31 July 2002
ENL is continuing with the preparation and management of the Integrated Environmental Impact Assessment (IEIA) for the STRATHSPEY and BADENOCH WATER SUPPLY involving the repair and possible improvement of the existing water supply system in Glen Einich and at Loch Einich (gaelic: Eanaich) in the Cairngorm Mountains in the Scottish Highlands.
This project is delivered by Scottish Water and relies on engineering advice from consultants Faber Maunsell Ltd, Edinburgh.
ENL is closely collaborating with the Macaulay Institute in Aberdeen who are providing specialist expertise in the application of a Geographic Information System (GIS) which assembles and analyses the extensive environmental and contractual data sets required for the execution of this project.
The Glen Einich supply system receives water from Loch Einich and supplies the Strathspey and Badenoch district, broadly centred around Aviemore, Scotland's major tourism resort. Loch Einich has been the main source of water to the area since the early 1970's.
Loch Einich is situated in Glen Einich at the centre of the Cairngorms Mountains. These mountains are characterised by many conflicting interests and activities which is exemplified by the dominant pattern of land ownership, their role as one of the major recreational areas in Scotland and the high level of international, European and national environmental protection afforded to the area - such as Ramsar Site and an European NATURA 2000 site including the designations Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and Special Protection Area (SPA). This makes this area one of the key protected sites in Scotland. - while at the SAM Europee time representing the key water resource for the district. The area is further proposed as a National Park and World Heritage Site and also has a host of national designations (Special Site of Scientific Interest - SSSI; National Nature Reserve - NNR; National Scenic Area - NSA; and Environmentally Sensitive Area - ESA).
The ongoing work forms part of the Strathspey & Badenoch Water Supply Improvements project for the in the Cairngorm Mountains. In compliance with the EIA legislation these studies involve baseline reviews for geology and soils, (surface) hydrology, ecology (esp. fish ecology); archaeology and cultural heritage, land use and recreation, landscape and visual appraisal, forestry, agriculture, air and water quality, noise and vibration. Access in to the glen and the loch represents a crucial component of all study work. In particular stakeholder relations and the provision of detailed mitigation measures for an area quoted as "the jewel of nature conservation in Scotland" feature prominently in the overall work.
Peter K A Barz, principal environmental assessor and manager explains: "This project represents a precedence case for improving an existing high-quality water supply within a NATURA 2000 site in Scotland, juxtaposing established rights of Scottish Water, the recent NATURA legislation and issues of human rights. We are very pleased to be able to lead the environmental work in this project and develop early expertise in the application of the NATURA 2000 legislation in a potentially highly controversial case".
R Drennan Watson, expert in stakeholder relations and mountain management, says: "The challenge of this project is the integration of the engineering demands of the construction of water supply infrastructure in an internationally, European and nationally protected area, with the views and expectations of diverse stakeholder groups, such as statutory consultees, non-governmental organisations, the land owner as well as local people and businesses".
The work will be carried out through the application of the Integrated Environmental Impact Assessment (IEIA) methodology, an assessment system specifically developed by ENL for such complex and potentially controversial development projects. IEIA integrates in a formal system the demands of engineering, environmental protection and social expectations and develops detailed specifications for project implementation including post-project monitoring.
Ecologist Leonie Alexander confirms: "This is an opportunity for ENL to apply the results of the company's uniquely forward-looking approach to environmental management and promote the principles of the integration of the design of infrastructure developments with the needs of environmental protection and the outlook of those who are affected most by such development."
ENL presently is closely liaising with the land owner and Scottish Natural Heritage, managers of the site, taking advice on aspects of the design and mitigation measures of the improved water supply system.