Watershed Assessment
and Management


Comprehensive Solutions for Protecting and Sustaining Water Resources
Engineering Management, Inc. (EMI) offers expert watershed assessment and management services to help communities protect their water resources and ensure compliance with environmental regulations. With extensive experience working with local governments throughout the state, EMI is a trusted partner in assessing, managing, and monitoring watershed health. Our services are essential for maintaining the integrity of water systems and supporting sustainable growth.
What is a Watershed Assessment?
A watershed assessment is a detailed evaluation of the chemical, physical, and biological properties of a watershed to determine the current health of streams and water bodies. This process is a crucial component of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting process, which wastewater treatment plants must comply with to operate. Beyond regulatory compliance, watershed assessments provide valuable insights into non-point sources of pollution, the impacts of growth and development on streams and rivers, and the management practices needed to protect and enhance watershed health.
Our Watershed Assessment Services
EMI provides a full range of services to support comprehensive watershed assessments, including:
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Chemical, Physical, and Biological Monitoring: We conduct thorough measurements and analysis of water quality indicators, stream conditions, and biological communities to evaluate the overall health of the watershed.
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Non-Point Source Pollution Identification: Our assessments help identify sources of pollution that are not directly discharged from a specific location, such as runoff from agricultural or urban areas. By understanding these sources, we can develop strategies to mitigate their impact on water quality.
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Impact Prediction and Management Recommendations: EMI assesses the potential effects of future growth and development on the watershed. We provide actionable recommendations for management practices that help protect water quality and manage watershed health as communities expand.
Watershed Management and Long-Term Monitoring
Watershed management is the final and critical component of a watershed assessment. Based on the findings of the assessment, EMI develops comprehensive watershed protection and management plans that local governments must implement to comply with NPDES permit requirements. Our plans include targeted management activities designed to maintain or improve water quality and ecosystem health.
Ongoing Monitoring Services
EMI maintains ongoing contracts with multiple local governments to provide long-term monitoring services. Continued monitoring is vital for determining the effectiveness of implemented management practices and for identifying new issues as they arise. Our monitoring services include:
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Seasonal and Event-Based Sampling: We conduct water quality sampling during different seasons and significant rain events to track changes and trends in the watershed.
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Bioassessments: These evaluations of aquatic life help gauge the health of the ecosystem and the effectiveness of management practices.
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Data Analysis and Reporting: EMI analyzes monitoring data to assess progress and make recommendations for further action if needed.
Why Watershed Assessments Matter
Watershed assessments and management are not only required for regulatory compliance but are also essential for safeguarding community water resources. They provide a foundation for informed decision-making that balances development with environmental protection, ensuring that streams, rivers, and other water bodies remain healthy and resilient.
Partner with EMI for Watershed Health
With a proven track record of success across the state, EMI is dedicated to helping communities protect their watersheds and comply with environmental regulations. Our team of experts combines technical knowledge with practical experience to deliver effective solutions tailored to your community’s needs