Environmental Statement volume 4 - Chiltern Evergreen3

B10.4.1B10.4.2B10.4.3The ES has identified the existing ecological baseline. The ecological surveys haveinformed the assessment of potential impacts. The current ecological informationhas the potential to change in the intervening period between the preparation of theES and construction commencing. For this reason up-dated surveys must be carriedout in advance of construction works.In advance of any construction work being undertaken, suitably qualifiedprofessionals shall carry out up-dated ecological surveys. Where protected speciesare identified, appropriate mitigation measures shall be agreed in advance with therelevant authorities and in accordance with any requirements for licensing, andthese measures shall be implemented.Site personnel shall be briefed by the on-site ecologist on measures for protectedspecies as part of site induction.BatsB10.4.4B10.4.5Trees and other structures, in particular Wolvercot Tunnel, that have beenidentified in the ES as either supporting bats, or potentially supporting bats will bere-surveyed, in the appropriate season, in advance of construction work beingundertaken.Where bat roost sites are confirmed, where possible, these sites will be avoided. Ifavoidance is not possible a decision will be made by CRCL’s ecologist, whether alicence from Natural England is required in order to undertake the works. This willdepend on the size of the roost and the potential level of disturbance.If it is necessary to destroy the roost site a new roost site will created (like for like)in consultation with Natural England. The procedure for creating a new roost sitewill include, but not limited, to the following:i. An application will be made to Natural England.ii. Once the application has been agreed with NE, the new roost will be createdwhen bats are absent (i.e. during the winter for maternity roosts or during thesummer for hibernation roosts), prior to the destruction of the old roost.iii. Once the new roost is being used, the old roost site can be destroyed.iv. Once completed annual monitoring for a minimum of two years will beundertaken.B10.4.6Construction work should minimise impacts on bat activity, where possible,through maintaining foraging, commuting and swarming areas. Where this is notpossible, in temporary construction areas, vegetation should be re-instatedimmediately following construction using similar plant/ tree species to that whichwas originally present. In areas that will be permanently lost a similar habitat tothat lost, will be re-instated in close proximity to that of the habitat lost.ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENTB-42CHILTERN RAILWAYS