ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLANS

There is no universally accepted standard format for EMPs.

The format needs to fit the circumstances in which the

EMP is being developed and the requirements which it is

designed to meet.

(World Bank, 1999). According to the

World Bank (1999) EMPs should contain the following

components:

* Summary of Impacts: The predicted negative

environmental impacts for which mitigation is required

should be summarized.

* Description of mitigation measures: The EMP identifies

feasible and cost effective mitigation measures to

reduce significant negative environmental impacts to

acceptable and legal levels. Mitigation measures should

be described in detail and be accompanied by designs,

equipment descriptions, and operating procedures.

The technical aspects of implementing the mitigation

measures should be described.

* Description of monitoring programme: Environmental

performance monitoring should be designed to ensure

that mitigation measures are implemented. The

monitoring programme should clearly indicate the

linkages between impacts, indicators to be measured,

measurement methods and definition of thresholds

that will signal the need for corrective actions.

* Institutional arrangements: Responsibilities for

mitigation and monitoring actions should be clearly

defined.

* Legal enforceability: The key legal considerations with

respect to EMPs are:

o Legal framework for environmental protection; and

o Legal basis for mitigation.

* Implementation schedule and reporting procedures:

The timing, frequency, and duration of mitigation The

measures should be specified in an implementation

schedule, showing links with the overall project.

Procedures to provide information on the progress and

results of mitigation and monitoring measures should

also be clearly specified.

* Cost estimates: Costs should be calculated for both

the initial investment and recurring expenses for

implementing the mitigation measures.

After the feasibility and design stages of the project, those

projects, which have significant negative impacts are

subjected to EIA. For projects of the type, which are

undertaken frequently and which require authorisation,

it may be advisable to develop the EMP as part of the

Environmental Impact Report. This ensures that mitigation,

monitoring and management considerations form part of

the documentation used for decision-making. This has

the benefit of giving the authority some assurance that

Mitigation measures proposed during the EIA will be

Implemented during the construction and operation phases

of the project.