|
Environmental Policy
Rationale:
The intent of this policy is to identify and resolve environmental issues when planning
and implementing projects and programs undertaken by this department. Federal and
Provincial environmental legislation provide the basis for environmental decisions; this
department not only abides by the legislation, but strives to incorporate this
environmental policy into all its decision-making processes.
Policy Statement:
Using federal and provincial legislation as the basis for environmental decisions, the
Department shall incorporate the environmental policy into all relevant processes and
activities. In so doing, Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal protects the province's environment and enhances the
quality of life of Nova Scotians. On an ongoing basis, the Department shall evaluate the
environmental benefits and consequences of its activities and implement practices that
eliminate or minimize negative environmental impacts.
Policy Objectives:
- Ensure environmental legislation is identified and incorporated, in a timely manner,
into relevant departmental decision-making processes and activities.
- Ensure the department meets and, if possible, exceeds environmental standards defined in
legislation.
- Encourage participation by all departmental employees in using best management practices
and protecting and promoting environmental responsibility.
- Ensure timely coordination and review of programs and projects.
- Resolve environmental issues by cooperating/forming partnerships with federal and
provincial agencies, other public agencies, public interest groups and the private sector.
- Demonstrate commitment to continual improvement and pollution prevention.
Application:
This policy applies to all staff of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal.
Accountabilities:
The Deputy Minister is responsible to:
- ensure the department adheres to this Policy;
- allocate resources for environmental initiatives;
- delegate responsibility/authority to trained and competent personnel and hold them
accountable by including environmental responsibilities in performance criteria, as is
appropriate;
- ensure audit results of environmental program initiatives are reviewed and appropriate
action taken;
- ensure that the department complies with the Environment Act and Regulations;
Management/Supervisors are responsible to:
- adhere to this Policy and ensure compliance with the Environment Act and Regulations
within workplaces under their supervision;
- integrate best management practices into departmental activities and hold employees
accountable for following best practices in performance appraisals;
- provide information and training to employees to ensure appropriate environmental
practices are performed by employees;
- take action immediately upon any report or suspicion of environmentally hazardous
situations;
- supervise employees and audit work processes to ensure that employees work in an
environmentally appropriate manner;
- evaluate environmental performance and provide feedback to the Deputy Minister;
Employees are responsible to:
- work in accordance with the Environment Act and Regulations;
- adhere to this Policy and all other management policies and directives on environmental
performance to ensure compliance with the Environment Act and Regulations;
- report any and all environmental hazards to the immediate manager/supervisor or a
representative of the Environmental Services Group.
Monitoring:
The Department will develop and implement an auditing program to monitor, evaluate and
report on environmental performance and compliance with this policy. Monitoring of the
policy's implementation, performance and effectiveness will be the responsibility of the
Manager of the Environmental Section.
Directives: Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal staff shall comply with applicable environmental
legislation.
References:
Acts which should be consulted in conjunction with this policy:
- Nova Scotia Environment Act
- Canadian Environmental Protection Act
- Fisheries Act
- Navigable Waters Protection Act
- Canada Wildlife Act
- Migratory Birds Convention Act
|
