Environmental Management Plans (EMPs)

Environmental Management Plans (EMPs) — Develop construction and operations phase EMPs for all new venues, including guidelines on how venues will be constructed and operated in an environmentally sensitive manner, and how to address issues such as sedimentation and erosion control, solid waste management, air quality and dust control, wildlife management and archaeological values.

Construction-phase EMPs are being implemented at all sites. EMPs specify best practices and detail the commitments and assurances made through the EA processes. These plans provide guidelines on how venues will be constructed in an environmentally sensitive manner and address issues including sedimentation and erosion control, solid waste management, air quality and dust control, wildlife management and archaeological values. Site-specific plans may also be developed to address unique issues that arise, such as protecting birds during their nesting season.

VANOC refers to the BC Conservation Data Centre to identify and track those species at risk that may be present on or near VANOC venues and sites. Our approach to managing impacts on species at risk has primarily been one of species avoidance. Where at-risk species are identified to have potential to exist, VANOC's consultants conduct more in-depth studies and bio-inventories in the field to determine actual presence. Avoidance strategies are incorporated into venue design where required and, where it is not possible to avoid impacting habitat, management and mitigation plans are developed and deployed in the field to prevent affecting relevant species.