Potential construction impacts should be adequately addressed during the environmental assessment stage, and construction impact minimization plans need to be developed and implemented to manage these issues.  This can be assisted with the establishment of an Environmental Committee to oversee development of a construction environmental management plan or CEMP.

A CEMP includes details and outlines processes that contractors and others are required to follow to manage specific issues.  For example, the stockpiling of topsoil for later re-use in rehabilitation needs to be planned for, with a site designated for ease of material recovery and ready access.  Thought may also need to be given to the timing of collection of seed material from native botanical resources, so that areas can be rehabilitated following construction with plant materials that are endemic to the area.

New roads, temporary access tracks, works storage areas and quarry sites can be located below minimum water levels so that they are unobtrusive following inundation of the impoundment.  Similarly, excess road spoil can also be disposed of in locations that will be below the minimum water level. 

A CEMP should also specify processes for the storage and handling of chemicals as well a waste disposal of used containers and other materials.  Human health and other social services need to be planned for, and may be additional elements to include in the CEMP to avoid potential problems. 

Having identified the construction issues that need to be managed through the CEMP process, construction impacts must be closely monitored so that any potential issues can be quickly addressed as they arise.  Lines of responsibility and accountability need to be allocated to key personnel so that performance can be checked.