MEAS Expertise

MEAS provides specialist technical advice in the following areas: contaminated land, ecology and biological recording, waste, Environmental Impact Assessment, Habitats Regulations Assessment, historic environment, minerals and low carbon issues. All our teams are focussed on finding workable solutions to benefit the communities, economy and environment of our Council areas.

Archaeology

From June 2016 archaeological advice is being provided to the Councils for planning purposes so that the impacts of development on the Historic Environment can be managed properly through the planning system.

Contaminated Land

The Contaminated Land Team provides technical advice regarding Part IIa (Environmental Protection Act 1995) matters and National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) relevant to land contamination issues, and in soil management related to remediation of contaminated sites.

Ecology

The expertise of the Ecology team includes ecology, wildlife, biodiversity and biological records (through Merseyside BioBank). We provide specialist advice and interpretation on a wealth of habitats and species legislation such as the Habitats Regulations, policy preparation and compliance. We support the Local Sites Partnership and report to Government on single data list indicator 160-00 which feeds into the districts' Annual Monitoring Reports.

Environmental Projects

The Environmental Projects Team has expertise with the Environmental Impact Assessment and Sustainability Appraisal Regulations, low carbon and renewable energy, and in Minerals planning policy.

Waste

MEAS prepared the Merseyside and Halton Joint Waste Local Plan , which was formally adopted by all six districts in July 2013. Waste specialists continue to provide advice on implementation of the WLP and compliance with planning legislation relating to waste matters. MEAS is also responsible for monitoring the implementation of the WLP and preparing a monitoring report that will feed into individual districts Annual Monitoring Reports.

Historic Environment Record

The Historic Environment Record (HER) became the responsibility of MEAS during 2014 on behalf of the Merseyside Boroughs (Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St.Helens and Wirral Councils). The HER has been developed with Council funding and grant income from Historic England with the objective to ensure that the HER provides up-to-date information with easy digital access. The HER can provide volunteering opportunities for those wishing to improve their skills and knowledge.

Our Clients

Our clients are mainly the District Councils of Merseyside and Halton. These include

Other Councils use MEAS services on a temporary basis from time to time (e.g. Cheshire East, Warrington).

Each of the District Councils subscribes to an appropriate mix of services provided by MEAS according to their needs .