For Affinity Water

Ecological appraisal to prepare for a new development

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In advance of the development of a new booster station and water main at Takeley Water Tower, we were asked to look at the potential ecological issues that would affect it.

Investigating the habitats
Our first task was to assess the habitats on site, and their likely importance for protected species. The habitats were considered to be of some ecological value, based on their provisions for foraging, sheltering, and as dispersal areas for bats, small mammals, reptiles, invertebrates and amphibians.

Recommendations to safeguard species
We identified several opportunities for ecological development, plus a number of issues which would affect the project. This led to us recommending the aerial inspection of trees with PRF, and precautions to safeguard badgers and reptiles during construction. In addition, we specified that prior to work commencing, the area should be surveyed to determine whether great crested newts were present.

We conducted the Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) based on the Guidelines of Preliminary Ecological Appraisal 2016 (Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management).


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