NEW MEMBER PROFILE
GRT Regenerock provides sustainable remediation solution
T he Association of Pacific Ports is pleased to wel- come GRT Regnerock as an Associate Member. In speaking with Jane McIvor, Executive Director for the APP, Blair Tassone, Director, Business Development, and Deanna Woods, Director of People & Product Development, discussed the company’s mission to trans- form contaminated and excess soil into reusable construc- tion material, its expansion plans, and its pioneering role in sustainable land management. Founded in 2019, GRT identified a gap in the construc- tion and waste industries — the need for an environment- ally responsible alternative to landfilling excavated soil. The company’s first facility opened in 2021 at Duke Point in Nanaimo. “We saw an opportunity to turn what’s typically con- sidered waste into a resource,” said Woods. “Our goal was to reduce environmental impacts on both the disposal and extraction sides.” Innovative circular model GRT’s facilities receive excavated soil and sediment from construction or dredging projects. The material is treated, remediated, and screened into usable aggregate prod- ucts such as washed sand, drain rock, riprap, and compact- able silt. These outputs are then sold for use in infrastructure and industrial applications. While contractors handle their own transportation, GRT’s urban facility model significantly reduces hauling costs compared to traditional landfills, which are typically located far outside city centers.
“That’s a big benefit,” Tassone explained. “By being close to the source, we cut both costs and emissions — it’s a win- win for our clients and the environment.” Growth and market impact Since launching in 2021, GRT has been widely adopted on Vancouver Island, largely through education and outreach in an industry accustomed to linear “dig and dump” practices. The company is permitting a facility in Vancouver, with a planned opening date of late 2026. “We were the first facility of our kind in Canada,” said Woods. “No one else processes the range of soils and dredged materials that we do.”“ Competitive and sustainable The GRT offerings are both competitive with the market- place and environmentally responsible.The company’s success has been driven by a leadership team of environ- mental and engineering professionals, including CEO Peter Reid, COO Claire Lewis, and CFO Kevin Watson, all with decades of experience in environmental remediation and infrastructure development. GRT employs about 38 people in Nanaimo. Looking ahead With regulatory acceptance secured in B.C. and grow- ing recognition of its environmental value, GRT is poised to become a leader in circular soil management across the Pacific coast. The company will present its model at the upcoming APP 2026 Conference in Hawaii, showcasing how its work supports both economic efficiency and climate goals. “It’s great to connect with people who get it,” Woods said. “For years, we’ve been explaining why this kind of business needs to exist. Now the industry is finally ready for it.” To learn more about GRT, visit: https://www.grtenv.com/ “We saw an opportunity to turn what’s typically considered waste into a resource...”
The GRT compound in Nanaimo, British Columbia.
October/November 2025 — PACIFIC PORTS — 29
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator