Environmental Impact Assessment Experience

I have been involved with environmental impact assessment work since 1997.  Here is a sampling of some of the projects I have been involved with:

• Chilkat Indian Village (2004).  Prepared a draft Environmental Assessment as part of the NEPA compliance documentation for the proposed Jilkaat Kwaan Cultural Heritage Center and Bald Eagle Observatory in Klukwan, Alaska.  The project will include a 16,000-square-foot facility with about 10,800 square feet in the main exhibit area, and another 5,200 square feet of classrooms, storage, and laboratory space located on the lower level.  In addition, the facility will include a Traditional Knowledge Camp, a Bald Eagle Observatory, and related parking areas, trails and boardwalk, boat/canoe launch ramp, toilet, shower and kitchen.  Trails are planned to connect to the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve.
   
• Lower Elwha Housing Authority (2004).  Prepared NEPA compliance documentation for various projects relating to low-income housing and community facilities for the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe.  NEPA checklists were prepared for categorically exempt projects, and Environmental Assessments for non-exempt projects.
   
• Seattle Aquarium Pier 59 Upgrade (2003-2004).  Prepared the environmental permitting documentation for the proposed removal of over 950 creosote-treated wooden piles supporting Pier 59 and the Seattle Aquarium in Seattle, Washington, and replacement with a modern system including steel girders and approximately 175 steel-and-concrete piles.  The documents included the draft Environmental Assessment under NEPA, the draft Biological Assessment under the Endangered Species Act, the JARPA form, and the SEPA checklist.
   
• Port Gamble Housing Authority (2003-2004).  Prepared NEPA compliance documentation for various projects relating to low-income housing and community facilities for the Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe.  NEPA checklists were prepared for categorically exempt projects, and Environmental Assessments for non-exempt projects.
   
• Puyallup Tribe Revised Water Quality Standards (2003).  Coordinated the preparation of the environmental permitting documentation for the five-year review of the Puyallup Water Quality Standards, including the Environmental Assessment under NEPA, and the Biological Assessment under the Endangered Species Act.
   
• Jordan Habitat Restoration Project (2003).  Prepared the environmental permitting documentation needed for a proposed habitat restoration project at the Jordan Site in Commencement Bay, Washington.  The documents included the draft Environmental Assessment under NEPA, the draft Biological Assessment (BA) under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), the Joint Aquatic Resources Permit Application (JARPA) form, the streamlined Hydraulic Project Approval (HPA), the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) checklist, and the Shoreline Management Permit, Critical Areas Permit, and grading permit from the City of Fife.
   
• Makah Solid Waste Management Plan (2002-2003).  Prepared the Environmental Report needed for a proposed solid waste transfer station for the Makah Indian Nation in northwestern Washington, and performed the technical peer review on the associated Preliminary Engineering Report.  The Environmental Report is a functional equivalent for an Environmental Assessment under the regulations of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Rural Development/Rural Utilities Service (RD/RUS), and was required for approval of the proposed project.
   
• Samish Indian Nation Homelands (2002-2003).  Prepared NEPA compliance documentation for various projects relating for the re-establishment of the Samish Indian Nation homeland, following the Samish Nation's reinstatement as a Federally-listed tribe.  Projects included development of new low-income housing, conversion of existing residential units for elder housing, transfer of administrative facilities from fee to trust status, and acquisition of new lands.  NEPA checklists were prepared for categorically exempt projects, along with a tiered Environmental Assessment (EA) process for non-exempt projects.
   
• Arcata General Plan Environmental Impact Report (1998-1999).  Participated in the preparation of an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the City of Arcata, California, including sections on Hazards and Hazardous Materials, Utilities and Public Services, Soils and Geology, and Aesthetics.  The EIR was required for approval of the new proposed Arcata General Plan 2020, under CEQA.  The work included analysis of the environmental setting, assessment of future impacts, and determination of significance.
   
• Environmental Impact Assessment Lecturer (1997-1999).  Taught senior-level undergraduate engineering classes on environmental impact assessment at Humboldt State University (Arcata, California).  The course explored the legal requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), environmental indices and indicators, simple methods for preliminary identification of potential impacts, establishment of thresholds of significance, prediction of impacts, elaboration and evaluation of alternatives, mitigation measures, monitoring, and public participation.