CANADIAN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ACT

ATLANTIC REGION HIGHLIGHTS
1997/98

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The following highlights indicate some of the significant activities the Atlantic Region conducted in support of CEPA in 1997/98.

Research and Monitoring

The third and final year of collaborative field research on the bioaccumulation and effects of mercury in common loons in the Maritimes was completed. Results show a clear exposure-response relationship between blood mercury concentrations in adult loons and their ability to nest and raise young. Similarly, high blood mercury concentrations in young loon chicks appear to adversely affect their behaviour. Preliminary results were presented at several international and regional mercury meetings. Scientific publication of findings began in February 1998 and will continue in 1998/99.

A joint monitoring project, partially funded by Public Works and Government Services Canada, was completed with biologists from Memorial University and the Newfoundland Wildlife Division. The objective of that project was to determine the levels of persistent organochlorines and heavy metals in bald eagles breeding in Placentia Bay, Newfoundland. That project will provide valuable baseline data near the proposed Voisey's Bay Nickel company smelter/refinery at Argentia.

The possible impacts of PCBs on fish-eating wildlife near Five Island Lake, Nova Scotia were assessed in cooperation with the Nova Scotia Wildlife Division and the Atlantic Veterinary College. Mink, otter and raccoon carcasses, submitted by trappers, are being analyzed for PCB and mercury concentrations at the National Wildlife Research Centre, as part of a cooperative study on the potential endocrine disrupting impacts of those contaminants. Results of those analyses will be reported in 1998/99.

Seabird eggs were collected from the north coast of Prince Edward Island to assess the possible exposure to PCBs released during the raising of the Irving Whale. Results will be reported in 1998/99.

The first year of a two-year study to examine spatial and temporal patterns of mercury concentrations in yellow perch from over 40 headwater lakes in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia was completed. In 1997/98, 54 composite yellow perch samples were collected from 18 lakes. The New Brunswick Department of Natural Resources and Energy, J.D. Irving Ltd., Clean Annapolis River Program and Bluenose Atlantic Coastal Action Program assisted in field collection of fish and water samples. In 1998/99, field collection will focus on Nova Scotia lakes and the results of the study will be reported.

Total mercury was determined in four marine species taken from three sites in the Richibucto Estuary, New Brunswick. The mercury concentrations were found to increase by species based on trophic level, i.e. Crangnon < mummichog < tomcod < American eel. Mercury concentrations in those species were also observed to be significantly lower on a comparative weight basis than in freshwater fish from NS and NB. Mill Creek, a tributary of the Richibucto River, has been impacted by a peat moss harvesting operation. A study is currently underway to assess the possible bioaccumulation of mercury by fish indigenous to that area. Results of the study were presented at various meetings and conferences and will be published in 1998/99.

Monitoring of persistent organic pollutants in Atlantic Region precipitation continued in 1997/98. Organochlorine and polyaromatic hydrocarbon compounds concentrations were determined in monthly composite samples of wet precipitation from three sites, Kejimkujik National Park, Gros Morne National Park, and Kouchibouguac National Park. That data will be used to assess temporal and spatial trends in organic contaminants deposition in the Region. Results were presented in a poster at various meetings and conferences during the year.

Results of volunteer waterbird surveys at the Sydney Tar Ponds and Harbour were published in a CWS Technical Report. Those surveys were done to assess the potential exposure of birds to local contamination.

Total gaseous mercury (TGM) monitoring continued at two regional sites, Kejimkujik National Park, Nova Scotia and St. Andrews, New Brunswick. TGM concentrations in the Atlantic Region are close to the global average of 1.5 ng/m³ and are similar to concentrations elsewhere in eastern North America. Seasonal transport patterns vary year to year over the Region. Many possible sources contribute to TGM levels in the Atlantic Region from local sources to long range transport from European and North American source regions. Preliminary studies conducted at Kejimkujik in the summer of 1997 on the evasion of mercury from soils and water surfaces indicated that gas exchange occurs over both of those surfaces. Those measurements indicated that flux is important in overall mercury dynamics and additional research is required to better understand spatial and temporal variability in flux and factors regulating that process.

Mercury concentrations in precipitation continued to be measured at Kejimkujik and St. Andrews in cooperation with the U.S. Mercury Deposition Network (MDN). Total mercury concentrations in precipitation and wet deposition are similar in magnitude to other sites in eastern North America. Mercury concentration and wet deposition are greatest in the summer and lowest in the winter.

To determine the relative importance of anthropogenic emissions of mercury in the Region, an Inventory of Anthropogenic Sources of Mercury in Atlantic Canada was completed. The total estimated mercury emissions from all Atlantic Canadian anthropogenic sources was approximately 960 kg/yr. That represents about 6.4% of the 1995 national estimate of mercury emissions of 15 tonnes/yr. The regional inventory will be useful to track the progress of future controls on mercury in the Region.

The ecological risk assessment of textile mill effluents under the Priority Substances Assessment Program continued. The Atlantic Region is leading that assessment which is scheduled to be completed in 2000. Activities conducted during 1997/98 included: the publication of the Problem Formulation document, providing the goals and focus of the assessment; the completion of a textiles industry process description report; and the field component of a study examining the aquatic toxicity of treated and untreated textile mill effluents from 8 textile mills in eastern Canada.

The Gulf of Maine Council Monitoring Committee, composed of Environment Canada and other Canadian and US federal/ provincial /state government and university scientists, released a Council technical report on the sixth year of its annual "Gulfwatch" monitoring project. That Committee reported on concentrations of toxic contaminants, including PAHs, PCBs, chlorinated pesticides, dioxin and furans and dioxin toxic equivalencies, in mussel (Mytilus edulis) samples collected from sites in the five Canadian/US jurisdictions bordering the Gulf of Maine. Spatial distribution and temporal trends of toxic contaminants throughout the Gulf were reported and concentrations were interpreted in the context of environmental and human health.

NPRI

In 1997/98, the regional component of the National Pollutant Release Inventory processed 274 substance reports from 94 facilities for the 1996 reporting year, representing a 19% increase in compliance from 1995. On-site releases to air, surface water and land totaled 6,865 tonnes (a decrease of 10% from 1995), with methanol, ammonia, chlorine dioxide, manganese, chlorine, ethylene glycol and zinc as the top substances. Reported transfers to off-site facilities totaled 2,133 tonnes (an increase of 18% over 1995), with methanol and ethylene glycol as the top substances. Voluntary reports of off-site transfers to recycling and recovery accounted for 667 tonnes in 1996.

Ocean Disposal

For the Atlantic Region Ocean Disposal Program, 71 environmental impact assessments of ocean disposal permits and amendment requests were completed in 1997/98. Sixty three site inspections were conducted to ensure permit compliance. For the first time ocean disposal permits were issued that included conditions addressing both ocean disposal and related non-ocean disposal activities. That was accomplished by exercising the discretionary authority provided by the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act. Two disposal site monitoring projects were completed to ensure the accuracy of decision making and provide feedback to enhance the permit review process.

A research project was conducted to assist the standardization and development of Environment Canada Sediment Toxicity Reference Methods. Presentations on ocean disposal site management and monitoring were made at national and international conferences. A report was published on the three year (1992-1994) monitoring program conducted at the Saint John Black Point, New Brunswick ocean disposal site.

Contaminated Sites

In cooperation with Fisheries and Oceans, a survey was conducted to determine the decrease in PCB concentrations in sediment and crab tissues which occurred over the winter after the lift of the Irving Whale.

Environment Canada continued to provide technical advice to Public Works and Government Services Canada on the remedial action plan for the former US Naval Facility at Argentia, Newfoundland. The remedial action plan, which commits an expenditure of $81M, will address long term groundwater monitoring at the site, construction of secure landfills and remediation of underground petroleum hydrocarbon plumes and approximately 60 sites contaminated by petroleum hydrocarbons, PCBs, solvents or heavy metals.

Environment Canada provided technical advice to a multi-agency committee, co-chaired by Transport Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corp., assessing contamination at former US military properties at Stephenville, Newfoundland. Potential for environmental, health and safety risks associated with abandoned fuel tanks and pipelines at the former Base was identified and several environmental audits and remediation projects are ongoing.

Environment Canada provided technical advice to the Department of National Defense on the environmental site assessment and remediation of a former US Early Warning station at Saglek, Labrador. A number of areas at the remote site were identified as having PCB contamination, including marine sediments. Environment Canada along with others, including the Labrador Inuit Association, provided advise to DND on the extent of clean-up required, further delineation of contamination in Saglek Bay and the methods to be employed for on site storage of excavated contaminated soil and destruction methods.

Pollution Prevention

The Atlantic Region Pollution Prevention (P2) Program continued to focus on private sector activities, with access gained through direct, community or association contacts. Highlights of those activities in 1997/98 are as follows.

• Environment Canada chaired a multi-agency group focusing on reducing toxics in the Shipyard Repair Industry associated with hull maintenance and releases of toxics to marine waters (e.g. tributyltin, copper oxides).
• Regional seminars were co-hosted with the Canadian and Atlantic Region Fabricare Industry Associations on regulatory requirements and pollution prevention opportunities associated with the use of perchloroethylene.
• Participation continued on the steering committee for the $3 million Halifax Regional Municipality pollution prevention program. That program is currently focusing on at-source control options from vehicle service and repair facilities, metal finishers and photo finishers.
• In cooperation with 26 small to medium-sized enterprises in Liverpool, Nova Scotia, voluntary audits were conducted to improve conservation and reduce contaminant entry to sewers and the harbour. Follow-up is planned for the summer of 1998 to quantify reductions as well as review the approach used.
• Banks and other lending institutions were surveyed to determine how they handle environmental risks, prior to EC initiating dialogue with federal and provincial development agencies. Hopefully that will lead to both banks and development agencies being more aware of environmental responsibilities and opportunities for reductions of toxics through program implementation.

Compliance and Enforcement

In February 1998 City Sales Ltd., Fredericton, New Brunswick was ordered to pay $20,000 in the New Brunswick Provincial Court after pleading guilty to knowingly providing false and misleading information to Environment Canada inspectors with respect to the exportation of ozone-depleting chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) to the United States. In addition, Mr. Larry LeBlanc, owner of City Sales Ltd., was sentenced to 15 months in prison and a fine of $28,000 (U.S.) and his wife Ann Marie LeBlanc was sentenced to a fine of $1,500 (U.S.); both pleaded guilty in the US Maine District court to illegally importing the CFCs into the United States. That outcome brings to a close a lengthy case brought forward in 1993 as a result of cooperative efforts of environmental law enforcement agencies in both Canada and the United States. The outcome is precedent-setting because it is the first time in Canada that a significant punishment has been imposed for obstructing and preventing Environment Canada inspectors from performing their duties.

Enforcement efforts included 167 inspections to monitor compliance with various regulations under CEPA. Ten (10) investigations were initiated as a result of those inspections. One charge was laid and eight (8) warning letters issued relative to those investigations. The violations included ocean dumping, illegal export of hazardous waste, illegal import and sale of ozone depleting substances. Fines ranged from $7,500 to $30,000.

EPB Atlantic completed the Ozone-depleting Substances Information and Identification Reference Guide designed to assist Canada Customs officers in tracking transborder shipments of ODS. That guide is an updated version of a document which was very well received by customs officers and other law enforcement agencies in Canada and the US. Refresher training sessions were conducted at selected regional Canada Customs offices.

A compliance promotion seminar for the Federal Halocarbons Regulations was conducted for the facilities of the Department of National Defense in Halifax. That seminar was attended by over 100 regional DND staff as well as DND representatives from that department's headquarters in Ottawa.

Regional activities under the New Substances Notification (NSN) Regulations included: the compilation of a list of potential regulatees in Atlantic Canada for that regulation; compliance promotion and public consultation sessions for the biotechnology component of the NSN regulations were held; and two audit inspections at companies which imported glue/adhesive polymers for use in the production of laminated, finger-jointed forest products were conducted.

The seven pulp and paper mills in the region, covered under the Pulp and Paper Mill Effluent Chlorinated Dioxins and Furan Regulations, discharged well below the allowable limits identified in that regulation. Dioxins and furans were non detectable in effluents from most regional pulp and paper mills.