At Palmer Biological, we specialize in helping
clients through the process of permitting and performing
field work while making decisions that will speed up the
project and save money. We work closely with regulatory
agencies involved, as well as other contractors on the
job-site, in order to see the project through to a
successful completion. The following are some of the
projects in which Palmer Biological Services, LLC have been
involved:
McDonald Class 2 Overlay invasive/exotic removal
project - A waterfront property owner in New
Smyrna Beach, Florida is required to remove Brazilian
Pepper trees from the shoreline of his property. Palmer
Biological working with XotixVM permitted and performed the
required work for the project. Brazilian
Pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius)
typically outcompetes native species such as black, red and
white mangroves. Removal of the exotic species allows
native plants to return and provides enhanced wildlife
habitat. (See Pics)
Calden Airport - A 180 acre parcel of
upland pasture and depressional wetlands is to become a
private airport and fly-in community. Palmer Biological
worked with the property owner, engineer, and land
surveyors to delineate the wetlands and locate endangered
species on the parcel. Working with the St. Johns River Water Management
District staff, we were able to design the runway
around all environmental concerns eliminating the need
for time consuming and costly permitting.
Tomoka Water Treatment Plant - A 30 acre
wooded parcel that contained a large Bay/Cypress swamp area
required field location of numerous Gopher Tortoise burrows
as well as a wetland delineation. The project engineer,
Quentin Hampton Associates, was able to
plan the location of roads and infrastructure so that
the site would remain mostly wooded, and tortoises
would be able to remain on the property.
Fleet Tortoise Relocation - a dense
population of Gopher Tortoises live on a parcel of land
slated for development in New Smyrna Beach...the property
owners initially wanted all of the burrows trapped and the
animals relocated. Consultation with the owners resulted in
the clearing of a smaller area of the property, requiring
the trapping and relocation of only five of the tortoises.
Palmer Biological's staff involvement in this project
resulted in the protection of an established tortoise
population consisting of many adult male, female, and
juvenile animals. Tortoise relocation guidelines are
accessible on the FWC website.
Gonzalez Property Scrub Jay Survey - a
lakefront parcel in Deltona was to be cleared for a private
residence. Volusia County Environmental Management (VCEM)
required a 5 day Scrub Jay survey to be performed prior to
any development of the property. These surveys involve the
placement of call stations, and the playing of actual Scrub
Jay calls. If the birds respond, there may be an active
group of Jays defending the area. In this case, none of the
birds were observed on or near the property. Click the link
for Scrub Jay Survey requirements.
Grand Haven and Plantation Bay Retention
Ponds - These two large Palm Coast developments
were experiencing similar problems; uncontrolled growth of
blue-green algae in their retention ponds. Palmer
Biological performed water sampling, including algae ID.
The results and a series of recommendations were presented
at a conference of managers and concerned homeowners at
Grand Haven. Management staff then developed a series of
guidelines and a pond management program to reduce nutrient
runoff and properly treat the ponds to control the nuisance
algae.
Lake Beresford Water Association - A
devastating tornado ripped through this community,
destroying the water plant office. Many records were lost,
and existing permits were allowed to lapse. Palmer
Biological was hired to work with the St. Johns River Water
Management District and LBWA management to bring the system
back into compliance.