WHAT WE DO
Westward delivers comprehensive environmental consulting services, specializing in turnkey solutions and regulatory compliance across air, water, and general environmental domains. Our team of engineers and scientists employs industry-leading practices to deliver specific services in air modeling and permitting, water resource management, and environmental assessment and remediation. These services encompass permitting, modeling, monitoring, compliance audits, stormwater management, site assessments, and contamination remediation. By partnering with Westward, clients benefit from streamlined environmental management processes that ensure adherence to all pertinent regulations while optimizing operational efficiency.
Westward’s Geology group offers comprehensive subsurface characterization services throughout the United States and in Mexico, Argentina, and the Caribbean. Our team of experienced professional geoscientists and geologists utilize advanced techniques for site characterization, including 3D modeling and geophysics, to deliver in-depth geological assessments for exploration, mining, and environmental projects. We create detailed roadmaps for frac sand, aggregate, and water/groundwater assessment initiatives, while also considering environmental sensitivities. Each project is different, and our diverse expertise allows us to provide valuable insights for a wide range of geological applications, ensuring clients have a thorough understanding of subsurface conditions and potential impacts at their sites. Westward has also prepared and submitted S-K 1300 reports currently required by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for disclosure by publicly traded mining companies.
Westward offers comprehensive engineering services across industrial, civil, land, and water sectors. Our services support every stage of the project lifecycle, from early planning to final completion. We focus on key phases like site characterization, feasibility studies, detailed design, permitting, construction oversight, and site closure. Our engineering services include floodplain modeling, water treatment designs, public water supply systems, detention/retention systems and diverse civil design services. Projects we manage range from groundwater wells for frac sand plant processing to full-service civil development services. By combining technology and proven engineering principles, we collaborate with clients to deliver solutions that meet their goals and regulatory standards.
Westward is committed to the responsible stewardship of water resources, soil, vegetation, and wildlife through our comprehensive ecology and natural resource division. We offer a wide range of services, including wildlife and habitat assessments, stream and wetland delineations, and strategic conservation/restoration and mitigation planning. Our team provides expert guidance on adhering to Sections 401 and 404 of the Clean Water Act, state resource protection code compliance (30 TAC Chapters 65 & 69), Section 7 consultations, Section 10 permitting, and regional/municipal code requirements. We routinely collaborate with local, state, and national agencies to ensure efficient and proper project compliance and outcomes.
Westward offers a comprehensive suite of specialized assessments, including karst surveys to identify surface recharge features, bathymetry assessments, and stockpile volume measurements. We also regularly conduct assessments to assess endangered species habitats, ordinary high water marks and structural geology features. Our team leverages advanced drone technology to efficiently collect data in diverse terrains. With our expertise and state-of-the-art equipment, we deliver accurate results for your specific project requirements.
The Westward Health & Safety team is dedicated to safeguarding your work place and workforce to enhance productivity. We provide expert assistance with a comprehensive range of MSHA and OSHA compliance regulations and offer industrial hygiene programs, including respiratory hazard analysis, and noise and dust monitoring. Our services also include support for hazardous waste management, employee safety, emergency equipment, and noise level testing, ensuring that your company remains in full compliance with all relevant safety standards. Our goal is to assist your company in maintaining a safe work environment for all employees.
ECOLOGY & NATURAL RESOURCES
Ecology & Natural Resources
Westward is committed to the responsible stewardship of water resources, soil, vegetation, and wildlife through our comprehensive ecology and natural resource division. We offer a wide range of services, including wildlife and habitat assessments, stream and wetland delineations, and strategic conservation/restoration and mitigation planning. Our team provides expert guidance on adhering to Sections 401 and 404 of the Clean Water Act, state resource protection code compliance (30 TAC Chapters 65 & 69), Section 7 consultations, Section 10 permitting, and regional/municipal code requirements. We routinely collaborate with local, state, and national agencies to ensure efficient and proper project compliance and outcomes.
Clean Water Act: Section 404 Compliance
Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (CWA) protects water sources and regulates discharge of dredge or fill material into waters of the United States. Projects that fall into this category include infrastructure and fill for development, dams and mining projects, and other in-channel projects.
Waters of the U.S. Services
- Desktop Assessments – Preliminary Review and Due Diligence
- Stream and Wetlands Delineations
- Jurisdictional Determinations – Approved and Preliminary
- Texas Rapid Assessment Method (TXRAM)
- Hydrogeomorphic Method (HGM & iHGM)
- Impacts Analysis
- Avoidance and Minimization Strategies
- Section 401 and 402 Compliance – TCEQ
- Section 404 (f) Exemptions
- Section 404 Authorizations:
- Nationwide Permit (NWP) and Pre-Construction Notification (PCN)
- Letters of Permission (LOP)
- Regional and Programmatic General Permits
Compensatory Mitigation
- Permittee-Responsible Mitigation (PRM)
- Mitigation Banking
Protected Species Compliance
Endangered Species Act Compliance
The Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973 provides a framework to conserve and protect endangered and threatened plants and animal species and their habitats. To navigate this important piece of legislation, our team of biologists can assist with the following services:
- Desktop Review
- Habitat Assessments
- Presence/Absence Surveys
- Regional Habitat Conservation Plan (RHCP) creation and compliance
- Section 7 Consultations
- Section 10 Incidental Take Permits
- Candidate Conservation Agreements, Agreements with Assurances (CCA/CCAAs)
Migratory Bird Treaty Act Compliance
Bald and Golden Eagle Act State Protected Species
- Desktop Review
- Habitat Assessments
- Presence/Absence Surveys
- Aquatic Resource Relocation Plans (ARRP)
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
The ultimate goal of the NEPA is to foster action that protects, restores and enhances our environment. This is achieved through the utilization of environmental assessments (EA) and environmental impact statements (EIS), which provide public officials relevant information to review and examine the potential environmental consequences of each proposed project.
Our team can assist with Categorical Exclusions, Environmental Assessments (EA), Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), Environmental Information Document (EID) and Federal Emergency Management Agency Endangered Species Compliance or “FEMA Letters.”
Municipal Environmental Assessments
Counties and cities each have unique environmental assets and considerations that are subject to regulation. Our team routinely interacts with city and county authorities to facilitate and finalize necessary permitting and documentation for our clients.
Some of our most requested services are related to:
- City of Austin and Travis County
- Critical Environmental Feature (CEF) Survey and Due Diligence
- Environmental Resource Inventory (ERI)
- Erosion Hazard Zone Analysis
- Functional Assessment of Floodplain Health
- Municipal Development Code Compliance (e.g. Watershed Protection)
- Land Stewardship Plans
ASSESSMENTS
Assessments
Westward offers a comprehensive suite of specialized assessments, including karst surveys to identify surface recharge features, bathymetry assessments, and stockpile volume measurements. We also regularly conduct assessments to assess endangered species habitats, ordinary high water marks and structural geology features. Our team leverages advanced drone technology to efficiently collect data in diverse terrains. With our expertise and state-of-the-art equipment, we deliver accurate results for your specific project requirements.
HEALTH & SAFETY
Health & Safety
The Westward Health & Safety team is dedicated to safeguarding your work place and workforce to enhance productivity. We provide expert assistance with a comprehensive range of MSHA and OSHA compliance regulations and offer industrial hygiene programs, including respiratory hazard analysis, and noise and dust monitoring. Our services also include support for hazardous waste management, employee safety, emergency equipment, and noise level testing, ensuring that your company remains in full compliance with all relevant safety standards. Our goal is to assist your company in maintaining a safe work environment for all employees.
UnEarth the Possibilities
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