Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA)
Monday 21 April 2008
Location: Plymouth, Devon
Participant Standard: Intermediate
Tutor(s): Paul Lunt CEnv MIEEM
Professional ecologists are increasingly being called upon to evaluate the potential impacts of development activities. This workshop aims to highlight the most serious consideration for species and habitats. The day will begin with an overview of UK nature conservation legislation and planning, followed by a discussion on ecological surveys. The workshop will include details of how to carry out a desktop study and evaluate biodiversity impacts using the Transport Analysis Guidance (TAG., 2004). The afternoon will include practical exercises involving impact evaluation using case study examples. The final part of the day will examine opportunities for habitat mitigation, compensation and monitoring.
Further details about the workshop
The workshop will be held in the Tamar Committee Room on the fourth floor of the Babbage Building on The University of Plymouth city centre campus. Travel by public transport is possible with the main train and city bus station within easy walking distance. For those arriving by car, parking on the University campus is not possible but car parks at Regent Street, Mayflower East and Drake Circus are all within a five minute walk.
Who should attend this workshop?
The workshop will be of most relevance to environmental consultants, local authority ecologists and employees from nature conservation organisations. In particular individuals who are in there early career, learning about the processes involved in EcIA’s, who wish to discuss the limitations of the procedure and share their ideas on best practice.
Anything participants need to know/read before coming on the training event, or need to have with them?
Aim to arrive at 09.45 for a 10.00 start. The workshop will consist of a series of short power point lectures (handouts provided on arrival), with regular breaks for discussion and coffee. Staff restaurants are available on campus for purchase of lunch, or feel free to bring a packed lunch. All you will need is a pen and a willingness to contribute your experience to the discussions.
What will participants learn from the workshop (learning outcomes)?
- Where EcIA fits within the planning process
- How to get hold of protected species and habitat data
- What levels of protection are afforded to UK species and habitats
- How to assess the value of nature conservation receptors
- How to carry out an EcIA
Programme:
10.00 Introductions/Aims of the course
10.15 Part 1 - Overview of EIA and planning process
11.00 Part 2 - EcIA and valuation of ecological resources
11.30 Tea and coffee break
11.45 Part 3 - Determining significance of species impacts using WebTAG
12.30 Lunch
13.30 Part 4 - IEEM guidelines, case study examples and group exercise
14.45 Tea and coffee break
15.00 Part 5 - Environmental Action Plan - habitat mitigation, compensation and monitoring
16.00 Feedback and depart
Cost: £60 IEEM members, £120 non-members.