Project screening

In 2008/09, we assessed the ecological, archaeological and cultural heritage impacts of 285 schemes at 860 locations.

These projects range from small repairs to existing pipes and improvements to sewage treatment works, through to major new cross country pipelines, new sewage treatment works and brand new reservoirs.

During the screening process, we use a Geographic Information System (GIS) and our in-house site databases to identify protected or important wildlife, heritage and landscape sites.

We frequently obtain additional information on particular sites from Biological Records Centres, County Archaeologists, English Heritage, Natural England, and the Wildlife Trusts.

Site assessments and detailed surveys are undertaken for the vast majority of our projects and these help us to plan around protected sites or species. Where possible, we also try to identify opportunities in which local environments can be enhanced as part of our work.