ECOLOGICAL Project Experience

NEPA / PD&E Studies

Tamiami Canal Historic Bridge PD&E Study

Florida Department of Transportation, District Four, Miami-Dade County, FL

E Sciences is providing technical data collection and reporting for NEPA environmental documentation (wetlands, listed species, contamination, water quality) for this PD&E Study regarding the replacement or restoration of the historic Tamiami Canal swing bridge over the Miami River. The existing bridge is being considered for replacement because it is structurally deficient, functionally obsolete and unable to accommodate future high traffic demands. However, due to its historical significance, preservation options are also being evaluated as part of the NEPA process.  E Sciences performed a Wetlands Evaluation Report (WER) Tech Memo, Contamination Screening Evaluation Report (CSER), Endangered Species Biological Assessment (ESBA) Tech Memo, Essential Fish Habitat (EFH), Water Quality Impact Evaluation (WQIE), Class of Action (COA) Determination Memorandum, and Environmental Assessment/Finding of No Significant Impact (EA/FONSI).

NEPA / PD&E Studies

SR 15 from DeLeon Springs to State Road 40

Florida Department of Transportation, District Five, Volusia County, FL

As part of the widening of State Road (SR) 15 in Volusia County, E Sciences is providing ecological services including wetland delineation, evaluation of wetland seasonal high water elevations, listed species surveys, and coordination between multiple agencies towards the successful completion of all aspects of ecological and environmental permitting.  Permitting activities included negotiation of wetland mitigation and placement and design of wildlife crossing structures across Deep Creek and Heart Island Conservation Area.  Agency coordination includes the Florida Department of Transportation, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and St. Johns River Water Management District.

NEPA / PD&E Studies

Palm Coast Parkway PD&E Study

Florida Department of Transportation, District Five, Flager County, FL

E Sciences provided this PD&E Study on behalf of the Florida Department of Transportation, District Five, for Palm Coast Parkway from Cypress Point Parkway to Florida Park Drive.  The length of the project corridor was approximately one mile and involved the evaluation of widening of the Palm Coast Parkway from the existing 4-lane divided, rural typical section to a 6-lane divided typical section.  E Sciences performed ecological and contamination assessment evaluations and provided coordination of historical resources investigations in accordance with current FDOT PD&E specifications.  Evaluations of the project corridor included assessment of potential occurrence of listed wildlife and plant species, identification of wetland and sensitive upland habitats, and identification of potential contamination issues.  Results of the study were documented in a Wetland Evaluation Report and Endangered Species Biological Assessment Report, as well as the Project Development Summary Report and participation in public meetings and stakeholder coordination.

NEPA / PD&E Studies

SR 15/600 (US 17-92) PD&E Study

Florida Department of Transportation, District Five, Seminole County, FL

This ±3.7 mile long project study from Shepard Road to Lake Mary Boulevard examined the proposed widening and/or rehabilitation of the existing four-lane, divided principal arterial to six general use lanes.  E Sciences assessed the project area and conducted numerous field investigations to evaluate the ecological conditions and characteristics of the site, to identify jurisdictional wetlands that may be claimed by federal and/or state agencies, and to summarize the potential occurrence of threatened, endangered, or species of special concern (i.e. listed species) utilizing suitable habitat.   A triple 9 x 8 foot box culvert at Soldier’s Creek was determined to not meet sufficiency ratings for bridge loading, thus it was determined necessary to replace this structure.  Six (6) alternatives have been developed for culvert replacement that range from an exact replacement to construction of a new, extended bridge.  E Sciences is coordinating with project engineers to investigate the feasibility of developing the culvert replacement to improve wildlife crossing opportunities.  The intent of the crossing would be to create an under-road passageway for small and medium wildlife species between forested wetland habitats located on either side of the roadway.  Additionally, a detailed analysis was conducted to identify mitigation opportunities within the Lake Jesup Basin.  Alternatives consisted of land acquisition, restoration on public lands, as well as a combination of activities paired with the purchase of credits from local mitigation banks.