Biological Resource Services
Chambers Group staff includes highly experienced terrestrial and marine biologists as well as restoration ecologists and botanists involved in the natural resource disciplines. Projects have involved characterization of biological resources and assessment of the potential for sites to support threatened and endangered species, as well as presence/absence surveys for sensitive plant and wildlife resources. Chambers Group staff has expertise in assisting clients with the design and implementation of mitigation bank programs. They also provide mitigation monitoring and environmental awareness training services during construction to minimize impacts to species and habitats as well as monitor for success of restoration and revegetation activities. Projects involve urban and rural environments, including land development, coastal, wetlands, rivers, streambeds, flood plains, reservoirs, parks, and landfills. Our biologists have expertise in vernal pool, coastal sage scrub, chaparral, mountain, and desert habitats in the western United States.Overview
Chambers Group’s diverse staff of wildlife specialists, plant ecologists, and aquatic and wetlands professionals is involved in a broad spectrum of projects ranging from field surveys to development of comprehensive mitigation programs. Staff members have experience in conducting major field surveys requiring large teams of personnel for surveying remote areas such as deserts or forests, preparing natural resources and habitat management plans, wetlands delineations and marsh restoration, and enhancement for both coastal and inland wetlands. Studies are conducted using progressive techniques in data collection and analysis in compliance with state and federal regulations.
Chambers Group’s skilled team of biological resources specialists help advance projects while complying with legislation, regulations, and stipulations regarding significant resources on or near project sites. These specialists are experienced in all aspects of biological resource analysis, management, evaluation, and mitigation. They regularly provide biological technical reports in support of EIR/EIS documents in compliance with CEQA/NEPA. These complex regulations and guidelines must be adhered to in order to ensure important natural resources are considered in the environmental review process. By providing successful compliance, Chambers Group can assist in preserving and managing valuable biological resources. These activities require a delicate mix of scientific knowledge, sensitivity to cultural values, and expertise with local, state, and federal regulations. Our multidisciplinary teams address each client’s unique needs and each resource’s distinct significance.
Capabilities
- Construction monitoring
- Mitigation monitoring
- Biological surveys
- Threatened and endangered species surveys
- Wetlands delineation
- Endangered species permitting
- Habitat conservation plans (HCP)
- Habitat restoration and revegetation programs
- Habitat evaluation procedures (HEP)
- Natural resource damage and assessments
- Resource management plans
- Comprehensive environmental services
- Threatened and endangered species
Chambers Group provides coordination with regulatory agencies and assists in a full range of consultation services under the federal and state Endangered Species Acts. Services in this area include protocol presence / absence surveys, habitat evaluations, and population parameters analyses.
Our staff holds specific U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, California Fish and Game, and Scientific Collector’s permits to work with wildlife and botanical species such as:
- Least Bell’s Vireo
- Coastal California Gnatcatcher
- Southwestern Willow Flycatcher
- California Least Tern
- Western Snowy Plover
- Burrowing Owl
- Quino Checkerspot Butterfly
- Raptors
- Fairy Shrimp
- Desert Tortoise
- Stephen’s Kangaroo Rat
- San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat
- Pacific Pocket Mouse
- Mohave Ground Squirrel
- Arroyo Toad
- California Red-legged Frog
- Mountain Yellow-legged Frog
- Flat-tailed Horned Lizard
- Santa Ana Sucker
- Santa Ana Speckled Dace
- Parry’s Spineflower
- Plummer’s Mariposa Lily
- Santa Ana Woolly Star
- Slender-horned Spineflower
- San Fernando Valley Spine Flower
Biological Surveys and Habitat Analysis
Chambers Group conducts biological surveys and habitat assessments for special-status species in accordance with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, California Fish and Game, and National Marine Fisheries Service protocols. We assist clients to attain compliance with existing Biological Opinions and Natural Resource Management Plans. Projects with the potential to adversely affect listed plant or wildlife species must be evaluated. A Biological Assessment (BA) analyzes whether the proposed project and alternatives are likely to jeopardize the continued existence of these species or result in adverse impacts or modification of designated critical habitat within the project’s area of effect. Protected species are typically identified by assessing vegetation types, presence of cover, and habitat features unique to certain species. Field surveys utilize PDA and GPS data that are uploaded to computers. Our biologists and GIS specialists provide mapping and GIS analysis. Our biologists have authored thousands of Biological Assessments in compliance with the federal Endangered Species Act (Section 7) consultation process. They have also developed Habitat Conservation Plans for the (Section 10) consultation process. Our biologists are familiar with and have worked extensively on projects in compliance with local Natural Resource Conservation Plans (NRCP) throughout jurisdictions in California. Chambers Group biologists prepare Determination of Biologically Equivalent or Superior Preservation (DBESP) Reports. For a project in Riverside County, our precedent-setting document was one of the first to be reviewed and accepted by the County of Riverside.
Biological Monitoring
Biological monitoring is based on providing a field presence to record and document project effects to biological resources. It is conducted in accordance with USFWS protocols. Communication and documentation are vital to a successful biological monitoring program. Biological monitoring can also provide valuable assistance in the avoidance of sensitive resources while allowing the project to proceed without delay. Our staff works closely with clients during project construction to assure that mitigation monitoring and permit compliance are conducted efficiently without disrupting construction schedules.
Chambers Group's services include developing mitigation monitoring plans that can be provided in conjunction with an EIR/EIS or as a separate document.
We provide coordination with agencies to determine specific responsibilities for various program elements, preconstruction surveys for sensitive species, onsite monitoring to assure compliance, and post-construction documentation of compliance with the plan. We also review proposed and existing plans to measure their effectiveness against their original intent. Biological monitoring regularly includes worker education and training programs.
Impact Analysis and Mitigation Planning
We perform detailed impact analyses of proposed projects on biological resources, including quantification of potential habitat loss. Many of these analyses center around formulation of mitigation measures and measures to compensate for habitat loss. We also design and implement mitigation monitoring plans in accordance with recent environmental regulations.
Chambers Group assists clients to establish and maintain mitigation banks. Available mitigation credits in the bank are determined by various regulatory agencies. These are contingent upon implementation of a number of enhancement measures designed to improve the quality of habitats on the site. We develop Mitigation Management Plans (MMP) that serve as the guide for implementation of the various enhancement programs and fulfill the agency requirement that a management plan be prepared for the site. The MMP encompasses strategies that enhance and protect existing habitat and create additional natural areas for wildlife and numerous user groups.
Natural Resource Management Plans
Many agencies require Natural Resource Management Plans for major developments within areas containing sensitive biological resources. These studies may supplement or serve as implementation plans and mitigation monitoring. Chambers Group has extensive experience in preparing Natural Resource Management Plans, including initial agency coordination and scope approval, plan preparation and processing, and final implementation.
The scope of the Natural Resource Management Plan frequently requires development of detailed procedures for preservation and restoration of resources. Chambers Group routinely prepares detailed implementation plans, including full identification of responsibility for plan implementation.
Resource Agency Permitting Services
Chambers Group assists clients to comply with project permit requirements by conducting field surveys, as necessary, to determine the presence or absence of sensitive species, habitats or wetland jurisdictions. Mitigation, restoration and revegetation plans are required by resource agencies as permit conditions. We assist in preparation of these plans and prepare permit applications and agreements for submittal to resource agencies.
- Regional Water Quality Control Board, Section 401 permit applications.
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Section 404 permit applications.
- California Fish and Game Section 1600 et.al., Streambed Alteration Agreements.
Restoration and Revegetation
Restoration and Revegetation Plans are required by resource agencies as permit conditions for construction activities that impact native habitat. Revegetation of graded sites is a difficult and specialized activity that requires a detailed understanding of the ecology of native vegetation and soil organisms. Chambers Group is uniquely qualified in this regard.
Our restoration ecology team leader has a broad background in academic research and practical experience. He is an expert in native plant species, selection of seed material, verification of specifications, and installation methodologies. He introduced several innovative restoration techniques that are in common use today, including land imprinting and mycorrhizal inoculation, which he developed over the past twenty years. The Chambers Group restoration team consequently has full access to these and other complex and powerful methods.
Chambers Group restoration ecologists have expertise in native plant species, preparation of conceptual plans, preparation of technical specifications and installation methodologies, selection of seed material, setting up onsite nurseries, as well as supervising restoration ecologists, botanists, biological surveyors and monitors and planting crews. Restoration plans include documentation of the project history, description of agency permits, evaluation of the project site, description of site preparation methods, plant and seed lists and their methods of installation, maintenance procedures and monitoring, performance criteria for agency approval, performance monitoring and reporting procedures. They prepare reports to satisfy all conditions of Section 401 and 404 permits, Section 1600 et. al. streambed alteration agreements, Biological Opinions, and such other agency documents as may provide conditions for mitigation.
Mitigation Measures / Mitigation Banking
If your project could impact state or federally listed species, you will likely be required to implement mitigation measures to minimize impacts. All project proponents should consult with the agencies before performing any surveys or mitigation measures. Chambers Group can assist with agency consultations including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Marine Fisheries Service, and California Department of Fish and Game. We can also coordinate with local permitting agencies to develop site-specific mitigation measures for your project.
If suitable habitat for a listed species is present at your project site, a qualified Chambers Group biologist can conduct detailed surveys during the appropriate time frame and according to established protocols to determine if the species is present. Our biologists have appropriate permits and/or agency authorizations to conduct surveys for listed species. Chambers Group can design, or reconfigure a project design, to avoid or minimize impacts to listed species and their habitat. Significant impacts may be reduced or eliminated by reducing the size of the project or by locating the project in the least environmentally sensitive area. We can recommend and implement compensation plans to address impacts to listed species habitat. Compensation can include defining open space or conservation easements, contributing to a mitigation bank, and/or offsite mitigation, such as participating in a Habitat Conservation Plan.
Biological Resource Projects:
IDIQ A-E Water and Wastewater Systems Design, Build, Operate and Maintain Biological and Cultural Resources Surveys and Monitoring, NEPA Compliance Support
Chambers Group is serving as a subcontractor to CDM Constructors to execute National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)-related tasks in the areas of biological and cultural resources and environmental compliance for design, build, operation and maintenance of new water and wastewater plants, associated facilities, distribution and conveyance systems as well as potable water wells at MCB Camp Pendleton. In addition, old pipelines, wastewater facilities, and a recycling center that are being replaced must be removed. The project will also involve significant ground disturbance and environmental concerns associated with construction of new pipelines (P-110 and P-002) and pump stations; force main replacement; demolition of existing structures (the recycling center may contain lead and asbestos); construction of 20-ft. deep excavations; and brush clearance. Chambers Group’s ancillary support services will ensure that work performed does not adversely impact biological and cultural resources as well as meets environmental compliance requirements.
The new SRTTP avoids significant sensitive areas (non-jurisdictional wetlands and vernal pools as well as vireo and gnatcatcher habitats). Chambers Group provided expertise to allow this design element. Chambers Group conducted pre-construction surveys to identify sensitive habitats and species as well as implemented an education program to ensure all construction personnel are fully informed of the biological resources present. The southwestern arroyo toad, red-legged frog, least Bell’s vireo, southwestern willow flycatcher, California gnatcatcher, light-footed clapper rail, and fairy shrimp are of particular concern in the areas of potential effect. Biological monitoring occurs during brush clearance, fencing, clearing, grubbing and grading activities.
San Gabriel River Sediment Management Plan, Biological Surveys and Monitoring (Water Resources Division of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works)
For almost a decade, Chambers Group has provided biological resource and water quality services in support of the San Gabriel River Sediment Management Plan (SMP) for the Water Resources Division of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works. A comprehensive biological resource analysis, also called functional analysis, has been conducted on an annual basis to quantify changes in habitat quality as a result of sediment management activities throughout the watershed.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works (LADPW), as the Federal and State lead agencies respectively, in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) prepared the San Gabriel Canyon Sediment Management Plan Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report (SMP EIS/EIR). The SMP EIS/EIR was adopted in 1998. Information provided by the EIS/EIR allowed LADPW Public Works to obtain permits and authorizations from the USACE, California Department of Fish and Game, and the California Regional Water Quality Control Board to conduct sediment removal activities in Cogswell, San Gabriel, and Morris Reservoirs. Implementation of the San Gabriel Canyon SMP requires LADPW Public Works to comply with the requirements specified in the SMP EIS/EIR and all the permits. Among these requirements are water quality and biological monitoring to minimize and assess the projects’ environmental impacts.
Chambers Group assisted LA DPW in the proposed water quality and biological monitoring tasks that will enable them to comply with the SMP and with permit requirements for past clean out projects at San Gabriel and potential future cleanouts in Cogswell, San Gabriel, and Morris Reservoirs. The Scope of Service Section includes the required tasks.
Some of the key issues were data on vegetation, fish, macroinvertebrates, birds, amphibians, reptiles, large mammals, stream characterization, topography, and water quality that are collected every year. Chambers Group prepared the Biological Assessment for effects to Federal-listed species including the Santa Ana sucker (Catostomus santaannae).
