Abstract: A detailed introduction was presented to how Canada handles polluted sites in its territory.It follows the following steps:(1) identify suspected sites;(2) investigate history of the site;(3) conduct initial sampling test;(4) classify the site according to the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment(CCME) national classification system;(5) carry out secondary sampling test;(6) reclassify the site according to the CCME national classification system;(7) develop remediation/management strategy;(8) implement the strategy;(9) verify the effect by sampling test and prepare a final report;and(10) perform long-term monitoring.To implement the steps,Canada has laid down a series of guidance documents.Discussion was conducted about the value of the approach as reference for China in developing a polluted sites management system.

Key words: polluted site, approach to management, Canada