PROJECTS & CLIENTS
SR 91/ 71 Interchange Improvement (Corona, CA)
The construction project started in Dec 2022 and is expected to conclude in mid-2025. Once completed, the new interchange will improve safety, reduce weaving between lanes and rear-end collisions, expand access to other modes of travel, and enhance traffic flow by replacing the single-lane loop connector with the two-lane direct connector.
A wildlife crossing will be one of the other features of the redesigned interchange.
Endemic, as a biological and stormwater consultant to the prime contractor, prepared the Natural Resource Protection Plan (NRPP) that identified and outlined species protection measures and implementation plans in compliance with all permits, licenses, agreements, and certifications (PLACs) as well as environmental laws and regulations. Sensitive and regulated species for this project included:
● Coastal California Gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica)
● Least Bell’s Vireo (Vireo bellii pusillus)
● Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia)
● Coast Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma blainvillii)
● Santa Ana Sucker (Catostomus santaanae)
● Raptors, Non-game and Migratory Birds
● Brand’s phacelia (Phacelia stellaris)
● San Diego ambrosia (Ambrosia pumila)
● San Miguel savory (Clinopodium chandleri)
Endemic also prepared a Bat Avoidance and Monitoring Protection Plan (BAMPP) that will minimize impacts on bats during construction activities in the project. Our habitat restoration activities have included re-contouring streambed and banks, de-compacting soils, installing native seed, cuttings, or container stock, and ongoing monitoring and maintenance.
Caltrans District 9 State Route 14 Rehabilitation Project (2022)
Endemic Environmental Services (EES) has now successfully completed our biological monitoring and surveying services in support of the Caltrans Construction Project No. 09-367404 on State Highway 14 in Kern County near Rosamond and Mojave (Project). The Project boundaries spanned from 1.4 miles south of Dawn Road to 0.5 miles north of Silver Queen Road. The primary purpose of the project was to rehabilitate the existing State Route 14 (SR-14) and the associated on/off ramps and adjacent shoulders while upgrading the guardrail, traffic loop detectors, and roadside facilities.
As part of the biological services, Endemic wrote and established a Natural Resource Protection Plan (NRPP) to identify and outline species protection measures with an implementation plan so that the project maintained compliance with all permits, licenses, agreements, and certifications (PLACs), as well as environmental laws and regulations. A Biological Resource Information Program (BRIP) was also prepared and utilized to educate personnel about regulated species and habitats, related laws and regulations, and species protection measures and protocols associated with the project.
The sensitive species on the project included desert tortoise, Mohave ground squirrel (MGS), desert kit fox, American badger, Swainson’s hawk, nesting/migratory birds, nesting raptors, and Joshua tree. The project also contained three Archeological Environmentally Sensitive Areas and a Species Protection Area that was contained within the entire project limit. Throughout the project, Endemic biologists conducted frequent surveys of the sensitive resource areas which contained desert tortoise burrows, MGS burrows, and active desert kit fox dens. Desert kit foxes were often found scurrying across the project site in the early morning hours of the day, and the active dens were successfully avoided and protected throughout the project. Nesting bird surveys were conducted frequently throughout the nesting bird season (Feb 15-Sept 15) in order to ensure no active nests were impacted from construction activities. The desert proved to be surprisingly full of diversity, with avian species such as horned lark, purple finch, western meadowlark, cactus wren, and Swainson’s hawk. All dens, burrows, and nests were mapped and monitored throughout the duration of the project.
On October 9th, 2020, Joshua trees were listed as a Candidate Species for listing under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA) due to the continuous population declines from climate change factors such as extreme heat, fires, and drought. As a result, the Joshua trees on the project were flagged, measured, mapped, and fenced off with a 10 foot buffer in order to provide the necessary protection for this species. The Joshua trees were also closely monitored when construction activities and heavy equipment were in close proximity to the species. Each day the biological monitor would provide meticulous updates and notes for the health and status of the Joshua trees present on-site.
The Endemic on-site biologist was responsible for environmental education training for all personnel working on-site through the Biological Resource Information Program. The on-site biologist conducted frequent ground-based surveys prior to clearing, grubbing or ground disturbing activities. During biological monitoring, the biologist closely inspected and monitored all construction activities that were in close proximity to the sensitive resource areas and protected habitat. Biological monitoring reports were prepared daily to summarize the observations, survey results, and project updates for all sensitive species within the project limits. Upon project completion, the EES Biological Team prepared a Final Monitoring Report that served to provide a detailed summary and analysis of the avoidance, minimization, and mitigation measures that were successfully implemented to ensure compliance with the agency requirements and protection of the sensitive species on site.
Endemic looks forward to future desert endeavors with upcoming projects located in Tehachapi, Cactus City, and the Haiwee Dam. The sensitive desert species of these projects continue to amaze and surprise the Endemic Team with their persistence and resilience. Through these projects we get to witness the desert ecosystem reveal its quiet complexity through the species that have so brilliantly adapted to survive in one of the harshest landscapes found on earth.
Orange County Water District (OCWD) Prado Basin Sediment Management Demonstration Project – Habitat Restoration (2021)
OCWD owns 2,150 acres behind the Prado Dam within unincorporated Riverside County and referred to as the Prado Basin. The agency operates and manages the 465-acre Prado Wetlands within the basin. OCWD and the US Army Corps of Engineers (LA District) collaborated to temporarily retain water behind Prado Dam. The Prado Basin Sediment Management Demonstration Project (SMDP) was created to deal with the sediment that was continuously building up behind Prado Dam that was decreasing water storage capacity.
In compliance with the Streambed Alteration Agreement with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), OCWD implemented a Sediment Demonstration Project on a 14-acre site on the Santa Ana River, located approximately 1.3 miles upstream of the Prado Dam. Part of the project is a 20-acre dewatering and storage site with four acres of planted in native riparian habitat for the potential impacts associated with annual operations of the Prado Wetlands. The restoration project serves as partial mitigation for the Sediment Demonstration Project.
The project consists of two separate parcels, Site 1 and Site 2. Site 1 is a four-acre plot located in the northeastern corner of the Pheasant Field. Site 2 is a 4-acre plot located east of Site 1 and just outside the Pheasant Field boundary. Site 1 was cleared of vegetation prior to planting with container plants and an irrigation system installed. Site 2 contained existing habitat patches and is currently being weeded by OCWD.
Solutions
Endemic Environmental Services Inc. (Endemic) implemented a native plant restoration project for the Prado Basin.
For Site 1, around 4,000 container plants were installed. A drip irrigation system was installed and connected to a large water storage tank provided by OCWD. All plant and irrigation materials were purchased by Endemic for Site 1. We placed deep pole cuttings of Fremont’s cottonwood (Populus fremontii), black willow (Salix gooddingii), and mulfat (Baccharis salicifolia) scattered throughout the site.
Endemic designed and installed an above ground filtered drip irrigation system at Site 1. The system will supply each of the 4000 plants with 1-gallon of water within a 2-hour period. The mainline is connected to a 5000-gallon water storage supplied by and placed by OCWD staff along the southern edge of the site prior to planting. The tank is filled with an OCWD water truck. Cam locks are installed at the tank to accommodate a small trash pump which is used to run the system. Brass ball valves are installed and used to control the flow to each station. Two in-line filters (Rainbird) are installed above ground to help reduce clogging of the emitters. Endemic was responsible for purchase of all irrigation system materials.
Endemic will also provide a 90-day Site Maintenance Period for Site 1. This includes keeping the site free of weeds, repairing irrigation, and watering for the first 30 days.
For Site 2, Endemic supervised the planting of 500 8’-10’ long pole cuttings consisting of mulefat, willows and cottonwoods. The cuttings were prepared by OCWD prior to project start date. A backhoe or similar piece of equipment with an auger attachment was used to dig holes for the pole cuttings. The cuttings were installed down at groundwater level (~5’-7’ deep) and watered in. The cuttings were scattered throughout the site with final placement will be approved by OCWD staff. OCWD provided the pole cuttings for Site 2.
US Army Corp of Engineers (USACE) Moss Landing Harbor Maintenance Dredging Project
The Moss Landing Harbor District is the agency that owns the project and dredging efforts funded by the USACE. The purpose was to dredge and recontour the harbor channel from the Sandholdt Road Bridge, at the mouth of the Old Salinas River to the entrance of the harbor inlet.
The dredging maintenance work done by prime (Pacific Dredging Inc.) included the excavating of sediment from the harbor channel using an excavator with a “clam” dredge, barges, and tugboats. The project was conducted in compliance with State and Federal harbor standards.
Challenges
Moss Landing Harbor area consists of estuarine and intertidal harbor habitat, with sea otters and other marine mammals being abundant throughout the site.
It is home to a variety of marine wildlife including the following regulated species:
Marine Mammals
Tidewater Goby (Eucyclogobius newberryi)
Southern Sea Otter (Enhydra lutris nereis)
Southern sea otters and other marine mammals such as California Sea Lions (Zalophus californianus) were frequently detected within the action and dig areas of dredging activities.
Solutions
The EES biology team developed and implemented a marine mammal monitoring program at the start of project in December 2020. Together with the Army QA/QC inspector, we were present daily on the dredge barge to monitor and protect marine wildlife. The dredging activities were halted whenever sea otters were observed within 50 m of dredging activities. Dredging was only resumed when they were safely away from the action area.
The assessment of marine specific wildlife activity guided the implementation and adaptation of our monitoring program. We led the successful completion of the project that ensured the protection of the marine life in January 2021.
City of Costa Mesa, Fairview Park Wetlands and Riparian Habitat Restoration Project (2017-Ongoing)
Endemic delivers diligent and continuous environmental monitoring and maintenance services for Fairview Park in the City of Costa Mesa. Fairview is Costa Mesa’s largest park, hosting 195 acres of natural open space area and 13 acres of passive parkland for a total of 208 acres. This park harbors two Native American Nationally Registered Historic Sites and five different diverse ecosystems, which are home to over 26 rare and endangered plant and animal species. These sensitive habitats require local, state, and federal regulatory compliance for protection and preservation. Fairview also offers multiple passive recreational opportunities such as picnicking, wildlife viewing, and more than seven miles of trails for walking, jogging and bicycling.
The Wetlands and Riparian Habitat area spans 50 acres. This area includes a pond system, alluvial coastal sage scrub, riparian, coastal sage scrub, freshwater wetlands, southern tar plant area, open water and wetland vegetation. The City of Costa Mesa is contractually committed to maintain in perpetuity the sensitive habitats and endangered species. The City has agreements (two “Conservation Mitigation Agreements”), with the US Army Corps of Engineers of LA District, the Orange County Flood Control District, and Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA). The agreements and maintenance fall under both state and federal regulations, and Endemic ensures compliance and coordination with these environmental specifications.
EES provides year-round biological monitoring oversight and maintenance for the Wetlands and Riparian Habitat. We prepare and submit monthly, quarterly, and annual reports on the restoration progress and the habitat conditions for the mitigation agreements with the City. We conduct nesting bird surveys, vegetation removal surveys, plant mapping, and rare plant surveys. Endemic monitors the vernal pool habitat conditions, rare plants abundance, species abundance and diversity, and any landscape or vegetation management activities that can cause impacts or disturbance to the habitat.
Endemic field crews maintain water flow through the channels, clear out algae, cattail and bulrush, and consistently test water quality in order to control mosquito populations throughout the ponds. These mosquito abatement services have led to substantial declines in mosquito populations throughout the ponds and channels. Our daily management tasks include monitoring and reporting on the function of the water pumps, channel flow rate, and invasive species presence in the wetlands and CSS habitat. Non-native vegetation is removed by hand-weeding and through mechanical tools (i.e. brush cutting), when deemed safe for the native vegetation and nesting birds. We inspect and investigate concerns related to managing and protecting natural resources and public safety. Our team enforces trespassing and vandalism laws to keep the natural resources protected, while maintaining positive and educational interactions with the public.
Endemic offers designing, implementing, and permitting expertise for habitat conservation and restoration projects. This 50-acre site includes restoration projects for a variety of different habitats including wetlands, vernal pools, riparian areas, grassland, oak woodland, and coastal sage scrub communities. We have been responsible for the restoration design, implementation, and post-installation monitoring and maintenance for all phases of the restoration process. These projects vary from creating vernal pool and tar plant habitat to coast live oak restoration and hydroseeding in a diverse array of habitats. Our hydroseeding services include mixes for grasslands, riparian areas, and coastal sage scrub habitats. Throughout the years, there have been several native plant installation projects using container planting and local cuttings as well. Through our partnership with the Institute for Conservation Research and Education (ICRE), we support a variety of environmental outreach restoration projects that continue to increase long-term native habitat establishment. Endemic strives to consistently connect with the community through public engagement activities, ecological tours, and supporting our local non-profit organizations.
At a Project Management level, our responsibilities and coordination for this project include habitat conservation planning, wetland management, land management, and natural resource planning. We provide consistent water quality results, maintain field crew scheduling, and coordinate with landscaping crews for smooth environmental compliance. Our creative habitat conservation strategies offer new solutions and innovative problem-solving for land management challenges at all scales. We provide quarterly and monthly monitoring reports that record qualitative and quantitative assessments for native plant coverage, container stock survival, habitat assessment and vegetation establishment success.
We specialize in wildlife management, and therefore perform services for a variety of species-specific measures at Fairview Park. Examples of these efforts include installing and maintaining tree swallow boxes, mapping least Bell’s vireo and coastal California gnatcatcher nest activity, and implementing a brown-headed cowbird trapping program. The trapping program has been on-going the past five years and demonstrates continued effectiveness for controlling invasive species. Our research team also surveys burrowing owl and southwestern pond turtle activity at Fairview Park. Our combination of fervent attention to detail and transparent communication have led to continued success with documenting and protecting these rare species. As a result, we foster native habitat that support a variety of rare plants, neotropical birds, raptors, threatened and endangered species, and a rich diversity of other native species.
Irvine Ranch Water District, Natural Treatment System Habitat Restoration Monitoring Project (2019-Ongoing)
Endemic provides continuous environmental consultation and monitoring at The Natural Treatment System (NTS) Habitat Monitoring Project throughout the Irvine Ranch Water District’s (IRWD) management area. This project includes over 32 site locations throughout the City of Irvine and each site requires unique management demands and solutions. We support IRWD’s maintenance and management vision for native habitat enhancement by providing restoration consulting services, monitoring ecological success metrics over time, and ensuring that these systems maintain proper ecological function. To do this we measure the uptake of nutrient loads, monitor vegetative overgrowth (i.e. woody material, algae removal), design irrigation schedules and plans, and restore native habitats. Our experienced team of ecologists and restoration biologists perform quarterly monitoring and habitat assessments at these mitigation sites throughout the year. The clearly defined restoration goals for the Project have led to successful restoration of native wetland plant communities around water treatment facilities.
While partnering with IRWD, Endemic has worked with land management, wetland habitat monitoring and maintenance, and hydroseeding for these various locations as well. We use creative problem solving and planning strategies to implement informed environmental compliance and successful habitat restoration approaches. When hydroseeding, we use our extensive community network of local nurseries, seeding companies, and plant ecologists to consistently achieve and exceed the site success metrics. We provide independent hydroseeding services with a variety of slurries, seed mixes, and mulches that are tailored to each site. EES also perform restoration assessment and reporting services that offer relevant feedback and ecological recommendations specific to each site.
IRWD manages urban runoff treatments for watersheds throughout Irvine. These sites treat dry weather runoff from the urban components of the watershed and provide restoration spaces through the California Water Code. The NTS also provides riparian habitat and water-quality benefits to wildlife throughout the watershed.
Some of the most successful examples of these NTS sites include the Los Olivos, Lower East Foot, Port Culver, Ridge Valley, and Portola Springs restoration areas. These NTS sites contain wetlands that have dry slope vegetation on the banks, which occupies a unique habitat niche with specific plant palettes for each ecotone. These sites span a variety of native habitats such as wetlands, meadows, coastal sage scrub, and oak woodland. EES routinely conducts qualitative assessments for the vegetation coverage, non-native plant coverage, woody material surveillance, restoration success metrics, and waterflow and wildlife usage at these sites. Land Care, a partner company with Endemic, performs the routine irrigation and landscape maintenance services for these sites. Additional work that Endemic offers includes mulch replacement, irrigation repairs, aquatic herbicide application, aquatic vegetation removal, and sediment removal.
Endemic also created an Integrated Pest Management Plan for IRWD, which included suitable habitat assessments, pesticide plans, and a coast live oak restoration and monitoring project. We used specific habitat goals, targeted management actions, and measurable thresholds for control methods at the sites. The plan also developed tolerance levels tailored for the various plant pest species present at each NTS site. Using this plan, we developed monthly maintenance priorities and training programs for IRWD landscape staff with clearly defined Standardized Operating Procedures (SOPs). During these programs we also outlined health and safety recommendations, performance measures, and Best Management Practices (BMPs) at the restoration sites. This work required coordinating meetings with IRWD, landscape contractors, and project managers for each organization.
The San Joaquin Marsh (SJM) is IRWD’s flagship NTS site that consists of 320 acres of wetland, riparian, and upland habitat. There is a 75,000 acres tributary watershed with an extensive history of wetland conservation and wildlife protection. The wetlands are a critical component of the SJM ecosystem as they naturally clean urban runoff from San Diego Creek and help to protect the environmentally sensitive habitats in Upper Newport Bay. We effectively monitor, report, and manage the natural resources to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations and permitting.
The San Joaquin Marsh has become an important biological asset in the region. It is a stopover for many bird species migrating along the Pacific Flyway. The marsh provides on-site nesting habitat for approximately 70 species of birds. Over 280 species have been documented occurring since 2000. The adjacent San Diego Creek and its associated riparian habitat also act as a corridor for birds and other mobile wildlife to access the marsh. The floral diversity is also impressive for a site of this size, with over 120 species of plants have been documented from the site. We thoroughly monitor and manage these biological, arboricultural, and water resources throughout the valuable wetland.
Endemic has played a foundational role in ecological restoration and research at SJM, partnering with IRWD, UC Irvine, and UC Nature to provide valuable native habitat. Endemic has supported wetland and CSS restoration efforts and performed monitoring and wildlife surveys at the marsh for over ten years. In cooperation with UC Irvine, the Endemic Eco-Lab has conducted surveys, trapping, and population reporting for rare and protected flora and fauna species at SJM such as the southwestern pond turtle, coastal California gnatcatcher, least Bell’s vireo, clapper rails, raptors, and white-tailed kites. We have provided education tours, performed wetland management and research, and conducted water quality testing for this coastal wildlife sanctuary. Endemic plays a continuous role in the research, restoration, and monitoring at the SJM.
Caltrans District 2 Highway and Bridge Construction Projects
The purpose of this project was to repair and upgrade four highway bridges in Lassen and Plumas Counties. Bridge maintenance work included painting and repair of bridge joints in order to meet State and Federal bridge standards.
Challenges
The project areas contain sensitive riparian and/or wetland habitat at four locations: North Fork Feather River, Susan River, Dill Slough, and South Greenville Overflow Channel. The project locations are within or near habitat for the following regulated species:
Migratory Birds and Birds of Prey
Roosting Native Bats
Swainson’s Hawk (Buteo swainsonii)
Bats were observed within the project area at the North Fork Feather River site and evidence of roosting bats were observed at bridges over Dill Slough and Susan River, prompting careful monitoring of all bridge maintenance work activities.
Solutions
We developed and implemented a Water Pollution Control Plan (WPCP), a Bat Exclusion Plan, and an Avian Exclusion Plan for the Project. Prior to the start of work activities, we conducted focused surveys for sensitive species. The assessment of bridge specific wildlife activity guided our implementation and adaptation of the plans and enabled us to proactively address environmental concerns throughout the evolution of the project. Once construction began, we closely monitored work activities to ensure the protection of sensitive wildlife.
Browns Valley Shoulder Widening and Rehabilitation Project
The purpose of this project is to widen the shoulders and realign a portion of State Route 20, and to replace Dry Creek Bridge.
Challenges
The project area contains sensitive riparian habitat in and around Dry Creek, a tributary of the Yuba River. As part of the scope of work, the installation of a clear water diversion of a perennial stream. The project is located within or near habitat for the following regulated species:
Western Pond Turtle (Actinemys marmorata)
Foothill Yellow-legged Frog (Rana boylii)
Central Valley Spring-run Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawtscha)
California Central Valley Steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Bats
Migratory Birds and Birds of Prey
An active Acorn Woodpecker nest was located in close proximity to the work site, requiring close monitoring to ensure that the birds were not disturbed by the nearby construction work.
Solutions
As this is a large-scale project, encompassing large areas of sensitive habitat, careful monitoring and adaptive management approaches are necessary to ensure protection of biological resources throughout each phase of work. We developed and implement several management plans for this project, including a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan, Natural Resources Protection Plan, and Exclusion Plan for bats and bridge-nesting birds. Daily monitoring of the site ensures that any biological or environmental concerns are swiftly met with scientific knowledge and expertise.
Bridge Improvements at Various Locations for the City of Pleasanton
The purpose of this project was to improve five bridges for the City of Pleasanton by repairing cracks and replacing joint seals in the abutments, among other improvements.
Challenges
The project area contained potential habitat for California Red-legged Frog (Rana draytonii) and Western Pond Turtle (Actinemys marmorata), as well as Migratory Birds. A Western Pond Turtle was observed during the pre-construction surveys.
A temporary creek diversion was required for two of the bridges to prevent disturbance to the water under the bridges during construction.
Solutions
We conducted daily sweeps of the project site to check for presence of Western Pond Turtle and California Red-legged Frog. Prior to the start of construction, inactive bird nests were removed from the bridge structures to ensure that birds did not use the bridge as nesting habitat while construction was occurring.
We also prepared a Temporary Creek Diversion System Plan, which was implemented during construction. Temporary gravel-filled bag dams were installed, and the water was diverted to the opposite side of the 2-cell box culvert of each bridge while work occurred on the bridge structures. The diversion was designed as close to the necessary work area as possible so to not dewater any vegetation, and the dams were kept water-tight to prevent the introduction of pollutants to the live channels.
County of Stanislaus, Hickman Road Bridge Replacement (2020-Ongoing)
This project involves the removal and replacement of an existing two-lane bridge in Stanislaus County. The existing bridge is structurally deficient and scour critical.
Challenges: The project takes place within sensitive riparian habitat in and around the Tuolumne River. As part of the scope of work, the installation of a water diversion within the river is necessary to allow work within the stream channel. The project area contains habitat for many regulated species, including the following:
Valley Elderberry Longhorn Beetle (Desmocerus californicus dimorphus)
Western Spadefoot (Spea hammondii)
Western Pond Turtle (Actinemys marmorata)
Northern California Legless Lizard (Anniella pulchra)
Swainson’s Hawk (Buteo swainsonii)
Tricolored Blackbird (Agelaius tricolor)
Native Bats
Migratory and Bridge-Nesting Birds
An active Swainson’s Hawk nest was in close proximity to the work site during the initial phases of construction, requiring careful monitoring to ensure that the hawks were not disturbed from work activities. The nest was successful, with the parents and their chick eventually leaving the project area to begin their fall migration.
Solutions: Large-scale projects often require innovative and adaptive management approaches, as new challenges arise with each phase of the project. Working closely with the county, we developed several management plans, including a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan, Natural Resources Protection Plan, and Exclusion Plan for bats and bridge-nesting birds. The implementation and adaptation of the plans enables us to proactively address environmental concerns throughout the evolution of the project.
County of Calaveras, Hogan Dam Road and Bridge over Bear Creek (2019-2020)
The purpose of this project was to replace a low water crossing with a new bridge on Hogan Dam Road, located in western Calaveras County, to provide an all-weather crossing and accommodate the roadway, shoulders, and barriers.
Challenges: The project area contains sensitive riparian habitat in and around Bear Creek, a tributary of the Mokelumne River, and is located within or near habitat for the following regulated species:
California Red-legged Frog (Rana draytonii)
Foothill Yellow-legged Frog (Rana boylii)
Western Pond Turtle (Actinemys marmorata)
Migratory Birds and Birds of Prey
An adult Western Pond Turtle and several active bird nests were found within the project area, prompting careful monitoring of all ground-disturbing work activities.
Solutions: We developed and implemented a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) and a Natural Resources Protection Plan (NRPP) for the project. Prior to the start of construction, we conducted focused surveys for sensitive species. As part of the Best Management Practices outlined in the SWPPP and NRPP, we prepared and presented natural resource information programs to familiarize project personnel with environmental laws and regulations, regulated species and habitats, and resource protection measures and protocols. Once construction began, we closely monitored the work that occurred within the riparian habitat and Bear Creek to ensure the protection of wildlife and water.
City of Irvine
On-Call Environmental Services for Open Space Management (2013-2020)
This project involves the management of 50,000 acres of sensitive open space that has been conserved through conservation easements, endowments, and reserve space. Services have included avian nest surveys, non-native plant species mapping, invasive species management and agency coordination.
EES team has coordinated with CDFW and USFWS for sensitive species management. We also assisted in resolving Streambed Alteration restrictions that did not allow maintenance within the streambeds. Without maintenance, they eventually fail and flood local residents’ access and create safety issues for public access.
Biological Monitoring for Highway and Bridge Projects
Caltrans District 9, SR 14 between Rosamond and Mojave in Kern County (2020-2021)
SR 14 is a four-lane highway situated in rolling desert terrain and serves as principal arterial in the proximity of Edwards AFB, a segment of the Strategic Highway Corridor network. This project involves the resurfacing of 31.6 lane miles to rehabilitate lanes and ramps, replace slabs and grinding one lane, construct Continuous Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP) lane 2, cold plane and overlay ramps with Rubberized Hot Mix Asphalt (RHMA). It also includes replacement guardrails, rumble strip, replacing signs using retroreflective sheeting, and refresh pavement delineation.
EES team will undertake biological surveys during the construction period to monitor and protect the regulated species, e.g. nesting/migratory birds, burrowing owl, Swainson’s Hawk, desert tortoise, Mohave ground squirrel and American badger. We will conduct biological resource information training for contractor personnel, laborers, material suppliers, equipment maintenance staff, food vendors and other personnel at job site. We will prepare a natural environmental resource protection plan, implement and do reporting requirements for compliance.
City of Rancho Santa Margarita, Biological Services for Margarita Parkway Hinge Bridge Repair (2020-2021)
As the onsite biologist for the contractor/builder, we are doing the biological monitoring and protection of natural resources during construction of this $ 2 M bridge that crosses Arroyo Trabuco, a tributary of the San Juan Creek, and nearby O’Neill Regional Park. Species of concern are: Arroyo toad, Coastal CA gnatcathers, Least Bell’s Vireo, Southwestern Willow Flycather, Raptors, Bats and Nongame Migratory Birds.
I-15 Interchange Widening and Bridge Realignment over the Mojave River, Victorville, CA.
This project upgraded roadway features to current standards, improve traffic safety, and operational characteristics of the interchanges at “D” Street, “E” Street and Stoddard Wells Road. It also improved the aesthetics of the gateway to the City of Victorville to fit the natural desert surroundings of the area.
EES team led bio-monitoring of the bridge construction that crosses the Mojave River. The impacted species were the burrowing owl, least Bell’s Vireo, fish, bats, small mammals, southwestern willow flycatcher, yellow-billed cuckoo, and rare plants. We monitored the installation of coffer dams that were required for the dewatering and water diversion of sections of Mojave River. We also monitored fish netting and turbidity curtains during this process.
County of Sacramento, Elk Grove-Florin Road Bridge and Widening (2020-2021)
This project will construct a new bridge on Elk Grove-Florin Road over Elder Creek and realign and widen the Elder Creek channel in the vicinity of the bridge. The width of the new bridge will accommodate widening of the Gerber to Florin Road from two to four lanes with bike lanes and landscaped raised median. The project is funded by the Federal Highway Bridge Program.
EES biologists work with the Contractor to comply with mitigation measures and permit conditions that require biological surveys, daily monitoring and reporting, construction crew awareness training, etc. These documents will be submitted to the County for review and approval to ensure compliance.
EES team members will monitor that nesting birds are protected if there are any trees or shrubs that will be removed. We are doing pre-construction raptor nesting surveys, active Swainson’s hawk nests, burrowing owl nests, and nesting swallows. Prior to start of ground-disturbing activity on the Elder Creek within 1,650 feet of aquatic habitat, EES will establish appropriate avoidance procedures to apply in the event that western pond turtles are found within the construction area.
County of Santa Clara, Capitol Expressway Pavement Rehabilitation (2020-2021)
The 8.7-mile expressway consists of 6-8 lanes, including a HOV lane, connects three freeways and carry more than 260,000 vehicle trips daily. The section between Capitol Auto Mall Parkway and McLaughlin Avenue is prioritized for rehabilitation due to pavement failures from poor soil conditions. This project will rehabilitate the pavement by placing new asphalt overlay, spot pavement repairs with soil supports, constructing improved drainage curbs and gutters, upgrade of mobility ramps, sidewalk repairs, striping and markings, and roadside signs.
Endemic team will conduct the biological surveys for nesting migratory birds on any trees adjacent to the construction site to determine whether the activities will disturb or harm nesting birds. The nesting season for migratory birds is from March 1 to August 31. If any active nest is located within 50-foot area, a buffer zone will be established and confirmed with the CDFW for compliance. No construction activities will take place within a 50-foot radius of the active nest. We will submit reports of the surveys methods and results, with photo documentation and maps, to the County and CDFW.
Orange County Public Works
San Juan Creek Flood Control Channel Improvements/Levee Protection, San Juan Capistrano and Dana Point (2016-2019)
The Orange County Public Works (OCPW) was the lead agency for the San Juan Creek Levee Improvements project along the flood control channel to enhance flood protection and safety for neighboring communities in San Juan Capistrano and Dana Point. The project is located from Stonehill Drive to approximately 2,100 feet upstream (left) and 6,000 feet upstream (right). The project involved installation of sheet piles with steel anchor columns and tension cables, construction of a reinforced concrete pile cap, construction of reinforced masonry block flood walls and over side drains with flap valves and installation of modified guard cable fence. The left side required reconstruction of an AC bike trail and the aggregate base trail on the right side was restored after installation of the sheet piles.
The $33 million project was funded by the OC Flood Control District and a $5 million grant from the CA Department of Water Resources. This effort was conducted and coordinated by the US Army Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles District. OCPW awarded the Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) contract to Ames Construction in March 2017. Construction period began in September 2017 and completed in June 2019.
EES served as the Biological Monitor and Mitigation subcontractor to the CMAR. During periods of creek water flowing through the project site, we monitored the migration of the southern steelhead trout. We submitted reports to the Environmental Scientist with OCPW. All work was done in compliance with the avoidance and minimization measures requirements for the project, as mandated by directives by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), and National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS).