ECM517 ASSESSMENT

The property construction sectors are expanding rapidly but, if not planned with the
consideration of environmental aspect, would give significant negative impact to
the environment. Legal requirements are needed to mitigate the impact due to the
development of property at the various stages such as planning, design, land
clearing, construction and development. Environmental Quality Act, 1974 and its
regulations are used as planning tools to minimize the impacts due to the
construction and development activities. Contractors, consultants, developers and
professional bodies should be responsible and play important role to avoid any
adverse impact to the environment and natural resources.

Question: What role or action needs to be taken by developers and contractors in

mitigating environmental impact?

(CO2-PO6, CO2-PO9)
(30 marks)

ANSWERS

Role and action need to be taken by developer and contractors in mitigating

environmental Impact are:

1.

Undertaking an in-depth review of the project design especially on

environmental design, environmental clauses in the contract, cost for
environmental legal and mitigation compliance, roles and responsibilities for
each parties participated in the contract etc.

2.

To identifying and evaluating all potential activities that pose a risk to the
environment under Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for:
a.
b.
c.
d.

3.

Reviewing the regulatory framework that guides the project development (via
issued project permits and guiding laws and regulations) as per mention in
Environmental Quality Act 1974 and detail requirement in regulation and
other requirement :
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.

4.

Best Project option

Assess significant residual environmental impact
Recommend appropriate abatement ad mitigating measure and
Identify environmental costs and benefits of the project to the community

Air pollution (section 22)

Noise pollution (section 23)
Pollution on land (section 24)
Pollution of inland waters (section 25)
Pollution caused by oil or mixtures containing oil in Malaysian waters (section
27), and
Discharge of wastes into Malaysian waters (section 29).

Developing specific strategies and measures to abate these risks and ensure
compliance with the regulatory framework like :

a. To prevent erosion and run-off, minimize land disturbance and leave

maximum vegetation cover.
b. Control dust through fine water sprays used to dampen down the site.
c. Screen the whole site to stop dust spreading, or alternatively, place
fine mesh screening close to the dust source.
d. Cover skips and trucks loaded with construction materials and
continually damp down with low levels of water.
e. Cover piles of building materials like cement, sand and other powders,
regularly inspect for spillages, and locate them where they will not be
washed into waterways or drainage areas.
f. Segregate, tightly cover and monitor toxic substances to prevent spills
and possible site contamination.
g. Cover up and protect all drains on site
h. Collect any wastewater generated from site activities in settlement
tanks, screen, discharge the clean water, and dispose of remaining
sludge according to environmental regulations.
i. Use low sulphur diesel oil in all vehicle and equipment engines, and
incorporate the latest specifications of particulate filters and catalytic
converters.
j. No burning of materials on site.
k. Reduce noise pollution through careful handling of materials; modern,
quiet power tools, equipment and generators; low impact technologies;
and wall structures as sound shields.
l. Prepare controlled area for Schedule waste produced during
construction as well as domestic waste.
m. Use non-toxic paints, solvents and other hazardous materials wherever
possible
5.

Engaging with authorities and communities to confirm expectations as

needed with arranging joint site visit, submit report, briefing session with
communities, publish current development progress via appropriate medium
of communication and etc.

6.

Identifying the monitoring requirements to assure regulators that the work is

done in compliances with applicable laws and regulations.