Biological & Environmental Permit Services

Biological Services

Element provides select biological and habitat assessment services for permitting, regulatory compliance, and natural resource management purposes. Our staff has experience with critical area and regulatory review on a wide range and scale of projects. We offer HCA and FEMA BiOp evaluation services to assist our clients in meeting Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO) study requirements and address FEMA/NMFS assessment standards mandated under the Endangered Species Act. These reviews are often done in conjunction with other geological assessments or engineering services that we can provide in-house. Element’s approach in conducting biological assessments is to incorporate our multidisciplinary knowledge of natural processes, wildlife, forestry, community ecology, and fisheries into the planning process with the overall goal of maximizing project value and benefit while meeting all relevant regulatory requirements. Services include:

• Fish & Wildlife Habitat Conservation Area (HCA) Studies
• Ordinary High-Water Mark (OHWM) Delineation
• FEMA Biological Opinion (BiOp) Evaluations
• Biological Assessment (BA)
• Reviews for Fish Passage Improvements
• Forage Fish Surveys

Permit & Project Management Services

Element works closely with our affiliate company, PSE, to provide a range of project assistance with environmental permitting for submittals such as Shorelines Management Program (SMP), State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), JARPA/HPA, and Critical Areas. We can offer data collection and mapping, exhibit drafting, permit preparation and management, and agency interaction on behalf of clients. Conveying detailed information clearly and accurately is vital to the successful procurement of permits; we ensure each step in the process is completed correctly, consistently, and expediently. We value our exceptional working relationships with federal, state and local agencies, and are committed to maintaining our reputation for quality that is crucial to expediting new permit submittals.