Business Details
35 Years
experience
Trusted Environmental Consulting Services in Ottawa
Geofirma Engineering is a Canadian employee-owned consulting firm established in 1991, dedicated to delivering technical excellence in environmental and engineering solutions. Our expertise spans hydrogeology, environmental assessment, regulatory compliance, and expert review, with specialized capabilities in radioactive waste management and numerical modeling of subsurface processes. With over three decades of experience, we serve private and public sector clients across mining, energy, property development, and government sectors. Our ISO 9001:2015-certified quality management system ensures adherence to industry best practices, while our team of seasoned professionals brings deep technical knowledge and a commitment to ethical standards. We pride ourselves on innovative problem-solving and client-focused approaches, addressing complex challenges in groundwater contamination, site remediation, and environmental risk assessment.Our work in radioactive waste management and underground gas storage has earned recognition nationally and internationally, supported by partnerships with academic institutions and regulatory bodies. Headquartered in Ottawa, Ontario, we combine local expertise with global insights to provide tailored solutions for diverse environmental challenges. Our corporate responsibility initiatives emphasize sustainability, accessibility, and alignment with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Call to Action #92. Through continuous professional development and collaboration, we maintain leadership in subsurface engineering and environmental stewardship. Clients benefit from our rigorous methodologies, regulatory expertise, and dedication to delivering reliable, science-based solutions that protect public health and the environment.
Services
Hydrogeology
Environmental Assessment
Regulatory Compliance
Expert Review
Radioactive Waste Management
Numerical Modeling
Site Remediation
Risk Assessment
Permitting Services
Groundwater Testing
Details
- Year established: 1991
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of specialized expertise in subsurface engineering and environmental assessment.
- Our ISO 9001-certified quality management system ensures rigorous technical standards.
- We pioneered radioactive waste management solutions adopted by national regulatory frameworks.
- Our team includes recognized experts in hydrogeology and numerical modeling of earth systems.
- We maintain long-standing partnerships with academic institutions and government agencies.
Associations and certifications
- ISO 9001:2015
Services
Hydrogeological Testing
Our hydrogeological testing services characterize subsurface water flow and contamination patterns through field investigations and laboratory analysis. We employ advanced techniques like tracer testing and aquifer stress analysis to assess groundwater resources and contamination risks. Clients receive detailed reports with actionable recommendations for water resource management and remediation strategies.
Radioactive Waste Management
Specialized consulting for radioactive waste containment and disposal systems, including deep geological repositories and engineered barrier assessments. Our team conducts contaminant transport modeling and regulatory compliance evaluations for nuclear facilities. We provide expert testimony and technical documentation for licensing and environmental assessments.
Numerical Modeling
Advanced numerical modeling of subsurface processes using proprietary software tools to simulate groundwater flow, contaminant transport, and geomechanical behavior. Applications include site remediation planning, reservoir characterization, and environmental impact assessments. Models incorporate site-specific data for accurate predictive analysis.
Environmental Site Assessment
Phase 1 and 2 environmental site assessments identify contamination sources and quantify risks to human health and ecosystems. Our multidisciplinary approach combines field sampling, laboratory analysis, and regulatory expertise to support property transactions and remediation planning under provincial and federal standards.
Expert Review Services
Independent technical review of environmental and engineering reports for regulatory compliance and scientific validity. We assess data quality, methodology soundness, and conclusion reliability for litigation support, dispute resolution, and project due diligence across multiple industries.
People
Nicola J. Calder
President
With over 20 years of experience, Nicola specializes in numerical modeling of hydrogeologic systems and leads Geofirma Engineering's technical operations. She holds a Master's degree in Engineering and is a licensed professional engineer.
Richard Jackson
Fellow
A hydrogeology pioneer since the 1970s, Richard brings expertise in radioactive waste characterization and subsurface contaminant migration. He holds a PhD and has contributed to major regulatory frameworks in environmental engineering.
Robert Walsh
Principal
Dr. Walsh specializes in geosphere process modeling with expertise in hydrogeology and coupled thermal-mechanical systems. He leads complex numerical modeling projects and has published extensively on subsurface flow dynamics.
Ken Raven
Fellow
As Geofirma Engineering's founding president, Ken provides strategic guidance with 40+ years of experience in geology and environmental assessment. His work bridges academic research and practical applications in subsurface engineering.
Sean N. Sterling
Vice President
A hydrogeologist with 25+ years of experience, Sean specializes in fractured bedrock characterization and groundwater contamination investigations. He leads technical teams in complex site assessments and remediation projects.
Questions
What environmental services does Geofirma Engineering offer?
We provide hydrogeology, environmental assessment, regulatory compliance, expert review, and specialized radioactive waste management solutions.
Which regions does Geofirma Engineering serve?
We primarily serve Ontario and the National Capital Region, with project experience across Canada and internationally.
Is Geofirma Engineering ISO certified?
Yes, we maintain an ISO 9001:2015-certified quality management system verified through regular audits.
What subsurface modeling expertise do you have?
Our team specializes in numerical modeling of groundwater flow, contaminant transport, and geomechanical processes using advanced simulation tools.
Can you assist with regulatory permits?
Yes, we help clients obtain environmental permits including water takings, waste management, and construction approvals under provincial regulations.
Do you provide expert testimony?
Our experts regularly provide technical reviews and litigation support for environmental and engineering disputes.
