The Environmental Emergencies Section of the Environmental Protection Branch has been set up to provide a strong, coordinated framework for all phases of emergency management. This is done through the development and application of a number of tools related to planning, training and exercises, response mechanisms and incident prevention protocols. The section personnel also provide communication management within the department in crisis situations and participate in international forums to shape and influence environmental emergency related conventions and agreements.

Environmental Emergencies Responsibilities:

• Maintenance of a National Spill Reporting and Alerting System;
• On-scene response to spills of federal concern;
• Leadership for inland boundary spills;
• Provision of environmental advice/information (REET);
• Leadership and guidance in development and exercise of contingency plans;
• Encouragement of sound spill prevention practices;
• Research to develop, test and demonstrate new emergency equipment;
• Advice on weather, ice, sea-state and air quality, including enhanced meteorological support during emergencies;
• Preparation and distribution of weather warnings;
• Modelling movement of pollutants;
• Wildlife advice and monitoring;
• Emergency training programs for Environment Canada and others;
• Enforcement of legislation within mandate.
• Support to other government lead agencies