SECTION 9 - Identify the impact assessment methods that are most appropriate << Prev
Section
- In this section the main methods needed to assess impacts via the pathways selected can be identified.
- Making an objective decision about the most appropriate methods to be used for a given change/feature relationship is actually very difficult and requires a site-specific and project-specific understanding. Therefore, all this section seeks to do is present a vast library of assessment methods and information on methods that can be interrogated by the user.
- The best methods to use for the assessment are likely to emerge from a combination of past experience and a detailed understanding of project-specific issues. Therefore at this stage the case study information (providing detail about past methods applied) is expected to be particularly valuable source of information.
Methods List
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Select Methods
Select Environmental Change (Identified by both activities and features)
Please select features
Please select activities
Tips
- See the Grey ‘Case Study’ tab for some examples
- Also go to NEW! Delta reports (accessible on http://www.newdelta.org) for more case examples
Case Study 1
Seaforth River Terminal - Mersey Estuary UK
In order to fill gaps in the available data and obtain both a comprehensive understanding of the baseline conditions and prediction of the impacts of the proposed development a number of project-specific studies need to be undertake for this impact assessment. The studies include the following field surveys and desk-based technical reviews:
(1) Hydrodynamic Modelling and Coastal Processes Review: To describe the effects of the proposed Approach Channel deepening work (both individually and in-combination with the River Terminal), detailed hydrodynamic and sediment-transport numerical modelling needs to be undertaken. The results of this work need to be linked to a detailed review of historical and existing coastal processes to assess the potential physical impacts of the scheme in the context of known historical change to the estuarine morphology.
(2) Benthic (Seabed) Surveys: To describe the ecological value of the Seaforth River Terminal site, the Approach Channel (especially the proposed deepening areas) and adjacent zones of potential indirect impact, detailed benthic surveys are needed. These should assess the status of these areas in terms of the invertebrate species they support and thus, help to understand its potential value as a feeding resource for waterbirds.
(3) Sediment Characterisation and Contamination studies: In conjunction with the benthic surveys, sediment samples should be retrieved from selected survey points for analysis of the contamination properties of sediments. These need to be undertaken to inform the assessment of impacts to sediment and water quality conditions.
(4) Ornithological surveys and data reviews: Ornithological surveys and data reviews: - To describe the ornithological value of the proposed Seaforth River Terminal site and adjacent areas, overwinter waterbird surveys or data review work should be undertaken. These are needed to assess the potential effects of the loss of this habitat on feeding and roosting birds.
Case Study 2
Text to follow..
