Oil, Gas, Energy, & Renewables
Oil/Gas
Texas LNG Project, Cameron County, Texas
Project Scientist
Mr. Bernier developed a Biological Assessment (BA) for a proposed liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal in Brownsville, Texas. The BA evaluated the potential impacts of the project on federally-listed endangered species including northern aplomado falcon (Falco femoralis), piping plover (Charadrius melodus), red knot (Calidris canutus), red-crowned parrot (Amazona viridigenalis), Sprague’s pipit (Anthus spragueii), Gulf Coast jaguarondi (Puma yagourandi), ocelot (Leopardus pardalis), West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus), sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus), South Texas ambrosia (Ambrosia cheiranthifolia), Texas ayenia (Ayenia limitaris), green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas), hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys kempii), loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta), and leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea). Mr. Bernier also supported in-field surveys and habitat assessments for those federally-listed rare species as well as Texas tortoise (Gopherus berlandieri)
Detroit Metro Access Pipeline, Monroe, Washtenaw, and Wayne Counties, Michigan
Project Scientist
Mr. Bernier was responsible for delineating an approximately 4.5 mile section of proposed pipeline in proximity to the Detroit Metro Airport in support of a proposed fuels pipeline. He also completed an in-field feasibility study investigating the suitability of potential compensatory wetland mitigation sites. Mr. Bernier was also responsible for completing a rare species survey for cup plant (Silphium perfoliatum), goldenseal (Hydrastis candensis), three-awned grass (Aristada dichotoma), and beaked sedge (Carex rostrata). He successfully identified two previously unknown populations of cup plant and beaked sedge located adjacent to the proposed pipeline right-of-way.
Energy
3419 Transmision Line, Ludlow to Hampden, Hampden County, Massachusetts
Ecological Scientist
Mr. Bernier completed a wetland delineation and habitat assessment along a 12 mile stretch of transmission line in support of an access road construction project. Over 30 wetlands and watercourses were identified. The delineations were conducted in accordance with the Massachusetts Bordering Vegetated Wetlands Delineation Manual as well as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' 1987 Wetland Delineation Handbook and the Northcentral Northeast Regional Supplement. The results of the delineation were used in support of a Notice of Intent under the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act, Section 401 Water Quality Certificate, and a Section 404 General Permit.
Sister Lakes Transmission Line, Cass and VanBuren Counties, Michigan
Project Scientist
Mr. Bernier completed a wetland delineation and rare species habitat assessment for an approximately 25-mile transmission line in southwestern Michigan. More than 20 individual wetlands were identified as part of the delineation including several high quality buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis) scrub-shrub wetlands and a peat bog. Mr. Bernier also completed a rare species habitat assessment for federally-listed Indiana bats (Myotis sodalis) and northern long-eared bats (Myotis septentrionalis) and the state-listed Blanding’s turtle (Emys blandingii).
Brockton Substation, Brockton, Plymouth County, Massachusetts
Project Scientist
Mr. Bernier was responsible for monitoring a restored wetland community as part of a compensatory mitigation effort as part of an upgrade to an electrical substation. Monitoring included documenting the successful restoration of hydrophytic vegetation, hydrology, and hydric soils as well as confirming that the conditions of the regulatory authorizations were successfully met. Additionally, Mr. Bernier was also responsible for the implementation of an invasive species control plan targeting barnyard grass which had become well established within the mitigation area. Control efforts consisted of the mechanical removal of individuals so as reduce potential disturbance to the restored wetland habitat.
Renewable Energy
Nexamp Solar Photovoltaic Facility, Hubbardston, Worcester County, Massachusetts
Project Scientist
Mr. Bernier supported efforts to survey for state-protected wood turtles (Glyptemys insculpta) and other turtles along an area of exclusion fence separating natural habitats from an area of habitat restoration. Surveys included traversing the area adjacent to the exclusion fencing as well as throughout the restoration work area to locate any turtles and safely relocate them outside of the potential impact area. Mr. Bernier also oversaw construction efforts to remove deposited fill material from within the wetland and the subsequent seeding and mulching of the disturbed areas. Additionally, Mr. Bernier was responsible for working with the Town Conservation Commission and the U.S. Army of Corps Engineers to ensure the Site was in compliance with the applicable local, state, and federal regulations.