A Guide to Understanding the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999

Long Descriptions for Figures 1 and 2

Figure 1: Environmental Management Process

The environmental management process consists of four interconnected activities. Research and monitoring, along with risk assessment, work to identify risks to the environment and human health. These risks are reduced through risk management activities. To ensure that the risk management measures are adhered to, follow-up to the risk management phase consists of compliance promotion and enforcement activities. Further research and monitoring activities can indicate whether or not the risk management measure has been effective in reducing the risk. All of these activities are supported through public participation, reporting and intergovernmental cooperation.

Figure 2: Categorization and Screening Process

Activities related to the categorization of the Domestic Substances List are conducted by Environment Canada and Health Canada. These activities are focused on determining which substances meet the criteria set out in the legislation, which are the greatest potential for human exposure, persistence, bioaccumulation and inherent toxicity to human and non-human organisms. Substances meeting these criteria must undergo a screening level risk assessment. Following this screening assessment, the substance may be added to the Priority Substances List for additional assessment work or if it is toxic it can be recommended for addition to Schedule 1 under the Act. Alternatively the substance can be designated for no further action. The latter two measures, addition to Schedule 1 or no further action, are available upon completion of a Priority Substances List assessment.