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 (WLP - see waste doccuments and downloads), 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.

Merseyside BioBank

Merseyside BioBank has become an established local biological record centre after successful funding from the European Regional Development Fund and Heritage Lottery Fund. It works in partnership with national and local organisations and a great many recorders. MBB manages habitat and species information to national standards and provides a data request service to developers, the councils and others. MBB is an attractive volunteering option for those wanting to improve their skills and their employability with many ex-volunteers securing new careers in the environmental sector.