ESA News

ESA Can Streamline Your Housing Element Update

camille_m — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 23:17:57 +0000

Next month the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) will adopt the final Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) for the 2014-2022 planning period. Now is the time to start planning for your Housing Element update - ESA’s Community Planning team can streamline your update process. ESA is qualified to prepare your 2014-2022 Housing Element update. Our strong working relationship with the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), and experience completing...

Brian Boxer, AICP Joins ESA as Principal Associate and Vice President

brett_j — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 17:33:18 +0000

Environmental Science Associates (ESA), a leading California environmental consulting firm, is pleased to announce that Brian D. Boxer, AICP has joined our Community Development practice as Principal Associate and has been named a Vice President. Brian’s dedicated his career to advancing leadership and creative, sustainable solutions for urban and environmental planning projects. He has successfully directed and managed projects involving new land development, urban redevelopment,...

Vigil-Agrimis Joins ESA

camille_m — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 18:20:41 +0000

Environmental Science Associates (ESA), a leading West Coast environmental science and planning consulting firm, announced today that Vigil-Agrimis, a Portland-based professional design firm specializing in water and natural resource management, has joined with ESA. The merger supports ESA’s strategy to deepen technical services through added expertise in ecosystem restoration, landscape architecture and water resources engineering. “We have teamed with Vigil-Agrimis on several...

Jim Keany Joins ESA as Senior Program Manager

brett_j — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 22:54:25 +0000

Environmental Science Associates (ESA), a leading West Coast-based environmental consulting firm, is pleased to announce that Jim Keany has joined our Northwest Biological Resources and Land Management practice as a Senior Program Manager. Jim will be based in ESA’s Seattle office. “Jim is a great fit for our team because he has an innate curiosity in science and a sincere interest in wildlife and fisheries biology. He’s also a skilled consultant and problem-solver. Our...

ESA Airports Provides Air Quality and Biological Resources Services for Airports Nationwide

camille_m — Mon, 13 May 2013 19:04:35 +0000

Here is an overview of ESA’s capabilities in these areas and how our airport clients can benefit from our expertise. Air Quality ESA Airports is widely recognized for designing and implementing cost-effective air quality compliance programs for airports. We design these programs to meet applicable federal, state, and local laws while maintaining operational flexibility. Our air quality services include: Emission Inventory Preparation – ESA prepares inventories using...

Airport Cooperative Research Program Releases Report 84, A Guidebook for Preparing Airport Emission Inventories for State Implementation Plans

camille_m — Mon, 13 May 2013 18:31:17 +0000

The Federal Clean Air Act of 1970, as amended, requires that states identify those areas where the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) are not met for six air contaminants, known as criteria air pollutants. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has designated such areas as nonattainment areas. A state with a nonattainment area must prepare a State Implementation Plan (SIP) that details the programs and requirements that the State will use in order to meet the NAAQS by the...

A Tale of Two Optimized Profile Descents

camille_m — Mon, 13 May 2013 18:22:43 +0000

While Los Angeles and Sacramento have vastly different population levels, climates, and cultures, they shared a common theme at the University of California at Davis’ Aviation Symposium in Costa Mesa; lessons learned from implementing Optimized Profile Descent (OPD) procedures at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Mather Airport (MHR). ESA Airports National Director, Steve Alverson, moderated a panel to share lessons learned from recent OPD efforts. Panelists included Scott Tatro...

Tim Rimpo Joins ESA as Air Quality Program Manager

brett_j — Mon, 06 May 2013 19:43:12 +0000

Environmental Science Associates (ESA), a leading California environmental consulting firm, is pleased to announce that Tim Rimpo has joined our Sacramento Office. Tim will serve as ESA’s Director of Air and Noise Technical Service Group and Air Quality Program Manager. “Air quality and climate change issues represent an increasing area of concern for many of our clients,” said Dan Dameron, Director of ESA’s Central Valley/Sierra Community Development Practice....

Christopher Fitzer Joins ESA as Fisheries Program Manager

brett_j — Mon, 06 May 2013 19:49:56 +0000

Environmental Science Associates (ESA), a leading California environmental consulting firm, is pleased to announce that Christopher Fitzer has joined our Sacramento Office as Fisheries Program Manager. Chris’ expertise naturally bridges ESA’s existing service areas of aquatic ecosystem restoration and enhancement, water resources, water supply, land use, and wastewater planning and management, water rights applications, flood control and levee setbacks, natural resource planning,...

ESA Releases 2012 Sustainability Plan in Celebration of Earth Day!

camille_m — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 18:30:28 +0000

ESA celebrated Earth Day 2013 by releasing our 2012 Sustainability Plan. The 28-page document maps the firm’s commitment to being a more sustainable business by promoting stewardship of the environment, our communities, and our employee-owners. We built on the successes and lessons learned from our inaugural 2010 Sustainability Plan, revisiting and revamping our policies, strategies, goals and actions. To make sure we achieve our Economic, Environmental, and Social goals, we...

ESA’s Work Receives 2013 NAEP National Environmental Excellence and 2013 AEP Outstanding Environmental Analysis Awards

brett_j — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 22:13:24 +0000

Environmental Science Associates (ESA), a leading California environmental consulting firm, was involved with four award-winning projects recognized at the April 2, 2013 awards luncheons during the National Association of Environmental Professionals (NAEP) and Association of Environmental (AEP) Professionals Joint Conference in Los Angeles, CA. 34th America’s Cup EIR/EA and Permitting received NAEP’s prestigious President’s 2013 National Environmental Excellence Award...

Brian Ramos, PhD Joins ESA as Northern California Regional Director

brett_j — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 17:11:19 +0000

Environmental Science Associates (ESA), a leading California environmental consulting firm, is pleased to announce that Brian Ramos, PhD has joined the firm as Senior Vice President and Northern California Regional Director. He directs more than 160 staff from our Sacramento, San Francisco, Oakland, Santa Cruz and Petaluma offices. Brian replaces outgoing Bay Area Regional Director, Patricia Berryhill who has been appointed ESA’s Community Development Deputy Practice Leader; and outgoing...

David Pohl, PhD, PE, LEED AP Joins ESA’s Southern California Water Team

brett_j — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 19:49:41 +0000

Environmental Science Associates (ESA) is pleased to announce that David Pohl, PhD, PE, LEED AP has joined our San Diego office as Senior Water Quality Program Manager. Dr Pohl’s expertise will integrate with ESA’s existing practice areas of ecosystem restoration, environmental permitting and CEQA/NEPA compliance. His expertise rounds out our full-service capabilities in stormwater and integrated watershed management and experience with projects that require water and sediment...

Robert Battalio, PE Named Chief Engineer and Vice President

brett_j — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 18:37:50 +0000

Environmental Science Associates (ESA), a leading environmental consulting firm, is pleased to announce that Robert (Bob) Battalio, PE, has been appointed Chief Engineer and named an ESA vice president. As Chief Engineer, he will oversee the firm’s engineering services in flood management, restoration design, and coastal engineering. As a Vice President, Bob joins senior leadership in setting the firm’s direction and committing the firm’s resources to meet client...

Proposed Changes to Washington State Municipal Stormwater Permits May Have Far-Reaching Impacts

camille_m — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 01:44:05 +0000

Research conducted throughout the Puget Sound region indicates a connection between land clearing activities and adverse impacts to stream hydrology and instream habitat quality. The inclusion of salmon on the endangered species list has led to increased stormwater management and land development regulations, with broad implications throughout the region. To further strengthen stormwater and development controls, the Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) is currently updating its...

Expert Eyes and Ears…and Noses

camille_m — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 23:06:58 +0000

A floor-by-floor snapshot provides building managers with a useful assessment of the effectiveness of their building's waste diversion programs and suggestions for increasing compliance. It’s 10 PM in a high-rise office building in San Francisco, janitors are collecting trash and recycling throughout the building; stacking bags at the freight elevator. It’s all very routine, except that on this particular night, the recycling program’s effectiveness is being evaluated,...

FAA Issues Guidance on Recycling at Major Airports

camille_m — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 22:54:06 +0000

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently issued a Program Guidance Letter (PGL) 12-08 to instruct Airport District Offices (ADOs) on how to implement portions of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (FMRA). Among other things, FMRA incentivizes the environmental sustainability of airports by broadening the definition of “airport planning” to include “developing a plan for recycling and minimizing the generation of airport solid waste, consistent with...

What is the New Community Greenhouse Gas Inventory Protocol Anyway?

camille_m — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 21:26:03 +0000

With more and more cities and counties planning for a greener future, a key baseline of both an effective sustainability plan and climate action plan is to clearly assess current conditions. Community-scale Greenhouse Gas (GHG) inventories are critical to the development of GHG reduction strategies in both sustainability plans and climate action plans. The new Community GHG Inventory Protocol provides a framework for accounting consistency between inventories and among communities within a...

Climate and Energy Action Plans: Getting to Implementation

camille_m — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 21:16:00 +0000

Climate Action Plans (CAPs) and Energy Action Plans (EAPs) have become important planning tools for communities to articulate how they will meet energy, mobility, and material resource challenges in a carbon-constrained economy. ESA has developed CAPs and EAPs for multiple California cities and counties to assist in compliance with regulatory mandates such as AB 32 and SB 375. These documents provide a detailed roadmap for communities (and their local governments) to increase energy...

Celebrate Geospatial Technology on GIS Day

camille_m — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 20:25:04 +0000

November 14th is geographic information systems (GIS) Day and we’re celebrating more than a decade of delivering creative, innovative, and integrated client solutions using GIS technology. We’ve been using this powerful tool to benefit our clients and the environment on projects spanning a variety of markets and geographic locations from coast to coast. In recognition of GIS Day, we’re taking a moment to highlight the value this technology and our GIS team has contributed to...

Shannon Stewart Joins ESA’s Energy Team as Principal Technical Associate

camille_m — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 23:16:23 +0000

Environmental Science Associates (ESA) is pleased to announce that Shannon Stewart has joined the firm as a Principal Technical Associate in ESA’s Energy practice. Shannon will support clients throughout the firm from our San Diego office. “Shannon is a strategic addition to our growing energy team,” said David Buecker, ESA’s Energy and Industrial Practice Leader. “Our clients are facing increasing demands, regulatory pressures, and environmental constraints. As...

Nicole Czarnomski, PhD Joins ESA’s Northwest Water Group

camille_m — Thu, 25 Oct 2012 02:07:02 +0000

Environmental Science Associates (ESA), a leading environmental consulting firm, is pleased to announce that Nicole Czarnomski, PhD, has joined our Portland office as a geomorphologist and hydrologist in our Northwest Water Group. Nicole brings 11 years of experience with in-channel, riparian, and floodplain restoration, large wood placement, bank stabilization, planting, and maintenance projects in the Pacific Northwest and arid southwest. She has worked with federal and state agencies,...

FAA Issues Guidance on Recycling

camille_m — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 17:46:58 +0000

Global Carbon Markets Now Open to Wetland Restoration and Conservation

camille_m — Sat, 20 Oct 2012 17:08:38 +0000

An initiative led by Restore America’s Estuaries (RAE), aimed at creating greenhouse gas offset opportunities for wetlands received final approval under the Verified Carbon Standards (VCS) on October 4, 2012. This ground-breaking approval paves the way for increased private investment in wetland restoration and conservation projects through the issuance of internationally recognized carbon credits. The VCS Wetlands Technical Working Group is composed of climate change experts, including...

Lesley Lowe, AICP CTP achieves Advanced Specialty Certification in Transportation Planning

camille_m — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 16:04:16 +0000

Environmental Science Associates is pleased to announce that Lesley Lowe, AICP CTP is now an American Planning Association (APA) Certified Transportation Planner (CTP). This credential recognizes in-depth knowledge, experience, and leadership skills in transportation planning. As an AICP Certified Transportation Planner, Lesley is one of less than 100 of the nearly 16,000 AICP members throughout the U.S. have successfully achieved the CTP credential. “This prestigious credential...

Peter Costa, AICP Achieves Professional Transportation Planner Certification

camille_m — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 15:57:24 +0000

Environmental Science Associates is pleased to announce that Peter Costa, AICP, PTP, successfully passed the Transportation Professional Certification Board's (TPCB) Professional Transportation Planner (PTP) examination. “This certification recognizes Pete’s expertise in transportation planning,” said Crescentia Brown, ESA’s Bay Area Community Development Director. “With several accredited planners on staff, our depth of transportation planning...

ESA’s PARK(ing) Day Installation Lives On and Supports the Los Angeles River

brett_j — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 22:11:31 +0000

Environmental Science Associates, a leading West Coast environmental consulting firm, is joining cities, artists, activists and citizens around the globe on Friday, September 21st who will temporarily transform metered parking spaces into public parks and other social spaces, as part of an annual event called "PARK(ing) Day." Originally created in 2005 by Rebar, a San Francisco art and design studio, PARK(ing) Day challenges people to rethink the way streets are used and...

ESA Moves San Francisco Flagship Office

brett_j — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 20:28:53 +0000

Environmental Science Associates, a leading environmental consulting firm, has moved its corporate headquarters and flagship San Francisco office from 225 Bush Street to 550 Kearny Street, in San Francisco, California. More than 120 staff, including planners, scientists, engineers, hydrologists, and corporate services occupy 32,000 square feet on the 8th and 9th floors. “This new location consolidates our two San Francisco offices under a single roof, enabling our teams to...

Alexa Washburn Joins ESA’s California Community Planning Team

brett_j — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 19:04:37 +0000

Environmental Science Associates (ESA), a leading environmental consulting firm, is pleased to announce that Alexa Washburn has joined our Los Angeles office as a Principal Managing Associate. As part of ESA’s growing community planning and policy team, Alexa will provide large-scale project management and community planning services throughout California. As a private consultant and as a public agency program manager, Alexa has managed, prepared and implemented a variety of urban...

ESA’s Portland Office Director, Marjorie Wolfe, Appointed to Oregon’s Independent Multidisciplinary Science Team

brett_j — Wed, 22 Aug 2012 17:50:13 +0000

Environmental Science Associates (ESA), a leading environmental consulting firm, is pleased to announce that Marjorie Wolfe, PE, CFM, has been jointly appointed to serve a four-year term on the Independent Multidisciplinary Science Team (IMST) by Governor John Kitzhaber, Senate President Peter Courtney, and Speakers of the House Arnie Roblan and Bruce Hanna. The IMST is a scientific review panel charged with advising the State of Oregon on matters of science related to the Oregon...

Curtis Loeb, PE Joins ESA’s Northwest Water Group

brett_j — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 16:47:18 +0000

Environmental Science Associates (ESA), a leading environmental consulting firm, is pleased to announce that Curtis Loeb, PE, has joined our Portland office as a Senior Managing Associate in our Northwest Water Group. Curtis has 15 years of experience conducting hydrologic and hydraulic analyses to support the design of fluvial and estuarine marsh habitat restoration projects. From detailed computer model simulations, designs, technical specifications, cost estimates and construction...

Kimiko Lizardi Joins ESA’s California Community Planning Team

brett_j — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 19:17:17 +0000

Environmental Science Associates (ESA), a leading environmental consulting firm, is pleased to announce that Kimiko Lizardi has joined our Los Angeles office as a Community Planning Program Manager. As part of ESA’s growing community planning and policy team, Kimiko will provide planning services throughout California. Kimiko’s 12 years of public and private sector community planning experience ranges from providing daily counter planning services and processing development...

Getting to Zero Waste

camille_m — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 19:08:37 +0000

One half planning and implementation, the other half requires a shift in culture. Zero Waste is both a matter of planning for cities and one of culture change. Many cities have developed extensive diversion infrastructure and have conducted comprehensive outreach programs; and increasingly, landfill diversion is a mandate by local or regional governments. These advances, along with policies that help shape consumer and producer behavior, have moved cities closer to Zero Waste goals and are...

California Anaerobic Digestion Forum Explores Project Successes and Challenges

camille_m — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 18:44:27 +0000

Stakeholders examine the successes and challenges of anaerobic digestion technology, permitting, and economics. On May 30th, CalRecycle held a one-day forum entitled Digesting Urban Organics Residuals. The forum brought together stakeholders involved in the development and implementation of anaerobic digestion (AD) facilities throughout California. Currently, California has more than 30 AD projects in the pilot, feasibility, construction or operation stages. AD project technology, permitting...

See You at the California Resource Recovery Association’s 36th Annual Conference

camille_m — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 18:29:34 +0000

ESA to participate and present at the upcoming waste reduction and recycling conference August 5-8th at the Oakland Marriott. ESA’s Renewable Resources group will moderate four speaker panels at the 36th annual California Resource Recovery Association (CRRA) Conference held at the Oakland Marriott from August 5-8th. ESA’s krunyon [at] esassoc [dot] com (Kelly Runyon), rschidlowski [at] esassoc [dot] com (Robin Schidlowski), jsilver [at] esassoc [dot] com (Judith Silver), and...

Climate and Energy Action: More Plans in the Works

camille_m — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 18:16:47 +0000

Climate Action Plans (CAPs) have become important planning tools for communities to articulate how they will meet energy, mobility, and material resource challenges in a carbon-constrained economy. ESA is engaged in energy and climate action planning for cities and counties throughout California. A CAP provides a detailed roadmap for a local government and its community to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and prepare for the impacts of climate change, while identifying costs and...

David Buecker Joins ESA as Energy and Industrial Practice Leader

camille_m — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 21:42:38 +0000

Environmental Science Associates (ESA) announced that David Buecker has joined the firm as Vice President and Practice Leader for Energy and Industrial Facilities. David will lead one of the firm's core business practices, supported by more than 300 planners and technical specialists throughout the West Coast. David takes over the position held by Doug Cover, who retired June 29, 2012. “Dave’s diverse geographic experience throughout California and the Pacific Northwest...

Erick Cooke Joins ESA’s Central Valley Water Team

brett_j — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 22:55:08 +0000

Environmental Science Associates (ESA), a leading environmental consulting firm, is pleased to announce that Erick Cooke has joined our Sacramento office as a Senior Managing Associate in our Water Group. Erick brings more than 14 years of professional experience managing environmental documents for flood protection and management, hydrology and water quality, and groundwater resources projects. He has prepared and managed NEPA and CEQA documents for levee, flood control, water supply, and...

California State Legislature Applauds Napa River Rutherford Restoration

camille_m — Wed, 23 May 2012 20:19:17 +0000

ESA PWA's innovative work on the Napa River Rutherford Restoration continues to receive attention. On Monday, May 21st the California State Legislature formally recognized the Napa River Restoration Rutherford Reach project and ESA PWA received a certificate honoring their work and contribution to the project. Andy Collison and Jorgen Blomberg were in attendance to receive the award on the company’s behalf, and were thrilled by the overwhelming enthusiasm for this successful...

ESA Receives 2012 Innovation Award

camille_m — Wed, 30 May 2012 21:00:51 +0000

On Thursday, April 26, the National Center for Employee Ownership (NCEO) announced the winners of the 2012 Innovations in Employee Ownership Award. The award recognizes the innovative practices that result from having an engaged workforce of employee-owners, as well as ideas that tie stock to improved company culture or performance. The 2012 Innovations Award recipients include Environmental Science Associates (ESA), n-Link Corporation, Torch Technologies, Inc., and Vigilent....

ESA Releases its Inaugural Sustainability Report

camille_m — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 17:06:06 +0000

ESA celebrated Earth Day 2012 by releasing its first bi-annual sustainability report. The 50-page document highlights the firm’s progress toward being a sustainable business, providing forward-looking sustainable solutions to the firm’s clients, and promoting stewardship of the environment, our communities and employee-owners. In 2007, ESA made a commitment to integrate sustainability into its operations - of reducing impacts and “walking the talk.” By identifying...

ESA Completes Organics and Recycling Program Education Video

camille_m — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 17:33:39 +0000

ESA has created a multilingual training video to ensure the continued participation and success of commercial organics and recycling programs. In the past several years, cities and counties throughout California have devoted significant time, effort, and money to grow their commercial food scrap collection programs. In the San Francisco Bay Area alone, there are thousands of businesses participating in these programs. ESA is proud to have worked with many of these jurisdictions to...

Section 404 Nationwide Permits are Changing!

camille_m — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 19:14:12 +0000

The new U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Section 404 Clean Water Act Nationwide Permits (NWPs) will become effective March 19, 2012. The existing (2007) NWPs will expire on March 18, 2012. We’re here to help you keep your projects on track during this transition by providing resources, information, and assistance. Contact pfinnemore [at] esassoc [dot] com (Priya Finnemore), ESA’s Regulatory Permitting Program Manager at (415) 896-5900 for more information or guidance...

Jason Ricks Joins ESA’s Southern California Energy Team

camille_m — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 19:17:34 +0000

Environmental Science Associates (ESA), a leading environmental consulting firm, is pleased to announce that jricks [at] esassoc [dot] com (Jason Ricks) has joined our Los Angeles office as a Senior Managing Associate in our Energy Group. Jason brings more than 15 years of professional environmental science and health and safety consulting experience. An experienced project manager, he has spent the past eight years managing and performing environmental reviews under California Environmental...

City of Pleasanton Adopts Climate Action Plan

camille_m — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:22:15 +0000

Last night the City of Pleasanton officially adopted their Climate Action Plan – an accomplishment that marks the City’s commitment to sustainability and reducing community-wide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions 15% below 2005 levels by 2020. The Climate Action Plan, developed by ESA in close coordination with the City and the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD), meets the requirements for a “Qualified Greenhouse Reduction Plan” as specified by BAAQMD’s...

Paragon Research Associates Joins ESA

camille_m — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:08:56 +0000

Environmental Science Associates (ESA), a leading environmental consulting firm, is pleased to announce that Paragon Research Associates (Paragon), a Seattle-based cultural resource management, curatorial and collections management consulting firm, has joined ESA. The addition of Paragon’s principal, Paula Johnson, and her staff of archeologists and curation specialists, supports ESA’s strategy to deepen technical services in cultural resources throughout the West. Paragon joins...

ESA Names Two Vice Presidents - Annette Bonilla and Jean Chen

camille_m — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 17:16:30 +0000

Environmental Science Associates (ESA), a leading California environmental consulting firm, is pleased to announce that Annette Bonilla, Director of Human Resources and Operations and Jean Chen, Corporate Controller, have been named ESA Vice Presidents. Annette Bonilla celebrated 25 years with ESA in 2011, and has consistently been involved in the firm’s human resources and operations in various capacities over the years. She assisted in the firm’s growth from 1 office in San...

Julie Sullivan Named Vice President

camille_m — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 19:21:29 +0000

Environmental Science Associates (ESA) is pleased to announce that Julie Sullivan has been appointed an ESA Vice President. As Southeast Regional Director and Director of the Southeast Biological Resources and Land Management Group, Julie has grown our services and staff to better meet the needs of our Florida clients. As a Vice President, Julie joins senior leadership in setting the firm’s direction and committing the firm’s resources to meet client needs. “Julie is well...

Jim O’Toole Named Vice President and Deputy California Water Practice Leader

camille_m — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 19:14:36 +0000

Environmental Science Associates (ESA), a leading California environmental consulting firm, is pleased to announce that Jim O’Toole has been promoted to Vice President and Deputy Leader of ESA’s California Water practice. Jim O’Toole steps into the role of firm Vice President and Deputy Practice Leader after serving in various management capacities since he joined ESA in 1997. In his new role he will help set the future direction of ESA’s California water practice,...

ESA Plants 19 Trees in Celebration of 2011

camille_m — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 20:28:14 +0000

More than 200 heartfelt sentiments make up our 2011 wish tree. Written by staff throughout the company, they encompass a variety of thoughtful hopes, wishes, and dreams for our world and our communities. We invite you share a moment of reflection as you join us to explore our wishes for the upcoming year. To commemorate the launch of our new website in July, ESA worked with the organizations below to plant 19 trees in celebration of our clients, colleagues, and communities. The wish...

ESA Opens Santa Cruz Office

camille_m — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 20:22:26 +0000

Environmental Science Associates (ESA) announced the opening of a new office in Santa Cruz, California on December 1, 2011. The office is located at 740 Front Street, Suite 345B and will enable ESA to better serve clients throughout the California Central Coast area stretching from San Francisco’s South Bay to San Luis Obispo. “We understand how important it is to be in close proximity to our clients.” says Patricia Berryhill, Vice President and ESA’s San Francisco...

ESA’s Tampa Office Moves

camille_m — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 20:21:13 +0000

Environmental Science Associates (ESA) announced that the firm’s Tampa office has moved two miles south to 4350 West Cypress Street, Suite 950 in Tampa, Florida. “This new location builds on our successful legacy of providing environmental science and planning solutions from the Tampa Bay area for more than 20 years,” says Julie Sullivan, Vice President and ESA’s Southeast Regional Director. “As our public and private clients face evolving regulatory...

A Successful Restoration for the Napa River

camille_m — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 15:43:09 +0000

The Napa River flows though one of the most scenic landscapes in the Bay Area, and supports one of the largest remaining salmon runs, but it faces many challenges. In the mid 20th century the river corridor was squeezed from a broad ribbon to a narrow thread, as land managers cut off secondary channels and confined the river behind levees. At the same time urbanization and land drainage funneled more water into a narrower floodway. The result was channel incision – unable to spread its...

Gary Oates Named One of the Bay Area’s Most Admired CEOs

camille_m — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 20:27:23 +0000

The San Francisco Business Times awarded Gary W. Oates, President and CEO of Environmental Science Associates (ESA), as one of the San Francisco Bay Area’s Most Admired CEOs in the professional services category. The award was presented to Gary on Tuesday, November 15th at a gala celebration where 14 other CEOs were honored, including Gary Rogers, former CEO of Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream, who received the 2011 Lifetime Achievement award. The award honors those CEOs who have made a...

Celebrate Innovation on GIS Day

camille_m — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 17:15:02 +0000

November 16th is GIS Day and we’re celebrating more than a decade of delivering creative, innovative, and integrated client solutions using GIS. We’ve been using this powerful tool to benefit our clients and the environment on projects spanning a variety of markets and geographic locations from coast to coast. In recognition of GIS Day, we’re taking a moment to highlight the value this technology and our GIS team has contributed to our clients, the environment, and our teaming...

Caltrans Releases 2011 California Airport Land Use Handbook

camille_m — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 13:05:30 +0000

This updated Handbook includes technical updates that respond to regulatory changes since the previous 2002 edition. ESA Airports led the consultant team that prepared the recently released 2011 California Airport Land Use Handbook, now available on the Caltrans Division of Aeronautics website. The new Handbook includes numerous technical updates that respond to regulatory changes that have occurred since the 2002 edition. The Handbook has also been reformatted to provide readers with a...

Managing Wildlife Hazards at Airports - More Change and Guidance To Come

camille_m — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 16:31:43 +0000

The FAA is updating and developing Advisory Circulars related to wildlife hazards It has been over two years since the “Miracle on the Hudson” (January 15, 2009) increased awareness of bird strikes and overall wildlife hazard management concerns at airports. Since then, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and countless airports around the country have been working to assess, analyze, and manage wildlife hazard concerns. The FAA...

A Major Shift in Floodplain Management

camille_m — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 18:23:54 +0000

Local Implementation of the National Marine Fisheries Service Biological Opinion on the National Flood Insurance Program Although September 2011 marked a major milestone in floodplain management across the Pacific Northwest’s Puget Sound region, the road forward remains uncertain. Many local jurisdictions are struggling to develop both short- and long-term approaches to floodplain management that meet federal requirements, while providing the flexibility needed for desired uses....

Fremont Students Host Engaging and Entertaining Community-Wide Green Fair

camille_m — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 19:35:56 +0000

ESA's educational booth is a hit with students and community members alike, highlighting Fremont's successful composting program. How much greenhouse gas can be prevented by choosing to compost an apple core every day for a year instead of sending it to the landfill? Students and other community members who visited ESA’s interactive booth at the Fremont Green Fair on Saturday, October 8th, 2011, learned answers to this and more as they explored the greenhouse gas benefits of...

ESA Participates in the Zero Waste Brain Trust

camille_m — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 17:57:23 +0000

The Zero Waste Brain Trust seeks collaborative strategy and input from zero waste professionals, businesses, government, and other stakeholders More and more cities are adopting zero waste plans and policies as part of their climate action strategies. The Zero Waste Brain Trust is a think tank of mostly northern California based resource management professionals — leaders in their field who have organized to create and share effective polices, legislation, and best management practices for...

We're Walking the Talk - Creating ESA's First Sustainability Report

camille_m — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 17:42:19 +0000

ESA's Renewable Resources Team takes the lead in measuring our sustainability successes and opportunities for improvement Sustainability Reports are becoming increasingly common in companies both large and small. They provide insight into a company’s values, commitments and operations as they relate to the triple bottom line: growth in the economic, social, and environmental domains. From an environmental perspective, these reports track real, quantifiable progress in reducing environmental...

An Award-Winning Food Recycling Project

camille_m — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 17:23:40 +0000

Central Contra Costa Solid Waste Authority Receives Gold in the Solid Waste Association of North America’s Recycling Systems Public recognition for recycling and waste prevention programs helps to build momentum, raise awareness, and can even increase program participation. ESA’s Renewable Resources Team worked with Central Contra Costa Solid Waste Authority (CCCSWA) to develop their Food Recycling Project, an award-winning model of successfully reducing a commercial waste...

Training is Key to Successful Organics and Recycling Programs

camille_m — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 22:25:28 +0000

ESA is creating multilingual training videos to help ensure the continued participation and success of commercial organics and recycling programs. In the past several years, cities and counties throughout California have devoted significant time, effort, and money to grow their commercial food scrap collection programs. In the San Francisco Bay Area alone, there are thousands of businesses participating in these programs. ESA is proud to have worked with many of these jurisdictions to provide...

Marc von Canal Joins ESA’s Biological Resources Group

camille_m — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 16:44:34 +0000

Environmental Science Associates (ESA) is pleased to announce that Marc von Canal has joined the firm as a Senior Scientist in the Biological Resources and Land Management Group. Marc will work with clients to provide solutions for ecological enhancement and restoration projects, environmental studies, on-site and off-site mitigation, including mitigation banking, environmental compliance, permitting, and special status species from ESA’s Orlando office. “Marc brings 17 years of hands-on...

ESA Opens Orlando Office

camille_m — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 17:34:42 +0000

Environmental Science Associates (ESA) announced the opening of a new office in Orlando, Florida on September 1, 2011. The office is located at 5401 South Kirkman Road, Suite 405 in Orlando, Florida and will help serve ESA’s clients throughout Florida and the southeast. “Our Orlando office enables us to service our growing client base throughout Florida,” says Julie Sullivan, ESA’s Southeast regional director. “We understand that having staff close to our clients ensures quicker response...

Harriet Lai Ross Joins ESA as Community Planning Program Manager

camille_m — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 17:57:37 +0000

Environmental Science Associates (ESA), a leading California environmental science and planning firm, is pleased to announce that Harriet Lai Ross has joined our Sacramento office as Community Planning Program Manager. As part of ESA’s growing community planning and policy team, Harriet will provide planning services throughout California. Harriet brings more than 13 years of experience in California land use and environmental planning. She works with clients to prepare general plans,...

Dan Dameron Joins ESA as Central Valley Community Development Director

camille_m — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 17:54:02 +0000

Environmental Science Associates (ESA), a leading California environmental science and planning firm, is pleased to announce that Dan Dameron has joined our Sacramento office as Director of our Central Valley Community Development team. Dan will work closely with ESA’s Ray Weiss, who will continue in his role as Environmental Planning Program Manager, and Harriet Lai Ross, our new Community Planning Program Manager. Dan brings more than 25 years of experience leading community planning...

Sacramento International Airport’s Terminal B Opens October 6th

camille_m — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 23:15:05 +0000

ESA partnered with the Sacramento County Airport System to help deliver the largest public works project in County history – the Sacramento International Airport’s Terminal Modernization Program, referred to as the Big Build. Thursday, October 6th we’ll celebrate the opening of Terminal B with 19 additional gates for arrivals and departures, 2,400 new jobs, an iconic public arts program featuring local, regional, and national artists, and an architectural design that reflects the essence of the...

Brightwater Opens in Woodinville, WA

camille_m — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 23:27:22 +0000

ESA directed the high-profile and award-winning four-year siting and environmental evaluation process for the new Brightwater wastewater treatment system. Our team attended the King County grand opening celebration on September 24th from 9am-4pm. Attendees were encouraged to check out the new Brightwater amenities including an education and community center, restored wildlife habitat and 70-acres of publicly accessible open space and trails. Congratulations to King County and the entire ESA...

Christina Schaefer Joins ESA’s Southern California Team

camille_m — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 21:12:02 +0000

Environmental Science Associates (ESA), a leading California environmental consulting firm, is pleased to announce that Christina Schaefer, MLA, has joined our Southern California team as Director of Biological Resources and Land Management in our San Diego office. A leader in the fields of resources management, biological assessment, conservation science and restoration ecology, Christina joins our growing Southern California team of more than 10 scientists specializing in biological...

Christina Toms joins ESA PWA as Ecological Engineer

camille_m — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 22:23:41 +0000

ESA PWA, formerly Philip Williams & Associates, is pleased to announce that Christina Toms has joined the San Francisco office as an Ecological Engineer on the Wetlands and Estuaries Team. In her new position, she will be responsible for the coordination and design of a variety of aquatic ecosystem management, enhancement, and restoration projects along the west coast. “Christina brings hands-on experience and in-depth knowledge of restoring tidal wetland and coastal lagoon ecosystems...

The Next Major Advancement in Aircraft Noise Abatement Technology

camille_m — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 19:47:39 +0000

Some of the Nation's Busiest Airports are Using Whispertrack While the aviation industry has focused largely on improving the hardware side of aircraft noise abatement (e.g., quieter engines, improved wings for better climb performance, etc.), little has occurred on the software side in terms of noise abatement procedure dissemination - until now. Whispertrack corporation has taken advantage of the internet’s vast information distribution capabilities and the meteoric rise in the use of...

Most Comprehensive Fast-Track Environmental Review of its Kind – San Francisco releases DEIR on 34th America’s Cup Event

camille_m — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 23:30:25 +0000

Environmental Science Associates (ESA), a San Francisco-based environmental science and planning firm, led the City and County of San Francisco’s environmental consultant team in releasing the Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) on the 34th America’s Cup (AC34) venue for the City and Port of San Francisco. The DEIR is a fast-track, 1,500-page document completed just five months after the Notice of Preparation was released. A copy can be found on the City’s Environmental Planning Department...

Past Forward Joins ESA and Strengthens Cultural Resources Management Expertise

camille_m — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 17:07:23 +0000

Environmental Science Associates (ESA), a leading California environmental consulting firm, is pleased to announce that on July 11, 2011, Past Forward, Inc., a Northern-California based cultural resource consulting firm, has joined with ESA. The addition of Past Forward’s principals, Dr. Rebecca Allen and Scott Baxter, supports ESA’s strategy to deepen technical services in cultural resources throughout the West. "Rebecca and Scott are widely known as some of the best problem solvers in the...

Paul Miller to Lead ESA’s Central Valley Renewable Resources Group

camille_m — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 23:33:59 +0000

Environmental Science Associates (ESA), a leading California environmental and planning firm, is pleased to announce that Paul Miller has been promoted to Manager of its Central Valley/Sierra Region Renewable Resources Group. The group operates out of the firm’s Sacramento office. Throughout his 30 years of experience, Paul has managed the environmental documentation for many fast-track and pioneering energy and solid waste projects. Most recently, he has managed the Program Environmental...

Pete Lawson Joins ESA’s Northwest Biological Resources and Land Management Team

camille_m — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 23:56:53 +0000

Environmental Science Associates (ESA), a leading environmental and planning firm, is pleased to announce that Pete Lawson has joined as Managing Associate in our Seattle office. Part of our growing Northwest Biological Resources and Land Management team, Pete joins a staff of 15 scientists specializing in wetland science, wildlife and fisheries biology, and landscape architecture. A senior fisheries biologist with 13 years of experience, Pete will support a wide range of transportation,...

Marjorie Wolfe, Named Portland Office Director

camille_m — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 23:52:54 +0000

Environmental Science Associates (ESA), a leading environmental consulting firm, announced that Marjorie Wolfe, PE, CFM has been promoted to Director of the Portland office. The Portland office is well known for its environmental assessments, technical analyses, and permitting for infrastructure and transportation projects. Our professional staff also provides extensive technical expertise in water and natural resources management, hydromodification, and floodplain, tributary, and estuary...

Jennifer Moore Joins ESA’s Central Valley Community Development Team

camille_m — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 23:18:18 +0000

Environmental Science Associates (ESA), a leading California environmental consulting firm, is pleased to announce that Jennifer Moore has joined our Sacramento office as a Managing Associate in our Community Development Group. Jennifer brings five years of experience managing a wide range of environmental public works and transportation-related projects, including in-depth knowledge of Caltrans guidelines and procedures. With a keen understanding of environmental law and policy, she has...

Julie Sullivan to Lead ESA’s Southeast Region and Biological Resources Group

camille_m — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 23:28:42 +0000

Environmental Science Associates (ESA) is pleased to announce that Julie Sullivan has joined the firm as Southeast Regional Director and Director of the Southeast Biological Resources and Land Management Group. Julie will be replacing outgoing Regional Director, Mike Arnold, who will continue in his role as ESA Airports Deputy Practice Leader. “Julie’s strategic hire adds a new layer of expertise that expands our region’s capabilities in environmental services,” says Mike Arnold. “She’s...

Patricia Berryhill joins ESA as San Francisco Bay Area Regional Director

camille_m — Thu, 12 May 2011 19:43:58 +0000

Environmental Science Associates (ESA), a leading California environmental consulting firm, is pleased to announce that Patricia Berryhill has joined the firm as Vice President and Regional Director for ESA’s San Francisco Bay Area Region, managing staff in San Francisco, Oakland, and Petaluma. Patricia replaces outgoing Regional Director, Ellen Cross, who has been appointed Senior Vice President of Strategic Development for the firm. Patricia will be based out of the firm’s San Francisco...

Wetland Scientist Sees Blue Carbon in Sacramento Delta as Golden Opportunity

camille_m — Thu, 12 May 2011 19:50:01 +0000

The World Bank and the IUCN announced the publication of Mitigating Climate Change through Restoration and Management of Coastal Wetlands and Near-shore Marine Ecosystems. The report, which addresses the benefits of protecting and restoring coastal wetlands, was researched and presented by a team of climate change experts, including ESA PWA's Climate Change Program Manager, Stephen Crooks, Ph.D. Converted and drained wetlands are a large, unaccounted source of carbon dioxide contributing to...

Same People, Shorter Name: A Merger Success

camille_m — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 23:05:29 +0000

Four years in the making, ESA Adolfson, a Pacific Northwest environmental and planning firm founded by Molly Adolfson in 1987, has successfully transitioned to ESA. The name change signifies the complete integration of the 2006 transaction when Adolfson Associates, Inc. merged with Environmental Science Associates (ESA), a nationally recognized environmental firm. While the merger is viewed as a success by staff from both ESA and ESA Adolfson, it wasn’t without growing pains. “Most firms...

Surfer's Point Project Serves as Model for Threatened Coastal Sites

admin — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 00:29:53 +0000

State officials identified the Surfer’s Point project as the first of its kind and a model for managing threatened California coast sites. ESA PWA provided coastal engineering and design to restore degraded shoreline and help manage shoreline retreat along this popular Southern California recreational site, located along Seaside Park in the City of San Buenaventura. The team’s design focused on a more natural restoration of the shoreline using native materials and moving facilities...

ESA Helps With Program EIR on Dairy Digester Facilities in California's Central Valley

admin — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 00:36:34 +0000

Environmental Science Associates (ESA), a leading California environmental consulting firm, successfully assisted the Central Valley Regional Water Board with interagency coordination and preparation of a Program Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for a Central Valley dairy digester and co-digester waste discharge regulatory program. The development of these facilities at dairies will directly advance California’s major environmental goal of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and generating...

A World Champion Recycling Program

camille_m — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 21:23:46 +0000

Environmental Science Associates (ESA), a leading West Coast environmental consulting firm, successfully worked with the San Francisco Department of the Environment and AT&T Park to increase recycling at the home ballpark of the world-champion San Francisco Giants. Recently completed audits confirm that 3.5 million pounds of ballpark waste was diverted from landfill in 2009, a rate of 75 percent, up from 57 percent the previous year. In addition to exceeding the City of San Francisco’s...

Genesis Solar Energy Project Wins Federal Approval

camille_m — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 18:21:27 +0000

Environmental Science Associates (ESA), a leading California environmental consulting firm, successfully assisted the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) with interagency coordination and preparation of the final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Genesis Solar Energy Project. The Genesis Solar Energy Project, a 250 megawatt facility will use parabolic trough solar thermal technology that will produce enough clean electricity to power up to 187,500 homes. The project was proposed by...

Blythe Solar Power Project Wins Federal Approval

camille_m — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 18:17:53 +0000

Environmental Science Associates (ESA), a leading California environmental consulting firm, successfully assisted the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) with interagency coordination and preparation of the final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the largest solar energy project on U.S. public lands. The Blythe Solar Power Project will consist of four 250 MW plants that together will total 1,000 megawatts (MW) of nominal generating capacity, and generate enough electricity to annually power...

Blythe Solar Power Project Wins Federal Approval

camille_m — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 18:17:53 +0000

Environmental Science Associates (ESA), a leading California environmental consulting firm, successfully assisted the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) with interagency coordination and preparation of the final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the largest solar energy project on U.S. public lands. The Blythe Solar Power Project will consist of four 250 MW plants that together will total 1,000 megawatts (MW) of nominal generating capacity, and generate enough electricity to annually power...

ESA delivers EIS for Largest Solar Energy Project on Public Lands

admin — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 00:32:30 +0000

ESA successfully assisted the Bureau of Land Management with interagency coordination and preparation of the final environmental impact statement for the largest solar energy project on U.S. public lands. The Blythe Solar Power Project will produce up to 1,000 megawatts of solar power, generating enough electricity to power 300,000 to 750,000 homes. The project was proposed by Palo Verde Solar I, a subsidiary of Berkeley, California’s Solar Millennium, LLC. The project was licensed by the...

Senator Feinstein marks Bay Salt Pond Restoration Project Milestone

admin — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 00:33:51 +0000

The first phase of the Bay Salt Pond Restoration Project, the largest restoration project on the West Coast, was officially opened at a ceremony attended by Senator Diane Feinstein and California Resources Secretary Lester Snow. The former Cargill Salt pond, now part of the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge, is being transformed into a thriving wetland with islands for birds, new trails, and wooden walkway for the public. Michelle Orr, Director of ESA PWA’s Wetland...

ESA's EIR featured in Smithsonian Exhibition

admin — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 00:35:14 +0000

ESA's 1975 Environmental Impact Report on Christo's Running Fence was featured in the Smithsonian's exhibition of Christo and Jeanne-Claude: Remembering the Running Fence, a definitive record of the Running Fence, Sonoma and Marin Counties, California, 1972-76, a major early work of art by the world-renowned artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude. The work of art, a 24 1/2-mile long, 18-foot high fabric fence, lasted for 2 weeks and stretched from Petaluma, California through the town of...