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Environmental Control Officers (ECO)

As a general rule, environmental management has been slow and in some cases nonexistent in terms of continuous improvement and enforcement of authorized authorizations completed by an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). ECOs have been widely appointed on-site to improve this aspect. Environmental Management Programmes (2005) issued by the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) in South Africa specify that part of a client's responsibilities is the appointment of an Environmental Consultant for the duration of the project. For all environmental matters present on site, the ECO provides direct feedback to the Project Manager. For any non-compliance, contractors are accountable to the designated ECO, who has the responsibility of implementing mitigation measures specified by the EA or EMPr. It remains crucial that the representative ECO is independent and qualified within the field of environmental management.

EAs and Environmental Management Programs require ECOs to monitor and report on compliance.

Additional responsibilities include, among others:

1. Conducting site visits and inspections;

2. Keeping track of compliance;

3. Making sure the law is followed;

4. Providing environmental training;

5. Communicating with the client and competent authority; and

6. Maintaining the overall environment.    

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