The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to worksite operations and satisfy all of the requirements of the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge and the range statement of this unit and include evidence of the following:

knowledge of the requirements, procedures and instructions for undertaking process or project environmental impact assessment

implementation of procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient undertaking of process or project environmental impact assessment

the identification of the relevant information and scope of the work required to meet the required outcomes

the identification of viable options and the selection of the options that best meet the required outcomes

working with others to undertake and complete process or project environmental impact assessment

consistent successful completion of process or project environmental impact assessment

Context of and specific resources for assessment

This unit must be assessed in the context of the work environment. Where personal safety or environmental damage are limiting factors, assessment may occur in a simulated environment provided it is realistic and sufficiently rigorous to cover all aspects of workplace performance, including task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.

The assessment environment should not disadvantage the participant. For example, language, literacy and numeracy demands of assessment should not be greater than those required on the job.

Customisation of assessment and delivery environment to sensitively accommodate cultural diversity.

Aboriginal people and other people from a non English speaking background may have second language issues.

Assessment of this competency requires typical resources normally used in a civil works environment. Selection and use of resources for particular worksites may differ due to site circumstances.

Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.

Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required.

Method of assessment

This unit may be assessed in a holistic way with other units of competency. The assessment strategy for this unit must verify required knowledge and skill and practical application using more than one of the following assessment methods:

written and/or oral assessment of the candidate's knowledge required to undertake process or project environmental impact assessments

observed, documented and/or first hand testimonial evidence of the candidate's:

implementation of appropriate procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient achievement of the required outcomes

identification of the relevant information and scope of the work required to meet the required outcomes

identification of viable options and the selection of options that best meet the required outcomes

consistently achieving the required outcomes

first hand testimonial and documentary evidence of the candidate's:

working with others to undertake and complete process or project environmental impact assessments

provision of clear and timely required support and advice on the undertake of process or project environmental impact assessments

Guidance information for assessment

Consult the SkillsDMC User Guide for further information on assessment including access and equity issues.

Required skills

Specific skills are required to achieve the performance criteria in this unit, particularly for the application in the various circumstances in which this unit may be applied. This includes the ability to carry out the following as required to undertake process or project environmental impact assessment:

apply legislative, organisation and site requirements and procedures

write advanced reports

solve problems

operate computer data analysis systems (database, spreadsheet, specialist programs)

assess risks and hazards

perform financial assessments

plan projects

Required knowledge

Specific knowledge is required to achieve the Performance Criteria of this unit, particularly its application in a variety of circumstances in which the unit may be used. This includes knowledge of the following, as required to undertake process or project environmental impact assessment:

company environmental policy and procedures

process or project and/or proposal phases

physical environment as impacted by mining operations

ecological environment as impacted by mining operations

land use profiles

social issues as impacted by mining operations

impact of mining operations on infrastructure

legislation, regulation, licences and permit requirements for mining operations

data analysis systems, including statistical analysis

support professions role and function (engineers, scientists etc)

budgeting and cost cycle planning

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Relevant compliance documentation

may include:

legislative, organisation and site requirements and procedures

manufacturer's guidelines and specifications

Australian standards

code of practice

Employment and workplace relations legislation

Equal Employment Opportunity and Disability Discrimination legislation

Environment assessment documents may include:

EIA - Environmental Impact Assessment

EIS - Environmental Impact Statement

PER - Public Environmental Report

NOI - Notice of Intention

Environment may include:

physical

biological

social

regional

land uses

tenures

climate

geology

landforms

soils

surface and ground water

water quality

air quality

hydrology

dust and noise

pollutants

contaminants

vegetation, plant diseases, clearance and weeds

animal life, habitats, mobility, threats

rare and endangered species

community infrastructure

ethnography of area

archaeology

regional and local demography

Environmental issues may include:

physical issues including:

significant land disturbance

erosion, subsidence and instability

alteration of water courses

effects on quality, quantity or availability of surface water or groundwater

salination of water or land

acid drainage

heavy metal contamination

impact on coastal processes

ecological issues including:

direct impacts on vegetation

loss of habitat

displacement of fauna

impact on ecological processes

loss of biodiversity

potential for spreading plant diseases and noxious weeds

impact of toxic or hazardous materials

creation of new habitats

land use issues including:

major changes of land use

compatibility of development with surrounding land uses

preclusion of alternative land use e.g. conservation or recreation

increased demand on scarce natural resources

creation of new water storage and supplies

creation of opportunities for alternative beneficial land uses

social issues including:

influx of population

impact on health and safety

changes in community character

creation of employment

increased revenue for local communities

community and cultural aspects

infrastructure issues including:

load on existing roads

impact on services including utilities, health, education, community services

Project phases may include:

site preparation

construction

operations

proposed expansions

decommissioning

rehabilitation

site closure