Wetlands Permitting / Mitigation

AEL has one of the most diversified wetland programs in the private consulting industry. Wetland related issues range from delineation and permitting to waterfowl management and mitigation banking. The firm offers a turnkey approach, from planning to implementation. AEL involvement in mitigation opportunities may consist of the transfer of mitigation credits, or it may involve AEL staff selecting an offsite mitigation area, preparing a mitigation plan, and carrying out restoration or wetland creation activities.

Wetland projects commonly involve real estate development, oil and gas exploration, lake construction, and restoration projects. AEL biologists can work independently or in a support role with engineering firms to reach project goals. AEL staff members are participating in mitigation bank development projects in Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas. The firm also participates in a wide array of wetland restoration, development and management projects.

Mitigation Banking is a principle market for AEL. The firm developed one of the first entrepreneurial mitigation banks within the state of Texas, as well as the first official bank within the state of Oklahoma. The firm has developed compensatory mitigation opportunities within most of the significant river basins of Texas.

AEL biologists have been retained to assist in most aspects of municipal water supply projects, including groundwater development, reservoir permitting and constructed wetlands for water reuse applications. Staff biologists have successfully completed 404 permitting procedures on numerous intake structures and water pipeline systems.

AEL provides turnkey assistance in the development of aquatic features including emergent marshes, stream restoration, impoundments for waterfowl, recreation or water supply reservoirs.