Environmental. Engineering. Natural Resources.
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Ecology

Ecology

 

Our team of ecologists and biologists work together to assess and design solutions for each site-specific project which can be readily implemented by our professionals or yours. Our experts can help with wetland and stream permitting and mitigation; protected species compliance and permits; municipal environmental assessments for development; and designing reclamation strategies and plans. 

 

Clean Water Act: Section 404 Compliance

Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (CWA) protects water sources and regulates discharge of dredge or fill material into waters of the United States. Projects that fall into this category include infrastructure and fill for development, dams and mining projects, and other in-channel projects. 

 
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Waters of the U.S. Services

  • Desktop Assessments – Preliminary Review and Due Diligence

  • Stream and Wetlands Delineations

  • Jurisdictional Determinations – Approved and Preliminary

  • Texas Rapid Assessment Method (TXRAM)

  • Hydrogeomorphic Method (HGM & iHGM)

  • Impacts Analysis

  • Avoidance and Minimization Strategies

  • Section 401 and 402 Compliance – TCEQ

  • Section 404 (f) Exemptions

  • Section 404 Authorizations:

    • Nationwide Permit (NWP) and Pre-Construction Notification (PCN)

    • Letters of Permission (LOP)

    • Regional and Programmatic General Permits

Compensatory Mitigation

  • Permittee-Responsible Mitigation (PRM)

  • Mitigation Banking

Protected Species Compliance

Endangered Species Act Compliance

The Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973 provides a framework to conserve and protect endangered and threatened plants and animal species and their habitats. To navigate this important piece of legislation, our team of biologists can assist with the following services:

  • Desktop Review

  • Habitat Assessments

  • Presence/Absence Surveys

  • Regional Habitat Conservation Plan (RHCP) creation and compliance

  • Section 7 Consultations

  • Section 10 Incidental Take Permits

  • Candidate Conservation Agreements, Agreements with Assurances (CCA/CCAAs)

Migratory Bird Treaty Act Compliance

Bald and Golden Eagle Act 

State Protected Species

  • Desktop Review

  • Habitat Assessments

  • Presence/Absence Surveys

  • Aquatic Resource Relocation Plans (ARRP)

 
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National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)

The ultimate goal of the NEPA is to foster action that protects, restores and enhances our environment. This is achieved through the utilization of environmental assessments (EA) and environmental impact statements (EIS), which provide public officials relevant information to review and examine the potential environmental consequences of each proposed project.

Our team can assist with Categorical Exclusions, Environmental Assessments (EA), Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), Environmental Information Document (EID) and Federal Emergency Management Agency Endangered Species Compliance or “FEMA Letters.”

Municipal Environmental Assessments

Counties and cities each have unique environmental assets and considerations that are subject to regulation. Our team routinely interacts with city and county authorities to facilitate and finalize necessary permitting and documentation for our clients.

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Some of our most requested services are related to:

  • City of Austin and Travis County

    • Critical Environmental Feature (CEF) Survey and Due Diligence

    • Environmental Resource Inventory (ERI)

    • Erosion Hazard Zone Analysis

    • Functional Assessment of Floodplain Health

  • Municipal Development Code Compliance (e.g. Watershed Protection)

  • Land Stewardship Plans