About federal contaminated sites
Federal contaminated sites are located on land owned or leased by the federal government, or on land where the federal government has accepted responsibility for the contamination. The size and scope of federal contaminated sites vary greatly and include, for example, abandoned mines on Crown land in the North, airports, lighthouse stations, and military bases.
Contamination is most often a result of past activities with environmental consequences that were not well understood at the time. The Government of Canada has taken action through the Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan (FCSAP) and remains committed to properly manage those contaminated sites for which it is responsible.
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Canada is a land of natural beauty but past activities have left behind thousands of contaminated sites that may pose risks to human health and the environment. Many of these sites are on federal lands such as military bases, former industrial sites, and harbours. And some are on First Nations reserves.
The Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan (FCSAP) supports clean-up of these areas to reduce risks to human health and the environment. The FCSAP also promotes scientific development and creates thousands of jobs, including many in rural and Indigenous communities. Opportunities for contracts on Merx.com and Buyandsell.gc.ca.
For more information: https://www.canada.ca/contaminated-sites FCSAP.PASCF@ec.gc.ca
Canada now has policies and legislation as well as increased environmental awareness to prevent future contaminated sites. These measures include the:
- Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA, 1999)
- Fisheries Act
- Canadian Environmental Assessment Act
- Nuclear Safety and Control Act
- Mine Site Reclamation Policy
- 2008 Storage Tank Systems for Petroleum Products and Allied Petroleum Products Regulations
Federal departments, agencies and consolidated Crown corporations (also referred to as custodians) are responsible to undertake their operations in an environmentally sustainable manner in order to protect and safeguard the health of future generations and the ecosystems of tomorrow.
These legislative and policy measures should limit future contamination. As a result, only the sites contaminated through activities that occurred prior to April 1, 1998 are currently eligible for FCSAP funding. Beginning in FCSAP Phase IV (2020 to 2024), however, certain sites contaminated after 1998 will be eligible for funding to allow remediation on more sites that may impact Indigenous people living on reserves or in Northern communities. Please consult the link below for more information about FCSAP funding of sites.
What types of contaminants are found on these sites
The types of contaminants found on these sites vary widely. Most are petroleum hydrocarbons, metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Other contaminants include other hydrocarbons, inorganics and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).
What are brownfields
Brownfields are abandoned, idle or underutilized commercial or industrial properties where past actions have caused environmental contamination, but which still have potential for redevelopment or other economic opportunities. Brownfields are typically located in urban areas. FCSAP may contribute to restore federal brownfields for future use, if sites meet the conditions that make them eligible for program funding.
Where can I find information on all federal contaminated sites in Canada
The Federal Contaminated Sites Inventory (FCSI) contains information on all known and suspected federal sites. The inventory can be searched by province or territory, electoral district, metropolitan area, federal custodian or by contaminant type. Custodians also provide additional information about their sites on the inventory.
As of July 2022, there are 23 954 sites listed on the FCSI, of which 17 602 have been closed after historical reviews, testing, clean-ups or long-term monitoring activities determined that no further action was required.
- Action plan for contaminated sites
- Managing federal contaminated sites
- Federal contaminated sites: publications
More information
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