The purpose of this map is to allow residents in damaged areas to anticipate when work around them may begin. All information displayed here is being pulled from the Jasper National Park Public Notices webpage.
Permit Approved – A demolition permit has been issued for this property. Demolition activities can now begin in accordance with all relevant permit conditions and legislation. All worksites are required to have permit signs posted, a minimum of 48 hours prior to work commencing.
Permit Closed- A Certificate of Completion has been issued for this property, all work has been completed and verified by Parks Canada.
*This map is updated when permits are issued on the Jasper National Park Public Notices webpage.
Post-demolition contaminant sampling in Jasper
The intensity of the Jasper Wildfire led to the combustion of structures and surrounding property, potentially releasing a wide range of contaminants from both the building materials and home/garage contents. Contaminants can be present in the ash and debris, and certain contaminants can potentially drain into the underlying soil, surface waters and groundwater. Ensuring contaminants in air and soil are at safe levels is a priority to ensure the long-term health and safety of the community and reassure residents as they rebuild.
As many Jasper homeowners are nearing the debris removal phase of recovery, this webpage provides more details about the importance of post-testing for any residual contamination.
Following the 2024 Jasper Wildfire, the steps for recovery include:
- pre-testing for contaminants (‘waste characterization’) in debris and ash,
- debris removal and disposal,
- post-testing for contaminants (‘confirmatory sampling’), and follow-up remediation if needed,
- rebuilding.
These steps are standard practice across jurisdictions in Canada to ensure safety before, during and after demolition.
There are two types of contaminant analysis required after a structural residential fire during the debris removal process:
- waste characterization: this samples the ash and debris that is going to landfill and is done to meet the requirements of the receiving landfill; and
- confirmatory sampling: this samples the soil after debris has been removed and the surface soil has been cleaned. This step-out tests the surrounding and deeper soils to ensure there is no risks to human health or the environment from any leftover contamination.
Following the Jasper Wildfire, Parks Canada together with the Municipality of Jasper published the Post fire demolition supplemental mitigations which outlines requirements that contractors must meet as part of their demolition permit. The supplemental mitigations were created by Parks Canada using best practices from similar wildfires in urban areas, including in Fort McMurray and California. This document also provides guidance for how to take samples, which contaminants to test for and the appropriate guidelines to assess contaminants against.
Because each property is different, qualified environmental professionals (QEPs) may present alternative sampling plans if they justify that site specific conditions warrant a different sampling strategy to that presented in the supplemental mitigations. Parks Canada will review alternative sampling plans and must provide approval before sampling is done.
The following contaminants are a potential concern and were found in soil samples after the Fort McMurray fire (note that data is not publicly available on levels at which they were found):
- Petroleum hydrocarbons (PHCs)
- Inorganics and general chemistry (including pH)
- Heavy metals
- Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)
- Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
- Dioxins and Furans
For Jasper, the supplemental mitigations recommend a similar type of contaminant analysis to Fort McMurray, with the following differences:
- Asbestos was included due to the age range of the buildings.
- Polyfluoro-Alkyl Substances (PFAS) and other flame retardants were included. PFAS are an emerging of contaminants that are used in household fire retardants. New types of PFAS are being found more often in residential items such as building materials, carpets, furniture, clothing, electronics, cleaners, paints, adhesives, plastics, pharmaceutical and personal care products.
- Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB)s were not included, as they are usually of concern in industrial settings.
More attention has been given to the contaminant groups ‘dioxins and furans,’ and PFAS. These compounds are very toxic at low amounts and are hard to detect. It takes longer to test for these chemicals compared to others due to how hard they are to analyze. Few laboratories have the specialized equipment to test for these.
The supplemental mitigations recommend that contaminants are less than the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) ‘residential/parkland’ guidelines that represent safe levels for human health and the environment. If these guidelines are not met, further soil investigation is needed to determine the amount of contamination and find steps to ensure the site is safe for the planned use. The CCME have not yet developed guidelines for all contaminants. Where CCME guidelines do not exist, guidelines developed by other environmental authorities may be used to inform safe contamination levels.
Frequently asked questions:
Why do I have to test for contaminants beyond asbestos?
Testing for asbestos is an important step, however, asbestos is only one of several groups of contaminants that can be released in structural fires. Other contaminants listed in the supplemental mitigations include heavy metals, petroleum hydrocarbons, and dioxins and furans. The total amount of potential contaminants in the soil must be below residential guidelines before a closure and rebuild certificates can be given out.
Why do I have to test for contamination before and after debris removal?
Contamination testing of the burned debris, rubble and ash may be required by the receiving landfill prior to dumping. This is known as waste characterization sampling and some landfills require it.
Once the debris and surface soils are removed, confirmatory soil sampling is needed to ensure no left-over contamination is on the site. Making sure each lot is free from contamination is important for long-term community health.
How many samples are needed?
Parks Canada’s supplementary mitigations suggest a spacing of 5m on each face and floor of the pit. A qualified environmental professional (QEP) may give a different sampling plan to Parks Canada for approval based on site specific conditions.
My waste characterization sampling didn’t show any contamination. Why do I have to do confirmatory soil sampling?
Waste testing is done so the landfill can decide what to accept. Although the amount of contaminants at this stage can provide a guide of what contaminants may be present in deeper soils, contamination in ash and debris can behave very differently to the same contamination in soil. Testing the waste doesn’t always show the contaminants that have leaked deeper into the soil. A confirmatory soil sample is needed to make sure the site supports the long-term health of future residents.
What happens if contamination is detected in the confirmatory samples?
After debris removal, if soil samples show contaminants higher than the CCME residential guidelines, the following actions will take place:
- Where isolated pockets of contamination are detected, further removal of contaminated soil will take place and more confirmatory sampling will be needed.
- If contaminants are widespread across a lot, more detailed cleaning and removal or a risk assessment may be required. Parks Canada will work with leaseholders to find solutions to these specific circumstances.
To date, most contaminants detected in confirmatory samples have been isolated pockets and have been easily removed and disposed of.
Why doesn’t my contractor manage the soil sampling?
Many demolition contractors will project manage the contamination sampling element of the demolition process. If your demolition contractor has not included confirmatory soil sampling in the scope of works, you may be responsible for finding an environmental consultant yourself. Speak to your demolition contractor or insurance company to understand what is included under your demolition contract.
Why does sample analysis take so long? Is there any way to reduce the cost of contamination sampling?
Confirmatory soil sampling is needed to ensure contaminants are not in the community at levels that could negatively affect the health of Jasperites in the future. Tests for some contaminants (e.g. PFAS, dioxins and furans) are more costly and take longer because the contaminants are toxic at low amounts, and fewer laboratories have the technology to complete the tests.
Can I grow vegetables in my backyard?
Some contaminants in soil can be taken up by fruits and vegetables. Parks Canada and the Municipality of Jasper will be conducting soil sampling in greenspace and gardens, and giving more advice on this subject over the coming months.
The government of Alberta published some gardening tips following the Fort McMurray fires. Environmental monitoring in Fort McMurray | Alberta.ca
Frequently asked debris management questions
Need to assign a prime contractor?
Prior to starting demolition, contractors must be assigned prime contractor status. To get and submit the form, email: recovery@jasper-alberta.ca.
How can I resolve a dispute with my insurance company?
If you have a complaint about your insurer or insurance professional, there are a number of actions you can take to be sure you’re heard and that your issue is resolved. Visit the Insurance Bureau of Canada's Dispute Resolution webpage.
When will the debris removal happen?
97% of debris removal permits have been issued and work throughout town is underway. Parks Canada posts all the permits that have been issued here. There will be signs up at sites 48 hours prior to debris removal that state the contractor's name and contact information, permit number and link back to this website for any questions/updates.
What about public safety?
Our top priority is safety during the wildfire debris cleanup. There are strict safety rules in place to protect both the public and the environment. Before removing debris, trained professionals will test for hazardous materials like asbestos. If found, proper asbestos abatement procedures, as defined by OHS regulations, will be followed, and the materials will be safely disposed of at licensed facilities.
Air quality and material containment will be continuously monitored. If it falls below safe levels, work will stop immediately until conditions improve. Dust control measures are also in place to prevent particles from spreading, particularly on windy days.
We are ensuring that work areas are secure and accessible only to authorized personnel, keeping both the public and wildlife safe. We remain committed to the health and safety of everyone in Jasper and will continue to provide updates as the cleanup progresses. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding!
If you are interested in further details, every homeowner/contractor will be responsible for following strict health, safety and environmental guidelines including two specific documents from Parks Canada (Post-Fire Demolition Supplementary Mitigations and Preapproved Routine Impact Assessment Routine Development Projects within the Town of Jasper) that outline all the necessary measures that need to be taken to ensure everyone's health and safety during the debris removal and demolition process.
What about the asbestos signs I see around fencing? What can you tell me about that?
The signage is required to identify there is a possibility of asbestos containing materials in the area. To comply with occupational health and safety legislation, it is mandatory to post information that says asbestos in the area and include the dangers. It does not necessarily mean there is asbestos in each of the properties behind and around these signs however there is always a possibility of asbestos containing materials in the structures given their age.
If you have any concerns, you can contact Alberta Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) toll free at 1-866-415-8690 or visit their website. Individual knowledge of the sites and contents/building materials of the home as well as testing of the sites is one of the ways to know for sure. You may wish to also ask your insurance company about an air quality inspection for your home. OHS also has a resource on asbestos that can be found here.
If debris removal work is happening, and there are no signs indicating that there is asbestos on site, it is possible that results came back clear for asbestos. If you have concerns about how work is conducted, or onsite signage, email: jaspercompliance@pc.gc.ca.
Do I have to backfill my property?
Post demolition, some sites may require backfilling to stabilize the site and ensure public safety. A structural engineer will make those recommendations. Parks Canada’s Post-Fire Demolition Supplementary Mitigations outline all the necessary measures required for the demolition and removal of burnt and damaged structure demolition waste associated with the Jasper Wildfire Complex. These controls must be in place for the duration of work to ensure public, worker and wildlife safety at all times.
Dust control during debris removal in Jasper
As we progress through debris removal, safety remains paramount. To manage dust and airborne particulates, contractors follow specific guidelines outlined in the Post Fire Demolition Supplemental Mitigations. Here’s what you need to know:
What to Look For: You may see contractors spraying water mist while handling debris, which is one of the most effective methods to control dust. If you notice a lack of dust control measures when dust generation could be possible, it may indicate an oversight.
Should I Expect To See Spray Down At All Times? A dust control system, typically a water mist, is used to reduce airborne dust at the work site, including when debris is moved. While a dust control system must be maintained throughout demolition, spraying isn’t always required. In certain weather conditions—like rain, high humidity, or light winds—spraying may not be necessary. Continuous air quality monitoring, as required by Condition #23 in the Supplemental Mitigations document, informs the need for dust control based on real-time air conditions.
Reporting Concerns: If you observe situations where dust suppression seems insufficient, please report them to jaspercompliance@pc.gc.ca so potential non-compliance can be addressed promptly.
Thank you for helping us keep Jasper safe and clean during this recovery process.
Frequently asked contractor related debris management questions
Where do I find the prime contractor agreement?
Please see the Prime Contractor Agreement for which signature is required by all demolition contractors per your demolition permit. The agreement formalizes an understanding which is typical of a worksite in usual conditions, such that the company in care and control of that worksite assumes Prime Contractor Responsibilities. This document also provides for the continued use of Parks Canada fencing, should you wish to utilize it. For efficiency, the document has been created such that one signed version applies to all demolition sites, removing the requirement to sign a new version for each new permit.
Also available is a Prime Contractor Responsibilities and Timelines document which summarizes the actions required by all parties in order to find success. The signing of the contract is the main objective, and there are subsequent actions thereafter, such as notification of mobilization, inspection and notification of the existing fencing should you wish to continue utilizing it, and notification if existing site fencing is no longer required.
MOJ Notification (mobilization): recovery@jasper-alberta.ca
Parks Canada (fencing condition, pickup): jasperrealtymunicipalservices@pc.gc.ca
If you are a demolition contractor, sign and return a copy of the agreement to recovery@jasper-alberta.ca per your demolition permit conditions.
How do I get debris removal permit signs?
Prefabricated demolition/ debris removal signs are available for purchase at Tekarra Color in Jasper. Alternatively, contractors can use the attached file to print the sign themselves. Demolition/ debris removal signs must be visible and legible.