Founded in 2007, GE Environmental Solution’s leadership had the vision to be an industry leader in the distribution and installation of geotechnical engineering products, more commonly referred to as geosynthetics.
Brothers Gerry and Ricky Lamontagne founded the company by focusing on a client-first approach to geosynthetic distribution and installation. At inception, the company’s primary customer was service contractors, however, it has evolved its scope of service and currently also serves mining producers. Project scopes and complexity of these projects have allowed GE to be more integrated within the engineering of infrastructure assets for the potash producers.
Some of the major projects that GE has been involved within the potash mining industry includes cooling ponds, retention ponds, berm erosion control measures, HDPE slurry pipelines, berm extensions, concrete protective liners, and secondary containment structures.
Gerry has provided the next generation of employees with guidance as his industry knowledge spans over 35 years. The next generation includes Eric Lamontagne, who is a professional engineer with an extensive mining and geosynthetic background. Leland Slobodian, a red seal electrician, ensures operations are run safely and efficiently. Lance Lamontagne manages the company’s environmental consultation fieldwork. His education includes a degree in biology and extensive background in environmental consulting/management. Adam Reputakowski has experience in polyethylene manufacturing and has knowledge of water conveyance systems, which has allowed GE to excel in the HDPE piping market.
Collectively, the team has allowed GE to explore new ventures and continue to push the boundaries of construction.
“Geosynthetics, in general, is not fully understood by many,” says Eric Lamontagne, GE president. “Education will continue to play a pivotal role as the industry evolves and we design and build infrastructure with geosynthetics.”
Lamontagne goes on to explain how geosynthetics have been applied to construction since the early 1960s. However, education around product diversity and variety are not as widely understood, which can sometimes impede the design process. GE’s strength comes from the unbiased approach of designing with geosynthetics.
“As a team, we discuss the best approach for each project, and which product(s) are best suited for the application,” says Lamontagne. “We also support the quality of installation to ensure the desired outcome is achieved.”
Lamontagne adds that the potash industry, due to its operating environment, can be taxing on infrastructure from a corrosive standpoint. “Geosynthetics have a multitude of applications within the potash industry. HDPE pipe is manufactured with polyethylene, which happens to be the same thermoplastic used in many geosynthetics.”
GE’s corporate responsibility initiatives are a guiding compass for their work. GE remains committed to the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action and is active within the Indigenous communities they work in. Striving for diversity in their workforce continues to be a company goal. Since 2015, GE has sustained a 40 per cent Aboriginal employee workforce. GE is committed to expanding workforce skill sets that are transferable to other areas of construction.
“Building capacity within the communities we work in is a high priority for us,” Lamontagne explains.
GE continues to work with all the potash producers to ensure environmental compliance on ponds, secondary containment, and highly erodible areas on site. In addition to their experience with HDPE piping systems, GE is well-positioned to ensure potash mining in Saskatchewan remains a sustainable and competitive industry.
Providing innovative solutions to the mining industry, in particular the potash industry, has been a focal point for GE. GE is compliant with ISNetworld and COR certified, allowing GE to work directly with potash producers.
