Volume 26, Number 3 ● April 11, 2018
In This Issue:
We’re Growing – WSSI Regional Offices Double in Size!
6th Circuit Court Vacates WOTUS Rule Stay
Spring Transitions - Bat Time of Year Restrictions
Swamp Pink Surveys Help Avoid Costly Project Delays
We’re Growing – WSSI Regional Offices Double in Size!
Wetland Studies and Solutions is now even better positioned to support your natural and cultural resource needs on projects throughout the Mid-Atlantic! Our regional offices in Richmond (VA), Roanoke (VA), and Millersville (MD) have each doubled their staff over the past year. We are also excited to announce that our Environmental Compliance Division has doubled in size – we now offer expanded Environmental Compliance capacity in Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and North Carolina, and offer new compliance capability in Florida and Pennsylvania.
6th Circuit Court Vacates WOTUS Rule Stay
Reprinted with permission from the National Association of Home Builders. This article originally appeared in the February 28, 2018 edition of NAHB Now.
There is a new development in the never-ending saga that is the 2015 Clean Water Rule. Today [February 28], the 6th Circuit took the formal action of vacating its temporary injunction and dismissing all of the challenges to the rule.
Spring Transitions - Bat Time of Year Restrictions
Hibernating northern long-eared bat (photo courtesy of Al Hicks, New York DEC)
As we transition into warmer weather across Virginia and Maryland, bats in the area are emerging from their winter roosts as they transition to migration and breeding seasons. If your projects involve tree clearing, you may need to follow time of year restrictions for those bat species recognized as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act.
Swamp Pink Surveys Help Avoid Costly Project Delays
It’s time for another season of swamp pink (Helonias bullata) surveys! If your project site will require wetlands permitting and is within or near known swamp pink habitat, you can minimize impacts to your project schedule by having Wetland Studies and Solutions conduct a swamp pink habitat evaluation or survey early in the development process – preferably during the April 15 - May 31 survey window or during the June 1 – September 30 window.