ECoW Services

...the role of the ecological clerk of works is to ensure good practice is followed on site and that issues of concern are identified and resolved early enough before they threaten the environment and the successful delivery of the project.

  

ECoW services on windfarm development in Sutherland on peatland

The effective use of an Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) by HEDS on your construction project will help to prevent significant impacts by the contractor to the ecological value of the site. The ECoW will work closely with the contractor and client to ensure compliance with planning conditions and current environmental best practice. This will enhance the reputation of the contractor and client commissioning the work.

During construction projects there is a high risk of environmental incidents impacting on habitats, species, water and air. High quality onsite environmental and ecological advice can help avoid or manage such incidents.  
 
With fines for many environmental and ecological incidents or breaches in licences or consents, the Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) has a major role to play working alongside the contractor to deliver the project successfully.
 
 
 
 
  
supervision of construction of a public access project within a SSSI 
 
 
 
An ECoW can be employed to undertake:
 
Pre and post construction site investigations - survey to identify high risk areas of the site or longer term impacts eg. threats to water quality, protected species and priority habitats
 
Supervision of works during construction phase – presence of ECoW minimises the impact of the works, ensures the effectiveness of mitigation works and compliance with agreed standards
 
Environmental Auditing – we can be undertaken an audit of activities to assess compliance with agreed conditions
 
 
An ECoW may be appointed to be on site full time during the construction phase as part of the planning consent; on smaller scale projects, an ECoW may be on site on a part-time basis.
 
 
Recording, Reporting and Monitoring
 
Whilst the project is underway the ECoW will provide:
  • a daily site log of on-going works
  • weekly report to the client including a list of Corrective Action Requests to the contractor to ensure best practice is followed on site 
  • Environmental Audit based on a checklist that will include planning conditions and good environmental practice agreed between planning authority, client and contractor
  • representation of client at daily, weekly or monthly site meetings
  • toolbox talks to operatives on environmental issues relevant to site works
  • photo record of works as digital images
  • monitoring of key environmental variables eg water quality

 

monitoring water quality on a windfarm site with a hand held meter - turbidity, dissolved oxygen, conductivity and pH

Use the Feedback tab on the left to send us an enquiry  or e mail us at consultants@highlandecologyanddevelopment.com

 

 

 

 

Site Last Updated - 07/12/2009 13:20:09
Highland Ecology and Development Services is an association of consultants based in the Highlands established by Paul Young BSc, MSc, MiCFor & CEnv and Phil James BSc (Hons), MIEEM