How to Achieve Excellence in Environmental Management During Wind Farm Construction

As the surge in renewables continues to gain momentum, busy times are ahead for planners lawyers and civil contractors who are either eyeing off the wind energy sector or already have a foot in the door. 

At the sell-out Clean Energy Council's annual Wind Industry Forum 2016 in March, it was apparent that, as the pace of the industry picks up, finding fresh ways to ease the path of wind farm development and management is an even higher priority.

Adhering to timelines and minimising delays, cost control, safety considerations and ensuring smooth passage of approval and construction are crucial to this process, but not always so easy to achieve.

In his presentation at the Forum, Richard Sharp, Senior Consultant (Environmental and Infrastructure) from our Canberra office, detailed how excellence in environmental management can lead to a more successful project. Here’s a summary:

Four Steps to Best Practice

Step 1: Before construction commences, contract an environmental professional to prepare the Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) that satisfies government regulators.

Step 2: Have the CEMP independently reviewed by an environmental professional.

Step 3: Continually revise the CEMP during the life of the project.

Step 4: Implement the CEMP via independent compliance monitoring and auditing, i.e. someone who is qualified to do so and someone who is not an employee of the design, construction or operational entities.

Important: Ensure Steps 1 to 4 are executed by a registered environmental professional or a Certified Environmental Practitioner.

Further Information

To discuss how your wind project can be more successful, from pre-approval through to wind farm construction and completion, please contact Ecology and Heritage Partners on 1300 839 325.

 

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