Water Resource Management & Ecological Services

Field Sampling & Monitoring

ESS conducts a wide range of assessments to evaluate the physical, biological, and ecological resources of a particular habitat, geographic area, or individual site. These services establish baseline conditions, monitor potential impacts during construction or operation of a project, measure the success of restoration activity, and demonstrate compliance with permit conditions or regulatory requirements.

Sampling Protocols and Methodologies

ESS has designed and implemented hundreds of physical and biological sampling and monitoring programs. The plans and protocols for these programs are typically developed in consultation with regulatory agencies to ensure that field work is conducted in accordance with accepted standards and methods. This upfront coordination also ensures that the samples meet regulatory agency expectations across jurisdictions for use in evaluating project impacts.

Collection and Analysis

Most ESS field sampling is conducted by ESS field scientists and engineers. These professionals have advanced training in sampling and monitoring methodologies and are experienced with the operation of environmental testing and monitoring equipment in a variety of field conditions. ESS analyzes most ecosystem data and biological samples in-house. We work with several analytical laboratories to process air, water, soil and sediment samples.

Physical Assessments

• Groundwater Sampling and Monitoring
• Surface Water Sampling and Monitoring
• Dry and Wet Weather Stormwater Sampling and Monitoring
• Soils and Sediment Sampling
• Air Quality Measurements and Monitoring
• Noise Measurements and Monitoring

Biological Assessments

• Algal and Zooplankton Sampling and Analysis
• Amphibian, Reptile, and Insect Studies
• Aquatic, Wetland, and Terrestrial Plant Studies
• Avian and Bat Surveys
• Fish Community Assessments
• Freshwater and Marine Macroinvertebrate Sampling, Identification, and Analysis
• Marine Benthos and Shellfish Studies
• Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Observation/Monitoring
• Submerged Aquatic Vegetation Studies
• Threatened and Endangered Species Investigations
• Wetland Identification, Delineation, Function and Value Assessments
• Vernal Pool Studies