Development and restoration projects must increasingly consider potential effects on aquatic resources, including wetlands.

Herrera’s wetland biologists and environmental scientists have key expertise in the areas of wetland delineation, functional assessments, impact analysis, mitigation, planning, permitting services, and monitoring over broad geographic areas to ensure project success.

Our wetland biologists are trained in the most current technical protocols and up-to-date regulatory conditions to provide the highest level of service for our clients. We are regional leaders in the field and regularly provide training for students of wetland science and develop and implement scientific protocols. Our service area includes Washington, Oregon, Idaho, California, Montana, Wyoming, and Alaska.

Key Projects

• Wetland Delineations, Mitigation Plans, and Permit Coordination for multiple projects sites – Sound Transit, King County, Washington
• State Route 518 Wetland Delineations and Mitigation Plan – Washington State Department of Transportation, King County, Washington
• Wildlife and Wetland Studies for US 93 Corridor Improvements from Evaro to Polson – Montana Department of Transportation
• South 277th Street Wetland Mitigation Design and Construction Oversight – King County Department of Transportation
• Camp Grisdale Road Wetland Delineations and Mitigation Plans – Federal Highway Administration, Western Federal Lands Highway Division, on the Olympic Peninsula, Washington
• Su-Knik Wetland Mitigation Bank Functional Assessments and Permit Coordination – Mat-Su Borough, Alaska
• Northeast 29th Street Wetland Mitigation Site Monitoring – City of Bellevue, Washington

Herrera provides a full range of mitigation options for projects that impact natural resources.

Our mitigation experts develop solutions for impacts on aquatic and upland environments including marine areas, estuaries, lakes, rivers, streams, wetlands, and terrestrial wildlife habitats. We focus on working with clients early in the planning and design of the project to avoid and minimize impacts wherever possible. Where impacts are unavoidable, we offer a variety of solutions including preservation, enhancement, restoration, and creation of habitats to offset project impacts. We assist our clients with selecting appropriate mitigation sites on or off the project site.

Our mitigation and restoration experts are biologists, landscape architects, and engineers who collaborate on mitigation design. Typical projects involve installing large woody debris in streams, creating rearing and spawning habitat for fish, excavating soil in support of wetland creation, amending soil, installing snags for bird habitat, and planting native vegetation communities.

Throughout the design of mitigation projects we coordinate closely with regulatory agencies to insure that the project meets their approval. To ensure successful mitigation, we prepare monitoring, maintenance, and contingency plans for mitigation sites.

Key Projects

• South 277th Street Reconstruction Phase III: Wetland and Floodplain Compensation Mitigation Plan – King County Department of Transportation
• Tacoma-to-Lakewood Sounder Commuter Rail Project: Wetland Mitigation Plan – Sound Transit
• Grapeview Loop Road Improvements: Wetland Mitigation Plan – Mason County Department of Public Works

Herrera’s scientist and engineers are skilled in the analysis and design of treatment systems and ancillary operations equipment for stormwater runoff.

Our experience has been built from more than 15 years of assistance to municipal clients in the Pacific Northwest. We are experts in the applicable regulatory requirements for treatment and in selecting appropriate and cost-effective treatment technologies that are tailored to the pollutants of concern for the specific application. Our scientists and engineers understand the necessary balance between treatment optimization and operations and maintenance needs.

Additionally, our staff members are experts in the complementary areas of water quality, hydrologic analysis, hydraulic analysis, modeling, permitting, and construction management. Our expertise enables us to provide our clients with practical, well-rounded solutions.

Key Projects

• South Park Water Quality Improvements Preliminary Engineering Project – Seattle Public Utilities
• Ecology Embankment Technology Evaluation and Engineering Report – Washington State Department of Ecology
• Spyglass Stormwater Outfall Water Quality Retrofit Design – Clean Water Services, Oregon
• Compost Amended Vegetated Filter Strips Pilot Project – Design, installation, and long-term monitoring to provide scientifically defensible justification for use of this relatively low-cost option for treating runoff and reducing runoff volume; Washington Department of Transportation

]]> http://www.herrerainc.com/stormwater-treatment/feed/ 0 http://www.herrerainc.com/hydrologic-and-hydraulic-modeling/ http://www.herrerainc.com/hydrologic-and-hydraulic-modeling/#comments Thu, 29 Mar 2007 22:56:35 +0000 smaxwell http://localhost:8888/herrerainc-old/hydrologic-and-hydraulic-modeling/

Herrera’s modeling group has extensive expertise with hydrologic and hydraulic modeling.

Our staff works on cutting edge projects for which out-of-the box thinking is required. Herrera conducted a modeling study of a low-impact development subdivision in Seattle, WA at a time when modeling procedures had not yet been developed region-wide. The objectives of the modeling were to support engineering of the stormwater management facilities, including bioretention swales, porous pavement, compost amended soils, and gravel pocket parks; and to predict whether the development would meet state and local regulatory requirements. Our modeling for that project was subsequently included in the flow control modeling section of the Puget Sound Action Team Low Impact Development Technical Guidance Manual for Puget Sound.

Our recent advanced hydrologic and hydraulic modeling studies include dam break analysis, dam enlargement design, design of on-site and regional capital facilities, and development of local and state flow control policy. Our engineers regularly use the following models: HEC-RAS, HEC-GeoRAS, HEC-HMS, XP-SWMM, WWHM2, KCRTS, HSPF, MGS Flood, StormShed, DAM BREAK, Infoworks-CS, and HY8. We also have extensive CAD and GIS capabilities and routinely integrate these technologies into our modeling studies.

Key Projects

• Low Impact Development Technical Guidance Manual by Puget Sound Action Team, WA – Contributing author
• High Point Revitalization – City of Seattle, Seattle Public Utilities
• Ozette River and Lake Ozette Modeling Study of Large Woody Debris – Makah Indian Tribe
• Thornton Creek Water Quality Channel – Seattle Public Utilities
• Rainwise Stormwater Incentives Package to encourage onsite low impact development features – Seattle Public Utilities
• South Park Conveyance Improvements – Seattle Public Utilities

Herrera offers engineering and environmental services for wastewater projects ranging from planning and evaluation through design and construction management.

With experience on numerous projects involving wastewater conveyance and treatment systems throughout the Northwest, Herrera engineers provide wastewater characterization process evaluation, facility planning, system design, odor control, contract document preparation, project management, and construction phase assistance from contract administration to inspection. Our conveyance experience includes service area planning, system evaluation and modeling, I/I studies and design of gravity sewers, pumping stations, force mains, and related hydraulic structures. Our treatment experience includes biological processes, solids separation and processing, disinfection, and solids/effluent disposal and reuse. Joining our team of engineers are planners and scientists who provide the permitting, environmental impact assessment, and mitigation expertise required for wastewater projects to meet all regulatory requirements including the Endangered Species Act.

Key Projects

• King Street Regulator Station and Conveyance Odor Improvements – King County
• Engineering Services Including Investigation, Planning, Testing, and Analysis for Thurston County Wastewater Processing System – Thurston County Department of Water and Waste Management
• Brightwater Wastewater Treatment Plant Siting and Conveyance Development – King County
• South Lake Union Stormwater and Wastewater Discharge Business Case Analysis – City of Seattle
• Sweyolocken Pump Station Upgrade – King County
• Soos Creek Conveyance System Improvements Planning – King County
• Cle Elum Wastewater Facility Plan Environmental Impact Statement – City of Cle Elum

Herrera’s diving staff conducts underwater scientific and engineering investigations in both navigable and non-navigable waterways using SCUBA and underwater communication technology.

Our underwater diving team consists of a diverse group of certified divers that includes registered professional engineers, certified scientific research and rescue divers, and divers trained in HAZWOPER. Engineering and scientific diving requires specialized equipment and training. Herrera’s diving program includes an in-house dive manual, which complies with WAC 296 -37 Standards for Commercial Diving, WAC 296-37-525 Medical Release (hyberbaric conditions), and WAC 296-37-520 (CPR and First Aid). In addition, our divers are preapproved by the Seattle Department of Transportation for Level 1 and Level 2 underwater surveys.

Herrera divers provide engineering design and construction materials inspection; conduct underwater surveys (bathymetry, sonar, and visual), underwater communications, underwater documentation (underwater video, remote sled video, and digital photography), aquatic plant mapping, macrophyte assessment and removal; and data collection to establish and implement experimental protocols. Herrera divers are familiar with Bridge Inspector’s Training Manual 90, Washington State Bridge Inspection Manual (Underwater), National Bridge Inspection Standards (Underwater), and underwater survey protocols of the Puget Sound Estuary Program.

Key Projects

• Structural and Operational Assessments of Over 350 Stormwater and Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) Freshwater and Marine Outfalls – City of Seattle
• Hylebos Waterway Bridge Rehabilitation Project – Underwater Inspection – City of Tacoma
• Landsburg Dam Diving Inspection of Spillways – City of Seattle
• Willow Creek Stormwater Outfall Extension Project – City of Edmonds
• Underwater Bridge Inspections – City of Seattle

Herrera’s comprehensive solid waste engineering and planning services include transfer station planning, design, and construction management.

We assist our clients with waste characterization, waste flow projections and modeling, siting studies, incorporating recycling into transfer station design and operations, facility design, construction management, and operations and maintenance plans. We upgrade transfer stations that remain operational during construction, and remediate soil contamination at existing facilities.

Key Projects

• South and North Transfer Station Fuel System and Drainage Improvements – Seattle Public Utilities
• Bow Lake Transfer Station Pit Repairs Construction Observation Services – King County
• Snohomish County Southwest Recycling and Transfer Station Expansion – Snohomish County
• South Transfer Station Fuel System Design, Site Assessment, and Contamination Removal/Fuel System Installation Oversight – Seattle Solid Waste
• Algona Transfer Station Safety Improvements Environmental Documentation and Permits – King County
• Houghton Transfer Station Scale-House and Infrastructure Repairs Project – King County

Herrera’s expertise includes all aspects of waste management planning, siting, design, impact assessment, permitting, and recycling.

Our engineers and planners have a thorough knowledge of applicable local, state, and federal regulations. In addition, Herrera is recognized as a regional expert in policy and economic analysis for recycling, reuse, and product stewardship.

Our engineers design solid waste facilities, conduct waste stream analysis and surveys, and evaluate waste management systems and practices (including environmental best management practices and recycling). We provide environmental assessment; stormwater, leachate and landfill gas systems design and management; site utility engineering; permitting; storm and surface water monitoring, sampling, and treatment evaluation; and construction management services for landfills, transfer stations, and recycling and composting facilities.

Key Projects

• Solid Waste Facilities Master Plan Support Services – City of Seattle
• Cedar Hills Regional Landfill Area 6 Closure Design – King County
• Current Management Practices for Construction and Demolition Debris and Recommendations for Increased Recovery – City of Seattle
• Engineering Services Including Investigation, Planning, Testing, and Analysis for Thurston County Wastewater Processing System – Thurston County
• Refocusing Solid Waste Services To Achieve Zero Waste – City of Seattle
• Solid Waste Disposal Options Evaluations for Landfill Closure at the Alcan Border Station near Tok, Alaska – General Services Administration

Herrera offers engineering and environmental services for wastewater projects ranging from planning and evaluation through design and construction management.

With experience on numerous projects involving wastewater conveyance and treatment systems in the Northwest, our engineers provide wastewater characterization, process evaluation, facility planning, system design, contract document preparation, project management, and construction phase assistance from contract administration to inspection.

Our conveyance and pump station experience includes service area planning, system evaluation and modeling, inflow and infiltration studies, and design of gravity sewers, pumping stations, force mains, and related hydraulic structures. Herrera provides civil, mechanical, process, electrical, and instrumentation and control engineering for pump stations from project planning through construction and startup. Herrera engineers have designed pump stations for facilities ranging from 7 mgd to 230 mgd.

Key Projects

• Sweyolocken Pump Station Upgrade – King County
• North Creek Pump Station and Storage Facility – King County
• North Beach Pump Station Replacement Preliminary Design – King County
• Lakeland Hills Pump Station Evaluation and Design – King County
• Cedar Hills Regional Landfill Pump Station and Conveyance Improvements – King County
• Value Engineering Session for the Soos Creek Pump Station – King County
• Pullen Creek Fish Passage and Restoration Design Project – Taiya Inlet Watershed Council

Herrera’s landfill engineering services include operation planning, engineering, permit assistance, and construction oversight of solid waste landfill development, operation, and closure throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Our expertise includes all aspects of waste management planning, siting, design, impact assessment, and permitting. Our engineers and planners have a thorough knowledge of applicable local, state, and federal regulations. We design solid waste facilities, conduct waste stream analysis and surveys and recycling, and evaluate waste management systems and practices (including environmental best management practices).

Herrera engineers provide landfill gas leachate and engineering services that include operation planning, permit assistance, and construction oversight. Our landfill gas expertise includes all aspects of collection, conveyance, monitoring for operational compliance, monitoring for design basis, gas control, and conformance with Title V air operation. Herrera engineers design active and passive gas collection, conveyance and control systems for landfill sites, remediation sites, and adjacent and ancillary facilities associated or impacted by landfill gas. We have extensive knowledge and expertise working with landfill operations staff to troubleshoot and design retrofits for operation efficiency and gas control. Our construction engineers are knowledgeable in solid waste design and operations to ensure that our designs are efficiently implemented during the construction phase.

Key Projects

• Cedar Hills Regional Landfill Area 6 Closure Design – King County
• South Cushman Solid Waste Landfill Expansion – Fairbanks North Star Borough
• Vashon Landfill Development and Final Closure – King County
• Carnation Landfill Corrective Action Plan – City of Carnation
• Engineering Services for Thurston County Leachate Landfill – Thurston County
• Closure of Municipal Solid Waste Landfill Cell #6 – Fort Lewis Public Works

]]> http://www.herrerainc.com/landfill-engineering/feed/ 0 http://www.herrerainc.com/design/ http://www.herrerainc.com/design/#comments Mon, 26 Mar 2007 22:58:58 +0000 smaxwell http://localhost:8888/herrerainc-old/design/

Herrera’s interdisciplinary design capabilities include traditional civil design services such as site development, solid waste, wastewater and remediation; innovative stormwater management design tailored to site-specific conditions; as well as restoration design including stream and river restoration, wetland restoration, bank stabilization and estuarine/shoreline design.

All of our designs are based on well tested engineering principles and analysis and extensive knowledge of regulations, codes, and operational considerations.

Key Projects

• Sweyolocken Pump Station Upgrade – King County
• Cedar Hills Regional Landfill Area 6 Closure Design – King County
• South and North Transfer Station Fuel System and Drainage Improvements – Seattle Public Utilities
• SR 518 SeaTac Airport to I-5/I-405 Interchange Project Hydraulic Analyses and Storm Drainage Systems Design – Washington State Department of Transportation
• Homestead Creek Residential Low Impact Development Project – Private Developer, Snohomish County, Washington

Herrera’s conveyance design experience includes stormwater conveyance systems and wastewater conveyance systems ranging from small gravity pipelines to large diameter pipelines and force mains.

We offer engineering and environmental services for sanitary sewer projects including monitoring and modeling to support comprehensive planning. Our engineers provide a range of services from flow monitoring and modeling of sanitary sewer systems, to comprehensive planning and design of conveyance systems. Our conveyance experience includes: service area planning; system evaluation and modeling; I/I studies; and design of gravity sewers, pumping stations, force mains and related hydraulic structures.

Joining our team of engineers are planners and scientists who provide the permitting, environmental impact assessment, and mitigation expertise required for wastewater projects to meet all regulatory requirements including the Endangered Species Act.

Key Projects

• SR 900 Improvements from Newport Way NW to Interstate 90 Stormwater Conveyance Design – Washington State Department of Transportation
• Soos Creek Conveyance System Improvements Planning – King County
• Brookside Creek Stormwater Conveyance Outfall Retrofit Design – City of Shoreline
• Brightwater Wastewater Treatment Plant Siting and Conveyance Development – King County
• Eastside Interceptor Section 1 Capacity Upgrade – King County

Herrera scientists have a broad range of experience in shoreline master program and critical area protection program updates.

Our scientists are published and have contributed to the scientific literature considered best available science in wetlands, fish habitat, and geomorphology. Shoreline and critical area protection programs require the application of the latest scientific knowledge as it applies to the specific types of natural resources in each jurisdiction.

We provide our clients with innovative solutions to balance the regulation of property with critical areas protection. In addition to assisting jurisdictions in revising regulations, Herrera has worked with jurisdictions to develop programmatic alternatives that would meet requirements for critical areas protection. Herrera has also prepared the SEPA documentation needed for adoption of new plans and regulations.

We have provided inventories of shoreline and critical area resources, including channel migration zones, floodplains, streams, wetlands, and nearshore marine habitat that are integral to science-based planning required by the Growth Management Act to update shoreline and critical areas protection.

We have assisted many jurisdictions and clients with identifying restoration opportunities for wetlands, intertidal areas, rivers, and streams, and has extensive experience implementing restoration projects.

Herrera assisted the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in evaluating the 2003 Shoreline Master Program Guidelines for compliance with the Endangered Species Act. We evaluated how the guidelines would affect development activities in the shorelines of all coastal counties in Washington State. We developed a set of recommendations for local jurisdictions to help ensure compliance with the Act and protection of listed species. Herrera scientists are versed in Ecology’s guidelines for preparing shoreline characterizations for SMP updates and their integration in Critical Area protection.

Our range of local, state, and federal experience related to management, regulation, and protection of shorelines and critical areas makes Herrera uniquely suited to help clients efficiently identify and update their shoreline master program and critical area protection programs.

Key Projects

• Manitou Beach Salt Marsh Restoration Feasibility Analysis and Preliminary Design – City of Bainbridge Island
• Frye Cove Bulkhead Replacement Beach Enhancement – South Puget Sound Salmon Enhancement Group
• Ala Spit Development of Nearshore Process and Habitat Protection Plan – Island County
• Columbia Slough In-Stream Habitat Enhancement Scoping – City of Portland Bureau of Environmental Services
• Rockaway Beach Shoreline Road Stabilization Study – City of Bainbridge Island
• Washington State Shoreline Master Program Guidelines Programmatic Biological Assessment – National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management

Herrera is a Pacific Northwest leader in all aspects of stormwater management.

From small site developments to large transportation projects and regional planning efforts, we provide interdisciplinary, technically sound services that achieve cost-effective results for our clients. We are at the forefront of technical and regulatory developments in stormwater management, including the development of innovative and low-impact development techniques for stormwater management.

Our staff has extensive experience in many of the technical fields that are key to successful low-impact development innovation and implementation. Working with clients ranging from small land developers to large public agencies, Herrera has established a strong record of successfully integrating the following areas of expertise to low-impact development objectives:

• Evaluation of stormwater management options and costs
• Watershed assessment
• Civil engineering design
• Environmental permitting
• Public policy and code development
• Performance monitoring

Key Projects

• Low Impact Development Technical Guidance Manual published by the Puget Sound Action Team – Contributing author
• Homestead Creek Residential Low Impact Development – Hydrologic performance analysis documentation and design of single-family residential cluster development in rural Snohomish County, Washington, French Creek Properties, LLC
• Lakewood RainCatchers – Pilot project to test cost-effectiveness of rain gardens, vegetated swales, and drainage cisterns in a single-family residential neighborhood in Seattle to reduce combined sewer overflows to Lake Washington, Seattle Public Utilities
• Twin Creeks – Transit-oriented development in southern Oregon incorporating low-impact development techniques to create an environmentally friendly community and protect two bordering creeks, Twin Creeks Development Company
• Compost-Amended Vegetated Filter Strips – Pilot project for design, installation, and long-term monitoring to provide scientifically defensible justification for use of this relatively low-cost option for treating runoff and reducing runoff volume, Washington State Department of Transportation
• High Point Revitalization – Low-impact design support and hydraulic performance modeling for urban subdivision/mixed-use development in Seattle, Washington; Seattle Public Utilities
• Carkeek Park Environmental Learning Center – Design of rainwater capture and reuse system, Seattle Parks
• Thornton Creek Water Quality Channel – Hydraulic modeling to support design of natural drainage system channel to provide water quality treatment for 680 acres in the headwaters of the south branch of Thornton Creek in Seattle, Washington; Seattle Public Utilities
• Stormwater Facility Credit Program – Incentives package developed for Seattle Public Utilities to encourage the use of onsite low-impact design measures that help protect infrastructure and the environment, as well as allowing customers flexibility to manage stormwater onsite and reduce their utility costs, Seattle Public Utilities

Herrera has been a Pacific Northwest regional leader in the planning and design of construction site erosion and sediment control for over 15 years.

Our staff members’ diverse expertise in water quality, construction management, civil engineering, and stormwater monitoring enables us to tackle any issue related to erosion and sediment control on construction sites. We have assisted clients in developing technical guidance for the preparation of erosion and sediment control plans, developing guidance for the selection of erosion and sediment control measures tailored to particular site conditions, and compiling information on the full array of erosion and sediment control products and services that are available to them. Herrera’s experience in monitoring the effectiveness of erosion and sediment control measures at construction sites and monitoring water quality at construction sites provides invaluable insight into the techniques that are most successful under various site conditions. This insight strengthens our ability to anticipate erosion and sediment control problems and to develop effective design solutions for clients. Several of our staff members are certified erosion and sediment control specialists in the state of Washington.

Key Projects

• Erosion and Sediment Control Design for State Route 518 Widening – Washington State Department of Transportation
• Erosion and Sediment Control Products and Services Catalog – Washington State Department of Transportation
• Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan Template – Washington State Department of Ecology
• Link Light Rail Construction Monitoring – Sound Transit
• Third Runway Construction Monitoring – Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
• Construction Temporary Erosion and Sediment Control manual and code update – City of Seattle

Herrera’s civil and environmental engineers are experienced in construction management and field inspection services related to hazardous materials contamination and water quality issues encountered during construction. Onsite specialists provide technical advice related to identification and delineation of contamination, recommendations for preventing or reducing worker exposure, application of regulations pertaining to toxic chemicals and conventional parameters, and issues associated with air, noise, wetlands, and wildlife issues. Our engineering services include the following:

QA sampling and testing

Performance monitoring documentation

Field design

Review of submittals and shop drawings

Change order preparation

Preparation and verification of progress payment

Contract modifications

Conflict resolution

Key Projects

• Hazmat and Water Quality Monitoring Support for Sound Transit Link Light Rail Construction – Sound Transit, Seattle, Washington
• Construction Management for Southwest Harbor Remediation Area 3 Landfill Closure – Port of Seattle, Seattle, Washington
• Hazmat and Water Quality Oversight Support for Southeast Interceptor Sewer Line Construction – King County, Department of Natural Resources, Wastewater Treatment Division, Renton, Washington
• Construction Monitoring for South 180th Street Grade Separation – City of Tukwila, Washington
• Lead Paint Construction Monitoring for North Queen Anne Bridge Seismic Upgrade – Seattle Department of Transportation
• Construction Oversight for Abatement of PCB-Amended Paint, Juneau Federal Building – General Services Administration, Juneau, Alaska