We provide expertise on projects which may impact waters of the US (WOTUS). We work directly with federal and state agencies to ensure our clients are making responsible environmental decisions. Our services include:

• Wetland delineation and mapping of Jurisdictional Waters and Isolated Wetlands,
• Assessments using the NCSAM and NCWAM,
• Wetland and stream Nationwide Permits and Individual Permits,
• Mitigation site selection and monitoring, and
• Response to regulatory violations.
• Descriptions of wetlands and streams typically encompass various physical characteristics, ecological functions, and regulatory considerations. Here’s an overview of how wetlands and streams are commonly described:Wetlands:
  1. Physical Characteristics:
     • Wetlands are transitional areas between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, characterized by the presence of water either seasonally or permanently.
     • They exhibit hydric soil conditions, meaning the soil is saturated with water for prolonged periods, and may have distinctive vegetation adapted to wet conditions.
     • Wetlands can vary in size, shape, and hydrological regime, ranging from marshes and swamps to bogs and floodplains.
  2. Ecological Functions:
     • Wetlands provide essential ecosystem services, including water filtration, flood control, erosion control, and habitat for diverse plant and animal species.
     • They serve as breeding grounds, nurseries, and foraging areas for wildlife, supporting biodiversity and ecological productivity.
     • Wetlands play a crucial role in regulating water flow, maintaining water quality, and replenishing groundwater resources.
  3. Regulatory Considerations:
     • Wetlands are regulated under various federal, state, and local laws, including the Clean Water Act, which protects wetlands from unauthorized filling, dredging, or other activities that may degrade their ecological functions.
     • Regulatory agencies use specific criteria to define and delineate wetlands, considering factors such as hydrology, soil characteristics, and vegetation types.
     • Activities impacting wetlands may require permits and mitigation measures to offset any adverse impacts, as determined through environmental assessments and permitting processes.

  Streams:

  1. Physical Characteristics:
     • Streams are flowing bodies of water that channel water from higher elevations to lower elevations, ultimately feeding into rivers, lakes, or oceans.
     • They exhibit a defined channel or watercourse, characterized by the presence of flowing water, bed materials (e.g., sediment, rocks), and riparian vegetation along the banks.
     • Streams can vary in size, gradient, flow regime, and substrate composition, influencing their ecological functions and habitat diversity.
  2. Ecological Functions:
     • Streams support diverse aquatic and riparian habitats, providing food, shelter, and breeding sites for fish, invertebrates, amphibians, and other aquatic organisms.
     • They facilitate nutrient cycling, sediment transport, and energy flow within aquatic ecosystems, contributing to overall ecosystem health and resilience.
     • Streams serve as corridors for wildlife movement, connecting fragmented habitats and promoting genetic exchange among populations.
  3. Regulatory Considerations:
     • Streams are protected under the Clean Water Act and other environmental laws, which regulate activities that may impair water quality, alter stream hydrology, or degrade aquatic habitats.
     • Regulatory agencies assess stream health and integrity through biological assessments, water quality monitoring, and geomorphic surveys to inform management decisions and permitting processes.
     • Activities impacting streams, such as channel modification, bank stabilization, or water withdrawals, may require permits and mitigation measures to minimize adverse effects on aquatic ecosystems and water resources.

  Descriptions of wetlands and streams aim to capture their ecological significance, functional importance, and regulatory status, guiding land use planning, conservation efforts, and environmental management practices to ensure their long-term sustainability and protection.