A logical extension to the baseline monitoring programs conducted by Hanson Environmental are analyses and evaluations of project impacts and development of measures to minimize and mitigate project impacts. Typical environmental impact assessments conducted by Hanson Environmental include the following:
- Assessing the effects of acid-mine drainage, including copper, cadmium, nickel, and other metals on freshwater fish and invertebrate communities;
- Assessing the effects of industrial or municipal discharges on water quality, habitat, and biological communities;
- Evaluating impingement and entrainment losses of fish and macroinvertebrates at water intake or diversion facilities located in freshwater, estuarine, and marine environments;
- Assessing the effects of wetland and riparian habitat alterations associated with variation in stream flow, channelization, dredging, filling, and drainage activities;
- Evaluating the effects of variation in water temperatures and point and non-point source chemical discharges on the health and condition of fish and macroinvertebrates.
A main emphasis of Hanson Environmental is in the development of environmental protection and enhancement measures through a combination of siting, engineering, and operational modifications to reduce potential environmental impacts to a minimum. Direct and indirect project-related impacts, which cannot be avoided are mitigated through a combination of habitat improvement and enhancement activities, off-site mitigation, the use of hatcheries, and other effective mitigation and enhancement techniques.
