Ecological Impact Assessment
The UK and Europe both recognise the importance of protecting and managing vital ecological resources and biodiversity. EcIA is the process of assessing ecological impacts to ensure no let loss of biodiversity and help enhance net ecological integrity. IEEM have prepared a nationally approved and accepted methodology for EcIA in the EIA process; many of the principles are relevant for a range of different scales and scenarios.
Ecological assessment depends on seasonal variations and consideration of timing for any impact assessment is important. See our pages on ecological surveys.
The starting point for any assessment is to determine which ecological features or resources within the zone of influence are both of sufficient value to be included in the assessment and vulnerable to significant impacts arising from the project. Assessment of ecological impacts is required at the following stages: (1) scoping, (2) during the evolution of the project (in order to identify the need for impact avoidance and mitigation and opportunities for enhancement), (3) after the mitigation strategies have been fully devised and their likely success considered, the residual impacts are assessed; and finally, (4) if significant negative impacts are still likely, it may be necessary to consider the need for and value of ecological compensation.
UE Associates provides general and specialist surveys for a broad range of species and habitat types. We prepare Ecology chapters for EIA, undertake standalone Ecological Impact Assessments, devise ecological design and mitigation solutions, and provide habitat management and restoration advice.