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Selenium Fish Tissue Testing

Selenium Fish Tissue Testing collections are conducted by Biological Systems Consultants to help our clients comply with NPDES/KPDES permits issued by the Kentucky Division of Water (KDOW) or the EPA. Following the standard operating procedures (SOP) for selenium fish tissue sampling set forth by KDOW/EPA we maintain scientific collectors permits and provide field personnel with extensive experience identifying the target species as required by the protocol. These are very time sensitive events so keep this in mind as soon as you find out you need a sampling event conducted. We collect samples and deliver to labs that are approved to run the EPA Method 200.8 sample methodology. We strive to collect and get samples analyzed by the lab in a cost effective and timely manner.

Many NPDES Permits now contain a Selenium Fish Tissue sampling trigger for collection of fish and application of EPA Method 200.8. This method identifies the amount of Selenium accumulated in the tissue of certain fish species. This methodology is outlined in the Methods for the Collection of Selenium Residue in Fish Tissue Used to Determine KPDES Permit Compliance SOP manual published by the Commonwealth of Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet, Department for Environmental Protection, Division of Water (KDOW, 2014).

Biological Systems Consultants’ selenium fish tissue survey and NPDES compliance team is equipped to take on all of your NPDES compliance needs. Our staff is fully permitted and qualified to conduct surveys in multiple states. If you have any questions about your Section 402 NPDES Selenium Fish compliance or have been requested to address selenium fish tissue sampling on your project for any reason Contact us or request a quote today. Our fish tissue collection team strives to be cost effective and project oriented to ensure our clients receive the attention they need for each project. This often entails following on-site safety protocols beyond that required by the State or Federal Regulations. NPDES permit projects are complicated in nature and have many different project requirements. Our NPDES staff can help with any project.

See additional services here.

Selenium Fish Tissue
Fish Tissue Sampling Collection
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Phase I Environmental Site Assessment

KY PHASE I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA)

Phase I ESA projects are conducted by Biological Systems Consultants to help our clients comply with ASTM-13 and AAI standards during commercial property transactions.  BSC staff  provide field personnel with extensive experience identifying the target issues that may be identified as recognizable environmental conditions during these assessments.   In conclusion, our staff is fully permitted and qualified to conduct these projects. If you have any questions about your ESA compliance or have been requested to address a Phase I ESA on your project for any reason Contact us or request a quote today. See additional services here.

KY Phase I Environmental Site Assessment
Property Location Map
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Bioassessments & Benthic Macroinvertebrates

Waterfall / Step Pool / Stream Assessments

Bioassessments & Benthic Macroinvertebrates collections were conducted this week and we had to share some photos from the field during the macroinvertebrate surveys in Harlan County, Kentucky. The above average rainfall in May 2016 revealed breathtaking waterfalls in this watershed.

Waterfall / Kentucky / Harlan Co.
Waterfall / Kentucky / Harlan Co.

Biological Systems Consultants typically assesses sampling sites for Kentucky macroinvertebrates February through May in headwater streams and May through September in wadeable streams.

Waterfall / Biological Assessment
Waterfall / Biological Assessment

 

Waterfall / Step Pool / Stream Assessments
Waterfall / Step Pool / Stream Assessments
Confluence / Stream Pool / Bedrock Substrate
Confluence of two tributaries / Pool Feature
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Spring Mitigation Monitoring

Spring mitigation monitoring has begun. This stream restoration site was permitted under the Clean Water Act using a Nationwide Permit. Natural stream design techniques were applied using a combination of Rosgen and standard survey practices using a reference reach. The restoration project has been successful in restoring fish and macroinvertebrate habitat, and has also been successful in the physical restoration of a more natural pattern, profile, plan-view and dimension. The macroinverebrate communities are highly diverse and minnows were found just below this area.

 

Stream Restoration Plan
Restored Stream Reach

 

Bioassessment
Minnow caught in net during macroinverebrate survey in restored stream channel.

 

 

 

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Acoustic Mistnet Bat Survey

Acoustic Mistnet Bat Survey

Acoustic mistnet bat survey for the Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis) which was listed as endangered in 1967, are provided by our federally permitted bat biologists.  Most state, federal, or local projects that require tree removal will also require a bat habitat assessment, mistnet and/or acoustical survey, or a protection and enhancement plan to protect the species and its habitat.

More recently (April 2, 2015) the Northern Long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis) was listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) due to the white-nose syndrome which has resulted in declines of the population. This species also requires absence or presence and habitat surveys or protection and enhancement plans for projects requiring tree removal.

Located in Lexington, Kentucky we provide all bat surveying services needed for complying with the Endangered Species Act requirements for these and other bat species.

Contact us today or request a quote.

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Habitat Restoration

Habitat restoration is an important tool for addressing a broad range of environmental challenges including providing permits for mitigation for streams using constructed wetlands. The BSC approach incorporates cost-effective design and build projects for the long-term management of natural resources by employing collaboration across experts from different fields ranging from biologists and ecologists to archaeologists. The site pictured below is currently in the early stages of restoration and are trending toward success thanks to some mitigation efforts and mother nature. Pictured below are restored stream channels, which are providing the revival of biological, chemical, and physical functions. Many macroinvertebrate and fish species have been observed throughout the sites; a great indication of restored habitat. Our experience covers a wide range of project development, from design to construction supervision and monitoring. BSC is also well trained to communicate with multiple regulatory agencies at the state, local, and federal levels. Our team has years of experience successfully negotiating agreements on restoration and permitting issues.

Stream Restoration

Mitigation 34