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Activities of the Biological Methods Division
In recent years, Division staff has had to balance test method development and standardization activities against a rapidly growing demand by departmental staff for assistance with the interpretation and application of toxicity test results. Program staff routinely provide advice to several Environment Canada programs (i.e., regarding toxicity compliance provisions of the Fisheries Act pulp and paper and metal mining effluent regulations, sublethal toxicity testing requirements under the Environmental Effects Monitoring (EEM) component of Fisheries Act regulations, the Ocean Disposal Regulations under CEPA along with the associated dump site monitoring program, and assessment of toxicity test data submitted under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA) New Substances Notification Regulation). Program staff were heavily involved in implementing the toxicology component of the CAEAL laboratory accreditation program and continue to support the program through the preparation of test-specific toxicity checklists for use by CAEAL auditors during laboratory inspections; conducting auditor training sessions for CAEAL toxicology auditors; and participation in annual toxicology laboratory inspections as volunteer auditors.
Who are our partners?
Current program partners and clients include the National Office of Pollution Prevention, Existing and New Substance Branches, Marine Environment Division, Environmental Technology Advancement Directorate, National EEM Office, Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers, Canadian Pulp and Paper Association, Mining Association of Canada, Natural Resources Canada/CANMET, Petroleum Technology Alliance Canada, Terra Choice Eco-Logo program, CAEAL, Saskatchewan Research Council, and corporations such as INCO and Falconbridge.
What are the benefits?
Standardized biological testing procedures for monitoring and controlling toxic substances and complex mixtures are essential for protection of the Canadian environment. Since results from toxicology testing procedures give an overall integrated estimate of environmental hazard, considerable cost savings can be realized in comparison to the cost of extensive priority pollutant scans. A high degree of national consistency has been achieved due to excellent federal/provincial co-operation during the development of each test method.
How is it delivered?
The program is delivered through the Environmental Technology Centre (ETC) but receives technical direction from a federal/ provincial toxicology committee known as the Inter-Governmental Environmental Toxicology Group.
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