Environmental Engineering Department

Timely project success often hinges upon identifying environmental issues early in the design process. To ensure this, your consultant needs to understand the Federal National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA), select the proper environmental classification, and conduct the appropriate level of environmental review. With documented successes in obtaining permits and clearing environmental audits conducted by the NYSDOT and the FHWA, Fisher Associates is the consultant you need.

In the last ten years, we have performed NEPA and SEQRA classifications and resolved environmental issues on 79 locally administered projects in 16 counties. We have addressed environmental issues on 225 other State and Federal Aid transportation projects in the last several years. We resolve potential environmental showstoppers before final design activities are initiated, when they can be dealt with cost-effectively and efficiently.

In the last five years, we have:

• Prepared Coastal Zone Assessments and obtained Department of State concurrence
• Coordinated with the USDA and local Soil & Water Conservation District offices to evaluate impacts to farmland and prime agricultural soils (Form AD1006).
• Had successful SHPO review and sign-off on 19 projects requiring Structural and Archaeological Assessments (SAAF).
• Delineated state and federal jurisdictional wetlands.
• Prepared and obtained Section 401 Water Quality and Individual and Nationwide Wetland Permits from the NYSDEC and the USACE.
• Prepared Executive Orders 11990 documenting the protection of wetlands.
• Prepared SPDES permit applications and SWPPPs.
• Obtained U.S. Coast Guard navigational permits.
• Researched threatened/endangered species. Conducted an endangered species survey.
• Coordinated Phase IA and IB cultural resource investigations.
• Identified the presence of lead paint, asbestos containing materials, hazardous waste and made recommendations for abatement.

Services Provided:

Phases I & II site assessments and studies: We provide assessments for highway and transportation corridors. We conduct surface and subsurface investigations and sampling, asbestos and lead surveys, air monitoring and health and safety plans.

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.

NEPA, SEQRA and Environmental Impact Studies: We provide beginning to end services including scoping, data collection and interpretation, public hearings, and preparation of environmental impact statements and statements of findings.  .

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 for bridges, culverts, embankments, and other ancillary structures.

Asbestos 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.

Tank Investigations and Removals: If an adjacent site, or the site you may need to acquire 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. 

Stormwater and Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPP):Our environmental and civil engineers will work with you to develop designs and SWPPs that are not only cost effective, but that fit the site and property ownership constraints.  Effective management of site stormwater may impact your highway development, and our experience will reduce adverse impacts.