How to Protect the Local Environment Legislation Control Design and Specification Management

Legislation Acts of parliament introduced to protect the environment include Water Act 1989 Control of Pollution (Amendment) Act 1990 Environmental Protection Act (EPA) 1990 Land Drainage Act 1991 Water Resources Act 1991 Environment Act 1995

Control Control methods are used to monitor and guide the contractor along the required path. This is done by using the following:- Health and Safety Executive Environment Agency – Natural resources wales. Local Authorities

Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Has the power to enforce government legislation Has small input into environmental laws apart from the nuclear directive governing the release of radiation Primarily investigates safety in environmental issues (PPE being used while cleaning up spillages) Has the power to prosecute if safety regulations are breached.

As of 1 October 2012, now operates a fee for intervention recovery scheme. Health and Safety (Fees) Regulations 2012 states that those who break health and safety laws are liable for recovery of related costs This includes Inspection Investigation Taking enforcement action

Environment Agency Is a public body that protects and improves the environment Has passed legislation to protect Air Chemicals Land Water Waste Plant protection Radioactive substances Energy Conservation Noise and statutory nuisance Pollution prevention and control Undertake many checks on air and water quality. They are able to prosecute offenders and also gather evidence for cases going to court

Local Authorities Have powers including Planning Environmental Services Building Control The Planning department establishes the local plan. This is done under the planning legislation. This offers control over the alteration and construction of buildings, the removal of trees and also the development of hard landscaped areas (Parks) The list areas which are earmarked for developments in industry, residential and commercial categories. Helps maintain and protect the environment. It is the responsibility of the local authority to provide the following environmental services Recycling Pollution Control Noise Control Clean Air Public Health Food Safety Commercial Waste Municipal Waste Collection and Disposal These can be enforced legally using fines and prosecution.

Local Authorities The building control department Regulates the demolition, alteration and erection of commercial and domestic buildings Environmental aspects include Drainage Heating Power Ventilation Enforce regulations by Checking of plans Site inspections Can legally enforce regulations

Design and Specification Good design is essential to protect the environment Specify sustainable construction techniques to reduce impact on the environment Solar panels Insulation to reduce heat loss (thermal efficiency) Locally sourced materials to reduce transportation pollution Utilise as much renewable energy sources as possible Re use old buildings where ever possible

Management Environmental impact assessment (EIA) will give a clear picture of the effect on the environment Normally a checklist of items that needs careful assessments Waste Disposal Thermal Efficiency Water Discharge Heat Discharge Water Vapour Discharge Site managers important to ensure all possible measures are taken to protect the environment Measures can include Spill kits for machines and fuel storage areas Suitable storage of COSHH controlled substances Prevent illegal spillages Prevent silt being pumped into drainage systems Recycle as much waste as possible Select local supplies for materials where ever possible Have Clear policies and objectives Makes a statement that the company is conscious over the impact that they have on the environment Policies should be monitored and review regularly Educate the workforce about the problem Tool box talks to highlight key areas and to inform the workforce