The case for environmental compensation and the valuation of environmental impact mitigation measures: A New Zealand model: A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Professional Studies (Environmental Management)

The objective of the dissertation is to demonstrate that the practice of environmental compensation, which has been adopted in a number of regimes internationally, is a valid and acceptable mechanism to achieve a no net loss of biodiversity outcome to development that results in environmental impact. This will be achieved by giving examples of the practice in Europe, the US and Australia. The legislative provision in each instance will be outlined and the perceived strengths and weaknesses described. An examination of the New Zealand legislative framework that surrounds environmental management will be undertaken. Examples of de facto environmental compensation used by the Environment Court are identified. As part of the process of establishing appropriate environmental compensation an impact "valuation" technique is required and an example of such a tool in use in New Zealand is given and analysed. Solid Energy New Zealand's use of a matrix based tool to evaluate the degree of environmental impact caused by its operations will be used as an example of how such a compensation model may be developed and alternatives or developments of the existing methodology will be suggested

On the Distinction Between Indian and Malayan Gaur

Volume: 41Start Page: 657End Page: 65

Effects of biosolids on biodiesel crop yield and belowground communities

Biofuels are an attractive alternative for fossil fuels and demand is growing rapidly, however the environmental impacts of biofuel production must be minimized. Replacing conventional fertilizers with biosolids, processed solids from municipal wastewater treatment plants, has the benefit of utilizing a waste stream and avoiding some of the environmental impacts associated with conventional fertilizers, but the impacts of heavy metals in biosolids must be assessed. In a pot trial, we grew two oilseed crop species, Brassica napus and Camelina sativa, in soil amended with two levels biosolids and soil amended with urea. Seed yield and oil content were compared between soil treatments, and effects on soil chemistry, activity of microfauna, and bacterial and fungal community structure were quantified. We also measured the impacts of biosolids addition on the growth, survival and tissue chemistry of earthworms. Seed yield of plants grown in biosolids was comparable to or greater than that of plants fertilized with urea. Biosolids addition increased soil concentrations of plant nutrients, but also heavy metals (e.g. arsenic, lead, chromium and nickel). Microfaunal activity, as well as soil microbial community structure, was impacted by both fertilizer type and oilseed plant species. Earthworm biomass was enhanced by addition of biosolids though earthworms exposed to biosolids had elevated levels of copper. Our results suggest biosolids could effectively fertilize these oilseed crops and may enhance soil health, but impacts of heavy metals should be considered