Ecology

Contents01WhyAtkins? 5

02Driversforecology 7

03Howwecanhelp 8

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Ourexperience

04Cities 10

05Masstransit 17

06Energy 23

07Water 28

08Futures 32

01Why Atkins?

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Our team of over 60 ecologists, including terrestrial and aquatic specialists, can provide support at any stage of a project, from feasibility through to planning, consultation and implementation.

Assessing and interpreting ecological issues provides vital information to feed into masterplan designs, planning applications, development frameworks or Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA). The early identification of constraints and opportunities aids decision making and is essential in avoiding costly delays during planning and construction.

We combine the highest technical standards with a pragmatic approach, ensuring that our clients and biodiversity benefit from our solutions.

Using an extensive range of skills and methodologies across terrestrial and aquatic environments, our services include:

• Ecological survey and assessment

• Advice on protected sites and species

• Supporting statements for planning applications

• Ecological Impact Assessments as part of EIAs

• Protected species development licences

• Expert witness

• Habitats Regulations Assessment of plans and projects, including full Appropriate Assessment

• Ecological Clerk of Works

• Habitat creation, restoration and translocation

• Post development monitoring

• Habitat management plans

• Biodiversity Action Plans

• Training workshops

• Assessment of habitats and ecosystem services

• Ecotourism, protected area and national park management strategy and planning

• Environment and habitat management and protection measures

• Water quality impact monitoring

• Water resources impact monitoring

• Water level management planning

• Ecology input to BREEAM and CEEQUAL

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02Drivers for ecologyThe key driver for ecology in consultancy work is legislation. Atkins is a leading international engineering and environmental consultancy and is involved in infrastructure, development and maintenance projects throughout the world. Those projects and works involving land, water and structures are subject to legal frameworks for designated sites, protected habitats and species and controlled invasive species.

The role of ecologists in projects includes: managing legal requirements; reducing risks to project delivery; and finding opportunities for biodiversity enhancement in the context of the project. Involving ecologists at the earliest stage of planning and design is the most efficient and effective way of achieving these goals.

Biodiversity is the variety of living species and ecosystems. Biodiversity legislation and policy is generally introduced to protect rare, threatened or notable habitats and species - or those with economic benefits. The economic value of biodiversity is starting to be recognised through ecosystem services that range from relatively simple services such as crop pollination to more complex services such as soil formation, natural sinks for waste and climate regulation. As humans depend on these services for food, clean water and clean air, ecosystem services will become a driver for ecological consultancy.

03How we can help

Constraints and Opportunities Assessment Early identification of ecological issues can save time and money at the planning and construction stages of any development

A Constraints and Opportunities Assessment identifies any designated sites that may be affected by a proposed project, and the presence or likely presence of species that are protected under legislation. This allows us to assess the risk of ecological issues causing problems and to make appropriate recommendations for further survey and mitigation to manage these risks. The assessment helps clients with robust site selection and allows mitigation and enhancement to be considered within design.

A Constraints and Opportunities Assessment is a useful first step whatever the size of the project, including infrastructure projects, planning applications and EIAs, masterplanning projects and permitted development.

Environmental Impact AssessmentEcology is a vital part of the EIA. It comprises desk study and surveys to characterise and evaluate existing ecological features. We then ensure we have a sound understanding of the proposed development in order to make a confident impact assessment.

Our ecologists have experience of assessing the ecological effects of all types of development and of working with engineers, planners and designers to provide practical and innovative solutions.

Habitats Regulations Assessment, including full Appropriate AssessmentA Habitats Regulations Assessment is required where a project or plan may have a significant effect on a site that is of ecological importance in a European or international context - that is Special Protection Areas, Special Areas of Conservation and Ramsar sites.

Atkins’ experience of screening for Habitats Regulations Assessment and of full Appropriate Assessments for developers and local planning authorities throughout the UK ranges in scale from new access paths to major urban extensions, and from Area Action Plans to county-wide minerals and waste plans.

Early ecological consultancy makes it simpler to avoid or mitigate against compromising our natural heritage. It also allows an informed Habitat Regulations Assessment screening, which can often render full Appropriate Assessment unnecessary and reduce costs.

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Protected speciesAppropriate survey methods and an understanding of ecology allows mitigation by design

When a project has the potential to affect a legally protected species, survey and assessment are required to determine what the effects are likely to be and what measures are required to mitigate these effects. In some cases, a licence is required from the statutory nature conservation agency to permit the works.

Atkins has the expertise to deal with issues relating to all legally protected species, including surveys of their presence and absence, population assessments, habitat evaluation, identification of impacts and recommendations for avoidance of impacts and mitigation measures. We can obtain licences from the appropriate statutory nature conservation agencies and undertake and supervise the mitigation works.

Aquatic ecologyWe understand that effective, sustainable management of watercourses, standing waterbodies and wetlands requires expert and detailed knowledge of freshwater ecology. Our experienced team provides a pragmatic, flexible approach to meet the needs of your specific project.

Atkins’ aquatic ecology group is a skilled, multidisciplinary team of ecologists, hydro-ecologists, hydrologists and GIS / remote sensing specialists. Our team is able to work under a range of consultancy frameworks and contracts and can call on the skills and experiences of over 16,000 other employees worldwide. We can always match our skills to the needs of your project, large or small.

Atkins also provides pragmatic, cost-effective freshwater ecological advice for any project or plan that concerns in-land freshwaters. Our approach is flexible and our role can change from solution focused and short-term to highly-specialised and long-term. We also have specialists in coastal and marine ecology.

Green Infrastructure: habitat creation, translocation and managementFinding innovative mitigation solutions

Green Infrastructure provides more than mitigation for ecological effects. A good Green Infrastructure design combines a number of important ideas and links some of the essential components of sustainability including human health and the resilience of built developments to climate change. Ecological mitigation that can be incorporated within a Green Infrastructure design includes mitigation for habitat loss and habitat severance.

For example, as part of the mitigation for a development scheme, it may sometimes be necessary to undertake works that will offset the loss or possible degradation of existing habitat. Such measures could include habitat creation or translocation plus associated design, site-supervision, maintenance and management.

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Alternatively, off-site mitigation can be possible where a suitable solution is either not practicable or desirable within a development boundary. Habitats which cannot be retained on a site can be created using tried and tested techniques which have been incorporated into sector guidance, e.g. minerals industry, Highways Agency design manual for roads and bridges.

Hedges, trees and ponds can be moved to new locations rather than losing these features. Such habitat translocation retains the key components of ecological resources - the roots and shoots of plants and trees - which can regenerate and regrow faster than newly planted or freshly sown habitats.

Innovative techniques such as green bridges to link habitats over railways and roads and creating green roofs and green walls on buildings can be employed.

We have the expertise to deal with such issues and to provide effective and economical advice on habitat management and monitoring.

04Our experienceCities London 2012 Olympic ParkClient: Olympic Delivery Authority Consultant for the design of the Olympic Park and site wide infrastructure for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games

Atkins is providing ecological management for the duration of the Enabling Works of the London 2012 Olympic Park to ensure adequate protection, mitigation and enhancement of biodiversity as well as ensuring critical programming requirements are adhered to. Various aspects of these works include retention and management of areas of existing ecological value; translocation of a number of species; the treatment and eradication of invasive species and the creation of habitats and hibernacula within and outside of the London 2012 Olympic Park in order to enhance ecological connectivity through the site and links to adjacent areas.

Within the EIA for the London 2012 Olympic Park, Atkins’ ecology team undertook the role of Ecology Challenge Champion. This role involved technical review during the production of the final Environmental Statement, checking the scientific robustness of the ecological work and coordinating communication between the project ecologists and other consultants.

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Cheeseman’s Green Client: Crest Nicholson and Church Commissioners The Cheeseman’s Green development is located near Ashford in Kent. Once complete, it will provide approximately 1,100 houses and 70,000 m2 of business floor space with mixed-use, community and commercial facilities; access roads; footpaths; cycle routes; landscaping; and public open space.

Atkins has been working on this project for over five years, working alongside Crest Nicholson, the Church Commissioners and the Kent Wildlife Trust to ensure the delivery of a sustainable development with value for nature conservation. We have been responsible for the ongoing survey work within the site including surveys for great crested newts, dormice, otters, bats, water voles, badgers, reptiles and birds. These surveys have been used to inform the four reserved matters planning applications that have been submitted within the outline planning permission.

Survey work has determined that the site supports populations of great crested newts, dormice, bats, badgers and reptiles. There are also habitats of importance within the site including Captain’s Wood, which forms part of a Local Wildlife Site.

Atkins is now working with the client to discharge planning conditions and to put the necessary protection measures in place for species and habitats to ensure development gets underway. This has involved the production of a site wide ecology strategy, which will outline the green infrastructure to be provided within the site, including the areas of habitat to be created and enhanced. The strategy will also outline how these habitats will be managed to promote the biodiversity value of the site.

Coed DarcyClient: St Modwen Developments Ltd St. Modwen Developments Ltd (St. Modwen) is transforming the former BP Llandarcy Oil Refinery, between Swansea and Neath in South Wales, into the picturesque urban village of Coed Darcy. Crymlyn Bog, part owned by St Modwen, is an internationally important wetland located immediately adjacent to the proposed village. As a Ramsar site and Special Area for Conservation (SAC), its proximity is a prime asset to the development. This closeness provides challenges for the remediation of the refinery site as well as the planning, design, construction and long-term operation of the development.

A key issue for the development is maintaining the quality and quantity of the drainage inflows to the bog from the site. A number of studies have been undertaken by the principal regulators, the Countryside Council for Wales and the Environment Agency Wales, working closely with St. Modwen, to understand the hydrological requirements of the bog and the overall nutrient loading. The results of these studies were used to develop the remediation programme. A surface water drainage strategy is being developed such that any discharges to Crymlyn Bog will be attenuated and controlled to mimic, as closely as possible, the flow conditions existing prior to the refinery being operational. With closure of the refinery, the sources of hydrocarbons have been removed and remediation of the site will deal with contamination in the ground, thus improving the quality of the discharges to the bog.

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Crown Farm QuarryClient: Tarmac Limited Atkins was commissioned to produce the ecology chapter for an Environmental Statement (ES) in support of an application for the extension of planning permission to allow mineral extraction at Crown Farm Quarry in Cheshire.

Great crested newts, a European Protected Species (EPS), were discovered at the site following presence / absence surveys for the species during the spring. A Natural England development licence was therefore required in order to allow the continuation of mineral extraction at the site.

Atkins successfully completed the ecology chapter, and planning permission was granted until 2014. In addition to this, we prepared a method statement, including associated mitigation, and successfully obtained the required great crested newt development licence.

Following this original commission, Atkins has continually worked as Tarmac’s ecological consultant at the Crown Farm Quarry site and has an excellent working relationship with the client. To date, we have undertaken the following work at the quarry:

• Preparation of the ecological chapter of the ES

• Natural England development licence for great crested newts

• Design and implementation of great crested newt mitigation

• Great crested newt population size class assessments

• Ecological training of Tarmac site based personnel

• Habitat design, restoration and creation

• Extended phase one habitat surveys

• Bat roost inspections

• Biodiversity and habitat management plan

• Regular site visits and contact with Tarmac site personnel

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05Our experienceMass transit Cross London Rail Links - various sitesClient: Network RailCrossrail is a major rail infrastructure project involving the construction of new railway connections under central London. It is said to be the largest addition to the south east rail network in 50 years. The project involves a multiple worksite programme with construction works running concurrently across the whole route. Atkins is the lead design engineer for a number of these schemes including Acton Yard Dive-under, West Track Lowering and North East Stations.

In line with the design development, Atkins has undertaken ecological surveys to verify and update the findings of the Crossrail Environmental Statement at various line side and station locations along the

route. Our ecologists are contributing to the Environmental Management Plans for each scheme, planning and programming ecological mitigation to complement the construction timetable. Atkins, in accordance with the Crossrail Act 2008, is continuously looking for possible locations on the schemes where biodiversity enhancement opportunities are possible.

Atkins has carried out reptile and bat surveys at Acton Yard Dive-under, Phase 1 walkover surveys at West Track Lowering and a walkover survey at 10 station sites linked to the North East Stations scheme.

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M25 Widening SchemeClient: Connect Plus for the Highways AgencyAtkins is designing the M25 widening from junctions 16 to 23 and from junctions 27 to 30. The construction commenced in May 2009 and is scheduled to finish in May 2012.

Atkins has undertaken extensive ecological surveys to verify the findings of the Environmental Statements and provided the advance environmental designs. These set out the works required in advance of the construction, particularly mitigation for protected species and the ecological designs, which detail the compensation measures and enhancements of habitats.

We have translocated reptiles and great crested newts from the verge into enhanced habitat at receptor sites and closed outlying setts under licence to prevent injury to badgers. We have also extended a tunnel that allows safe access for badgers under the motorway. Measures have been taken to minimise the impact on water voles and enhancements to watercourses have been carried out to benefit this species.

We are designing habitat creation schemes, including calcareous grassland on new embankments and cuttings, replacing trees and shrubs and extensive hedgerows. Overall this will provide an increase in biodiversity along the motorway corridor. Throughout the design and construction process, consultation has been undertaken with the statutory environmental bodies and local wildlife organisations.

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A40 London to Fishguard Trunk Road Improvements at the Kell, TreffgarneClient: South Wales Trunk Road Agency Atkins was the consultant for the environmental input to an offline improvement project of a trunk road in Pembrokeshire, South Wales. This included Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), Environmental Clerk of Works, Water Quality Monitoring and Post Construction Monitoring.

We identified numerous protected species and vulnerable habitats during a suite of ecological surveys to inform the EIA. There were potential impacts on badger setts, otters, bat foraging habitats and an internationally important river habitat. The challenge was to deliver the construction of the new road whilst minimising the short term and long term impacts on the species identified.

A close working relationship with the Countryside Council for Wales, the Environment Agency Wales, the site contractors and the client meant that the mitigation measures could be integrated in to the scheme design and that mammal tunnels, specialist fencing, otter ledges and new hedge banks could be installed under ecological supervision.

Meanwhile, our ecologists worked with colleagues from our water teams and the Environment Agency Wales to monitor, during construction, the water quality of the nearby River Cleddau that forms part of the Cleddau Rivers Special Area of Conservation (SAC). Mitigation was installed and monitored to control silt run-off during the construction phases.

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A470 Gelligemlyn Interim and Improvement SchemesClient: Gwynedd ConsultancyThe A470 trunk road is the main north to south route through Wales. Atkins was appointed on behalf of the Welsh Assembly Government (WAG) to undertake the ecological input to the Environmental Statement and to complete the statement to inform an Appropriate Assessment for both the A470 Gelligemlyn Interim & Improvement Schemes. The section of route in question runs through a steep sided valley, is bordered on one side by the Meirionnydd Oakwoods and Bat Sites Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and lies in close proximity to the Afon Eden – Cors Goch Trawsfynydd SAC.

We provided a wide variety of specialised ecological surveys including bats, otters, lichens, bryophytes, badgers, breeding birds, water voles and reptiles which enabled us to fully assess the potential impact of the schemes, ‘design out’ ecological constraints and identify appropriate mitigation measures within a heavily constrained design and construction programme. This was aided through continued liaison with all interested parties including WAG, Gwynedd Consultancy, the Countryside Council for Wales, the National Trust, the Environment Agency Wales and the Snowdonia National Park Authority.

06Our experience Energy Alternative sites for new nuclear power stationsClient:DepartmentofEnergyandClimateChange(DECC)Atkins was commissioned to support DECC in identifying ‘alternative’ sites to the 11 nominated sites in the UK government’s Strategic Siting Assessment (SSA) process for new nuclear power stations. This exercise was primarily carried out to meet the EC Habitats Directive requirement to consider alternatives if sites are proposed that would result in harm to the integrity of Natura 2000 sites.

In order to identify ‘alternative’ sites, Atkins used information from energy companies, historic site studies carried out by the Central Electricity Generating Board (CEGB) and in-house technical expertise to carry out a national screening study of England and Wales. Detailed knowledge of the Habitats Directive was essential.

A cutting edge customised GIS system was set up using existing data sets to allow potential areas to be identified. Expert input was provided on ecology, as well as other disciplines including flood risk, population, air risk, coastal erosion, heritage and land-use planning. Over thirty experts in fifteen different fields contributed.

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Coastal Defence Works for Network RailClient: Network Rail

Kyle of Lochalsh Essential repair works were needed for a number of rock armour coastal defences on the railway line in the Kyle of Lochalsh and Duirinish area. Network Rail received a survey instruction from Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) to assess the impact of works on the resident otter population, a European Protected Species, and also identify the presence of Biodiversity Action Plan habitats. Atkins undertook the required specialist otter survey and successfully completed an application to the Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department (SEERAD) Wildlife Division for a licence permitting works to proceed.

Ardgay Atkins undertook ecological surveys prior to coastal defence works at Ardgay, including detailed otter surveys. Due to the works being located within and adjacent to the Dornoch Firth & Morrich More Special Area of Conservation (SAC), and the potential for the works to result in a significant effect upon the qualifying features of the site, a Habitats Regulations Assessment was undertaken. A detailed method statement was provided as part of this assessment, which was subsequently agreed by SNH. The method statement documented the requirement for further ecological surveys and ecological site supervision. Our ecologists undertook site supervision works which included the provision of tool box talks, establishing exclusion zones and advising on best works practice to minimise the impact on the SAC.

Longannet Power Station Life Extension ProjectClient: ScottishPower ScottishPower was proposing to install Select Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology to Longannet Power Station in Fife. The technology, designed to reduce NOX emissions to meet future European Community Directives, would extend the operational lifespan of the power station until around 2030.

The life extension would result in the continued production of fly ash (a by-product of combusted coal during the power generation process) which was being deposited in purpose-built lagoons at Longannet and 3km to the east at Valleyfield. However, as these ash disposal facilities were nearing their storage capacities, the project also explored options for the future management and disposal of ash.

Longannet Power Station and the associated ash lagoons are located on the north shore of the Forth Estuary where the intertidal mudflats are designated as part of the Firth of Forth Special Protection Area (SPA) of international importance for its wetland bird populations.

The initial ash strategy proposals involved extension of the existing ash lagoons out into the Forth Estuary. However, preliminary results from the wetland bird surveys identified that this strategy was likely to have significant adverse effects on the SPA and was likely to be of considerable concern to Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH). As a result of our advice, ScottishPower revised their proposals to avoid this conflict.

In addition, the proposals would result in the ultimate loss of some wetland habitat that regularly supported 700 lapwings, one of the qualifying features of the SPA. SNH required that a Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) was undertaken, including winter bird surveys. The HRA assessed the results of the surveys together with a critical evaluation of the lapwing use of other retained habitats in the area and concluded that there would be no adverse effects on the SPA, thus allowing the proposals to go ahead as planned.

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Wind turbine schemesClient: Partnerships for Renewables Partnerships for Renewables commissioned Atkins to provide ecological input throughout the design and planning application of two of their wind turbine schemes, one at the Wheal Jane site in Cornwall and one at Boddington Reservoir in Northamptonshire. Our initial walkover surveys identified key potential ecological constraints at both sites and enabled our specialists to design and implement a suite of appropriate surveys.

Typical key constraints to wind turbine projects involve bat and bird species at risk of collision with the turning blades and the side effects of air pressure changes surrounding the blades. Early input into the scheme allowed us to identify key migrating routes of birds and commuting / foraging areas of importance to bats and advise on the micro-siting of turbines in order to avoid these areas.

We mapped bats’ foraging areas, key commuting routes and roosts and followed Natural England guidance in siting the turbines as far as possible from these features. Monitoring programmes will be implemented during the operational lifespan of the turbines in order to monitor any adverse effects on bats.

Adverse effects on birds were extrapolated from vantage point surveys, wintering bird surveys and breeding bird surveys using collision risk modelling based on appropriate official guidance. Avoidance and mitigation measures, including micro-siting of the turbines and vegetation clearance around the turbines to deter birds from nesting, were proposed to reduce the risk to bird species.

Further to this, surveys were undertaken to determine the presence / absence of other protected species in the area - such as badgers and great crested newts. The location of any evidence was then mapped and the infrastructure associated with the project was assessed in terms of the effect on the protected species while appropriate avoidance and mitigation measures were incorporated into the masterplan. Such measures included avoidance of key habitat areas, translocation of hedgerows and implementation of stand-off zones around sensitive features.

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07Our experience Water Environment Agency National Engineering and Environmental Contract AgreementClient: Environment AgencyAtkins is one of six consultants appointed to the Environment Agency National Engineering and Environmental Contract Agreement (NEECA). The framework is one of the largest consultancy frameworks in the public sector. Our ecologists routinely undertake a range of tasks under this framework including:

• Phase I habitat surveys

• Phase II vegetation surveys

• Interpretation of results, identification of impacts and recommendations for avoidance, management and / or mitigation

• Coordination of environmental assessments for flood risk management schemes

• Identification and design of environmental enhancements

• Habitats Regulations Assessments for flood risk management schemes and strategies

• Environmental Clerk of Works role

• Preparation of Environmental Management Plans

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We have worked on a number of schemes under NEECA including the following.

Congresbury Yeo Atkins’ ecologists undertook work on the scheme which entailed the realignment of approximately 500 m of existing defence along the Congresbury Yeo, 3 km north-east of Weston-super-Mare, North Somerset. Inputs included: Phase 1 habitat survey; great crested newt and breeding bird surveys; great crested newt licence application, trapping, translocation and monitoring; and badger sett licence application and sett closure. As the site forms a part of the Severn Estuary Special Protection Area, Special Area of Conservation and Ramsar site, a ‘test of Likely Significant Effect’ was completed and signed off by Natural England. As part of the scheme, 2.7 ha of intertidal habitat is currently being created.

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Hereford Flood Alleviation SchemeThe scheme involved the provision of raised defences on the south bank of the river in the centre of Hereford. Atkins’ support included: Phase 1 habitat survey; river corridor survey; otter survey; badger survey; bat surveys; aquatic invertebrate survey; and white clawed crayfish survey. The team also prepared the biodiversity chapter for the Environmental Statement submitted with the planning application for the scheme. During construction we provided emergency conservation work support, including checking structures for bats prior to the start of works and providing advice on working restrictions in the vicinity of breeding birds. Enhancements incorporated into the scheme design included the installation of nesting tubes for birds such as kingfishers and sand martins with the new defence walls.

Other projectsOther projects recently worked on under the framework include the new Tredegar flood alleviation scheme in South Wales, the Pill flood alleviation scheme in Bristol and the Caldicot defences in South Wales.

Severn Estuary Shoreline Management Plan Review (SMP2) and Flood Risk Management Strategy (FRMS)Client: Environment Agency and Monmouth CouncilAtkins was commissioned by the Environment Agency (EA) to produce a strategy to guide investment in flood risk management around the Severn Estuary for the next 100 years. The project involved the assessment of the predicted changes in the Estuary and the development of responses to manage the risks to people, properties and protected sites.

In a parallel, but linked contract, Atkins was commissioned by the Severn Estuary Coastal Group to develop the Shoreline Management Plan review for the Severn. This assessed current

and future risk associated with the coastal processes around the estuary over the next 100 years and identified broad policies for future management of coastline. In addition to the management plans, associated assessments were produced, including a Strategic Environmental Assessment, a Habitats Regulations Assessment and a Habitat Delivery Plan identifying suitable sites for habitat creation and compensation.

Issues addressed by the project included the conflict between the natural and human environment in the context of climate change and sea level rise, and the need to identify areas for future habitat creation to offset losses within existing European sites that are likely to arise as a result of coastal squeeze.

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08Our experienceFutures

Character Area Climate Change Project Client:NaturalEnglandAtkins has been assisting Natural England with its flagship climate change adaptation project since its inception in 2007. Through the Character Area Climate Change Project, Natural England aims to assess the natural environment’s vulnerability to the impacts of climate change and develop adaptation responses at a landscape scale. The project involved detailed studies of multiple areas across the country, starting with four pilots in the Cumbria High Fells, Dorset Downs and Cranbourne Chase, the Shropshire Hills and The Broads, followed by eight further studies.

Throughout the project, Atkins has assisted Natural England in planning ahead to deliver its aim of providing a natural environment that is healthy now and will remain so in the future, enjoyed by people and used sustainably. The main benefit of the project has been the development of a methodology for assessing the vulnerability of the character and function of the natural environment to the impacts of climate change, as well as developing sustainable adaptation responses at a landscape scale. By considering ecosystem services in addition to landscape character, the adaptation plans help Natural England to build natural environmental resilience and to safeguard the benefits people receive from the natural environment.

Air Quality Assessment for Sensitive EcosystemsAir quality assessment is undertaken as part of the EIA process where transport or industrial process emissions may be of concern (impacts on human health, vegetation and sensitive ecosystems). Air quality criteria for the protection of sensitive habitats are incorporated into the UK Air Quality Strategy and are an essential part of predicting the effects of environmental change in the long-term. It is the policy of the UK Statutory Nature Conservation Agencies to apply these criteria at all internationally designated conservation sites and Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), on a precautionary basis, as a benchmark. Where project proposals trigger assessment thresholds within specified distances of sensitive ecosystems, quantitative assessment of emissions is undertaken, according to relevant guidance. The results of these assessments are often incorporated into Appropriate Assessment reports as required under the Habitats Regulations. Atkins’ ecologists and air quality specialists work closely together to provide these assessments.

Lydd Airport expansion proposalsClient: Natural EnglandAtkins provided a suite of air quality services to Natural England in their opposition to proposals for airport expansion (runway and terminal development) at Lydd Airport, Ashford. The airport is in an ecologically sensitive location (particularly with respect to lichen communities) and is immediately adjacent to several internationally designated conservation sites. In addition, increased pollution once the airport is operational could affect the qualifying features of these sites as a result of increased nutrient nitrogen deposition and NOX levels.

Atkins’ services included: a detailed review of the airport’s Environmental Impact Assessment; further modelling including sensitivity tests of different assumptions; analysis of trends; active liaison between air quality specialists, ecologists and airport operators; technical investigations with the airport’s consultants; and preparation of public inquiry material (statements of case, statements of common ground, proofs of evidence, rebuttals, position papers, planning conditions, management strategies and specifications for monitoring plans). Through our work, air quality concerns were resolved to the satisfaction of both Natural England and the applicant.

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“Ecological aspects of the report are excellent and stand us in good stead to begin early consultation with Scottish Natural Heritage”

Network Rail

“Atkins produced solutions, not more questions, on time and within budget.”

Norrie Scott, Asset Planner, Scottish Water

What our clients say...

“We depend on Atkins to provide pragmatic ecological advice and innovative solutions that fully integrate with the ground engineering and remediation works required for the development of Coed Darcy Village.”

Neil Williams, Construction Manager, St Modwen Developments Ltd

“Long term ecological advice at one of our quarries is giving us real business benefits through the sensible solutions provided by Atkins.”

Grahame Fyles, Estates Manager, Tarmac Ltd

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