Hydro-ecology

Hydro-ecology is used to determine the conditions before, during and after landfill and allows the avoidance or reduction of adverse effects on wetland habitats.

Infilling of voids left by mineral extraction can do much to restore former hydrological and hydrogeological conditions, but only if undertaken in such a way that the hydro-ecology of wetland habitats is restored and maintained.

Lining of voids creates a block to groundwater flow and which now has to flow around the landfill. This can increase or decrease the rate of flow of water in streams and springs and may cause important water sources to dry out completely because of the landfill hydrological shadow effect. Infilling also creates new surfaces and so redirects surface water.

FACT: A key test of a sustainable development is the extent to which biodiversity remains uncompromised by development.

WHICH MEANS THAT: An environmentally sustainable development should not adversely affect the wildlife habitats with which it is directly or indirectly associated and wherever possible should enhance those habitats.

WATER AND WETLANDS are under threat from development, abstraction and non-point source pollution and they are priority habitats in Biodiversity Action Plans.