Notice

On June 29, 2012, the Fisheries Act was amended. Policy and regulations are now being developed to support the new fisheries protection provisions of the Act (which are not yet in force). The existing guidance and policies continue to apply. For more information, see Changes to the Fisheries Act.

Step 1: Site Identification

In Step 1, use available information to identify suspect sites for further investigation, or to rule out sites that are not contaminated. If a site is not contaminated, then no action is required. If contamination is suspected at a site, then further investigation through Step 2 is required.

 

 

How to Prepare

• Contact Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) expert support to discuss:
  • assessment activities and expectations associated with assessment;
  • possible management strategies.
• Review site information.

What to Do

• Identify the:
  • water bodies at or near the site;
  • potential for fish and fish habitat at or near the site;
  • potential for aquatic species listed under the Species At Risk Act (SARA) at or near the site, including the potential overlap with private residences or previously identified critical habitat for the SARA-listed species.
• Seek provincial or territorial guidance if considering divestiture.

How Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) Expert Support Helps

• Identification of:
  • fish and fish habitat concerns on or near the site;
  • aquatic SARA-listed species;
  • additional information requirements.
• Provide information on past DFO involvement at the site (e.g., studies, Fisheries Act authorizations, letters of advice, etc.).
• Advice on DFO regulatory responsibilities and processes.

Supporting Documents

• A Federal Approach to Contaminated Sites [PDF 276 KB]
• Eligible Costs Guidance Document - V.4.1
• Federal Contaminated Sites Inventory (FCSI)
• FCSI Input Guide
• Fisheries Act
• Framework for Addressing and Managing Aquatic Contaminated Sites Under the FCSAP
• Proponent's Guide to Information Requirements for Review Under the Fish Habitat Protection Provisions of the Fisheries Act
• Species at Risk Act (SARA)
• Species at Risk Public Registry
• Working Near Water: What You Need To Do