Services
Environmental Services
ARE’s environmental team is responsible for environmental regulatory compliance, including the preparation of Categorical Exclusion Worksheets, desktop permit needs assessments, proposed impact maps, permit applications, wetland delineations, and general application of environmental regulations for a wide variety of projects.
Desktop Permit Needs Assessments
ARE prepares desktop permit needs assessments of projects to identify required environmental reviews and permits before construction begins. The preliminary review cross references the proposed project location and impacts with federal, state and local databases to determine environmental implications and requirements on natural resources, cultural resources and land use restraints.
Permit Applications
ARE prepares required federal, state and local permit applications before construction begins. This includes but is not limited to, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Section 404 permits, Section 10 permits, Section 401 Water Quality Certifications, and Environmental Resource Permits. Permitting summaries are also prepared after permits have been obtained.
Wetland Delineations
ARE performs field wetlands delineations for project areas using the 1987 USACE Wetlands Delineation Manual in combination with the location specific regional supplements to identify potentially jurisdictional wetland areas and evaluate hydrophytic vegetation, hydric soils and flood areas. Additionally, the USACE Rapid Ordinary High Water Mark Field Identification Data Sheet is used to identify potentially jurisdictional waterways. The results are compiled into an Aquatic Resources Delineation Report to support Section 404 permitting.
Categorical Exclusion Worksheets
ARE prepares Categorical Exclusion Worksheets and required attachments for the submission of FRA Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvement (CRISI) grant applications. ARE also assists with updating the Categorical Exclusion Worksheet throughout the lifecycle of the project once CRISI grants are awarded.
Environmental Compliance Monitoring
USACE post-permit monitoring ensures ongoing compliance with environmental and structural conditions. Permittees must track project milestones, submit required reports, maintain mitigation sites and prepare closeout notifications.