Taking into consideration the natural habitats of the project area is an important aspect of any development. In collaboration with the Land Use Planning team, WCE's biologists can address your biological needs to ensure compliance with environmental regulations as well as the timely progression of your project.
Ecological Risk Assessment Services
Ecological risk assessments are necessary for clients with concerns or legal responsibilities regarding releases of oil or hazardous substances into an environment where ecological receptors may be at risk. WCE's ecological risk assessments include screening-level risk assessments, on-site collection of environmental data, site-specific receptor identification, and evaluation of risk.
Regulatory Permit Support
Permits that may pertain to your project include:
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Section 404 Authorization
Regional Water Quality Control Board Section 401 Water Quality
Certification
California Dept. of Fish and Game 1600 Streambed Alteration
Agreements
California Coastal Commission Development Permits
Wetland Restoration and Delineation
Wetlands are sensitive and highly valued natural resources and receive a great deal of regulatory protection. Agencies such as U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulate projects that are conducted in or near wetlands. Projects that will impact wetlands may require review from these or other agencies. WCE can help clients obtain the necessary permits for wetland related projects and can perform wetland delineations, GIS-based species mapping of a site, and provide mitigation and restoration planning services.
Streambank Protection Bioengineering
By working with civil engineers, WCE can develop plans that incorporate current bio-engineering practices integrating native vegetation into erosion control structures for clients facing streambank erosion issues. Bio-engineering is preferred by natural resource agencies as a method of enhancing wildlife habitat, while satisfying the needs of the landowner.
Riparian and Upland Habitat Restoration
For landowners with projects that restore or enhance upland or riparian habitats WCE can provide technical and planning assistance with restoration planning, from obtaining the required permits to incorporating the proper food, shelter and cover needs of a particular species or group of species.
Baseline Biological Resources Inventory & Mapping
WCE biologists conduct reconnaissance level surveys, on small parcels or large developments, to inventory local flora and fauna, identify sensitive habitats and in many cases determine the presence/absence of endangered or sensitive species. GIS-based mapping of a survey site is performed to produce a graphical depiction of the biological resources inventory cataloged during the survey. This information can be incorporated into a summary report for the client or drafted for submittal into environmental documents.
Grant Support
Many government and private organizations provide funding opportunities to private landowners and corporate entities to assist in such activities as stream bank restoration, fish barrier removal, fisheries restoration, in-stream habitat enhancement, and invasive plant eradication. WCE can provide application preparation services and interface with the funding organizations. The experience and knowledge of WCE staff will help assure that a complete grant application will be submitted providing the best opportunity for funding approval.
