Using the Ecopath approach for environmental impact assessment—A case study analysis

Abstract

If a proposed project or plan is likely to negatively impact a Natura 2000 site, it must undergo an environmental impact assessment. Article 6.3 of the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) clearly specifies the assessment procedure.This case study presents the assessment of three different projects that might negatively affect a Natura 2000 site in Germany. The impacts of an industrial area, construction of a road and a wind power generator were investigated using the Ecospace habitat capacity model. The short and long-term effects of these projects were analyzed, considering cumulative effects of habitat loss, noise and light pollution on the environment. By applying Ecospace two alternatives were explored for each proposed project, thereby identifying the strategy with least impact and also determining the environmental damage and how it can be compensated.This study demonstrates that the Ecopath approach is the number one tool for environmental management in the European Union, as it can deliver the results that are needed to meet all legal requirements and it is also able to solve ‘on-going’ problems, for example assessment of cumulative and in-combination effects, identification of effective mitigation measures and providing clear, objective conclusions