Environmental monitoring helps estimate how severe an impact may be, it can guide the selection of dredging equipment and it can indicate the time frame, the ‘window’ of the project, which can protect delicate marine species during their most vulnerable gestational periods. But not every method of environmental monitoring is applicable to every operation. Careful choice of methods leads to cost-effective implementation. Facts About Environmental Monitoring gives a clear rundown on how and when to use different monitoring methods, the difference between BACI, feedback and compliance monitoring and why monitoring ensures that dredging operations are carried out according to environmental requirements established by legal authorities, financial institutions and/or the project owner.

[mappress]

Source: IADC, June 10, 2010