Biological Permitting/Planning

Issues related to biological services are becoming increasingly important. The California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG), as well as other agencies, requires assessments of impacts to wildlife habitat, endangered species and vegetation for many construction and development projects. PCE prepares biological assessments, impact analyses, endangered species and biological surveys, and wetland delineations in compliance with the requirements of the Department of Fish and Game, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Regional Water Quality Control Board and the Fish and Wildlife Service.   

PCE conducts biological assessments in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). We also prepare baseline surveys including wildlife, habitat, botanical and fishery biological assessments for construction and property acquisition.

PCE conducts specific surveys and/or development mitigation plans for federally- and state-listed threatened or endangered species. Our specialists also perform surveys to identify and delineate wetlands and waters of the United States.

PCE prepares detailed wetland delineations at a level sufficient for verification by regulatory agencies. We also assist with environmental impact consultation (CEQA/NEPA) and in preparing permit applications and agency permits, including: Clean Water Act Section 404: Nationwide and Individual Wetlands Permits (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers); Clean Water Act Section 401: Water Quality Certifications (Regional Water Quality Control Board); and Streambed Alteration Agreements (California Fish and Game Code Sections 1601 and 1602).

PCE can conduct pre-construction surveys and provide construction monitoring for a variety of projects involving listed or special status species and sensitive habitats. We can also prepare mitigation and monitoring plans for evaluating the success of mitigations to sensitive habitats and special-status plant and animal species.