Biological Assessment & Monitoring
Cambium Environmental offers biological assessment and monitoring services to assist our clients in obtaining development and site alteration permits/approvals and to assess compliance of proposed developments with existing policy and legislation. The requirements for each biological assessment are uniquely dependent on legislation, the mandate of the regulatory agency, the type and scale of development and the natural characteristics of the site surroundings.
Cambium Environmental has proven experience working with local, regional and provincial regulators and in balancing the requirements of regulators with the needs and capabilities of clients. Cambium Environmental will provide recommendations to ensure that environmental quality is maintained during and following development.
Environmental impact studies and natural heritage evaluations
Cambium Environmental will provide an objective assessment of potential impacts to the existing environment as a result of a proposed development project and recommend ways to avoid or minimize potential adverse effects. Evaluations of the existing environment are routinely required by municipalities and conservation authorities when the proposed development has the potential to negatively impact significant natural heritage features or their ecological function.
Species at risk assessments
The Endangered Species Act (2007) affords legal protection to designated species at risk and their known habitats. The onus is on the landowner to ensure that their actions do not have a negative impact on these species or their habitat. Species at Risk Assessments are often a requirement of municipalities prior to building permit issuance in environmentally sensitive planning areas such as the Oak Ridges Moraine.
Cambium Environmental will determine the use, or potential use, of a property by species at risk and will evaluate impacts to individuals or populations of species that could reasonably be expected to occur as a result of a proposed development.
Biological monitoring (biomonitoring)
Biomonitoring of terrestrial, wetland and aquatic systems is becoming a common addition to traditional monitoring programs for municipal and private sector clients. Biomonitoring involves an assessment of changes to the biotic community occurring over time as a result of alteration to the surroundings; such as a new development or an environmental rehabilitation project. Biomonitoring is frequently used to detect impacts to water quality from point and non-point sources. Cambium Environmental will design a biomonitoring program to suit the requirements of each client.
