Sites contaminés
Renseignements sur le Programme des sites contaminés du GTNO.
Qu’est-ce que le Programme des sites contaminés?
Le Programme des sites contaminés du gouvernement des Territoires du Nord-Ouest (GTNO) vise à évaluer, assainir et surveiller les sites contaminés dont le GTNO est responsable. Les sites contaminés sont des zones de terre, d’eau, d’eaux souterraines ou de sédiments dont les niveaux de contaminants dépassent les normes ou les lignes directrices environnementales en place.
Depuis l’entrée en vigueur de l’Entente sur le transfert des responsabilités en 2014, le GTNO est devenu l’intendant des terres publiques dans l’ensemble des TNO. Il s’agit notamment d’assumer la responsabilité de sites contaminés supplémentaires, y compris des sites d’exploitation et d’exploration minières abandonnés, des sites pétroliers et gaziers abandonnés et d’autres sites contaminés abandonnés exploités par des tiers. Le GTNO, par l’entremise du Programme des sites contaminés, veille à ce que les sites contaminés soient gérés de manière à réduire les risques pour les personnes et l’environnement, tout en réduisant son passif environnemental.
Les sites contaminés relevant du GTNO sont inscrits sur la liste des passifs environnementaux du GTNO, que l'on peut consultée sur le Tableau de bord des passifs environnementaux du GTNO. La liste du passif environnemental compte environ 215 sites (au 31 mars 2024) qui en sont à divers stades d’évaluation, d’assainissement et de suivi.
Quels sont les types de sites contaminés que l’on trouve aux TNO?
Il existe différents types de sites contaminés aux TNO. Les sites dont le GTNO est responsable sont indiqués dans le Tableau de bord des passifs environnementaux du GTNO.
Au cours des négociations visant à conclure l’Entente sur le transfert des responsabilités liées aux terres et aux ressources des Territoires du Nord-Ouest, le GTNO et le Canada se sont partagé la responsabilité des différents sites contaminés aux TNO. Plusieurs d’entre eux ont été confiés au GTNO alors que d’autres restent sous autorité fédérale.
L’Entente sur le transfert des responsabilités classe les sites contaminés des TNO en cinq catégories :
- Les sites libérés, qui ont été transférés au GTNO dans le cadre de l’Entente conclue le 1er avril 2014 et qui sont maintenant sous sa responsabilité.
- Les sites assainis sont des sites assainis par le gouvernement du Canada qui ont été transférés au GTNO dans le cadre de l’Entente conclue le 1er avril 2014. Ils sont maintenant sous la responsabilité du GTNO t font toutefois l’objet de certaines garanties fédérales.
- Les décharges publiques visées par une exception, qui devront faire l’objet de négociations supplémentaires entre le gouvernement fédéral et le GTNO. Les risques financiers qui leur sont associés ne sont pas assumés par le GTNO. Parmi ces sites, notons les mines Ptarmigan, Tin, Tom, Crestaurum, Rodstrom et Burwash.
- Les sites nécessitant des mesures d’assainissement sont des sites conservés par le Canada après la signature de l’Entente; ils ne seront pas transférés au GTNO tant qu’ils n’auront pas été assainis par le Canada et que le GTNO n’aura pas accepté de les prendre en charge.
- Les sites en exploitation sont des sites qui ont été transférés au GTNO le 1er avril 2014, mais avec la possibilité de retransférer le passif au Canada si l’exploitant n’existe plus et si un passif environnemental associé au site a été relevé dans les cinq ans qui suivent la date du transfert. Ainsi, deux sites ont été recensés et retransférés au Canada dans le cadre de ce processus.
Comment le GTNO établit-il les priorités concernant l’assainissement des sites contaminés?
Le GTNO a adopté une approche fondée sur les risques pour la gestion des sites contaminés. Les objectifs d’une approche de gestion environnementale fondée sur les risques consistent à évaluer les risques pour la santé humaine et l’environnement, et à mettre en œuvre des solutions pour gérer ces risques. Il faut notamment identifier les contaminants préoccupants et les récepteurs potentiels, déterminer les voies d’exposition potentielles et estimer le niveau de risque en fonction de ces voies. L’approche fondée sur les risques facilite également l’établissement de priorités dans la répartition des ressources au sein du GTNO.
Le GTNO se base sur le niveau de risque pour les personnes, les propriétés et l’environnement associé aux sites contaminés pour déterminer la priorité quant à leur traitement.
Le niveau de risque est réévalué chaque année en fonction des éléments suivants :
- Santé et sécurité des personnes;
- Préoccupations des peuples autochtones, de la population ténoise et des intervenants;
- Impacts environnementaux;
- Obligations financières et législatives.
Les conséquences de chaque critère sont définies, puis on détermine la gravité de ces conséquences et la probabilité qu’elles se produisent. Cette analyse permet d’établir le niveau de risque d’un site.
Les sites classés comme présentant un risque élevé ou moyen sont considérés comme prioritaires.
Quel est le processus d’assainissement des sites contaminés des TNO?
L’évaluation, l’assainissement et le suivi des sites contaminés sont guidés par l’approche du GTNO en matière de gestion des sites contaminés. Le GTNO détermine les approches d’assainissement d’un site contaminé en fonction de l’utilisation des terres, des technologies d’assainissement disponibles, des coûts, et de l’acceptabilité au niveau du public et de la réglementation. Les mesures d’assainissement sont guidées par les normes environnementales et les exigences législatives applicables. Pour en savoir plus sur les étapes de la gestion des sites contaminés, cliquez ici.
Contaminated Sites Management
The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is responsible for assessing, remediating, and monitoring contaminated sites on public lands. These are areas of land, water, or sediment where contaminant levels exceed established environmental standards.
The Contaminated Sites Program ensures these sites are managed to reduce risks to people and the environment while minimizing the territory’s environmental liabilities.
Find Contaminated Sites
There are approximately 215 sites currently in various stages of assessment, remediation, or monitoring. Sites under GNWT responsibility are recorded on the Environmental Liabilities List.
View the GNWT Environmental Liabilities Dashboard to search for sites and view their status.
Types of Contaminated Sites
Responsibility for contaminated sites was determined during the 2014 NWT Land and Resources Devolution Agreement. Sites generally fall into five categories:
Released Sites: Transferred to the GNWT on April 1, 2014. These are fully the responsibility of the GNWT.
Remediated Sites: Cleaned up by Canada before being transferred to the GNWT on April 1, 2014. These come with warranties from Canada.
Excepted Waste Sites: Six specific sites where responsibility is still under negotiation. Financial liability remains with Canada for now. These include Ptarmigan, Tin, Tom, Crestaurum, Rodstrom, and Burwash Mines.
Prioritization and Risk Management
The GNWT uses a risk-based approach to prioritize remediation.
Sites ranked as high or medium risk are identified as priorities for action. The risk level of each site is reviewed annually based on:
Human health and safety.
Concerns of Indigenous peoples, northern residents, and stakeholders.
Impacts on the environment.
Financial and legal obligations.
Remediation Process
Remediation decisions are based on land use, available technology, cost, and regulatory requirements.
Excepted Waste Sites: Six Historic Abandoned Mine Sites Near Yellowknife
There are six mine sites in the Yellowknife/ Dettah area known collectively as the “Excepted Waste Sites.”
These sites are known as the Excepted Waste Sites as they were “excepted” from the Devolution Agreement and responsibility was not assigned to either the GNWT or Canada. It was agreed that responsibility for these six sites would be negotiated at a later date. The GNWT and Canada are in the process of negotiating the responsibility for these sites. Currently, the GNWT is conducting pre-remediation work with funding support from Canada. This includes completing additional environmental site assessment and risk assessment work and planning for remediation.
These sites include:
Ptarmigan Mine
Ptarmigan Mine is a former gold exploration and mine site, located on the Ingraham Trail, approximately 15 kilometers (km) northeast of Yellowknife. The mine was first staked by prospectors in 1936. It produced gold between 1941 and 1942 before restrictions caused by World War II shut down operations. In the mid 1980s, the site was acquired by a new company and the old Ptarmigan mine shaft was back in production by 1987. The mine closed in 1997.
Is there contamination?
Environmental Site Assessments have been completed at Ptarmigan Mine by Canada and the GNWT, however, additional environmental site assessment and risk assessment work needs to be completed before site conditions are fully understood. Environmental site assessments to date have identified metal and petroleum hydrocarbon (fuel) contamination in soil, groundwater, surface water, and/or sediment. Asbestos and lead paint are also present onsite.
Is there a concern with Mine Tailings? What is the dust suppression program?
There are two tailings areas associated with Ptarmigan Mine. A dust suppression program commenced in summer 2023. Dust suppressant was applied to the mine tailings to create a solid crust to reduce risks from wind-blown dust. It will be reapplied as necessary. It is important that the public stay off these areas to protect the crust. Dust suppression is only effective if it’s not disturbed.
Ptarmigan Mine Tailings Areas
Mine tailings at Ptarmigan Mine look like sand and have high metal concentrations.
Is Ptarmigan Mine dangerous? Can I use the site?
Ptarmigan Mine Site has many hidden dangers, and the public should not enter the site. The dangers include:
- Unsafe Buildings – Buildings are in disrepair and are unsafe to enter. They could collapse at any time. Do not enter or climb on any buildings onsite.
- Climbing buildings is extremely dangerous and could lead to serious injury or death. Fencing has been installed around the perimeter of the headframe and mill complex to keep people out of these areas and buildings. Please respect the measures that have been put in place to restrict access to these areas. They are there to protect you.
- Mine Tailings – Mine tailings look like sand and have high metal concentrations. There are two tailings areas associated with Ptarmigan Mine. As part of care and maintenance, a dust suppression program commenced in summer 2023. Tailings areas should not be disturbed. Do not drive or walk in these areas.
- Mine Openings – Mine openings are extremely dangerous. Do not approach or enter mine entrances or mine openings, underground workings, vent shafts or trenches. Falling down a mine opening could result in serious injury or death.
- Contaminated Soil – Areas of petroleum hydrocarbon (ex. fuel) and metal contaminated soil have been identified. Avoid disturbing the soil.
- Contaminated Surface Water and Groundwater – Metals in surface water and groundwater have been identified. Do not consume surface water. In general, drinking untreated surface water is not recommended because of bacteria and viruses (E. coli from animal droppings, which can cause beaver fever) that can make you sick.
- Contaminated Sediment – Petroleum hydrocarbon (ex. fuel) contamination has been identified in sediments. Avoid disturbing the sediment.
- Hazardous Building Materials – Hazardous building materials such as asbestos and lead paint are present onsite. Do not disturb building materials or debris or remove any materials from these sites.
Given these known risks the GNWT and Canada are requesting members of the public stay out of the Ptarmigan Mine site. Follow signage in the area, respect any barriers or fences that have been put up, and steer clear of any workers completing work on the site. Be safe, do not enter this site. Stay Out – Stay Alive!
The Other Historical Abandoned Mines Sites
The six historic abandoned mine sites are in the Yellowknife/Dettah area.
Tom Mine
Tom Mine is located approximately 1 km north of Ptarmigan Mine. Tom Mine is located west of the Cassidy Point access road between Jerry Lake to the west and Tom Lake to the east.
Mining activities occurred at various times but development of the mine didn’t start until 1985, and full production began in 1986. The mined ore was processed at Ptarmigan Mine and Giant Mine. The mining operations ended in 1997.
Tin Mine
The Tin Mine (also referred to as Cassidy Point Mine) is a former gold exploration and mining site, located approximately 20 km northeast of Yellowknife on the north tip of Cassidy Point at Prosperous Lake.
The original Tin Mineral Claims were staked in 1939 and prospecting began during the late 1930s and early 1940s. In 1986, the mine opening was blasted and a high-grade section of ore was removed for processing off-site. No further mining was completed after this time.
Crestaurum Mine
The Crestaurum Mine site is located on the northwest shore of Daigle Lake, Northwest Territories. The site is approximately 15 km north of Yellowknife.
Exploration mine development activities were carried out on the site from 1944 to 1947. Underground development work continued until February 1947, at which time the shaft was allowed to flood. The mine site burned down in 1957.
Rodstrom Mine
The Rodstrom mine is a former gold exploration and mining site that is located approximately 1.5 km north of Long Lake (Fred Henne Territorial Park) and is within Yellowknife city limits.
The claim was staked in 1962. Diamond drilling was conducted in 1963-1964. In 1979 further drilling and blasting work was completed on-site. In 1994, additional material was mined. No further mining was completed after this time.
Burwash Mine
Burwash Mine is a former gold exploration and mining site, located approximately 1.9 km east of Yellowknife across Yellowknife Bay of Great Slave Lake, and approximately 500 meters south of Burwash point, within Yellowknife municipal boundaries.
The mine operated from 1935 - 1936. Various drilling and prospecting activities occurred between 1935 and 1945. In 1970 the mine shaft was backfilled with waste rock. Further prospecting of the mine site was carried out in 1992 and 1993. No further mining was completed after this time.
FAQs
Can I use the other Historical Abandoned Mines Sites?
All of these sites have some level of contamination and hazards. The public should not enter any of the sites. The dangers include:
- Mine Openings – Mine openings are extremely dangerous. Do not approach or enter mine entrances or mine openings, underground workings, vent shafts or trenches. Falling down a mine opening could result in serious injury or death.
- Ground Stability – Rock walls are not as stable as they may look. Rocks may fall or collapse at any time.
- Contamination – Contaminated soil, groundwater, sediment and/or surface water are present at these sites. It is unknown if these areas of contamination pose a risk to human or ecological health. Do not drink surface water, create dust, or remove soil or waste rock from any of the sites.
- Hazardous Materials – Sites contain asbestos and materials with lead paint. Do not disturb building materials or debris or remove any materials from these sites.
Given these known risks, the GNWT and Canada are requesting members of the public stay out of these sites. Follow signage in the area, respect any barriers or fences that have been put up, and steer clear of any workers completing work on the site. Be safe, do not enter these sites. Stay Out – Stay Alive!
I see people onsite, why are they allowed onsite but not me?
People will be working on these sites to complete additional assessment and care and maintenance work in 2023 and 2024. The contractors completing work at the sites will have site specific health and safety plans to follow to complete work safely. Heavy equipment may be present onsite at this time. Please do not enter the site to approach these workers. If you have questions about the project, please contact ecc_communications@gov.nt.ca.
Although these mines are abandoned, trespassing laws do apply. Anyone rescued from an abandoned mine may face criminal trespass charges. Tools, equipment, building materials and other items on these sites are not to be removed from the site. Warning signs are posted for everyone’s safety. Vandalizing or removing signs or removing tools, equipment or materials from the sites is a crime.
What are the GNWT and Canada doing to remediate these sites?
Remediation cannot begin until we have a clear understanding of the contamination and risk at the sites. In 2023, the GNWT began completing additional environmental site assessment and risk assessment work. Once this work is complete, the GNWT and Canada will assess remediation options.
Will the public or stakeholders be involved with the remediation process?
The GNWT is committed to engaging with Indigenous governments and Indigenous organizations, the public and stakeholders on this project. The GNWT will hold information sessions to provide project updates as work progresses.
Canol Trail
The Canol Trail is the longest hiking trail in North America, running 355 kilometres from Norman Wells in the Northwest Territories to Ross River in the Yukon. The trail follows the mostly defunct Canol Road and Pipeline, built during the Second World War as a joint project by the United States and Canada to bring crude oil from Norman Wells to a refinery in Whitehorse, Yukon Territory. Local Dene and Métis people played an important role by guiding builders and establishing the route through the mountainous terrain. Oil flowed through the pipeline for about one year, starting in 1944.
After the pipeline was abandoned, a lot of material was left behind, including vehicles and buildings.
The GNWT is responsible for Miles 0-8. Miles 0-1 were the location of Pump Station #1 and a tank farm and Mile 8 was the location of Camp Canol. Canada is responsible for Mile 8-222. See what work Canada has completed on Miles 8-222.
Is there contamination?
Contamination has been identified at Miles 0-1 and Mile 8 and additional environmental assessment and risk assessment work has been completed to better understand the risks at the site.
The environmental site assessments identified metal and petroleum hydrocarbon (fuel) contamination in soil, groundwater, surface water, and/or sediment, and buildings contain asbestos and may be unstable. The risk assessment concluded that human health risks from contaminants at Mile 0-1 and Mile 8 were low, with the exception of four areas of lead contaminated soil at Mile 8. These areas should be remediated or managed to reduce risk to people. With respect to ecological risks, the assessment concluded that ecological health risks were low and no action is required.
Canol Trail Miles 0-8 Remediation Project
The GNWT has been studying and assessing the first section of the Canol Trail to understand contamination, health risks, and cultural values. Since 2017, work has included environmental site assessments, risk assessments, archaeological studies, signage, and community workshops.
In June 2025, ECC visited communities to share the process so far and gather input on next steps. See the presentation here: Canol Trail Miles 0-8 Project
The goal is to develop a clean-up approach that reduces risks to people and the environment, respects cultural heritage, and supports the creation of a future territorial park.
Learn more about the Canol Trail remediation work
Can I use the trail?
In short, yes the trail is safe for use by trail users, as long as you follow posted guidance, which includes:
- DO NOT DISTURB THE SOIL: Lead was identified at Mile 8 as a potential risk to human health. The GNWT advises trail users to avoid disturbing the soil at Mile 8.
- DO NOT DRINK SURFACE WATER: The GNWT advises trail users to avoid using surface water as a source of drinking water. Surface water from lakes and rivers can contain dirt and microorganisms that can make you sick.
- DO NOT ENTER BUILDINGS: Historic buildings may be at risk of collapsing and may contain asbestos. The GNWT advises trail users not to enter buildings. If you require shelter, there are two emergency shelters in this area, one at Mile 0 and one at Heart Lake.
Engagement in the remediation process?
The GNWT is committed to engaging with Indigenous governments and Indigenous organizations, the public and stakeholders on this project. The GNWT has held information sessions with IGIOs and the communities of Norman Wells and Tulita and has launched a “Have Your Say” survey to get the public’s input and help prioritize closure objectives to inform a remedial options analysis.
Steps for managing contaminated sites
What is the remediation process for contaminated sites in the NWT?
Assessing, remediating, and monitoring contaminated sites is guided by the GNWT Approach to Contaminated Sites Management. The GNWT determines the approach to remediation of a contaminated site based on land use, the feasibility of remedial technologies, cost, and public and regulatory acceptance. Remediation is guided by the applicable environmental standards and legislative requirements.
- Identification of a Site – A site is identified as a potential contaminated site.
- Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) - The process, as outlined in CSA Standard Z768-01, by which a qualified professional determines whether a property is, or may be, contaminated. This is most often completed through a records review and site visit. Phase I ESA reports must be submitted to the applicable regulatory authority.
- Phase II ESA - If a Phase I ESA determines the site is contaminated or there is the potential for the site to be contaminated, a Phase II ESA is completed. The process, as outlined in the CSA Standard Z769-00, by which a qualified professional characterizes, determines concentrations, delineates, and quantifies contaminants at a site. The Phase II ESA involves the collection of samples (soil, groundwater, surface water, and/or sediment) to determine/confirm if contamination is present, what contamination is present, the concentration of contaminants, where the contamination is located and what media (soil/groundwater/surface water/sediment) are impacted. The Phase II ESA reports must be submitted to the appropriate regulatory authority.
- Phase III ESA - A Phase III ESA is completed when contamination found during a Phase II ESA determines that additional sampling is required to gather more site information. If the initial Phase III ESA does not fully achieve its goal, supplemental Phase III ESAs will be carried out. The Phase III ESA reports must be submitted to the appropriate regulatory authority.
- Human Health and Ecological Risk Assessment (HHERA) – HHERAs are typically required when removal of a contaminant of concern is deemed extremely difficult and/or cost prohibitive. If required, an assessment by a qualified professional determines the nature and probability of adverse health effects on humans and the ecosystem if exposed to contaminants identified by the ESAs. HHERA reports must be submitted to the applicable regulatory authority.
- Risk Management Plan (RMP) – A RMP would follow the assessment phases supported by an HHERA. A RMP describes the steps and procedures required for managing risks identified in the HHERA. The RMP must receive approval from the applicable regulatory authority prior to being implemented.
- Remedial Options Analysis (ROA) – A ROA is the process of evaluating different remediation methods for cleaning up a contaminated site and selecting the most reasonable remediation solution. The ROA considers factors such as cost, ease of implementation, length of time to complete the remediation, and effectiveness of the remediation method to reduce the concentration of contaminants.
- Remedial Action Plan (RAP) - A RAP is a plan that identifies site specific remedial objectives and actions for a contaminated site; outlines their feasibility; describes a preferred conceptual remediation plan and monitoring plan; and, if appropriate, requirements for on-going site management. The RAP needs to be submitted to the applicable regulatory authority for review and approval prior to being implemented.
- Remediation – Includes performance of the site remediation works carried out by consultants and contractors in accordance with the approved RAP, engineered designs, and specifications. A remediation report detailing activities completed must be submitted to the appropriate regulatory authority.
- Monitoring – Includes any post-remediation inspections, monitoring and/or maintenance activities that may be required. Monitoring is the process of routinely collecting samples from soil, groundwater, surface water, and/or sediment to assess the changes in contaminant concentrations over time and to see if it is moving. The data obtained from environmental monitoring can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of remediation or risk management actions. Monitoring reports generated need to be submitted to the appropriate regulatory authority.
- Site Closure – Upon completion of both remediation and monitoring, or if post-remediation monitoring is not required, a site closure report must be completed and submitted to the appropriate authority for site closure approval. This will need to be completed for all regulatory authorizations.
What is the Contaminated Sites program?
The GNWT Contaminated Sites Program assesses, remediates, and monitors contaminated sites for which the GNWT is responsible. Contaminated sites are areas of land, water, groundwater, or sediments that have levels of contaminants exceeding established environmental standards or guidelines.
In 2014, through Devolution, the GNWT became the steward on public lands throughout the territory. This included taking responsibility for additional contaminated sites, including abandoned mine and exploration sites, abandoned oil and gas sites, and other abandoned third-party-operated contaminated sites. Through the GNWT Contaminated Sites Program, the GNWT ensures that contaminated sites are managed to reduce risks to people and the environment while reducing the GNWT’s environmental liabilities.
Contaminated sites that are the responsibility of the GNWT are recorded on the GNWT Environmental Liabilities List, available through the public-facing GNWT Environmental Liabilities Dashboard. There are approximately 215 sites on the Environmental Liabilities List (as of March 31, 2024) which are in various stages of assessment, remediation, and monitoring.
What are the different types of contaminated sites in the NWT?
There are a variety of contaminated sites within the NWT. The sites for which the GNWT is responsible can be found on the GNWT Environmental Liabilities Dashboard.
During negotiations to finalize the NWT Land and Resources Devolution Agreement, the GNWT and Canada decided which government would be responsible for various contaminated sites in the NWT. A number of sites were transferred to the GNWT, while others remained under federal jurisdiction.
The Devolution Agreement sets out five categories of contaminated sites in the NWT:
- Released Sites are sites that were transferred to the GNWT through Devolution on April 1, 2014, and are now the responsibility of the GNWT.
- Remediated Sites are sites that were remediated by Canada and transferred through Devolution to the GNWT on April 1, 2014, and are now the responsibility of the GNWT, with warranties from Canada in place.
- Excepted Waste Sites are sites on GNWT land that were identified for additional negotiations between Canada and the GNWT. Financial liabilities for these sites were not transferred to the GNWT. These sites include Ptarmigan Mine, Tin Mine, Tom Mine, Crestaurum Mine, Rodstrom Mine and Burwash Mine.
- Sites Requiring Remediation are sites that were retained by Canada at Devolution and that will not be transferred to the GNWT until remediated by Canada and the GNWT agrees to accept the sites.
- Operating Sites are sites that were transferred to the GNWT on April 1, 2014, but with the potential to transfer the liability back to Canada if the operator no longer exists and if an environmental liability associated with the site was identified within five years of the transfer date. As a result, two sites were identified and transferred back to Canada through this process.
How does the GNWT prioritize the remediation of its contaminated sites?
The GNWT has adopted a risk-based approach to the management of contaminated sites. The objectives of a risk-based environmental management approach are to assess risks to human health and the environment and to implement risk management solutions that address these risks. This involves identifying the contaminant(s) of concern, identifying potential receptors, determining potential exposure pathways, and estimating the level of risk based on the pathways. The risk-based approach also assists with prioritizing the allocation of resources within the GNWT.
The GNWT decides which contaminated sites to prioritize based on levels of risk to people, property, and the environment.
The risk of each contaminated site is reviewed annually, taking the following criteria into account for each site:
- Human health and safety
- Concerns of Indigenous peoples, northern residents, and stakeholders
- Impacts on the environment
- Financial and legal obligations
Consequences for each criteria are identified, and the severity and likelihood of these consequences are determined. This analysis establishes the risk level for a site.
Sites ranked high and medium risk are identified as priorities for action.
What is the remediation process for contaminated sites in the NWT?
Assessing, remediating, and monitoring contaminated sites is guided by the GNWT Approach to Contaminated Sites Management. The GNWT determines the approach to remediation of a contaminated site based on land use, the feasibility of remedial technologies, cost, and public and regulatory acceptance. Remediation is guided by the applicable environmental standards and legislative requirements. Learn more about the steps for managing contaminated sites here.