List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1 | Clarify the project activity or process and environmental management framework | 1.1 | Review the history of the project activity or process and scope of the required risk/impact assessment. |
| 1.2 | Identify relevant legislative, regulatory and/or licensing requirements. |
| 1.3 | Access and interpret available information about the site, including relevant organisation environmental management documents and/or risk assessment guidelines. |
| 1.4 | Prepare a detailed description of all phases of the project or process and the site/project environment. |
| 1.5 | Confirm project/process details, risk assessment procedure and risk assessment criteria with supervisor. |
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2 | Identify environmental issues for project activity or process | 2.1 | Consult with organisation personnel to identify relevant environmental issues. |
| 2.2 | Seek supervisor’s advice if input from community representatives and/or environmental specialists may be required. |
| 2.3 | Identify significant hazards and short/long-term risks associated with the process or project activity. |
| 2.4 | Analyse each part of the process or project for impacts on the physical, biological and social components of the local environment and ecological linkages operating at the site. |
| 2.5 | Identify both positive and negative impacts. |
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3 | Assess environmental risks and impacts | 3.1 | Use agreed assessment criteria to evaluate project activity or process against relevant legislative, regulatory and/or licensing requirements, site terms/conditions, community values, and organisation environmental management policies/plans. |
| 3.2 | Summarise all significant environmental risks or impacts and the evidence used to justify the assessment. |
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4 | Evaluate alternatives | 4.1 | Review organisation environmental management documents to identify specified methods for controlling risks and minimising impacts at the site. |
| 4.2 | Work with relevant organisation personnel and experts to consider alternative solutions, as necessary. |
| 4.3 | Identify possible amendments to project activities, alternative processes or improved environmental management actions to minimise risks or impacts. |
| 4.4 | Identify feasible and economically viable solutions and document the case for adopting them. |
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5 | Report findings | 5.1 | Report the assessment of environmental risks or impacts in the required format and expected timeframe. |
| 5.2 | Brief supervisor and/or stakeholders about the environmental assessment process and outcomes. |
Evidence of competence in this unit must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria, and include demonstration of:
evaluating the risks or impacts associated with at least two (2) different project activities or processes and identifying appropriate environmental management actions and/or alternatives in each case
interpreting and applying relevant legislative, regulatory, workplace/site requirements
researching and describing the project activity/process and local environment and identifying potential environmental issues
applying relevant workplace procedures and/or site environmental management plans when conducting assessments of environmental risks or impacts
using computer software (e.g. databases, spreadsheets and specialist programs) to process and present data
listening and communicating effectively with others, such as clients, environmental scientists/engineers and community members
identifying significant environment risks and/or impacts for specified project activities or processes
logically assessing environmental risks and impacts using given assessment criteria, tools and/or checklists
evaluating existing methods for controlling risks and minimising impacts at the site
identifying possible amendments to project activities, alternative processes or improved environmental management actions to minimise risks or impacts
identifying feasible and economically viable solutions and documenting the case for adopting them
seeking advice when issues/problems are beyond scope of competence/responsibility
presenting the findings and details of environmental risk assessment process to stakeholders
reporting the outcomes of environmental risk assessment of project activities or processes in the required format and expected timeframe
working safely.
Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge of:
environmental terms, concepts and principles relevant to project activities or processes
awareness of environmental management documentation (e.g. environmental impact assessment, environmental impact assessment and public environment report) and environmental assessment process required for new major projects or developments
awareness of roles, functions and responsibilities of environmental officers, environmental scientists, engineers and planners, and regulators
relevant legislation, regulations, licences and permit requirements for operations at site
workplace environmental management framework of policy, procedures and management plans for site
details of project activities or process phases
typical kinds of impacts of project activities or processes on the physical and ecological environment, infrastructure, land use, social issues and community values
workplace procedures for identifying/assessing and controlling hazards/risks/impacts associated with project activities or processes on site
workplace project planning, management and reporting requirements
relevant hazards, health and safety requirements and workplace safe work procedures.
Judgement of competence must be based on holistic assessment of the evidence. Assessment methods must confirm consistency of performance over time, rather than a single assessment event.
This unit of competency is to be assessed in the workplace, or a simulated workplace environment. A simulated workplace environment must reflect realistic operational workplace conditions that cover all aspects of workplace performance, including the environment, task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.
Foundation skills are integral to competent performance of the unit and should not be assessed separately.
Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.
Knowledge evidence may be collected concurrently with performance evidence or through an independent process such as workbooks, written assessments or interviews (provided a record is kept in each case).
Holistic assessment methods include:
review of two (2) reports/presentations prepared by the candidate outlining details of the site, project activities or processes, risk/impact assessment and summary of evidence, and suggested environmental management actions and/or alternatives in each case
feedback from peers and supervisors that the candidate consistently follows organisation risk/impact assessment procedures and works safely
oral and/or written questions to assess the candidate’s knowledge of typical kinds of environmental risks/impacts associated with project activities or processes relevant to job role, legislative/regulatory framework, risk/impact assessment procedures, criteria, tools and checklists.
Access is required to all equipment, materials, workplace documentation, procedures, and specifications associated with this unit including, but not limited to:
workplace documentation for project activities or processes
workplace environmental management documentation for site
workplace risk/impact assessment procedures, criteria, tools and/or checklists.
Assessors must satisfy the assessor competency requirements that are in place at the time of the assessment as set by the VET regulator.
The assessor must demonstrate both technical competency and currency.
Technical competence can be demonstrated through:
relevant VET or other qualification/Statement of Attainment AND/OR
relevant workplace experience
Currency can be demonstrated through:
performing the competency being assessed as part of current employment OR
having consulted with an organisation providing environmental monitoring, management or technology related services about performing the competency being assessed within the last twelve months.