On May 13, 2023, EnviroScience employees, family members, and amazing volunteers gathered to make a big difference in our local community. We embarked on a river cleanup mission to make the Little Cuyahoga River beautiful again, and boy, did we leave our mark!

With our sleeves rolled up, gloves donned, and our waders high, we set out to tackle the trash and debris accumulated in this precious waterway. It was heartwarming to witness the power of unity as young and old alike joined forces to restore the river to its natural splendor. Together, we made an incredible impact!

Throughout the day, we scoured every nook and cranny, leaving no stone unturned. It was astonishing to see the amount of waste we uncovered. But with unwavering dedication, we filled countless bags with litter, removed large items, and even cleared debris from the riverbanks. Our efforts made a tangible difference in improving the ecosystem and preserving the river’s vitality. 

Not only was the river cleanup rewarding, but it was also a beautiful day filled with laughter, camaraderie, and a shared love for the environment. Our volunteers demonstrated incredible enthusiasm, and their energy was contagious. Moments like these remind us of the incredible power of corporate responsibility paired with community outreach and the positive change we can create together. 

We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed their time and effort to this remarkable initiative. Through your dedication, we can continue to protect and nurture our natural spaces. We are incredibly proud of each and every one of you! Let’s keep this momentum going and make the world a cleaner, greener place for generations to come.

Few environmental firms in the country retain EnviroScience’s degree of scientific know-how, talent, and capability under one roof. The diverse backgrounds of our biologists, environmental engineers, scientists, and divers enable us to provide comprehensive in-house services and an integrated approach to solving environmental challenges—saving clients time, reducing costs, and ensuring high-quality results.

Our client guarantee is to provide “Excellence in Any Environment,” meaning no matter what we do, we will deliver on our Core Values of respect, client advocacy, quality work, accountability, teamwork, and safety. EnviroScience was created with the concept that we could solve complex problems by empowering great people. This concept still holds true today as our scientists explore the latest environmental legislation and regulations and incorporate the most up-to-date technology to gather and report data.

EnviroScience expertise includes but is not limited to aquatic surveys (including macroinvertebrate surveys and biological assessments); ecological restoration; ecological services (including impact assessments, invasive species control, and water quality monitoring);  emergency response; engineering and compliance services; endangered mussel surveys; laboratory and analysis; stormwater management; threatened and endangered species; and wetlands and streams (including delineation and mitigation). Further, EnviroScience is one of the few biological firms in the country that is a general member of the Association of Diving Contractors International (ADCI) and offers full-service commercial diving services.

By EnviroScience Senior Ecologist Michael Liptak, Ph.D.

In its recent 9-0 ruling on May 25, 2023, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) drastically curtailed federal protection of wetlands (and likely ephemeral streams) under the Clean Water Act in Sackett v. EPA. The Sackett family wanted to develop a residential lot near Priest Lake, Idaho, which drains into a recognized Water of the U.S. (WOTUS). This involved placing fill into wetlands on the property. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) stated that the wetlands on the Sackett property were connected to Priest Lake by a stream or ditch and were thus a WOTUS under federal jurisdiction. The Sacketts disagreed and sued. 

SCOTUS reversed their previous decision in Rapanos v. United States (2006) and held that the only wetlands under federal jurisdiction are those with a continuous surface connection with a recognized WOTUS, where it is impossible to distinguish where the federally regulated water body ends and the wetland begins. This essentially returns Clean Water Act protection to its status in the United States v. Riverside Bayview decision of 1985. The four opinions that were issued showed a division in the Court over how far to limit the definition of Waters of the U.S., with Justices Kavanaugh, Kagan, Sotomayor, and Jackson disagreeing with the exclusion of adjacent wetlands that are not physically touching waters of the United States, and Justice Thomas arguing that federal jurisdiction should be further limited to a traditional understanding of the term “navigable.”

It is important to note that the Sackett decision did not change the federal definition of wetlands or remove the need for wetland delineations on properties. It is still important to understand the location of these resources on your property. This ruling shifts the responsibility for some wetland protection and permitting to the individual states. States such as Ohio and North Carolina, which have robust wetland protection and permitting, will likely see an increase in the number of permits processed. This may actually result in wetland mitigation being required for smaller impacts that would have been allowed under the federal permitting process.

Although this ruling did not address ephemeral streams directly, it is widely anticipated that they will also be excluded from federal regulation under the Clean Water Act. 

On May 26, 2023, the USEPA and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) released this statement “The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (the agencies) are in receipt of the U.S. Supreme Court’s May 25, 2023 decision in the case of Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency. In light of this decision, the agencies will interpret the phrase “waters of the United States” consistent with the Supreme Court’s decision in Sackett. The agencies continue to review the decision to determine next steps.”

EnviroScience biologists and permitting specialists are well-versed in the navigation of confusing rules and regulations. Our team of environmental experts diligently acquaint themselves with these ever-changing complex issues, ensuring their knowledge remains both current and comprehensive. EnviroScience will provide pertinent updates as the USEPA and the USACE release guidance on how they will implement the Sackett ruling.

Before breaking ground on your next project, protect your efforts and the environment by entrusting EnviroScience to help you make sure you are in compliance with environmental regulations and requirements. Contact us today at 800.940.4025 for help with your project.

More information about this ruling can be found in this article by JD Supra and the SCOTUSblog.

Few environmental firms in the country retain EnviroScience’s degree of scientific know-how, talent, and capability under one roof. The diverse backgrounds of our biologists, environmental engineers, scientists, and divers enable us to provide comprehensive in-house services and an integrated approach to solving environmental challenges—saving clients time, reducing costs, and ensuring high-quality results.

Our client guarantee is to provide “Excellence in Any Environment,” meaning no matter what we do, we will deliver on our Core Values of respect, client advocacy, quality work, accountability, teamwork, and safety. EnviroScience was created with the concept that we could solve complex problems by empowering great people. This concept still holds true today as our scientists explore the latest environmental legislation and regulations and incorporate the most up-to-date technology to gather and report data.

EnviroScience expertise includes but is not limited to aquatic surveys (including macroinvertebrate surveys and biological assessments); ecological restoration; ecological services (including impact assessments, invasive species control, and water quality monitoring);  emergency response; engineering and compliance services; endangered mussel surveys; laboratory and analysis; stormwater management; threatened and endangered species; and wetlands and streams (including delineation and mitigation). Further, EnviroScience is one of the few biological firms in the country that is a general member of the Association of Diving Contractors International (ADCI) and offers full-service commercial diving services.

On May 6, 2023, the employee-led Corporate Responsibility Committee of EnviroScience was honored to sponsor and participate in the Stow Fishing Derby, a fantastic fishing extravaganza that brings anglers together from near and far to celebrate their love for the sport and the environment each year. Stow Parks and Recreation, Summit Sportsman Association, and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources presented this year’s event.

The Stow Fishing Derby showcased the true spirit of what it means to be a fisherman, with anglers of all ages showcasing their skills and passion for fishing. The waters at Heritage Lake were alive with excitement as participants reeled in an impressive variety of fish, from bass to trout and everything in between. The sun was shining, and the air was filled with anticipation as families and friends united to cast their lines and make lasting memories.

Senior Ecologist Michael Liptak, Ph.D., and Senior Environmental Scientist Yakuta Bhagat, Ph.D., helped man the fun at the EnviroScience booth, where they had tanks of Rainbow trout, Largemouth bass, and Bluegill sunfish set up for children to ogle. They also had quiz stations for the kids to test their fish knowledge and earn prizes like ES cups, labyrinth mazes, keychains, and tape measures! Quiz questions included fish identification, fish family matching, and “spot the invasive species” photos.

As a company committed to environmental stewardship, we were thrilled to witness the emphasis on responsible fishing practices during the event. Catch-and-release fishing was celebrated, ensuring the sustainability of our aquatic ecosystems and preserving the natural balance of our local waters.

A big round of applause is in order for the winners of the Stow Fishing Derby! These talented individuals triumphed in various categories, such as “Largest Catch,” “Youngest Angler,” and “Most Unique Fish.” Congratulations on your well-deserved achievements!

The EnviroScience staff extends its heartfelt gratitude to the organizers, volunteers, and the Stow community for making this event an unforgettable success. It was a joy to connect with fellow fishing enthusiasts and join hands in celebrating our shared love for nature. Let’s continue working together to protect and preserve our environment for generations to come!

Stay tuned for more updates and community initiatives from the EnviroScience Corporate Responsibility Committee as we continue to foster a greener and healthier future.

Few environmental firms in the country retain EnviroScience’s degree of scientific know-how, talent, and capability under one roof. The diverse backgrounds of our biologists, environmental engineers, scientists, and divers enable us to provide comprehensive in-house services and an integrated approach to solving environmental challenges—saving clients time, reducing costs, and ensuring high-quality results.

Our client guarantee is to provide “Excellence in Any Environment,” meaning no matter what we do, we will deliver on our Core Values of respect, client advocacy, quality work, accountability, teamwork, and safety. EnviroScience was created with the concept that we could solve complex problems by empowering great people. This concept still holds true today as our scientists explore the latest environmental legislation and regulations and incorporate the most up-to-date technology to gather and report data.

EnviroScience expertise includes but is not limited to aquatic surveys (including macroinvertebrate surveys and biological assessments); ecological restoration; ecological services (including impact assessments, invasive species control, and water quality monitoring);  emergency response; engineering and compliance services; endangered mussel surveys; laboratory and analysis; stormwater management; threatened and endangered species; and wetlands and streams (including delineation and mitigation). Further, EnviroScience is one of the few biological firms in the country that is a general member of the Association of Diving Contractors International (ADCI) and offers full-service commercial diving services.

Originally slated for Earth Day, this spring’s river cleanup event was canceled due to high and dangerous waters. The good news is that our Corporate Responsibility Committee (CRC) has successfully locked in a new date—this Saturday, May 13, 2023. We are looking for volunteers to help clean up the Little Cuyahoga River from 8:30 am until 12:00 pm.

This is an employee-led tradition that EnviroScience has spearheaded since 2002—bringing ES employees, family members, loved ones, and community members together to remove trash from the Little Cuyahoga River and the Ohio & Erie Canal while raising awareness of the litter problem in our local streams.

This has always been a fun event, all ages are welcome, and we need all the help we can get! Here’s what you need to know:

Who: Anyone willing to help! We’ve had volunteers of all ages at this biannual event.

When: Saturday, May 13th, 2023, from 8:30 am to 12:00 pm

Where: Mustill Store, 57 West North Street, Akron, Ohio 44304 (Check-in at the tables)

What to Wear: Old clothes and shoes that you don’t mind getting wet/dirty and waders or rubber boots if you have them. (We may have extra waders and rubber boots for those who don’t have them.)

Registration: No formal registration is necessary. Adults will be required to sign a waiver onsite. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult who is authorized to sign the waiver on their behalf.

Questions: Any questions should be directed to Michael Liptak.

EnviroScience will provide gloves, snacks, and drinks.

Join in on the fun as we help clean up our local river. We hope to see you there on Saturday, May 13, 2023!

Few environmental firms in the country retain EnviroScience’s degree of scientific know-how, talent, and capability under one roof. The diverse backgrounds of our biologists, environmental engineers, scientists, and divers enable us to provide comprehensive in-house services and an integrated approach to solving environmental challenges—saving clients time, reducing costs, and ensuring high-quality results.

Our client guarantee is to provide “Excellence in Any Environment,” meaning no matter what we do, we will deliver on our Core Values of respect, client advocacy, quality work, accountability, teamwork, and safety. EnviroScience was created with the concept that we could solve complex problems by empowering great people. This concept still holds true today as our scientists explore the latest environmental legislation and regulations and incorporate the most up-to-date technology to gather and report data.

EnviroScience expertise includes but is not limited to: aquatic survey (including macroinvertebrate surveys and biological assessments); ecological restoration; ecological services (including impact assessments, invasive species control, and water quality monitoring);  emergency response; engineering and compliance services; endangered mussel surveys; laboratory and analysis; stormwater management; threatened and endangered species; and wetlands and streams (including delineation and mitigation). Further, EnviroScience is one of the few biological firms in the country that is a general member of the Association of Diving Contractors International (ADCI) and offers full-service commercial diving services.

Have you heard?

The Spring 2023 Edition of EnviroScience’s Quarterly Update is now available. This quarter’s newsletter features:

• EnviroScience Expands to Arlington, Texas
• Phil Mathias Named Marine Services Manager
• Biologist Tyson Kurtz Earns PWS Certification
• Longsolid & Round Hickorynut Mussels Listed as Threatened
• Waters of the United States: A WOTUS Update
• Akron Early College High School Visit ES
• CRC Potluck Benefits Homeless Veterans
• Employees of the Month
• Current EnviroScience Openings
• Links to Social Media Posts This Quarter

Click here to see what’s new this quarter!

Like What You See?

EnviroScience is pleased to share its quarterly update with respected colleagues to provide the latest company news, industry updates, and important regulatory changes. Only your name and email address are required, we never share your information with anyone, and you can easily unsubscribe at any time.

Few environmental firms in the country retain EnviroScience’s degree of scientific know-how, talent, and capability under one roof. The diverse backgrounds of our biologists, environmental engineers, scientists, and divers enable us to provide comprehensive in-house services and an integrated approach to solving environmental challenges—saving clients time, reducing costs, and ensuring high-quality results.

Our client guarantee is to provide “Excellence in Any Environment” meaning no matter what we do, we will deliver on our Core Values of respect, client advocacy, quality work, accountability, teamwork, and safety. EnviroScience was created with the concept that we could solve complex problems by empowering great people. This concept still holds true today, as our scientists explore the latest in environmental legislation and regulations and incorporate the most up-to-date technology to gather and report data.

EnviroScience expertise includes but is not limited to: aquatic survey (including macroinvertebrate surveys and biological assessments); ecological restoration; ecological services (including impact assessments, invasive species control, and water quality monitoring);  emergency response; engineering and compliance services; endangered mussel surveys; laboratory and analysis; stormwater management; threatened and endangered species; and wetlands and streams (including delineation and mitigation). Further, EnviroScience is one of the few biological firms in the country that is a general member of the Association of Diving Contractors International (ADCI) and offers full-service commercial diving services.

By EnviroScience Senior Ecologist Michael Liptak, Ph.D.

The 1972 Water Pollution Control Act, also known as the Clean Water Act, directed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to protect the integrity of our Nation’s waters by establishing a permit process to regulate activities that would affect water quality.

Under the Clean Water Act, the USACE regulates the placement of fill into the Waters of the U.S. However, the Clean Water Act did not define the phrase “Waters of the U.S.,” now commonly abbreviated as WOTUS. The regulated public was left with uncertainty about how far upstream from navigable water federal authority extends. Does it include tributaries? What about ephemeral streams? What about wetlands, ponds, and lakes?

The USACE and the USEPA developed regulatory guidance to interpret these requirements and relieve some of this uncertainty, with varying degrees of success. In addition, the reach of federal authority over aquatic systems has been interpreted in several U.S. Supreme Court decisions.

In Riverside Bayview v. USACE (1985), the Court ruled unanimously in favor of the USACE, establishing that wetlands adjacent to jurisdictional streams can be regulated under the Clean Water Act. In Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County v. USACE (2001), the Court ruled against the USACE, stating that the presence of migratory birds alone was insufficient to claim federal authority over isolated wetlands.

Wetlands must have a significant nexus with downstream waters in order to be regulated under the Clean Water Act. The Court revisited this issue again in 2006 with the cases John A. Rapanos, et ux., et al., Petitioners v. United States; June Carabell, et al., Petitioners v. United States Army Corps of Engineers, et al., commonly called the Rapanos decision. This resulted in a split decision (4-1-4) with five opinions issued: Scalia, with Roberts and Kennedy concurring, and Breyer and Stevens with separate dissents.

Under the Scalia ruling, wetlands and streams had to be relatively permanent waters connected with downstream aquatic resources. In Kennedy’s concurring opinion, he offered a different test: if a water could be shown to significantly affect the water quality of downstream aquatic resources under federal jurisdiction (i.e., if it had a “significant nexus”), that stream or wetland was under federal jurisdiction—even if it was not relatively permanent water. The USACE and the USEPA adopted both tests and released guidance accordingly.

In 2015, the Obama Administration issued a rule known as the Clean Water Rule or the 2015 WOTUS Rule. It contained bright line, distance-based boundaries within which all wetlands and streams were jurisdictional and allowed for regulation of isolated wetlands if they affected downstream water quality in association with other similarly situated wetlands. This was controversial, and several lawsuits resulted in a patchwork of enforcement across the country.

The Trump Administration rescinded the Clean Water Rule and adopted the Navigable Waters Protection Rule (NWPR), which became effective June 22, 2020. The NWPR had a narrower interpretation of federal authority that disregarded the Kennedy “significant nexus test” and only considered the Scalia “relatively permanent water test” to be applicable. Subjected to lawsuits, the NWPR was eventually vacated in 2021. At that point, the definition of what constitutes “Waters of the U.S.” reverted to the post-Rapanos guidance issued by the agencies.

The Biden Administration is the latest to attempt to create a durable WOTUS definition. On January 18, 2023, the final “Revised Definition of ‘Waters of the United States'” rule was published in the Federal Register, and the “2023 WOTUS Rule” took effect on March 20, 2023. The WOTUS Rule reaffirms the use of both the relatively permanent water standard endorsed by Scalia and the significant nexus standard endorsed by Kennedy—effectively returning the nation to the regulations that were in effect since 2006 and the guidance which was originally released in 2008.

Much like the previous two attempts to define federal jurisdiction, the 2023 WOTUS Rule immediately led to lawsuits by a number of businesses, organizations, and state attorneys general. On March 19, 2023, U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Vincent Brown issued a preliminary injunction staying the implementation of the 2023 WOTUS Rule in Texas and Idaho. His ruling separately rejected a request to block enforcement nationwide.

On April 12, 2023, U.S. District Judge Daniel L. Hovland issued another preliminary injunction staying the implementation of the 2023 WOTUS Rule in 24 additional states. “Suffice it to say the Clean Water Act and the varied and different definitions of ‘Waters of the United States’ have created nothing but confusion, uncertainty, unpredictability, and endless litigation throughout this country to date,” wrote Hovland in his injunction. These 24 states include Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming. As a result of these two injunctions, the USEPA and the USACE are interpreting “Waters of the United States” as consistent with the pre-2015 regulatory regime in these 26 states until further notice.

It is important to note that since 1972, ongoing agricultural, silvicultural, and ranching activities are exempt from the provisions of the Clean Water Act under the provisions of Section 404 (f). Exempt activities include farming, silviculture, and ranching activities; emergency maintenance activities; construction and maintenance of farm ponds, stock ponds, or irrigation ditches or the maintenance of drainage ditches; construction of temporary sedimentation basins; any activity with respect to which a State has an approved program under section 208(b)(4) of the CWA (not currently available in New Mexico); and construction or maintenance of farm roads, forest roads, or temporary roads for moving mining equipment.

A lawsuit (Sackett v. EPA) currently before the U.S. Supreme Court could also affect the reach of federal authority over wetlands. The case was argued in October 2022 and a decision is expected in June 2023. Whether it will add clarity to the issue or further muddy the waters remains to be seen.  In summary, the recent lawsuits have led to 26 states operating under the 2008 Rapanos guidance, while 24 states will operate under the definition of Waters of the United States from 2023. The upcoming SCOTUS ruling on the Sackett case may (or may not) provide additional clarity on this divisive issue.

Few environmental firms in the country retain EnviroScience’s degree of scientific know-how, talent, and capability under one roof. The diverse backgrounds of our biologists, environmental engineers, scientists, and divers enable us to provide comprehensive in-house services and an integrated approach to solving environmental challenges—saving clients time, reducing costs, and ensuring high-quality results.

Our client guarantee is to provide “Excellence in Any Environment,” meaning no matter what we do, we will deliver on our Core Values of respect, client advocacy, quality work, accountability, teamwork, and safety. EnviroScience was created with the concept that we could solve complex problems by empowering great people. This concept still holds true today as our scientists explore the latest environmental legislation and regulations and incorporate the most up-to-date technology to gather and report data.

EnviroScience expertise includes but is not limited to aquatic surveys (including macroinvertebrate surveys and biological assessments); ecological restoration; ecological services (including impact assessments, invasive species control, and water quality monitoring);  emergency response; engineering and compliance services; endangered mussel surveys; laboratory and analysis; stormwater management; threatened and endangered species; and wetlands and streams (including delineation and mitigation). Further, EnviroScience is one of the few biological firms in the country that is a general member of the Association of Diving Contractors International (ADCI) and offers full-service commercial diving services.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 4, 2023

ARLINGTON, TEXAS—EnviroScience is excited to announce its continued southwestern expansion with a new regional office located in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex area.

Geologist and Wetland Scientist Reiss Warren will oversee EnviroScience’s Texas-based services, which will include environmental services, wetland inspections and permitting, and geology. With a background in natural resources and environmental compliance services, Reiss has been a key member of the EnviroScience team for seven years.

This move will allow Reiss to manage his current clients and projects better, enhance service offerings for the ACRT Services family of companies, and increase EnviroScience’s geographic footprint through shared technologies, equipment, and resources.

With the increasing demand for environmental services nationwide, additional staff will be brought on to meet the needs of EnviroScience customers in Texas and surrounding states.

Leadership at EnviroScience is thrilled to have Reiss at the helm of its Texas operations as it continues to grow and serve as the nation’s premier environmental consulting firm. “We’ve had a steady demand for our services in the Texas market as water becomes an increasingly valuable shared resource; having a new physical presence in Arlington is going to allow EnviroScience to operate more efficiently in this region than ever before,” says Vice President Greg Zimmerman.

Few environmental firms in the country retain EnviroScience’s degree of scientific know-how, talent, and capability under one roof. The diverse backgrounds of our biologists, environmental engineers, scientists, and divers enable us to provide comprehensive in-house services and an integrated approach to solving environmental challenges—saving clients time, reducing costs, and ensuring high-quality results.

Our client guarantee is to provide “Excellence in Any Environment,” meaning no matter what we do, we will deliver on our Core Values of respect, client advocacy, quality work, accountability, teamwork, and safety. EnviroScience was created with the concept that we could solve complex problems by empowering great people. This concept still holds true today as our scientists explore the latest environmental legislation and regulations and incorporate the most up-to-date technology to gather and report data.

EnviroScience expertise includes but is not limited to aquatic surveys (including macroinvertebrate surveys and biological assessments); ecological restoration; ecological services (including impact assessments, invasive species control, and water quality monitoring);  emergency response; engineering and compliance services; endangered mussel surveys; laboratory and analysis; stormwater management; threatened and endangered species; and wetlands and streams (including delineation and mitigation). Further, EnviroScience is one of the few biological firms in the country that is a general member of the Association of Diving Contractors International (ADCI) and offers full-service commercial diving services.

Congratulations to EnviroScience Biologist Tyson Kurtz for achieving the designation of Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS certification) from The Society of Wetland Scientists!

The Society of Wetland Scientists is a professional organization formed to promote understanding, conservation, protection, restoration, science-based management, and sustainability of wetlands across the globe. 

The Society developed the Professional Certification Program (PCP) in 1994 for certification of wetland science training and experience to meet the needs of professional ecologists, hydrologists, soil scientists, educators, agency professionals, consultants, and others who practice wetland science. This program serves the public’s need to reliably identify qualified individuals to assess and manage wetland resources around the world.

A Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS) meets stringent education requirements (minimum B.A. or B.S. degree with significant coursework in biological and physical sciences, mathematics, and wetland ecology). 

Following this comprehensive higher education in wetland science, a PWS must have professional experience of at least five years as a wetland scientist that demonstrates the application of current technical knowledge dealing with wetland resources and activities. 

Finally, a PWS provides acknowledgment to scientific peers of their adherence to standards of professional ethics for the conduct and practice of wetland science. Certification enhances recognition of wetland science within other disciplines, especially in multi-disciplinary work environments.

At the current time, PWS is the only international certification program that is specific to wetland science.

Congratulations, Tyson, on this awesome achievement!

Few environmental firms in the country retain EnviroScience’s degree of scientific know-how, talent, and capability under one roof. The diverse backgrounds of our biologists, environmental engineers, scientists, and divers enable us to provide comprehensive in-house services and an integrated approach to solving environmental challenges—saving clients time, reducing costs, and ensuring high-quality results.

Our client guarantee is to provide “Excellence in Any Environment,” meaning no matter what we do, we will deliver on our Core Values of respect, client advocacy, quality work, accountability, teamwork, and safety. EnviroScience was created with the concept that we could solve complex problems by empowering great people. This concept still holds true today as our scientists explore the latest environmental legislation and regulations and incorporate the most up-to-date technology to gather and report data.

EnviroScience expertise includes but is not limited to aquatic surveys (including macroinvertebrate surveys and biological assessments); ecological restoration; ecological services (including impact assessments, invasive species control, and water quality monitoring);  emergency response; engineering and compliance services; endangered mussel surveys; laboratory and analysis; stormwater management; threatened and endangered species; and wetlands and streams (including delineation and mitigation). Further, EnviroScience is one of the few biological firms in the country that is a general member of the Association of Diving Contractors International (ADCI) and offers full-service commercial diving services.

It’s that time of year again! EnviroScience’s Corporate Responsibility Committee (CRC) is looking for volunteers to help clean up the Little Cuyahoga River at our spring cleanup event scheduled to take place on Earth Day 2023—Saturday, April 22 from 8:30 am until 12:00 pm.

This is an employee-led tradition that EnviroScience has spearheaded since 2002—bringing ES employees, family members, loved ones, and community members together to remove trash from the Little Cuyahoga River and the Ohio & Erie Canal while raising awareness of the litter problem in our local streams.

This has always been a fun event, all ages are welcome, and we need all the help we can get! Here’s what you need to know:

Who: Anyone willing to help! We’ve had volunteers of all ages at this biannual event.

When: Saturday, April 22, 2023, from 8:30 am to 12:00 pm

Where: Mustill Store, 57 West North Street, Akron, Ohio 44304 (Check-in at the tables)

What to Wear: Old clothes and shoes that you don’t mind getting wet/dirty and waders or rubber boots if you have them. (We may have extra waders and rubber boots for those who don’t have them.)

Registration: No formal registration is necessary. Adults will be required to sign a waiver onsite. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult who is authorized to sign the waiver on their behalf.

Questions: Any questions should be directed to Michael Liptak.

EnviroScience will provide gloves, snacks, and drinks.

Join in on the fun and celebrate with us as we help clean up our local river. We hope to see you there on Saturday, April 22—Earth Day 2023!

Few environmental firms in the country retain EnviroScience’s degree of scientific know-how, talent, and capability under one roof. The diverse backgrounds of our biologists, environmental engineers, scientists, and divers enable us to provide comprehensive in-house services and an integrated approach to solving environmental challenges—saving clients time, reducing costs, and ensuring high-quality results.

Our client guarantee is to provide “Excellence in Any Environment,” meaning no matter what we do, we will deliver on our Core Values of respect, client advocacy, quality work, accountability, teamwork, and safety. EnviroScience was created with the concept that we could solve complex problems by empowering great people. This concept still holds true today as our scientists explore the latest environmental legislation and regulations and incorporate the most up-to-date technology to gather and report data.

EnviroScience expertise includes but is not limited to: aquatic survey (including macroinvertebrate surveys and biological assessments); ecological restoration; ecological services (including impact assessments, invasive species control, and water quality monitoring);  emergency response; engineering and compliance services; endangered mussel surveys; laboratory and analysis; stormwater management; threatened and endangered species; and wetlands and streams (including delineation and mitigation). Further, EnviroScience is one of the few biological firms in the country that is a general member of the Association of Diving Contractors International (ADCI) and offers full-service commercial diving services.

FRESHWATER MUSSELS DEEMED THREATENED: March 8, 2023

Asheville, NC—After careful review of scientific data and consideration of public comment, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) listed both longsolid (Fusconaia subrotunda) and round hickorynut (Obovaria subrotunda) freshwater mussels as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). According to the USFWS, they are “also designating critical habitat and tailoring ESA protections to protect these imperiled species from going extinct throughout all or a significant portion of its range in rivers and streams in the eastern United States.”

The longsolid mussel can live up to 50 years and grow five inches long. It is currently found in ten states (AL, IN, KY, NY, NC, OH, PA, TN, VA, and WV.)

Of the 60 known populations, “48 are in a very limited area with no sign of young mussels growing into adults. Such populations have very low resiliency. This is down from a historical high of 160 populations. The mussel is no longer found in Georgia and Illinois,” according to the USFWS.

The round hickorynut mussel can live up to 15 years and grow three inches long. It is currently found in nine states (AL, IN, KY, MI, MS, OH, PA, TN, and WV.)

Of the 69 known populations, “49 are in a very limited area with no sign of young mussels growing into adults. Such populations have very low resiliency. The mussel is no longer found in Georgia, Illinois, or New York,” according to the USFWS.

EnviroScience has permitted malacologists throughout the ranges for both species of freshwater mussels with extensive mussel-handling experience.

Not only do we provide field support, but we also provide Section 7 consultation services (Biological Assessment including effects on Critical Habitat) to meet the requirements of the ESA between our clients and their federal nexus.

Visit our Endangered Mussel Surveys page to learn more about EnviroScience’s malacologists and the expert services we provide our clients to ensure compliance with ESA protections and guidelines.

Few environmental firms in the country retain EnviroScience’s degree of scientific know-how, talent, and capability under one roof. The diverse backgrounds of our biologists, environmental engineers, scientists, and divers enable us to provide comprehensive in-house services and an integrated approach to solving environmental challenges—saving clients time, reducing costs, and ensuring high-quality results.

Our client guarantee is to provide “Excellence in Any Environment,” meaning no matter what we do, we will deliver on our Core Values of respect, client advocacy, quality work, accountability, teamwork, and safety. EnviroScience was created with the concept that we could solve complex problems by empowering great people. This concept still holds true today as our scientists explore the latest environmental legislation and regulations and incorporate the most up-to-date technology to gather and report data.

EnviroScience expertise includes but is not limited to aquatic surveys (including macroinvertebrate surveys and biological assessments); ecological restoration; ecological services (including impact assessments, invasive species control, and water quality monitoring);  emergency response; engineering and compliance services; endangered mussel surveys; laboratory and analysis; stormwater management; threatened and endangered species; and wetlands and streams (including delineation and mitigation). Further, EnviroScience is one of the few biological firms in the country that is a general member of the Association of Diving Contractors International (ADCI) and offers full-service commercial diving services.