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.