Epsilon assisted the Nantucket Airport Commission analyze terminal expansion alternatives, runway safety area enhancements, construction of new taxiways, and other proposed airside and landside improvements to the Nantucket Memorial Airport, one of the busiest airports in Massachusetts.  A key environmental challenge included protecting nearly 20 state protected plants, moths, and bird species.  As part of this issue, Epsilon designed and implemented a comprehensive floristic and protected plant survey on airport property.  During this survey, numerous protected plants were identified on the airport.  To better identify suitable habitats for rare plants and other rare species, Epsilon also developed a detailed vegetation community map for the site. 

Epsilon is directing the Swansea Desalination Project through environmental permitting process. The project proposes to withdraw 2.0 million gallons a day (mgd) of brackish water from the Palmer River to generate 1.3 mgd of potable drinking water. Early in the project review phase Epsilon contacted the MA Natural Heritage and Endangered (NHESP) program regarding the possible presence of state protected plant or animal species. NHESP responded that the Palmer River near the project site was possible habitat for several state protected plant species. To asses the potential for the project to affect these species, Epsilon designed and implemented a season long botanical survey. During the survey, Epsilon did not find any rare plant species near the project site though rare plant species were found in areas well beyond the potential influence of the project. In a report of the protect plant survey Epsilon concluded that the project would not result in the “take” of protected plant species. NHESP agreed with Epsilon’s conclusion.

Epsilon assisted Williams College and Vincent P. Guntlow Associates completed a protected plant species on a site that was planned for mitigation for wetland impacts as part of the Latham Street Athletic field in Williamstown, MA. In correspondence from the Massachusetts Natural Heritage and Endangered Species program, they identified Crooked Stem Aster as potentially occurring on the site. Epsilon’s protected plant survey identified the rare plant on the site in several locations. Based on the botanical information collected by Epsilon the client was able to avoid protected plant impacts and provide other adequate mitigation for the Athletic Field Project.