Environmental Awareness Flashcards

What environmental legislation governs the emission of dust, fumes, and odours from construction sites?

Answer: The Environmental Protection Act 1990 (statutory nuisance provisions), the Clean Air Act 1993, and planning conditions — local authorities can serve abatement notices and prosecution can result in unlimited fines

Construction dust, fumes, and odours are regulated under Part III of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 (statutory nuisance), the Clean Air Act 1993 (dark smoke and chimney emissions), and specific planning conditions imposed on development consents. Local authorities can serve abatement notices requiring dust control measures, and failure to comply can result in prosecution with unlimited fines on conviction.

What is the requirement for concrete washout on a construction site to prevent environmental pollution?

Answer: Concrete washout must be collected in a designated, lined washout area or container and must never be discharged to drains, watercourses, or onto open ground — the highly alkaline washout water (pH 11-13) is toxic to aquatic life

Concrete washout water is highly alkaline (pH 11-13) and toxic to aquatic life. Under the Environmental Permitting Regulations 2016, it must not be discharged to any watercourse, surface drain, or soakaway. Best practice requires designated washout areas with impermeable liners, collection containers, and proper disposal. The Environment Agency can prosecute for pollution incidents caused by concrete washout, with unlimited fines.

What is the role of an Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) on a construction project?

Answer: To monitor and advise on ecological and environmental matters throughout the construction phase, ensuring compliance with ecological mitigation measures, protected species licences, and environmental legislation

An Ecological Clerk of Works is a qualified ecologist who monitors construction activities to ensure compliance with ecological mitigation measures specified in planning conditions, Environmental Impact Assessments, and protected species licences. They conduct pre-commencement surveys, supervise sensitive operations (vegetation clearance, working near watercourses), and advise the site team on legal compliance. Their appointment is often a planning condition for major developments.

What are the penalties for fly-tipping construction waste in England?

Answer: Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, fly-tipping is a criminal offence punishable by an unlimited fine and/or up to 5 years' imprisonment — fixed penalty notices of up to £400 can also be issued, and vehicles used for fly-tipping can be seized

Fly-tipping is a criminal offence under Section 33 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. Penalties include unlimited fines and/or up to 5 years' imprisonment on conviction in the Crown Court. Local authorities can issue fixed penalty notices of up to £400 (or £1,000 in some areas). The Environment Agency and local authorities can seize vehicles used for fly-tipping. Construction companies found responsible face prosecution, reputation damage, and site cleanup costs.

What must a construction site include in its environmental management plan?

Answer: Pollution prevention measures, waste management procedures, noise and dust control plans, ecological protection measures, water management strategies, energy efficiency targets, community liaison arrangements, and emergency spill response procedures

A construction environmental management plan (CEMP) is typically required by planning conditions and should cover: pollution prevention (water, soil, air); waste management aligned with the hierarchy; noise and vibration control; dust suppression; ecological protection and mitigation; surface water and drainage management; energy and resource efficiency; community liaison; and emergency response procedures. It is a living document updated throughout the project.

What is the purpose of a Section 61 consent under the Control of Pollution Act 1974?

Answer: It is a prior consent obtained from the local authority before construction work begins, agreeing the methods, hours, and noise levels for the works — it provides the contractor with a defence against noise nuisance complaints if the agreed conditions are followed

A Section 61 consent under the Control of Pollution Act 1974 is a voluntary prior agreement with the local authority covering construction methods, working hours, noise levels, and mitigation measures. The key benefit is that it provides a defence against prosecution for noise nuisance under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, provided the agreed conditions are followed. It also demonstrates good practice and community consideration.