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In the past, federal government departments carried out the identification, assessment, and management of contaminated sites on an individual basis resulting sometimes in inconsistent practices and procedures. These inconsistencies left the federal government with an incomplete picture of its environmental risks, costs, and liabilities arising from contaminated sites.

The CSMWG was established in 1995 as a direct response to the need for an efficient and consistent approach to the management of federal contaminated sites. Co-chaired by Environment Canada and the Department of National Defense, it currently comprises 15 federal departments and agencies, which cost share its activities.

Objectives

To promote and develop a consistent approach for the management of federal contaminated sites issues, which integrates sustainable development and pollution prevention principles while meeting environmental regulations, protecting public health, and establishing a forum for discussion of the various existing technologies, guidelines, and policies.

Definition of a Contaminated Site

The CSMWG defines a contaminated site as

A site at which substances occur at concentrations:

1. above background levels and pose, or are likely to pose, an immediate or long-term hazard to human health or the environment; or
   
   
2. exceed levels specified in policies and regulations.

For the purpose of this definition:

• Background levels refer to the ambient levels of a contaminant in the local area of the site under consideration.
  
  
• The above definition is intended to include sites which are contaminated but are being properly managed. It also includes sites that are known or suspected of being contaminated but have yet to be addressed.
  
  
• The definition is not intended to include sites which are only covered by debris, or simply "aesthetically" unpleasant. Similarly, heat, sound, and vibration are excluded as "contaminants" within the scope of the above definition.