Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
negligible (ABPmer 2004b). Table 4.5 summarizes
the types of monitoring adopted over a range of
different UK projects (site locations are shown in
Fig. 4.7).
As part of the process of designing bespoke
monitoring programmes it is recommended that
careful consideration is given to the methodology
and the value of the information in the context,
especially, of the costs that will be incurred for
its collection. For instance, taking and analysing
benthic invertebrate samples according to stan-
dardized quantitative methods can be very costly
when, for the purposes of broad-scale site evalua-
tions, all that may be needed is a qualitative
survey of community status to provide an indica-
tion of ecological functionality and waterbird prey
resource levels. Thus the importance of the infor-
mation must be established and a clear dissocia-
tion maintained between what is essential and
what is 'nice to know'.
Monitoring and Evaluating Scheme
Performance
A final key component of a successful realign-
ment is the implementation of an effective
monitoring programme. This has two key func-
tions: to verify the impact predictions and to
assess the site's development (e.g. against com-
pensation or biodiversity targets). Generic guid-
ance on monitoring methods is available (Defra/
EA 2004).
Aswithmany other aspects ofmanaged realign-
ment though, the detailed composition of the
monitoring programme will reflect site-specific
requirements. For instance, while Wallasea North
Bank needed careful consideration of the hydro-
dynamic impacts within the Crouch Estuary (due
to the 2%tidal prismchange) thiswas not relevant
for a site in the Humber Estuary (also on the east
coast of the UK), where the tidal prism change is
Table 4.5
Types of monitoring undertaken at recent UK managed realignment sites
Site No.
Site
1
Northey Island
x
x
3
Orplands
x
x
x
4
Tollesbury
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
6
Lantern Marsh
x
x
8
Trimley
x
x
x
x
10
Pillmouth
x
11
Bleadon Levels
x
x
x
x
12
Abbotts Hall
x
x
x
X
x
13
Brancaster West Marsh
x
14
Brandy Hole
x
15
Freiston Shore
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
16
Nigg Bay
x
x
x
x
17
Paull Holme Strays
x
x
x
x
19
Alkborough
x
x
x
x
21
Chowder Ness
x
x
x
x
22
Wallasea
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
23
Welwick
x
x
x
x
Source: http://www.abpmer.net/omreg/; see Fig. 4.7 for site locations.
N.B. No or very limited monitoring undertaken at the following UK sites: Annery Kiln, Black Devon Wetlands, Thorness Bay, Watertown Farm.
Details are unknown for the following UK sites: Alnmouth, Cone Pill, Glasson, Horsey Island, Millennium Terraces, Montrose Basin, Pawlett Hams.
