Ecology
We help clients assess, manage, and mitigate ecological impacts associated with products, projects, or environmental practices. We combine our expertise in ecology, toxicology, and risk assessment with a practical and common sense approach to develop solutions that are targeted, strategic, and effective.
Ecological risk assessment
We conduct ecological risk assessments to support a variety of regulatory and product stewardship needs. Clients turn to us for technically robust analyses, strategic thinking, and the very best communication—and this is what separates us from other firms. We use our deep understanding of ecological processes to develop appropriately scaled and targeted analyses and management options.
Superfund | RCRA | Ecological Modeling | Ecotoxicology
natural resource damage assessment
From building a technically sound basis for evaluating injury, causation, and baseline, to quantifying losses, scaling restoration, and assisting with cooperative assessments, we develop defensible strategies for all phases of the natural resource damage assessment process. Our multidisciplinary team of ecologists, hydrogeologists, resource economists, and regulatory experts is known for strategic insights, technical depth, and the ability to communicate effectively with trustees and other stakeholders.
NRDA | Strategic Planning | Cooperative Assessment | Ecological Restoration | HEA | REA
impact assessment
We conduct environmental impact assessments to help our client assess and manage impacts from development projects. We design and implement efficient, science-based investigations to characterize baseline and model future conditions. Our subject matter experts in marine mammals, migratory birds, benthic invertebrates, fisheries, terrestrial ecology, and wetlands conduct targeted analyses to answer important questions and develop solutions that withstand regulatory and public scrutiny.
NEPA | CEQA | Endangered Species Assessments | Wetland Assessment | Invasive Species
ecological modeling
We develop and implement models to assess the ecological impacts of physical, chemical, or biological stressors. Our team intertwines our deeply rooted knowledge of ecology and ecosystem dynamics with our practical understanding of management needs to develop models that are effective in informing decisions. We support clients across the globe in conducting ecological risk assessments, using population and ecosystem models, to characterize potential impacts from products, legacy conditions, and future projects.
Landscape and Habitat Modeling | Population Modeling | Ecosystem Modeling | Food Web Modeling | NEPA | CEQA | Superfund | FIFRA
FEATURED STAFF MEMBER
Judi L. Durda
Chief Strategy Officer
Ms. Judi Durda is a toxicologist and ecologist with more than 30 years of experience in the health and environmental science fields, working on behalf of both government and private clients. She specializes in using science and science-based strategies to resolve issues related to the manufacture, use, or disposal of chemicals, consumer products, pharmaceuticals, and hazardous and nonhazardous wastes.
related case studies
recent news and articles
NY State Establishes PFAS Surface Water Quality Guidance Values—Human Health Values Below Drinking Water Standards
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) recently released their final Ambient Water Quality Guidance Values for PFOS and PFOA in state waters. The final Guidance Values are intended to protect the public and environment from exposure to PFOS...
EPA Proposes the First National Primary Drinking Water Regulations for any PFAS Chemical
On March 14, 2023, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed National Primary Drinking Water Regulations (NPDWRs) for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), regulated as individual compounds, and perfluorohexane sulfonic...
Key States To Include Cumulative Impacts In Environmental Permits
Environmental Justice Update: New York and Massachusetts are the latest states to bring cumulative impacts analysis into the permitting process. New York’s Cumulative Impacts Bill, which was signed into law by Governor Kathy Hochul on December 31, 2022, will take...