19 March 2018

Environmental Management Framework

An Environmental Management Framework provides a plan to minimise and manage potential environmental impacts of the Edithvale and Bonbeach level crossing removal projects.

What is an Environmental Management Framework?

An Environmental Management Framework is included in the Environment Effects Statement (EES). It is a rigorous process which provides a plan to minimise and manage potential environmental effects of the Edithvale and Bonbeach level crossing removal projects.

The framework also includes process and responsibilities for the preparation, implementation, review, amendment and approval of environmental management documentation.

The Framework includes a set of 57 Environmental Performance Requirements (EPRs). These define the environmental outcomes that must be achieved throughout the design, construction and operation phases of the projects.

Theses EPRs have been developed through the EES process to manage the environmental risks associated with each project stage. The EPRs define the environmental performance outcomes to be achieved.

This is to allow some flexibility for the management of risks, which can change and develop as the projects progress. For example, many of the EPRs will require consultation with the relevant stakeholders throughout the projects. Consultation may result in changes to how risks can be managed to achieve the best outcome for the environment, the community and stakeholders.

What is included in the Framework?

The Framework includes a set of 57 Environmental Performance Requirements (EPRs). These define the environmental outcomes that must be achieved throughout the design, construction and operation phases of the projects.

These EPRs go through a stringent monitoring, reporting, auditing and peer review process throughout the entire life of the projects, from planning to operation.

The Framework and the EPRs are included in the EES as examples of how the mitigation of environmental risks could be implemented.

This is to allow some flexibility for the management of risks, which can change and develop as the projects progress.

For example, many of the EPRs will require consultation with relevant stakeholders throughout the projects. Consultation may result in changes to how risks can be managed to achieve the best outcome for the environment, the community and stakeholders.

The Minister for Planning can also make changes to the Framework before providing approval for the projects to go ahead.

Who approves the Framework?

The Minister for Planning will review the Framework as part of the EES process, and may decide to amend or approve it.

For more information head to EES page or call us on 1800 105 105.