Wildlife
Before
a building project starts, we investigate any potential impacts on the
environment and wildlife.
Our
environmental services team assesses hundreds of schemes each year, ranging from the
replacement of small pumping stations to the rebuilding of treatment works.
The
environmental screening process covers a range of environmental issues
including:
- landscape
- designated sites of
local, national and international conservation interest
- wildlife
- hedgerows and tree
protection orders
- archaeology and built
heritage including conservation areas and listed buildings
- social issues such
as noise, odour and traffic
- air emissions
- watercourses and
flood risk
- planning permission
and Environmental Impact Assessment.
The
screening process is based around an extensive range of information brought
together on our environmental geographical information system (GIS) as well as
environmental information we have on each of our operational sites.
We
also check records of protected species sourced from the Environmental Record
Centres within our region and our own survey programme - we share any
information about species diversity on our landholding with the record centres.
When
screening a proposed development we often need to consult with national
regulators including:
-
English
Heritage
- Natural England
- the Environment Agency
- local authorities
- local groups such as the Wildlife
Trusts.
In
addition we consult with ecological specialists about any potential
environmental impact arising from our developments.
Where
our environmental screening indicates that there is a potential impact to
wildlife or sensitive habitat, our ecological team may carry out specialist
surveys on the ground before construction begins.
Where we are unable to avoid impact, we may
undertake specialist mitigation or reinstatement and seek consent from the
appropriate regulators.