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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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.

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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.

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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