Step 3: Initial testing program

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 and laboratory analytical procedures, as well as appropriate quality assurance and quality control
• the sampling program should be designed to:
  • obtain more definitive information about the nature and the extent of the contamination to build a conceptual site model
  • include all exposure pathways and receptors relevant to the site

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
• if management actions are necessary
• identify risks - using a qualitative risk assessment, establish the three components of risk:
• contaminants
• receptors
• exposure pathways
• develop a list of contaminants of potential concern (COPC) based on historical data.
• develop a conceptual site model
• a desktop approximation of the physical and chemical (contaminant) site conditions
• provides the foundation upon which to develop subsequent stages of investigation
• conduct a Phase II environmental site assessment (ESA)

How Fisheries and Oceans Canada Expert Support helps

• assist with identification of fish, fish habitat, fisheries and aquatic ecosystem components
• provide advice on:
• characterization of fish habitat, aquatic ecosystem components and/or habitat mapping
• confirmation of aquatic species including species listed under the Species at Risk Act (SARA)
• expectations associated with fish and fish habitat data collection
• document review [e.g., Phase II ESA report, conceptual site model (CSM)] with respect to the risk(s) to fish and fish habitat (including receptors, hazard, and exposure)
• review sampling plan to ensure data collected will accurately represent the site and assess risks to fish and fish habitat
• participate in site visit activities with custodians and other stakeholders to address potential issues and become familiar with the site
• provide assistance in applying the Framework for Addressing and Managing Aquatic Contaminated Sites under the FCSAP
• provide advice on compliance requirements under the Fisheries Act, SARA and other DFO-related legislation

Federal contaminated sites: Online resources