Recently, BCM Environmental
Services Limited has completed a series of Appropriate Assessments
for Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council, (see Updates).
BCMESL is well-versed in terms of the requirements of Directive
92/43/EEC (the Habitats Directive) on the Conservation of Natural
Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora that any plan or project not
directly connected with or necessary to the management of a designated
habitats site, (i.e., a SPA or SAC), but likely to have a significant
effect thereon, either individually or in combination with other
plans or projects, is to be subject to an Appropriate Assessment
of its implications for the site in view of the site's conservation
objectives.
For example, on one of his more recent pipeline projects the potential
need for an appropriate assessment in relation to potential effects
of pipeline construction adjacent to Blawhorn Moss SSSI and SAC
was alleviated by re-routing the pipeline and using specialist construction
techniques. Similarly, much of the work recently undertaken as part
of the work for Sefton Council / Merseyside Environmental Advisory
Service, (see Sefton WeBS-based
Low-tide Surveys and Ornithological and Environmental Management
Guidance and Advice), is aimed at
providing a sound basis for future appropriate assessments on this
highly designated stretch of coastline.
As is mentioned in the preceding section, (see Ecological
and Environmental Advice and Guidance), BCMESL completed
a detailed report which will be used as the basis for the appropriate
assessment which may be required in relation to the Longriggend
/ Upperton housing development. This development is c. 1 km outside
the boundaries of the Slamannan Plateau SPA, which is designated
for its wintering Bean Goose population, and as such SNH required
to be satisfied that there would be no adverse effect on the qualifying
interest of the SPA, i.e., the Bean Geese.
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