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 4: Initial Site Classification

Suspect sites are classified using the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) National Classification System for Contaminated Sites (NCSCS) or the FCSAP Aquatic Sites Classification System (ASCS) to determine eligibility for FCSAP funding and prioritize sites. Completion of Step 4 is required to obtain FCSAP funding. If there is uncertainty as to whether or not a site poses a risk to human health or the environment, then further assess the site in Step 5. The ASCS should be used if the site is a water lot or meets the Definition of an Aquatic Site.

How to Prepare

• Consult with expert support on classification and scoring (including aquatic receptors, habitat, and physical risks).
• Review the National Classification System for Contaminated Sites (NCSCS) and the Aquatic Sites Classification System (ASCS).
• Consider the data requirements of an Ecological Risk Assessment (ERA) in all sampling plans.

What to Do

• Complete:
  • NCSCS or ASCS spreadsheets:
    • assign a classification by answering a series of questions related to contaminant characteristics, exposure pathways, and receptors.
  • Phase I and II Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs).
• Provide more detail on existing site conditions to accurately map the contaminant pathways.
• If an aquatic component to the site has been identified, apply the Framework for Addressing and Managing Aquatic Contaminated Sites Under the FCSAP to assist in targeting and identifying further sampling and data gaps in the aquatic environment.

How Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) Expert Support Helps

• Review and provide advice on relevant (i.e., fish and fish habitat) components of the NCSCS or ASCS classification scores and associated background information.
• Provide access to training and resources for the ASCS (such as the FCSAP Aquatic Sites Classification System (2009) Detailed User Guidance Manual).
• Provide assistance in applying the Framework for Addressing and Managing Aquatic Contaminated Sites Under the FCSAP.

Supporting Documents

• A Federal Approach to Contaminated Sites [PDF 276KB]
• Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) - Guidance on Sampling, Analysis, and Data Management for Contaminated Sites - Volume I: Main Report [PDF 5.74 MB]
• CCME - Guidance Manual on Sampling, Analysis, and Data Management for Contaminated Sites - Volume II: Analytical Method Summaries [PDF 8.45 MB]
• CCME - National Classification System for Contaminated Sites (NCSCS) - Guidance Document [PDF 567 KB]
• CCME - NCSCS Spreadsheet
• CCME - Sediment Quality
• CCME - Water Quality Guidelines
• FCSAP Aquatic Sites Classification System (ASCS) - 2009
• FCSAP Ecological Risk Assessment Guidance
• Framework for Addressing and Managing Aquatic Contaminated Sites Under the FCSAP
• Pathways of Effects (PoE)
• Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) Guidance
• Phase II ESA Guidance
• Program Management Funding - Eligible Activities and Costs
• Working Near Water: What You Need To Do