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Reclaiming Contaminated Environments

Each NRTG course includes free, lifetime admission. Enrol once – come back anytime.

Description

NRTG’s Reclaiming Contaminated Environments is a three-day course that introduces you to the sources and types of environmental contamination and the physical, biological, and chemical processes used to reclaim impacted water and soil. Through interactive instruction and applied learning, you will develop a practical understanding of contamination dynamics and the reclamation approaches used across major industrial sectors in Canada. 

The course differentiates between pollutants and contaminants and identifies common environmental sources of each. You will examine inorganic and organic contaminant receptors, summarize water and soil reclamation processes, and explore how restoration practices are applied in sectors including mining, agriculture, quarrying, and energy. 

Graduates will be equipped with foundational knowledge to recognize contamination impacts and understand the reclamation approaches used to address them. Completing this course counts towards Habitat Restoration Technician Program certification once the remaining courses are completed. 

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program, you will be able to:   

  1. Differentiate between pollutants and contaminants, and identify common environmental sources of each.  
  2. Identify and explain the main inorganic and organic receptors of environmental contaminants, including how each functions as a receptor.  
  3. Summarize the physical, biological, chemical, and advanced processes used in water reclamation.  
  4. Summarize the physical, biological, chemical, and other techniques used in soil reclamation.  
  5. Describe major industrial sectors that impact the environment and explain how restoration practices are applied in each. 

Certification 

This course is assessed on attendance, assignments, and participation. To earn your certificate of completion you must meet all three requirements:  

  • Attendance: 90% of course time 
  • Assignments: Average 70% across assignments 
  • Participation: Average 60% across the course days 

Your certificate of completion is required to claim your SER CECs and count towards your Habitat Restoration Technician Program certification. 

Prerequisites

No formal credentials required to register. A basic understanding of field practices (e.g., plant identification, wildlife signs, experience around running water) and ecosystem functions is recommended.  

If you are starting from scratch, consider completing NRTG’s Environmental Field Skills Program or Land Guardian Program. Either will give you a solid foundation before you begin the course. 

Who attends?

This course is for you if you work in or near environmentally impacted sites and want practical training in understanding contamination and reclamation processes. You are a good fit if you:  

  • Work on or near land, water, or ecosystems as part of your job or community role  
  • Are an Indigenous land guardian, watchman, or community member involved in stewarding your territory  
  • Work in environmental consulting, natural resources, or industry and need applied restoration skills  
  • Have field experience but no formal restoration training and want credentials to back it up  
  • Are looking to move into restoration work and need a recognized certification to get started

What should I bring or supply? 

You will need: 

  • Computer 
  • Stable internet access 
  • Pen and paper

 

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