Environmental Monitoring and Oversight of Construction Projects
Environmental management, surveillance and environmental coordination of construction projects
We provide environmental management and monitoring services for construction projects involving wind farms, solar power plants, power lines, highways, industrial facilities, quarries, and ports. We ensure that the project complies with the conditions set forth in the environmental impact statement or report and all other required permits, and that this compliance is properly documented for the authorities.
We also handle quality control and health and safety coordination, and we work with construction and engineering firms on the environmental sections of technical proposals for bids.
What Is the Environmental Monitoring Program?
When a project undergoes an environmental impact assessment, the final statement or report establishes certain conditions and an environmental monitoring program (EMP) that the project developer is required to comply with. The EMP specifies what is monitored, how often, and by whom, as well as the thresholds that trigger the need for action. The agency that authorizes the project monitors compliance, and the project developer submits monitoring reports to that agency at the intervals specified in the statement.
For projects that have not undergone an environmental assessment, monitoring is also warranted, because licenses, permits for discharge or use of public land, and permits for protected areas impose their own conditions.
What We Monitor on Site
- Survey and stake out the construction zones, material storage areas, and access points to ensure that the area occupied does not exceed the authorized size.
- Protection of vegetation, habitats, and unique plant species, and their relocation when necessary.
- Wildlife surveys prior to clearing and blasting, and a work schedule that is compatible with breeding seasons.
- Water quality, discharge control, and protection of watercourses.
- Noise, dust, and vibrations in residential areas, based on our own acoustic tests.
- Management of waste and excavated soil in accordance with the waste management plan.
- Archaeological monitoring of earthwork activities when required by the permit.
- Restoration and integration into the landscape upon completion of the work.
How can we help you?
Services we offer:
- Design and implementation of environmental monitoring plans.
- Environmental management on construction sites.
- Quality control.
- Coordination of health and safety at work.
- Waste management plans.
- Supplier control.
- Sampling and analytics.
- Monitoring and transfers of flora and fauna.
- Procedures and authorizations.
- Preparation of technical reports.
- Drafting and execution of restoration plans.
How We Work
- Before we begin. We review the environmental impact statement, the project and the conditions of each permit, and turn them into an operational monitoring plan, with control sheets, assigned responsibilities and a schedule.
- During construction. An environmental technician is on site as often as the works require, records every inspection with geotagged photographs and reports any issues to the site management so they can be corrected before they become a problem with the authorities.
- Reports. We draft the periodic and ad hoc reports for the developer and the competent authority, and provide support during inspections.
- Operational phase. When the statement requires it, we continue monitoring once the facility is in operation, for example bird and bat mortality monitoring at wind farms.
Why choose TAXUS for environmental monitoring of construction sites?
- Field experience in multiple sectors (renewables, industry, infrastructure).
- Environmental management and technical coordination capabilities.
- Qualified teams and operational protocols.
- Integral vision: regulations, corrective measures and relations with the administration.
- Support to developers, engineering and construction companies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Environmental Monitoring of Construction Projects
What is the difference between environmental monitoring and environmental site management?
Environmental monitoring ensures compliance with environmental measures and conditions and documents this compliance. Environmental management goes a step further: the environmental technician participates in on-site decisions, proposes solutions when unforeseen issues arise, and coordinates between the contractor, the developer, and the authorities. We can assume either role depending on the requirements of the specifications or the developer.
Who is required to conduct environmental monitoring?
The project developer. The environmental impact statement or report establishes the monitoring program and the reporting requirements, and the agency that authorizes the project verifies compliance. Failure to comply with the conditions set forth in the statement may result in penalties.
How often do reports need to be submitted?
Each statement sets it. The usual approach is to combine periodic reports during construction (monthly, quarterly or every six months), a final report and, if there is an operational phase, annual reports during the first years of operation.
Do you also work for construction and engineering firms?
Yes. In addition to working with developers, we also work with construction companies and engineering firms that need an environmental team on-site or assistance in preparing the environmental portion of a bid. Tell us about your situation on our contact page.