Ecological Assessments & Permitting
Deep agency relationships and proven communication skills for your permitting projects.
When environmental compliance determines project feasibility, Integral transforms regulatory requirements into clear pathways for sustainable development and regulatory success.
Our team conducts thorough biological assessments, special-status species surveys, and wetland delineations using advanced techniques like eDNA sampling and California Rapid Assessment Method protocols to identify constraints early and inform strategic planning. We deliver science-driven strategies that streamline regulatory processes and minimize risks, including predevelopment site evaluations through agency negotiations and permit acquisition.
Regulatory Specialists
Cameron Johnson Principal, Permitting and Planning
Paula C. Gill, PWS Principal, Permitting and Planning
Bridgette R. DeShields Senior Principal
Naomi A. Schowalter Consultant
Featured Projects
CEQA and Permitting for PAH Remediation Site
Using Ecological Risk Assessment to Evaluate Environmental Impacts of Desalination Effluent
A baseline biological characterization of source water in support of a permit renewal for a cooling water intake structure
Comprehensive biological surveys for federally and state-listed species including California tiger salamander, California red-legged frog, nesting birds, bats, western pond turtle, San Francisco dusky-footed woodrat, bats and marine mammals using protocol-level methodologies and innovative eDNA sampling. Our assessments deliver accurate, agency-accepted results that identify project constraints early.
- Protocol-level surveys for special-status species meet agency standards immediately, eliminating costly re-surveys
- Early constraint identification prevents expensive design revisions and project delays
- eDNA sampling increases detection accuracy while reducing field time and costs
Biological assessments under federal and state Endangered Species Acts, CEQA Biological Resources Assessments, and ecological impact evaluations that quantify project effects on biological resources. Our science-driven documentation supports informed decision-making and streamlines regulatory review.
- Comprehensive impact analysis prevents regulatory surprises that derail timelines
- Agency-ready documentation reduces review cycles through technically sound submissions
- Strategic analysis of alternative pathways to minimize project impacts and mitigation costs
Practical avoidance and minimization strategies that reduce project impacts while maintaining project purpose. Our measures integrate ecological protection with project constraints to create implementable solutions that satisfy regulatory requirements.
- Impact reduction strategies lower mitigation costs by minimizing compensation requirements
- Feasible design modifications prevent unworkable agency-imposed restrictions
- Proactive measures demonstrate environmental stewardship that facilitates faster permit delivery
Strategic consultation with regulatory agencies for Endangered Species Act, Incidental Take Permits, Incidental Harassment Permits, Clean Water Act permits, wetland delineations, and jurisdictional determinations. Our former agency staff leverage established relationships to streamline permitting processes and facilitate efficient approvals.
- Established agency relationships accelerate review timelines through trusted communication
- Strategic negotiation reduces restrictive permit conditions that constrain project construction and operation
- Comprehensive permit packages minimize revisions that delay project advancement
