THE LEGAL-ASPECTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL-ISSUES

The environmental issues which may arise during the planning, developm ent, construction and final operation of civil engineering projects ar e wide ranging because of their potential to create significant impact s on the environment. The existence of these issues and potential impa cts are reflected by the extensive environmental legislation which has the aim of preventing, reducing or minimizing such environmental impa cts. This paper addresses the legal aspects of these issues-the requir ement for an environmental assessment in respect of certain civil engi neering projects prior to their commencement, controls on water and no ise pollution and waste management during the development and completi on of civil engineering projects and liability for nuisances which may arise during construction or following the completion of a project.