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 6: Site Reclassification

The objective of Step 6 is to confirm the site classification performed in Step 4, or to reclassify a site based on the data obtained during Step 5. This step is required in order to obtain additional funding, or to access remaining funding. If a site is deemed contaminated (i.e., there is a risk to human health or the environment), then you should move on to Step 7: Develop Risk Management Strategy.

 

How to Prepare

• Review previous Aquatic Sites Classification System (ASCS) or National Classification System for Contaminated Sites (NCSCS) scoring.
• Conduct a detailed review of all the new results and data collected in Step 5.
• Conduct a site visit to address specific issues.

What to Do

• Complete Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs): Phase I, II, and III if not already completed.
• Complete the NCSCS or ASCS.
• Consider the components/process of an Ecological Risk Assessment (ERA).

How Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) Expert Support Helps

• Review relevant (i.e., fish and fish habitat) components of the NCSCS or ASCS classification scores and associated reports.
• Provide training resources (such as the FCSAP Aquatic Sites Classification System (2009) Detailed User Guidance Manual) and provide advice on the submission score.
• Provide assistance in applying the Framework for Addressing and Managing Aquatic Contaminated Sites Under the FCSAP.
• Assist in the interpretation of the detailed sampling (Step 5) and ERA process.

Supporting Documents

• A Federal Approach to Contaminated Sites [PDF 276 KB]
• 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 - 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
• Proponent's Guide to Information Requirements for Review Under the Fish Habitat Protection Provisions of the Fisheries Act
• Working Near Water: What You Need To Do