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DRILLING • MINING • QUARRYING • CIVIL INFRASTRUCTURE

RIIENV201D Identify and assess environmental and heritage concerns

LEARNER GUIDE

Learner Name:

SkillsDMC ©

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SkillsDMC (Resources and Infrastructure Industry Skills Council Ltd)

Tower 1, Level 1, Suite 2, 475 Victoria Avenue, Chatswood, NSW 2067

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Published by: SkillsDMC (Resources and Infrastructure Industry Skills Council Ltd)

Tower 1, Level 1, Suite 2, 475 Victoria Avenue, Chatswood, NSW 2067 AUSTRALIA

First published: 2015

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ContentsUnit of Competency 4

Unit Descriptor 5

Topics 5

Recognition of Prior Learning 5

Learning activities 6

Introduction 7

Environmental and heritage issues and concerns 9

Environmental and heritage procedures and work instructions 19

Legislation 21

Meeting legislative requirements 23

Check your understanding 30

Knowledge questions 31

Practical activities 34

Answers to Learning activities 40

SkillsDMC ©

Unit of Competency

RIIENV201D Identify and assess environmental and heritage concerns

Application This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to identify and assess environmental and heritage concerns in the Resources and Infrastructure Industries.

This unit is appropriate for those working in operational roles.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

Element Performance Criteria

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency

Performance Criteria describe the required performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Identify site specific environmental and heritage concerns

1.1. Access, interpret and apply environmental documentation and ensure the work activity is compliant

1.2. Identify and record environmental and heritage issues

1.3. Accurately identify the nature of environment and/or heritage concerns

1.4. Enact emergency plan

1.5. Enact required isolation procedures

1.6. Remove and/or contain identified contaminants

2. Assess and respond to environmental and heritage concerns

2.1. Inspect site on receipt of clearances to confirm environment and/or heritage issues

2.2. Complete all required records and documentation accurately and promptly

3. Work within environmental and heritage guidelines

3.1. Adhere to environment and heritage guidelines

3.2. Conform to environmental and heritage guidelines in the organisation of work activities

3.3. Contact and inform/report to authorities of environmental and/or heritage issues

Uni

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SkillsDMC ©

Unit DescriptorThis unit covers identifying and assessing environmental and heritage concerns in Resources and Infrastructure Industries. It includes identifying site specific environmental and heritage concerns; assessing and responding to environmental and heritage concerns; and working within environmental and heritage guidelines.

TopicsThe main topics covered in this Learning Guide are:

• Introduction

• Environmental and heritage issues and concerns

• Environmental procedures and work instructions

• Emergency procedures

• Legislation

• Meeting legislative requirements

• Planning work activities around environmental issues

Recognition of Prior LearningIf you think you can satisfactorily complete the assessment for this section, check your knowledge and skills as follows:

I can:

• recognise potential environmental and heritage impacts in the workplace, and accurately follow procedures and work instructions to control or manage them

• identify and explain the processes available to carry out environmental and heritage plans

• recognise and report environmental hazards according to workplace procedures

• recognise and report heritage concerns according to workplace procedure

• respond positively and quickly to changes in work practices and procedures

• enact an emergency plan

• enact relevant isolation procedures

• make suggestions to improve workplace practices where this is relevant

• keep environmental and heritage records as required by the organisation

Unit of C

omp

etency

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Learning activitiesAs you work through this Learning Guide you will complete the following activities:

• List issues that need to be considered when planning a worksite

• Use resources to research different environmental and heritage issues that are relevant to the Resources and Infrastructure Industries

• Summarise a procedure that covers protection of the environment

• Identify Australia’s main Commonwealth legislation that covers the environment and heritage

• Respond to questions related to environmental and heritage management

• Consult with industry to find out how environmental and heritage issues are dealt with practically

What workplace experience do I need?

If you are employed in the industry, complete the unit activities using your workplace as an example.

If you are not employed in the industry, your trainer can assist you to demonstrate the application of this unit of competency in a number of ways:

• you will undertake a work placement so you can experience a real work situation

• you can work through case studies or other examples, provided by your trainer

• you can visit as many worksites as possible to further assist with your assessment

How will I be assessed for this unit?

Assessment for this unit will comprise of both practical and theory components. Details of the methods, location and times of these assessments will be provided to you by your assessor.

Throughout this Learner Guide you will see the term trainer. This is the person who will be guiding you through this unit of competency. It could be a workplace supervisor, mentor, trainer, instructor or tutor.

When the term assessor is used it refers to the person who will make the final judgement of your competency in this unit. Sometimes the trainer and assessor will be the same person. In some cases they will differ.

The assessor will collect a range of evidence which shows how you meet the outcomes of the unit of competency.

There is a section at the end of this Learner Guide that gives you the chance to test your own understanding of the content of this Unit before being assessed formally by your assessor. The Learning Activities and the Check your Understanding section of this Learner Guide are not formal assessments for this Unit.

What resources will I need to complete this unit?

To complete this unit, certain resources are required. These resources are easily found in a workplace. If you are not in a workplace, your trainer will make sure you can obtain the required resources, and experience a real workplace environment.

Here is a suggested list of resources. Your trainer may also add any other relevant resources.

• environmental and heritage legislation and regulations

• site environmental plans

• site heritage plans

• site environmental policy, procedures and processes

• work instructions

• key performance indicators

• Material Safety Data Sheets

• environmental officer

• heritage officer

Lear

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Section 1

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IntroductionThe work of the Resources and Infrastructure Industries can affect the environment both inside and outside the worksite. Companies have a duty of care to make sure their operations have a minimal impact on the environment, and address:

• waste

• noise

• dust

• land degradation

The impact on the environment includes outcomes such as:

• erosion

• air pollution

• water pollution

As part of their duty of care, organisations have to protect the health and safety of the general public and manage the environmental impact of their operations. This might mean minimising emissions such as noise, dust and waste. These aspects will be covered by a company’s environmental and waste management policy. The details of the policy depend on the type and location of the work and the potential environmental outcomes.

In the Resources and Infrastructure Industries, work could be carried out in many different geographic regions in Australia, including the surrounding seas and oceans.

Operating in an environmentally responsible manner takes into account elements such as:

• climate

• topography

• soils

• fauna

• flora

• land use

• marine and freshwater organisms

• the type of work being done

The following issues will need to be considered:

• achieving good environmental performance

• minimising conflicts with other land users

• maintaining ecological values in surrounding areas

• restoring or improving the areas affected by work activities

Companies also have a responsibility to protect Australia’s heritage.

Heritage includes places, values, traditions, events and experiences that capture where our society has come from, where we are now and gives context to where we are headed as a community.

Our heritage gives us understanding and conveys the stories of our development as a nation, our spirit and ingenuity, and our unique, living landscapes. Heritage is an inheritance that helps define our future.

By identifying, protecting and managing our heritage we are conserving a valuable asset and ensuring that those places will continue to be experienced and enjoyed by future generations.

Our heritage is managed by various levels of government and peak bodies that identify and list places for their heritage values. Significant heritage places are identified and grouped (by type) into lists that guide the protection and management of heritage values

Each workplace will have different environmental and heritage concerns and issues because of the:

• type of work

• geographic and environmental location

An organisation’s style of management will influence how environmental and heritage issues are dealt with. Successful environmental and heritage management will have the following benefits for a workplace:

• sustainable work practices, that is, practices that work now and into the future

• improved productivity

• more efficient use of resources

• reduced costs

• reduction of waste and pollution

• the rapid identification of, response to and containment of emergencies (spills, leaks, pollution and so on)

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LEARNING ACTIVITY 11.1. Protection of the environment and Australia’s heritage are major issues facing the

Resources and Infrastructure Industries. What are three (3) issues that need to be considered when planning a worksite to make sure the impact on the environment is controlled and heritage preserved?

Section 2

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Environmental and heritage issues and concernsIt is important to be aware of the types of environmental and heritage concerns that may impact on your work.

Heritage protection

Heritage includes places, values, traditions, events and experiences that capture where we’ve come from, where we are now and gives context to where we are headed as a community.

Our heritage gives us understanding and conveys the stories of our development as a nation, our spirit and ingenuity, and our unique, living landscapes. Heritage is an inheritance that helps define our future.

By identifying, protecting and managing our heritage we are conserving a valuable asset and ensuring that those places will continue to be experienced and enjoyed by future generations.

Be aware that it is an offence to disturb or interfere with rock paintings or ancient remains, or to remove artefacts including rock tools.

Any new sites discovered or uncovered are to be reported to a supervisor. The supervisor will report the site to the client officer or appropriate authority.

Heritage and archaeology protection

Outdoor worksites should be surveyed for archaeological and heritage importance. Surveys may identify artefacts or sites that are of scientific or cultural importance. Artefacts and sites may also be of spiritual importance to Indigenous people in the region.

Establishing good data and information is essential when planning and implementing adequate protection, conservation and rehabilitation strategies.

A key aim of the planning is to work out a way of allowing the project to proceed while minimising disturbance to, or taking steps to conserve, archaeological and heritage sites.

Any new sites discovered or uncovered are to be reported to a supervisor. The supervisor will report these to the client officer or appropriate authority.

Rights of land holders must be respected at all times. Requirements of cultural areas, recreation and conservation areas must be observed.

Consulting the local community is an excellent way of identifying solutions for conservation that will benefit everyone.

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Flora and fauna

Part of an environmental investigation is a survey of the flora and fauna in the area.

Apart from identifying rare and endangered plants and animals, planners must consider the whole ecological area and the role it plays as part of a regional environment. Data on flora and fauna is essential for planning programs for rehabilitation, closure and restoration. Data provides useful tools for scientifically defending these programs.

Climate, soils and a rehabilitation strategy are all important when working out how to minimise impacts on native flora and fauna. Planning for any new project should focus on minimising the impacts of worksites on flora and fauna.

Apart from the work site, it is important to think about :

• town sites

• farms and stations

• gazetted areas

• streams, rivers, dams, ponds and stock watering points

• survival of native animals

• die back areas

You need to be particularly careful when working with pollutants that may affect the environment. These include:

• fuel, oil, chemicals

• salt water from drill holes

• dust

• noise

• rubbish

You should also use established tracks wherever possible so that unnecessary damage is not caused to land.

Cleaner production

Cleaner production covers many of the practical work operations that relate to environmental practices on a worksite. It is aimed at maximising resource usage and operational efficiency, and minimising waste and the impact it has on the area. The concept also includes waste disposal reduction and rehabilitation requirements. It is part of continuous improvement in environmental and economic performance.

Contamination

Contamination, in relation to land, water or a site, means having a substance present in or on that land, water or site at above background concentrations that presents, or has the potential to present, a risk of harm to human health, the environment or any environmental value. In other words, contamination has taken place when any material or substance that could harm humans, plants or animals is released into the land, water (and sometimes air) in and around the site.

Contamination is an ever-present risk in resources and infrastructure operations because of the materials involved. Mineralised rock, tailings, process chemicals, lubricants, fuels and other solid and liquid materials, including asbestos, are all potential contaminants.

Care must be taken to avoid the contamination of the site’s environment, or of the broader environment around the site. Where contamination does occur, it must be reported and steps must be taken to either remove the contaminant or to contain the spread of the contaminant to minimise its impact.

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Avoiding contamination

Preventing contamination of the site’s environment is obviously the most preferred method of managing potential contaminants in the work area. Some simple and reasonable steps that can be implemented to avoid contamination include (but are not limited to):

• Chemicals that are used on-site (or produced by site operations) should be stored in appropriate containers and should be kept within a containment system that has a fail-safe if a substance is spilled or leaks out of containers. Containers and the containment system should be inspected regularly for faults and damage.

• Water run-off (such as storm water) should be diverted away from areas where contaminants are stored, used or transported, to avoid the risk of water contamination

• Regular inspection and maintenance of tools, equipment, plant and other machinery, especially where there is a risk of leaking fluids or harmful emissions

• Waste materials should be correctly stored and disposed of

Removing contamination

When contamination does occur, there are a number of steps that should be taken to ensure that personnel around the affected area are kept safe and that environmental damage is limited. Before attempting to control or remove any contamination, you should assess the safety of the affected area. Access into the area should be immediately restricted, and an assessment should be made about whether it is safe to approach and treat the source of contamination. As a general rule, there are five steps that you should follow (see Diagram 1)

Notify appropriate personnel and authorities

4.

1. Assess safety and stop the source of

contamination

Clean up the contaminant

3.

Review safety precautions and risk

controls

2.

Restock any used consumables (e.g. chemical spill kits)

5.

Removing Contamination (Diagram 1):

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If you are attempting to clean up a contaminant, such as a spilled chemical, you should first refer to the Safety Data Sheet for the substance. The Safety Data Sheet will contain information about containing and cleaning up the contaminant, and will also provide first aid information in the event that site personnel are exposed to the contaminant. You should also ensure that you follow and safe work method statements or safe work procedures that are in place on your site for the cleaning, handling and/or disposal of contaminants. These will likely include the use of specific Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and will likely contain procedures for the safe disposal of the contaminant.

Where soil has been contaminated, some excavation of the affected area may be required to stop the contaminant leaching deeper into the ground.

Neutralising materials, such as lime or charcoal, may also need to be dispersed through the affected area. This information will be contained within the Safety Data Sheet for the contaminant material.

Once the contaminant has been cleared or removed, be sure to notify your supervisor and, if necessary, emergency services. Your site should record the contamination event as an incident and have a plan to check that the contamination has been completely removed, and that it has not affected the wider environment in or around the site. This might include, for example, sampling and testing activities.

Containing contamination

If it is unsafe to approach the contaminant, or the contamination in the immediately affected area cannot be controlled, the area around the contamination should be secured (e.g. with signs and barricades). It may also be appropriate to evacuate personnel from the affected area. Steps should be implemented to stop the spread of contamination if possible and the incident should be reported immediately to the site supervisor and to emergency services.

If contaminants are allowed to leach into the ground it can affect the quality of groundwater for

surrounding areas.

Groundwater

Leeching

Contamination

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Water management

Water is needed for nearly all work activities and is typically the main way, besides air, that pollutants are carried into the wider environment. For this reason good water management is fundamental for most mining operations.

Harvesting water for work activities can result in conflict with other water users, especially surrounding farms, and with environmental flow requirements.

Whether water is drawn from local rivers and/or taken from site runoff, there is often a need to consider downstream water users.

Worksites can affect surface runoff and groundwater quality through contamination with dissolved and suspended material.

Energy efficiency

Energy consumption such as the use of vehicles, generators and machinery can all have an impact on the environment. Each gives off noise and exhaust emissions that pollute the surrounding area and can be dangerous to health. Elements to watch for include:

• visible smoke

• carbon monoxide emissions

Work must be carried out with these issues in mind. All machinery and vehicles must be used in a safe and professional manner.

Energy creation and consumption are known to be significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. Methods of increasing the efficiency of energy use should apply to all activities in the Resources and Infrastructure Industries and need to be considered in relation to exploration, excavation, ventilation and dust extraction, water management and transport, as well as general work activities. Particular attention should be given to sources of greenhouse gas emissions and how these can be reduced, including the application of alternative products and processes.

One of the most common surface water contaminants is sediment. If sediment is deposited in streams and

rivers it can affect fish and other aquatic life.

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Dust control

Dust is another form of pollution. It can sometimes be unavoidable on a worksite and is one of the most visible, invasive and potentially irritating types of pollution. It commonly causes neighbouring communities to be very concerned.

Many types of dust contain potentially hazardous metals and certain types and sizes of dust are known to have associated health impacts. It can affect flora and fauna and cause a health risk to workers. Dust control must therefore be part of an environmental management plan.

Methods to control dust must be included at the planning stages. Information must be collected on how dust is generated and how it can best be controlled. An understanding of dust emission sources can assist with changes to operations and dust suppression such as watering and sealing of surfaces, or delay of blasting under adverse weather conditions.

Noise, vibration and airblast control

Noise, vibration and airblast can be unavoidable in many types of work activities and have a significant threat to worker health and safety if not well managed. Noise and vibration require particular management when communities are situated close by and work can give rise to concerns for public health, safety, and damage to private and public buildings and other infrastructure. A management plan should be prepared in consultation with the local community, including specific measures to minimise disturbance.

Dealing with noise, vibration and airblast issues might mean considering:

• the sources of noise, vibration and airblast

• why the noise, vibration and airblast are concerning people/communities

• the need to understand and manage them

• their characteristics

• possible effects

• management strategies

Noise and vibration impacts

These might include:

• disturbance to nearby residents and landholders

• potential injury to human health

• possible structural damage

• planning solutions

Solutions might include:

• controlling noise sources

• conducting noisy work activities during specific times

• alerting nearby residents and communities by advance notice of work activities that will cause disturbance

Construction in residential areas makes up about 39% of all construction, this highlights the potential for dust to cause problems in residential areas.

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Hazardous materials management, storage and disposal

Hazardous materials include any substance that may result in a hazard to human health or the environment when not correctly treated, stored or disposed of.

Ways to reduce risk from these substances include:

• identifying and properly preparing materials

• making inventories/lists of all hazardous materials including waste products

• describing the potential environmental hazards associated with them

• documenting methods for transport, storage, handling and use

• identifying options for disposal and long-term storage, preparing contingency plans for unexpected events, and emergency response plans

• providing training to all managers, workers and contractors who deal with or handle hazardous substances

Rehabilitation

Individual responsibility is very important in making sure that work activities do not have a negative impact on the environment. Such things as not littering, controlling personal waste, operating machinery efficiently, following worksite procedures and policy, showing common sense and generally thinking about the impact you can have on the environment in your day-to-day work activities will go a long way to reducing negative effects.

The natural features of the land – such as slope, rainfall, fertility, and the type of work – will help to decide on sensible and achievable land use options.

Rehabilitation is an essential part of achieving ecologically sustainable development of any work activity. It should not be considered when the work has finished; it must be part of a plan right from the start to be effective.

The rehabilitation of natural ecosystems, particularly the re-establishment of native flora includes:

• revegetation

• land clearing, soil handling, storage and replacement

• landform design and erosion control earthworks

• species selection, seed collection and treatment, and application techniques

• the use of fertilisers and soil amendments

• nutrient building

• maintenance

• monitoring and measuring revegetation and rehabilitation success

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Visual impacts

Visual impacts must be considered as part of the planning of a worksite’s activities.

Work activities can remove vegetation cover, modify landforms, create colour contrasts and impose large structures into natural landscapes.

Planners should consider what people can see of the site and how it fits in with the surroundings.

The appearance and reputation of an operation can affect the community’s attitude towards a project. It is worthwhile taking time to reduce visual impacts and to ensure good housekeeping to improve community relations. Solutions could include:

• tree plantings

• suitable colour choice for buildings and equipment

• perimeter screening (fences and vegetation)

Soil conservation

Topsoil management should be planned to conserve available soils for reuse in rehabilitation programs.

Careful handling, storage and use of topsoil to avoid erosion and promote rehabilitation are a significant planning task.

Topsoil can promote re-vegetation by preserving plant seeds, soil nutrients, fungi and other soil organisms that assist in the rehabilitation of a worksite. It is often not possible

to completely hide work activities but they can be made much less obtrusive

Soil carbon is stored in the humus, and the topsoil horizons of soils. Soil carbon is vital in helping soil

retain water and important nutrients as well as acting as an energy source

Organic materials

Topsoil

Subsoil

Weathered rock

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Transport

Relevant environmental issues regarding transport vehicles at a worksite are:

• increased traffic noise and congestion

• reduced road safety

• contribution to road and pavement wear

Planning options include:

• upgrading and using existing roads – in some cases a simple approach of considering shift times with those of surrounding industries can reduce potential road congestion

• constructing new facilities – this option also requires consideration of the environmental impact of new construction

While building new facilities can improve safety and reduce impacts on residents, it may be of no lasting benefit to the community once the work is finished.

Socio-economic issues

Resources and infrastructure projects affect local and national economies in a variety of ways.

Some people will benefit directly from the work through employment and business opportunities.

Other people who do not benefit directly and see negative impacts on the environment may feel unhappy about the work proceeding.

Where there is a community living around a potential worksite, impacts on the environment can significantly alter their lifestyles and influence community attitudes to the operation.

Planners need to make allowance for sensitive adjoining land uses and neighbours; in particular those living downstream whose lifestyle may be impacted through degraded water quality.

Nearby Indigenous communities, often disadvantaged in areas of health, education and wealth, may require more specific programs to meet their needs. Often their specific social and historical characteristics mean they are more affected by the risks of development projects.

Successful planning should include and meet the concerns and needs of the local community.

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LEARNING ACTIVITY 22.1. Using resources such as the internet and books from the library, research three (3) different

environmental and heritage issues that are relevant to the Resources and Infrastructure Industries. Visit the Department of the Environment website at <www.environment.gov.au> to get started.

Write a brief description of three issues and summarise the general management strategies that are put in place at a worksite to prevent the environment or heritage site/item from being harmed.

Section 3

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Environmental and heritage procedures and work instructionsProcedures and work instructions give you the information you need to carry out your job properly. This includes acting according to your environmental responsibilities and protecting heritage areas. You might be able to suggest improvements to work practices where this applies. Suggesting improvements is part of the overall work quality management system.

To make sure a standard is met, all procedures and work instructions include:

• the date

• the task

• who does the job

• who supervises the job

• who authorises the instructions, key points and safety requirements

• the tools/equipment needed

• the steps to take

As you complete each task you are asked to report on the outcomes you have achieved. You might have to complete a form and/or report to:

• your workplace supervisor

• the safety officer

• the environmental officer

• the heritage officer

Emergency procedures

Company procedures will include emergency procedures or plans about protecting the environment, for example most companies have a procedure about spill management. A spill management procedure includes containing the substance spilled so that employees and the environment are protected.

A fire plan is another example of a procedure in place to protect the environment as well as employees (see Diagram 2 for example).

Sometimes, equipment will need to be isolated to protect the employees and the environment. For further information about isolation procedures, refer to the Learning Guide for RIIWHS201D Work safely and follow WHS policies and procedures.

1. Pull pin 2. Point hose at fire 3. Squeeze Trigger 4. Sweep nozzle side to side

Diagram 2: Emergency procedures can include directions and instructions such as the above example on the correct operation of a fire extinguisher.

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LEARNING ACTIVITY 3 3.1. Locate an organisational procedure that covers the protection of heritage interests and the

environment.

Make a brief summary of what you would do if what you would do if a situation occurred that put heritage at risk.

Section 4

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LegislationThe environment and heritage are managed by various levels of government. There are both Commonwealth and state or territory legislations and regulations that require an employer to protect human health, the natural environment and Australia’s heritage.

Although there are slight differences between states and territories, legislation and regulations cover areas such as:

• Australian standards

• environmental protection acts and regulations

• heritage protection acts and regulations

• environmental agencies’ regulations

• occupational health and safety legislation

• isolation procedures

• manufacturers’ specifications, recommendations and instructions

• work site safety and health legislation and regulations

• workplace regulations and procedures

Legislation aims

Legislation, together with a workplace’s policy and procedures, aims to:

• conduct business in a way that protects human health, the natural environment and Australia’s heritage, and also benefits economic and social growth

• design, develop and operate facilities based on the efficient and economic use of energy resources and materials, the protection of the environment and heritage, and the minimisation of waste

• identify and evaluate, manage and lessen potential environmental and heritage impacts from the planning stage through to the completion of work

• research and share the most effective and efficient methods of reducing environmental and heritage impacts

• make environmental and heritage protection the goal

• involve and inform all affected parties – including the company, its employees, suppliers and contractors, and the local community – about technical, legislative and regulatory issues

• help everybody understand that work activities and environmental and heritage protection go together

Legislation is designed to minimise impact on:

• native flora and fauna

• water supplies

• the atmosphere

• areas of cultural significance

Legislation and regulations are aimed at protecting human health, the environment and Australia’s heritage

Regular environmental monitoring, like testing water quality, ensures that no irreversible damage is done to

the area surrounding a work site.

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LEARNING ACTIVITY 44.1. What is Australia’s main, Commonwealth legislation that covers the environment and

heritage?

To find out go to <www.environment.gov.au>.

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Meeting legislative requirementsSuccessful environmental and heritage management means recognising and avoiding or minimising impacts. Protection of the environment and heritage requires careful planning and commitment from all levels, groups and individuals in an organisation. All workers must be responsible for their own actions or inaction towards protecting the environment.

Everyone must be constantly making decisions, as action or inaction affects the chance of negative impacts in the workplace or from external forces such as weather.

To make sure a worksite has a minimal impact on the environment and heritage, and meets legislative requirements, an organisation usually develops several policy and procedural documents. These include:

• planning for environmental and heritage protection before work starts

• conducting an Environmental Impact Assessment

• conducting a Heritage Impact Assessment• conducting community consultation

• developing an Environmental and Heritage Management System

• developing site environmental and heritage policies and procedures

Planning before work starts

Planning is the key to identifying and minimising the environmental and heritage impacts of work activities. Work planning should develop information that meets community expectations about environmental and heritage impacts.

Impact Assessments

An Impact Assessment is the best way of working out potential impacts and finding effective and efficient ways of reducing them early in the planning process. The assessment can include:

• a broad and detailed description of the environment and heritage before development commences (including physical, biological and social aspects which the project is most likely to affect)

• a detailed description of the work at each stage of development and operation, for example, site preparation, construction, operation, proposed expansions, decommissioning, rehabilitation and site closure

• identification of issues relating to possible physical, ecological, land use, social, infrastructure, heritage and other issues

• a description of the proposed assessment, monitoring and review procedures

Section 5

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Community consultation

The expectations and needs of communities affected by work activities need to be considered. A community-centred rather than a project-centred approach to community consultation and involvement works best (see Diagram 3 for example of community consultation)

Management systems

Most workplaces have management systems to assist the company achieve its environmental and heritage objectives and targets. A management system is an important part of demonstrating due diligence or consistent effort over a period of time. A management system can include:

• the organisation’s commitment to environmental and heritage management

• the organisation’s environmental and heritage policies

• environmental impact assessment

• heritage impact assessment

• community consultation and involvement

• objectives and targets

• environmental and heritage management program

• documentation and records

• operational and emergency procedures

• responsibility and reporting structure

• training

• awareness and competence

• audit systems for environmental and heritage impact

• regulatory compliance and environmental performance

• emission and performance monitoring and measurement

Risk management

Some level of risk is unavoidable, but it can be mostly reduced if a planned approach to environmental and heritage risk is taken.

Risk management is continually reviewed and updated as additional information (for example results from environmental monitoring) is used to identify new problems as they arise. The results of the risk analysis must be communicated effectively and risk management recommendations actioned promptly risks to be managed effectively.

1. Inform the public with balanced and objective information to assist in understanding

2. Consult the public for feedback on analysis, alternative solutions and decisions

3. Involve the public throughout the process to ensure public concerns are addressed

4. Collaborate with the public on important decisions and alternative methods

5. Empower the public by placing final decision making in their hands

Diagram 3

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Monitoring and performance

Policies and procedures are developed to make sure environmental and heritage requirements for work are understood and included in work planning/preparation and implementation.

To contribute to effective management of environmental and heritage issues and concerns you need to know about the following.

Site environmental and heritage requirements

These are legal requirements that cover aspects including:

• dust, water quality

• waste water management

• chemical handling

• noise/vibration

• fuel/oil handling and disposal

• waste management and rehabilitation

• heritage protection

Operational safety requirements

These include safety information which may be included in:

• legislation and regulation

• relevant Australian standards

• management plans

• manager’s rules

• WHS policy

• codes of practice

• manufacturer’s instructions

• safe working or job procedures

Quality processes

Quality processes include:

• measures to avoid contamination, wastage and harm to heritage

• measures to reduce and recycle waste

• processes to ensure a ‘right first time’ approach

Loss and damage control systems

Loss and damage control systems take into account:

• personal injuries

• loss and damage of equipment and materials

Site environmental and heritage procedures and constraints

Site environmental and heritage procedures and constraints contribute to quality processes and operational safety. They are found in:




• licensing authorisations/provisions

Site environment and heritage control measures

Measures to control environmental issues on site may include:

• reducing dust levels

• water treatments

• waste water processes

• using Materials Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and Hazchem

• meeting noise/vibration standards

• following waste disposal procedures

Environmental and heritage reports and records

Environmental reports and records may include:

• complaints register

• records of spills, leaks and so on

• incident reporting procedures

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Monitoring and auditing

Monitoring and auditing programs are essential to ensure environmental objectives are being met and maintained. These provide an early warning system of problems so that they can be addressed quickly.

Environmental monitoring collects and interprets the information necessary to work out whether the management plan and related systems are being applied effectively, and whether the environmental and heritage objectives set by the company, regulator and community are being properly met.

The data collected from a variety of different monitoring targets, such as water, air, noise, people and community opinion, is assessed.Proper interpretation will provide the information needed to make early changes to the operation if unacceptable impacts are showing up, and will assist with good technical reporting.

Environmental and heritage auditing is an essential management tool to measure overall performance objectively and to develop action plans for ongoing improvement in the effectiveness and efficiency of environmental protection. Environmental and heritage audits must not be one-off events but should be repeated regularly to show how effective the environmental management system is.

Environmental and heritage audits must not be one-off events

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LEARNING ACTIVITY 55.1. Planning is the key to identifying and minimising the environmental impacts of work activities.

What is the best way of working out potential impacts and identifying effective and efficient ways of reducing them early in the planning process?

5.2. Most workplaces have an Environment Management System (EMS) to help protect the environment and heritage. List five parts of an EMS.

5.3. The expectations and needs of communities should always be considered. What is the best approach when consulting the community about a project that may affect them?

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5.4. To contribute to effective management of environmental and heritage issues and concerns you need to know your workplace’s requirements on many different issues. Using the information provided earlier in this section answer the following question: What do loss and damage control systems take into account?

5.5. What are some site environmental control measures?

5.6. Site environmental procedures and constraints contribute to quality processes and operational safety. Where might these be found?

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LEARNING ACTIVITY 66.1. Choose three of the environmental or heritage issues and concerns from the following list to

investigate.

• archaeology and heritage protection

• soil conservation

• historic shipwreck preservation

• flora and fauna


• preservation of Indigenous sites of significance

• contamination

• water management

• energy efficiency

• dust control

• noise, vibration and airblast control

• hazardous materials management, storage and disposal

• waste management

• rehabilitation

• visual impacts

• soil conservation, rehabilitation and re-vegetation

• transport

• socio-economic issues

• monitoring and auditing

Investigate the issue by either contacting someone who works in Resources and Infrastructure Industry, or by searching the internet. Find out about how the environmental or heritage issues you have chosen are specifically addressed according to the type of work currently being undertaken. Complete the table below, using the following page if required.

Environmental Issue Problems faced Action taken

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Check your understandingOnce the Learning Activities from all sections have been completed, the following Knowledge questions and Practical activities are provided for you to check your understanding of this unit prior to undertaking the assessment.

Once these questions and activities are completed, contact your Trainer / Supervisor to discuss the completion of your assessment.

Che

ck u

nder

stan

ding

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Knowledge questions

Answer the following questions in the space provided.

1. Work in the resources and infrastructure industries can have many environmental and heritage implications. Companies have a duty of care to ensure their operations have a minimal impact on the environment. Provide two (2) examples of environmental and two (2) examples of heritage problems or concerns that may exist during resources and infrastructure operations.

2. An organisation’s style of management will influence how environmental and heritage issues are dealt with. What are some of the successful outcomes/benefits of good environmental and heritage management in the workplace?

3. Procedures and work instructions give you the information you need to carry out your job properly. What information does a work instruction include?

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4. In each state and territory there is legislation, regulations and standards that require an employer to protect human health and the natural environment. Although there are slight differences across states and territories, what are three specific things they all aim to achieve?

5. To make sure a worksite has minimal impact on the environmental and meets legislative requirements, an organisation usually develops several policy and procedural documents for personnel to follow. What are the five things that should be included?

6. Briefly describe what each of the following sets out to do:

• Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

• Environmental Management System (EMS)

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• Environmental Risk Management

7. It is important to be aware of the environmental concerns that each worksite faces. Provide five examples of potential environmental issues and concerns on a worksite.

8. From your familiarity of a worksite and your research in Learning activity 6, explain how three environmental issues are specifically addressed in a worksite case study.

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Practical activitiesUse your access to the internet or library to research different environmental issues. Record your

answer in the space provided.

1. What are the approaches that can be taken for the following:

• Managing water to minimise waste

• Erosion

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2. Your assessor will provide you with three examples of tasks that are related to the type of work in the resources and infrastructure industries you will be involved in. For each task demonstrate to your assessor that you understand the relevant environmental considerations.

Use the tables provided to record the following information:

• the name of each task

• environmental concerns

• heritage concerns

• associated environmental requirements

• control measures to ensure the requirements are met

• possible problems that may occur if they are not met

• how would you report any problems?

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Task 1:task

environmental concerns

heritage concerns

associated environmental requirements

control measures to ensure the requirements are met

possible problems that may occur if they are not met

how would you report any problems?

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Answers to Learning activities

Learning activity 1

1.1. Protection of the environment and Australia’s heritage are major issues facing the Resources and Infrastructure Industries. What are three (3) issues that need to be considered when planning a worksite to make sure the impact on the environment is controlled and heritage preserved?

Answer:The answer should include any three of the following:

• waste

• noise

• land degradation

• ancient fossils

• culturally-sensitive sites and artefacts

• drainage

• dust

• emissions

• flora and fauna

• hazardous chemicals

• heritage legislation

• historical site (homestead)

• Indigenous site

• runoff

• spills

• water quality

Learning activity 2

2.1. Using resources such as the internet and books from the library, research three (3)different environmental and/or heritage issues that are relevant to the resources and infrastructure industries. Visit the Department of the Environment website at <www.environment.gov.au> to get started.

Write a brief description of three (3) issues and summarise the general management strategies that are put in place at a worksite to prevent the environment from being harmed.

Answer:The answers will vary depending on the issues chosen. The issues may include:



• dust control

• flora and fauna

• protection of cultural sites

• minimisation of disturbance and contamination



• atmospheric emissions



• minimisation of solid waste production

• cyanide management

• landform design for rehabilitation

• rehabilitation and revegetation

Ans

wer

s

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Regardless of the issues, the points to be made include how the environmental issue can be minimised or controlled, and how Australia’s heritage can be protected.

As an example the following shows some ways this can be achieved for water problems on a large work site:

• design appropriate flood diversion works such as levees

• model water balances

• build retention ponds/dams

• harvesting water

• use sedimentation ponds

• install grit and oil arresters in association with oil separators around workshops, vehicle wash-down pads and process plants

• develop a water management strategy

Learning activity 3

3.1. Locate an organisational procedure that covers the protection of heritage interests and the environment. Make a brief summary of what you would do a situation occurred that put heritage interests at risk.

Answer:The answer should be a summary of what to do in case of a spill, a fire, equipment not functioning correctly, etc. In all cases the emphasis should be on employee safety, and on protection of the environment and heritage.

Answ

ers

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Learning activity 4

4.1. What is Australia’s main, Commonwealth legislation that covers the environment and heritage? To find out go to <www.environment.gov.au>.

Answer:The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (the EPBC Act).

Learning activity 5

5.1. Planning is the key to identifying and minimising the environmental impacts of work activities. What is the best way of working out potential impacts and identifying effective and efficient ways of reducing them early in the planning process?

Answer:Developing an Environmental Impact Statement is the best way of working out potential impacts and finding effective and efficient ways of reducing them early in the planning process.

5.2. Most workplaces have an Environment Management System (EMS) to help protect the environment and heritage. List five (5) of the parts of an EMS.

Answer:

The answer may include any five (5) of the following:

• the organisation’s commitment to environmental management

• the organisation’s environmental and heritage policies

• environmental impact assessment

• community consultation and involvement

• objectives and targets

• environmental management program

• documentation and records

• operational and emergency procedures

• responsibility and reporting structure

• training

• awareness and competence

• audit systems for environmental impact

• regulatory compliance and environmental performance

• emission and performance monitoring and measurement

5.3. The expectations and needs of communities should always be considered. What is the best approach when consulting the community about a project that may affect them?

Answer:A community-centred rather than a project-centred approach to community consultation and involvement works best.

5.4. To contribute to effective management of environmental and heritage issues and concerns you need to know your workplace’s requirements on many different issues. Using the information provided earlier in this section answer the following questions.

What do loss and damage control systems take into account?

Answer:Loss and damage control systems take into account:

• personal injuries

• loss and damage of equipment and materials

5.5. What are some site environmental control measures?

Answer:Measures to control environmental issues on site may include:

• reducing dust levels

• water treatments

Ans

wer

s

SkillsDMC ©

Answ

ers

• waste water processes

• using materials safety data sheets (MSDS) and hazchem

• meeting noise/vibration standards

• following waste disposal procedures

5.6. Site environmental procedures and constraints contribute to quality processes and operational safety. Where might these be found?

Answer:Site environmental procedures and constraints are found in:




• licensing authorisations/provisions

Learning activity 6

6.1. It is important to be aware of the environmental and heritage concerns that each worksite can face. Choose three (3) issues and concerns from the following:



• historic shipwreck preservation

• flora and fauna


• preservation of Indigenous sites of significance

• contamination



• dust control



• waste management

• rehabilitation

• visual impacts

• soil conservation, rehabilitation and revegetation

• transport

• socio-economic issues

• monitoring and auditing

Investigate the issue by either contacting someone who works in resources and infrastructure industries, or by searching the internet. Find out about how the environmental or heritage issues you have chosen are specifically addressed according to the type of work currently being undertaken. Complete the table on the following page. Record your answer in the following space provided. Use a separate sheet if necessary.

Answer:The answer will depend on the workplace chosen.

Environmental Issue:

A statement of the issue

Problems Faced:

A description of the problems faced in the workplace

Action taken:

A description of action taken at the worksite

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