Environmental Monitoring

Landfill Monitoring

ECOFACT is currently involved in the biological monitoring of a number of landfill sites both in Ireland (Tramore, Bottlehill, Knockharley, Fassaroe, Youghal) and Northern Ireland (Culmore, Derry).

Monitoring of construction projects

ECOFACT is currently providing ecological and environmental monitoring services at a number of major construction sites, including the Mullingar Sewage Scheme.

Monitoring of OPW maintenance works and flood schemes

Drainage Schemes

ECOFACT is currently providing ecological and environment monitoring services at the Fergus Upper (Ennis) Drainage Scheme. This scheme is located within the Lower Shannon SAC within the main spawning area of Sea lampreys and River lampreys in the Fergus catchment.

Arterial Drainage Scheme Maintenance Works

ECOFACT was commissioned by the OPW during 2008 to assess and monitor the impact of the national arterial drainage maintenance scheme on the Natura 2000 site network. The output of this assessment is presented in the following report which will be published as part of OPW's Series of Ecological Impact Assessments of Arterial Drainage Maintenance;

• O'Connor, W., & McDonnell, D. (2008) Report for the Ecological Assessment of the Significance of Impacts of proposed scheduled Arterial Drainage Scheme channel and embankment maintenance works on SACs & SPAs. Series of Ecological Impact Assessments of Arterial Drainage Maintenance.

Maintenance Works on the River Shannon

ECOFACT has also been commissioned by the OPW to monitor maintenance works on the old River Shannon during 2009. An EcIA for these works was prepared by ECOFACT during 2008. These works are located within the Lower Shannon SAC and include the construction of a 600m long flood relief channel though alluvial woodland adjoining the river. This woodland has encroached onto the River Shannon channel since the reduction of flows in the area following the completion of the Shannon Hydroelectric Scheme.