Hydroelectric Developments

Waterside Ecology delivers objective survey, assessment and monitoring for a range of hydro developments, from micro-hydroelectric schemes to large scale power generation and pumped storage schemes. Our services range from initial assistance with scoping of potential environmental sensitivities, to survey design, data collection, analysis, interpretation and presentation of results. We maintain close contact with our clients throughout, ensuring that our work fits their needs. By matching our field expertise with a good understanding of the ecological requirements of species of concern, and the legislation surrounding their conservation, we can provide the necessary technical input for EIA and reports that are both comprehensive and supported by high quality data.

Value

Multi-skilled surveyors are able to cover a range of freshwater and riparian surveys. This makes our services cost-effective, especially for small-scale hydroelectric developments where a single surveyor can often carry out several surveys. We have many years of experience of working with both developers and regulators, giving us a clear understanding of the requirements of the regulators and enabling us to assist clients in submitting clear, relevant information to planners.

 

Waterside Ecology provides

• Freshwater and riparian biological surveys: freshwater fish, fish habitat, otters, water voles, freshwater pearl mussels and freshwater invertebrates.

• Badger, red squirrel, pine marten and bat surveys.

• Advice on legislation, licensing issues and environmental mitigation relating to riparian species and habitats.

• Technical input to ES and EIA.

 

Recent projects

• Fish assessment for proposed pumped storage hydroelectric schemes

(EnviroCentre, 2010-12). Habitat assessment and fish surveys (gill netting, electric fishing) for two proposed pumped storage hydroelectric schemes. Identification of potential impacts. Technical advice on EIA.

• Boor Hydro, Wester Ross. (Boor Hydro Ltd., 2012). Survey of otters and guidance on licensing requirements for otter resting sites identified along construction route.

• Glen Tarken Hydro, Perthshire. (Campbell of Doune, 2012). Fish habitat assessment for proposed high head scheme.

• Pattack Hydro Scheme, (EnviroCentre, 2010-11). Survey of fish populations for large volume, high head, hydroelectric scheme with storage. Development of mitigation and input to EIA.

• River Grudie Hydro Scheme (Wallingford Hydrosolutions Ltd, 2011). Assessments of otter, water vole and fish populations for high head hydroelectric scheme in Wester Ross.