Feasibility evaluation of monitored natural attenuation of a contaminated site in Labrador

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Since 2013, the Restoration of Labrador Exploration Sites (ROLES) program was initiated and led by Altius Minerals Corporation (Altius) in collaboration with several partners to identify and clean abandoned mining exploration sites throughout Labrador. To date, ROLES has identified 134 potential sites requiring remediation in the region. Efficient and cost-effective site characterization and remediation methods are thus highly desired by Altius. Monitored natural attenuation (MNA) has been accepted as one of the most cost-effective and ecologically friendly techniques for conducting integrated site characterization and remediation. However, the monitoring of microbial activities during a MNA process relies heavily on the placement of the individual monitoring well, which is very time consuming and expensive. To help fill the knowledge and technical gaps, the proposed research project will investigate the feasibility of applying Monitored Natural Attenuation (MNA) to an oil-contaminated site 79a in Inuit area, Labrador. The project will (1) develop a promising Direct-Push microcosm bacterial trap (DP-BACTRAP) approach for evaluating the applicability of MNA without drilling monitoring wells in the context of Labrador; and (2) screen and isolate indigenous, cold-adaptable, oil degrading microorganism strains from site samples to facilitate future remediation actions. The project is expected to develop an advanced site characterization and remediation approach. Through transferring the anticipated IP to Altius, the research outputs can be directly applied to other contaminated sites within the scope of ROLES and beyond, greatly simplify the site characterization and help industrial partners including Altius to decrease site remediation cost. The project will also lead to an improved and healthier working and living environment for Canadians, especially the Inuit community in Labrador.