Environmental Management Plan (EMP)
Technical Explanation
An Environmental Management Plan is a site- or project-specific plan that details all the mitigation measures, monitoring activities, and responsibilities to manage environmental impacts throughout the project life-cycle. It typically accompanies an EIA/ESIA. The EMP specifies what actions will be taken, when and by whom, to prevent or reduce negative impacts (e.g. dust control, waste management, emergency spill response), and often includes an monitoring schedule and reporting framework.
Main requirements
Required as a prerequisite to project construction/operation, once impacts are identified via EIA. Needs clear organizational commitment – allocation of budget, staff, and authority to implement environmental mitigation. It also requires integration into contractor agreements (so contractors follow the EMP) and training of personnel. Essentially, the EMP is the playbook for environmental protection on the ground, and regulators often require proof that an EMP is in place and being followed.