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 5: Detailed Testing Program

The objective of the detailed testing program is to build on Step 4 by further defining the nature of the site contamination and to address outstanding issues in the development of an effective site management strategy. The intent of this step is to reduce known uncertainties.

 

 

How to Prepare

• Collect a targeted, more comprehensive group of samples (including biological testing) than during the initial testing (Step 3) in order to identify areas of higher risk and delineate the boundaries of identified contaminants.
  • Sampling plans should consider the data requirements of an Ecological Risk Assessment (ERA) and future monitoring plans.

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.
• Delineate the quantity and severity of contamination on-site.
• Review and refine the Conceptual Site Model (CSM) as more site data becomes available.
• Update the list of Contaminants of Potential Concern (COPC) and identify the Contaminants of Concern (COC).
• Define, in greater detail, site conditions required to identify all contaminant pathways (including aquatic pathways), particularly with respect to risk assessment.
• Provide the necessary information required to develop a Remedial Action Plan (RAP) (Step 7) and provide input to specifications and tender documents.
• If necessary, use computer modeling to establish contaminant distributions and/or migration patterns.
• Complete Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs): Phase II or III if not already completed.

How Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) Expert Support Helps

• Assistance with determination of level of impact to fish and fish habitat (e.g., contaminants-related or physical impacts to fish habitat).
• Provide advice on physical processes (such as erosion/deposition, tides/currents/floods susceptibility, etc.) that could affect fish and fish habitat.
• Document review (e.g., draft site assessment, draft risk assessment) with respect to fish and fish habitat.
• Provide advice to custodians in the development of terms of reference for contracts to prevent or mitigate potential impacts to fish and fish habitat associated with testing or risk management/remediation programs.
• 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).
• Assist with the identification of aquatic receptors and pathways to focus on during the assessment.
• Provide assistance in applying the Framework for Addressing and Managing Aquatic Contaminated Sites Under the FCSAP.

Supporting Documents

• Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) - Guidance Manual 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 - Recommended Principles on Contaminated Sites Liabilities [PDF 108 KB]
• CCME - Sediment Quality
• CCME - Water Quality Guidelines
• Directive on Contingencies (replaces: Policy on Accounting for Costs and Liabilities Related to Contaminated Sites)
• FCSAP Ecological Risk Assessment Guidance
• Framework for Addressing and Managing Aquatic Contaminated Sites Under the FCSAP
• Pathways of Effects (PoE)
• Program Management Funding - Eligible Activities and Costs
• Phase II Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) Guidance
• Proponent's Guide to Information Requirements for Review Under the Fish Habitat Protection Provisions of the Fisheries Act