Environmental Impact Studies / Natural Heritage Evaluations
Municipal and provincial guidelines require that development proposals within or close to natural features are accompanied by an Environmental Impcact Study (EIS). Depending on the jurisdiction, this type of study is also referred to as a Natural Heritage Evaluation (NHE), Environmental Impact Statement, Natural Heritage Assessment, Natural Heritage Impact Study, Natural Environment Report, or similar. The requirement for an Environmental Impact Study is often driven by municipal Official Plan(s), however provincial guidelines including the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan, Greenbelt Plan, Lake Simcoe Protection Plan, and Niagara Escarpment Plan also outline where a development application must include an Environmental Impact Study.
Azimuth’s team routinely completes Environmental Impact Studies for a wide variety of public and private landowners, including single- and multi-lot residential developments, commercial and industrial land uses, public and private infrastructure, and other developments. An Environmental Impact Study requires an integrated, multi-disciplinary approach to fully identify the potential impacts to local ecological functions and processes.
Azimuth applies terrestrial biology, aquatic biology, and hydrogeology disciplines to fully evaluate the environmental implications of a project. Environmental Impact Studies require single- or mutli-season biological inventories, depending on the location and complexity of the development. Studies can include site assessments involving a vegetation inventory, fish and fish habitat review, ground and surface water review, and wildlife investigations targeting amphibians, reptiles, breeding birds, mammals, insects, and others.
Azimuth works with our clients to find environmental solutions that meet development goals while conforming with governmental policies. Through avoidance, mitigation, and/or compensation strategies, we successfully guide our clients toward development strategies that prevent overall direct or indirect impacts upon significant natural features.
