Soil and vegetation data provide the foundation for informed project planning, permitting, and reclamation.
At WEST, our team of soil and ecological specialists support energy and infrastructure projects nationwide by delivering defensible surveys and providing project-specific mitigation measures.
Comprehensive Soil Science Services
WEST’s core soil services are anchored in Pre-disturbance site assessments (PDSA) and integrated soil and vegetation surveys. Our team provides services including:
- Constraints mapping
- Landcover mapping
- Native vegetation assessments
- Pre-disturbance site assessments
- Conservation and reclamation planning
- Reclamation monitoring
- Soil surveys
- Strategic siting assessments
- Regulatory permitting (e.g., Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act [EPEA] Registration Applications)
WEST works closely with renewable energy developers, oil and gas operators, and linear infrastructure projects to meet provincial regulatory requirements while supporting responsible land stewardship across Canada.
Navigating Alberta’s Conservation and Reclamation Requirements for Renewable Energy
Regulatory requirements continue to evolve, particularly in Alberta. In accordance with the 2025 Code of Practice for Solar and Wind Renewable Energy Operations, existing renewable energy projects (i.e., projects received Alberta Utilities Commission [AUC] approval prior to January 1, 2025) must obtain an EPEA registration by January 1, 2027, to continue operating legally. Non-existing projects (i.e., AUC approval was received after January 1, 2025) must also obtain an EPEA registration prior to construction.
Project owners may be required to submit the following documents with their EPEA registration application to comply:
- Conservation and Reclamation Plan or Environmental Evaluation and Environmental Protection Plan, depending on when the project was approved/commissioned
- Pre-Disturbance Site Assessment
- Strategic Siting Assessment, where native grasslands are present
- Security estimate for future reclamation (including phased security submissions)
- Declaration of Security
WEST has supported clients across Alberta in preparing and submitting project-specific registration packages to help meet regulator expectations.
Expertise you Can Rely On
Ali El-Naggar, PhD, P.Ag. – Senior Soil Scientist
Dr. Ali El-Naggar is a Professional Agrologist (P.Ag.) and a Senior Soil Scientist, boasting more than 16 years of expertise in soil reclamation, conservation, surveying, classification, quality assessment, land use, environmental remediation, and sustainable management. With a background spanning academia, industry, and consulting, Ali is familiar with project planning and execution, research and development, stakeholder relations, and policy implementation, regulatory compliance, and environmental stewardship. In 2025, Ali was recognized among the world’s top 2% of scientists according to Stanford University rankings.
Strong environmental outcomes start with experienced people. WEST’s soil and ecological services are led by Dr. Ali El-Naggar, a seasoned professional with deep regional knowledge.
Along with the WEST Team, Ali delivers integrated soil and ecological solutions that support projects from baseline assessment through reclamation.
Building from the Ground Up
With decades of combined experience, WEST helps clients make informed, science-based decisions that support regulatory compliance and enable long-term land stewardship.
Because the best projects start from the ground up.
