Our Ecological Team includes wetlands and soil scientists, water resource specialists, ecologists, botanists, fish and wildlife biologists, and resource planners. Most have advanced academic degrees or certifications. They are technical specialists who effectively combine scientific expertise with practical field experience and regulatory understanding.

ESS scientists conduct a wide range of terrestrial and aquatic resource evaluations to support project permitting. ESS delineates resource boundaries in accordance with local, state, and federal methods. We conduct qualitative and quantitative wildlife investigations and functional habitat assessments, including sampling and statistical analysis as applicable. ESS ecologists write impact reports and work closely with our regulatory and engineering staff to ensure that projects avoid, minimize and/or mitigate potential impacts, as required by applicable regulations.

The ESS Ecological Team has completed hundreds of surveys and impact reports for aquatic and coastal habitats. We routinely design and implement aquatic resource management plans and restoration programs. This work addresses resources associated with freshwater, estuarine, and marine environments, including vegetation, fisheries, shellfish and benthic macroinvertebrates, sediments, water quality, bathymetry, hydrology and hydrodynamics, and shoreline conditions. Our services include sampling, taxonomic identification, statistical analysis, project design and cost analysis, and reporting. These investigations support coastal zone, special aquatic site, Essential Fish Habitat, watershed management plans, and water withdrawal/discharge reviews and regulatory approvals.

Ecological staff regularly provide environmental inspection and monitoring for projects during construction and operation. Our services include documentation of baseline conditions, pre- and post-construction monitoring, contractor oversight, preparation of plans and operating procedures, agency reporting, and maintenance of mitigation features such as storm water management controls, protective fencing, and replanted/restored resource areas. Our project experience includes power plants, transmission lines, pipelines, submarine cables, dredging projects, Superfund sites, and restoration projects. ESS ecologists are available for short-term and long-term assignments, and for on-call wetlands services.

ESS prepares state and federal permit applications and biological assessments for threatened and endangered species and protected habitats. Our staff has particular expertise in bird, reptile and amphibian, fisheries, and aquatic plant and invertebrate resource assessments. Specific services include data collection, field investigations, statistical analysis, modeling, GIS presentation, and expert testimony. ESS also has staff trained and approved as endangered species observers (sea turtles, marine mammals, birds).

ESS has successfully designed numerous constructed wetlands and wetland restorations for coastal and inland projects. Our restoration specialists work in partnership with agency officials, municipalities, and non-profit associations to accomplish critical habitat restoration goals. ESS participates on several New England habitat restoration teams and advisory boards and works with government officials throughout the Northeast to develop new restoration techniques and policies.