Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need a resource consent?
Your local or regional council has a plan that is the founding document for all development in your region. The plan provides policies rules and objectives that must be complied with to ensure sustainable management of our natural and physical resources. It is likely that your development may not be permitted without demonstrating you plan to avoid remedy or mitigate any environmental impacts you may cause. This is usually addressed in an environmental impact assessment. Contact EIA to discuss your proposal, we are happy to help.
What is the difference between an Environmental Impact Assessment and an Assessment of Environmental Effects?
An environmental impact assessment is a technical report that examines how a proposed activity may affect the environment and identifies ways to avoid, remedy or mitigate those effects. An assessment of environmental effects (AEE) describes the effects of a proposal as part of a resource consent application. Ecological and freshwater assessments provide technical information used in an AEE. Contact EIA to discuss the ecological or freshwater information your project may require.
What is ecological offsetting?
Sometimes your impacts may not be able to be reduced sufficiently onsite. You must therefore consider ecological offsetting whereby the impacts of your development could be offset to another site by making restoration efforts to the other site. This usually requires an ecological restoration management plan that identifies the necessary work required to mitigate the effects of the proposed activity. Contact EIA to discuss your case, where are happy to provide advice to ensure your proposal gets consented.
Do I need an ecological assessment to build or develop near a stream or wetland?An ecological assessment may be required when a development is proposed near a stream or wetland. setbacks from wetlands and stream are relevant to developments of all sizes. The specific requirements depend on the site proposed work and applicable planning rules. Contact the relevant council and EIA for advice on what assessments may be needed.
What does an ecological assessment include?The scope depends on the site and proposed activity. An assessment may involve a site visit and surveys of water quality aquatic invertebrates, fish and aquatic and stream side vegetation. These observations inform a technical report identifying potential ecological effects and measures to mitigate them.
What is a wetland delineation and when do I need one undertaken?
A wetland delineation helps identify and map the extent of a wetland. It is relevant when planning earthworks, development or changes in land use near an area that could be a wetland. The wetland delineation assessment requires measurements of hydrology, vegetation, and geology.
What is an ecological management plan?
An ecological management plan outlines how you may improve the habitat of a given environment. Common plans include wetland enhancement plans and riparian enhancement plans. WE DO THIS STUFF!
How much does a freshwater ecology survey cost and how long does it take to complete?
Costs and timeframes vary depending on the location, number of sites, type of survey, seasonal considerations and reporting requirements. To request a quote, provide EIA with details of your proposal and timeframes you wish to meet.
What parts of New Zealand do you work in?
All of New Zealand. Historically much of our work has been in the North Island including Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Hawke's Bay, Taranaki, Manawatu, Wellington and Wairarapa. Contact EIA to discuss your project location and requirements.
Can you undertake water quality testing and monitoring?
EIA provides water quality monitoring and technical reporting services. The appropriate measurements and monitoring programme depend on the site and project requirements. Contact EIA to discuss your water quality monitoring needs.
What is community science?
Community science is just that, local communities conducting scientific surveys to better understand the state of environment for their region. We work with kindergartens, community groups, schools and universities to formulate state of our environment reporting! Its fun and we all learn! We’re all in this together folks, we are the technical support end to these projects. Need help? Then contact us because WE DO THIS STUFF!
