tunnelling underground space MSc Tunnelling & Underground Space Environmental management on site part 1

tunnelling underground space Contents 1.Environmental management - why? 2.Environmental obligations 3.Management framework 4.Regulators 5.Environmental responsibilities 6.Environmental management system (EMS) 7.Site management 8.Community relations 9.Environmental incidents

tunnelling underground space Scope/aims of environmental part of ES94Y module lectures based largely on CIRIA Report C692 (2010), industry practice and personal experience focusses on environmental best practice on site, but this is also what is important for planning and design you should understand your legal and professional obligations you should be able to identify environmental risks and suggest ways of removing, reducing or mitigating them

tunnelling underground space Environmental management - why? construction activities have the potential to impact their surroundings –neighbours –natural environment –built environment clients, their professional advisers, contractors and the whole construction supply chain have responsibilities for appropriate environmental management ensuring compliance with legal and other requirements

tunnelling underground space Benefits of environmental management environmental social economic what about the individual, what are his/her motivations?

tunnelling underground space Environmental obligations contractual –client requirements –planning conditions written into contract national legislation local authority requirements –planning conditions (Section 106 Agreements of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990) – from LA & regulators –LA powers from national legislation, e.g. noise and air pollution controls corporate requirements – EMS, EMP, KPIs, corporate policies, external initiatives (e.g. BITC)

tunnelling underground space The management framework STEP 1 - identify environmental obligations STEP 2 - Identify the environmental risks (including potential emergencies) particular to the site STEP 3 - Identify environmental responsibilities STEP 4 - Establish an environmental management plan (EMP), which includes SWMP STEP 5 – Monitoring and follow-up

tunnelling underground space Regulators RegulatorResponsibilities Local authorityNoise, air quality, traffic, the planning process and contaminated land Environmental regulatorsDischarges to land and water, waste, water abstraction, ground and water contamination, engineering activities in or near waters, nature conservation and built heritage Nature conservation organisationsDesignated ecological sites, geological and geomorphological sites and protected species Heritage bodiesDesignated archaeological and heritage sites County archaeologistDesignated archaeological and heritage sites Health and Safety Executive (HSE)Health and safety including vibration and asbestos Water and sewerage provider Effluent discharge to public sewer

tunnelling underground space Dealing with regulators Environmental regulators should be contacted as early in the project as possible. This can help to identify the required consents and licenses, to agree on project requirements, and to minimise project delays. It is important to understand and manage any planning conditions and associated guidance developed from the granting of planning permission or the equivalent requirements associated with other consents granted. This should be done by involving the planning authorities from the design phase through to completion. It is equally important to develop a constructive dialogue with regulators to ensure they are aware of what is happening on the project and why.

tunnelling underground space Responsibilities all site personnel site engineers and foremen site manager environmental coordinator/advisor designer middle management board director with responsibility for the environment client

tunnelling underground space Environmental management systems An EMS takes a systematic approach to assessing, managing and monitoring the environmental impacts of a project. This includes the definition of management responsibilities and development of documented procedures. BS EN ISO with guidance in BS 8555

tunnelling underground space Site management enabling works, site clearance site offices avoiding pollution procuring and managing materials – delivery, storage, handling, reuse/disposal traffic management site clearance/reinstatement interaction with the local community

tunnelling underground space Community relations communicate! residents’ meetings, letter drops, local media, other engagement, information centre talk to ‘sensitive receptors’ such as nearby schools issues: –noise, vibration, dust, odours, emissions –working hours –traffic –site personnel arriving at/leaving site –good housekeeping (tidy site, clean hoardings) –lighting, security

tunnelling underground space Environmental incidents be prepared: site pollution incident response plan spill kits, drain covers, oil booms and absorbent material should be held at appropriate locations around the site, and training in their use provided try to avoid: use drip trays, bunds identify sensitive receptors/pathways contact numbers, define responsibilities STOP CONTAIN NOTIFY CLEAN UP INVESTIGATE

tunnelling underground space Spill kits absorbent granules string floating “booms” or “sausages” PPE, ie gloves, goggles and overalls absorbent mats drain covers polythene sheeting and bags “socks” ensure anything used is replaced!

tunnelling underground space

References CIRIA (2010). Environmental good practice on site. CIRIA Report C692 (Audus, I., Charles, P. & Evans, S. eds). London: CIRIA.