A comprehensive assessment of the entire area potentially affected by development, or proposed as a mitigation or disposal site. An ecological assessment includes an evaluation of both the biotic and abiotic components of the subject area. Typically the animal and plant species near the impacted area are determined, and important habitat is noted. The quality and sustainability of these features is assessed to provide a holistic picture of the potentially impacted natural environment. Furthermore, potential impacts to sensitive species and important habitat are analyzed to assess negative affects of proposed development, or disposal of material.
