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Home > Working Near Water > Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan (FCSAP) 10-Step Approach > Step 3: Initial Testing Program

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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 3: Initial Testing Program

Navigate between each steps Step 1: Site Identification Step 2: Historical Review Step 3: Initial Testing Program Step 4: Initial Site Classification Step 5: Detailed Testing Program Step 6: Site Reclassification Step 7: Develop Risk Management Strategy Step 8: Implement Remediation/Risk Management Strategy Step 9: Confirmatory Sampling Step 10: Long-Term Monitoring

If the historical review (Step 2) identifies a potential environmental or human health concern, an initial testing program should be undertaken to confirm those concerns. This step provides a preliminary assessment of the degree, nature, and extent of the contamination.

 

 

How to Prepare

  • Planning:
    • Develop a suitable work plan based on the findings and/or uncertainties identified in Step 2: Historical Review.
    • The work plan should incorporate the use of technically sound sampling procedures, quality assurance and quality control procedures, and laboratory analytical procedures.
  • The sampling program should be designed to:
    • obtain more definitive information about the nature and the extent of the contamination;
    • include all aquatic pathways and receptors relevant to the site;
    • consider the data requirements of an Ecological Risk Assessment (ERA). This will avoid the need to resample the site if an ERA is required.

What to Do

  • If an aquatic component to the site has been identified, apply the Framework for Addressing and Managing Aquatic Contaminated Sites Under the FCSAP.
  • Develop a work plan.
  • Obtain or supplement baseline fish and fish habitat information at and near the site.
  • Develop a sampling and analysis plan.
  • Conduct investigations at the site and analyze samples/data:
    • The investigations and analysis of the samples/data should assist in determining the degree of contamination at the site, whether or not further investigations are required, and if management actions are necessary.
  • Identify risks:
    • Using a qualitative risk assessment, establish the three components of risk: contaminants, receptors, and exposure pathways.
  • Develop a list of Contaminants of Potential Concern (COPC) based on historical data.
  • Develop a Conceptual Site Model (CSM):
    • The CSM is a desktop approximation of the physical and chemical (contaminant) site conditions.
    • The CSM provides the foundation upon which to develop subsequent stages of investigation.
  • Conduct an Environmental Site Assessment (ESA; Phase I).

How Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) Expert Support Helps

  • Assist with identification of fish, fish habitat, and fish/fisheries information.
  • Provide advice on:
    • characterization of fish habitat or habitat mapping;
    • confirmation of aquatic species (including Species at Risk Act (SARA)-listed species);
    • expectations associated with fish and fish habitat data collection.
  • Document review (e.g., Phase I ESA report, CSM) with respect to the risk(s) (including receptors, hazard, and exposure) to fish and fish habitat.
  • Review sampling plan to ensure data collected will accurately represent the site and assess risks to fish and fish habitat.
  • Participate in site visit(s) with custodians and other stakeholders to address potential issues and become familiar with the site

Supporting Documents

Next Step: Initial Site Classification

Date Modified: 2013-04-11

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