What is a CEMP and why are they required?
Construction Environmental Management Plans (CEMP) are required to ensure that construction activities are carried out in an environmentally responsible manner. A CEMP helps construction companies and developers minimize the environmental impact of their activities, comply with relevant laws and regulations, engage with stakeholders, manage environmental risks, and promote sustainability. CEMPs and Dust Management Plans (DMP) are often required as part of planning conditions for construction projects.
In creating a CEMP, it is important to evaluate the potential environmental impacts of the construction project, including air and water pollution, noise and dust emissions, waste management, and biodiversity loss. Legal compliance is also a key consideration, as construction companies must follow local, national, and international environmental regulations and standards. The CEMP must consider the needs and concerns of local communities, regulators, and environmental organizations, and develop a plan for communicating with these stakeholders throughout the construction process.
A CEMP must also include a plan for monitoring the environmental impact of the construction project, as well as regular reviews to update the plan as needed. By having a comprehensive CEMP in place, construction companies can ensure they are meeting their legal obligations, protecting the environment, engaging stakeholders, managing risks, and promoting sustainability.
What is a DMP and why are they required?
A Dust Management Plan (DMP) is often an important component of a larger CEMP, and it is typically developed in collaboration with regulators, stakeholders, and other relevant organizations. A DMP outlines the measures to control and minimize dust emissions during construction activities. Dust emissions can have negative impacts on air quality, human health, and the environment, so it’s important to take steps to control them.
In London, a DMP must be produced in line with the Greater London Authority’s supplementary planning guidance on the “The Control of Dust and Emissions during Construction and Demolition”. Whist across the rest of the UK, the Institute of Air Quality Management’s “Guidance on the assessment of dust from demolition and construction” is used. Air Quality Dust Risk Assessment’s are often required to support DMPs for larger sites. Local authorities such as Camden and Hammersmith and Fulham have developed particular a pro-forma for DMPs and CEMPs which must be provided to gain planning permission.
The main purpose of a DMP is to ensure that the dust generated during construction activities is managed in an environmentally responsible manner. This includes identifying sources of dust emissions, developing strategies to minimize dust emissions, outlining measures to control dust once it is generated. A DMP typically includes strategies such as soil stabilization, watering, dust suppressants, enclosures, and other dust control measures. It should also outline procedures for monitoring and reporting dust emissions and for responding to and addressing dust-related complaints from stakeholders.
Site Environmental Management Plans
The City of Westminster and The London Borough of Camden both have a code of construction practice, which requires some development to produce construction management plans and site management plans, covering all aspects of construction management. In Westminster, the Site Environmental Management Plan must include details of both air qualtiy and dust management, and monitoring.
Greenavon can provide robust CEMPs and DMPs to support your construction project and help you discharge planning conditions. For a free consultation, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
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