The Environmental Protection Branch, Atlantic Region works with other stakeholders to protect and restore our environment in the four Atlantic Provinces of Canada. The protection and restoration of the natural environment in the Atlantic provinces are the primary objectives of our programs and activities. The Branch attempts to anticipate and prevent environmental problems, to control unavoidable pollution stresses at acceptable levels and finally, if prevention and control measures fail, EPB initiates enforcement actions or emergency procedures.

Enforcement Division:

• The Office of Enforcement ensures that regulated industrial sectors, OGDs, and others are in compliance with departmental legislation (Canadian Environmental Protection Act, Fisheries Act).

Toxics Management Division:

• Pollution Control Section - the regulatory arm of EPB, implementing all the regulations under the Fisheries Act and the Canadian Environmental Protection Act plus the general provisions of the Fisheries Act.
• Shellfish Section - committed to protecting public health through reducing risks associated with the consumption of Atlantic shellfish, and reopening or reducing closed shellfish growing areas.
• Environmental Emergencies Section - provide a strong, coordinated framework for all phases of emergency management.
• Waste Management and Remediation Section - responsible for the management of hazardous wastes, assessment and remediation of contaminated sites and the control of waste disposal at sea.

Pollution Prevention Division:

• Environmental Assessment Section - gives advice on projects initiated by other government departments (OGDs) and those referred through provincial assessment processes, and ensures that internal projects satisfy the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act requirements.
• Environmental Management and Technology Section - supports the development and implementation of plans to minimize generation of wastes and their potential for environmental damage.

Provincial Offices:

• The Environmental Protection Branch maintains Provincial offices in New Brunswick, Newfoundland, and Prince Edward Island to integrate EPB and departmental activities with those of provincial governments and other federal agencies.