Biological Assessments.

From a “No Effect” to an “Adverse Effect” our team can do it all.

Environmental assessments under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), including Biological Assessments (BAs) and Biological Evaluations (BEs) are necessary when a proposed project has the potential to impact listed species or critical habitat. These assessments are crucial for ensuring compliance with the ESA and protecting endangered and threatened species and their habitats.

Assessments are needed when a project involves activities such as land development, construction, mining, logging, or infrastructure development that could affect listed species or their habitats. They are also required for projects that involve federal funding, permits, or approvals, as federal agencies are obligated to ensure that their actions do not jeopardize the continued existence of listed species or result in the destruction or adverse modification of critical habitat.

Our assessment process typically involves identifying potentially affected species and habitats within a project site, evaluating the potential impacts of the project on these species and habitats, and developing measures to avoid, minimize, or mitigate any adverse effects. This process helps ensure that projects are designed and implemented in a way that minimizes harm to endangered and threatened species and their habitats, while allowing for necessary development and economic activities to proceed.

Below is a breakdown of the categories under the ESA, from "No Effect" to "Likely to Adversely Affect":

• No Effect: This category is assigned when a proposed project is determined to have no effect on listed species or critical habitat. In such cases, no further consultation is typically required under the ESA.

• May Affect, Not Likely to Adversely Affect (NLAA): This category is used when a proposed project may affect listed species or critical habitat, but the effects are not expected to be adverse. This determination is often made when mitigation measures are in place to minimize impacts. It requires informal consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and/or the National Marine Fisheries Service.

• Likely to Adversely Affect (LAA): This category is assigned when a proposed project is likely to adversely affect listed species or critical habitat. In such cases, formal consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and/or the National Marine Fisheries Service is required to develop measures to minimize or offset the adverse effects.