View ECCC Data Mart (English) (English, HTML)

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Publisher-reported update

2024-06-18

The Metal Mining Effluent Regulations came into force in 2002 pursuant to the Fisheries Act to regulate the deposit of mine effluent and mine waste into waters frequented by fish. The Metal Mining Effluent Regulations were amended in 2018, and are now known as the Metal and Diamond Mining Effluent Regulations. The Regulations help protect Canada’s lakes and rivers by setting strict limits on the quality of effluent that can be discharged by metal and diamond mines. The Regulations authorize the deposit of effluent into water frequented by fish and places referred to in subsection 36(3) of the Fisheries Act. Effluent must meet concentration-based limits for arsenic, copper, cyanide, lead, nickel, zinc, suspended solids, radium 226 and un-ionized ammonia. Effluent must also have a pH that is between a minimum and maximum level, and must not be acutely lethal. The Regulations require effluent testing and reporting, as well as Environmental Effects Monitoring studies. The Regulations also include an authorization for the use of water frequented by fish for mine waste disposal. Authorization requires an amendment to Schedule 2 of the Regulations. Owners or operators of mines can…

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