BCM Environs update

Update, November 2007

Over the last few years, (i.e. 2005 - 2007), BCM Environmental Services Limited has continued to be involved in a wide variety of projects. These include:

• Castle Stuart Breeding and Wintering Bird Surveys, Ornithological Impact Assessment, and Ornithological
  and Environmental Management Support, (September
  2004 – present) As part of the EIA for a proposed golf
  resort project, BCMESL devised and completed the field
  work required to assess the potential impacts on both
  wintering birds adjacent to the site, and breeding birds
  within it. This involved close liaison with the statutory
  bodies, and in particular, with SNH.
  
  The wintering bird survey was based on standard Wetland
  Bird Survey methodology, and concentrated on gaining
  an understanding of the feeding and roosting behaviours
  of various wildfowl and wader species utilising the adjacent coastline, bay and inshore waters through the winter and
  tide cycle. This is designated as the Longman and Castle
  Bays SSSI, which is designated for salt-marsh and inter
  -tidal habitats as well as its wintering population of
  waterfowl, and in turn the SSSI comprises part of
  the Inner Moray Firth SPA, and Ramsar site, which
  are similarly classified for their population of over
  -wintering wildfowl and waders.
  
  In addition, the application site is adjacent to the Moray Firth SAC. The breeding bird survey was based on standard CBC methodology, and concentrated on assessing the breeding
  bird community of the affected area. Two separate reports
  were prepared and submitted as part of the EIA for the
  project. In addition, ornithological guidance and expertise
  was used to provide all necessary assistance to the Project team, in terms of developing and implementing mitigation proposals, as the project moved into the implementation
  phase. This included ongoing detailed consultations with
  the Highland Council, SNH and SEPA. Subsequently,
  BCMESL were asked by the developer to prepare a comprehensive range of environmental management documentation for the project, as required by planning conditions and SEPA in particular.
  
  This included revising a previously submitted EMP so that
  it related to the actual project involved, and then preparing waste management, pollution control, environmental
  monitoring and access management plans. In addition,
  3 comprehensive construction method statements were prepared, relating to each of the 2 golf courses, and to
  the built environment associated with the resort. Since the commencement of construction, BCMESL has completed
  bi-monthly environmental audit visits, auditing against
  the environmental documentation listed. The company
  also commenced a programme of repeat, (i.e. post-construction) bird surveys in autumn 2007 so that
  populations can be compared to baseline data,
  
  click here to see an image of this project

• Fannyside Muir/Slamannan Plateau Bean Geese Survey,
  and Environmental Management Support, (December
  2005 – present) BCMESL prepared a restoration plan for
  an operational peat extraction site in South Lanarkshire for
  a private client in autumn 2005, (See below). As a result of
  this existing contact, soon afterwards he was commissioned
  to undertake survey of roosting Bean Geese, (Anser f. fabalis), at Fannyside Muir, on the Slamannan Plateau, North Lanarkshire after the same client had purchased this site in December 2005.
  
  As a result of the purchase the client had been advised by
  SNH of their intention to designate the site on the basis of the roosting Bean Geese interest. The survey approach consisted
  of firstly establishing that Bean Geese did indeed roost on the clients’ landholding, and secondly, recording this on a regular basis, in terms of the actual numbers of geese using various sites for roosting purposes on a nightly basis.
  
  Dawn or dusk counts were undertaken, and feeding birds
  were also located away from the roost sites during the day in 2005/2006. BCMESL deployed suitable qualified ornithologists, worked alongside Dr Peter Reynolds, employed by Environ,
  who were also commissioned to undertake similar work in 2005/2006, and liaised closely with both the client team and with others including SNH and the Bean Goose Action Group.
  20 – 25 field day visits and 30 half days respectively were involved in the 2 winters.
  
  The survey findings were reported on a fortnightly/regular basis, and a report for each winter period was also compiled. This and other documentation provided impartial data and guidance, although the client had vested interests in using
  this information obtained to support their case against designation of the site as SSSI and SPA. Subsequently,
  BCMESL has continued to provide any necessary ecological guidance and expertise to the client, the Scotts Company
  (UK) Limited.
  
  click here to see an image of this project

• North Hoyle Offshore Wind-farm Ornithological Monitoring Report, (September/October 2005) In autumn 2005, BCMESL was contracted to ERM to prepare a detailed ornithological monitoring report to satisfy the consent requirements for
  the North Hoyle Offshore Wind-farm, in the Irish Sea off
  North Wales. As part of the operational conditions, the developer was required to undertake 5 years of comprehensive post-construction monitoring against
  baseline conditions. This included monthly bird survey
  using the COWRIE methodology.
  
  The workscope involved obtaining and examining the relevant statistical modelling reports and other relevant documentation for the preceding monitoring period, and analysing in detail the same, prior to producing a comprehensive report on the apparent effects on the numbers, distribution and behaviour
  of bird species in and around the wind-farm and this part of the Irish Sea. As part of the work, Brian Minshull also participated in a survey visit, in order to provide a better
  idea of what was involved,
  
  click here to see an image of this project

• Berwickshire High School Phase 1 Habitat Survey, (September 2005) BCMESL completed a detailed Phase 1 Habitat Survey
  of the proposed site for a new high school for Berwickshire, outside Duns, in the Scottish Borders on behalf of ERM in autumn 2005. The site involved was c. 12 ha. of arable farmland, improved/ semi-improved and wet grassland.
  The workscope involved a 1 day site visit, during which
  rough maps were marked up, and then the preparation
  of a neat copy of the resultant Phase 1 Habitat Survey
  Map, together with a supporting 18 page report.

In addition, several other projects were undertaken, including:

• Preparing an outline restoration plan for an existing peat extraction site in support of the clients application to renew planning permission;
  
  
• Contributing to the public inquiry regarding the proposed Pressure Reduction Installation at Corse in Gloucestershire,
  by assessing and reporting on the likely environmental
  impacts that would be associated with an extension of
  the proposed pipeline between Corse/Tirley and an
  existing PRI at Wormington;
  
  
• Undertaking, in conjunction with another environmental consultancy, a survey of Pink-footed Geese associated
  with the Westwater Reservoir SPA, anticipated to possibly
  be utilising feeding areas earmarked for a proposed golf
• resort development at Kersewell Mains, Carnwath;
  
  
• Undertaking miscellaneous bird surveys in support of prospective wind farm projects in Central Scotland, for
  other environmental consultancies including YAEC, (now
  AMEC Earth and Environmental);
  
  
• Undertaking a wintering bird survey for the site of a
  proposed new town, Tornagrain, in Northern Scotland,
  for Applied Ecology; and,
  
  
• Completing a reptile survey of a former industrial site
  in Falkirk, for Ecosulis, (actually involved a site visit
  and advising the client that no repeat survey visits
  to check refugia were necessary).

As such, BCM Environmental Services Limited has continued
to develop its ecological survey and assessment capabilities, whilst it has also maintained involvement with its long-term
core business area of providing environmental support in relation to pipeline construction projects. In the near future
it is intended to continue to continue to undertake this type
of work. As part of this business development strategy it is intended to explore other work opportunities in England and Wales, by utilising a new office location in the English Midlands as well the existing one in Central Scotland.

Finally, Brian Minshull has become a full member of the Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management, (IEEM), and is in the process of becoming a Chartered Environmentalist.

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