About E³ Ecology Ltd Personnel

JAMES STREETS BSc MSc MIEEM

POSITION: Associate Director (Freshwater and Marine Ecology, River Habitat Survey)

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

• BSc Hons Zoology with Marine Biology - University of Wales, Bangor
• MSc Environmental Consultancy - University of Newcastle upon Tyne
• Full Member of the Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management

CAREER PROFILE

James specialises in freshwater ecology, but has undertaken a wide range of ecological impact assessments. He holds Natural England survey licenses for all species of bat, great crested newt, white-clawed crayfish and freshwater pearl mussel. He also holds Scottish Natural Heritage licences for freshwater pearl mussel and great crested newt.

He is accredited by the Environment Agency to undertake River Habitat Surveys, and undertook a number of surveys of rivers in the north-east as part of the Environment Agency's 2008 baseline survey of England. During the course of his master's degree he undertook research into the effects of metalliferous pollution on riparian macro-invertebrates using kick sampling techniques and using the Biological Monitoring Working Party's scoring system to assess water quality. He is a keen SCUBA diver, qualified to rescue diver level under PADI.

In 2006, he undertook an extensive survey of the freshwater pearl mussel population in Northumberland for the Environment Agency, recording 50% more mussels than had previously been recorded in the area. He has also undertaken freshwater pearl mussel surveys in northern Scotland. James took an active role in a second large Environment Agency project, assessing the population size and distribution of the water vole in the north east.

In 2007 and 2008, James was the lead surveyor undertaking long term bat monitoring of a new road scheme, survey results being used to inform the ongoing mitigation strategy on site.

In addition to his extensive field survey skills, James has been involved in undertaking detailed impact assessments in relation to a broad variety of development schemes, including quarries, housing and wind farms. He also has wide-ranging experience of supervising licensed works where development affects European Protected Species, including great crested newts and bats.

SOME RELEVANT PROJECTS UNDERTAKEN

• Undertaking a large number of great crested newt surveys throughout the north of England and southern Scotland, to inform planning applications, and to monitor populations post development for projects including road building, housing, quarrying and wind farms.
• Undertaking bat surveys, with sites ranging from modern school structures to old farmhouses, and encompassing a range of species. Surveys have included long term monitoring of sites and analysis of results to inform mitigation strategies. James has extensive experience of internal and external building inspections and both vantage point and transect surveys.
• White clawed crayfish surveys of a number of watercourses to inform planning applications.
• Otter and water vole surveys of watercourses throughout the north east, to inform planning applications and to allow appropriate mitigation proposals to be developed.
• Freshwater pearl mussel surveys undertaken in Northumberland and Scotland to inform working methods and planning applications.
• Phase 1 habitat surveys of a number of sites throughout the north of England, including sites which are to be assessed using the BREEAM or CSH criteria for new developments.
• Written and submitted reports to support Natural England development licence applications, planning applications, and Environment Agency consents.

PARTICULAR EXPERIENCE AND SPECIALISATION

• Freshwater Ecology; including aquatic protected species such as freshwater pearl mussel, great crested newt and white clawed crayfish
• Licensed surveyor for bats, great crested newt, white clawed crayfish and freshwater pearl mussel
• Protected Species Survey
• Extended Phase 1 Survey
• Ecological input into BREEAM and CSH assessments