Science

Do you need a new drinking water supply? Do you need an expert in rare species habitat or a wetland delineation? How are you going to get the permits you need to move forward?

Because science is involved in so much of what we do, we are prepared to confront the common road blocks that can lead to delays and added expenses for your project. Our scientists are experienced in executing complex models and algorithms to balance development and infrastructure needs that meet project goals. We are in the business of using science to complete projects that will work today as well as into the future while protecting the environment.

 

resource area Delineations

We provide services to identify and delineate wetland, riverine, estuarine, and related wetland resources for their long-term protection, and to restore and enhance these systems when needed. Wetlands are highly productive biologically, provide unsurpassed pollutant removal capabilities chemically, and significantly reduce flooding and storm damage physically. Wetlands improve water quality in nearby rivers and streams and have considerable value as filters for future drinking water.

 

Ecological Restoration

Ecological restoration services aid in the recovery of ecosystems that have become impacted or degraded by past  human activities.  We provide all aspects of ecological restoration work, including restoration planning, feasibility analysis, hydrological analyses, biological surveys, technical studies, expert witness services, alternatives analysis, engineering design, permitting, construction administration and monitoring, assistance with grant funding process, and public outreach assistance. Projects may include environmental mitigation, stream restoration and bank stabilization, lake and pond shoreline restoration, woodland and wetland restoration, dam removal, and culvert replacement per state stream crossing standards.

 

Habitat Survey, Rare Species Permitting

Our experienced field biologists perform assessments for general and rare species habitat evaluations. They follow the guidelines and protocols provided by local, regional, state, and federal agencies, such as the Natural Heritage of Endangered Species Program. We can assist with the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act permitting process, including permit applications and rare-species habitat assessments. We also identify, monitor, and certify vernal pools.

 

Site Assessment and Remediation

Our site remediation experts provide opinions by utilizing the most cost effective and innovative technologies available.  Our experience includes preliminary and comprehensive site assessments, underground storage tank removal, hazardous materials surveys, and abatement management (i.e., PCBs in caulk, asbestos, and lead based paint), subsurface investigations, and data collection through the installation of soil borings, groundwater monitoring wells, test pits, and soil-gas vapor probes.

 

Environmental Due Diligence

HW offers a wide range of Environmental Due Diligence services to help our clients make informed property acquisition decisions. Services include the preparation
of ASTM International Phase I Environmental Site Assessments, Transaction Screens, Vapor Encroachment Screening, Phase II Subsurface Investigations, and peer review. We have completed hundreds of Environmental Due Diligence Assessments on properties including large tracts of undeveloped land, multi-family residential properties, commercial properties, gasoline stations, dry cleaners, public utilities, and industrial facilities throughout New England.

 

Licensed Site Professional Services

We have provided Licensed Site Professional (LSP) services consistent with the Massachusetts Contingency Plan on sites including dry cleaners, gasoline stations, commercial properties, residential properties, and industrial properties. LSP services include underground storage tank removal, emergency responses to releases of oil and/or hazardous materials (“OHM”),  site assessment, site remediation, and preparation of technical reports for submission to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection.

 

Hydrogeology/Water Supply Development

Hydrogeology refers to the study of the quantity, quality, and movement of groundwater beneath the land surface.  It integrates an understanding of geologic and soil processes with the three-dimensional movement of groundwater, and the interplay between groundwater and surface water resources.  Understanding hydrogeologic processes provides the foundation upon which meaningful decisions can be made regarding  the development of water supplys and wastewater or stormwater infiltration systems; the assessment of watershed dynamics;  the movement of contaminants in the subsurface environment; and the interrelationships between activities at the lands surface and downgradient water resources.

 

Water Quality Assessments

We ensure the protection of groundwater resources through an interdisciplinary approach that integrates science, engineering, land use planning, public education, and outreach.  Our staff is adept at working with municipalities to promote aquifer and wellhead protection through regulatory reform and the development of best management practices and guidance documents. We collect surface and groundwater samples, bugs, sediment, etc. to develop monitoring plans for specific watershed needs. We then work with communities to implement these regulatory changes and standards, beginning with public education and outreach assistance, and then groundwater quality analysis, the design of infrastructure improvements, and water quality sampling and monitoring.