Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 9:24 PM AWST

Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.

Implement and manage environmental management policies, plans, procedures and programs

Implement and manage environmental management policies, plans, procedures and programs

Unit of competency
National Code
NWP505B
State Code
D1963
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
2.00
Current Release Date
30/04/2012
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
06/11/2014
Field of Education
080301 - Business Management
Original Release Date
06/11/2014
Nominal Hours
100
Description
This unit of competency describes the outcomes required to manage activities associated with the implementation and management of environmental management policies, plans, procedures and programs. The ability to consult with stakeholders effectively and interpret complex information is central to effective performance.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 Gather environmental management information.
  • 1.1 Read, review and interpret the organisation's environmental policies and plans against current environmental legislation and perceived stakeholder attitudes and expectations.
  • 1.2 Identify all stakeholders and their relationship with the enterprise and their impact on, or relationship with, policies and plans.
  • 1.3 Identify the available resources to implement policies and plans.
  • 1.4 Confirm responsibilities and authorities as outlined in the policies and plans.
  • 1.5 Establish best practice procedures for the implementation of management plans.
2 Implement and monitor environmental policies and plans.
  • 2.1 Develop and apply environmental management processes and workplace procedures to achieve policy and plan objectives and Performance Criteria.
  • 2.2 Monitor the effectiveness of policies and plans against objectives, timelines and key performance indicators.
  • 2.3 Audit environmental management processes and workplace procedures.
  • 2.4 Review and modify processes and procedures to achieve policy and plan objectives.
3 Identify environmental impacts and assess risks.
  • 3.1 Identify, quantify and report existing and potential events that may affect the environment.
  • 3.2 Identify, quantify and report existing and potential environmental management risks.
  • 3.3 Identify, quantify and report work activities that may cause harm to the environment according to enterprise procedures.
4 Implement and monitor the procedures for quantifying environmental impacts and controlling risks.
  • 4.1 Implement work procedures to control risks or remedy damage.
  • 4.2 Monitor risk control measures and report results according to workplace procedures.
  • 4.3 Identify inadequacies in risk control measures, report to the appropriate authority and remedy according to organisational procedures.
  • 4.4 Quantify and record environmental impacts according to legislative requirements and workplace procedures.
  • 4.5 Report adverse environmental impacts and make recommendations to minimise the impacts according to enterprise and legislative requirements.
5 Implement and monitor procedures for dealing with environmental incidents.
  • 5.1 Implement workplace procedures for managing incidents of environmental significance or harm to ensure prompt control and remediation.
  • 5.2 Investigate incidents of environmental impact to identify their cause according to investigation procedures or environmental audit requirements.
  • 5.3 Implement control measures to prevent recurrence and minimise risks of events according to the environmental policy and plan.
  • 5.4 Record and report incidences of environmental impact, significance or harm according to enterprise procedures and legislative requirements.
6 Maintain environmental records.
  • 6.1 Accurately and legibly complete environmental management documentation for the work area according to workplace and legislative requirements.
  • 6.2 Store environmental records for easy access and review according to the policy and plan requirements.
  • 6.3 Regularly review and assess environmental records are to identify long term trends and impacts.
  • 6.4 Report results of record reviews according to the policy and plan requirements.
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the Performance Criteria, is detailed below. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs if the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.
Current environmental legislation may include:
relevant federal legislation
relevant state or territory legislation
relevant local government by-laws
relevant government and quasi government policies and regulations
relevant community planning and development agreements (e.g. land care agreements)
Environmental management processes may include:
minimisation of those factors that contribute to environmental degradation
minimisation, directly or indirectly, of the production of greenhouse gases. These contributing factors might include the:
minimisation of waste materials
correct use of enterprise vehicles and machinery
reuse or recycling of trade materials where possible
overall reduction of energy usage through general awareness
use of appropriate technologies
licensing agreements
the proper disposal of waste materials
restriction of burning off
correct handling of toxic substances
containment of chlorofluorocarbons and other hazardous substances
Incidents of environmental impact may include:
emissions to air
releases to/of water
releases to land
disposal of waste
contamination of land
impact on communities
destruction of habitat
use of energy sources
waste generation processes and technologies
extraction of water
changes to water temperature
changes to water salinity
regulation of flow
land use
System adjustments may include:
pH correction
dissolved oxygen levels
recirculation rates
chemical additives
Environmental management documentation may include:
information on applicable environmental laws or other requirements
complaint records
training records
process information
process operational logbooks
inspection, maintenance and calibration records
relevant contractor and supplier information
incident reports
information on emergency preparedness and response; records of significant environmental impacts
audit results
management reviews
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
The candidate should demonstrate the ability to manage activities associated with the implementation and management of environmental management policies, plans, procedures and programs including:
gathering and interpreting information (including policies, procedures, legislation, Australian and New Zealand standards, best practice guidelines) relating to environmental management
implementing environmental management plans in consultation with relevant stakeholders
monitoring the effective implementation of environmental management plans
assessing and managing risks
taking effective steps to ensure the remediation of environmental problems or impacts
collecting, recording, assessing and reporting data associated with the performance of the environmental management plan
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Access to the workplace and resources including:
documentation that should normally be available in a water industry organisation
relevant codes, standards, and government regulations
Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.
Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required.
Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate, and appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.
Validity and sufficiency of evidence requires that:
competency will need to be demonstrated over a period of time reflecting the scope of the role and the practical requirements of the workplace
where the assessment is part of a structured learning experience the evidence collected must relate to a number of performances assessed at different points in time and separated by further learning and practice
a decision of competence should only be made when the assessor has complete confidence in the person's competence over time and in various contexts
all assessment that is part of a structured learning experience must include a combination of direct, indirect and supplementary evidence
where assessment is for the purpose of recognition (RCC/RPL), the evidence provided will need to be authenticated and show that it represents competency demonstrated over a period of time
assessment can be through simulated project-based activity and must include evidence relating to each of the elements in this unit
Questioning will be undertaken in a manner appropriate to the skill levels of the operator, any cultural issues that may affect responses to the questions, and reflecting the requirements of the competency and the work being performed.
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
AVZ30 NWPGEN006 Implement and manage environmental management policies Unit of competency
State Code National Code Title Type
D247 NWP50107 Diploma of Water Operations Qualification