Why is environmental monitoring important for construction and demolition projects?
– March 13, 2024
Environmental monitoring is a critical aspect of construction and demolition projects, involving the systematic observation and analysis of their impact on the environment. We have put together this blog to explain the importance of environmental monitoring, outlining the regulations, compliance measures and the consequences of non-compliance.
Types of environmental monitoring
Air quality : Construction sites can generate air pollution, including dust, particulate matter, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Air quality sensors can be used to measure the levels of these pollutants and ensure they are within safe limits. This helps protect the health of workers and the community.
Vibration: Construction and demolition activities can lead to high levels of vibration, which can damage nearby buildings and infrastructure. Sensors can be used to measure the levels of vibration to ensure they remain within set parameters.
Noise: Noise from construction works can be dangerous and disruptive both on site and to the surrounding community. Sensors can be used to measure the peak and average levels of noise to ensure they are within the designated limits.
Environmental regulations for construction projects
The environmental impact of a construction of demolition project is controlled by The Control of Pollution Act 1974 (CoPA). It aims to protect the public against noise and air pollution and vibration. Section 61 of the Act gives local authorities in England, Scotland and Wales the authority to control the impact of projects in their areas to minimise disruption, impact and complaints from local residents and businesses.
Construction and demolition firms should apply to their local authority for prior consent before they carry out any works that are likely to have significant impact on the neighbourhood and/or environment. A Section 61 application outlines the works which are planned, the working hours of the site and the proposed plan to mitigate any potential noise, air pollutant and vibration impact, as well as how you will mitigate these impacts – for example, sensor monitoring.
A Section 61 protects developers from legal action being taken under Section 60 of CoPA. If consent is not agreed the local authority, Section 60 of CoPA allows the council to serve notice of its requirements for the control of the pollutant at any point during the works, or an abatement notice, requiring all works to stop. The Section 60 notice is served to the person responsible for the site and can of course equate to valuable time and money being lost while the matter is settled.
It’s worth noting that it can take several months for councils to process formal approvals for Section 61s, so we’d always advise submitting your application as soon as possible. Local authorities have a maximum period of 28 days to make a decision on the application. It also has the power to grant consent with conditions attached including to limit or qualify a consent to allow for any change in circumstance or to limit the duration of the consent. Many local authorities now produce codes of practice for noise, vibration and dust control in their district, so it’s worth reviewing these when putting your Section 61 application together.
Ensuring compliance with environmental regulations
There are a range of environmental monitoring solutions available to help mitigate any potential pollutant problems. Utilising the most advanced technology, real time monitoring provides the ability to monitor continuously with alerts to site personnel via SMS or email notifications, as well as on-site warnings and beacons, when agreed parameters, such as noise or vibration levels are exceeded.
How do you prove compliance?
When monitoring solutions are combined with cloud based data hosting and reporting systems, data and reports can be easily accessed and interpreted to provide a proven record and evidence of not only a proactive approach to minimising impact by ‘Best Practicable Means’, but documentary evidence to help prove or disprove any complaints or false claims.
What happens if you don’t comply with regulations?
Failure to comply with either a Section 60 Notice or an abatement notice can lead to prosecution in the Magistrates’ Court, with fines up to £5,000 on conviction, rising to £20,000 in the case of statutory nuisance from business premises. Company directors and officers may be personally liable for breaches where there is clear evidence that the offence has been committed with their consent, connivance or due to neglect on their part.
Environmental monitoring is integral to construction and demolition projects, ensuring compliance with regulations and minimising adverse impacts on the environment and surrounding communities. By embracing advanced monitoring solutions and proactive measures, construction firms can not only comply with environmental regulations, but also establish a responsible and sustainable approach to their projects. Get in touch today to talk to us about your project and our specialist environmental monitoring services.
Further reading
Section 61
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1974/40/section/61
Section 60
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1974/40/section/60