Virginia Wetland and Natural Resource Consultants
Virginia Environmental Studies & Assessments
CPBO
Studies
Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act
The Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act (CBPA) is a Virginia state law enacted to protect and restore the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. The law aims to safeguard water quality and natural resources by regulating land use and development activities within designated Chesapeake Bay Preservation Areas (CBPAs). These areas include lands adjacent to water bodies that directly impact the bay’s health.
The CBPA impacts permitting by imposing stricter regulations on development activities within CBPAs. Before receiving permits for construction, subdivision, or land disturbance in designated CBPAs, applicants must comply with CBPA regulations.
This process involves submitting a Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area Exception or Waiver application detailing measures to mitigate impacts on water quality and natural resources. Permitting agencies evaluate these applications to ensure compliance with CBPA requirements before issuing permits.
TNT Environmental provides mitigation to ensure compliance with the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act and assists in the submission of Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area Exception or Waiver applications.
Resource Protection Area Mapping & Assessment
TNT Environmental’s team are experts in local government policies and procedures establishing the boundaries of Resource Protection Areas (RPAs), especially in accordance with the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Ordinance.
Leveraging our expertise in stream assessment protocols and county regulations, TNT Environmental determines the boundaries and extent of these resource protection areas. Our familiarity with these regulations ensures accurate mapping and assessment. Our assessments ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and permitting procedures.
Water Quality Impact Assessments (WQIA)
A water quality impact assessment (WQIA) evaluates a proposed project’s potential effects on water quality within Resource Protection Areas (RPAs). The WQIA aims to uphold RPA protection standards in alignment with the goals, objectives, and mandates outlined in the CBPA.
TNT Environmental has a proven track record of preparing and securing approval for countless WQIAs in compliance with the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act. Our team has obtained approvals across various Virginia jurisdictions, including Fairfax County, Arlington County, the City of Alexandria, and Stafford County.
Each WQIA is tailored to the specific goals and objectives of the project and ensures alignment with regulatory requirements and environmental goals. A comprehensive kick-off meeting is routinely conducted with project personnel to evaluate the proposed development plan and identify the best management practices employed by the design team.
Environmental Constraints Analysis (ECA) & Existing Conditions Plats (ECP) Studies For Permitting
TNT Environmental has extensive experience conducting comprehensive surveys to map and identify a project site’s environmentally sensitive resources. Our expertise includes:
- Wetlands and waters of the United States
- Resource Protection Areas
- Habitat for state or federally listed threatened and endangered species
- Forest type assessments
- Steep slopes
- Highly erodible soils
Threatened and Endangered Species Studies For Permitting
Understanding protected species’ presence and potential habitat on a project site is crucial for successful project development and execution. Early identification of these issues during planning can help prevent costly construction delays, plan revisions, or time-of-year restrictions.
TNT’s team has specialized experience monitoring nesting Bald Eagles. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service requires that nesting Bald Eagles be observed by a Qualified Monitor during the nesting season (December 1 through August 1) when construction occurs near an active nest.
Our Certified Ecologists offer diverse habitat assessment and evaluation expertise to serve many project needs. By employing industry-accepted procedures and methodologies endorsed by research institutions, TNT conducts thorough assessments to evaluate a project’s impact on the ecosystem. Our experience includes habitat assessments for threatened and endangered plants and animals, forest habitat assessments, and small mammal surveys and inventories.
Contact TNT Environmental Assessments & Studies For Virginia Permitting
TNT Environmental is the expert in navigating Virginia’s permitting process and ensuring environmental compliance. With our deep knowledge of wetlands, streams, threatened and endangered species, and habitat assessments, TNT provides effective and affordable comprehensive support to streamline the permitting process and mitigate environmental impacts.
Don’t let regulatory hurdles derail your project’s progress. Contact TNT Environmental to get active solutions for even the most challenging development requirements. We will guide your project through the complexities of environmental assessments and studies and help you achieve all your project goals.