(Contributions to) Environmental Assessments

Are you planning to develop a project and would like to know if it is likely to have an impact on the local flora, fauna, and/or natural habitats? More than just a philosophical or moral question, this issue is also driven by regulatory requirements.

Depending on the nature of your project and its location (whether near a protected area or not), regulatory requirements exist to assess the project’s potential impact on the environment in the broadest sense. At Ecofirst, we specialize in biodiversity studies, and within this framework, we can conduct the following studies for you:

• Appropriate Impact Assessment (AIA): This type of study is required in the Walloon Region for projects that are likely to impact species and/or habitats covered by Natura 2000. Natura 2000 is a European network of sites that host species and/or habitats considered to be part of our heritage, and for which Member States must ensure their proper conservation. The EIA is one of the components of the application dossier for an environmental permit or a single permit.
• Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report: The purpose of this document is to identify, describe, and appropriately assess the direct and indirect impacts of the project on various factors: health, the human population, land, subsoil, air, noise, vibrations, …, and biodiversity (particularly protected species and habitats). At Ecofirst, we are able to develop all sections of the report related to biodiversity (fauna, flora, and habitats). Depending on the specific projects and established partnerships, we handle the collection of field data for bird and/or bat inventories, analyze this data (including bat recordings), or draft the entire biodiversity section of the EIA. In Wallonia, the environmental impact assessment report must accompany urban planning permits, urbanization permits, Type 2 urban planning certificates, as well as Class 2 environmental permits and single permits.

After assessing your project’s potential impact on biodiversity, Ecofirst will propose measures to minimize that impact. Where appropriate, mitigation or compensation measures may also be considered.