Project: Nine Pipeline Schemes across Lowland Derbyshire and the Peak District National Park

Client: Carillion Utility Services (formerly Alfred McAlpine) on behalf of Severn Trent Water

2007-present

Ecological Surveys Undertaken

Initially, ecological assessments were carried out at each of the sites. This included a desk study, an extended phase-1 habitat survey and the assessment of the habitats present for their potential to support protected/notable species. The locations of any ponds within 500m of the proposed pipeline routes were identified from aerial photographs and ordnance survey maps. The ponds were then assessed for their potential to support breeding populations of great crested newts.

Otter, Water Vole and Crayfish Survey of a River in Derbyshire

Bluebells Within a Species Rich Hedgerow in Derbyshire

Following these initial ecological assessments, evidence of and habitat suitable for a range of protected/notable species was identified within the vicinity of the pipeline routes and further survey work was recommended and subsequently undertaken.

Further survey work included:-

Great crested newt surveys of approximately fifty ponds.
Badger surveys of several pipeline routes and application of Natural England disturbance licence.
Otter, water vole and crayfish surveys of proposed river and stream crossing points.
Reptile surveys of unmanaged grassland areas along one pipeline route.

Mitigation

During this further survey work populations of great crested newts were found at six of the nine pipeline routes. EMEC Ecology worked closely with the client in order to determine appropriate mitigation strategies to reduce the chances of harm to the newts, to ensure provision for the newts during and after the construction phase and to minimise disruption and cost to the pipeline scheme.

A Dew Pond in Derbyshire Surveyed for Great Crested Newts

Newt Fencing Installed Along a Pipeline Route in Derbyshire

The largest scale mitigation for great crested newts involved installation of amphibian fencing and pitfall trapping of the working corridor to ensure all great crested newts were removed from the area of works. All potential refuges for great crested newts, such as dry stone walls, were dismantled by hand and any newts found were removed to a place of safety. These works were undertaken under the supervision of an appropriately licensed member of EMEC Ecology staff.

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