A contractor training session held this week will improve environmental protection by educating workers about the requirements for work around watercourses, wetlands and buffer zones, Environment, Energy and Forestry Minister Richard Brown says.
This week staff from the Department of Environment, Energy and Forestry worked with 69 contractors, who braved stormy weather to come to a day-long training session in the ways to work around protected areas while maintaining protection of the natural environment.
The Contractor Licensing Program Training Session went well with all participants passing the final examination.
“The licensed contractors who have completed this training and received their paper work will be able to carry out certain kinds of work without direct approval or supervision of the department,” said Minister Brown.
“Our department will still set and monitor the standards for this work, and licensed contractors will have the responsibility for maintaining project quality and upholding environmental safeguards in their work.”
Approved activity for licensed contractors includes shoreline protection, landscaping within a buffer zone, federal wharf repair, minor bridge repairs and operation of heavy equipment on a shoreline.
Contractors who do not get this certification can still apply to work in and around protected areas but must have their projects approved on a case by case basis.