Environmental Management on Construction Sites

Description

Environmental Management on Construction Sites EMCS should not be confused with Ecological Clerk of Works ECOW role in construction projects. If an ECOW is not contracted this may fall on the EMCS role as well. Although the remit can sometimes have some degree of cross-over and divergence with ECOW it is important to define roles at an early stage. The scale of the project should indicate the obligations and resources required and In the absence of an ECOW, then EMCS as a wider remit can undertake:

• Compliance with Environmental Assessment and planning conditions
• Effective communication with Project management, supervisor and foreman or lead engineer
• Identification of key environmental constraints and opportunities and advice on Construction Environmental Management Plan CEMP
• Pre-construction checks for sensitive habitats and protected species
• Micro-siting infrastructure features and monitoring pollution
• Dewatering and runoff control
• Detail of specific tasks and remit with timescales often described in CMSs and related documentation including compliance for all EM regulations
• Species Protection Plans
• Prepare EPS licences
• Produce exclusion zones and contingency plans
• Mitigation and restoration (often following Habitat Management or Restoration Plans)

EMCS work may require a team. Input from specialists, such as hydrologists, ecologists, chemists and fisheries biologists may be required. On larger projects it is likely there may be an ECOW and EMCS contract and therefore liaison is essential.

Knowledge Level

Beginner - Intermediate

Learning Outcomes

• To raise awareness and understand EM roles and communication
• Understanding the planning system and independent reporting
• To understand legal requirements and responsibilities

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