SYLVIS - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Project Coordinator, Calgary
We are pleased to introduce you to Alex Bentley, BSc, PAg.
Alex graduated from Mount Royal University with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science in 2018 and began her career as an Environmental Technician at SYLVIS shortly after. Her past experience includes public engagement and environmental education, which sparked her interest and passion for waste and residuals management.
As a Project Coordinator, Alex plays an important role providing support to the Calgary Dewatered Biosolids Demonstration Program. Her primary responsibilities include conducting environmental sampling, organizing and supervising operations, managing data, and aiding in report writing. She is an Agrologist in Training registered with the Alberta Institute of Agrologists and is keen on pursuing an agrology-related career.
Alex is full of energy and always ready for the next challenge! In her free time, you can find her in the mountains, at the gym, or enjoying a cup of coffee and chatting with friends.
Job Titles:
- Environmental Technician, Calgary
We are pleased to introduce you to Alice Wang, BSc, BASc.
Alice graduated from a joint Bachelor of Applied Science in Environmental Engineering program offered by the University of British Columbia and University of Northern British Columbia in 2019 and began her career at SYLVIS shortly after. Prior to completing her program, Alice obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Human Biology from the University of Toronto and worked as a laboratory technician for six years. Her other experiences include scientific research, general labour in the forestry industry, public engagement, and environmental education. Alice's diverse experiences developed her passion for the environment and an interest in waste management and land reclamation.
As an Environmental Technician, Alice plays an important role in providing support to BIOSALIX, an innovative mine reclamation project at Paintearth Mine near Forestburg, Alberta. Her primary responsibilities include conducting environmental sampling, organizing and supervising biosolids transportation, data entry, and assistance in report writing. She is keen on pursuing a career in environmental services, and she plans to continue progressing as an environmental professional.
Alice is always enthusiastic about learning and gaining new experiences. In her free time, she enjoys going to the movies, reading, gardening, hiking, and catching up with friends.
Job Titles:
- Project Coordinator, Edmonton
We are please to introduce you to Carlie Lewis, BSc., PBIT.
Carlie Lewis graduated from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Science in Biology in 2014. Her passions for science and travel have taken her around the world from conducting biodiversity monitoring in the foothills of Romania to teaching in Japan. Upon returning to Canada in 2022, Carlie transitioned into environmental science when she obtained a certificate in Land Reclamation from the University of Alberta and a position as Project Coordinator at SYLVIS shortly thereafter.
In her role as a Project Coordinator, Carlie has had the opportunity to support projects including the EPCOR Dewatered Biosolids Non-agricultural Program, BIOSALIX Legacy Monitoring at Paintearth Mine, and SYLVIS's Applied Research within both the Weyerhaeuser Ash Management Program and the EPCOR Dewatered Biosolids Non-agricultural Program. Her responsibilities include supervising hauling and residual application operations, conducting environmental sampling and research, managing project data, and assisting in writing reports.
Job Titles:
- Senior Environmental Scientist, Nanaimo
We are pleased to introduce you to Christian Evans, MSc., PAg.
Christian is a Senior Environmental Scientist and Professional Agrologist with over ten years of experience in residuals management, environmental consulting, soil science, and nutrient management. He has worked in a consulting role in a variety of private- and public-sector settings.
Christian works out of SYLVIS's Vancouver Island office in Nanaimo. He is passionate about the carbon implications of residuals use and nutrient management, and enjoys a variety of work that ranges from consulting to fieldwork to business development. His work encompasses GHG/carbon modeling, residuals management end-use market assessments, literature reviews, and planning and implementation of biosolids fertilization projects (comprising regulatory compliance, site assessment, biosolids fertilization planning, budget development, data analysis, and report preparation).
Christian enjoys leveraging the best of SYLVIS's experience and knowledge to manage effective and cost-efficient projects. He ensures his clients are well-informed and well-served and helps to cultivate experienced project teams within SYLVIS.
Christian is the proud father of two boys and enjoys spending time outside - on the mountain, on the water, or in the garden. When driven inside, he enjoys reading and playing guitar.
Christian has completed cycling tours down the west coast of the USA and around the island of Hokkaido in Japan.
Job Titles:
- Environmental Scientist With
- Environmental Scientist, New Westminster
We are pleased to introduce you to Connor Robinson, MSc, AAg.
Connor is an Environmental Scientist with SYLVIS. He has over four years of experience in consulting, the public sector and academia, with most of that time in residuals management. Prior to joining SYLVIS, he obtained his Master of Science at the University of British Columbia and his Bachelor of Environment at Simon Fraser University. It was during his Bachelor program that he became interested in residuals management and chose to explore this topic in his MSc. For his MSc thesis he modelled the impacts of land application of biosolids and biosolids-based biochar on agricultural soil quality.
As an Environmental Scientist, Connor is involved with consulting and operational projects spanning technical assessments, regulatory compliance, research, and environmental protection. He is passionate about the climate change mitigation implications of residuals management and is keen on exploring the possibility for tradeable carbon offset credits from residuals management projects. Projects he has worked on include a water treatment residuals incorporation trial for excess available phosphorus management, a bench-scale soil mixing and vegetation growth trial for mine reclamation using locally available residuals, and the development of a sampling plan for landfilled primary pulp sludge to determine its suitability for mine reclamation.
Connor is also the SYLVIS Applied Research Coordinator. In this role, he oversees all applied research projects across the company. These research projects range from bench-scale trials to field-scale operational studies and span most of the residuals that SYLVIS manages. He designs statistically rigorous applied research trials and works with project teams across the company to implement and monitor the projects. He is responsible for data analysis and report writing and works with the marketing and business development teams to transfer the knowledge gained to current and prospective clients.
When Connor is not trying out a new recipe or listening to music, you can find him on a local trail basking in the fresh air or spending time with his family.
Job Titles:
- Senior Project Manager, Calgary
We are pleased to introduce you to Curtis Navratil, P.Eng.
Curtis is committed to the development of environmentally sustainable management practices for the recycling of organic residuals at the agricultural, municipal, and industrial levels. He is a registered Professional Engineer in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba with over 26 years of experience in managing residuals.
Curtis comes to SYLVIS with a breadth of experience managing and implementing diverse residuals management projects. He has a sound knowledge of environmental engineering practices coupled with extensive agricultural experience. After receiving his B.Sc. in Civil Engineering from the University of Alberta, Curtis worked as a Project Engineer for the Greater Vancouver Regional District Residuals Management Group. In that role, he was involved in several major organic reclamation projects in the province of British Columbia. A few noteworthy accomplishments include the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia's Environmental Award for outstanding concept and design for the Jackman Landfill Reclamation Project and the BC Ministry of Energy and Mines award for Outstanding Reclamation Achievement for the Grandby Tailings Project.
Over the past 21 years, Curtis was the sole proprietor of LW Diamond Environmental Services where he was involved in the development and operational implementation of residuals projects throughout Western Canada. These projects addressed the beneficial use of a wide range of organic amendments such as biosolids, compost, pulp sludge, ash products, lime sludge, calcium hydroxide by-products, and biomass residuals.
Curtis enjoys woodworking and for several years has volunteered building stage props for a dance school in Airdrie, AB.
Job Titles:
- Environmental Technician, Calgary
We are please to introduce you to Karel "Karl" Beijer, BSc.
Karel graduated from Mount Royal University with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science in 2019. He came to SYLVIS with a diverse background in the environmental sector as a result of his time in the Mount Royal University Science Co-op program and time abroad. He has worked in integrated pest management across Alberta; he worked on a regenerative agriculture farm in central Alberta; and he worked as an ecological restoration technician for Alberta Environment and Parks in the Castle Region.
As an Environmental Technician, Karel plays an important role in providing support to the Calgary Biomass Production and Carbon Sequestration Program. His primary responsibilities include supervising field operations; the planning, execution, and management of vegetation control and irrigation; as well as maintaining the Calgary vehicle fleet and equipment.
His passion is the restoration and enhancement of marginal land though innovative uses of residuals and agriculture practices. Finding solutions to challenges excites and motivates him to continually strive, learn and grow.
Karel is the proud father of two little girls who occupy the majority of his time outside of work as they explore and learn about this amazing world.
Job Titles:
- Fleet Manager, Nanaimo
- Registered Forest Technician
We are pleased to introduce you to Karl Steinicke, RFT.
Karl is a Registered Forest Technician with extensive experience in equipment operation. He began operating equipment for SYLVIS in 2005 on Vancouver Island while attending the Forest Resources Technology Program at Malaspina University-College. Upon graduation, Karl secured full time work in the forestry sector pm Haida Gwaii. On his days off, Karl would return to Nanaimo for biosolid applications on the Vancouver Island University (VIU) woodlot.
In 2011, Karl reduced his time as a forestry consultant and increased his time working with SYLVIS. If not on the VIU woodlot applying biosolids, maintaining storage bays or building application trails, Karl may be found operating equipment at any SYLVIS site from the West Coast to the Interior of British Columbia and Alberta.
In 2022, Karl was given the opportunity to take on a larger role as the Fleet Manager with SYLVIS. Coordinating equipment needs for project staff, budgeting, and procurement of new equipment are just some of the tasks Karl works on.
Karl enjoys spending time exploring BC's great fishing spots and working on his property on Vancouver Island.
When Karl's not at work you'll most likely find him out on the ocean salmon fishing or working on his acreage.
Job Titles:
- Senior Environmental Scientist, Edmonton
We are pleased to introduce you to Kasia Caputa, MSc., PAg.
Kasia is an Agrologist with over 12 years' experience in the environmental sciences ranging from ecological research to environmental site assessments and regulatory permitting and reporting. She holds a Master's degree in Environmental Science, and has extensive knowledge of soil fertility and residuals management regulations.
Since 2013, Kasia has managed consulting and operational projects based out of the SYLVIS Edmonton office, and now leads and manages junior staff. Kasia manages operational and consulting projects for beneficial use of wood ash, biosolids, and other residuals. Kasia has worked as project manager for many exciting projects, including a ground-breaking soil fabrication demonstration with the City of Winnipeg, and for the startup of the BIOSALIX reclamation project at Paintearth Mine.
In addition to her project management experience, Kasia acts as a qualified professional within her practice areas of biosolids management and environmental monitoring. Kasia is passionate about using residuals responsibly in order to solve environmental challenges.
In her spare time, Kasia enjoys gardening and exploring the outdoors with her family.
Kasia likes to be involved in initiatives that support sustainability. From 2019 to 2021, she served as Director of Green Initiatives at her local community league and managed a project to have solar panels installed on the roof of the community hall.
Job Titles:
- Environmental Scientist, New Westminster
We are pleased to introduce you to Katrina Miller, BSc, PAg.
Katrina Miller has over 7 years of experience in environmental consulting across Alberta and British Columbia. She has experience in groundwater and soil remediation, environmental planning and regulatory compliance. Katrina has developed, implemented, and written technical reports on environmental monitoring programs in various sectors. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science at the University of Calgary which included her honours thesis on developing an integrated monitoring approach for pathogenic bacteria in groundwater.
As an Environmental Scientist at SYLVIS, Katrina develops and manages operational residuals management programs through collaborating with residual generators, regulators, and landowners. She is involved in all aspects of project management including proposal development, site procurement, project implementation, sampling, data interpretation, reporting, and liaising with clients. Katrina aids in determining beneficial use options for residuals such as wood ash, biosolids, and cement fines.
Katrina is also involved in SYLVIS's consulting projects related to developing compliance and exploring new regulatory landscapes for residuals uses. She has developed planning documents and regulatory reports to meet strict regulatory requirements. Katrina is currently working to bring biosolids into mine reclamation in a new jurisdiction starting from site procurement and working with regulators to identify requirements and develop proof-of-concept demonstration trials.
In her spare time Katrina enjoys exploring and eating at places both locally and abroad.
We are pleased to introduce you to Lee Coburn.
Lee is an Equipment Operator at SYLVIS and supports biosolids application operations at SYLVIS's beneficial use projects on Vancouver Island. In his role, Lee is responsible for biosolids fertilization activities, equipment maintenance, biosolids stockpile management, and road maintenance and clearing.
Lee has tremendous heavy equipment experience being raised amongst his family's dairy farms in Ontario and initially began a career as a pilot before making a move into the high-tech sector. Prior to joining SYLVIS in 2022, Lee worked 16 years as a senior manager with General Electric and 5 years overseeing commercial sites for Loblaws in Ontario. Lee brings extensive facility and equipment maintenance experience to SYLVIS. He is an advocate for residuals management and is also a registered wastewater practitioner who has designed and installed both commercial and residential septic systems.
Lee has a passion for being outdoors and working hands-on in the field. In his spare time, he enjoys golfing and travelling, and you'll often times find him hiking or sailing on the Pacific Ocean.
A fun fact about Lee is that he is ambidextrous and can write backwards and forwards with both hands!
We are pleased to introduce you to Linda Rebmann.
Linda is the Office Administrator at SYLVIS and is responsible for supporting office operations by maintaining office systems to keep things running smoothly and efficiently. She brings experience in business administration, human resources, and team building to SYLVIS. She contributes towards corporate goals by supporting staff in an administrative, accounting and HR function. She works closely with the Controller with responsibilities in supporting Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable functions. Prior to joining SYLVIS in 2012, Linda had a rewarding career in the financial services industry, bringing with her more than 18 years of professional experience in the financial services industry. She has a passion for service excellence and SYLVIS's core values of always learning and always evolving.
In her spare time, Linda enjoys spending time with her family and close friends. You'll often times find her baking, cooking something absolutely delicious, or getting outside into her garden. She enjoys many outdoor activities such as crafting, camping, day trips, and travelling abroad.
Linda is an easy going individual, friendly and always willing to lend a helping hand, and you'll often hear her contagious laughter in the office.
Job Titles:
- Senior Business Development Scientist
We are pleased to introduce you to Mark Teshima, MSc., PChem.
Mark Teshima has over two decades of consulting, provincial government, and academic experience in residuals and recycling. Mark has worked on all facets of residuals management including policy development, beneficial use options assessments, land application suitability studies, and operational management. Mark has an established and growing network of residuals generators, regulators and landowners throughout the prairies and the Pacific Northwest and has managed residuals in mine reclamation, marginal land improvement, biomass development, agricultural and forest fertilization, landfill reclamation, and soil product development.
Mark has been instrumental in advancing innovative residuals management in Alberta. Mark led an assessment of biosolids options for the City of Edmonton (now EPCOR) to diversify their biosolids management options. This work led to the establishment of demonstration projects to provide local proof-of-concept of non-agricultural biosolids land application options. EPCOR continues to utilize these options to maintain a diverse and sustainable biosolids land application program. Mark was involved in the design, regulatory approval process and initial operational aspects of the City of Calgary's biosolids applications to willow biomass plantations in Mountain View County. Throughout his time at SYLVIS, Mark has worked on projects for several other organizations including Claystone Waste, Town of Devon, Municipality of Jasper, Weyerhaeuser - Edson, Metro Vancouver, King County, Lehigh Hanson, and Westmoreland Mining.
Mark worked at SYLVIS from 2004-2017 and is thrilled to recently return. In his current role as Senior Business Development Scientist, Mark is responsible for developing residuals management opportunities across the prairies and providing senior review and technical support to SYLVIS projects. Prior to returning to SYLVIS, Mark was a Senior Waste Policy Advisor at Alberta Environment and Parks where he most recently worked on developing recycling policies to advance the transition to a plastic circular economy. Mark also worked on a cross-Ministry team with Alberta Energy to develop and implement the province's Natural Gas Vision and Strategy, for which they received the Premier's Public Service Award in 2021.
Mark's career with SYLVIS has afforded him several unique experiences. These include serving as reviewer of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme's Global Atlas of Excreta, Wastewater Sludge and Biosolids Management and travelling to China on a wastewater and biosolids scoping mission sponsored by the National Research Council of Canada.
We are pleased to introduce you to Melwyn Rasquinha, M.Com.
Melwyn has a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Accounting and Finance and a Master of Commerce Degree in Cost Accounting and Management Accounting from Bombay University, India. Melwyn spent fourteen years in the Middle East honing his Accounting and Finance skills with BP and Shell.
He has carved a niche for himself in Project Management and Management Reporting. His varied experience in every aspect of Accounting and Finance is a great asset. As Controller his focus is on cost effectiveness and optimum use of assets.
Melwyn is an avid Canucks fan and a well-travelled sports enthusiast.
We are pleased to introduce you to Mike Van Ham, PAg, RPF Ret., RPBio Ret.
Mike is a Professional Agrologist, a Registered Professional Biologist, and a Registered Professional Forester. He studied forestry and soil science at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Alberta and the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, British Columbia.
Since founding SYLVIS 30 years ago, Mike has been involved in all aspects of residuals management - from research and policy development to operational implementation and senior technical review. He has participated in residuals and solid waste management activities throughout the world including Australia, the People's Republic of China, the Maldives and the United States.
Mike is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Lieutenant Governors' Award for Environmental Excellence for innovative research and implementation of a regional residuals management program involving numerous residuals generated from municipalities and industry in a synergistic program accepted and supported by stakeholders. His strong will and passion for the beneficial use of residuals is rewarded when management programs solve environmental challenges.
When Mike is not working with residuals he can most often be found in his "fish room" where over 3,000L of water, in a multitude of aquariums, supports distinct aquatic ecosystems from around the world.
Job Titles:
- Project Coordinator
- Project Coordinator, Calgary
We are pleased to introduce you to Natalie Bulmer, BSc., PChem.
Natalie is a Project Coordinator who began her career with SYLVIS in 2018. She has a degree in Environmental Science from the University of Calgary and is currently working towards her Professional Chemist designation in Alberta. Natalie first started with SYLVIS as an Environmental Technician where she developed a strong understanding of beneficial residuals management and quickly became a key member of the landfill leachate project at Ecowaste Industries in Richmond, British Columbia.
As a Project Coordinator at SYLVIS, Natalie gained extensive knowledge about soil-plant leachate treatment systems while coordinating the program at Ecowaste Industries. After transitioning from British Columbia to Alberta, Natalie has become an important member of the Calgary Biomass Production Program. She is quickly developing an expertise in the benefits of willow production systems and biosolids fertilization on marginal land improvement.
Natalie enjoys do-it-yourself renovations and can always spare five minutes to tell you about her latest project!
Job Titles:
- Project Coordinator, New Westminster
We are pleased to introduce you to Nick Bartlett, BEnv.
Nick graduated from Simon Fraser University with a Bachelor of Environment in Resource and Environmental Management and started at SYLVIS the following fall. Prior to SYLVIS, Nick spent a summer working in conservation focusing on invasive species management and mapping in coastal BC salt marshes. Nick has also conducted ground truthing for Remote Sensing GIS research with Simon Fraser University.
As a Project Coordinator, Nick provides field and office support to a diverse portfolio of residual management projects including forest fertilization, agricultural land application, mine reclamation, and grassland restoration. Nick's primary field responsibilities include environmental sampling, bench-scale soil mixing, contractor supervision, and wheel loader operation. Office duties include biosolid applications and deliveries, assisting in LAP development and reporting writing, and preparing client invoices. Nick is an important member of the data management and mapping teams, where he regularly communicates with laboratories, completes data management and entry, and creates maps in ArcGIS. Nick has become knowledgeable on the residual management process and has progressively taken on more responsibility in his SYLVIS tenure.
In his free time, Nick enjoys reading playing hockey, soccer, and golf.
Nick is a volunteer for an environmental society in Maple Ridge where he helps monitor salmon populations and partakes in riparian zone restoration projects.
Job Titles:
- BC Team Lead & Senior Agrologist, New Westminster
We are pleased to introduce you to René-Carl Dionne, BSc., PAg.
René-Carl is a Professional Agrologist with experience in both Quebec and British Columbia. After obtaining his degree in Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at McGill University, he worked in the agro-environmental advising sector. His experience in implementing best farming practices and nutrient management led him to new opportunities in the world of fertilizing residuals. Since then, he has developed and managed dozens of successful projects for the land application of liquid and dewatered residuals such as biosolids, wood ash, and diverse industrial or agri-food residuals.
His primary focus is to ensure SYLVIS's projects in British Columbia meet or exceed client's and stakeholder's expectations. René-Carl oversees all aspects of project development, including proposal preparation, site assessments, data interpretation, and regulatory authorization. Once a project is contracted René-Carl ensures the smooth implementation, leaning on his experience in project management and field operations to lead his team in British Columbia. Projects under his umbrella include agricultural land fertilization, land reclamation, forest fertilization, and consulting-based residuals projects.
Land application of residuals requires in-depth site characterization along with consistent communications with partners, agencies, and the public. René-Carl has over ten years' experience liaising as a qualified professional with government agencies, municipalities, clients, landowners and the public.
As the BC Team Lead, René-Carl's role involves identifying synergies across projects and streamlining business processes for operational excellence at SYLVIS. At the leadership level, his role includes resourcing, project team assignment, projects financial oversight, and project management systems implementation.
René-Carl is the proud father of two boys and enjoys his family time. Whenever he's not busy with his family, you'll find him sailing the Strait of Georgia, enjoying time on the snow, or he is most likely to be found developing a new beer recipe, soon to be enjoyed by his colleagues and friends.
Job Titles:
- Team Lead & Environmental Scientist, New Westminster
We are pleased to introduce you to Trudy Naugler-Klassen, MSc., PAg.
Trudy Naugler Klassen is a Professional Agrologist with over 16 years of experience in agricultural and environmental research and management. She has a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Chemistry from Dalhousie University and a Master of Science in Resource Management and Environmental Studies from the University of British Columbia. Her experience ranges from hands on field and laboratory work to supporting a team of environmental professionals as they implement innovative residuals management projects.
Trudy's primary areas of expertise are nutrient management, fertilizers, and water quality. Her involvement in various research environments has provided experience in field study design, protocol development, data analysis, and interpretation of results for target audiences. Trudy has been involved in an array of projects at SYLVIS including the production of biosolids growing medium, use of water treatment residuals, and the management of a soil-plant landfill leachate treatment system. As the Alberta Team Lead at SYLVIS, Trudy uses her analytical skills and technical knowledge to lead and support Environmental Scientists, Project Coordinators, and Environmental Technicians to deliver Alberta-based operational and consulting projects.
Trudy is excited to be a part of the SYLVIS team and believes that managing residuals as valuable resources is critical to long term environmental sustainability. Outside of work, some of Trudy's favourite pleasures are outdoor adventures with her family and delicious eats.
Job Titles:
- Business Development Coordinator
- Business Development and Marketing Coordinator, New Westminster
We are pleased to introduce you to Vanessa Menunzio, Diploma in Environmental Protection Technology.
Vanessa is SYLVIS's Business Development Coordinator. She obtained her diploma in Environmental Protection Technology at Kwantlen Polytechnic University where she graduated with honours. She started her career with SYLVIS as an Environmental Technician where she conducted sampling, vegetation management, and contractor supervision at sites across British Columbia and Alberta. In this role Vanessa developed a strong knowledge and understanding of the beneficial use of residuals, which lead to her current role as Business Development Coordinator.
As the Business Development Coordinator, Vanessa is responsible for SYLVIS's overall marketing and business development support initiatives. She leads the development of marketing initiatives spanning from information packages for potential landowners to conference and workshop implementation. Vanessa is passionate in providing innovative solutions to both generators and landowners, and believes that managing residuals as valuable resources is critical to long-term sustainability.
Vanessa enjoys traveling to destinations close and far with her husband and son.
Vanessa's commitment to continuous improvement of SYLVIS's Safety Management System during her tenure as Health and Safety Coordinator led SYLVIS to obtain its highest COR audit mark of 98%