Located in Gatineau, Quebec, the National Environmental Effects Monitoring (EEM) Office of the Science and Risk Assessment Directorate promotes environmental effects monitoring as an assessment and decision making tool to protect aquatic ecosystems. The National EEM Office:

• Coordinates delivery of regulated EEM programs for the pulp and paper and metal mining sectors;
• Works with research scientists to ensure that the EEM program evolves in step with advances in research on monitoring and assessment techniques;
• Leads development of EEM portions of Fisheries Act regulations;
• Analyzes and interprets EEM data at a national level and communicates results to stakeholders;
• Develops, updates and maintains EEM databases, electronic reporting systems and website;
• Provides opportunities for stakeholder discussions on EEM;
• Addresses stakeholder concerns in a national context;
• Develops tools to implement the program in a cost-effective, nationally consistent manner;
• Develops guidance documents for EEM practitioners; and
• Develops environmental quality objective frameworks for assessment of impacts of other sectors including aquaculture and municipal wastewater.