Bio
Mr. Jesse Byrd has 20 years of environmental consulting experience with a focus in National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) implementation, National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) compliance and stormwater management, Clean Water Act (CWA) permitting, environmental impact analysis, biological monitoring, wetland delineation, and construction oversight for environmental compliance. He is an experienced project and program manager for multidisciplinary teams, ensuring seamless project delivery. Mr. Byrd also has significant experience in erosion and sediment control planning and compliance oversight on large-scale and environmentally sensitive infrastructure projects. He has navigated permitting processes across multiple jurisdictions and has overseen the implementation of permit conditions and environmental commitments during project design, construction, and post-construction phases. Mr. Byrd has authored numerous NEPA environmental assessments and has routine experience initiating consultation under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), Sections 401 and 404 of the CWA, Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) permits and compliance.
Relevant Experience
Planning and Permitting
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) Grants Management Environmental Support, United States — Provided technical and professional support services to USDA AMS as a prime contractor. Facilitated the timely delivery of environmental compliance reviews for grant applications selected for funding under multiple grant programs funded by the American Rescue Plan Act and the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act. Developed standard operating procedures, provided training and technical assistance, and drafted NEPA implementing regulations for final publication. Through project reviews, ensured compliance with NEPA and related statutes, the Council on Environmental Quality’s guidance for financial assistance, the NHPA, the CWA, and the ESA.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Portland Medical Center, Portland, Oregon — Conducted due diligence investigations and a NEPA environmental assessment for the Portland Medical Center project, which will correct seismic deficiencies and address federal setback and physical security requirements while providing sufficient parking facilities. Managed all aspects of the NEPA environmental assessment, which included extensive studies to assess impacts to traffic, water quality, biological resources, and cultural and architectural resources. Supported the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in addressing public concerns and prepared public meeting materials and the notice of availability under a compressed timeline. Managed baseline studies in support of the environmental assessment that included a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment, traffic study, archaeological study, noise analysis, air quality analysis, and hydrology and stormwater study.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Riverside National Cemetery Phased Expansion, Riverside, California — Conducted a NEPA environmental assessment and investigative support services for phased development and master planning covering over 1,400-acres for U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs national cemeteries. Managed due diligence studies in support of an environmental assessment that included Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments, traffic studies, archaeological studies, a noise analysis, an air quality analysis, and hydrology and stormwater studies. Managed protocol-level surveys for threatened and endangered species in accordance with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) guidelines. Supported both NHPA Section 106 and formal ESA Section 7 consultations. Secured a biological opinion from USFWS and mitigation credit to offset impacts to listed species in Riverside County, California.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery Expansion, Elwood, Illinois — Conducted a NEPA environmental assessment and due diligence services for future phased development of a national cemetery. Authored the environmental assessment while managing site reconnaissance surveys that included Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments, traffic studies, a noise analysis, an air quality analysis, and hydrology and stormwater studies. Managed biological surveys and informal ESA Section 7 consultation with USFWS. Managed intensive cultural and archaeological resource surveys in support of NHPA Section 106 consultation.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Fort Bliss Health Care Center, El Paso, Texas — Provided technical oversight, reporting, documentation review, subcontractor coordination, and quality management for the development of a required NEPA environmental assessment. The assessment analyzed potential environmental impacts from the construction and related utilities for a proposed U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs health care center in Fort Bliss. Managed specialized investigations and technical reports in support of the environmental assessment addressing cultural and biological resources, traffic, and utility capacity. Facilitated site-specific environmental reviews for utility connections as well as required NHPA Section 106 consultation.
Environmental Assessment for FEMA Public Assistance Grant Program Funding – Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, Robeson County, North Carolina — Acted as project manager and primary author of an environmental assessment for proposed repairs to the Lumbee Tribe Cultural Center lake and dam following structural damages caused by Hurricane Florence. Managed all aspects of environmental assessment development, including alternative development, cultural resource surveys, the incorporation of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) comments, and budgeting through final approval of the finding of no significant impact by FEMA.
National Institutes of Health (NIH) Buildings 29 and 29A Demolition, Bethesda, Maryland — Provided the NIH Division of Environmental Protection with NEPA documentation for proposed demolition activity on the Bethesda campus. Evaluated significant environmental effects associated with building demolition. Prepared a draft and final NEPA environmental assessment and finding of no significant impact for publication.
US 264 Super Street Project – North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), Beaufort County, North Carolina — Authored a natural resources technical report for the conversion of 4,200 ft of US 264 from a five-lane highway to a four-lane, divided super street. Prepared a wetland delineation report, preliminary jurisdictional determination package, and preconstruction notification for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ). Authored a categorical exclusion for NCDOT and obtained concurrence from the North Carolina Historic Preservation Office to support findings.
NCDOT Express Design Feasibility Studies, North Carolina — Performed feasibility studies at a conceptual level for new interchange designs, existing interchange upgrades and redesigns, new intersection designs and upgrades, and existing roadway facility improvements. Identified potential issues or constraints requiring further consideration, permitting, or NEPA documentation. Assessed potential impacts to the natural and human environment and provided recommendations to minimize environmental impacts through planning and contextual design.
Confidential Natural Gas Transmission Line Project, San Diego County, California — Assisted in the preparation of a proponent’s environmental assessment (PEA) for the construction, operation, and maintenance of a new, 47-mile natural gas transmission pipeline. Compiled technical reports in support of the PEA, including a preliminary wetlands and waters assessment report.
MD 30 Hampstead Bypass/MD 32 Interchange Construction Projects – Maryland SHA, Carroll and Howard Counties, Maryland — As independent environmental monitor oversaw permitting and compliance through design and construction on multiple, large-scale and high-profile design-build projects for Maryland State Highway Administration (MD SHA). Collaborated directly with contractors, designers, MD SHA, Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE), and USACE to acquire necessary permit authorizations and variances. Managed a web-based permit tracking database to document ongoing construction and track environmental impacts as well as NEPA and contract commitments. Collected, compiled, and analyzed stream gauge and piezometer data to monitor the hydrological dynamics and conditions of preserved wetland habitat for federal and state threatened species. Computed final impacts to wetlands and waters of the United States using as-built surveys and GIS data to satisfy permit requirements.
Woodrow Wilson Bridge Project – MD SHA, Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC — Acted as environmental scientist for MD SHA with exposure to all environmental components associated with a $2.5 billion mega-project comprising the replacement of a 7.5-mile corridor of I-95 and the Capital Beltway, including four major interchanges, and the center piece (a 12-lane, twin-span drawbridge over the Potomac River). Prepared various local, state, and federal permit applications, water quality monitoring reports, and NEPA support documents while consistently meeting deadlines. Collected and analyzed water quality data to ensure Maryland, Virginia, and District of Columbia water quality standards were attained. Performed wetland, forestry, and stream surveys for more than 20 mitigation sites, verifying that annual performance standards were met. Tracked migratory fish using electroshocking and trapping techniques to assess fish passage efforts.
Price Road Bridge Replacement, County of Clermont, Ohio — Prepared the preconstruction notification for maintenance activities that included temporary impacts to Horner Run. Initiated consultation with Ohio State Historic Preservation Office and USFWS for NHPA and Section 7 requirements.
Line 2000 Exposure Repair Project – Southern California Gas Company, San Bernardino County, California — Prepared the preconstruction notification and an application for a CWA Section 401 Water Quality Certification for the placement of articulated revetment mats over an exposed section of pipeline. Compiled a habitat assessment to accompany the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s notification of streambed alteration.
Old Coach Walking Trail Blue Sky Bridge Replacement – City of Poway, San Diego County, California — Conducted a biological reconnaissance survey and delineation of waters of the United States, including wetlands. Prepared a permit application package and provided pre-application consultation on behalf of the City of Poway to obtain CWA permits and Fish and Game Code Section 1602 authorizations.
Regulatory Compliance
Sorrento to Miramar Double Track Project – Flatiron West Inc., San Diego County, California — Acted as project manager and designated environmental compliance officer during improvements of a portion of the Los Angeles–San Diego commuter rail corridor involving bridge demolition and approximately 2 miles of track construction, including a bridge span over jurisdictional waters. Ensured compliance with contract specifications, environmental commitments, CWA Section 404 and Section 401 permit provisions, NHPA requirements, and Regional Water Quality Control Board requirements during groundwater dewatering operations and in-stream construction. Worked in coordination with Flatiron West Inc., the construction management team, and the San Diego Association of Governments.
Inter-County Connector – Maryland State Highway Administration, Montgomery County, Maryland — Served as lead environmental inspector on an 18‑mile, six-lane toll roadway project (a $2.4 billion effort) considered to be the most environmentally sensitive project undertaken by MD SHA. Ensured compliance with MDE, NEPA, CWA, and state and local requirements as an integral member of the environmental management team. Managed environmental inspection staff while assessing site conditions to ensure conformity with regulatory permits, MDE-approved erosion and sediment control plans, and stormwater management plans. Evaluated engineering design submittals and communicated with contractors and engineers to identify and timely resolve constructability issues and to obtain permit authorizations. Monitored construction activities with respect to rare, threatened, and endangered species; Section 4(f) areas; cultural resources; and hazardous materials.
Environmental Services for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Clarksville, Nashville, and Baton Rouge Proposed Outpatient Clinics, Tennessee and Louisiana — Provided technical and regulatory expertise for due diligence surveys to support proposed land acquisition. Authored three concurrent NEPA environmental assessments analyzing the proposed outpatient clinic buildout at multiple sites. Managed subcontractors and subject matter experts to provide technical reports, including cultural resource findings reports, traffic analysis reports, and threatened and endangered species studies. Identified all applicable state and local environmental protection permits and authorizations. Facilitated NHPA Section 106 consultation, as required.
FEMA Environmental Planning and Historic Preservation Technical Support, Washington, DC — Provided professional environmental and historic preservation support services to the FEMA Grant Programs Directorate (GPD). Worked closely with GPD staff and stakeholders to obtain environmental clearance for projects nationwide, which included NHPA Section 106 and ESA Section 7 consultations. Assessed impacts to environmental, historical, and culturally significant resources for grant-funded non-disaster and fire assistance projects.
Biological Monitoring and Assessment
Ocotillo Wells Tamarisk Removal Project, California Department of Parks and Recreation, San Diego and Imperial Counties, California — Supported field reconnaissance surveys and contractor oversight for a 2,800-acre tamarisk removal project that included invasive species control within 330 linear miles of jurisdictional drainages in the Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area. Provided planning, logistical support, and contractor oversight during herbicide application. Gathered GPS data on site conditions, herbicide effectiveness, resprouting shrubs, and any previously unrecorded tamarisk or sensitive biological resources.
Interstate 10 (I-10) Interchange Improvement Projects, County of Riverside, California — Provided biological monitoring services and environmental coordination for the County of Riverside on three concurrent transportation projects centered on rebuilding the I-10 interchanges throughout the Coachella Valley from Palm Springs to the City of Indio. Managed staff biologists and addressed environmental compliance concerns in direct coordination with the County of Riverside, California Department of Transportation, USFWS, CDFW, and multiple construction management teams. Ensured compliance with the ESA and related USFWS Programmatic Biological Opinion and Environmental Compliance Record on a series of high-profile and environmentally sensitive interchange projects. Initiated protocol surveys and passive relocation efforts for special status species (e.g., Coachella Valley fringe-toed lizard and western burrowing owl).
French Valley Parkway/I-15 Interchange Improvements – Flatiron West, Inc., County of Riverside, California — Acted as project manager during construction of the French Valley Parkway/I-15 Overcrossing and Interchange Improvement Project that included an offramp over Santa Gertrudis Creek and southbound I-15 lane improvements between French Valley Parkway and Winchester Road within the City of Temecula. Implemented applicable construction minimization measures from the Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan and ensured CWA compliance during in-stream construction. Developed a project-specific natural resource protection plan and biological resource information training program. Coordinated biological monitoring efforts and initiated preconstruction surveys for nesting birds, nesting raptors, and the western burrowing owl.
Tehachapi Renewable Transmission Project – Southern California Edison, Los Angeles and Kern Counties, California — Performed biological monitoring for California’s first major transmission project that assisted in meeting the state’s Renewable Portfolio Standards through the construction of a series of new and upgraded transmission facilities, including 175 miles of transmission line. Monitored construction activities for compliance with mitigation measures and permit conditions on both private and public lands (e.g., U.S. Forest Service [USFS] and Bureau of Land Management conditions). Also elevated compliance concerns, followed project communication protocols, and implemented work holds following resource discoveries. Conducted presence/absence surveys, breeding bird surveys, and multiple special status wildlife surveys (e.g., surveys for the desert tortoise and burrowing owl), which involved GIS data compilation and management. Prepared construction monitoring reports, preconstruction survey reports, and technical biological reports.
Bouquet Canyon Creek California Rapid Assessment Method (CRAM) – Agriculture Access, Los Angeles County, California — Evaluated 3.5 miles of riparian habitat within the Bouquet Canyon Creek sub-watershed in Los Angeles County for proposed restoration and enhancement efforts. Recorded CRAM metrics, including stressors, hydro-geomorphological factors, vegetation, and physical and biotic factors.
Wetlands
USDA Northeast Area Architect and Engineer Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity Multiple Task Orders, Washington, DC — Delineated wetlands and waters of the United States within the confines of the National Arboretum for trail improvements and stormwater management upgrades and repairs under multiple task orders. Authored wetland delineation reports and provided recommendations for CWA compliance. Prepared CWA permit applications for USACE and Washington DC Department of Energy and Environment authorizations to proceed. Prepared onsite mitigation plans for approval from the Washington DC Department of Energy and Environment and USACE.
Laing Property, Commercial Development – Montgomery County Transportation District, Montgomery County, Ohio — Prepared a CWA individual permit application package, including an alternative analysis, for submittal to the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency and USACE for wetland impacts totaling 0.97 acre. Authored a wetland delineation report and provided recommendations for wetland avoidance during planning phases for subdivision and site development. Initiated consultation with the Ohio State Historic Preservation Office and USFWS.
Bass Lake Park Trail Improvements, Town of Holly Springs, North Carolina — Delineated jurisdictional wetlands within Bass Lake Park in support of trail design and improvements. Provided recommendations to address drainage concerns along the 2-mile trail around Bass Lake.
First Line of Defense Basins – San Bernardino County Flood Control District, California — Conducted a wetlands and waters assessment using a programmatic approach provided by USACE and compiled a preliminary jurisdictional delineation report. Prepared permit application packages for California Fish and Game Code Section 1602 and CWA Section 401 permits as part of the county’s first line of defense flood control program.
SR-138 Northwest Corridor and High Desert Corridor Jurisdictional Determinations – California Department of Transportation, Los Angeles and San Bernardino Counties, California — Delineated state and federal jurisdictional features within the 36-linear-mile SR-138 corridor, pursuant to guidance provided by USACE and California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Delineated over 91 linear miles of state and federal jurisdictional features within the High Desert Corridor study area that is primarily within the Mojave Desert. Provided delineation results in the form of a jurisdictional delineation report for acceptance by the California Department of Transportation.
Right-of-Way Maintenance, Phase III Project Jurisdictional Determinations – Southern California Edison, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California — Delineated wetlands and drainages potentially jurisdictional under USACE, the Regional Water Quality Control Board, and/or the California Department of Fish and Wildlife along 3 miles of existing access roads. Compiled a jurisdictional delineation report in support of environmental permitting packages for the project.
Poway Meadows Wetland Mitigation Monitoring – Pacific Scene Homes and Poway Meadows LP, San Diego County, California — Provided technical oversight and reporting during a 5-year post-construction wetland mitigation monitoring period. Collected quantitative and qualitative vegetative cover data in concurrence with San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board and Section 404 permit requirements. Compiled quarterly monitoring reports and recommended remedial actions to satisfy CWA Section 401 permit requirements.
Stormwater Management
Expanded Summer Use Green Trail Project – Snow Summit, Inc., San Bernardino County, California — Obtained coverage under the NPDES Construction General Permit for the development of a new bicycle trail within the boundaries of an existing USFS permit area. Incorporated USFS commitments into a site-specific stormwater pollution prevention plan (SWPPP) as the QSD. Prepared permit registration documents, including the notice of intent and project risk calculations using State Water Resource Control Board online resources. Prepared rain event action plans, SWPPP amendments, annual reports, and a notice of termination.
South Bay Substation Relocation Project – San Diego Gas & Electric Company, San Diego County, California — As QSD, maintained the SWPPP during the relocation of an existing substation and modification of 10 associated transmission lines located immediately adjacent to the San Diego Bay. Ensured conformity with local municipal stormwater programs during implementation of the SWPPP. Oversaw restoration of temporary impacts to ensure post-construction stabilization requirements were achieved. Compiled and submitted various changes of information and the notice of termination for permit coverage through the Regional Water Quality Control Board.
Cleveland National Forest Power Line Replacement Project – San Diego Gas & Electric, San Diego, California — As QSD and lead planner, provided planning documentation and environmental compliance support for construction of the wood-to-steel conversion, line relocation, undergrounding, and reconductoring of approximately 150 miles of 69- and 12-kV electric facilities throughout an approximately 880 mi2 area in San Diego County. Authored multiple SWPPPs for transmission segments crossing sensitive watersheds of the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs, USFS, and privately administered lands. Authored a comprehensive erosion control plan for California Public Utilities Commission and USFS acceptance. Ensured compliance with regional Construction General Permit conditions as well as federal, state, and local authorizations through routine communication with engineering, construction, and environmental teams.
Chino Hills State Park Entrance Road Project NPDES Storm Water Compliance – California Department of Parks and Recreation, San Bernardino and Orange Counties, California — As QSD, provided stormwater inspection services during the development of a 2-mile, all-weather entrance road. Facilitated weekly site inspections, environmental awareness trainings, and reporting in accordance with the applicable NPDES Construction General Permit. Maintained the SWPPP for the project, implemented amendments, certified documents, prepared and submitted rain event action plans, and conducted effluent sampling during storm events.
U.S. Army Reserve 63d Readiness Division, Nationwide — Provided environmental condition property reports for installations nationwide for U.S. Army acceptance. Supported stormwater compliance by providing an inventory of site-specific permit requirements for tracking and identified potential compliance concerns requiring corrective action.
Vine 69/12-kV Substation Project – San Diego Gas & Electric Company, San Diego County, California — As QSD, ensured best management practices for water quality construction were implemented during the construction of a new substation and distribution circuits. Conducted routine stormwater inspections, facilitated corrective actions, and served as the primary point of contact for California Public Utility Commission environmental inspection staff. Coordinated with construction teams, engineering teams, and the City of San Diego to resolve stormwater run-on and run-off challenges.
Education & Credentials
B.A., Environmental Studies, University of North Carolina at Wilmington, Wilmington, North Carolina, 2004
Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control (CPESC), Certificate No. 6921
Qualified SWPPP Developer (QSD), California Stormwater Quality Association Certificate No. 23257
Continuing Education
Surface Water Identification Training and Certification, NCDEQ/NC State University
Level III Design of Erosion and Sediment Control Plans, NCDOT/NC State University
Level I and II Erosion and Sediment Control/Stormwater Site Manager, NCDOT/NC State University
Wetland Delineation Training (40-Hour), Wetland Training Institute, Inc.
OSHA 40-Hour HAZWOPER