Symmetrical Group

Policies and Procedures

OHS&E\MANAGEMENT PLANS

SG-MP-31-02 Environmental Management Plan

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0        Environmental Management System

1.1        Environmental Policy and Objectives

1.2        Environmental Incident Reporting

1.3        Commitment

1.4        Implementation

1.4.1        Procedures

1.4.2        Training And Awareness

1.5        Scope of Construction Environmental Control Plan

1.6        Measurement and Evaluation

1.7        Review and Improvement

1.8        Roles and Responsibilities

2.0        Standards

2.1        Waste Management

2.2        Erosion and Sediment Control

2.3        Noise Control

2.4        Dust Control

2.5        Fire Prevention

2.6        Cultural Heritage

2.7        Controling the Spread of Noxious Weeds

2.8        Limiting Access to Established Tracks

2.9        Clearing or Disturbance of Existing Vegetation

2.10        Commitment

1.0 Environmental Management System

       1.1 Environmental Policy and Objectives

Symmetrical Group recognises that an effective Environmental Management System is fundamental to the success of both our business and our Clients business.  The Management System is based on ISO 14001 with the key elements being:

• Policy and Commitment
• Planning
• Implementation
• Measurement and Evaluation
• Review and Improvement

This document outlines the system elements that will be used by Symmetrical Group for the implementation and execution of the Environmental Management System (EMS) for our operation.

Maintaining high standards of environmental compliance is of paramount concern to Symmetrical Group.  Symmetrical Group is committed to achieving zero environmental incident performance and to executing technical and management services  in  an environmentally responsible manner.

This commitment will be achieved by:

• Clearly defined project environmental objectives and requirements;
• Systematic planning and  implementation of environmental management systems;
• Use of appropriate technology to achieve environmental objectives and requirements;
• Continual improvement of environmental performance; and
• Regular monitoring of compliance and timely and effective responses to non-compliance.

The objectives of the EMP are:

• To prevent unauthorised acts which could have an adverse impact on the environment and protect natural resources;
• Ensure  compliance  with  Commonwealth,  State  and  local  government regulatory requirements and permit conditions;
• Enhance the relationship between the project and the community.

These objectives will be achieved by:

• Incorporating  environmental  and  cultural  heritage  requirements  into construction execution plans;
• Ensuring Symmetrical Group’s employee’s awareness of on-site and off-site environmental protection requirements;
• Providing regular overview and auditing of construction activities to ensure environmental performance and compliance;
• Preparation of specific Environmental Management Sub-Plans; and
• The systematic use of:
• employee environmental, safety and cultural heritage awareness training;
• site environmental inspections and audits;
• environmental and cultural heritage monitoring;
• emergency response planning;
• incident reporting;
• non-compliance reporting  and rectification processes; and
• preparation of requirements of the EMP in subcontract agreements.

The EMP shall be developed and approved by Symmetrical Group, prior of commencing work, and shall contain the following information:

• Description of activities being conducted as part of the project Project, noting all significant discharges and emissions including wastes. 
• Details on how Symmetrical Group proposes to minimise its operation’s impacts on the environment (air, storm water, groundwater and land) within the Project area.
• Details on how Symmetrical Group proposes to manage its chemical and hydrocarbon requirements. 
• Details on how the contractor proposes to manage its wastes. 
• The EMP shall be updated on as required bases.

       1.2 Environmental Incident Reporting

All Symmetrical Group employees are responsible for ensuring that environmental incidents are reported and recorded on the Clients incident Report Form. Symmetrical Group shall raise environmental incident reports on any issue, which may actually or potentially result in environmental damage, irrespective of whether they are involved in the incident.

Examples of events that shall be reported to the Environmental Section include:

• Any spill of material outside a bunded area
• Any damage to an aboriginal heritage site
• Any fauna fatalities
• Any unauthorized disturbance to flora
• Any damage to containment facilities, such as concrete bunds.

       1.3 Planning

Planning is an essential element in any management process that initiates the identification of any potential risks, hazards, legislative requirements or other issues.  It also provides for the setting of targets and objectives and the development of strategies, which ensures that all issues are addressed and all targets and objectives are achieved.

Project specific environmental issues have been identified in this document, objectives stated and management strategies to achieve the objective detailed.

•        1.4 Implementation

With the objectives established the implementation of the Environmental Management System requires the following:

• Allocate the resources to achieve the objective.
• Clearly define responsibilities.
• Defining procedures and work standards.
• Conducting training.

        1.4.1 Procedures

Symmetrical Group is committed to the integration of the Safety and Health and Environmental Procedures, therefore it is our intention to utilise the existing Safety Management Procedures to cover environmental situations.

In particular the following procedures shall be utilised:

• Planning Implementation and Improvement
• Plant and Equipment
• Chemicals and Hazardous Materials
• Incident and Hazard Reporting and Investigation
• Traffic Management

In addition to the above procedures, Symmetrical Group shall include environmental issues in all Job Hazard Analysis and Safety Audits shall include compliance monitoring of the Environmental Management Plan.

The weekly site inspection checklists also incorporate environmental requirements.

Work standards shall also be developed where risk assessments identify the need to address any area with specific standards or instructions.  Where possible existing safe work standards will be modified to include control measures identified as part of the risk assessment process.

        1.4.2        Training And Awareness

Symmetrical Group  shall provide training to all Project Personnel to ensure that employees have the necessary knowledge awareness and skills to fulfil their environmental responsibilities and meet the organisations environmental objectives.

An Environmental Training Program is included in the Symmetrical Group induction and consists of the following:

Induction Training

Symmetrical Group pre-start Safety Induction shall include the following subjects:

• Overview of the Environmental Management Plan
• Specific procedures and work standards

Job Specific Training

Job Specific Training shall be conducted where risk assessments identify duties that have a potential to impact on the environment ie:

• Abrasive blasting/spray painting
• Hydro testing

This training will be conducted prior to commencing the activity and personnel shall be assessed as to their level of understanding.

Awareness Training

Environmental awareness training shall be included in toolbox Meetings and focus on topic relevant to the site.

This may include:

• New procedures or work standards
• Results of inspection and audits
• Environmental incidents

       1.5 Scope of Environmental Management Plan

The requirements specified in this EMP are applicable to all project construction  activities,  including  construction  traffic.  All  subcontractors  and direct-hire personnel associated with the project required to comply with the EMP.

This EMP is a “living” document and will be revised from time to time to ensure it is consistent with the conditions of  various permits, approvals and licences as they are issued.  While the EMP tries to faithfully reflect conditions of relevant permits,  approvals  and  licences,  in  the  event  of  any  conflict  the  regulatory requirements will prevail over the EMP requirements.

       1.6 Measurement and Evaluation

Symmetrical Group shall measure and evaluate environmental performance by the following means to ensure continuous improvement.

• Compliance with client, legislative and EMP requirements.
• Achievement of stated objectives.
• Environmental incidents – outcomes, significance and implementation of corrective actions.

The evaluation of these performance measures shall consist of:

Environmental Audits

The audit shall identify actual or potential environmental risks and will evaluate compliance against client, legislative or the Clients Environmental Management Plan and then assesses the effectiveness of the Environmental Management System.

Monitoring Program

The Monitoring Program shall utilise quantitative measurements of performance, which are measured against stated targets and objectives.  Records shall be maintained for tracking of the monitoring data and audit results.

Environmental Reporting

This is a means of communication on environmental incidents or issues between employees, management and the Client and provides the vehicles for external reporting to statutory authorities in accordance with legislative requirements.

       1.7 Review and Improvement

The Environmental Management System shall be reviewed by the Management Team on a quarterly basis to ensure its continuing suitability, adequacy and effectiveness to drive continuous improvement.

The IMT Board  shall formally review the EMS every six months to address any possible changes to policy, objectives, procedures or work standards.

       1.8 Roles and Responsibilities

       2.0 Standards

       2.1 Waste Management

During the construction of the project, domestic and industrial waste shall be generated.  These wastes may include timber, wire, steel off-cuts, used lubricating oils, paint or solvent containers, sewage and general domestic refuse.

Symmetrical Group shall utilise a local contractor (to be advised) approved by the Client to provide appropriate bins or receptacles, remove from site and dispose of in a manner acceptable to the Client the EPA and the local Shire.

The Symmetrical Group Project Manager shall ensure that all waste removed from site is formally documented with the approved local contractor providing a receipt which states:

• Types of waste removal
• Quantity of waste removed
• Location where waste is to be disposed of
• Amount of waste recycled and where located

Symmetrical Group shall place a high priority on recycling waste materials wherever practicable, and shall seek advice from the local council on any recycling facilities in proximity to the Project.

Objective

To minimise any adverse environmental impact or risk to health associated with waste management during the construction phase of the project.

       2.2 Erosion and Sediment Control

Objective:

To minimise any potential for soil loss or degradation and to prevent any adverse impacts on water quality.

       2.3 Noise Control

Objective:

To ensure that noise emissions from construction activities do not cause unreasonable impacts on the adjacent community.

       2.4 Dust Control

Objective:

To ensure that dust emissions from construction activities are minimised to prevent unreasonable impact on the construction workforce, adjacent residents and the surrounding environment.

       2.5 Fire Prevention

Objective:

To prevent the degradation of air quality by fires created by hot work operations or the uncontrolled burning of waste materials.

       2.6 Cultural Heritage

Objective:

To protect aboriginal sites, artefacts and areas of cultural significance from uncontrolled access and damage.

The following environmental management plan has been developed to ensure that all activities that have a potential to impact on this environment have been identified and assessed and that control measures have been put in place that are acceptable to the Client and are in line with the expectations of the Environmental Protection Authority and the local community.

       2.7 Controlling the Spread of Noxious Weeds

In order to control the spread of noxious weeds all vehicled will be cleaned upon arrival to site and also regularly there after. Upon arrival on site all personnel will be advised of the location of the washdown area and what the procedure for its use is.

       2.8 Limiting Access to Established Tracks

All personnel will be inducted to site, included in the induction will be a brief of the access road and details of how to access the work site. There is no need for any Symmetrical Group employee to deviate from the designated access track.

       2.9 Clearing or Disturbance of Existing Vegetation

No clearing or disturbance of existing vegetation will be conducted with out writen approval from the client representative or the local shire.

       2.10 Commitment

The success of any management system depends on the commitment of all personnel within the organisation to achieve the desired objectives.

Date published: 25/07/2013

* -25/07/2013 12:27:06 PM