Environmental Department Services

Today’s environmental and regulatory procedures must be properly addressed to minimize your exposure to liability and avoid unnecessary project delays and costs. Our environmental professionals will guide you through the complex maze of environmental regulations and procedures to assure that your project is completed on time and within budget.

The initiation of Site and Civil Engineering projects often require that Phase I and II environmental site assessments be conducted to assure that proposed development will not occur on sites of environmental concern.  We have performed ESAs for public agencies and private sector clients to assist them address their land acquisition and development questions.  When Phase II investigations are necessary, we conduct surface and subsurface investigations and sampling and evaluate the data to provide recommendations for remediation and/or future development.

Our experience with asbestos sampling and studies, surface and subsurface investigations and sampling, preparation and implementation of onsite health and safety plans, data interpretation and reporting, will allow us to successfully interface with regulatory agencies and lending institutions on your behalf.  We have an understanding of the regulations and will serve as your advocate during any required negotiations.

Our staff includes a botanist and a soils scientist who provide services in soil and water conservation, wetlands, water resources, threatened and endangered species studies, biology and wildlife habitat services.  With a goal of environmentally sound development, we have completed a variety of projects that include delineation, restoration, enhancement, mitigation design, and mitigation monitoring for wetlands.  Our biological experience also includes services for projects that safeguard and enhance fish, wildlife and recreational resources.

Services Provided:

Environmental Site Assessments: We provide phase I ESAs to assist you with your environmental due diligence and to satisfy lending requirements.  If Phase II investigations are necessary, we conduct surface and subsurface investigations and sampling and provide recommendations for remediation or future development.

Asbestos Inspection and Assessments: If your project includes renovation or demolition of an existing structure, our trained staff that includes NYSDOL certified inspectors and designers are ready to assist.  We will conduct the required ACM surveys, develop remediation plans, including quantity and cost estimates, and assist through the regulatory paperwork for abatement. 

Noise/air quality: We provide complete services including data collection, analyses, and design recommendations for mitigation and abatement for traffic corridors, airports, and commercial facilities.

Wetlands and Biological Studies: Our staff botanist and soil scientist provide services in soil and water conservation, wetland delineation and mitigation design, water resources, biology, and wildlife habitat evaluations.

SEQRA and Environmental Impact Studies: We provide beginning to end services including scoping, data collection, public hearings, and impact statement preparation.

Geotechnical Services: Our experienced staff provide services beginning at project inception and extending through construction.  Our staff often provides services including subsurface explorations, laboratory testing, deep foundation design and monitoring, shallow foundations, contract specifications, and construction support.

SPCC Studies: If your site or operations utilize product or processes that may result in spills, we can help prepare and effect spill prevention, containment, and control plan.  We will review your operations, identify and inventory potential migratory pathways, and develop a plan that will allow you effectively implement remedial actions in a cost effective manner.

Tank Installation and Removal: If your site or facility happens to have USTs or ASTs, we will provide the expertise to have them removed and the site restored in accordance with regulatory guidance.  And if you do not know if you have USTs, we will conduct non-intrusive investigations to help you determine their possible presence.  Then we will prepare design for installation of new, replacement tanks that you may need.

LEED Certified Staff Available:  Fisher Associates’ staff members have LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.  Having LEED certified staff allows us to help clients transform the way buildings and communities are designed, built, and operated to become more environmentally responsible.  Our sustainable design policy balances environmental stewardship, user comfort, resource efficiency, community sensitivity, and social equity into our designs, whether the project is slated for LEED (or SPIRIT) designation or not.  Through site planning and design, we incorporate LEED design principals that cover Sustainable Sites, Water Efficiency, and Materials and Resources.

Sustainable Design:  Our sustainable design also covers context sensitive design.  We believe our designs should be a good match with community styles and sensitivities.  Areas that we focus on are a visually appealing landscape that integrates into the neighborhood, ease of vehicle and pedestrian circulation, pedestrian safety, pedestrian amenities (including links to sidewalks and trails), and specialty lighting designs that enhance a neighborhood.  A community’s first look at the outside the building is just as important as the experience inside.