Critical Issues Analysis

Addresses the types of potential impacts & permits expected for a project by evaluating the level of permitting risk associated with identified legal and physical constraints (e.g., soil types, protected natural resources, site-specific concerns, etc.).

-Environmental permitting & zoning analysis for applicable local, state, and federal regulations
-Desktop analysis of currently available environmental data
-Field reconnaissance to confirm desktop analysis & assess site conditions

Natural Resource Survey

Identify and demarcate protected natural resources according to approved field methods, in accordance with state and federal guidance to avoid disturbance to legally protected natural resources (State Waters, Waters of the U.S., etc.).

-Wetland Delineations
-Stream Delineation
-Waterbodies
-Protected Resources (e.g., cultural resources)

Biological Survey

Conduct on-site investigations of the project site to determine if protected species, or suitable habitat, is present at the site and determine key areas to avoid/protect during land disturbance.

-Rare, threatened, endangered (RTE) plant/animal surveys
-Site investigations for protected natural communities
-Construction biological monitoring

Permitting Assistance

Prepare environmental permit applications by organizing and preparing required documentation to adhere with current regulations and standards outlined by the local, state, and federal authorities (Local Issuing Authorities, GA EPD, USACE, etc.)

-Section 404 (Dredge & Fill)
-NPDES (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System)
-Land Disturbance Activity
-Other federal, state, and local permits

Stream Analysis

Conduct stream measurements and detailed analysis to document existing conditions:

-Aquatic organisms present (fish, invertebrates, etc.)
-Water quality
-Bed material
-In-stream habitat (riffle-pool, woody debris, etc.)
-Stream morphology

Erosion & Sediment Control/ Stormwater Inspection

GA Level 1A inspector and CESSWI (Certified Erosion, Sediment, and Stormwater Inspector) qualified to monitor BMP practices on construction sites to ensure projects follow permit conditions.

-NPDES
-SWPPP
-Local Ordinances
-Other required permit conditions

Environmental Assessment

Phase I ESA: Due diligence for innocent land owner protection.
-Records Review
-Site Inspection
-Interviews
-Report & Evaluation

Phase II ESA: Sampling and testing for potentially contaminated sites.
-Soil/groundwater sampling (coordinate tests and install wells)
-Surface water and sediment sampling
-Coordinate lab analyses for chemicals of concern

Agency/ Public Outreach

Coordinate with local, state, or federal agencies to assess details of projects and facilitate permitting.

Communicate with regulatory officials, groups, advisory commissions, and the public to address project concerns.

Prepare documents for public comment and provide required site information for publicly funded projects

Ecological/ Stream Restoration

Restore ecosystems and streams with a focus on:

-Ecosystem enhancement
-Geomorphic stability
-Habitat creation
-Public benefit (e.g., recreation)
-Restored ecological & hydrological functions/values
-Floodplain resilience

Vegetation Survey

Tree and plant surveys to document density and size within buffers.

Investigate sites prior to land disturbing activities to document existing conditions, and record vegetation characteristics following tree clearing to ensure buffers are compliant with regulations and ordinances.

Landscape Design

Work with engineers and landscape architects to design low-impact green spaces and upgrade existing landscape conditions by providing effective stormwater control, while enhancing ecological diversity.