|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
ECo Consultants, Inc, provides environmental consulting services associated with ecological and agricultural management, land development, and other growth-relted issues. We maintain a professional, well-balanced staff of scientists with a diversity of expertise, enabling us to offer truly comprehensive environmental consultation and management services.
ECo Consultants is committed to a proactive approach and timely delivery of a professional, high-quality product. Our experience, attention to detail and ability to adapt to an ever-evolving regulatory environment are the keys to successful projects and client satisfaction.
At the core of ECo's services are permitted ecosystem restoration, wetland, mitigation and stormwater-related activities, as well as their associated management, maintenance, monitoring, planting and regulatory agency interection.
We maintain a broad base of clients, serving private residential, commercial and industrial developers, municipalities, farmers, ranchers, land brokers, golf courses and contractors who service similiar entities.
Palmetto Office
Lake Wales Office
Agricultural Field and Drainage Design
Agricultural Permitting
Construction Monitoring
Ecosystem Restoration
Environmental Permitting
Hydric Soils Determinations
Lake Littoral Shelf Planting and Maintenance
Mitigation Banking
Mitigation Design, Contstruction, Monitoring and Maintenance
Nuisance Species Control
Phase I Environmental Site Assessments
Dock Permitting
Reclamation
Right of Way Maintenance
Seasonal High Water Level Determinations
Soils Mapping
State and Federal Mine Permitting
Threatened and Endangered Species Surveys
Water Quality Monitoring
Water Use Permitting
Wetland Delineations
ECo Consultants, Inc. specializes in the restoration of native Florida ecosystems. We have a breadth of experience enhancing and re-establishing both upland and wetland vegetative communities. Our project designs are adapted to specific landscape position, desired species composition, hydrology and soil type. Common projects include: stormwater lakes, wetland mitigation areas, littoral shelves, unique upland communications and endangered and threatened species habitat.
Restoration planting, management and monitoring are all conducted by ECo personnel. We install high quality material from our supplies – with whom we maintain excellent relationships. Native trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants and sod are this readily available.
ECo Consulting, Inc. successfully controls nuisance aquatic vegetation through a comprehensive approach. Rather than relying on the heavy use of herbicides, our methods of removal or control is primarily manual. This permits us to target nuisance species with minimal disturbance to desirable plants. Manual removal also eliminates dying plant residue as preferred by higher profile developments.
Control of exotic and invasive plants in right-of-ways, wetland buffers, upland preserves and other natural areas is accomplished through an integrated approach. Species such as Primrose Willow, Cattail, Torpedo Grass, Melaleuca, Brazilian Pepper and Australian Pine are eliminated using manual removal mechanical mowing, roller chopping and herbicide application.
Great resource for technical research publications including water use, agricultural production and general land use practices.
University of Florida Center for Wetlands
Explanations of the various sciences realted to wetlands as well as a good photo gallery of typical wetland plants.
Tampa Bay Weather Radar
Southwest Florida Water Management District
Atlas of Florida Plants
Senior Scientist
Professional Credentials
Bachelor of Science in Biology/Chemistry: Jacksonville University, 1976
Masters in Environmental Planning (URP): University of Florida, 1980
Present Responsibilities
Responsible for preparation of Environmental Resource Permit applications for various developmental activities. Also responsible for negotiations with regulatory agencies governing developmental rights on sites with various endangered and/or threatened species, this includes presentations to various Boards of County Commissioners as well as to the Water Management District Boards in public hearings.
Key Project Experience
Neal Communities, University Golf and Country Club, Manatee County, Florida: Wetland delineation and habitat mapping of a considerable portion of the Braden River, west of I-75. All phases of environmental permitting with regulatory agencies, design and supervision of water quality monitoring program, wetland mitigation negotiations and design, as well as necessary endangered species activities.
Magnolia Hills, Manatee County, Florida: All phases of environmental permitting with regulatory agencies, wetland mitigation negotiations and design, as well as necessary endangered species activities.
Berry Ranch, Sarasota County, Implementing a permitting strategy for a 16,000-acre agricultural and residential project, including procurement of DRI approval.
Centex Homes, Gates Creek Subdivision, Manatee County, All phases of environmental permitting with regulatory agencies, wetland mitigation negotiations and design, as well as necessary endangered species activities.
Centex Homes, Braden River Lakes, Manatee County, All phases of environmental permitting with regulatory agencies, wetland mitigation negotiations and design, as well as necessary endangered species activities.
Sarasota County Natural Sciences Department, Environmentally Sensitive Land Acquisition Program Wetland Delineation, Habitat Mapping and Preliminary Endangered & Threatened Species Surveys.
Soil/Environmental Scientist
Professional Credentials
Master of Science in Soil and Water Science, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 1995.
Graduate Certificate in Wetlands, Center for Wetlands, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 1995.
Bachelor of Science in Forest Resources and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 1993.
Certificate in Urban Forestry, School of Forest Resources and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 1993.
Certified Arborist (FL-0890)
Present Responsibilities
Responsible for the design, coordination, and implementation of soils studies associated with development projects including soil mapping and characterization, hydric soils determinations, and seasonal high water table determinations. Other responsibilities include arborist consulting, wetland delineations, ERP Permitting, Federal Dredge and Fill Permitting, and county approvals.
Key Project Experience
White Oak Development, Highland Ridge II, Manatee County: Designed and implemented seasonal high water table study and measured in-situ water table depths. Study included detailed descriptions of the soil profiles and seasonal high water table determinations based on visible indicators in the profile. Data was used by a professional engineer to design the projects stormwater management system.
DeAnna Construction Company, Trillium, Sarasota County, Florida: Determination of seasonal high water table and other on-site hydrologic indicators. Delineation of wetland boundaries and habitat mapping. Verification of wetland boundaries by the Southwest Florida Water Management District. Sarasota County rezone petition and site visits.
Sarasota County, Lemon Bay Scrub Jay Preserve, Sarasota County, Florida: Responsible for implementation of scrub jay habitat enhancement plan including land clearing and thinning activities.
Broderick & Associates, Sugar Mill Lakes, Manatee County, Florida: Negotiated lowered seasonal high water table depth. Flagged jurisdictional wetland boundaries and coordinated verification with the Southwest Florida Water Management District. Prepared Environmental Resource Permit applications for several phases of the project and coordinated agency site inspections.
South Florida Water Management District, City National vs. SFWMD, Dade and Palm Beach Counties, Florida: Habitat mapping of a 1200-acre parcel and conceptual development design, including mitigation proposal. Mapping accomplished by aerial inspection by helicopter combined with ground-truthing. Additional work included a soils study of 27 parcels used for comparable properties in a litigation case. Study included review of historical aerial photographs to determine soil disturbance and filling, as well as, site visits to determine current soil characteristics.
Wilmington Land Company, Harbourage on Braden River, Manatee County, Florida: Responsible for permitting a 30-slip marina facility, including dock construction and dredging. Also prepared permit applications for a footbridge, canoe/kayak launch, and fishing observation pier.
Soil/Environmental Scientist
Professional Credentials
Bachelor of Science in Soil Science: Soils and Land Use, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 1996
Intensive course study in: Soil Science in respect to land use practices, soil chemistry, soil physics and soil water dynamics, soil identification and classification, botany, agronomy and plant physiology, wetland ecology, and geology.
Present Responsibilities
Responsible for preparation of Environmental Resource Permit applications for development activities, permanent farming exemptions and ordinary farming permits, wetland delineations, hydric soils determinations, monitoring and maintenance of wetland mitigation projects, water use permitting, supervision of water quality monitoring, and aerial and land use mapping.
CHRISTOPHER A. BRYANT
Key Project Experience
Taylor and Fulton Farms, Kibler Parcel, Manatee County, Florida: Flagged jurisdictional boundaries, wildlife and habitat survey, resource management system for permanent farming exemption, applications for permanent farming exemption and ordinary farming notification.
US Home Corporation, Heritage Harbour, Manatee County, Florida: Development and implementation of a surficial water table monitoring program as well as determination of seasonal high water table elevations.
SMR Aggregates, Inc., Phase VIII, Sarasota County, Florida: Verification of wetland boundaries by SWFWMD; mitigation area design; preparation and submittal of permit applications to Sarasota County and SWFWMD for mining permit..
CHRISTOPHER A. BRYANT
Southwest Florida Water Management District, Terra Ceia Upland Restoration, Manatee County, Florida: Supervision and management of 112 acre upland restoration project including plant installation and ongoing maintenance.
American Bridge Facilities, Port Manatee Berth 12 Expansion, Manatee County, Florida: Supervised water quality sampling and data reporting for Florida Department of Environmental Protection permit compliance.
Soil/Environmental Scientist
Professional Credentials
Master of Science in Soil and Water Science, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 1996.
Bachelor of Science in Soil and Water Science, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 1994.
Intensive course study in: land use, soil chemistry, soil physics, soil genesis, classification, and survey, hydric soils, botany, wetland ecology, hydrogeology, and software development.
Present Responsibilities
Responsible for the design, coordination, and implementation of environmental land use studies associated with development projects. Soil-specific responsibilities include soil mapping and characterization, hydric soils determinations, and seasonal high water table determinations. Other responsibilities include endangered and threatened species surveys, wetland delineations, Environmental Resource Permitting, Federal Dredge and Fill Permitting, wetland mitigation design, monitoring and maintenance of wetland mitigation projects, and aerial and land use mapping.
Key Project Experience
Bishop & Buttrey, Inc., Sanford Borrow Pit Reclamation, Seminole County, Florida: Implemented large scale wetland mitigation plan as part of pit abandonment configured into city drainage and water quality improvements. Project included management of field personnel and planting design of a several acre littoral shelf.
Allen Engineering, Inc., Island Pointe Marina Condominiums, Brevard County, Florida: Prepared Environmental Resource Permit application including considerations for manatee habitat and mangrove impacts. Significant consultation with the engineer and St. Johns River Water Management District was required to address saltmarsh creation area design, unique stormwater system parameters, and multiple building constraints.
LandMar Group, LLC, Osprey Cove, Camden County, Georgia: Conducted review of past and proposed wetland impacts for purchase of multiphase residential/golf development. Extensive coordination regarding isolated wetlands jurisdiction pursuant to the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County vs. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
John S. Kern Engineering, International Paper Distribution Warehouse, Effingham County, Georgia: Conducted preliminary wetland assessment, wetland delineation, multiple Federal Dredge and Fill Permits, mitigation design, and hydrologic monitoring and modeling for extensive regional paper distribution facility adjacent to mill.
Jones, Day, Reavis, & Pogue, Greyfield Inn Cumberland Island Assessment, Camden County, Georgia: Conducted a biological resource assessment for a 320-acre property based upon unique environmental factors defined by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Findings qualified the property for significant property tax exemptions. Coordinated findings with GADNR and county officials.
Environmental Scientist
Professional Credentials
Bachelor of Science in Soil Science: Soils and Land Use, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 1995
Intensive course study in: Soil Science in respect to land use practices, soil chemistry, soil physics and soil water dynamics, soil identification and classification, botany, agronomy and plant physiology, wetland ecology and geology.
Post graduate Study, University of Memphis, Climatology
State of Florida Certified Prescribed Fire Applicator
Certificate in Natural Areas Management, IFAS/TNC
Present Responsibilities
Responsible for preparation and execution of habitat management plans, threatened and endangered species habitat enhancement, management and supervision of labor crews performing ecosystem creation and restoration, site inspections, littoral shelf and mitigation monitoring, and project estimation.
Key Project Experience
Neal Communities, Forest Creek Rookery Mitigation, Planning and supervision of rookery mitigation area for Neal Communities Forest Creek project. Logistically challenging project involved the use of a 50 ton crane to move over 100 cabbage palms and laurel oaks to the 2 acre island that serves as the rookery. March 2006
Manatee County Government, Exotic species removal and re-planting of native species at Duette Preserve, Emerson Point Park, Robinson Preserve, and Rye Wilderness Park. Including the procurement and management of FDEP grant funding.
Duette Preserve Scrub Habitat Restoration,
Autocad/Environmental Technician
Professional Credentials
Architectural/Mechanical Drafting and Design, Southeast High School, Bradenton, FL, 1995-1998
Certified Stormwater, Erosion, and Sediment Control Inspector
Present Responsibilities
Responsible for preparation of ACAD drawings for permanent farming exemptions and ordinary farming permits, preparation of ACAD drawings for Environmental Resource Permit applications for mining activities, wetland mitigation projects, water use permitting, and land use mapping.
Responsible for compliance monitoring of wetland mitigation projects for county, state, and federal regulatory agencies.
C. CRAIG WOLFE
Key Project Experience
Misener Marine Construction, Inc., Port Manatee Berth 5 & 6 Expansion, Manatee County, Florida: Water quality sampling and data reporting during dredging and blasting phases for Florida Department of Environmental Protection permit compliance.
Wilmington Land Company, Harbourage on Braden River, Manatee County, Florida: Preparation and submittal of CAD drawings for the permit application to Manatee County, SWFWMD, and Florida Department of Environmental Protection for the associated docks, foot bridge, boat launch, and fishing pier.
South Florida Water Management District, City National vs. SFWMD, Dade and Palm Beach Counties, Florida: Habitat mapping of a 1200-acre parcel and conceptual development design, including mitigation proposal. Additional work included mapping of 27 parcels used for comparable properties in a litigation case.
C. CRAIG WOLFE
American Bridge Facilities, Port Manatee Berth 12 Expansion, Manatee County, Florida: Water quality sampling and data reporting for Florida Department of Environmental Protection permit compliance.
Westra Construction, Oakhurst Road Improvements, Pinellas County, Florida: Assisting a certified arborist with the supervision of the tree trimming and excavation activities associated with the utilities installment.
The utilization of sub-contractors, when utilized, are always of high quality, experienced professionals in their respective fields.
Subcontractors which would potentially be utilized include services for earthmoving, logging activities, roller-chopping/heavy brush mowing, and extensive open water algae treatment.
E Co primarily utilizes Wingate's Tractor service for earthmoving, logging, and roller-chopping, and heavy brush mowing. This company is able to provide us with a fast response, the appropriate equipment, and the exact work product needed, based on our's or the client's instruction. We have utilized them with great success in assisting us with varying types and scales of restoration and mitigation work.
E Co employs personnel with varying expertise and certifications, the following certifications, which would be applicable to this project, are held by personnel who would be associated with the project.
State of Florida Commercial Pesticide Applicator License
State of Florida Aquatic Pesticide Applicator License
State of Florida Right of Way Pesticide Applicator License
State of Florida Natural Areas Pesticide Applicator License
State of Florida Stormwater Management Inspector Certification
ISA Certified Arborist
Suite B
Palmetto, FL 34221
T: 941.722.0901
F: 941.722.4931
Sarasota, FL 34232
T: 941.388.0505
F: 941.870.3245
Suite 101
Lake Wales, FL 33853
T: 863.676.8996
F: 863.676.9897