Water supply schemes frequently require Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) due to the proposed abstractions from a surface water body (lake or river) and also due to the route of the associated pipeline. There is potential for impacts to sensitive ecological receptors, designated Natura 2000 sites and also potential impacts to the Water Framework Directive status of the waterbody concerned.
ECOFACT have undertaken numerous EcIAs for the aquatic and terrestrial environments affected by both the abstractions and pipeline routes for a number of water supply schemes. We have also prepared a number of hydrological and ecological feasibility studies for these schemes We have also prepared Natura Impact Statements for numerous water supply schemes. Examples of major recent water supply schemes we have worked on are detailed below:
ECOFACT recently prepared the Aquatic Ecology and Fisheries sections of the EIS for the Lough Talt Regional Water Supply Scheme. Specialist studies undertaken included lake and river fish stock surveys (including specialist Arctic char and white-clawed crayfish survey work).
ECOFACT recently prepared the Flora, Fauna and Water Quality sections of the EIS for the Costello Regional Water Supply Scheme. This scheme will involve water abstraction from Glenicmurrin Lough – a nationally important sea trout fishery.
We recently prepared an ecological assessment for this proposed major water supply scheme in County Mayo. Studies undertaken included an assessment of aquatic communities in adjoining areas of Lough Mask, along with habitat, flora and fauna surveys along proposed pipeline routes between the lake and towns including Westport and Louisburgh.
ECOFACT also recently prepared the Aquatic Ecology and Fisheries sections of the EIS for this Regional Water Supply Scheme. Specialist studies undertaken included lake and river fish stock surveys (including specialist Atlantic salmon survey work).
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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