AQUATIC ECOLOGICAL ASSESSMENTS
SERVICING QLD AND THROUGHOUT AUSTRALIA
Freshwater Ecosystem Management
Our aquatic ecosystems are highly dynamic and often exhibit great seasonal variability in habitat structure, values and assemblages of species present. At Blue Earth Environmental we understand these complexities and have the skills and experience necessary to effectively undertake any field and/or desktop ecology assessments required for your project.
We offer a comprehensive set of capabilities within the assessment and management of freshwater ecosystems and can provide the personnel, permits and equipment required to complete the job to the highest industry and safety standards.
Our Key Service Areas Are:
INFRASTRUCTURE PLANNING AND APPROVALS
- Baseline aquatic ecology surveys
- Aquatic ecology chapters for Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA / EIS)
- Aquatic constraints and feasibility assessments
- Aquatic Values Survey Reports (AVSR) and Aquatic Values Management Plans (AVMP)
CONSTRUCTION & HEAVY INDUSTRY
- Design and implementation of Receiving Environmental Monitoring Programs (REMPs)
- Compliance monitoring
- Assessment of water quality, stream sediments and aquatic habitat values
- Aquatic Species Management Plans
- Dewatering / aquatic fauna relocation
IMPACT ASSESSMENT
- Ecotoxicology assessments – contaminant concentrations within biota samples
- Stream health condition assessment (including AUSRIVAS, EHMP style assessments)
- Statistical design and implementation of scientifically robust investigations / monitoring programs
RESEARCH & MANAGEMENT
- Aquatic fauna tagging and tracking assessments
- Targeted investigations of threatened aquatic species
- Pest fish removal and management strategies
TAXONOMIC IDENTIFICATION
- Freshwater macroinvertebrate sample processing (AUSRIVAS accredited)
WHAT OUR CLIENTS ARE SAYING
Amy Kirkpatrick
Blue Earth Environmental were fantastic to work with, assisting us in the delivery of an aquatic ecological assessment required for an environmental approval. Their expertise ensured that the methodology was scoped to the satisfaction of both our clients’ needs and that of the environmental approval regulator. While the results were technically robust and the reporting to a high scientific standard, we especially appreciated their assistance in liaising amongst the project team, clearly explaining the scientific findings in simple, non-specialist terms.
Beth Kramer
Blue Earth Environmental Pty Ltd were a key part of the team, led by NGH Pty Ltd, who assessed the ecological values of a 3,250 ha area which had recently come into the Sunshine Coast urban footprint. Together, we proposed an ‘environmental network’ which will be enhanced and protected in order to sustain biodiversity as the site is developed over the next decade and into the future. Blue Earth Environmental completed aquatic ecology surveys and associated reporting, as well as taking part in a series of workshops with other disciplines to identify criteria for protected areas.
Sunshine Coast Council, the client, commended the project team for their contribution to a Structure Plan that is considered extremely robust and provides a strong foundation to move forward.