Wetland & Natural Resources Planning & Permitting

GEL Engineering will work with you to define the long-term development goals for your property to determine if a master plan is appropriate for your project. If a master plan is selected, the first step is to develop a conceptual master plan in compliance with the specifications and accepted practices of the regulatory resource agencies. Upon your approval of the plan, GEL Engineering can prepare a single condensed permit application for authorization to fill wetlands as necessary to meet the goals of your project. Through the master planning process, GEL Engineering represents you through routine coordination with the regulatory agencies to negotiate the most sensible and environmentally practical plan for your project.

The recommended first step when acquiring land or site design is to delineate the boundaries of wetlands, streams, and other regulated water resources that may be present on your property. Several recent regulatory changes concerning the definition of regulated waters have caused confusion in developing properties with aquatic resources. GEL Engineering’s wetland staff maintains familiarity with updated regulatory guidance. We will locate and flag wetlands and aquatic resources per the currently accepted practices to assist in supporting realistic development goals or site acquisition decisions. Upon your approval, the results of the delineation are provided to the appropriate state and federal resource agencies for review and approval. We maintain routine contact with the regulatory agencies to promote the approval process.

Threatened and Endangered Species Surveys are typically requested to support a permit action or to comply with federal funding programs in accordance with Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act. GEL Engineering’s professionals can conduct a field survey and prepare a report detailing the potential presence or absence of suitable habitat for federally protected species.

When impacts to wetlands, streams, and other aquatic resources are permitted, mitigation through the generation or purchase of mitigation credits is often required to offset adverse impacts. GEL Engineering’s professionals calculate the number of mitigation credits that are reasonable to mitigate proposed impacts. We collaborate with you to provide anticipated costs for mitigation credits to ensure the cost for credits is in line with the needs and financial goals of your project. GEL Engineering routinely negotiates to obtain necessary mitigation credits from mitigation banking representatives to offset authorized impacts. GEL Engineering can also prepare Permittee Responsible Mitigation (PRM) Plans to offset proposed wetland impacts if cost-effective for large-scale projects.

When federally protected species have the potential to be adversely affected by a project, protected species monitoring can be implemented through the permitting process or compliance with the requirements of an issued permit. Project Species Monitoring can range from simple observations of the presence of manatees, sea turtles, red-cockaded woodpeckers, and other important species, to detailed inspections by approved Protected Species Observers. GEL Engineering’s professionals can help you work with regulatory agencies and contractors to ensure appropriate monitoring is conducted for your project.