CASE STUDY
Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) Portmarnock
AVRIO were appointed by an established civil and groundworks contractor within Dublin to undertake baseline ecological surveys and undertake ecological clerk of works throughout the duration of a housing development project located in Portmarnock, Co. Dublin.
The project consisted of AVRIO surveying the site, undertaking predevelopment baseline ecological surveys prior to works commencement and undertaking Ecological Clerk of Works on the development over several months.
The AVRIO ECoW team are all members of relevant charted institutes such as the ‘Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM)’, the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA), and the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM).
Works undertaken included the following:
- Conducting predevelopment ecology surveys, to include protected species surveys, i.e. breeding birds, newts, badgers, and other protected species;
- Preparation of pragmatic ecological management plans prior to construction;
- Monitoring compliance with the environmental mitigation measures detailed in ecological management and monitoring plans.
- Monitoring vegetation stripping, storage and reinstatement.
- Advising the developer on adequate protection of nature conservation interests on the site;
- Carrying out regular monitoring on nearby watercourses;
- Monitoring the condition of the undisturbed areas for signs of damage, erosion, pollution, fly tipping and other effects;
- Undertaking incident investigation and reporting in the event of a pollution or disturbance;
- Providing update reports to the contractor, client, and local authority.
Baseline surveys conducted identified environmental and ecological sensitivities at the site prior to works commencing. Such sensitivities were identified and managed according to appropriate planning and environmental requirements, whilst recognising the need to progress within the required project timescales.
The Environmental Clerk of Works team formed the first point of contact for all environmental issues on site. AVRIO was responsible for monitoring all construction activities to ensure that there is minimal damage to the environment, and liaising with them to resolve any issues that arose.
AVRIO effectively liaised with statutory bodies, the contractors representatives and the client throughout the project and ensured a successful outcome.
The project was delivered on time and within budget, and all associated parties were happy with the outcome.
