Environmental
BFW provides a wide range of environmental services for both public and private sectors. Projects and business ventures are directly impacted by the environmental assessments that must be performed to proceed. Our professionals combine experience, training, and knowledge to deliver innovative environmental solutions. These characteristics range in scope, including but not limited to projects involving Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs), National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance, Endangered Species Act (ESA) consultations, and 401/404 Permitting. The Environmental Department staff are pre-qualified or certified with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Illinois Department of Transportation, Indiana Department of Transportation, Missouri Department of Transportation, Ohio Department of Transportation, and Tennessee Department of Transportation. Our Environmental staff hold certifications for Asbestos Inspections, Lead Risk Assessments, Mold Inspections, OSHA/HAZWOPER certification, Railroad eRailSafe System contracting, and CN Railroad Workplace Safety – On Track Safety (see specific pre-qualifications under Professional Services). The wide range of BFW environmental staff includes engineers, archaeologists, cultural historians, fish and wildlife biologists, and several other supporting roles.
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA): Environmental Assessments (EA) and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
PREQUALIFICATION STATES: KYTC, TDOT, IDOT
Biological and Ecological Surveys: Endangered Species Act (ESA) Compliance, Review, Biological Assessments (BA), Species Surveys, etc.
PREQUALIFICATION/ CERTIFICATIONS: KYTC (Botany, Fisheries, Freshwater Macroinvertebrates, Terrestrial Zoology); ODOT (Ecological Surveys); IDOT (Ecology)
NHPA Sec 106: Cultural Historic Preservation and Archaeology
PREQUALIFICATION/ CERTIFICATIONS: IN, IL, KY, MO, OH
Water Quality: Permitting and Testing
PREQUALIFICATION: KYTC (Water Quality)
Phase I / II Environmental Site Assessments
401/404 Permitting / Wetlands Delineations / Streams Assessments
PREQUALIFICATION/ CERTIFICATIONS: 40-hour Wetlands Course USACE 1987 Manual and Regional Supplements; KYTC
Groundwater Protection Plans, Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP), Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC)
Asbestos Inspections / Lead Risk Assessments / Mold Assessments
PREQUALIFICATION/ CERTIFICATIONS: Lead Risk Assessor KY, TN; Asbestos Inspector: KY, TN
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA): Environmental Assessments (EA) and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) was signed into law on January 1, 1970. NEPA requires federal agencies to assess the environmental effects of their proposed activities prior to acting. Federal activities are defined as projects that are federally funded, permitted, licensed, or implemented. The three different levels of environmental analysis are categorical exclusion, environmental assessment, and environmental impact statement. NEPA requires federal agencies to evaluate and consider environmental impacts that affect social, cultural, economic, and natural resources
Experience:
The Environmental Department is equipped with staff that have been specifically trained and have applied their training to perform complex tasks. Our professionals are well versed in the environmental field, having completed projects that include environmental assessments and environmental impact statements. In addition, our team is extremely familiar with developing categorical exclusions and findings of no significant impact (FONSI). The environmental team has collaborated with federal agencies, federally recognized Native American Tribes, and other stakeholders on programmatic agreements. Experience combined with training, knowledge, and collaboration allows the BFW environmental team to provide innovative environmental solutions for any project.
Example Projects:
- Project #19209 – ARcare
- Project #20127 – Paducah Riverfront Infrastructure
- Project #20300 EVWR – Wabash River Bridge Approach Replacement
- Project #20420 – Oldham County Multi-use Trail
NHPA Sec 106: Cultural Historic Preservation and Archaeology
The National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) was first established in October of 1966. The NHPA is an agreement between federal, local, and tribal governments that attempts to ensure the preservation of historic places. The NHPA provides funding for historic preservation projects and regulates other activities on historic sites. Section 106 of the NHPA is of the most importance to the work done at BFW. This section is a guideline for protecting properties that are listed in or considered to be eligible for registry in the National Register of Historic Places by requiring federal agencies to evaluate the effect their activities may have on these properties. Federal activities are defined as projects that are federally funded, permitted, licensed, or implemented. The NHPA ensures that these activities will not be detrimental to the historic sites and buildings by illustrating procedures to identify these properties or archaeological resources, analyze potential impacts to these areas, and develop solutions that will avoid or minimize adverse effects
Experience:
BFW has a well-prepared team to handle matters relating to the NHPA. The BFW environmental staff has a historic preservation specialist and an archaeologist that are subject matter experts in this area. These and other BFW professionals are certified in multiple states, including Kentucky, Ohio, Missouri, and Illinois. As required under Code of Federal Regulations, these professionals are licensed to perform multiple duties that are required by NHPA Section 106. This team has coordinated closely with State Heritage Program Offices (SHPO), Tribal Heritage Program Offices (THPO), Federal Preservation Officers, and other important members of federally recognized tribes. Through this coordination and experience, our team is well versed in Architectural Research Assessments which include the following tasks: deed searches, preliminary site check, field surveys in accordance with SOI, SHPO, or THPO specifications, determination of areas of potential impact, identification of historic properties, and determination of project effects.
Example Projects:
- Project #20127 – Paducah Riverfront Infrastructure
- Project #20236 – Graves County Economic Development – Holland Property
- Project #20297 – Graves County Extension Office
- Project #22108 – City of Martin – Historic District
401/404 Permitting / Wetlands Delineations / Streams Assessments
The Clean Water Act is an act that was passed with the intent to regulate the discharge and pollutants released into the waters of the United States. This act protects all waters of the United States from harmful pollutants and attempts to control quality of US surface waters. There are two primary permits that are important for BFW engineering: 401 and 404 permits. A 401 permit allows discharge into a surface water of the US. Without a 401 permit, no person is permitted to discharge any material into a surface water of the United States. A 404 permit regulates the discharge of dredged or fill material into the waters of the US. Activities regulated under this permit type include fill for development, water resource projects, infrastructure development, and mining.
Experience:
The BFW Environmental Staff conduct and coordinate pre-application meetings, perform wetland delineations and stream assessments, prepare state water quality certification applications, submit Jurisdictional Determination (JD) Reports, coordinate mitigation fees, and conduct mitigation monitoring. Under 404, our staff submit individual and nationwide permits as well as Letters of Permission. Our experience includes but is not limited to permitting for activities such as excavation, streambank stabilization, debris removal, channel restoration, and maintenance.
Example Projects:
- Project #19097 – Triple Rail Industrial Park
- Project #19254 – Hickman County Industrial Park
- Project #19328 – Marion Unit 2 School District – Wetland Delineation
- Project #19335 – Fulton County Industrial Park – Wetland Delineation
Biological and Ecological Surveys: Endangered Species Act (ESA) Compliance, Review, Biological Assessments (BA), Species Surveys, etc.
The Endangered Species Act (ESA) was established in 1973 as an attempt to prevent species from extinction and recover endangered species to eliminate their need for regulation. The United States Fish and Wildlife Service is responsible for most federally listed species and critical habitats. Federal agencies that are performing activities are required to prepare a biological assessment to ensure that they can identify, avoid, and minimize adverse effects on species and their environment. This section of environmental management goes hand in hand with biological and ecological surveys. Biological and ecological surveys map what organisms and species occupy a specific environment. For example, these could be performed to provide knowledge of the distribution of the species, species habitat and resource consumption, or site monitoring. Most biological and ecological surveys are quantitative in nature, meaning they provide numerical amounts of species in an area.
Experience:
Our professional staff have experience coordinating with USFWS, initiating consultation, preparing, and submitting biological assessments, as well as providing our clients technical guidance potential project impacts to federally listed species and provide options on avoidance and minimization measures. Our staff includes a retired US Fish and Wildlife Service ESA Section 7 consultation biologist. Our experience includes preparing biological assessments for federal, state, city, and county government clients. We coordinate with the USFWS about the project and provide experienced-based guidance to our clients. In addition, our staff have experience sampling aquatic and terrestrial species. Our experience includes sampling federally listed mussels and fishes. Recent training includes acoustic sampling for bat species. We can sample, analyze, and provide reports on species, habitats, and community structure. Our staff can also provide project environmental review that provide clients with a constraint analysis or risk analysis which includes zoning and permitting requirements.
Example Projects:
- Project # 20031 – Buckner Ln City of Paducah
- Project # 20127 – Paducah Riverfront Infrastructure Project
- Project # 22015 – Dale Hollow Lake Marina – Environmental Review
Water Quality: Permitting and Testing
The Kentucky Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (KPDES) is the system through which all water discharge must be permitted. All water discharge in the state of Kentucky must gain approval permits and maintain them through the KPDES. This system outlines limitations for effluents before they are discharged into Kentucky water bodies. These permits are based on technology-based and water quality-based criteria. Discharges that must be permitted include stormwater runoff, wastewater treatment, construction site water runoff, and municipal storm separate sewer systems.
Experience:
The BFW environmental team is a certified field laboratory by the KPDES (lab certification number KY05070). This means that professionals within BFW have the authority to collect and test water samples to ensure that they are compliant with KPDES standards. To complete this task, BFW professionals must use GIS mapping, multiple sampling protocol, and be trained in safety methods regarding water sampling and contamination. BFW environmental professionals have had training and experience collecting and testing water samples and preparing KPDES permit applications.
Example Projects:
- Project #22197 – Hu-B’s Offshore – KPDES Permit Modification
- Project #21111 – Westlake PVC – KPDES Permit Map
Phase I / II Environmental Site Assessments
The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) was established in 1980. This act provides funding for cleanup or control of hazardous contaminants or pollutants. The CERCLA regulates multiple modes of contamination, such as spills, accidents, hazardous-waste sites, or other emergency releases of pollutants and contaminants. The American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) provides regulation for agencies to test for contaminants within the scope of the CERCLA. ASTM designation E1527-21, named Standard Practice for Environmental Site Assessments: Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Process, clearly lays out the procedure for Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (ESA). The ASTM designation for Phase II ESA broadens the list of contaminants to those also recognized outside of the CERCLA. Specifically, this procedure (ASTM E1903-19) illustrates a procedure for testing for controlled substances, where Phase I procedure does not. This was established as a further test if there were environmental concerns in the Phase I Assessment. Phase I Assessments include site visits, photos, and a client interview, where Phase II Assessments can include sampling and lab testing if necessary. This provides further analysis to ensure that the site is environmentally sound before continuing with transfer of ownership or construction.
Experience:
Our professional staff are familiar with the ASTM procedures for Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments. With 14 years of professional experience, the environmental team has performed hundreds of these inspections. The team is familiar with the ASTM standards for Phase I, including site photography, recognition of environmental concerns, and client interviews. The BFW environmental department is also familiar with the protocols associated with material sampling that may be needed for Phase II ESA. The department is in direct and frequent contact with the laboratory services and is prompt in collecting, testing, and analyzing samples.
Example Projects:
- Project #21031 – MSP Properties of Minnesota Phase I ESA
- Project #21128 – Veterans Airport of Southern Illinois Phase I ESA
Groundwater Protection Plans, Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP), Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC)
The Safe Drinking Water Act (established in 1974) aims to prevent contamination of groundwater that could be recirculated to drinking water. This act draws attention to ground contamination including groundwater contamination, stormwater contamination, or accidental spills. To prevent or manage these issues, engineers develop three different plans: Groundwater Protection Plans (GWPP), Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPP), and Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasures (SPCC). All three of these plans are researched and developed by BFW environmental staff to ensure that the Safe Drinking Water Act is upheld, and that the groundwater is as safe as possible for recirculation. The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) is also important in assessing potential groundwater contamination. This act seeks to control the disposal of hazardous waste and defines 8 specific metals as toxic to groundwater.
Experience:
The BFW environmental department is very experienced in groundwater contamination and development of the previously listed reports and solution plans. BFW’s team is trained in sampling earth and water to test for RCRA metals and to test for other contaminants harmful to groundwater. Environmental professionals and civil engineers at BFW work together to create these plans, and after review, a specialized groundwater or stormwater Professional Engineer approves these documents. This ensures that the protection plan or countermeasure has been reviewed by multiple professionals and is correct and thorough. The BFW team is in constant and direct contact with the laboratory to provide quick and quality results every time.
Example Projects:
- Project #20034 – Shoreline Steel SWPPP
- Project #20041 – Memphis Contract Packaging SPCC and SWPPP
- Project #22073 – Paducah Water SWPPP – Cairo Road Elevated Storage Tank
Asbestos Inspections, Lead Risk Assessments, Mold Assessments
The National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) is a standard set forth by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in an effort to reduce hazardous air pollutants, primarily lead, asbestos, and mold. Agencies and companies with sources that may contain hazardous air materials are subject to inspections and assessments that demonstrate compliance with the NESHAP. These sources are required to perform initial performance tests, and most of the time, continue monitoring operating parameters that are established during the initial test. Sources that are suspected to contain hazardous air pollutants may be subject to testing at any time.
Experience:
BFW environmental professionals are certified in asbestos inspections, lead risk assessments, and mold assessments. These professionals are qualified to assess agencies’ production of hazardous materials. These protocols require extreme safety precautions in which these professionals must be trained. BFW holds certifications in lead and asbestos through these departments and certification identifiers:
- The State of Tennessee – Asbestos Accreditation
- The Commonwealth of Kentucky – Department for Environmental Protection – Asbestos Inspector
- Kentucky Department for Public Health – Lead-Hazard Risk Assessor
- The State of Tennessee – Lead-Based Paint Inspector, Lead Risk Assessor
- The State of Tennessee – Lead-Based Paint Activity Firm
- Kentucky Department for Public Health – Lead-Hazard Company
Please note that while BFW does not hold mold certifications, these certifications are not required to complete mold inspections, and BFW has adequate experience in mold testing and inspection.
Example Projects:
- Project #21408 – Murray Main Street
- Project #22119 – Fort Campbell Lead Assessment
- Project #21025 – Lend Lease Lead Risk Assessment
