The Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS), in collaboration with the Ministère de l’Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs (MELCCFP), announced a new industrial research chair for the in situ treatment of soil and groundwater contaminated by persistent and emerging pollutants. The initiative, launched with the support of TechnoRem, a subsidiary of ABS, aims to address one of Québec’s most pressing environmental challenges: the sustainable remediation of contaminated sites.
Contaminated soil and groundwater are a considerable environmental liability for Québec. Municipalities, government agencies, and developers must contend with complex contamination issues, emerging pollutants, and limited–particularly financial–resources. In situ treatment technologies, which allow decontamination to proceed directly on site, offer an ecological, cost‑effective, and context‑appropriate solution.
Under the leadership of Professor Richard Martel, a recognized expert in hydrogeology, the Chair’s team will develop new knowledge and strategies to improve in situ treatment methods and identify new applications.
“In today’s environmental context, in situ decontamination of soil and groundwater is critically important,” says Professor Martel. “The easiest sites to decontaminate are already being treated, but persistent contaminants — buried deep underground or located beneath infrastructure — are stubbornly hard to get at and remove. With this Chair, we aim to address Québec’s needs by working with industry to develop innovative and sustainable approaches capable of treating these pollutants directly at the source.”
The Research Chair will receive $3.5 million in funding from MELCCFP and ABS‑TechnoRem over the next five years.
An exciting partnership for the advancement of knowledge
The Chair brings together professors, engineers, and field specialists around a common goal: accelerating the development of workable and effective in situ decontamination solutions adapted to Québec’s realities.
At INRS’s Centre Eau Terre Environnement, a multidisciplinary team will leverage its expertise in site remediation, environmental biotechnology, industrial bioprocesses, modelling, and engineering in collaboration with other universities, including Polytechnique Montréal and UQAT (Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue). The partnership with TechnoRem adds vital operational expertise to test and validate new solutions under real‑world conditions and support their transfer to end‑users.
“In situ decontamination is essential for rehabilitating polluted sites and ensuring they can be used safely. For over 35 years, our commitment has been to improve quality of life for Quebecers,” explains Jean‑Marc Lauzon, Principal Director of ABS‑TechnoRem. “This new Chair is a reflection of our pride and our drive to innovate. With the vision and expertise of our partners, we will strengthen Québec’s leadership in remediation solutions and continue to develop cutting‑edge approaches to meet tomorrow’s challenges.”
Research activities will follow a complete development pathway: laboratory research, intermediate‑scale testing in 2D and 3D sand tanks, and then pilot‑scale field trials. The Chair is committed to driving innovation in in situ treatment.
Tackling the most worrisome contaminants
The research will focus on substances of particular concern, including per‑ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), petroleum hydrocarbons, dioxins, furans, perchlorates, brominated flame retardants, plasticizers, and selected pharmaceutical products. These contaminants enter the environment following accidental spills or as a result of earlier industrial practices.
They are persistent and toxic to human health and ecosystems and require treatment methods adapted to Québec’s colder climate and the remoteness of some of its treatment sites.
Big benefits for Québec
Treating contaminants directly at the source will sustainably reduce Québec’s environmental liability while avoiding offloading the problem to landfill sites. Less excavation and transportation of contaminated soil will also reduce greenhouse gas emissions and related nuisances.
Local communities will enjoy reduced exposure risk without need for relocation and with no disruption to surface activities. Economically, the Chair will contribute to the development of a Québec in situ treatment industry while fostering innovation and creating specialized jobs, particularly in remote regions.
INRS will also play a central role in training the next generation of scientists to meet the growing need for sustainable decontamination.
The Chair is aligned with the MELCCFP’s 2023–2029 Action Plan, which seeks to foster innovation and sustainable rehabilitation methods.
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