Services

Biological & Regulatory Services

Project Solutions

We Can Help.

We combine extensive experience and a client-centered approach to offer exceptional biological and regulatory services.

Biological/Regulatory Due Diligence & Project Planning

Due diligence and constraints studies are the right approach when you need initial guidance and answers in a hurry for minimal cost. These quick turnaround studies identify potential red flags and major biological/regulatory constraints early in the process, allowing you to make smart decisions, streamline processing, and reduce project delays. Time is money!

Services:
• Due Diligence/Constraints
• Assessments Desktop Analysis and Feasibility
• Studies Project Planning Assistance

Biological Studies & Environmental Analysis

A successful project starts with focused planning to help avoid, minimize, and/or mitigate impacts on biological resources. Our experienced team has the skills, relationships, and reputation to evaluate your project and help you navigate the often confusing approval process efficiently and cost-effectively.

Surveys and Mapping Services

Additional Services Include:

CEQA Analysis and Reporting

  • CEQA Compliant Biological Technical Reports 
  • Extensive experience with:
    • City of San Diego Biological Reports, Compliant with MSCP and all MSCP Implementing Regulations
    • Western Riverside County MSHCP Consistency Analyses & Assessments
    • Coachella Valley MSHCP Consistency Reports
    • CALTRANS Natural Environment Studies
    • City of Chula Vista Biology Reports
    • North County MHCP Reporting (e.g., Carlsbad, San Marcos, etc.)
    • Riverside and San Bernardino Counties and Local Jurisdictions

NEPA Analysis and Reporting

  • Environmental Assessments (EA)
  • Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) Support

USFWS Endangered Species Act (Section 7 and Section 10)

  • Biological Assessments and other ESA-Compliant Biological Reports
  • ESA Consultation with USFWS
  • Implement and Document Compliance with Biological Opinion (BO)

CDFW Incidental Take Permits

Restoration, Revegetation, and Habitat Management 

Construction Compliance Monitoring

  • Mitigation, Monitoring, and Reporting Program Management and Implementation
  • Worker Environmental Awareness Program Training
  • Avian Noise Monitoring
  • BMP ComplianceESA Section 7 & Section 10 Consultation Compliance Monitoring

Regulatory Permitting

Impacts on streams, wetlands, and other aquatic resources may require permitting through state and federal regulatory agencies. Our highly reputable and focused regulatory group is here to help make the permitting process as efficient as possible, starting in the project design phase and, when necessary, permit acquisition and compliance.

Services:
• Aquatic Resource Delineation Reports
• Jurisdictional Determinations
• Agency Pre-Application Consultations
• California Rapid Assessment Method/CRAM Surveys and Reporting
• Mitigation Banking Setup and Permitting Support
• Compensatory Mitigation Planning
• Compensatory Mitigation and Monitoring Plans
• Regulatory Agency Permit Compliance

Additional Services Include

Aquatic Resource Permitting

  • U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Individual, Nationwide, and Regional General Permits under:
    • Section 404 of the Clean Water Act and Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act, including compliance with:
    • Section 404 of the Clean Water Act and Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act, including compliance with:
      • Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act
      • Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act
      • California Zone Management Act
  • California Department of Fish and Wildlife Streambed Alteration Agreements under:
    • California Fish and Game Code Section 1600-1602
  • State Water Resources Control Board and Regional Water Quality Control Boards Water Quality Certifications and Waste Discharge Requirements under:
    • Section 401 of the Clean Water Act
    • Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act
  • California Coastal Commission, or applicable local delegated authority, Coastal Development Permits under California Coastal Act

Project Management

We have strong and trusted relationships with respected contractors in other disciplines such as cultural/Native American resources, paleontological resources, noise and vibration specialists, air quality/GHG, stormwater management, etc. Let us put together and manage a team of highly skilled professionals to help your project run efficiently.

Project Examples Include:

  • Meridian Business Park
  • Pala Band of Mission Indians Integrated Resource Management Plan
  • SDSU Mission Valley Stadium
"The Rocks Biological team is smart, professional, and great to work with. I have enjoyed having them as a teaming partner on several projects in Southern California and would highly recommend them. "
Sophia Habl Mitchell
Owner
Sophia Mitchell & Associates
"I first met Jim and the Rocks Biological team over 10 years ago on a project we did together on MCAS Miramar. His group really helped me navigate through tough biological requirements on the project and since that time we continue to use them on projects in the region. We consistently get great service from the Rocks team and we look forward to working with them for years to come.
Albert Valdivia
Vice President
Clark Construction Group
"When we were looking to develop an integrated resources management plan for the Pala Reservation, Rocks Biological immediately responded with a comprehensive proposal that went above and beyond. Selecting Rocks to work with us on this big project was a great decision. They are professional, flexible, and skilled at developing a plan that meets the unique needs of a Tribal nation. I especially appreciate how they have helped me manage my priorities on this project, with patience and gentle nudging when necessary! The entire team is a pleasure to work with and I expect to continue a long and fruitful partnership with Rocks."
Shasta Gaughen
Tribal Historic Preservation Officer
Pala Band of Mission Indians
"... I am very grateful for the professionalism and flexibility that Rocks consistently provides to meet [project] needs and to keep projects moving smoothly. Despite being a smaller firm, the Rocks team also provides a prime-level expertise in a variety of key environmental areas. This allows our City of San Diego projects to receive top-level service and support while also opening up more opportunities to meet contract SLBE participation requirements, which can be challenging on contracts that shift priorities often. Lastly, a huge benefit of partnering with Rocks has been that they are just a fun group to work with and they mirror the main goal we have at our own firm: always taking their work seriously, but not themselves.”
Scott Gressard, MS
Senior Environmental Specialist
Dudek

Are you ready to get started?

From small infill projects to large utility developments, we combine extensive training and experience to provide exceptional service.