Brad Holmes, Manager Professional Wetlands Scientist & Massachusetts Certified Arborist ECR is a small environmental consulting firm specializing in wetland and coastal project permitting and resource area delineations throughout southeastern Massachusetts, Cape Cod, and surrounding areas. Among area firms offering such services, we stand out in that we are both certified and insured and also offer competitive rates. From managing the permitting process to project planning and implementation, we have extensive experience overseeing coastal and inland development, as well as wetland protection and restoration measures, for both residential and commercial clients. We can smooth the way for your project by explaining regulations and ensuring that the work is in compliance with federal, state, and local environmental guidelines. Along with expertise and experience, ECR provides efficient, timely service and remains available and responsive from project start to finish. Certifications Professional Wetland Scientist Massachusetts Certified Arborist Degrees M.S., Environmental Engineering, Northeastern University B.S., Wildlife and Fisheries Biology, University of Massachusetts-Amherst Qualifications Brad Holmes, Manager of, is a Professional Wetland Scientist and Massachusetts Certified Arborist with 14 years experience in environmental project management and environmental consulting. Brad has an extensive background in wetland science, arboriculture, natural resource management, and land use and restoration planning. His in-depth knowledge of federal, state, and local environmental regulations enables him to skillfully manage the permitting process for a range of environmental projects. Brad s previous experience working for various Massachusetts environmental engineering firms is a particular asset in understanding the needs of developers and helping them meet permitting requirements. Past Employment BSC Group, Boston, MA (Jan. 1998 to Dec. 2006) RAM Environmental, Plymouth, MA (1997) Amory Engineers, P.C., Duxbury, MA (1996) Metcalf & Eddy, Wakefield, MA (1995) Page 1 of 7
Summary of Services Wetland and Coastal Resource Area Delineation & Permitting Wetland Restoration & Replication Utility Permitting Site Development Dredging and Dredge Disposal Permitting Coastal Bank Stabilization Erosion Control Measures & Monitoring Pier and Float Design & Permitting Eelgrass and Shellfish Surveys Arboricultural Assessments Vegetation Planning & Restoration Services ECR specializes in wetland and coastal project permitting and resource area delineations throughout southeastern Massachusetts, Cape Cod, and surrounding areas. Our broad area of expertise extends to inland, coastal, and wetland environmental projects, ranging from initial assessments and surveys to restoration and stabilization measures. Brad Holmes, manager of ECR, is a certified Professional Wetlands Scientist with extensive experience in wetland restoration, wetland replication, and buffer-zone mitigation projects, from design through installation, monitoring, and maintenance. Wetland and Coastal Resource Area Delineation & Permitting ECR has delineated a large number of wetland resource areas throughout Massachusetts in accordance with regulations issued by the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act and conservation commission Wetland Bylaws. Field work for a typical inland wetland resource area delineation involves locating the landward limits of bordering vegetated wetlands, the mean annual high water to perennial streams/rivers, isolated vegetated wetlands, vernal pools, and any other significant resource area features. A typical coastal wetland resource area delineation involves locating the landward limits of coastal beach, coastal bank, salt marsh, shellfish habitat, eelgrass, and any other significant resource area features. Wetland Restoration & Replication ECR has designed, permitted, monitored, and maintained many wetland restoration and replication projects throughout Massachusetts. We are experienced in all aspects of restoration and replication construction, including erosion control installation, excavation overview, coordination with nurseries for correct plant materials, and planting and seeding. Utility Permitting ECR has managed the permitting process for numerous utility projects located within or near wetland resource areas. Utility projects we have permitted include construction of substations, electrical conduit installations, and gas line installations. We have also confirmed utility maintenance exemptions when needed. A typical utility permitting project requires wetland delineations and permit approvals from the Department of Environmental Protection, the Massachusetts Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program, and local conservation commissions. Page 2 of 7
Services (continued) Site Development ECR has managed the permitting process for numerous site development projects ranging in size from large shopping centers to residential home additions. Mid-range projects we have permitted include a golf course redevelopment, large housing developments, and construction of single-family homes. A typical site development project requires wetland delineation, landscape planning, wildlife habitat analysis, vernal pool analysis, stormwater management, and assistance with any permit appeals. Site development projects commonly require permit authorizations from the Department of Environmental Protection and local conservation commissions. Dredging and Dredge Disposal Permitting ECR has designed and permitted many maintenance and improvement dredging projects in combination with beach nourishment, ocean disposal, and beneficial reuse of dredge material. A typical dredging project requires permit authorizations from the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act, the Department of Environmental Protection, the United States Army Corps of Engineers, and local conservation commissions. Coastal Bank Stabilization ECR has designed and permitted numerous coastal bank stabilization projects, both those requiring hard material solutions such as stone revetments or vertical bulkheads and soft material solutions such as beach nourishment, fiber rolls, geotextiles, or vegetation. A typical coastal bank stabilization project requires permit authorizations from the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act, the Department of Environmental Protection, the United States Army Corps of Engineers, and local conservation commissions. Pier and Float Design & Permitting ECR has designed and permitted a variety of pier and float projects, including new structures, removable pier and float sections, pier reconstruction, boardwalks, and Section 10A floats. The permitting process for pier and float projects typically requires shellfish habitat analysis, eelgrass surveys, assistance with bathymetric surveys, and salt marsh mitigation. These projects commonly require permit authorizations from the Department of Environmental Protection, the United States Army Corps of Engineers, and local conservation commissions. Page 3 of 7
Services (continued) Eelgrass and Shellfish Surveys ECR has conducted numerous eelgrass and shellfish surveys along the intertidal areas and nearshore waterways of Cape Cod and the South Shore of Massachusetts. Eelgrass and shellfish play an important ecological role in our marine environment. The data collected during these surveys has been critical in designing coastal engineering structures, dredge footprints, shellfish mitigation plans, and other environmental initiatives that preserve vital eelgrass beds and shellfish habitats. Arboricultural Assessments Brad Holmes, manager of ECR, is a Massachusetts Certified Arborist. Our arboricultural services include vegetation and tree damage appraisals, hazard tree assessments, and arboricultural assistance with site development. Vegetation Planning & Restoration ECR has designed and managed a wide range of vegetation and restoration projects based on client need. Our vegetation services include wildlife habitat enhancement, plant control and management, and aesthetic improvements. In completing a recent coastal bank enhancement project, ECR treated and removed non-native invasive plants and revegetated the bank with a native, salt-tolerant plant species. Page 4 of 7
Summary of Projects Quirk Trust, LLC, Mansfield, MA Town of Fairhaven, MA ERM, Boston, MA Whips Farm Trust, Plymouth, MA Town of Cohasset, MA NSTAR Residential Client, Hanson, MA A.D. Makepeace Company, Wareham, MA Old North Wharf, Nantucket, MA Town of Scituate, MA Oyster Harbors Golf Course, Barnstable,MA Derby Street Shoppes, Hingham, MA Hingham Shipyard, Hingham, MA Projects ECR has completed many successful environmental projects throughout southeastern Massachusetts, Cape Cod, and surrounding areas. Below are some examples of current and past projects, many of which we continue to monitor. Quirk Trust, LLC, Mansfield, Massachusetts Wetland Restoration & Replication ECR managed the restoration and replication of approximately 2.5 acres of wetland in Mansfield in response to a Department of Environmental Protection Administrative Consent Order. This project required wetland restoration and replication design, construction overview, ensuring regulatory compliance, and reporting. Town of Fairhaven, Massachusetts ECR set in motion the construction of recreational features in a wetland area located on Sconticut Neck Road in Fairhaven. After performing a wetland resource area delineation for the lot, ECR obtained the necessary permits for building pathways and a viewing platform, as well as for vegetation management. ERM (Environmental Resources Management), Boston, Massachusetts ECR assisted ERM with wetland resource area delineations and permitting for various National Grid gas and electricity utility projects. Whips Farm Trust, Plymouth, Massachusetts Environmental Project Management ECR enabled agricultural activities to continue as normal at Whips Farm in Plymouth despite a challenge from the Department of Environmental Protection. ECR confirmed agricultural exemptions for the farm, which is located in a wetland resource area. In addition, ECR established 100-foot buffer zones, allowing the farm to continue with routine maintenance and soil enrichment practices, and permitted aquatic vegetation management. Lastly, ECR assisted legal counsel in an ongoing dispute with the DEP regarding agricultural activities within wetland resource areas. Town of Cohasset, Massachusetts Wetland Restoration & Replication Working for the Town of Cohasset, ECR completed a wetland restoration and replication project on King Street for wetlands associated with the MBTA Greenbush commuter rail line. ECR managed installation of erosion control measures and plantings, monitored the site, and reported conditions to the town. Page 5 of 7
Projects (continued) NSTAR Working in conjunction with local conservation commissions, the Department of Environmental Protection, and the Massachusetts Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program, ECR delineated wetland resource areas and obtained permits for several NSTAR electric and gas utility projects. Within the last two years, ECR has successfully permitted NSTAR projects in Dartmouth, Westwood, Ashland, Sudbury, Marion, Dedham, Burlington, and Needham. Residential Client, Hanson, Massachusetts ECR delineated the limits of several wetland resource areas located within a large tract of privately owned land (more than 200 acres) in Hanson. A.D. Makepeace Company, Wareham, Massachusetts Working for A.D. Makepeace, a leader in environmentally responsible real estate development, Brad Holmes delineated wetland resource areas at their Swan Holt site in Carver. Additional services included preparation of an Abbreviated Notice of Resource Area Delineation application to define wetland resource area limits for future site development. The application was approved by the Carver Conservation Commission. Old North Wharf, Nantucket, Massachusetts Dredging and Pier Permitting Brad Holmes assisted in the permitting process for proposed dredging, pier reconstruction, and other improvements at the Old North Wharf on Nantucket. The complicated permitting process for this project involved: Obtaining permit approvals from the Nantucket Conservation Commission Completing an Environmental Notification Form Obtaining a Department of Environmental Protection Waterways Division Chapter 91 License Completing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Programmatic General Permit Category II application Requesting an amendment to the existing Water Quality Certificate Notifying the various historical committees and marine resource agencies with an interest in the project Page 6 of 7
Projects (continued) Town of Scituate, Massachusetts Wetland Resource Area Mapping Working for the Town of Scituate, Brad Holmes located, mapped, and managed wetland resource areas limits on land known as South Swamp straddling Scituate and Norwell. These maps are used by the Town of Scituate for water supply protection. Oyster Harbors Golf Course, Barnstable, Massachusetts Brad Holmes delineated wetland resource areas located throughout the Oyster Harbors Golf Course in Barnstable and permitted a golf course improvement project through the Barnstable Conservation Commission. Derby Street Shoppes, Hingham, Massachusetts Brad Holmes delineated wetland resource areas and managed the permitting process for the Derby Street Shoppes development in Hingham. During development, Brad Holmes was also needed to perform wetland replication and wetland restoration, to compensate for an isolated wetland being partially filled and to remove an invasive plant species, respectively. Hingham Shipyard, Hingham, Massachusetts Brad Holmes was involved in the permitting process for redeveloping the Hingham Shipyard into a residential and commercial complex. The permitting process for this project involved: Submitting various permit applications Conducting research to identify the historic Chapter 91 delineation Delineating all coastal wetland resource areas Coordinating with Coastal Zone Management, the Department of Environmental Protection, the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act, and the Hingham Conservation Commission Page 7 of 7