Ecology Services Datasheet

ECOLOGY, BIODIVERSITY & ORNITHOLOGY CAPABILITY STATEMENT ABOUT US Atmos Consulting is an environmental consultancy. Our diverse and experienced team provides expert technical, ecological and planning support to utilities, developers, industry, communities and the public sector throughout the entire project life-cycle, from feasibility to implementation. We are recognised for the quality of our work, our pro-activity and the valuable support we provide to clients. OUR SERVICE AREAS: Renewable energy Sustainable Development Biodiversity Property and Construction Marine and Coastal Water resources Environmental Management OUR SPECIALISMS: Environmental Impact Assessment Town Planning Ecology and Ornithology GIS mapping and analysis Noise and Acoustics Hydrology Project Management OUR ECOLOGY, BIODIVERSITY & ORNITHOLOGY SERVICES OVERVIEW We offer specialist high-level environmental consultancy, support and advice to a broad client base, including energy companies, wind farm developers, utility companies and property developers. Our projects include: biomass, carbon capture and storage technology power stations; on and off-shore wind farm developments and post-construction monitoring; residential, industrial and mixed-use developments; BREEAM assessments and technical support to developers. Operating across the UK, our team has an in-depth knowledge of relevant planning controls and regulation/legislation, as well as third party stakeholder concerns. We have the professional and technical skills and expertise to balance development proposals and wildlife interests in order to develop a mutually beneficial and pragmatic outcome. Being part of a multidisciplinary consultancy enables us to integrate ecological considerations more effectively into the overall design process. SERVICES Ornithology We have a team of in-house Ornithologists, backed up by our GIS and ISO 9001 accredited procedures. We have been involved in undertaking pre-construction ornithological assessments and post construction monitoring on over 30 wind farm developments across the UK including Millennium, Ben Aketil, Earlsburn, Nigg, Dunbeath, Boyndie and Cushnie. The scale of projects varies from single community turbines in the Western Isles to 66MW schemes such as Dunbeath wind farm. Many of the schemes on which we have worked are located in areas of high ornithological sensitivity requiring an Appropriate Assessment as part of the EIA process. We are experienced in a wide variety of ornithological survey methods as required for wind farm developments such as vantage point and breeding bird surveys. We routinely undertake collision risk modelling and further analyse flightline data for spatial usage and activity patterns. To date, we have prepared in excess of 30 Ornithological chapters for onshore wind farms. Atmos Consulting has been involved, on a confidential basis, in three offshore feasibility and site search studies on behalf of major European utilities companies, and has identified the general Zone 6 area as being one of high potential for Round 3 developments prior to the announcement of the zones by the Crown Estate. Habitat Assessment and Management Our team provides clients with a variety of bespoke surveys, including: Extended Phase 1 and National Vegetation Classification Phase 2 habitat surveys Vascular plant and bryophyte surveys Non-native species survey, such as Japanese knotweed Tree surveys, in accordance with the British Standard for Trees, in relation to Construction BS:5387 2005, Surveys for aquatic species, such as great crested newts and water voles Peat depth surveys Biological and chemical water quality analysis using a combination of hand held multi-parameter probes and fixed remote telemetry probes Freshwater, marine and terrestrial invertebrate surveys and monitoring Fisheries habitat assessment and fish surveys River Corridor and accredited River Habitat Surveys We have consulted on a number of Biodiversity Audits, often on Brownfield sites or old mineral excavations. These audits form the basis for habitat management plans or local, site specific Biodiversity Action Plans. Protected Species A large amount of our work involves protected species, as they are often material in planning terms. This ranges from surveys, analysis and assessments to licensing and mitigation. Examples include: bats, reptiles and amphibians, water voles and otters, dormice, red squirrels, badgers, breeding and wintering birds and freshwater invertebrates, such as the freshwater pearl mussel and white-clawed crayfish. Renewable Energy Our involvement in a wide range of renewable energy projects presents the opportunity for skills enhancement in very specific and technical areas. We are experienced in carrying out vantage point and flightline surveys for birds in relation to wind farms, and analysing the data for collision risk modelling. We have a team of marine biologists who are experienced in the ecological issues surrounding off-shore energy generation. Planning and Development We are experienced in all aspects of ecological planning and development, from initial project conception to construction and consequent monitoring, including: Scoping and feasibility: We can carry out desk and field-based surveys to identify any potential issues and constraints for development sites and highlight options to overcome these. Ecological and Hydrological Impact Assessments: Our team is experienced in carrying out assessments for inclusion in Environmental Statements to accompany Planning Applications. We can also offer legal and planning advice, and respond to planning conditions and Section 106 agreements. Mitigation and licensing: We offer a wealth of experience in devising and implementing specialist mitigation schemes to protect or compensate for habitat loss as a result of development projects in line with best practice. Our services include: long-term monitoring schemes, species translocation, habitat creation and Ecological Clerk of Works. We endeavour to provide a comprehensive approach which ensures species protection in the context of development size and remit. Public Inquiry: We have provided a number of expert witness services at Public Inquiries on behalf of clients. To date our involvement has been to provide information as independent experts which is testament to our thorough approach. MULTI-DISCIPLINARY PROJECT DELIVERY By working as part of an integrated team, we use our skills and understanding of often complex and interrelated environmental, technical and regulatory issues to determine the best solution for your project. We structure a bespoke team of specialists around your requirements and the opportunities of your project. We can lead your project from conception to detailed design and implementation. WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM US Whatever stage you are at with your project, we will support you by: Identifying opportunities and constraints Progressing and guiding the planning and design process Continually reviewing decision making to maximise benefits and minimise costs Leading on technical and regulatory issues Managing and ensuring environmental standards Engaging local communities Creating sustainable solutions which are flexible for now and the future Communicating ideas, results and progress in understandable and usable formats ACCESS TO THE BEST TEAM You can choose a fully project managed consultancy package including all technical, project management, planning and consultations; and stakeholder engagement. Alternatively, you can select any individual consultancy element from our multiple service offerings to seamlessly feed into your project. Whichever you choose, you always get our best team and our best advice. OVERVIEW OF ATMOS SERVICE AREAS Ecological Survey and Assessment Ornithological survey and assessment Protected species and habitat surveys Estuarine ecology Aquatic ecology survey and assessment Ecological site appraisal Botanical survey and analysis Invasive non-native species appraisal Input to green roof design Hydrological Assessment and Design Hydrological Assessment and Analysis Flood Risk and Mitigation Runoff control and drainage management River and Watercourse Hydraulics SUDS Water quality surveys and assessment Geo-Environmental Risk Assessment Pre Purchase Due Diligence Phase 1 contaminated land risk assessment Phase 2 contaminated land risk assessment Site Activities Review Pollution control Remediation and Validation Noise Assessment and Monitoring Noise monitoring and analysis Noise modelling and prediction Compliance with PPC and IPPC conditions Environmental noise management Specification of noise abatement BREEAM assessment Noise Assessment and Analysis Ecological assessment Landscape and Visual Impact Photomontage production isual Impact Assessment Regulatory liaison GIS and Graphic Production Data management and analyses Visualisation Planning and Consent We support clients, from consultation with the relevant agencies and face-to-face meetings with local planners, to the presentation of the case for the development at planning committee. Services offered, include: Masterplanning Multidisciplinary Project Delivery Planning assessment Site investigation and remediation Constraints and abnormals assessment Compliance with environmental legislation and policy Appeals Services offered, include: Due Diligence Expert witness ContacContact Us Karen Atkins Technical Director t: 01352 744512 e: karen.atkins@atmosconsulting.com Atmos Consulting Ltd Rosebery House 9 Haymarket Terrace Edinburgh EH12 5EZ t. 0131 346 9100 Moray House 16-18 Bank Street Inverness IV1 1QY t. 01463 724 500 Durham Dales Centre Castle Gardens Stanhope, Co. Durham DL13 2FJ t. 01388 528 884 Mynydd Awel Mold Business Park Maes Gwern, Mold CH7 1XN t. 01352 744 512 www.atmosconsulting.com