Services
ECR specializes in wetland and coastal project permitting and resource area delineations throughout southeastern Massachusetts, Cape Cod, and surrounding areas.
Our broad area of expertise extends to inland, coastal, and wetland environmental projects, ranging from initial assessments and surveys to restoration and stabilization measures.
Brad Holmes, manager of ECR, is a certified Professional Wetland Scientist with extensive experience in wetland restoration, wetland replication, and buffer-zone mitigation projects, from design through installation, monitoring, and maintenance.
Wetland Delineation & Permitting — ECR has delineated a large number of wetland resource areas throughout Massachusetts in accordance with regulations issued by the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act and conservation commission Wetland Bylaws.
Field work for a typical inland wetland resource area delineation involves locating the landward limits of bordering vegetated wetlands, the mean annual high water to perennial streams/rivers, isolated vegetated wetlands, vernal pools, and any other significant resource area features.
A typical coastal wetland resource area delineation involves locating the landward limits of coastal beach, coastal bank, salt marsh, shellfish habitat, eelgrass, and any other significant resource area features.
Wetland Restoration & Replication — ECR has designed, permitted, monitored, and maintained many wetland restoration and replication projects throughout Massachusetts. We are experienced in all aspects of restoration and replication construction, including erosion control installation, excavation overview, coordination with nurseries for correct plant materials, and planting and seeding.
Utility Permitting — ECR has managed the permitting process for numerous utility projects located within or near wetland resource areas. Utility projects we have permitted include construction of substations, electrical conduit installations, and gas line installations. We have also confirmed utility maintenance exemptions when needed.
A typical utility permitting project requires wetland delineations and permit approvals from the Department of Environmental Protection, the Massachusetts Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program, and local conservation commissions.
Site Development — ECR has managed the permitting process for numerous site development projects ranging in size from large shopping centers to residential home additions. Mid-range projects we have permitted include a golf course redevelopment, large housing developments, and construction of single-family homes.
A typical site development project requires wetland delineation, landscape planning, wildlife habitat analysis, vernal pool analysis, stormwater management, and assistance with any permit appeals.
Site development projects commonly require permit authorizations from the Department of Environmental Protection and local conservation commissions.
Dredge Permitting & Dredge Disposal Permitting — ECR has designed and permitted many maintenance and improvement dredging projects in combination with beach nourishment, ocean disposal, and beneficial reuse of dredge material.
A typical dredging project requires permit authorizations from the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act, the Department of Environmental Protection, the United States Army Corps of Engineers, and local conservation commissions.
Coastal Bank Stabilization — ECR has designed and permitted numerous coastal bank stabilization projects, both those requiring hard material solutions — such as stone revetments or vertical bulkheads — and soft material solutions — such as beach nourishment, fiber rolls, geotextiles, or vegetation.
A typical coastal bank stabilization project requires permit authorizations from the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act, the Department of Environmental Protection, the United States Army Corps of Engineers, and local conservation commissions.
Pier and Float Design & Permitting — ECR has designed and permitted a variety of pier and float projects, including new structures, removable pier and float sections, pier reconstruction, boardwalks, and Section 10A floats.
The permitting process for pier and float projects typically requires shellfish habitat analysis, eelgrass surveys, assistance with bathymetric surveys, and salt marsh mitigation.
These projects commonly require permit authorizations from the Department of Environmental Protection, the United States Army Corps of Engineers, and local conservation commissions.
Eelgrass Surveys & Shellfish Surveys — ECR has conducted numerous eelgrass and shellfish surveys along the intertidal areas and nearshore waterways of Cape Cod and the South Shore of Massachusetts.
Eelgrass and shellfish play an important ecological role in our marine environment. The data collected during these surveys has been critical in designing coastal engineering structures, dredge footprints, shellfish mitigation plans, and other environmental initiatives that preserve vital eelgrass beds and shellfish habitats.
Arboricultural Assessments — Brad Holmes, manager of ECR, is a Massachusetts Certified Arborist. Our arboricultural services include vegetation and tree damage appraisals, hazard tree assessments, and arboricultural assistance with site development.
Vegetation Planning & Restoration — ECR has designed and managed a wide range of vegetation and restoration projects based on client need. Our vegetation services include wildlife habitat enhancement, plant control and management, and aesthetic improvements.
In completing a recent coastal bank enhancement project, ECR treated and removed non-native invasive plants and revegetated the bank with a native, salt-tolerant plant species.
