Exploring Cumulative Effects Offshore
In the last in the IA Network mini-series on cumulative effects, Sarah Edwards (Xodus) and Murray Grant (Royal Haskoning DHV) discuss the challenges and solutions of such assessments in offshore EIA practice.
Presentation 1: Reality and Challenges in offshore cumulative effects assessment.- CLICK HERE
Sarah Edwards discusses Defra’s recently established working group on CEA in the marine environment. The presentation will cover three areas:
1. An overview of the aims and objectives of the working group.
2. An outline of how CEA was approached for a recent floating offshore wind project. (Statoil Hywind Scotland 30 MW demonstration project), discussing the methods between different receptors and highlighting key issues encountered (e.g. agreeing assessment criteria and significance thresholds).
3. Review of how the challenges in conducting the Hywind CEA align with aims and objectives of the Defra working group.
Presentation 2: Challenges and Solutions in assessing cumulative impacts on Seabird Populations.- CLICK HERE
Murray Grant will use the example of offshore wind farms and seabird populations in the UK to consider the challenges that exist in undertaking cumulative impact assessments on such receptors. It will also illustrate approaches that have been taken to address the challenges in determining magnitude, likelihood and spatial distribution of cumulative effects related to highly mobile seabird populations.
Speaker Biographies:
Sarah Edwards is a principal environmental consultant at Xodus Group with experience of EIA and cumulative effects assessment in the offshore environment.
Murray Grant is an experienced avian ecologist with Royal HaskoningDHV. His background is in applied ecological research with recent focus on ornithological assessments within EIA for renewables developments (offshore and onshore). Murray has published widely in the peer reviewed scientific literature, is a contributory author for several books on ornithology and ecology.
Launch of Principles of Cultural Heritage Impact Assessment in the UK
This webinar launched the first edition of ‘Principles for Cultural Heritage Impact Assessment’, prepared jointly by IEMA, CIfA and IHBC.
This webinar was aimed at helping professionals (re)define principles and develop a framework for assessment, especially for those wanting a holistic approach to impact assessment in line with international standards.
Scotland’s EIA Conference 2021 closed the unique online event with the opportunity to refresh knowledge of key EIA case law and understand different professional perspectives on what this may mean for practice.
This third session of the online Scotland’s EIA Conference programme turned its attention to the rapid progress being made in the expanded use of digital approaches to improve the effectiveness and outcomes of the EIA process.
Scotland’s EIA Conference is a partnership event designed and coordinated between: Fothergill Training & Consulting, the Scottish Government, HES, NatureScot and SEPA with the aim of furthering the enhance of EIA practice across Scotland. This opening session of the conference focused on opportunities to advance EIA practice.
The second day of online delivery of Scotland’s EIA Conference saw three experienced presenters discuss their views on EIA’s progress in different aspects of climate change and nature enhancement goals.
This Impact Assessment Network webinar, on the interaction of Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) heard from practitioners from both specialisms on the differences and similarities between these impact assessment regimes and how greater coordination can be achieved with case studies.
