Environmental Compliance Services
Environmental Impact Statements (EIS)
Our consultants have years of federal and state agency EIS experience and can offer quality consultation, management and completion of Environmental Impact Statements in compliance with NEPA, CEQ, Endangered Species Act, National Historic Preservation Act and other state and federal laws and regulations. Scoping is a very important step in the development of the EIS and BEC strives to identify as many impacted and affected parties as possible. These may include citizens, public interest groups, businesses or industries, technical experts and government agencies that have a vested interest in the site where the proposed activity will occur. It is through this process that specific environmental impact concerns will be identified. These concerns cover a range of economical, sociological and ecological aspects. Alternatives to the proposed action and possible mitigation are analyzed and their impact evaluated. Our final EIS is concise in defining the ramifications of proposed actions and alternatives with preservation of natural, cultural and historic qualities a priority.
Environmental Assessment (EA) & Biological Evaluations (BE)
When the need for an EIS is not determined, then our team can conduct an Environmental Assessment (EA) to determine the need of an EIS. The results of an EA are either a FONSI (Finding of no significant impact) or NOI (Notice of Intent) and EIS. Our consultants are also highly qualified to conduct Biological Evaluations (BE) for projects as part of an Environmental Assessment or EIS. These assessments are routinely required by federal & state law to protect endangered or threatened species, and habitat critical to these species.
Biological Assessment (BA)
We can provide quality site specific biological assessments to determine how a construction project will affect a federally listed or endangered species and/or critical habitat. We can also conduct biological assessments of aquatic communities that may be impacted by projects within a watershed using the latest techniques in bioassessment and site specific water quality analysis. We are experienced in coastal and estuarine assessments as well.
Special Use Permit Packages for Federal Land Use
If you are planning to conduct commercial business, live or build on federal lands, a permit must be obtained from the agency where the business will be conducted. This is often a complex process that may involve approval from various local departments, having a hearing, getting letters of support, meeting compliance, planning for waste disposal, addressing land use conflicts, making an environmental protection plan, providing a map, and investigating alternatives. We can assist in this process with expert experience.
State (401) and Federal (404) Permits for Wetlands
Preserving our wetlands provides significant water quality benefits and we have personnel with extensive backgrounds in water resources. Section 404 of the Clean Water Act requires a permit from the U.S. Corps of Engineers if dredging, discharging or filling of waters of the U.S. It includes wetlands and water that provides habitat for endangered species and migratory birds. A state 401 permit is issued after review of the 404 permit application by TCEQ. We can assist in the completion of permit applications by providing plans for mitigation, alternatives analysis, disposal, stabilization, sedimentation and water quality maintenance and testing.
Wetland Delineations and Evaluations
Our staff have the technical expertise and in depth knowledge of regulatory requirements that can guide a client through the often complex process of wetland identification, delineation and evaluation. State and federal agencies have increasingly required more stringent regulations in projects that impact water resources. Our professionals have the latest training and certification in accepted Corp of Engineer Wetland Delineation procedures as well as extensive educational and work experience to guide you through the process of wetland delineation, evaluation and permitting.
Mitigation and Management Plans for Compliance
The NEPA Act of 1969, the Clean Water Act Section 404 and numerous state policies all require compensatory mitigation for projects that will cause adverse impacts to wetlands, water resources or projects that require an EIS. We can analyze your specific requirements and determine the most appropriate type of mitigation and or management plan to meet compliance for these laws. Mitigation plans can range from not taking or limiting an action to repairing, rehabilitating, or restoring an environment. We can plan, implement and monitor establishment, restoration, enhancement or preservation of wetland mitigation projects. In reclamation or revegetation we have extensive experience in planting techniques as well as our own line of native plants for revegetation.
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Analysis and Management
Because NEPA is a procedural statute, early planning in the NEPA process is fundamental to successfully meeting the mandates of the law. Determining the appropriate documentation of Categorical Exclusion (CATEX), Environmental Assessment (EA), or Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) can eliminate future litigation. Appropriate analysis must be initiated early in the process. The types of NEPA analysis may include vegetation trend analysis, cover and response to impacts, invasive species presence and potential, riparian analysis, analysis of wildlife habitat quality, impacts and significance to listed or endangered species; soil, air and water analysis to meet requirements of the Clean Water Act and social, economic and cultural heritage analysis as per the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. We can provide expertise in this complex analysis and management process.
Phase I Environmental Site Assessments for Rural Properties
Our staff are especially qualified to perform Phase I Environmental Assessments which are important in the transfer of real estate. We will do a preliminary review of the property to determine if a full Phase I ESA is required which may save considerable expenses. If a full Phase I ESA is required, we provide a site assessment, and extensive search and review of historical documents as well as interviews with pertinent parties. We can develop an historical database and maps using GIS/GPS of the site with past activities of chemical use, spills, waste disposal or petroleum storage. This assessment fulfills CERCLA (the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act).
