8.1
Site
inspection provides a direct means to initiate and enforce specified
environmental protection and pollution control measures. These shall be undertaken routinely to inspect
construction activities in order to confirm that appropriate environmental
protection and pollution control mitigation measures (including mitigation
measures listed in the implementation schedule presented in Appendix
A) are properly implemented. Site inspection is one of the most effective
tools to enforce the environmental protection requirements on site.
8.2
The
ET Leader shall be responsible for formulating the environmental site
inspection, the deficiency and action reporting system, and for carrying out
the site inspection works. He shall
submit a proposal for site inspection and deficiency and action reporting
procedures to the IEC for agreement, and to the ER for approval. The Contractor’s proposal for rectification
would be made known to the ER and IEC.
8.3
Regular
site inspections led by the ET leader shall be carried out at least once per
week. The areas of inspection shall not
be limited to the environmental situation, pollution control and mitigation
measures within the site; it should also review the environmental situation
outside the Project sites which is likely to be affected, directly or
indirectly, by the site activities. The
ET shall make reference to the following information in conducting the
inspection:
· the EIA and EM&A recommendations on environmental protection and pollution control mitigation measures
· The Environmental Permit conditions
· ongoing results of the EM&A program
· works progress and programme
· individual works methodology proposals (which shall include proposal on associated pollution control measures)
· contract specifications on environmental protection
· relevant environmental protection and pollution control laws
· previous site inspection results undertaken by the ET and others
8.4
The
Contractor shall keep the ET Leader updated with all relevant information on
the construction contract necessary for him to carry out the site
inspections. Inspection results and
associated recommendations for improvements to the environmental protection and
pollution control works shall be submitted to the IEC and the Contractor within
24 hours for reference and for taking immediate action. The Contractor shall follow the procedures
and time-frame stipulated in the environmental site inspection, and the
deficiency and action reporting system formulated by the ET Leader, to report
on any remedial measures subsequent to the site inspections.
8.5
The
ET shall also carry out ad hoc site
inspections if significant environmental problems are identified. Inspections may also be required subsequent
to receipt of an environmental complaint, or as part of the investigation work.
Compliance with Legal and Contractual
Requirements
8.6
There
are contractual environmental protection and pollution control requirements as
well as environmental protection and pollution control laws in
8.7
In
order that the works are in compliance with the contractual requirements,
relevant sections (e.g. sections related to environmental measures) of works
method statements submitted by the Contractor to the ER for approval shall be
sent to the ET Leader for vetting to see whether sufficient environmental
protection and pollution control measures have been included.
8.8
The
ET Leader shall also keep himself informed of the progress and programme of the
works to check that relevant environmental laws have not been violated, and
that any foreseeable potential for violation can be prevented.
8.9
The
Contractor shall regularly copy relevant documents to the ET Leader so that
works checking can be carried out. The
document shall at least include the updated Works Progress Reports, updated
Works Programme, any application letters for different licence / permits under
the environmental protection laws, and copies of all valid licences / permits. The site diary shall also be made available
for the ET Leader's inspection upon his request.
8.10
After
reviewing the documentation, the ET Leader shall advise the Contractor of any
non-compliance with contractual and legislative requirements on environmental
protection and pollution control for them to take follow-up actions, including
any potential violation of requirements.
8.11
Upon
receipt of the advice, the Contractor shall undertake immediate action to
correct the situation. The ER shall
follow up to ensure that appropriate action has been taken in order to satisfy
contractual and legal requirements.
8.12
Handling
of environmental complaints should follow the environmental complaint flow
diagram and reporting channel as presented in Figure 8.1.
8.13
During
the complaint investigation work, the Contractor and ER shall cooperate with
the ET in providing all necessary information and assistance for completion of
the investigation. If mitigation measures are identified in the investigation,
the Contractor shall promptly carry out the mitigation works. The ER shall
ensure that the measures have been carried out by the Contractor.