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 2: Historical Review

For the historical review, you should gather all the historical and current information related to the site. Completion of this step should result in the identification of the suspected areas of concern and associated uncertainties to inform subsequent investigations. Once the review is complete, initial testing can begin (Step 3).

 

How to Prepare

• Gather historical information from a variety of sources, including:
  • reports;
  • aerial photographs;
  • insurance maps and reports;
  • property title searches;
  • federal, provincial, territorial, and municipal archives;
  • regulatory agency records;
  • company records;
  • topographic and geological maps;
  • site plans and drawings.
• Identify fisheries.
• Characterize fish habitat (fish habitat mapping).

What to Do

• Complete a site visit.
• Interview informed persons:
  • Discussions should be held with key site personnel at both the subject site and surrounding lands.
• Conduct a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA).

How Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) Expert Support Helps

• Provide fish, fish habitat, and fisheries background information at or near the site, if available.
• With respect to fish and fish habitat:
  • identify information gaps;
  • provide advice on information gathering (e.g., identify/provide relevant historical documents).
• Provide information on regulatory or advisory involvement.
• Participate in site visit(s).

Supporting Documents

• A Federal Approach to Contaminated Sites [PDF 276 KB]
• Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) Guidance
• Program Management Funding - Eligible Activities and Costs
• Proponent's Guide to Information Requirements for Review Under the Fish Habitat Protection Provisions of the Fisheries Act
• WAVES: DFO Library
• Working Near Water: What You Need To Do