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Damage Assessment
 Damage assessment is one of the first steps in site characterization after a chemical spill or chemical release. Damage assessments typically involve an evaluation of damaged or lost resources and systematic chemical characterization of water, soil, sediment, and biota. A damage assessment conducted by Benchmark usually includes the identification and characterization of an appropriate reference site. The resources and chemical characteristics of a potentially injured site, are compared to a reference site using procedures developed by the EPA and TCEQ.
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Site Selection
 If habitat mitigation or restoration is required, Benchmark scientists will evaluate available property to identify candidate sites. Site selection involves surveying, habitat evaluation and mapping. Benchmark scientists will determine what modifications are required at each candidate site to provide the required mitigation. Site selection is often a part of mitigation plan development. The best candidate mitigation site is selected based on the development potential of each site and the specific mitigation requirements. A mitigation plan usually includes a description of the selected site, and a detailed plan for the mitigation project.
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Wetland Delineation and Mapping
 Wetland delineation is an important ecological service in many parts of the United States. Federal regulations prohibit the net loss of jurisdictional wetlands and degradation of other types of natural habitat. Benchmark scientists are trained wetland delineators, who evaluate intertidal zones, upland habitat, forested wetlands, riparian zones, and prairie wetlands. Wetland delineations are usually conducted to identify and quantify habitats that must receive special consideration when development or site modification is proposed. Site plans might use delineation data to avoid sensitive habitat or prepare wetland mitigation plans. Wetland classification and mapping is an important part of a delineation. Benchmark scientists develop accurate, geo-referenced habitat maps which can be used to calculate size, elevation, and location relative to other habitats.
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 08 July 2008 )
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