Permitting and NEPA Compliance

Environmental Permitting

Cowlitz Falls Fish Collection Facilities

Lewis County PUD
Meridian staff obtained all permits for a new fish collection facility developed at the existing Cowlitz Falls Dam. Permits included Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, SEPA, Hydraulic Project Approval, flood zone approval, building permits, and the NPDES for construction and then operation of the fishery facilities.

Hood River Basin Fish Collection Weirs

Warm Springs Tribe (with D.J. Warren and Associates)
Meridian identified and is obtaining all required permits for several new fish collection weirs that will allow state and tribal fish management activities to continue when Powerdale Dam is removed from the Hood River in 2010. We are part of the design team involved in locating feasible, functional structures in a highly dynamic stream network.

Hydropower Facilities in Washington, Oregon and California

Various utility and private clients
Meridian staff conducted all environmental studies and obtained construction permits for eight new hydropower projects built in the Pacific Northwest, including new dam construction and adding generating facilities to existing dams. We performed NEPA compliance, obtained FERC licenses, conducted agency consultation and obtained all federal, state and local permits for construction and operation of these facilities. Construction occurred on USFS and state park lands and at Corps of Engineers' and Bureau of Reclamation dams.

Environmental Analysis under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)

Lyle Falls Fishway Improvement EIS

Bonneville Power Administration (with DJ Warren and Associates)
Meridian prepared an EIS to modify and expand an existing fishway on the Klickitat River. We performed all NEPA coordination with BPA and analyzed terrestrial, aquatic, recreation, and land use resources. In addition to assisting BPA with NEPA public involvement, Meridian completed a BA that addressed potential effects on Middle Columbia River steelhead and Columbia River bull trout. The project was sponsored by the Yakama Nation.

Southeast Alaska Electronic Communication Sites EAs

AP&T Wireless, Alaska
AP&T is constructing microwave towers at numerous sites to improve communication between communities in southeast Alaska. New sites on the Tongass National Forest required amendments to the Forest Plan to authorize their installation. Meridian prepared NEPA EAs and biological evaluations for each project. The primary issues addressed were effects on visual resources, roadless areas and migratory birds. Meridian also assisted AP&T with construction permitting and mitigation planning.

Chief Joseph Hatchery EIS

Bonneville Power Administration (with DJ Warren and Associates)
Meridian prepared an EIS for a new Chinook salmon hatchery at Chief Joseph Dam on the Columbia River, a project that also involved modification and construction of several rearing ponds in the Okanogan River watershed. Meridian coordinated all NEPA compliance with BPA and the Colville Tribes. We analyzed terrestrial, aquatic, recreation, cultural resources and land use effects. Meridian completed a Biological Assessment with S.H. Smith Fisheries Consulting that was approved by NMFS and the USFWS.

Port Townsend Water Supply EA

City of Port Townsend
For continued operation of the City's water supply system, partially located on the Olympic National Forest, Meridian completed environmental studies and NEPA documentation. The NEPA EA addressed the effects of diverted water, elevated water temperatures, and the presence of an endangered fish stock. We identified and evaluated alternatives to meet the City's current and projected water needs and to reduce effects on ESA listed species. Permits were successfully renewed.