Energy

ECOFACT are currently preparing assessments for a number of renewable energy developments, including wind farms, small hydro-electric schemes, pumped hydro schemes and large scale hydro schemes.

Small hydro schemes

The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) proposes to restore a small Hydro-Electric Power Scheme (HEPS) at the Roe Valley Country Park (RVCP) near Limavady, County Londonderry. The River Roe is an important fishery for salmon and sea trout and, along with its tributaries, is a designated Special Area of Conservation (SAC Code UK0030360). The primary reason for designation of this site is the presence of the Annex II Atlantic salmon. ECOFACT prepared the water quality, fisheries and aquatic ecology impact assessment for the scheme. During the baseline survey of the river a significant population of the Annex II listed brook lamprey was recorded in the river.

Pumped hydro schemes

We recently assessed a number of options for a proposed pumped storage hydroelectric scheme in the Derrynasaggart Mountains. The studies undertaken included a gill netting assessment of 4 lakes and an electrical fishing assessment of the streams flowing from the subject water bodies. A comparative impact assessment comparing the likely impacts on a scheme on each aquatic system was prepared.

Large hydro schemes

ECOFACT has been involved with a number of ESB fisheries management programmes on the Rivers Shannon, Lee (Cork), Erne, Liffey and Clady/Crolly.

Wind Energy

ECOFACT has undertaken a number of Ecological Impact Assessments for Wind Energy Projects both in the Republic and Northern Ireland. Surveys completed included specialist bird surveys for bird species such as Red Grouse and Hen Harriers.