Environmental & Geotechnical
Our Knowledge of Natural Systems Protects the Environment & Elevates Engineering Solutions
RH2’s environmental scientists, ecologists, biologists, hydrogeologists, and geotechnical engineers help communities move projects forward with clarity, confidence, and regulatory compliance. Our teams understand that successful infrastructure depends on expert understanding of natural systems, including streams, wetlands, habitats, soils and groundwater as well as the regulations that govern them. With some of the region’s most respected specialists on our team, we help clients navigate complexity, avoid costly delays, and design solutions that last.
Whether we are evaluating critical areas, coordinating project permits, supporting construction, or guiding the design of foundations, slopes, mitigations, reservoirs, retaining walls and pipelines, we focus on practical solutions that protect resources and keep essential projects on track.
Environmental Planning & Permitting
Our environmental team delivers technical expertise, regulatory understanding, and industry relationships that allow us to successfully navigate our projects through the permitting process. We provide technically accurate and exceptional assessment of environmental resources, clear documentation, effective agency coordination, and practical, defensible solutions. We offer:
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Wetland and stream delineations, habitat assessments and surveys, classification of environmental resources, and Critical Areas Ordinance compliance.
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SEPA and local land use permit preparation and compliance.
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Floodplain Development, Shoreline Master Program, Washington Hydraulic Code, and Clean Water Act permitting.
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Compensatory mitigation design, construction implementation, and monitoring.
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NEPA compliance and environmental review through various federal agencies and funding programs, including funding-specific permit compliance and agency coordination.
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MBTA, BGEPA, ESA, and EFH compliance, including surveys, reporting, biological evaluations, and federal/state/local/tribal coordination.
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Construction-phase permitting, environmental monitoring, inspection, and compliance.
Geotechnical Engineering
Our geotechnical team provides the subsurface insight and engineering judgment needed to design safe, reliable facilities, from tanks and pump stations to pipelines, retaining structures, and pavements. We provide:
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Site investigations, borings, test pits, and lab analysis.
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Seismic risk evaluation.
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Foundation evaluations including bearing capacity, settlement and ground improvement.
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Practical design recommendations for foundations, retaining walls, and earthwork.
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Geotechnical baseline reports and construction support.
Hydrogeology
We support long-term water supply and resource stewardship by understanding and managing groundwater systems. Our work includes:
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Municipal well siting, design, drilling oversight, and aquifer testing.
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Groundwater/surface water interaction evaluations.
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Wellhead protection evaluation.
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Infiltration testing and hydrogeologic assessments for stormwater.
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Water rights support and regulatory coordination.
Why Communities Trust RH2
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Respected expertise. Our environmental and geotechnical staff are known across the region for high-quality work, strong technical judgment, regulatorily compliant designs, and reliable documentation that reviewers trust.
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Clear communication. We anticipate regulatory questions, facilitate early and ongoing conversations, and help clients understand risks, opportunities, and the most efficient path forward.
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Integrated design partnership. Our environmental and geotechnical specialists work closely with RH2’s civil, structural, electrical, and other technical teams to streamline project delivery and reduce surprises during permitting and construction.
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Dedicated team. We are professionals who are passionate about the work we do and our contribution toward bettering our communities. Our teams consistently bring this dedication to our projects and clients.
Thinking about Joining Our Team?
You’ll work alongside some of the Pacific Northwest’s most respected environmental and geological professionals, professionals who are recognized by regulatory agencies for their expertise and valued by clients for their practical, thoughtful solutions. New hires gain hands-on experience in the field and with multidisciplinary teams, contribute to projects that protect natural resources, and help shape resilient infrastructure in communities across the region.
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