Project environmental screening
As part of Northumbrian Waters’ regulatory and policy commitments we appraise every capital project to determine whether it may impact upon any feature of ecological or archaeological interest.
Each project is assessed using our geographical information system which contains data on designated sites, habitats and species. We also work with ecological data centres and specialist wildlife groups to gain further understanding of species distribution throughout the region. This allows us to make informed judgements on the scope of further surveys. By carrying out survey work not only does NWL meet it’s legislative duties, but also contributes to the ecological knowledge of the region by feeding back our survey results to special interest groups. The screening process is also utilised to identify the opportunities that such
capital projects may create in terms of wildlife gain.
Screening of schemes such as the construction of a new sewage treatment works at Horden identified the necessary relocation and subsequent management of an area of Magnesian Limestone Grassland, whilst the de-commissioning of a sewage treatment works at Witton-le-Wear provided the opportunity to create a large reedbed in its place.
Environmental screening update
The Conservation Team screened a total of 159 projects from April 2009 to March 2010 and so far this year up to August we have screened just over 80 projects for ecological and archaeological interest.
Several projects have had ecological interest including the potential for protected species including bat, badgers and water vole.
A number of projects have also had archaeological interest including work within Scheduled Ancient Monuments. Water main repair work next to Newcastle Keep in Newcastle-upon-Tyne city centre required an application for scheduled monument consent and this was completed under archaeological monitoring. Although located in an archaeologically sensitive area no archaeological features were observed during the excavation.