Aspen has particularly strong experience in the management of professional biological services. Understanding state and federal regulations is critical to addressing biological resource issues because each project triggers a different set of related environmental requirements, depending on the type and location of the activity being proposed. The accurate identification, documentation, and disclosure of biological resource information is critical to ensuring that projects commence on time and without costly delays.
One of Aspen’s core strengths is its in-house ability to manage biological surveys and analyses of data for environmental impact assessments, perform endangered species consultations, and prepare biological mitigation and habitat restoration plans. Aspen’s services and capabilities include:
- Habitat evaluations;
- Jurisdictional waters/wetlands delineations and determinations;
- Surveys and mapping of special status plants, wildlife, and natural communities; and
- Biological Assessments and Evaluations under state and federal Endangered Species Acts.
Aspen has a wide range of experience coordinating with resource agencies and securing federal, state, and local permits. Aspen has an excellent working relationship with key regulatory agencies, including the US Army Corps of Engineers Regulatory Division, California Department of Fish and Game, US Fish and Wildlife Service, and California Regional Water Quality Control Boards.
Aspen has substantial knowledge regarding the requirements of the state and federal regulations related to natural resources, including:
- Coastal Zone Management Act and California Coastal Act (Coastal Consistency Determinations and Coastal Development Permits);
- California Fish & Game Code (Sections 1600-1607, including Lake/Streambed Alteration Agreements);
- Federal Clean Water Act, Section 404 Permits (Nationwide, Regional General, Standard Individual, including preparation of Formal Wetland Delineation Reports);
- Section 401 Water Quality Certifications;
- Section 402 National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permits from the State Water Resources Control Board, through the local RWQCB;
- Federal ESA, Section 7 Consultation and Section 10 Habitat Conservation Plans (HCPs) and Incidental Take Permits, including the preparation of Biological Assessments and HCPs; and
- California ESA, Section 2081 Permit and other sections (2050 to 2089) of the Fish & Game Code that protect rare and endangered plants and animals, including preparation of Biological Evaluations and Mitigation and Monitoring Plans.
