Qualifications Defined
Wetlands Delineation, Permitting, Mitigation, and Monitoring
Various Federal, State, and local agencies have requirements for the protection of wetlands, wetland permitting, mitigation design, and monitoring. TCG conducts jurisdictional wetland determinations and delineations; wetland permitting; wetland restoration, creation, or enhancement projects in association with mitigation sites; and monitoring of wetland mitigation sites to meet wetland permit success criteria. TCG identifies and provides mortality assessment/counts of plants, oversight of maintenance and exotic removal, and assessment of general health and progress of sites.
Typical wetland assessments consist of a field assessment using a combination of the Routine On-Site Determination Method as defined in the 1987 Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual and the State's Unified Mitigation Assessment Method as described in FAC 62-345 and research utilizing reviews of historic aerial photography, soil and topographic surveys, and wetland inventory maps.
Threatened and Endangered Species Surveys and Habitat Management Plans
TCG conducts threatened and endangered species surveys according to agency and scientific protocols. TCG has the capability of locating fixed features such as nests and burrows through the use of sub-meter accurate GPS. TCG utilizes regulatory and scientific methods for appropriate relocation or preservation measures. Permitting and coordinating through applicable agencies may be sought and a habitat management plan devised if warranted.
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Environmental Impact Assessments
TCG has performed various Environmental Impact Assessments in accordance with N.E.P.A. requirements. These studies involve a wide range of issues including social, economic, cultural, historical, natural, and physical impact evaluations. Some issues considered during these studies are contamination, wetlands, water quality, air quality, noise, endangered species, archeological, and historical sites.
Phase I Environmental Site Assessments
TCG performs a large number of Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) yearly for public and private sector clients throughout Florida. TCG site assessment personnel have extensive experience in determining the potential environmental liabilities of a wide variety of sites throughout the U.S., ranging from vacant land and small residential sites to major industrial facilities. Our assessment staff has considerable experience in assessing site contamination on numerous petroleum and hazardous materials contaminated sites, including U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) CERCLA/"Superfund" sites, Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) State-funded action sites, and related facilities. We perform Phase I ESAs in accordance with the standards of practice and guidance as set forth by the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) Standard E-1527-05. In addition, TCG's assessment personnel have extensive observations and findings experience in conducting Phase I ESAs. In particular, we have a thorough understanding of EPA, FDEP, and county agency regulations concerning issues that may be a potential environmental concern on a subject site, as well Florida's unique hydrogeology, water supply, soils, and natural ecological systems.
Benthic Surveys
TCG also performs seagrass surveys via agency and scientific protocols for use with impact assessments, permitting, and mitigation requirements. TCG has experience in providing input to design and construction activities which might minimize impacts and costs for projects which involve sensitive features.
Water Quality & Sediment Analysis & Compliance
TCG performs water quality sampling based on the required field parameters and analytical results required for marina projects in the State of Florida. TCG uses state of the art Quanta sampling equipment to determine the pH, dissolved oxygen, temperature, salinity, conductivity, and turbidity of the tidal or freshwater system. TCG also provides water quality and sediment sampling for heavy metals, hydrocarbons, nutrients, and microbiological levels specific to the needs of the project.
Environmental Permitting
TCG has experience in both obtaining permits for various projects and project phases and in ensuring permit compliance. TCG coordinates with various local, State, and Federal agencies during the pre-application process, the permitting processes, and the compliance phase. We have experience with agencies such as United States Army Corps of Engineers, South Florida Water Management District, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Florida Game and Freshwater Fish Commission, and United States Fish and Wildlife Service.
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Serving the public and private sector throughout Florida, the Caribbean, and the Southeastern United States, The Chappell Group Inc. is committed to providing technical design expertise with a forward thinking approach, coupled with sound project management in order to achieve the goals and vision of the Client while maintaining a sustainable environment.