element-solutions

Experienced Wetland / Biologist / Environmental Scientist

Thu, 19 Jan 2023 18:47:17 GMT

Experienced Wetland / Biologist / Environmental Scientist – Bellingham, WA

Element Solutions and Pacific Surveying & Engineering (PSE) are interested in hearing from Biological and/or Wetland Scientists who can re-establish Element's ability to provide these types of environmental consulting services throughout northwest Washington. Applicants must have applicable professional certifications and several years of professional work experience that demonstrates their ability to independently conduct and oversee projects appropriate for the discipline. Element and PSE offer a collaborative multi-disciplinary atmosphere and strive to meet a wide range of project needs. This role will allow the right candidate the opportunity to achieve their professional goals with the assistance and support of our established environmental science team. Competitive compensation TBD based on experience and qualifications - specifics of pay range and benefits disclosed after initial vetting and mutual agreement of the nature of the position. If interested, please contact us to discuss further. We are excited to hear from you!

If you have questions, or would like to apply, please introduce yourself using the link below. We will reply with instructions on how to submit more information and answer any questions you have.

Whatcom County Flooding & Landslides

Tue, 16 Nov 2021 22:39:07 GMT

Flooding along the Nooksack River has caused significant damage throughout Whatcom County during a record-setting rain event during mid-November, 2021. As a cold front leaves us with clear skies, water continues to funnel from the mountains into our large rivers and flood several lowland communities. This event highlights the power of our river systems, and shows the importance of monitoring, mapping, and modeling our drainages so that we can predict and prepare for similar events in the future.

Beginning in early November, rain continued to fall across the Puget Sound region before culminating with the arrival of a large atmospheric river weather system. This storm system, which was felt particularly hard in the Whatcom and Skagit Counties, was proceeded by several pulses of high-elevation snow in the cascades. The atmospheric river brought warm air and significant moisture, which fell onto and melted a significant portion of the recently-deposited snowpack. An NWAC weather station at Heather Meadows recorded approximately 15 inches of rainfall and the loss of nearly 3 feet of snow between the 11th and 16th. At the same time, 72-hour rainfall totals leading up to the 15th across the Whatcom County foothills commonly reached 7-9 inches. Significant to say the least.

During this prolonged rain event, soils across the region became oversaturated and effectively lost their ability to store any additional water. Thus, rainfall during the strongest periods of the storm was quickly directed to the stream and river systems downslope. This rapid transport brings with it rapid erosion in the form of landslides, mudflows, and rockfalls. Perhaps most notable in Whatcom County was the deep-seated landslide which temporarily closed all north and south-bound lanes of I-5 just north of Lake Samish between milepost 246 and 247. Three landslides were reported along the northbound lanes within this small stretch.

Significant rain and flood events such as the November 21' event are important reminders of the risks posed to new and old development located near steep slopes and running waters. Careful consideration must be taken when considering what may seem to be unimaginable conditions that can develop during historic-level weather events.

Spring Into Construction!

Fri, 16 Apr 2021 00:22:06 GMT

The dry season is rapidly approaching and with it comes more earthwork construction! The team of Geologists at Element is ready to help owners, developers, and contractors alike by providing geotechnical expertise for construction support in the upcoming season.

Surprises happen during site preparation and earthwork construction that can cause significant delays or add unexpected costs to a project. Element’s team has a strong background in construction phase consultation, and can help advise you on difficult issues where a qualified recommendation can have a big impact. We specialize in subgrade verification, T-probe and proof-roll observations, overexcavation and stabilization guidance, geotechnical pile observation and documentation, drainage troubleshooting, and much more. Keep us in mind when challenging soil conditions are anticipated or unexpectedly encountered on your site this construction season.

Element can also offer timely auxiliary services that can arise during construction. We will help you confirm geotechnical soil parameters for suitability with design during the construction phase. We perform in-situ PIT-testing and visual inspections for drainage and stormwater facility construction verifications. Element staff can also provide geotechnical retaining wall construction oversight and documentation if required by your building permit. We can also provide temporary cutslope and slope stabilization consultation for problematic areas requiring creative solutions to ensure temporary excavation or long-term slope stability. Our team is ready to act quickly to help you keep your tight schedules and complete projects before the rain comes again.

A New Drainage Assessed for an Alluvial Fan Geohazard Review

kquillan@elementsolutions.org (Kevin Quillan) — Thu, 15 Apr 2021 23:39:09 GMT

New Alluvial Fan Geohazard Review

Element Solutions recently had the opportunity to investigate a new-to-us alluvial fan deposit and associated stream drainage. As part of our assessment, Element conducted extensive visual reconnaissance of the stream channel that has historically fed sediment and debris onto the alluvial fan surface.

Ordinary High Water Mark (OHWM) Study Lake Whatcom

Thu, 25 Feb 2021 22:05:02 GMT

The Shoreline Management Act (SMA) enacted by the Washington State legislature in 1971 requires most towns and cities to develop and implement Shoreline Master Programs (SMPs) to help preserve and protect Washington’s natural waters. The Ordinary High Water Mark (OHWM) must be determined on a site-by-site basis in order to properly implement the rules and guidelines found in the Shoreline Master Program.

Element recently performed an OHWM assessment along the northern shore of Lake Whatcom for a client proposing to make a new addition to an existing residence. Permit requirements specify that the new addition must be constructed in compliance with the current Shoreline Master Program of Whatcom County. The program states that the shoreline setback must be 100-feet from the OHWM of lakes greater than 20-acres in size. Thus, the study was required to accurately determine the OHWM on the property.

Element geologists completed a detailed site reconnaissance of the shoreline and adjacent areas to identify several field indicators of the OHWM. Due to the artificially altered nature of the shoreline along this portion of the lake, close attention was needed to delineate key OHWM features. Water stains and dried filamentous algal growth lines were noted on several piers and bulkheads. Additionally, roots were exposed along the base of several scrubs approaching the beach, signaling erosion due to repetitive wave action. Element determined that the elevation of a small topographic break along the sandy beach correlated strongly with the various indicators. This feature was hand-surveyed, mapped, and flagged in the field. We provided a letter report summarizing the field reconnaissance, our detailed site and shoreline description, and conclusions for the OHWM determination for permit submittal.