Mac & Field Consultants

Ecological Assessments & EIA Support

Mac & Field conducts ecological assessments to identify existing ecological values, potential environmental impacts and project constraints. Our work helps clients understand the ecological characteristics of a project area and make informed decisions during project planning, permitting and implementation.

Depending on the project, location and applicable environmental requirements, our services include:

Ecological quickscan

An ecological quickscan provides an initial assessment of the ecological characteristics and potential sensitivities of a project area. It may include:

Identification of potentially present habitats and species
Assessment of potential project impacts
Identification of ecological constraints and opportunities
Determination of whether additional surveys are required
Advice on mitigation, monitoring and project planning
Ecological input for environmental and development permit applications

In-depth flora and fauna surveys

Where more detailed ecological information is required, we can conduct targeted marine or terrestrial surveys. These may include:

Species-specific surveys
Surveys of protected, threatened or ecologically important species
Habitat-use assessments
Assessment of species distribution and abundance
Identification of breeding, resting or foraging areas
Development of mitigation and monitoring measures

Marine and terrestrial baseline assessments

Baseline assessments establish the existing ecological conditions of a project area before development or other interventions take place. Our work may include:

Mapping of habitats and important ecological features
Surveys of marine and terrestrial flora and fauna
Assessment of species distribution and abundance
Description of ecological processes and habitat condition
Identification of sensitive or high-value areas
Establishment of a reference point for impact assessment and future monitoring

Ecological input for Environmental Impact Assessments

Mac & Field can prepare the complete ecological component of an Environmental Impact Assessment or provide specialist ecological input as part of a wider multidisciplinary EIA team.

Our contribution may include:

Scoping of relevant ecological issues
Design and coordination of baseline surveys
Description of habitats, species and ecological processes
Assessment of direct, indirect and cumulative impacts
Evaluation of project alternatives
Development of avoidance, mitigation and compensation measures
Preparation of monitoring programmes
Preparation of the ecological chapter of the EIA

Our assessments provide a clear and evidence-based understanding of ecological risks and the measures required to avoid, minimise, restore or monitor environmental impacts.