Ecological Impact
Assessment (ECiA)
An Ecological Impact Assessment (ECiA) is fast becoming the required ecological assessment for Local Planning Authorities and regulatory bodies when determining planning applications for projects at all scales.
The ECiA is a process of identifying, quantifying and evaluating potential effects of development related or other proposed actions on habitats, species and ecosystems. As such, this provides two particular purposes:
- To provide the ecological component (Ecological statement) of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) required under EIA Regulations.
- To demonstrate how a project accords with relevant planning policy and legislation where an EIA is not required.
The ECiA Process
An Ecological Impact Assessment report (or the ecological chapter of an EIA Environmental Statement) describes the significant effects of any project so that all interested parties understand the implications of what is proposed. The key elements of the ECiA report include:
An initial data gathering process is undertaken to inform the key elements to include within the ECiA.
We gather information on the proposed development, the ecology of the site and any relevant legislation and policies applicable to it. Typically, a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) is undertaken to inform this process.
To establish the baseline level of biodiversity on the site, detailed ecology surveys that have been identified within the scope of the ECiA are undertaken.
Targeted surveys are generally undertaken, where a development could potentially have an impact on habitats and species that are of a conservation value, ranging from local to international, in significance.
The information collected from scoping and targeted ecology surveys is used to evaluate the importance of the site, its habitats and species.
We use published guidelines to arrive at a level of value for the different components of the site, on a scale ranging from negligible to International importance.
Interpretation of the survey data enables an assessment of the ecological impacts of the development (for impacts to habitat and species of conservation concern); the magnitude of the impact (including positive and negative effects); and the significance of these, depending on the value of what is affected and how much.
Within the ECiA report, measures to avoid, reduce or compensate for any impacts we have identified will be included. In some cases, avoiding impacts is a legal requirement, for example where a protected species might be impacted.
In others, mitigation may be required to satisfy planning policies and ensure a clear audit trail of best practice.
In light of any proposed avoidance, compensation and mitigation measures, the development is reassessed to determine the final impact (residual) on biodiversity.
This provides a clear evidence for Local Planning Authorities when assessing development proposals.
FAQs
The Ecological Impact Assessment (ECiA) is becoming the standard document requested by many Local Planning Authorities for submission with planning applications at all scales to assess the impacts of a proposed development on biodiversity.
The main difference of the Ecological Impact Assessment (ECiA) compared to the Preliminary Ecological Appraisal is that it takes account of the impacts of the proposed works, once any mitigation, compensation or enhancements have been incorporated. This means that an ECIA is completed once all further surveys, such as protected species surveys, have been completed, whereas, PEAs only take into account any known constraints and typically make recommendations for further surveys of the unknown constraints. Essentially, an ECIA brings everything into one report for the Local Planning Authority to consider.
An Ecological Impact Assessment report could require baseline data to be updated if sufficient time passes between the completion of the report and either the submission or granting of a planning application. Typically, habitat data is valid for a two-year period and protected species data is valid for one year. In certain circumstances it may be justifiable that repeating protected species surveys would not be proportionate if it was unlikely to add to the previous findings in determining the impacts of the development.
Helping to address the ecological
and climate crisis
At Arun Ecology it’s not all just about driving business. We want to contribute to addressing the challenges of our time to ensure a prosperous future for the next generation.
So, as part of our service, each time you commission us we are committed to planting one tree within the UK, through our partnership with Creating Tomorrow’s Forests.
Watch this space to find out more about how we are contributing to nature recovery and tackling climate change.
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