Services
Natural Resource Consultation
Wildland Hydrology, Water Quality and Quantity, Wetland Determinations and Delineations
Basic Biological Services has decades of experience working with natural channel design techniques for river and stream restoration projects. We complement restoration projects with vegetation by design that is best suited for proper hydrologic function and habitat value. BBS can perform simple wetland determinations and extensive and complex wetland delineations. We also offer water discharge measurements for ditch and canal seepage loss issues, as well as a variety of water sampling protocols for physical, chemical, and biological characterization of water quality.
Aquatic Habitat Assessment and Design, Soil Amendment Strategies, Seed Mix and Planting Design
BBS uses simple design tools and software for revegetation of aquatic, riparian, and wetland habitat improvement projects. We ensure that our recommended plant species are compatible with project objectives and micro-site characteristics. BBS designs and installs Beaver Dam Analogues for water conservation and wetland enhancement. Our experience with soil amendments and application technologies provides assurance that revegetation is rapid and successful. We prepare seed mixes and planting arrangements by design to ensure that cost is balanced with form and function.
Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan and Water Use Investigations
BBS has experience with Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) preparation, implementation, and monitoring for large linear construction and major mining projects. We assess the unique characteristics of soils, landscapes, surface water drainage patterns, and how they are affected by construction activities. Our emphasis is the use of appropriate vegetation and planting techniques for rapid site revegetation, and BBS is fluent with Erosion and Sediment Control (ESC) design and installation using Rolled Erosion Control Products (RECP). Proper drainage design and runoff routing, in conjunction with the use of bioswales, improves compliance with SWPPPs and ESC BMPs. BBS models erosion control best management practice alternatives with RUSLE 2.2.3 and other state-of-the-art RECP manufacture software. We prescribe and implement the use of polyacrylamide (PAM) technologies for soil stabilization and suspended sediment flocculation. BBS can conduct thorough investigations of simple water distribution and seepage loss challenges in irrigation water systems.
Vegetation and Natural Resource Inventory, Assessment, Reporting, Planning, and Permitting
BBS uses simple design tools and software for revegetation of aquatic, riparian, and wetland habitat improvement projects. We ensure that our recommended plant species are compatible with project objectives and micro-site characteristics. BBS designs and installs Beaver Dam Analogues for water conservation and wetland enhancement. Our experience with soil amendments and application technologies provides assurance that revegetation is rapid and successful. We prepare seed mixes and planting arrangements by design to ensure that cost is balanced with form and function.
Litigation Support, Third Party Expert Opinions, Natural Resource and Land Use Investigations
BBS has provided Litigation Support and Expert Witness Testimony for Montana stream access cases involving the Ordinary High Water Mark and Bankfull Discharge, historic stream access claims, and public/private road right-of-way conflicts. We have provided Expert Witness Opinions for litigation involving vegetation damage claims and stream sediment damage claims. Our litigation support has been provided for Montana water adjudication cases for canal companies, disputes over changes of points of water use, delineations of irrigated acres, and confirmation/validation of historic and modern function of dams, diversions, headgates, canals, ditches, and other water use infrastructure. We have decades of experience with water uses and water distribution infrastructures in support of agriculture, and involvement with Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) planning, and 303(d) listing of impaired streams of Montana.