A Construction Environmental Management Strategy (CEMS) can be useful for sites where you are required by the Local Planning Authority (via a pre-commencement planning condition) to submit a Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP).
A CEMP addresses how potentially adverse impacts associated with construction sites will be managed. The level of detail required in a CEMP will depend on the type and scale of the development and also the site’s environmental setting.
The CEMP should be prepared by someone with experience of the practicalities of site work, and the preparation of Method Statements etc (i.e. the Developer, or their Principal Contractor).
For sites of low environmental sensitivity, most developers will have the in-house expertise to draft a CEMP. However, where the site’s setting is of greater sensitivity (e.g. close to a watercourse or above a significant aquifer, especially where the site lies with a groundwater source protection zone), the Planning Authority will expect more detail regarding mitigation of the specific risks posed to controlled waters.
This is where Lithos can help by drafting of a Construction Environmental Management Strategy (CEMS) which identifies risks associated with the construction phase and makes recommendations with respect to the measures required to mitigate them. In essence, the CEMS outlines what is required, but not how it is achieved (this must be detailed in the CEMP).
Failure to submit the CEMP prior to the commencement of development may constitute a breach of planning consent, with possible follow-up enforcement. Methodologies detailed in the approved CEMP should be adhered to throughout the construction period.
A Construction Surface Water Management Plan (cSWMP) needs to ensure that construction does not increase flood risk, or result in pollution of watercourses (including by silt). There is a statutory duty to ensure that surface water quality and quantity is managed throughout the construction phase, and prevent impacts off site.
The cSWMP will identify and assess risks associated with the discharge of surface water from site during the construction phase and detail a range of potential mitigation measures designed to protect surface water quality and reduce the likelihood of pollution.
The cSWMP will also include an annotated plan showing critical receptors, mitigation measures and (where applicable)discharge points.
It is vital that the cSWMP reflects anticipated site activities and therefore Lithos will need to work closely with you on your proposed approach.
Lithos can support your business in fulfilling soil and water monitoring requirements, helping you to decide: what and where to sample; how to interpret the data; and presenting this in a format that supports your environmental permit.
If you have a baseline and monitoring plan in place, but simply need support working with your Regulatory Authority, be that the Environment Agency or Local Authority, we can help here too.
You can find some case studies on our website:
- Landowner liabilities from leasehold
- Print works
- Wall paper manufacturer
- Timber treatment
Spillages of fuels, oils, chemicals and silt can be a serious issue which requires appropriate investigation, risk assessment and remediation. Fast action after a spillage can often avoid wider pollution and prevent expensive fines, prosecution and reputational damage.
It is important that developers (and their sub-contractors), industry and private land owners are aware that accidental release of contamination is an offence under the Environmental Permitting Regulations.
We successfully support clients who have been served with an environmental notice following a pollution incident. Pollution incidents can happen for many reasons and are sometimes beyond the control of site owners or operators. Nevertheless, the resulting pollution is generally the responsibility of the permit holder or landowner.
We provide rapid response, swift resolution and confirmation of potential environmental harm and validation of remediation if required. We have extensive experience of dealing with each of these scenarios and appreciate it is critical to address the requirements of both Regulators and Clients.
Lithos’ Environmental team offer bespoke toolbox talks on the risks associated with the environmental setting of your site and activities, ensuring everyone is aware of the implications of a pollution incident and understand action that needs to be taken in the event of a spillage. We also undertake environmental audits, identifying any potential near misses or areas which would benefit from improved management.
If you have had, or suspect, a pollution incident, Lithos can support with investigation, risk assessment and remediation design. We will also support with regulatory liaison.
Julia Reynolds heads-up Lithos’ work on environmental compliance. As a former regulator Julia has both have considerable knowledge of a wide range of environmental legislation. She understands the implications of the changing and emerging legislation (on industry, landowners and developers), the increasing requirements to meet environmental standards, and often the increasing financial commitments.
Julia uses her regulatory backgrounds to support clients across sectors, providing pragmatic, accurate and workable solutions.