SERVICES
NEPA, Environmental Planning and Permitting
AEC provides a range of environmental planning and permitting services, including National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) compliance. We complete all aspects of data collection, research, field surveys, team management and agency coordination for these documents. Our documents are legally sound, present practical mitigation measures, and integrate permitting requirements, such as those for wetlands and endangered species.
Our experience includes developing the following:
- NEPA
- Categorical Exclusion (CE)
- Environmental Assessment (EA)/Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI)
- Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process and Record of Decision (ROD)
- SEPA
- Critical Areas Ordinance and Shoreline Compliance, Habitat Management Plans, Shoreline Impact Assessments
- Mitigation Planning
- Joint Applications and Joint Aquatic Resource Project Approvals (JARPA) to obtain 404, 401, HPAs, and Stream Alteration Permits
Wetland Studies
AEC conducts wetland delineations, wetland functional assessments, mitigation, restoration, and permitting in Washington, Idaho, and Montana. We are experts applying the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual including the Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coasts and Arid West regional supplements, and other supplements. For functional assessments, we routinely use the Montana Wetland Functional Assessment and the Eastern and Western Washington Wetland Rating Systems. We assess wetland impacts, develop mitigation plans and complete permitting for section 404 and 401 of the Clean Water Act, and state and local permits.
Biological Studies
AEC conducts Biological Assessments (BA) in compliance with Section 7 of the ESA of 1973 and also prepares Habitat Management Plans, Shoreline Impact Assessments, and other reports to analyze impacts to critical areas under the Growth Management Act. This involves agency coordination, field studies, mapping, impact assessment, and preparing reports that meet regulatory requirements. AEC also conducts rare plant surveys, weed surveys, avian surveys, and other biological support as necessary.
Cultural Resource Surveys
AEC offers expertise in various archeological and cultural resource services to federal, state, and commercial clients. AEC’s cultural resource specialists are qualified in both historic and prehistoric archeology, and we have subconsultants for architectural history.
Our surveys include:
- Prehistoric and Historical Archaeology
- State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and Tribal Historic Preservation Office (THPO) background archival search of Literature and Language
- Cultural resource site inventories
- Archaeological and Architectural Pedestrian Surveys
- Subsurface Excavations
- Archaeological and Historical Survey Reports (AHSR)
- Compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (NHPA)
- Determination of Adverse Effect (DOAE)
- Memorandum of Agreement (MOA)
- Monitoring Programs and Mitigation Plans
Noise Analysis
AEC is experienced with performing Traffic Noise Analysis using the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Traffic Noise Model (TNM 2.5). We conduct our noise monitoring using a Larson Davis LXT Noise Meter. Our experts also perform preliminary design work on noise barriers.
Restoration and Construction Support
AEC provides environmental support during construction. AEC also designs and oversees the implementation of site restoration projects including mitigation sites, violations, revegetation and habitat enhancement projects, and installing stormwater controls.
Services include:
- Migratory Bird Treaty Act Compliance/Avian Monitoring
- Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans, Construction Stormwater Inspections and installation
- Environmental Permit Assistance
- Archeological Monitoring
- Site Restoration and Plant and Seed Specifications
- Fish removal during construction
- Flagging for perimeter control construction