Ecosystem Environmental Assessment

Acid rain, like its name suggests, is rainfall that is highly acidic, much more so than normal precipitation. Acid rain is usually a result of human air pollution such as emissions of sulfur and nitrogen compounds. These compounds react with those in the atmosphere causing acids to be produced and in turn causing precipitation to be acidic in nature. A major public concern due to its ability to damage property, not to mention its negative impact on both aquatic and land animal and plant life, many steps have been taken to reduce acid rain’s effect on the environment.

The main cause of acid rain is human consumption. The burning of fossil fuels from numerous sources such as factories, power plants, and automobiles create the gases that lead to acid rain. Power plants that operate with the burning of coal are recognized as being some of the worst sources of acid rain. Although acid rain is usually considered a modern phenomenon, it does occur naturally, though on a lower scale. Emissions from burning volcanoes and from natural biological processes, such as methane emissions from cattle are some of the more common natural causes.

Acid rain is known to cause significant damage to property due to its chemical compound. It eats away at marble and limestone which are often used in the construction of government buildings and monuments as well as gravestones in cemeteries. Metals (iron for instance) are also affected by the alkaline present in acid rain.

The negative impact of acid rain is evident in ecosystems. Acid rain changes the PH levels of rivers and lakes. Animals such as fish are very susceptible to changes in PH and therefore are unable to survive if the change is too drastic. Plankton and invertebrates are put even more at risk. Acid rain in water environments can also affect plant life. On land, acid rain damages forests in high altitudes and also lowers the fertility of soil as important nutrients and minerals are removed from it. These impacts on different aspects of the environment have a trickling down effect that negatively influence entire ecosystems. Continue Reading

Do you know what environmental consultant agencies do? There are a variety of important and practical services that are related to ecology, wildlife, water quality, and socioeconomics that these firms offer. You may not realize how crucial these activities and studies are to the protection of the individuals, organizations, animals and plant life around you.

Consider the following common environmental services and how important they are.

Environmental assessments (EA), or environmental impact statements. An EA, is a document that discloses information about any federal action that will only have a minimal effect on the environment. A longer more detailed document is required if an impending federal action will have a significant impact on the environment so that those involved can make an informed decision.

Natural resource inventory and mapping. This service helps planners consider natural resources, such as vegetation and wetland/aquatic habitats in future projects and developments.

Environmental permitting. Certain projects need permits according to local, state and federal regulations. Environmental consultants assist clients in obtaining the appropriate permits related to the environment impacts and help resolve related problems.

Many Environmental Service companies provide assessment and remediation division that facilitate commercial property transactions and maximizes the value of land by performing due diligence studies to assess for potential contamination and by providing superior solutions for the rehabilitation of impacted properties to applicable environmental standards in South Florida. Continue Reading