Regulatory Compliance and NEPA

Hood River Production Program, Environmental Compliance for Development of Fish Facilities and Fish Passage Restoration

Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon
Meridian managed environmental compliance for development of a new fish acclimation facility on the West Fork Hood River; modification of a natural falls to aid fish passage obstructed by a massive debris torrent on the Middle Fork Hood River; and addition of a new fish ladder/biomonitoring station on the West Fork Hood River. Meridian delineated wetlands and streams near the construction zones; prepared Biological Assessments to meet ESA compliance needs for BPA; prepared Army Corps and State Lands fill/removal permit applications and Hood River County applications for floodplain and stream protection standards review.

Columbia River North Jetty Reconstruction Permitting

US Army Corps of Engineers
Meridian was retained during final design to obtain construction permits and to complete a wetland banking plan for reconstruction of the failing jetty at the mouth of the Columbia River. We prepared a water quality protection and monitoring plan for work in the intertidal zone and in saltwater wetlands. A stormwater pollution prevention plan was approved by the state and the county approved Meridian's Shoreline Substantial Development Permit. Meridian biologists completed wetland banking agreements to mitigate for saltwater wetland effects.

Hydropower Facilities in Washington, Oregon and California

Various utility and private clients
Meridian staff conducted all environmental studies and obtained construction permits for eight new hydropower projects built in the Pacific Northwest, including new dam construction and adding generating facilities to existing dams. We performed NEPA compliance, obtained FERC licenses, conducted agency consultation and obtained all federal, state and local permits for construction and operation of these facilities. Construction occurred on USFS and state park lands and at Corps of Engineers' and Bureau of Reclamation dams.

Flathead Irrigation System Minimum Streamflow EA

Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes
Meridian evaluated the effects of implementing minimum flows for 30 streams within the Flathead Indian Reservation that are controlled by the Flathead Indian Irrigation System. Minimum flows were identified to balance the needs of land owners with the needs of fish, including ESA listed species. The Flathead Indian Irrigation System is managed by the BIA to provide water for patented water rights of tribal and non-tribal land owners within the Reservation. Court decisions had specified that instream flow rights for fish on the Reservation are senior to all other water right claims. The Environmental Assessment provided information for the Tribe to conclude legislative negotiations for water rights adjudication within the Reservation.

Kootenai River Habitat Restoration Program

Kootenai Tribe of Idaho
Meridian prepared all permit applications for the first seven years (2011 through 2017) of restoration project construction as part of a 50-mile-long habitat restoration program. Collaborating with River Design Group, permits were obtained for extensive bank and side channel stabilization and restoration along the mainstem of Kootenai River. Meridian continues to work on environmental planning for aquatic and terrestrial restoration projects scheduled in 2018 and beyond.

Tyee Transmission Line Off-Road Vehicle Use EA

Southeast Alaska Power Agency
Meridian evaluated site conditions and prepared an Environmental Assessment to obtain approval for off-road vehicle use in designated areas. Helicopter access to transmission line segments is being replaced by an off-road vehicle to reduce maintenance costs. Meridian staff conducted field studies on 28 miles of right-of-way in nine segments covering a 70-mile stretch of transmission line across 4 islands. Field studies included the evaluation of fisheries impacts at stream crossings, the effects of vehicle travel on soils and wetlands, and the presence and potential spread of invasive species. Meridian's project manager coordinated all field logistics, including boat and helicopter transport to remote segments of the transmission line.

Kootenai Native Fish Conservation Aquaculture Facility

Kootenai Tribe of Idaho
All construction permitting for a new burbot and white sturgeon hatchery was obtained by Meridian in collaboration with TetraTech engineers. Water rights, instream work authorizations and facility operational approvals were obtained from federal, state and county authorities.

Lyle Falls Fishway Improvement EIS

Bonneville Power Administration (with DJ Warren and Associates)
Meridian prepared an EIS to modify and expand an existing fishway on the Klickitat River. We performed all NEPA coordination with BPA and analyzed terrestrial, aquatic, recreation, and land use resources. In addition to assisting BPA with NEPA public involvement, Meridian completed a BA that addressed potential effects on Middle Columbia River steelhead and Columbia River bull trout. The project was sponsored by the Yakama Nation.

Southeast Alaska Electronic Communication Sites EAs

AP&T Wireless, Alaska
Communication and transmission of digital data was improved throughout southeast Alaska with the development of new microwave communication sites. Meridian staff prepared NEPA documentation (EA's and Categorical Exclusions), biological evaluations, Forest Plan amendments, and state and local permitting for new and modified communication sites throughout the Tongass National Forest. Since 2006 Meridian has assisted AP&T with permitting and environmental studies for seven microwave communication sites.