Metal Mining Technical Guidance for Environmental Effects Monitoring

Purpose of the Guidance Document

(PDF; 6.56 MB)

In 1996, Environment Canada undertook an assessment of the aquatic effects of mining in Canada (AQUAMIN 1996¹), which provided recommendations regarding the review and amendments of the Metal Mining Liquid Effluent Regulations (currently titled the Metal Mining Effluent Regulations [MMER]) and the design of a national Environmental Effects Monitoring (EEM) program for metal mining. The MMER under the Fisheries Act direct metal mines to conduct EEM as a condition governing the authority to deposit effluent (MMER, Part 2, section 7). EEM is a science-based performance measurement tool used to assess the adequacy of the regulations. Although this guidance document is not a legal document, it is intended to provide guidance for mines in meeting their EEM requirements and conducting EEM studies. For the regulatory EEM requirements, refer to section 7 and Schedule 5 of the MMER. This guidance document replaces the 2002 version.

1 AQUAMIN. 1996. Assessment of the Aquatic Effects of Mining in Canada. Environment Canada – report available upon request by email at EEM-ESEE@ec.gc.ca