Pilot study of the activity assessment routine, ecological systems component
Abstract
Use of the ecological systems component of the activity assessment
routine has been tested and demonstrated in a pilot study assessment of a
proposed dredging project in Matagorda Bay. The ecological impacts of the
project were assessed; the time, personnel, and data requirements for the
assessment were identified; refinements to the methodology were made; and the
ESC was evaluated in terms of its ability to meet the objectives of impact
assessment and satisfy federal environmental report requirements. The findings
of this study are:
I. The ESC provides a suitable statement of impacts comparable to
that contained in the joint environmental report prepared for the
proposed project; the analysis supports the statement of significant
impacts prepared by the project sponsors.
2. The ESC is a better method of presenting the impacts in a format
for interpretation by the policy makers.
3. The ESC provides better documentation of the ecological factors
and impacts considered for legal purposes.
4. Time, manpower, and data requirements, and hence, overall costs to
use the ESC as an analytical tool, are approximately the same as
existing methodologies and would not lengthen the permitting process.
5. The ESC can be further refined and improved; however, it can be
practically used in its present state where relevant in the permitting
process.
6. The ESC can be used to partially fulfill federal environmental report
requirements for assessment of ecological impacts.