The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), in coordination with the EPA, regulate potential impacts to wetlands and other water of the United States (WOTUS) under the Clean Water Act (CWA § 404) and the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 (RHA § 10). A critical distinction exists between wetland classification (the ecological identification of a wetland based on physical, hydrological, and biological indicators) and a jurisdictional determination (a regulatory determination of whether that wetland is federally regulated under the WOTUS definition). The proposed revisions re-define WOTUS and could directly impact landowners, developers, and stakeholders in terms of compliance and permitting obligations. The agencies seek to Read More »
In today’s fast-paced real estate and development market, time is everything. Delays in environmental due diligence can stall transactions, increase costs, and create unnecessary uncertainty. That’s where we come in. At SSCI, we specialize in delivering Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) with unmatched speed and precision—often in just a few business days. Our clients count on us not only for accuracy and compliance, but also for the confidence that comes with knowing their projects won’t be slowed down by lengthy turnaround times. Rapid Turnaround: We understand deadlines. Our streamlined processes and experienced team allow us to Read More »
SSCI specializes in designing RV parks that blend functionality, aesthetics, and guest experience. With extensive expertise in permitting, structural requirements, and infrastructure planning, we ensure our projects reach the finish line. From concept to completion, we deliver RV park environments that attract travelers and maximize long-term value. Let SSCI provide expert-level engineering services for your RV park development. Feasibility studies Storm Drainage Utilities Parking and Paving Traffic TXDoT Permitting Mechanical/Electrical/Plumping COMChecks Driveways Structural
As of March 12th, 2025, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Army Corps of Engineers released a new Memorandum that provides clarity and guidance on the term “continuous surface connection” as related to the definition of Waters of the United States (WOTUS) under the Clean Water Act (CWA). The Memorandum adds new limitations on the EPA’s enforcement abilities and revises older policies and interpretations. The EPA and the Army Corp of Engineers are stepping back from previous interpretations that allowed jurisdiction over wetlands with connections through “discrete features” not natural connectivity. Now, wetlands that are not directly connected to Read More »
Educating the public on the importance of conservation efforts is key, and what better place to start than with our community youth. As a parent, I learned that teaching kids starts at home, and environmental awareness is very important as Earth’s population continues to grow and spread. I chose to enlighten my two children at Armand Bayou Nature Center’s Summer EcoCamp. They loved it so much last year that they wanted to participate again this year. Armand Bayou Nature center provides for children ages 4-13 programs that encourage observation, problem-solving and creativeness in the natural setting of the wetlands. ABNC Read More »
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Wetlands Permitting, Continuing Education
Project Manager, Chrystal Fretwell, recently attended a Wetland Permitting Workshop based on the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Regulation and the Clean Water Act (CWA) Enforcement requirements. The workshop included documentation of wetland delineations, review of hydric soils, and performance of a Hydrology and Hydric Soils Field Practicum at Jesse Jones Park and Nature Center in Humble, Texas. Gathering soil data using the Munsell Soil Color Book. Wild strawberries growing at the Jesse Jones Park & Nature Center. Iron deposit fissures in the soil indicate hydric soils. Soil testing location. Mr. Jim Herrington, PWS was the Read More »