The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the Republic of Ireland and the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA), through the North South Shared Aquatic REsources (NS SHARE) project, have collectively developed a Rapid Assessment Technique (RAT) to allow for in-field assessment and classification of rivers in terms of their hydromorphology. This was utilised in the characterisation and evaluation of watercourses under the requirements of the EC Water Framework Directive (EC/60/2000), colloquially known as the WFD Directive.
The RAT methodology has been modified by the NIEA to meet more practical application requirements and has been re-named as the River Hydromorphology Assessment Technique (RHAT); taking account of the River Habitat Survey (RHS) methodology developed by the UK Environment Agency. The RHAT methodology is a useful tool to assess the departure of hydromorphological features from ‘naturalness’ and allows for the assignment of a morphological classification directly related to WFD status i.e. High, Good, Moderate, Poor or Bad; based on semi-qualitative and quantitative criteria. Hydromorphological criteria assessed in the RHAT include:
The River Hydromorphology Assessment Technique (RHAT) utilises a checklist form employed on the river bank and completed based on visual observations made by the assessor. ECOFACT employ the RHAT scheme during river corridor studies as a visual assessment tool to provide a standardised approach in determining the hydromorphological factors affecting a watercourse with regard to meeting WFD ‘Good Status’ requirements.
Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) published new guidance in January 2019 for bats surveys at wind farm sites. These new guidelines are entitled “Bats and onshore wind turbines – survey, assessment and mitigation”. The document incorporates findings from the latest research on the impact of wind farms on bats. It is endorsed by all the statutory […]
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We are one of the leading companies in Ireland providing mammal surveys and assessments. We provide expert advise on both bats and terrestrial non-volant (i.e. non-flying) mammals. We undertake surveys for all terrestrial non-volant mammal species in Ireland, including Badger, Otter, Red Squirrel, Pine Marten, and non-native American Mink, among others. Our staff are fully […]
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We were delighted to work recently with BBC Earth on a documentary on Sea Lampreys Petromyzon marinus. The filming took place during early-June 2017 on the old River Shannon at Castleconnell, Co Limerick. This is part of the Lower River Shannon Special Area of Conservation, and Sea Lampreys are a key conservation interest of this […]
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A major new book will be published in May 2017 entitled ‘Wildlife and Wind Farms: Conflicts and Solutions’. Volume 1 of this book includes a chapter prepared by Ecofact Principal Ecologist Dr. William O’Connor. The two-volume set provides a comprehensive overview of the interactions between wind farms and wildlife, each volume dedicated to one of the two […]
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Our staff are currently undertaking a number of wintering bird surveys in the Irish Midlands. Here we have provided some photos and videos from bird surveys we undertook during December 2015. Our bird surveys are undertaken to inform both the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and Natura Impact Statement (NIS) reports being prepared for proposed wind energy […]
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