Method for evaluating effects of road projects on ecosystem for development of planning tool

Some major modifications in natural environments are related to road construction, use and management. Despite the legal protection, natural areas continue to be degraded. In France, environmental assessments take place relatively late in the decision-making process for road projects and their contents are based on qualitative data which do not take into account the concept of ecosystem. This can be explained by the lack of synecological assessment tool, by the absence of quantitative ecosystem indicators available at an early stage projects. Similarly to techno-economic software, this tool could become a referential to plan land use... Exhaustive understanding of sources of disturbance, modifications of local conditions, and effects induced by road projects on natural environment are a necessary first step to develop relevant ecosystem indicators. A synecological evaluation method of projects is proposed in this article, applied to four types of natural environments : forests; wetlands and banks; meadows and lawns; cultures, fields and hedgerows. The major dysfunctions are identified and provide ways to search relevant quantitative indicators about the key ecological functions that maybe impacted. An example is developed regarding the construction phase.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://www.piarc.org/en/order-library/13949-en-Proceedings%20of%20the%20XXIVth%20World%20Road%20Congress,%20Mexico%20-%202011.htm
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Abstract reprinted with permission of the World Road Association – PIARC.
• Corporate Authors:

  World Road Association (PIARC)

  La Grande Arche, Paroi Nord, Niveau 5
  F-92055 La Defense Cedex,   France 
• Authors:
  • Mallard, F
  • Fargier, A
• Conference:
  • 24th World Road Congress
  • Location: Mexico City , Mexico
  • Date: 2011-9-26 to 2011-9-30
• Publication Date: 2011

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 16p
• Monograph Title: 24th World Road Congress Proceedings: Roads for a Better Life: Mobility, Sustainability and Development

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Ecosystems; Environmental impacts; Environmental monitoring; Evaluation; Forests; Grasslands; Road construction; Software; Wetlands
• Geographic Terms: France
• Subject Areas: Construction; Environment; Highways; Planning and Forecasting; I15: Environment; I52: Construction of Pavements and Surfacings; I72: Traffic and Transport Planning;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01498732
• Record Type: Publication
• ISBN: 2840602679
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Nov 21 2013 9:07AM