brec.biz » Services
BREC, Inc. brings experience, innovation, and dedication to a variety of service offerings. Among the services we offer are:
- Watershed Analysis
- Regulatory Negotiation
- Land Use Planning
- Conservation Tax Incentives
- Quarry Permitting
- Wildlife Habitat Improvement
- Site Selection and Suitability
- Low Impact Development Strategies
- Stormwater Compliance
- Phase I Environmental Site Assessment
- Vegetative Plans and Material Procurement
- Stream and Wetland Classification, Delineation, and Assessment
- Rare and Endangered Species Occurrence and Habitat Assessment
- Natural Heritage Inventory and Biological Assessment
- Cultural Resources Analysis
- Stream Restoration Design Using Natural Design Methods (Rosgen)
- Procurement of Environmental Permits (Erosion and Sediment Control, 401/404, Biological Assessment, Solid Waste, etc.)
- Pond Design and Consulting
- GIS, GPS, and CAD Mapping and Design Services
- Environmental Construction Oversight and Administration
- Grand Writing and Administration
- Culvert Design
Stream/River Restoration
BREC, Inc. takes a holistic approach to stream corridor restoration, including a careful analysis of ecosystem potential, sediment transport capacity, and geomorphologic channel design principles to recreate stable dimension, pattern, and profile in impaired stream reaches. We design for the most appropriate restoration priority, dictated by stream type, valley type, surrounding land use, and project goals defined by our clients.
Wetlands Restoration
BREC, Inc. conducts functional assessment surveys of reference and impaired wetlands. We can locate and identify degraded and prior converted wetlands, which are prime targets for restoration due to the presence of hydric soils. Our restoration designs aim to recreate key wetland functions for a particular wetland community. We are aware of the need to be creative in the use of wetlands in urban settings. BREC, Inc. restores isolated wetlands and those that are part of larger riparian systems to improve the health and function of our watersheds.
Riparian Buffer Design
Healthy riparian buffers stabilize stream banks, accumulate and retain organic soils, provide stormwater filtration and pollutant removal, enhance appearance, and optimize wildlife habitat. Specified plants should be regionally adapted species that are hardy, require little maintenance, and restore ecological function in the riparian ecosystem. Riparian buffer plans must be designed to create diffuse flow, accommodate site constraings such as overhead wires or other utilities, allow access for maintenance personnel or the public, and provide wildlife habitat including fruit and seed producers, evergreen shrubs, and tree clusters, and diversity of cover for nesting and protection.
Exotic/Invasive Species Control
Past riparian corridor mismanagement has resulted in reduction of ecological function. Surveys of existing plant species in the riparian zone are conducted to determine the presence and location of desirable and undesirable plants. Undesirable species often grow aggressively and can out-compete native species. These species can be controlled by mechanical, chemical, or thermal means. Native riparian species can be managed to promote stable banks, increase filtration, benefit wildlife and improve water quality, with the ultimate goal of developing a corridor of native plants that suits site constraints and requires minimal management.
Erosion and Sediment Control
BREC, Inc. is on the cutting edge of erosion and sedimentation control technologies. In addition to designing proven measures for construction sites, we offer a number of services to alleviate cut bank and slope erosion in existing landscape.
Environmental Permitting
BREC, Inc. helps clients obtain environmental permits such as Clean Water Act Section 404 permits (Nationwide and Individual) and their associated 401 Water Quality Certifications, erosion and sediment control permits, FEMA Letters of Map Revision (LOMR, CLOMR, CLOMR-F, and no-rise certifications), and stormwater permits. We monitor environmental statutes, regulations, and policies to stay current with new and evolving rules, including those for riparian buffers, stream restoration/mitigation, wetlands, and stormwater.
Physical and Macrobenthic Monitoring
BREC, Inc. performs physical monitoring to insure the stability of a stream restoration design. Subsequent annual monitoring is also of interest to us. We are continually interested in the long-term success of our projects. Physical monitoring involves placement of permanent cross sections, photo points, pebble counts, and longitudinal profiles. BREC, Inc. also performs macrobenthic sampling pre- and post-construction. This sampling allows us to gauge the health of the stream and improve fish habitat.