Implementing Post-project Environmental Audits for Major Habitat-affecting Developments Covering Mitigation Compliance, Tree Retention, Biodiversity Outcomes and Lessons Learnt

Mr Victor Lye asked the Minister for National Development whether the Ministry will introduce a post-project environmental audit for major developments affecting natural habitats, setting out (i) whether the environmental mitigation measures committed to during planning were fully implemented (ii) the number of trees retained and successfully transplanted (iii) biodiversity outcomes compared with those predicted in the Environmental Impact Assessment and (iv) lessons learnt to improve future developments.

Mr Chee Hong Tat: As part of the Government's Environmental Impact Assessment framework, projects that undergo environmental studies will need to undertake a detailed Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan (EMMP). This sets out detailed mitigation measures, monitoring programmes, reporting requirements and emergency procedures that will apply during development and guide the contractors' work to minimise impact to biodiversity.

The Developing Agency will appoint an independent EMMP consultant to develop EMMP, carry out regular inspections of the project site and submit regular monitoring reports to relevant technical agencies on compliance with the measures under EMMP. Where there are non-compliances with EMMP, the relevant agencies will investigate and take the necessary actions.