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Bettyejo Zielinski

Wetland Mitigation Monitoring, Muskegon County

By Projects, Wetlands

2019 – 2025

LEI led a wetland mitigation design and monitoring project for a long-term client to off-set wetland impacts under Part 303.

LEI worked with regulatory agencies to locate a feasible site, negotiate permit conditions, and design a resilient wetland ecosystem. As a result of impacted wetlands at a nearby commercial development, this robust wetland ecosystem was constructed.

Following mitigation wetland design and construction oversight, LEI continues to monitor the wetland to assess the effectiveness and ecological integrity of the constructed wetland. Our multidisciplinary team of Scientists, Hydrogeologists, and Engineers monitor key indicators such as vegetation health, wildlife, groundwater, and overall ecosystem functionality. Adaptive management strategies are implemented, as needed. The project aims to evaluate the success of wetland mitigation in terms of biodiversity enhancement, habitat restoration, and overall ecosystem resilience over a five-year period and presents annual progress to regulatory agencies.

Michigan Environmental Compliance Conference

By News

LEI attended the Michigan Environmental Compliance Conference on June 5-6, 2024, hosted in Lansing, Michigan. Technical sessions covered topics such as EGLE’s various permitting programs, updates on rules and regulations, treatment and sampling technologies and procedures, and more. LEI was able to network with EGLE staff, local laboratories, environmental product vendors, and other environmental consultants.

MFPA Annual Convention

By News

LEI attended the Michigan Food Processors Association (MFPA) Annual Convention at Boyne Mountain Resort. LEI partnered with Varnum and hosted a patio reception with the MFPA processors and suppliers. On Day 2, prior to the golf outing, speakers presented to the group on topics ranging from AI and Plant Research to grant opportunities available through MDARD.

Wildlife, Threatened, and Endangered Species Survey – Southwest Michigan

By Wetlands

October 2023

In compliance with Township ordinance, Lakeshore Environmental conducted a wildlife impact survey spanning a 133-acre farmed property. This endeavor aimed not only to identify and record the species inhabiting the site but also to pay special attention to threatened and endangered species.

With LEI’s team of experienced research Scientists, standard and random transects were established to ensure data collected was comprehensive and representative of the Site as a whole.  Through both visual, physical, and auditory analysis, LEI was able to characterize and make best management practice recommendations with regard to the potential and observed wildlife, threatened, and endangered species onsite.

Complex Wetland Determinations and Delineations

By Projects, Wetlands

July 2023

Wetland science isn’t always straightforward, as proven by a recent wetland delineation on farmland slated for development. LEI’s team of Wetland Scientists completed a delineation on the drained farmland in order to keep the project on schedule. The Site, which appeared straightforward upon preliminary review, had been farmed for generations.

In a few drained and isolated portions of the Site, wetland indicators for hydrology and hydric soil were met while the predominance of upland plants made these areas appear as upland. Through use of Chapter 5 of the USACE NCNE Regional Supplement, LEI determined that the problematic hydrophytic criteria had been met and this portion of the Site was in fact wetland.

That said, through interpretation of Part 303 exemptions and surface water connectivity, LEI was able to work with the Michigan Department of Great Lakes and Energy to come to a resolution in order to keep the planned project moving forward.