Envass News

When the Department of Environmental, Fisheries and Forestry is reviewing the applications for projects that have a high social and environmental risks, they will on occasion call for the requirement of an Environmental Control Officer (ECO).

Environmental Control Officers have certain roles and responsibilities, that are often defined in the Environmental Authorisation that has been issued for the activity. In summary, these are generally to act as a “quality controller” for the activities that are undertaken in the project planning and design, site establishment, construction, operational and decommissioning phases. The ECO is also to ensure that the activities are undertaken within the scope and environmental requirements of the Environmental Authorisation and approved Environmental and Social Management Plans.

In practice, the ECO will be appointed by the Main Contractor or Proponent of a contract and will oversee the activities that are undertaken, pre-empting issues and providing alternatives before they occur as well as providing advice and training to staff on environmental issues and awareness campaigns. They provide a valuable service in the scope of Environmental Management in ensuring that the follow up phase of the Environmental Impact Assessment is carried out and enforced. It is also a means whereby the Department of Environmental, Fisheries and Forestry can be informed of issues relating to the environmental conditions of the project during the phases of construction and operation.