The Natural Resource Services Group provides consulting services for commercial and residential developments, as well as public agencies. The group includes biologists, ecologists, and stream engineers who are skilled in wetland mitigation, biostabilization, wetland delineations, natural resource assessments, wildlife habitat assessments, and Threatened & Endangered species' presence / absence surveys.
Wetland and Waterbody Services
SCI’s Natural Resource Scientists have in-depth knowledge of regulations and permitting processes that can be vital during the planning phases of a project. We work with the Army Corps of Engineers and other state and federal agencies to help our clients permit impacts under the Clean Water Act. Our services include:
- Wetland delineations
- Wetland mitigation planning, banking, and monitoring
- 401, 402, and 404 Clean Water Act permit applications
- National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) monitoring and reporting
- Water quality sampling and testing
- Stream banking and mitigation
- Stormwater pollution prevention plans
- Biostabilization analysis and design
- Natural resource delineation and mapping
- Erosion control monitoring
- Analysis of soil morphology
Threatened and Endangered Species Services
The Natural Resource Services Group at SCI Engineering provides threatened and endangered (T&E) species services for projects that may affect a listed species or their habitat. When a T&E species or its habitat may be impacted by a project, the USFWS often requires consultation under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). SCI has a working knowledge of the ESA regulations and can help determine if your project may need to consider the ESA during the planning process.
Typically, desktop consultations and on-site habitat assessments for T&E species are the first steps in the consultation process. Results of a habitat assessment are generally reviewed by the regulatory agencies and the findings are used to quantify impacts to suitable habitat. Depending on the quantity and quality of habitat proposed to be impacted, the regulatory agencies may require species specific surveys to determine probable absence or presence on a project site. Additional consultation efforts including the development of biological assessments, habitat conservation plans, and compensatory mitigation planning may be needed if T&E species are confirmed on a project site.
Stormwater Services
SCI provides stormwater services in accordance with federal and state National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) regulations during all phases of your project. We can develop site specific stormwater pollution prevention plans (SWPPP), prepare notice-of-intent (NOI) documentation and apply for local or State land disturbance permits, conduct observations of erosion and sediment control best management practices (BMPs) and effluent/outfall sampling, prepare and submit associated inspection reports, and assist with closing out active permits via the submittal of notice-of termination (NOT) documentation.
In addition, SCI assists our clients with monitoring and reporting requirements that typically accompany permitted post construction BMPs, such as rain gardens, bio-swales, permeable pavers, etc. SCI’s experience/knowledge of these BMPs and strong working relationships with local and State agencies has allowed us to successfully help our clients navigate this inspection and reporting requirement.
American Burying Beetle Surveys
Our staff scientists have United States Fish & Wildlife Recovery Permits required to conduct American Burying Beetle (Nicrophorus americanus), or ABB, Habitat Assessments and Presence / Absence Surveys.
We are certified to conduct surveys throughout the central plains region including:
- South Dakota
- Oklahoma
- Kansas
Other T & E Surveys
Our team can conduct surveys on a diverse array of T&E species. Our biologists have experience and knowledge conducting a multitude of plant, mussel, bird, and insect surveys.
Examples Include:
Plants:
- Decurrent False Aster
- Running Buffalo Clover
Mussels:
- Spectacle-case Mussel
- Snuffbox Mussel
Birds:
- Southwest Willow Flycatcher
EMERGENCY SERVICES
SCI’s Natural Resource Scientists have in-depth knowledge of regulations and permitting processes that is vital during emergency situations.
As timing is always critical for emergent response, our relationships with regulatory agencies, combined with the understanding of what is required, expedites the process for a quick, but thorough, submittal that will lead to faster approvals.
- Petroleum, Natural Gas, Sewer and Stormwater Pipelines/Conveyances
- CWA Regulatory Approval and Coordination
- Corrective Action Recommendations
- Emergency Work Permit Acquisition Assistance
- Third Party Oversight and Project Management
- Streambank Stabilization
- Natural Resource Restoration and/or Mitigation Recommendations
- Erosion Control and Bio-remediation Vegetation Recommendations
