Reptile Mitigation.pdf

The Environmental Standard Operating Procedure (ESOP) for Reptile Mitigation aims to avoid killing or injuring reptiles during works on flood banks, grazing marshes, and heaths. The procedure involves surveying sites, removing vegetation, and using exclusion or translocation methods to mitigate reptile disturbance. Ecologists determine mitigation requirements, and artificial refuges are used to attract reptiles to new areas. Translocation is carried out if necessary, with fencing and pitfall traps installed, and reptile capture and maintenance of fencing during works. Surveys are conducted after works to ensure no detrimental impacts to reptile numbers. Consultation with landowners and the Ecology team is required, and risk assessments are conducted to identify hazards, such as killing and injury of reptiles, and loss of overall reptile habitat. Controls and safeguards, such as pre-survey and exclusion of reptiles, are implemented to minimize risks.