Bionomics has expertise in National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) 6002 regulations and application. We have experience in all aspects of data collection, research, field surveys, field crew management and agency coordination in the development of NEPA documents. Bionomics has applied SAFETEA-LU 6002 guidelines to Federal, State, and local agency coordination, development of interagency technical teams for NEPA compliance, and performed Section 4(f) evaluation under those new guidelines. Bionomics has a solid background in developing the following documents:

• Categorical Exclusion (CE)
• Environmental Assessment (EA)/Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI)
• Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)/Record of Decision (ROD)
• Environmental Compliance
• Environmental Due Diligence Audit
• Environmental Evaluation and Reevaluation

Information developed through these environmental analyses is used during preliminary and final decision processes to assess environmental elements in an attempt to avoid or mitigate impacts to affected areas.

Bionomics cultural resource specialists complete project tasks on time and within budget, and comply with cultural resource laws, regulations, and guidelines for federally funded projects. Our cultural resource specialists perform cultural resource, archaeological, and historical surveys crucial to environmental assessment. We perform archival background searches through agencies, such as the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), to determine locations of previously recorded cultural, historical, and archaeological sites in and around project areas. Bionomics also conducts intensive pedestrian surveys of project areas to identify previously undocumented cultural resources. We prepare Archaeological and Historical Survey Report, which includes maps, photos, and site forms in compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. Bionomics provides additional services to address project impacts to cultural resources, which includes the following documents:

• Determination of Adverse Effect (DOAE)
• Memorandum of Agreement (MOA)

Bionomics cultural resource specialists conduct background research, assist in tribal consultation, perform pedestrian surveys and excavations, and develop documents and monitor document chain of command for project legal compliance. Our staff records prehistoric and historic sites, which includes documentation pertaining to language features, farms, homesteads, railroads, bridges, canals, and artifacts.

If property is to be impacted by the project in question, Bionomics conducts additional research in accordance with Section 4(f). The following resources are considered under the jurisdiction of Section 4(f) of the Department of Transportation Act of 1966:
Section 4(f):
• Wild or Scenic Rivers
• Historic Sites
• Public Parks, Recreation Areas, and Wildlife and Waterfowl Refuges

Bionomics prepares Biological Assessments (BA’s) and Biological Evaluations (BE’s) in compliance with Section 7 of the ESA of 1973, and State and local requirements. Bionomics coordinates with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to identify threatened or endangered species within project areas. Field surveys, research, and analyses are conducted to determine presence of habitat and impacts to threatened and endangered species. Findings are then submitted to the USFWS and/or the National Marine Fisheries Service for consultations and determinations.

Bionomics conducts wildlife, vegetation, and fishery resource studies in compliance with NEPA regulations. We perform extensive consultation with resource agencies and execute fieldwork, which provides a foundation for accurate descriptions of environmental baselines in project areas. Project specific analyses of potential impacts rely on design information obtained during client coordination. Upon study completion, appropriate measures and actions designed to avoid or mitigate adverse effects can be recommended if needed.

Bionomics personnel are proficient in identification, delineation, and classification of wetlands within impacted areas. Wetland impacts are assessed and wetland mitigation concepts are developed, in cooperation with local, State, and Federal agencies, to avoid, minimize or compensate for loss of wetlands. We coordinate with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) during our initial processes and throughout the issuance of the Section 404 Permit of the Clean Water Act.

Bionomics addresses water quality and wetland issues during initial phases and finalizes determinations as part of environmental documentation. We review existing data to determine if water quality impacts are present, additional documentation is required, National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and permits if necessary, and State water quality certification permits are necessary. Bionomics provides stormwater pollution prevention plans if needed.

Bionomics models and reports noise attributable to proposed activities using the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Traffic Noise Model (TNM 2.5). The TNM 2.5 includes barrier analysis and has a range of applications, which includes noise effects and remedial activities. We measure ambient noise levels in the field using the Casella CEL 593.C100 precision impulse integrating sound level meter, S1.4 Type 1. We have also performed preliminary design work on noise barriers and expert witness testimony in the noise field.

Bionomics conducts air quality analyses and modeling and reports carbon monoxide (CO) emissions attributable to proposed projects using MOBILE6 Vehicle Emission Modeling Software and the CAL3QHC carbon monoxide model (EPA approved software).

Bionomics conducts site evaluations, which includes site history research, data collection, and report compilation to determine hazardous waste concerns, underground or aboveground storage tank issues, and ground water contamination in or near project areas. The EPA and the State Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) provide us additional regulatory information concerning project sites and vicinities. Bionomics recommendations are based on project impacts and we prepare contingency plans as needed. We provide both remedial consulting and waste management services to save clients’ resources in waste management, remediation, and hazardous and non hazardous waste disposal.

Public and agency involvement is essential to proposed projects. Bionomics proficiently manages involvement processes, which includes public and agency meetings, public hearings, newsletter distribution, and continued coordination with affected agencies throughout project durations. Bionomics can plan, coordinate and facilitate the public participation activities in accordance with Federal, State and agency requirements. Bionomics can also facilitate internal problem solving sessions, and provide agency conflict communication training. We conduct community mediations to facilitate strategic planning, re-engineering and work team sessions to meet demands of organizational change.

Bionomics specializes in environmental regulatory compliance studies concerning air emissions, cultural resources, hazardous materials, hazardous waste, natural resources, environmental impacts, noise, pollution, environmental programs, pesticides, petroleum products, solid waste, storage tanks, toxic substances, wastewater, and water quality.

Bionomics excels in effective communication between subject matter experts and target audiences. Our technical science writers consider the abilities and needs of the audience while preparing accurate, clear, and concise documents. Bionomics writers edit and standardize project specific documents, often prepared by multiple writers, following strict accuracy and format requirements. Our skilled writers edit, proofread, verify information, enforce rules of composition and grammar, and organize information and structure deliverables in accordance with proper agency requirements.

Bionomics is skilled in publication processes, which includes graphics, layout, and document design. Bionomics produces exceptional presentations, figures, brochures, and other desktop publishing formats using an array of software, such as QuarkXPress, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe Illustrator.