EnviroCentre Limited, Craighall Business Park, 8 Eagle Street,
Glasgow
G4 9XA
Tel: 0044 (0)141 341 5040
© EnviroCentre 2010
EnviroCentre Ltd, in partnership with CAG Consultants, was recently appointed to undertake the analysis of consultation responses to the Scottish Government’s Wildlife and Natural Environment Bill (2010). The Bill aims to consolidate and revise existing legislation across a number of key wildlife and natural environment policy areas including Deer, Game Law, Invasive Non-native Species and Species Licensing. To meet the objectives of the project and ensure added value, EnviroCentre assembled a bespoke project team drawing on the expertise of social scientists (quantitative and qualitative research methods), policy analysts and EnviroCentre’s ecology team who have substantial experience and specialist expertise working within the existing legislative framework for wildlife and natural environment management. Our approach aimed to ensure that the analysis outputs (and subsequently the final proposals in the draft Bill) are grounded in a technical and practical understanding of the relevant policy issues.
Today (Monday 9th November) sees the start of the operations to infill the Tyne Docks in Newcastle. This work is being undertaken in connection to the new Tyne Tunnel 2 (TT2) Crossing that is currently being constructed. To support these works EnviroCentre’s ecology team are providing an Environmental Clerk of Works to the Port of Tyne Authority to supervise the infilling process to ensure that all environmental planning conditions, licenses and best practice are implemented during the works. In addition to the compliance role being undertaken, the Environmental Clerk of Works will also seek to add significant value to the project, through enhancing the reputation of clients and their projects through good publicity.
The Ecology team has recently fulfilled the role of Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) for BAM Ritchies Ltd and Norwest Holst during the ground investigation works to inform the design of the proposed Forth Replacement Crossing.
The role of ECoW is becoming increasingly important, to oversee the implementation of planning conditions, licenses and best practice guidance through the construction and operational phases of developments. This approach helps to ensure that sensitive ecological issues are identified early and managed according to best practice to minimise impact on both the environment and the construction process. Non-compliance with environmental and ecological legislation, licenses or consents can result in delays to a project, heavy fines and even custodial sentences in some circumstances.Â
EnviroCentres R&S team have won a place on Envirolinks Consultancy and Research & Development framework supporting their Recycling and Waste Support Project covering a range of technical, financial, promotional, developmental and market development services, for regional and one to one business support.
Dr Peter Cosgrove, Principal Ecologist with EnviroCentre, has recently received Fellowship of the Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (IEEM). Peter’s Fellowship reflects his considerable experience and expertise in the field and increases the number of IEEM Fellows in Scotland to four, including longstanding Fellow of the Institute and founding member Kathy Dale, also a Principal Ecologist with EnviroCentre. EnviroCentre’s compliment of Fellows and Full Members of IEEM demonstrate the strength and experience of our Ecology sector.
Envirocentre will be presenting at the 16th International Conference on Aquatic Invasive Species in Montreal, Canada. John Kelly will be leading two discussions relating to his work on the Invasive Species Ireland project along with invasive's experts from across the globe.
EnviroCentre will be attending IEMA's 2009 Environmental Assessment Forum in London. The event will give staff the opportunity to get up-to-date information on developments in the fields of SEA, EIA and Sustainability Appraisal and discuss the major projects they have been involved in over the past 12 months.