how to create a CEQA Air Quality Analysis.
My expanded resume / CV. Looking for leads, advice, networking opportunities, and to start a discussion about the geoscience industry and career options in this current economy.
BlueScape How to Create a CEQA Air Quality Analysis for Development Projects ...BlueScape
This webinar by James Westbrook, President of BlueScape Environmental, provides an overview of how to create a CEQA Air Quality Analysis. The first section of the webinar discusses when an Air Quality Analysis must be completed under CEQA; project types including construction and operation phases; air pollutant emission sources and applicable CEQA significance thresholds; how to construct a conservative analysis while filling in assumption “holes;” review of project alternatives and mitigation requirements; the role of air agencies in CEQA review and relationship to other actions such as air permitting; special analysis cases; and strategies to work with agencies and the public throughout the air quality impact review process. The webinar is presented from the standpoint of CEQA air quality guidelines provided by the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD).
The second part of the webinar presents a technical discussion on methods and tools used to complete air quality studies, including CalEEMod emission modeling software, CARB EMFAC and OFFROAD databases, and AERMOD and HARP2 impact modeling software. A case example for completing an air quality study for a commercial development using CalEEMod is presented.
James Westbrook can be reached at training@bluescapeinc.com or 877-486-9257. Please contact us for questions and support for how to create a CEQA Air Quality Analysis.
My expanded resume / CV. Looking for leads, advice, networking opportunities, and to start a discussion about the geoscience industry and career options in this current economy.
Oil and gas are essential parts of a sustainable future. Though these are finite energy resources and sources of greenhouse gas emissions, the world continues to require their production. For this reason, it is imperative that we consider improved industry practices.
To begin, the audience will be presented with the most basic principles of sustainability pertaining to oil and gas operations, including SPE’s position on this matter. When oil is discovered at a location, decisions and guarantees cannot be made without considering the project’s life cycle. Our commitments must be demonstrated consistently along each stage of a project in direct consideration of a sustainable future.
Next, several case studies relating to sustainability, integrating the realities of the social license to operate and operations will be presented to the audience, detailing the required steps for the successful execution of any project facing challenging conditions.
The presentation will conclude by underlining that the inclusion of internal and external stakeholders will only enrich the project and, therefore, pave the road to success. It is our responsibility to create a culture of operational professionalism and reliability through active participation. In order to counterbalance the world’s energy demand, we must produce oil and gas while considering that the more efficiently the energy is produced, the more affordable the energy will be. The oil industry is not only committed to its own sustainability but also to the sustainability of our planet.
1. Mark Kavanagh – Curriculum Vitae
4431 21 Ave. NW. Calgary, Alberta, T3B 0W1 | (403) 826 - 8073| mark.alex.kavanagh@gmail.com
EXPERIENCE:
Senior Environmental Scientist, Alberta Utilities Commission
Served as environmental expert for the Commission in regard to electrical and natural gas
utility facility applications. He served on staff panels for public hearings, wrote information
requests and oral hearing questions and contributed to the writing of decision reports and
approvals. Mr. Kavanagh contributed to the revision of AUC rules and participated in
numerous cross-ministry government initiatives including the Environmental Assessment
Review Committee and the development of Alberta’s Land-Use Framework.
Liability Management Staff Advisor, Energy Utilities Board/Energy Resources
Conservation Board
Responsible for managing emerging liability issues in all sectors regulated by the ERCB
(now called Alberta Energy Regulator). Helped design all of the AER’s Liability
Management Programs. Estimated the liability risk to the Crown from de-regulation of the
electrical sector and identified governance issues of income and royalty trusts. Wrote
amendments to the Oil and Gas Conservation Act and Regulation, the Pipeline Regulation
and contributing author to several AER Directives.
Instructor, Faculty of Continuing Education. University of Calgary
Instructor, Water Quality, Sampling and Analysis, part of the U of C’s Environmental
Management Certificate Program. Lectures include environmental law, watershed
management, contaminant remediation, municipal water supply, wastewater treatment and
ecological studies. Also instructed at Mount Royal Collage for 5 years.
Manager, Environmental Group, Komex International Limited
Founding member of an internationally-renowned environmental consulting firm with over
350 staff in five offices around the world. Managed a multi-disciplinary group of
professionals who provided a wide range of services throughout Canada and abroad.
Responsible for all aspects of group operations; recruited and supervised staff, implemented
new fields of professional service, ensured group profitability and maintained quality control.
Director and Environmental Manager, Nalcan Oilfield Waste Disposal
Seconded to implement a corporate environmental, health and safety program. Also wrote
operating procedures for a commercial land farm, and developed procedures for on-site
chemical identification of incoming waste.
Instructor, Waste Treatment and Disposal, Mount Royal College
Director and Committee Chairman, Alberta Society of Professional Biologists
Environmental Scientist, Hardy BBT Limited.
Soil scientist assessing soil quality at numerous industrial and oil and gas sites
Air Quality Technician, Monitrex Engineering Ltd.
2. Mark Kavanagh – Curriculum Vitae
Corporate Manual Coordinator, TransAlta Utilities Ltd.
3. Mark Kavanagh – Curriculum Vitae
EDUCATION:
University of Calgary 1978 - 1986
• M.Sc., Biology (Aquatic Ecology), Thesis: Stable Carbon Isotope Analysis to Investigate
Carbon Assimilation. Summer employment-Research Associate in Ecology for Drrs. J. Culp &
F. Wrona.
• B.Sc., Physical Geography; Hydrology, sedimentology and soil science. Summer
employment as a Field Assistant for a Fluvial Sedimentologist, Dr. D. Smith.
PROFESSIONAL TRAINING:
Alternative Dispute Resolution (Advanced Level), Alberta Energy Utilities Board.
• Advanced training in Alternative Dispute Resolution.
Field Training School, Alberta Energy Utilities Board.
• Ten -day field training program for ERCB Field Inspectors.
Certification as a Registered Environmental Manager - National Registry of Environmental
Professionals, Los Angeles.
ISO 14000 Environmental Management System Auditor - Quality Systems Development.
Numerous conferences and workshops related to environment and regulatory development.
SELECTED LIST OF PUBLICATIONS / PRESENTATIONS:
*0 Minimizing Surface Disturbance of Alberta’s Native Prairie. Background to Development of
Guidelines for the Wind Energy Industry. December 2010. Contributor to background paper
prepared by Prairie Conservation Forum and Foothills Restoration Forum.
*1 Key Policies and Expectations of the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board for the
Redevelopment of Oil and Gas Sites, Author of paper prepared for Mr. Neil McCrank ,
Chairman ERCB, Keynote speaker Contaminated Sites & Brownfield Development
Conference, Law Seminars International.
• Primary author: ERCB Directive 001: Requirements for Site-Specific Liability Assessments in
Support of the EUB’s Liability Management Programs. Contributing author: Directive 006:
The Licensee Liability Rating, Directive 011 LLR Liability Costs…, Directive 024 The Large
Facility Liability Management program, and Directive 075 Oilfield Waste Liability Program.
*2 Assessment of Liability Risk in the Electrical Sector. Quantification and assessment of liability
risk to the Crown resulting from the de-regulation of the electrical sector. August 2005.
*3 Bill 13 and Changes to the ERCB’s Liability Management Programs. Canadian Bar
Association Environmental Subcommittee.
*4 The Use of Environmental Audits to Minimize Operating Costs at Oil and Gas Facilities. 2nd
Operating Cost Symposium. Society of Petroleum Engineers.
*5 The Hazardous Waste Audit as Strategic Management Tool. Conference on the Legal,
Management and Operation Considerations of Hazardous Waste, the Canadian Institute.
4. Mark Kavanagh – Curriculum Vitae
Partial List of Environmental Consulting Projects
Career Synopsis
As Manager of Komex’s Environmental Group, Mr. Kavanagh supervised and personally
conducted an extremely broad range of assignments, often in foreign and difficult conditions.
Mr. Kavanagh helped Komex become an industry leader conducting due diligence liability
assessments for oil and gas acquisitions worth in excess of $5 Billion. His subsequent focus,
implementing Environmental Management and Regulatory Compliance Systems, drew upon
that broad base of experience.
The following is a partial list of projects that best demonstrate his skills and experience. A
complete list of projects is available upon request.
Regulatory Affairs
Confidential Client for MacLeod Dixon - Expert Witness in Arbitration
• Expert witness regarding Canadian environmental requirements for oil facility abandonment
and reclamation. Conducted research on historical reclamation practices, provided advice on
regulatory requirements and defended testimony under cross-examination.
Luscar Coal Ltd. - Expert Witness for Public Hearings into Proposed Mine Development
• Expert witness for the joint Federal/Provincial Hearings for the proposed development of the
Cheviot Coal Mine. Provided a written submission, gave oral evidence and defended testimony
under cross-examination over a five day period.
Environmental Liability Assessments
Imperial Oil, Environmental Liability Assessment of the Judy Creek Field
• Project Manager for Phase I of a multidisciplinary environmental liability assessment of a
complete oilfield, four major gas plants, satellites, oil batteries and over 800 wells.
Pembina Consortium – Environmental Liability Assessment of the Pembina Oilfield
• Conducted an environmental liability assessment of all the assets of five major oil and gas
firms proposing to form a “super unit” in the Pembina region. Developed a database with a
GIS link and a “liability engine” to estimate liability of contaminant remediation, reclamation
and abandonment.
Canadian Occidental Petroleum - Environmental Liability assessment in Kazakhstan
• Conducted an environmental liability assessment for acquisition of the Kumkol Oilfield in
Central Kazakhstan. Documented operating practices, site conditions, and regulatory
compliance of producing and ancillary facilities. Estimated liability and identified outstanding
regulatory penalties.
5. Mark Kavanagh – Curriculum Vitae
Environmental Management Systems
Fletcher Challenge Petroleum Inc. – Developed Environmental Management System
• Conducted comprehensive environmental audits and assessed liability of the entire company
with over 600 wells and four natural gas processing facilities. Developed the Environmental
Policy and Procedures Manual and implemented the Environmental Management System
Canadian Fracmaster Ltd. - Implemented Environmental Management System
• Implemented an Environmental Management System including environmental policy and
procedures, administrative processes, training of management and employees, on-site
implementation audits, contaminant remediation and regulatory applications.
Mahratta Chamber of Commerce, Pune India – Instructor for ISO 14000 Environmental
Management Systems Course
• Delivered a five-day training course on ISO 14000 Environmental Management Systems for
industry, consultants and government regulators in Pune, India.
Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA)
Shell Canada - Muskeg River – Oil Sands Development
• Wrote the aquatic portion of an EIA for the Muskeg River Project. Evaluated impacts, and
recommended mitigation and monitoring.
Mobil Canada - Kearl Lake Oil Sands Development
• Conducted baseline aquatic assessment for risk evaluation of potential refinery sites.
The World Bank - Environmental Impact Assessment and Remediation Planning/Costing in
Mongolia
• Project Manager, Environmental Component of the Mongolian Petroleum Infrastructure
Development Project. Trained local consultants and conducted an EIA of a transshipment
facility on the Chinese-Mongolian border. Developed a remediation plan and estimated
liability of an oil refinery explosion and deserted oil field. Recommendations to Mongolian
Minister for Nature and Environment for environmental regulations for the oil industry.
Environmental Monitoring
Bovar Inc. - Swan Hills Hazardous Waste Treatment Facility
• Project manager for the aquatics monitoring program at Canada’s premier hazardous waste
treatment facility. Monitored surface water, sediment and fish quality using state-of-art PCB,
and dioxin and furan analysis. Improved program design, sampling techniques and
implemented rigorous quality control measures.
Shell Canada - Pine River Sulphur Storage Facility
• Project manager responsible for groundwater, surface water, soil and air quality monitoring at a
6. Mark Kavanagh – Curriculum Vitae
sulfur storage facility near Chetwynd B.C.
Sustainable Development
Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) - Tarim Basin Oil/Gas Production and
Environmental Protection Project, Peoples Republic of China`
• Environmental Specialist for the Project Definition Mission with in-country work in Xinjiang
Autonomous Region. Defined the scope, nature and technical specifications of a five-year,
multidisciplinary program to demonstrate environmentally sustainable oil and gas development
in the Tarim Basin. Developed the Environmental Management, Environmental Impact
Assessment and Waste Management components of the Work Breakdown Structure. .
Remediation and Reclamation
Imperial Oil Resources Limited - Chemical Move and Facility Decontamination
• Project manager for a large-scale mercury decontamination, asbestos abatement, hazardous
waste management, UST removal and equipment decontamination of an oilfield research
laboratory.
Amoco Canada Petroleum Company - Gas Plant Landfill Remediation
• On-site supervisor for the remediation of a gas plant landfill including excavation and land
farming of affected soil and the recovery and on-site identification of drums of gas processing
chemicals.
Fletcher Challenge Petroleum Inc. - Wellsite Reclamation
• Project manager for the reclamation of 30 well sites in east central Alberta. Develop an
assessment and site remediation program to address impacted soils, evaluated
disposal/remedial options, reviewed well site assessment data and edited the final applications
for reclamation certificates.
Environmental Site Assessments
Fracmaster (China) Limited - Pre-acquisition Environmental Audit, People’s Republic of
China
• Conducted a pre-acquisition environmental site assessment and liability assessment near Jinan,
Shandong Province. Clarified the environmental requirements, assessed regional waste
management capabilities and documented specific liability considerations associated with field
activities.
Petroleos Mexicanos (Pemex) - Environmental, Safety and Power Savings Audits(s) in
Mexico
• Project manager for comprehensive audits of fuel distribution facilities in Nogales and Juarez,
Mexico. Assessed air, surface water, groundwater, and soil quality, as well as waste
management practices, safety preparedness and emergency response to a disaster simulation
7. Mark Kavanagh – Curriculum Vitae
Waste Management
Nalcan Oilfield Disposal Ltd. – Director and Environmental Manager of an Oilfield Waste
Disposal Company
• Seconded as Director to develop environmental policies and procedures and give advice related
to corporate risk management. As Environmental Manager he trained staff, established an
employee health and safety program, improved waste segregation and treatment and managed a
commercial land farm.
Turbo Lube refinery, - Waste Management Planning and Implementation
• Developed a waste management plan for decommissioning a used oil re-refinery. Identified
and disposed of unlabeled laboratory wastes. Assessed sludge from 100 tanks and evaluated the
feasibility, costs and liability of several disposal options.
Writing Environmental Guidelines and Procedure Manuals
The Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) –
• Wrote waste management section of Environmental Guidelines for Oil and Gas Producers.
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (formerly DIAND)
• Wrote Environmental Guidelines for Development of Camps in Northern Canada.
Conducting Training Programs
Mahratta Chamber of Commerce & Industries, Pune India - EMS Auditor Course on ISO
14000 Environmental Management Systems
• Instructed a 5 day course in Pune India, on developing Environmental Management Systems
to ISO 14000 for industry, environmental consultants and government regulators.
Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) – Canada/China Oil and Gas
Technology Transfer
• Program Monitor, Environmental Specialist for a training program for instructors from
technical institutes of the Chinese National Petroleum Company (CNPC). Reviewed and
contributed to program curriculum and evaluated course content and instructor delivery.
Conducted in-country review of teaching and laboratory facilities in Beijing, Xian, Dun
Huang, and Yumen City.
The World Bank – Instructor for Russian Oil and Gas Producers
• Instructor for two components of the Environmental Management Training Programme for
Russian oil producers and regulators. Developed and delivered training programs on
environmental auditing and contaminant bioremediation specifically to further the skills of
experienced professionals.
A more complete list of projects is available upon request.