Engaging with your ECoW: Good Environmental Practices to Deliver Successful Projects

Rebecca Passmore MSc C.WEM MCIWEM MEECW

Senior Environmental Consultant, Fairhurst

Fairhurst

Aims…

….of the AEECOW

The AEECoW has been developed to raise professional standards amongst those providing ECoW services whilst promoting ECoWs as valuable members of site development teams.

….of an ECoW Client and contractor compliance

Regulations and legislation Planning Industry good practice

What is an ECoW?

“An environmental or construction professional with direct responsibility for monitoring compliance with environmental

legislation, policy or mitigation.”

Role and Responsibilities of an ECoW

• How is the ECoW role linked with EIAs?

• What does the ECoW the role involve?

• What skills and experience are needed?

The Role

• “Eyes and Ears”

• Independent

• Relevant qualifications and experience

• Status and Influence

• Communication

• Multi-disciplinary

ECoWs and EIAs

EIA is a key document as it helps to identify: • Environmental

sensitivities • Legislation and

guidance • Schedule of

Mitigation

Beware

“An environmental or construction professional with direct responsibility for ensuring

compliance with environmental legislation, policy or mitigation.”

Competing/Conflicting Priorities and Pressures

Common Issues

• Mud! • Weather and freak events • Communications • Out of hours incident response • Change of contractor • Site holidays • Egos • Scope creep • Buried infrastructure • Incentives • Public interest/press interest

SW Scotland Transmission Line, Margree

Tool Box Talks (TBT’s)

• Content

– project documentation

– legal obligations

– good practice

• Duration and audience – Short, focused – Opportunity to influence change.

Margree

Margree

Summary

• Establish clear role and responsibilities at the start of project

• Build relationships, particularly with the Site Agent and Foremen

• Understand the reporting mechanisms

• Be familiar with the:

Contract

Construction programme

Planning conditions

Site documents

Good practice guidance documents

• Know who to speak to when it goes wrong!