Submitted by BlueprintCPD on
Keep abreast of environmental laws, serious penalties can be given, even if the damage or pollution caused was by complete accident. One can be prepared by being aware of potential risks and having processes in place so as to identify and alleviate potential problems to the public and the environment.
Developing an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) that both complies with legislation and details measures taken on your worksite to identify, prevent or minimise environmental damage is the first step in addressing regulatory requirements.
To follow are the 12 points or a checklist for when preparing a site specific environmental management plan.
Describe the Document
Identify the name of the document, including the name of the site, and also identify the author, document version number and organisations responsible for implementing the EMP.
Outline the Project/Process/Site
Define or describe the scope of the site and its operational processes, the relationship of the site to nearby features or landmarks like bushland etc. Include plans and diagrams.
Make a Statement of Commitment
Identify the environmental objectives and outcomes from the application of the EMP and how they relate to the broader environment goals and objectives of the organisation.
Define the Management Context
Management are involved in formulating, documenting, nominating site personnel and their responsibility and the overall implementation of the EMP. This also includes the communication and induction of the EMP with all individuals on the site.
Identify Statutory Compliance Requirements
Define the scope of regulatory, statutory, development consent conditions or operational licence conditions that relate to the scope of the EMP, the project or process. Include copies of any consent or licence requirements.
Identify and Rank Environmental Issues
A Risk Assessment process should be undertaken for relevant environmental issues associated with the building site. These can include noise, dust, erosion, waste and chemicals. There may also be flora, fauna and heritage aspects of the site to be protected or managed.
Document How Issues are to be Addressed
Identify what procedures and works are needed to effectively manage any impact on the environment which is outlined within the EMP objectives. This could include step by step detail on what will be done, who will do it and when.
Prepare Emergency Response Plan (EPR)
An EPR is a procedure detailing the actions to be taken and who will respond to any environmental incidents and/or emergencies related to the implementation of the EMP.
Assign Responsibility
Detail who is responsible for implementing and monitoring the effectiveness of the plan.
Provide Appropriate Training
Everyone on site should be made familiar with the EMP, with their roles and responsibilities detailed. This can be done by means of an induction or training plan to explain the EMP.
Prepare monitoring and Reporting Plan
Explain how the actions listed in the EMP will be monitored. This could be set out in a schedule that lists what will be monitored, by whom and how often, with a requirement for an appropriate sign-off person to confirm this has been carried out.
Have the EMP Endorsed for Use
The EMP can be reviewed by an appropriate manager, dated and signed-off as authorised for use. This could include sign-off from the developer, builder, relevant consultants and subcontractors to make sure the EMP is adopted by all parties.
The module Environmental Management and Planning counts towards your CPD points requirement for your builders license.