Epsilon developed and implemented Tier II and III Sediment Sampling and Analysis Plans for dredging associated with the 750-megawatt Fore River Power Station.  This work consisted of a field program to collect and characterize sediment cores.  Resulting data were used to support permit applications to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection for Water Quality Certification, and Coastal Zone Management Consistency Certification.

Epsilon provided local, state, and federal environmental permitting services for this innovative site remediation project, which involved dredging and construction of a 1.9-acre Confined Disposal Facility to remove and isolate sediment contaminated by coal tar.  Epsilon prepared permit applications for a Pilot Study intended to field-test dredging and dredged material handling methods relative to work with Island End River sediment, and conducted monitoring to ensure permit compliance.  Extensive noise and air background monitoring was performed by Epsilon as part of the study.  Following successful completion of the Pilot Study, Epsilon proceeded with permitting efforts for the comprehensive Release Abatement Measure, defined under the MCP.  Epsilon submitted an Environmental Notification Form to MEPA (no EIR was required) and prepared a Department of the Army Permit Application for the USACE, Chapter 91 Waterways License and Water Quality Certification applications for DEP, a Coastal Zone Management Consistency analysis, and Notices of Intent for the Conservation Commissions in the cities of Everett and Chelsea.  A thorough Alternatives Analysis prepared by Epsilon was submitted to the USACE and reviewed by the various permitting agencies as part of the permitting process.  Epsilon also prepared a Wetlands Mitigation Plan to mitigate project impacts by restoring saltmarsh habitat in a nearby Area of Critical Environmental Concern.  As an integral component of this mitigation plan, Epsilon performed a Functions and Values Assessment for the impacted project area as well as the mitigation site.

Epsilon is providing permitting services for a large-scale beach and dune nourishment project designed to protect up to four miles of eroding coastline along the eastern shore of Nantucket Island.  This project will protect and preserve Sconset Beach, the historic Sankaty Head Lighthouse, a bluff walk, historic homes, and public infrastructure.  Epsilon submitted an ENF to MEPA, an extensive Alternative Analysis to the USACE, and is preparing an Environmental Impact Report to provide detailed information regarding project design and environmental impacts.  The $10-15 million privately-funded project will be one of the largest beach nourishment projects ever undertaken in New England.   The Proponent intends to acquire approximately 2.7 million cubic yards of beach-compatible nourishment material from an offshore borrow site in Massachusetts’ state waters.  Based on consultations with the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries and the National Marine Fisheries Service, Epsilon formulated and performed oversight for a comprehensive Fisheries Sampling Plan intended to accurately characterize marine biological resources and associated habitats in the project area.  Epsilon has also provided permitting services for a number of additional shore protection measures along this retreating shoreline; these additional measures have included coastal bank terraces, wells to drain a perched aquifer that was contributing to slumping along the eroding bank face, and experimental beach dewatering systems.

Epsilon is providing waterfront permitting assistance for a new Liquefied Natural Gas facility in Fall River.  Epsilon has developed and implemented Tier II and III Sediment Sampling and Analysis Plans to characterize the 2.6 million cubic yards of dredging associated with the project and evaluate disposal options.  This work included scoping and overseeing two extensive sediment core collection programs, characterizing the cores, preparing samples for laboratory analyses, and analyzing chemical, physical and biological results.  Both efforts required Epsilon to closely coordinate with the USACE and EPA as well as to oversee the operations of the vibracoring contractor and laboratories involved in sediment analyses.  Resulting data and interpretations were used for Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and MEPA review processes.  Permit applications were also filed with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Massachusetts and Rhode Island state agencies.  In conjunction with permitting efforts for the overall project, Epsilon performed a geotechnical investigation involving Geoprobe sediment coring to delineate the extent of coastal dune along a stretch of the project’s shoreline.