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 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.

Epsilon licensed a 35-megawatt electrical transmission cable from Barnstable across Nantucket Sound to Nantucket Island, an effort which involved 27.5 miles of submarine cable and a new electrical substation in Barnstable.  We prepared a routing assessment to identify the preferred land and water routes, including landfall locations for the electrical cable.  Applications submitted and permits/licenses secured by Epsilon included an Expanded Environmental Notification Form (no EIR was required), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Section 10/404 permits, 401 Water Quality Certification, a Chapter 91 License, CZM Consistency Certification, a NPDES Construction General Permit, Endangered Species Assessments, FAA Approval for new transmission towers, and Conservation Commission approvals in three towns.  Epsilon represented the client at all agency and public meetings and coordinated sub-consultant tasks including a marine survey, onshore and offshore cultural resources investigations, and eelgrass surveys.  The submarine cable was installed in winter 2005-2006 and became active in spring 2006.