Undertaking an Initial Environmental Review

All reviews, whatever the scope, will undertake a process of :

• Determining what information is required
• Collecting the data
• Evaluating the data
• Reporting on the findings to determine actions required

The process methods for undertaking an Initial Environment Review can be represented as bellow :

WHAT?

• Determined by objectives & scope

HOW?

• Interviews
• Surveys
• Examination of documentation
• Measurements
• Site Visits
• Inspections
• Analysing of existing data
• Mass balance

OUTCOMES

• Legal register
• Aspects register
• Problems & priorities
• Recomendations for policy and plan

Detemining Information Required

The scope of reviews should cover the scope of the intended environmental management system. If only part of an operation, e.g. one departement or division, is to be involved then the review can be more limited. However, in the latter case the review should not be restricted solely to the physical area in question since it is important that it also covers all activities that may have a direct or indirect impact on the area.

The first step in carrying out the initial environment reviews is to identify the information required, based on the scope of intended environmental system management.

The objective is to provide baseline data to allow the preparation and development of an appropriate environmental system management policy and implementation program.

The scope and detail of the review will also depend upon the resources available, especially personnel and time.

It is important that the review has the full and open support of senior management to ensure   co-operation during the data gathering phase and to provide authority the review team. This support can be demonstrated through a clear message to all employees directly or indirectly, advising them of what is to happen and why. This may prevent possible alarm and misunderstanding and facilitate co-operation and communication.

The review may be undertaken by a team of people such as members of the implementation team or environmental commitee. In a small organisation, it may be appropriate for only one person to carry out the review, although this is usually not advisable as a single individual may make errors that would be avoided by a group. A small group is preferable to a large one.