Being the largest landowner in Canada, the federal government has significant land holdings across the country. There are some risks of environmental degradation on federal lands associated with contaminated sites, spills/releases, underground and above-ground storage tanks as well as pesticides.
Stewardship of Land
Approaching all activities with a pollution prevention mindset can minimize risks associated with contaminated sites, spills/releases, storage tanks and pesticides. While some emphasis is placed on the remediation of existing contaminated properties, the foundation for the management of federal lands and all government operations must be to prevent pollution.
It is a priority for the federal government to manage responsibly lands occupied by, or adjacent to, a Government of Canada department/agency in order to protect intrinsic environmental qualities such as aesthetics, natural features and biodiversity.
Sustainable land use management may involve investigating site history, to help identify potential risks. It also involves the benefits that landscaping can provide to indoor and outdoor environmental quality. Urban reforestation or naturalization of land can provide shade, which has a natural cooling effect, provide protection from the wind and improve air quality. Considering hardy and native plants that need less pesticides and water is also an important part of sustainable land use management.
Contaminated Sites
Management of contaminated sites includes identification, classification and assessment of sites to manage risks to human health and the environment.
The objectives of contaminated sites management are to control risk (environmental, health, financial and legal), to prioritize remediation efforts and to steadily reduce the number of properties where further action is required.
Spills/Releases of Environmentally Harmful Substances
The objectives of managing spills are to minimize environmental, health and financial impacts, and to reduce liabilities through the following practices:
- comply with regulations and guidelines;
- minimize releases;
- respond appropriately to emergencies;
- enhance awareness.
Storage Tanks
The objectives of managing storage tanks in an environmentally-sound manner are to minimize environmental, health, and financial risks associated with contamination, and to reduce liabilities through the following practices:
- tank management programs to collect information, maintain and upgrade tanks;
- maintain inventories;
- audit practices;
- improve awareness and training.
Landfill Management
Diverting solid waste from landfills results in a reduction of greenhouse gases. The decomposition of waste in landfills produces a gas which is composed primarily of methane and carbon dioxide, both of which are greenhouse gases contributing to climate change. The emission of this gas from our landfills accounts for 26 % of the man-made methane emissions from Canadian sources.
In addition to greenhouse gas reductions, the capture and use of landfill gas provides other benefits such as limiting odours, controlling damage to vegetation, reducing owner liability, reducing risk from explosions, fires and asphyxiation, and smog while providing a potential source of revenue and profit.
Pesticides
The objectives of sound pesticide management is to minimize or eliminate the use of pesticides - insecticides, herbicides and fungicides - while achieving pest control. Federal departments are encouraged to promote sustainable pest management strategies that reduce their reliance on pesticides and the risk associated with their use. Operation changes and/or product substitution may result in savings in purchasing, disposal and treatment costs.
Integrated pest management systems, which mimic natural systems, are typically used as an alternative to chemical pest control.
The Government of Canada must manage these risks associated with pesticide use and provide alternative means to protect human and environmental health, in accordance with applicable legislation and best management practices.
