Protos Carbon Capture Facility

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Ecology Consulting is the ecology lead for the development of the Protos Carbon Capture Facility, a pioneering initiative aimed at reducing carbon emissions. The facility, situated within a designated site in Cheshire West and Chester, required a comprehensive ecological strategy to assess and mitigate environmental impacts effectively.

Scope Of Work

The project involved a range of ecological assessments and regulatory compliance measures to ensure the facility's sustainable integration within its sensitive environment. Ecology Consulting was responsible for:

• Habitat & Species Surveys -  Conducting extensive field surveys to assess biodiversity within the project area.
• Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Scoping & Environmental Statement (ES) Chapter for Biodiversity - Providing a thorough evaluation of potential ecological impacts and necessary mitigation measures.
• Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) & Appropriate Assessment - Evaluating the project’s potential effects on nearby designated sites, including a Special Protection Area (SPA) and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
• Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Assessment - Ensuring the project adheres to biodiversity enhancement objectives.
• Stakeholder Engagement - Facilitating discussions with regulatory authorities, local conservation groups, and other stakeholders to agree on impact mitigation strategies.
• Planning & Reserved Matters Discharge - Providing ecological inputs required to satisfy planning conditions related to biodiversity and habitat conservation.

Challenges & Solutions

The Protos Carbon Capture Facility is located within a Local Wildlife Site and in proximity to an SPA and SSSI, requiring a meticulous approach to ecological compliance. Ecology Consulting successfully navigated:

• Regulatory Compliance - By engaging proactively with stakeholders, the team secured agreement on necessary mitigation measures.
• Impact Mitigation - Designing strategies to minimise disturbance to protected species and habitats, ensuring legal and environmental compliance.
• Long-Term Sustainability - Implementing biodiversity enhancements to deliver a net gain for local ecology.

Outcome & Ongoing Work

Through strategic planning and expert ecological assessment, Ecology Consulting has played a critical role in ensuring the Protos Carbon Capture Facility progresses in an environmentally responsible manner. The successful agreement of mitigation measures and discharge of ecology-related reserved matters demonstrate the project’s commitment to sustainability.

The work remains ongoing, with continued monitoring and assessment to uphold environmental standards and contribute to a low-carbon future. Ecology Consulting’s expertise in ecological consultancy has been pivotal in balancing industrial development with ecological conservation.