Before commencing work on a site, it is wise to look up the Environmental Guidelines For Major Construction Sites so that you are in compliance with current environmental legislation as well as doing your utmost to minimise the impact on the surrounding environment. Otherwise, you may be risking the possibility of getting fined thousands of dollars or facing prosecution which is certainly not what you desire.
This article will explore just some of the environmental guidelines that you need to follow when dealing with a major construction site. I must point out that these guidelines are from Victorian Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and may vary in other Australian states and territories.
Some Guidelines To Get You Started
Here are just some of the guidelines from the EPA:
- Environmental Assessment – identify which areas of the environment are likely to be affected by construction activities, in addition, assess expected noise levels, air and water quality. This can be achieved through an Environmental Impact Assessment.
- Minimising Erosion – Plan measures aimed at reducing erosion and keep vehicles to well-defined roads.
- Sediment Controls – Design and install appropriate erosion and sediment run-off control measures
- Dust Control – Plan measures to control the onset of dust
- Noise and Vibration – Determine hours of the day where noise cannot be excessive, install mufflers on noisy equipment to reduce vibration as well as reducing air vibration in general.
It’s highly recommended that you read the entire list of Environmental Guidelines For Major Construction Sites on the EPA website. If you are from another state outside Victoria, then finding corresponding information on your state or territory Government website would be advised.
Compliance Made Easy
You may be thinking that such environmental guidelines are extensive and as a result, they may be difficult to comply with. If you are researching and implementing guidelines for the first time, then it can be both challenging and annoying to comply with this. However, compliance is not an option; it is an obligation by law.
The best way to comply with both legislation and guidelines is through a Construction Environmental Management Plan which covers all that needs to be covered and puts you in a good position to commence your project. This is an option that should be considered if you do not have the time nor the resources to worry about compliance.
Read up on the Environmental Guidelines For Major Construction Sites from your state or territory before going ahead with a project.
