Education
M.S., Ecology
Florida State University
B.A., Biology
University of South Florida
Expertise
Environmental Permitting
Environmental Impact Assessment
Mitigation Planning and Design
Mitigation Bank Development
Environmental Monitoring
Ecology
Wildlife
Water Quality
Expert Witness Testimony
Project Management
Certifications
PADI Open Water
Professional Affiliations
Tampa Association of Environmental Professionals
Florida Association of Environmental Professionals
Florida Mitigation Banking Association
Community Activities
Presenter, Florida Chamber of Commerce Environmental Permitting Short Course since 1989
Committee member, Manatee County ELMAC, 2001-2005
Florida Airports Council
Environmental Committee
2008-2012
Florida Aquarium – Board of Directors, 2009 to present
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Ms. Birkitt has almost
39 years of experience in the environmental field including 10 years
with state and local regulatory agencies and 10 years with a major
international consulting firm. Her expertise includes environmental
impact studies, state, federal, and local environmental permitting,
NEPA coordination, and Section 7 Consultation, ecosystem restoration,
project management, construction oversight, and regulatory compliance
specializing in wetlands, wildlife, water quality, aquatic ecology,
mitigation and mitigation banking. She has designed and permitted
over 15,000 acres of wetlands restoration and creation projects
throughout the state.
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Experienced in management of large-scale development
and construction projects involving multiple technical disciplines. |
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Proven experience in expediting state, federal,
and local regulatory agency negotiations. |
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Acknowledged ability in construction monitoring
and successful resolution of regulatory compliance issues. |
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Recognized expertise in wetlands restoration,
mitigation and mitigation banking. |
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Qualified as an expert in wetlands, water quality,
and environmental regulations. |
Projects have included linear facilities such
as: natural gas and petroleum products pipelines; roads and other
linear projects; airports; residential and commercial developments;
marinas and ports; municipal parks; wetland mitigation and mitigation
banks; and storm water and domestic and industrial wastewater discharges.
As Principal-in-Charge for all Birkitt projects, Ms. Birkitt oversees
all client services and deliverables, ensuring quality results,
timely completion, and adherence to budgeting constraints.
PROJECT EXPERIENCE
Commercial and Mixed Use Development:
Marketplace at Citrus Park – Costco
– Hillsborough County, FL
Project Director for permitting and zoning support for a proposed
commercial mixed use development on an approximately 32 acre site
in Tampa, FL; includes the construction of a Costco retail anchor
store, four (4) commercial outparcels, and one (1) small office
building. Impacts to over 5 acres of disturbed forested wetlands
are proposed. Birkitt prepared the Impact Justification Report for
the Hillsborough County EPC including assisting the applicant with
preparation of a pro forma and economic justification for the “reasonable
use” assessment. Oversaw preparation of the environmental
portions of the SWFWMD permit application and the USACE permit application.
On-site mitigation design was completed and mitigation plans for
on-site and off-site mitigation were prepared. Permits were obtained
from the Hillsborough County EPC, SWFWMD, and USACE. Birkitt was
responsible for construction oversight and compliance with permit
conditions. Wetlands creation areas on-site and off-site mitigation
areas have been completed. Birkitt will also be providing monitoring
and maintenance services for wetlands mitigation areas.
Waters and Dale Mabry Retail – Wawa
and Aldi – Hillsborough County, FL
Technical advisor assisting in negotiating mitigation for SWFWMD,
USACE, and the Hillsborough County EPC for an approximately 5 acre
Wawa and Aldi site in Tampa, FL. Mitigation options included mitigating
out of basin or non-type for type. Construction is projected to
start in Summer 2016.
Bloomingdale Multi-Use Commerce Center
– Hillsborough County, FL
Project Director for the redevelopment of property in Hillsborough
County to include a mix of uses including commercial retail, office,
and residential which will allow for financial success of the property.
Rezoning approval and an environmental permit are required from
Hillsborough County and an ERP is required from SWFWMD. Construction
of the proposed project will result in a total of approximately
0.95 acres of permanent impacts to the jurisdictional wetland hardwood
forest habitat existing on-site. Birkitt is providing environmental
site review and wetlands jurisdictional delineation and impact assessment.
Birkitt is assisting in preparation of the Hillsborough County EPC
Impact Justification Report including the “reasonable use”
assessment and mitigation quantification and identification. SWFWMD
ERP permits will also be obtained.
Harborview Marina Permitting and DRI –
Charlotte County, FL
Project Director responsible for overseeing the Development of Regional
Impact Substantial Deviation Application; state and federal permitting;
and oversight of hydrographic modeling and marina design services.
Project included residential development (single family, multi family,
and townhouses), a hotel, commercial and retail space, and a 20
acre marina basin along the Peace River of Charlotte County, Florida.
Environmental consulting services included environmental permitting
assessments, threatened and endangered species evaluations, and
biotic community assessments which were conducted to aid in the
marina design and project coordination with other consulting and
engineering firms. Responsible for coordination with state and federal
wildlife resource and regulatory agencies and Section 7 consultation.
Marina operations were designed to be consistent with the FDEP’s
Clean Marina Program.
The Reserve at Sweetwater Estuary –
Taylor County, FL
Project Director and Manager for environmental and permitting services
and project coordination for The Reserve at Sweetwater Estuary Project
on a 3,700-acre parcel along the coast of Taylor County near Keaton
Beach, Florida. Providing oversight of project and team coordination
regarding environmental permitting, wildlife consultation, and associated
design activities. Wetlands jurisdictional delineation, threatened
and endangered species assessment, and site planning assistance
have been provided. Wetlands and seagrass impact assessment and
conceptual mitigation plans were developed. Project has been re-designed
as an environmentally sensitive, “green” development
focused on nature. A previously proposed marina and golf course
has been eliminated from consideration. An ERP has been issued and
the USACE Section 404 Permit application is pending. A detailed
alternatives analysis was prepared for the USACE. Saltmarsh and
freshwater mitigation plans were developed and approved by the Suwannee
River Water Management District.
Residential Development:
Fountains at Falkenburg, EPC Permitting – Hillsborough County,
FL
Principal Consultant providing environmental consulting support
to the project team in meetings with the Hillsborough County EPC
order to obtain entitlements for an affordable housing development
with a commercial development outparcel located at the corner of
south Falkenburg Road and Camden Field Parkway. The project involved
wetland jurisdictional determination, listed species survey, justification
of wetland impacts and extensive coordination with the Hillsborough
County EPC in demonstrating reasonable use of the property.
Aristocrat Apartments (Jai Lai Site) –
Hillsborough County, FL
Project Director for a proposed residential development on a previous
landfill site in Hillsborough County. Birkitt coordinated with the
Hillsborough County EPC regarding the unique nature of wetlands
located in the landfill area and the approach to “reasonable
use” justification for wetlands impacts. Birkitt conducted
wetland delineations and negotiated permits from the SWFWMD, Hillsborough
County EPC, and the USACE. Appropriate mitigation was negotiated
and all permits were obtained.
Multiple due diligence reviews- Hillsborough,
Pinellas, Pasco Counties, FL
Project Director providing reviews of property proposed for development
including wetlands and wildlife surveys, identification of constraints
for site design, and identification of permitting strategies and
mitigation options as needed.
Industry:
Champion International Corporation (International Paper)
– Escambia County, FL
Project Director for services including conducting an environmental
assessment for Champion International Corporation’s proposed
preliminary design, and environmental permitting for an effluent
pipeline to the Escambia River in north Florida. Additional services
included threatened and endangered species surveys, wetlands delineation,
and cultural resources review.
Foley Cellulose Effluent Pipeline – Taylor County,
FL
Project Director for USACE 404 (d) permit reauthorization for the
approximately 15-mile Foley Cellulose (previously Buckeye Florida)
effluent pipeline. Services included field surveys; wetlands, seagrass,
and wildlife assessments; preparation of USACE Section 10/404 permit
application; development of mitigation plan; and permitting negotiations.
A Biological Assessment (BA) was prepared for in-water work to ensure
protection of sea turtles, manatees, and other protected species.
Coordination with NMFS Habitat Conservation Division regarding seagrasses
and Protected Resource Division, USFWS, and the USACE is required.
Buckeye Florida Effluent Pipeline –
Taylor County, FL
Project Manager and technical lead for field surveys for wetlands,
protected species, and cultural resources for an approximately 15-mile
effluent pipeline from the existing mill to the mouth of the Fenholloway
River. The project was designed to ensure compliance with state
Class III water quality standards in the Fenholloway River. Permits
from the FDEP and USACE were obtained. An administrative hearing
was conducted prior to issuance of the state permit.
Restoration:
Rivergarden Park Shoreline Restoration – Hillsborough
County, FL
Project Director for approximately 2,500 linear feet of shoreline
restoration and stabilization at a City of Tampa park on the Hillsborough
River. Oversight of engineering design and development of shoreline
restoration and planting plans was provided. Community meetings
were held to obtain input from adjacent neighborhoods. The project
was partially funded through the SWIM program of SWFWMD. Construction
has been completed.
Alligator Lake Habitat Restoration –
Pinellas County, FL
Project Director for a multi-faceted 35 acre restoration project
funded by Pinellas County and the SWFWMD. Project objectives include
enhancement, restoration, and/or creation of wetlands and uplands
to improve water quality and wading bird habitat in upper Tampa
Bay. Services included management of team of engineers, surveyors,
geotechnical consultants, and biologists. Design and construction
management services are also included. Permits have been issued
and construction is underway. Construction oversight was provided
and construction is complete.
Isolated Wetlands Restoration and Creation
Project – Lake Okeechobee, Lemkin Creek
Project Director for a three year program initiated by the SFWMD
to design and construct isolated wetlands restoration projects to
reduce phosphorous loadings into Lake Okeechobee. The project involves
coordination with landowners, assessment of onsite biological and
hydrological conditions, alternatives evaluation, hydrological modeling,
environmental and engineering design, and development of a wetland
management plan to be implemented by the landowners. Delineation
of an easement boundary and surveying are also required. The first
phase under this project was restoration of a 400 acre site on the
Kirton property. Construction oversight was provided and the construction
has been completed. A second wetlands restoration project, Lemkin
Creek, approximately 80 acres in size was also completed.
FAA QM8 Restoration and Post-Construction
Monitoring – Miami-Dade County, FL
Project Director for the construction management and oversight of
an 80-acre wetland restoration in Miami, FL. The project included
removal of invasive exotics and non-native species through mechanical
excavation and herbicide treatment. Targeted species include those
species on the Florida Exotic Plant and Pest Council’s (FLEPPC)
list and the Department of Environmental Management’s (DERM)
prohibited and controlled plants list, and agricultural planted
crops of papaya, okra, sugarcane, and yucca. Additionally mulch
and rock piles were removed. Restoration activities have been completed
and ecological monitoring and continued maintenance of the restored
site is ongoing.
Mitigation Banking/Mitigation:
Tampa Bay Mitigation Bank – Hillsborough
County, FL
Partner and principal ecologist in development of Tampa Bay Mitigation
Bank (TBMB) providing permitting and environmental design services.
Project includes the restoration of Andrew’s Creek headwaters
and restoration, creation, and enhancement of freshwater and estuarine
wetlands on a 160-acre site in southern Hillsborough County. Responsibilities
included preparation and negotiations of ERP, freshwater and wetlands
design, conducting WRAP functional assessment methodology and coordination
with federal Mitigation Bank Review Team. All permits have been
issued for the bank. Construction has been completed. The estuarine
area was planted in 2008 and the remainder of the site has been
planted with native freshwater and uplands species. The bank was
determined fully successful by state and federal agencies in 2012
and is currently selling credits.
Renegade Creek Mitigation Bank –
Osceola County
Project Director for re-assessment of technical and regulatory feasibility
for establishment of a previously proposed mitigation bank in Osceola
County, FL. The mitigation bank originally proposed in 2008 included
the restoration of 1,463 acres of upland and wetland habitats through
hydrological improvements, exotics/nuisance species treatment, and
planting of native species. Communication with SFWMD and the USACE
has been re-established to determine outstanding issues and procedures
for obtaining the bank approvals. The assessment of technical and
regulatory feasibility includes site work, revision to the proposed
restoration plan, preliminary credit generation, justification of
the Mitigation Service Area (MSA), and action needed to obtain the
state and federal approvals.
San Pedro Bay Mitigation Bank –
Taylor County, FL
Project Director for wetland restoration and development of a 7000-acre
mitigation bank in San Pedro Bay, Taylor County, Florida including
design of the enhancement and restoration plan, preparation of permit
applications, and negotiations with state and federal agencies.
The project included WRAP analysis and establishment of mitigation
credits working with the FDEP, USACE and federal Mitigation Bank
Review Team. Extensive studies of ecological and hydrological conditions
on the site, development of restoration conditions and negotiation
of appropriate methods for measuring ecological and hydrological
enhancement were conducted. The state Mitigation Bank Permit and
all federal approvals for the site have been issued and the implementation
of the project has been completed in two phases. Vegetative and
hydrological monitoring are continuing.
Osprey Unit Mitigation Bank – Polk
County, FL
Birkitt Environmental Services, Inc. is providing environmental
and mitigation bank consulting services for the proposed Osprey
Unit Mitigation Bank (OUMB) located in Polk County, FL. The Bank
site contains a mosaic of upland, forested wetland, and herbaceous
wetland habitats, a natural lake and large and small borrow lakes.
OUMB is located within an area designated by the State as the Conservation
Core district of the Green Swamp Area of Critical State Concern.
The Bank is proposed to provide freshwater compensatory mitigation
credits to both public and private entities within the proposed
Oklawaha and Palatlakaha River Mitigation Service Area (MSA). Birkitt
has developed a plan to both preserve and enhance approximately
228 acres of existing freshwater forested wetlands and 94 acres
of existing freshwater herbaceous wetlands. In addition, 33.4 acres
of small borrow lakes and 129.7 acres of a large borrow lake will
be enhanced as well as 26.9 herbaceous wetlands created, and 60.9
acres of upland pasture planted as native upland buffers. Coordination
with the SWFWMD was initiated and a prospectus was prepared and
submitted to the USACE. A Letter of Potential for the mitigation
bank has been received.
Easter Mitigation Bank – Pinellas
County, FL
Project Director for establishment and permitting of a 101 acre
mitigation bank for Clearwater Christian College in Pinellas County.
The proposed mitigation bank includes hydrological restoration of
a degraded portion of Upper Tampa Bay with anticipated improvements
in water quality and benthic community structure. Services include
continuing business development assessment and preparation of SWFWMD
and federal permit and Mitigation Bank Instrument applications and
on-going agency negotiations. Coordination with Pinellas County
and Agency on Bay Management is also underway. Unique evaluation
of the use of sovereign submerged lands and credit generation outside
privately owned lands requires coordination with senior policy makers
at FDEP. Due to challenges with the required dredging of sovereign
submerged lands, the project was withdrawn.
Easter Mitigation Bank Feasibility Study
– Pinellas County, FL
Project Director providing ecological services for a feasibility
study for the establishment of mitigation bank adjacent to the Clearwater
Christian College campus in Clearwater, Florida. Responsible for
assisting in review of three conceptual designs for a comparison
of ecological improvements and anticipated costs, and then selecting
one design to be used for further assessment, taking into consideration
permitting feasibility, credit assessment and costs for develop
and operate the proposed mitigation bank. Prepared a detailed analysis
of potential permitting issues, assessing the proposed mitigation
bank’s ability to meet local, state and federal criteria for
mitigation banks. Utilized the UMAM to perform preliminary assessments
of the existing and proposed restored site conditions to determine
what credits could be available with the proposed bank. Prepared
a pro forma analysis and assessment of business development opportunity.
Southern States - Corbett Mitigation Bank
– Palm Beach County, FL
Project Director for the development of a unique mitigation bank
concept at the Corbett Wildlife Management Area (Corbett) in South
Florida. The project was a joint venture between Southern States
Land and Timber LLC (SSLT) and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Commission (FWC). The concept for establishment of the bank at Corbett
was based on SSLT’s conveyance of its property rights of ingress
and egress to mine, drill, or explore for oil and gas and enhancement
opportunities of specific areas within Corbett. Additionally, the
bank includes implementation of ecological enhancement activities
within a specified area of Corbett. Researched and prepared a feasibility
study including a preliminary pro forma and market demand evaluation
of a bank in the South Florida Region. Conducted habitat, vegetation,
nuisance-exotic species, wildlife, and threatened and endangered
species assessments across 14,200 acres. Prepared and submitted
a Prospectus to the USACE and an ERP Mitigation Bank permit application
to the FDEP. Coordinated and led a site visit of the IRT team and
FDEP reviewer to the site. Initially the proposed bank encompassed
over 50,000 acres; then was reduced to a 2,400 acre site for initial
focus. Key issues included legal and management issues related to
the public/private partnership, ORV impacts associated with hunting
activities, and site assessment methodology. Applications were withdrawn
due to legislative changes affecting use of conservation lands for
mitigation banks and need for public access and lack of restrictions
on ORV use in wetlands.
Southwest Florida Water Management District
– Property Valuation – Hillsborough County, FL
Conducted an extensive analysis of a proposed wetland mitigation
bank on 2,500 acres in Hillsborough County, Florida for property
valuation as part of expert witness testimony and litigation assistance.
Included in the analysis were the technical feasibility of wetlands
restoration and mitigation bank development, permitting feasibility,
credit assessments utilizing Wetland Rapid Assessment Procedures,
costs to develop, market demand, and credit values of the proposed
mitigation bank. This analysis was instrumental in the resolution
of an eminent domain case. A pro forma for potential Return on Investment
was prepared.
Port Tampa Bay – Seagrass and Oyster
Mitigation - Hillsborough County, FL
Project Director for development and permitting of replacement seagrass
and oyster mitigation projects for the dredging of Berth 150. The
original mitigation projects were determined to be unsuccessful.
Birkitt identified potential areas for seagrass and oyster mitigation.
Three potential seagrass mitigation/recipient areas were surveyed
to select the most appropriate areas for seagrass mitigation. Potential
areas for oyster mitigation were also identified. Coordination with
the USACE, FDEP, and Hillsborough County EPC is underway. Permit
applications have been submitted to all three regulatory agencies.
Birkitt submitted an ERP modification application to the FDEP which
included a UMAM analysis, proposed seagrass transplantation methods,
monitoring methods and success criteria. Coordination with the Hillsborough
County EPC and the USACE is also being conducted to receive approval
of the alternative mitigation projects.
Energy:
Bluebird Solar Farm – Lakeland, FL
Project Director for environmental and permitting services for a
6.5-megawatt Bluebird Solar Farm project in Lakeland, FL. Services
for the 54-acre site consisted of environmental due diligence, including
pre-application meetings with the USACE and the FDEP. They also
included state and federal wetland jurisdictional delineation and
agency verifications, and protected species surveys. Based on the
results of the due diligence assessment, Birkitt assisted the client
in redesigning the site in order to avoid impacts to state and federal
jurisdictional wetlands. Bluebird Solar Farm was constructed in
February 2015.
Goldfinch Solar Farm – Lakeland,
FL
Project Director for environmental and permitting services for the
Goldfinch Solar Farm project in Lakeland, FL. The 3.15-megawatt
solar farm is located on 30 acres adjacent to Lakeland Linder Regional
Airport. Services included due diligence review, delineation of
state and federal jurisdictional wetlands, protected species survey,
and negotiations with the FDEP and the USACE to obtain permit approvals.
Additionally, a state protected species, the Gopher Tortoise (Gopherus
Polyphemus), was found on the site and Birkitt conducted the necessary
surveys, obtained relocation permits and successfully relocated
gopher tortoises from the site to an approved conservation bank.
Goldfinch Solar Farm was constructed in October 2015.
Kingfisher Solar Farm – Lakeland,
FL
Project Director for permitting services for the Kingfisher Solar
Farm site located in Lakeland, FL. A wetlands jurisdictional delineation
and protected species survey was conducted and state and federal
permit applications were prepared in conjunction with the project
developer and engineer. A FDEP ERP and USACE Nationwide Permit were
obtained. A Gopher Tortoise (Gopherus Polyphemus) survey was also
conducted on the project site.
Lakeland Electric – Polk County,
FL
Provided quality assurance reviews for an environmental assessment
of three alternative routes for a new 69kV transmission line in
Lakeland, FL. The environmental assessment included identifying
wetlands and protected wildlife species and/or their habitat and
reporting on the environmental permits and mitigation that could
be required based on potential impacts to these resources. Selection
of the route alternative is underway.
Port Dolphin Natural Gas Pipeline –
Hillsborough and Manatee Counties, FL
Project Director providing environmental consulting services necessary
for obtaining environmental permits (state, federal, and local),
preparation of FERC Resource Reports, and assisting in environmental
aspects of a 36 inch diameter natural gas pipeline approximately
42 miles in length for the Port Dolphin Pipeline System. Initial
services included consultation on state and federal permitting for
nearshore and land-side segments. Current focus is on land-side
permitting of wetlands impacts and development of a mitigation plan.
The pipeline would begin at an offshore deep water port in the Gulf
of Mexico, making landfall at Port Manatee in Southwest Florida,
and connecting landward to the TECO and Gulfstream Natural Gas interchange.
The project involves issues including impacts to hardbottom habitat
and potential impacts to wetlands. The project requires extensive
coordination with regulatory agencies, resource and planning entities,
local governments, environmental groups and other special interest
groups.
Gulfstream Natural Gas Pipeline –
Hillsborough and Manatee Counties, FL
Project Manager responsible for environmental permitting (state,
federal, and local) for the Florida portion of a 753 mile natural
gas pipeline for Gulfstream Natural Gas System, utilizing the “team
permitting” approach. The 24 – 36 inch diameter pipeline
crosses the Gulf of Mexico, entering Florida at Port Manatee in
Tampa Bay and extending across the state. The project involved issues
associated with nearshore coastal waters in Manatee and Hillsborough
Counties, the phosphate mining district, Lake Wales Ridge ecosystem,
Kissimmee River Restoration Project, and wetlands and waterbodies
throughout the onshore route in central and south Florida. The project
required extensive coordination with over fifty agency representatives
including regulatory agencies, resource and planning entities, local
governments, environmental groups, and other special interest groups
utilizing the team permitting process. Responsibilities also included
preparation of the draft Team Permitting Agreement involving more
than 15 regulatory agencies and local governments and a petition
for a variance from water quality standards. Section 7 consultation
was required for protected species along the route. Permitting responsibilities
included ERP (FDEP), Section 10/404 Permit (USACE) for offshore,
nearshore, and onshore portions of the pipeline, a Marine Construction
Permit and public easement for the Tampa Port Authority, and approval
from the Hillsborough County EPC. Numerous public coordination meetings
were held across the state and an extensive effort to identify locally
recommended mitigation sites was made. Educational and public coordination
materials were prepared. Over 100 potential mitigation sites were
identified for consideration. Site selections from this list were
based on criteria that included environmental quality and habitat
characterization, land availability, restoration opportunities,
and public benefits.
Calypso Natural Gas Pipeline – Broward
County, FL
Provided environmental project management services to obtain environmental
permits (state, federal, and local), assisting in the preparation
of FERC Resource Reports, and assisting in all environmental aspects
of a 95 mile natural gas pipeline project for the Calypso Pipeline
System. The pipeline would begin at a LNG facility in the Bahamas
and cross the Atlantic, making landfall at Port Everglades in Southeast
Florida. The project involves issues associated with nearshore coastal
waters, impacts to coral reefs and traversing John U. Lloyd Beach
State Park. The project used a “coordinated” permit
process, which required extensive coordination with regulatory agencies,
resource and planning entities, local governments, environmental
groups and other special interest groups. The state ERP and submerged
lands easement, the Broward County EPC Environmental Resource License
and the FERC certification (CPCN) were negotiated. Approval from
the Governor and Cabinet was required for the ERP and submerged
lands easement. Comments were provided for the federal EIS prepared
by FERC and MMS. Project included extensive coordination with the
USACE for the Section 10/404, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and
National Marine Fisheries Service.
Environmental Consulting Services for
FGT Phase VIII – Various Counties, FL/AL
Project director providing project management oversight for a linear
project involving 580 miles of pipeline through Alabama and Florida.
Services included wetlands and protected species surveys of pipeline
right of way; Rapanos federal wetlands jurisdictional assessments
for over 1000 wetlands; oversaw preparation of UMAM documentation
for all wetlands, and identification of wetlands mitigation banks
that could be utilized for wetlands impacts. Determined approved
state and federal methodology for protected species surveys. Supported
in developing permitting and mitigation strategies.
Vegetation Monitoring for FGT Phase IV,
V, VI Pipeline Routes – Various Counties, FL/AL/MS
Project Director for monitoring (2001-2008) of over 500 wetlands
along a 270 mile pipeline right-of-way for compliance with FDEP,
USACE, and FERC permit and certification conditions. The project
involves conducting the monitoring events following construction
of the natural gas pipeline from Tampa to Ft. Myers. It also included
pipeline segments in north Florida and Mississippi. Monitoring reports
were prepared for submittal to the regulatory agencies. Coordinated
with state, federal, and local agencies regarding release of wetlands
from monitoring and other compliance issues.
Energy Project – Confidential –
Lakeland, FL
Project Director for a due diligence environmental assessment for
a potential energy-related project in Lakeland, FL. The assessment
included identifying wetlands and protected wildlife species and/or
their habitat. Responsibilities included reporting on the environmental
permits required, identifying potential mitigation available and
associated costs, and providing an evaluation of permitting feasibility
of wetlands for a project that included development of a major reservoir
system.
Parks and Recreation Areas:
Wesley Chapel District Park/Boyette Park
– Pasco County, FL
Project Director providing environmental consulting services to
assist in development of the Master Plan for Boyette Road Park.
Services included the assessment of jurisdictional wetlands and
threatened and endangered species surveys to determine if mitigation
would be needed to construct the project. Responsible for coordinating
with regulatory agencies to meet permitting constraints for the
completion of the recreational park in Pasco County.
Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex
Site – Pasco County, FL
Project Director responsible for managing field staff in the approximately
40 acre field assessment for the Land O’ Lakes Recreation
Complex Expansion. Threatened and endangered species surveys, including
the review of gopher tortoise habitat and other wildlife habitat,
were conducted for this project. Coordinated with the SWFWMD to
obtain jurisdictional wetland delineations approval.
Shimberg Soccer Complex Expansion Project
– Hillsborough County, FL
Project Director responsible for overseeing field assessments to
determine potential impacts to wetlands, listed plant and animal
species, or critical habitat for the expansion of the Shimberg Sports
Complex consisting of the addition of several soccer fields for
Hillsborough County. Threatened and endangered species surveys,
specifically gopher tortoise assessments, and wetland surveys were
conducted. Coordinated with the Hillsborough County EPC for approval
of wetland impact justification report and mitigation plan.
South Tampa Greenway Trail Development
– Hillsborough County, FL
Project Director for the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA)
survey/assessment for selected sections of the proposed City of
Tampa Greenways and Trails – South Tampa Greenway. The project
involved construction of a bicycle and pedestrian path and included
the requested NEPA analysis for construction. Coordination services
with the City of Tampa and the Florida Department of Transportation
(FDOT) were also provided.
Fishhawk Sports Complex – Hillsborough
County, FL
Project Director overseeing all gopher tortoise surveys conducted
on the approximately 70 acre Fishhawk Sports Complex site. Reviewed
all ecological reports detailing descriptions of gopher tortoise
survey findings and included technical specification options for
the relocation and/or taking of the identified gopher tortoise.
Necessary permitting requirements as required by the Florida Fish
and Wildlife Conservation Commission were also provided. Options
for potentially impacted gopher tortoises included avoidance options
and required buffers for gopher tortoise burrows, mitigation options/gopher
tortoise habitat protection options (on-site and off-site) and relocation
options.
Marine/Seagrass:
Harborview Marina Permitting and DRI – Charlotte County, FL
Project Director responsible for overseeing the Development of Regional
Impact Substantial Deviation Application; state and federal permitting;
and oversight of hydrographic modeling and marina design services.
Project included residential development (single family, multi family,
and townhouses), a hotel, commercial and retail space, and a 20
acre marina basin along the Peace River of Charlotte County, Florida.
Environmental consulting services included environmental permitting
assessments, threatened and endangered species evaluations, and
biotic community assessments which were conducted to aid in the
marina design and project coordination with other consulting and
engineering firms. Responsible for coordination with state and federal
wildlife resource and regulatory agencies and Section 7 consultation.
Marina operations were designed to be consistent with the FDEP’s
Clean Marina Program.
The Reserve at Sweetwater Estuary –
Taylor County, FL
Project Director and Manager for environmental and permitting services
and project coordination for The Reserve at Sweetwater Estuary Project
on a 3,700-acre parcel along the coast of Taylor County near Keaton
Beach, Florida. Providing oversight of project and team coordination
regarding environmental permitting, wildlife consultation, and associated
design activities. Wetlands jurisdictional delineation, threatened
and endangered species assessment, and site planning assistance
have been provided. Wetlands and seagrass impact assessment and
conceptual mitigation plans were developed. Project has been re-designed
as an environmentally sensitive, “green” development
focused on nature. A previously proposed marina and golf course
has been eliminated from consideration. An ERP has been issued and
the USACE Section 404 Permit application is pending. A detailed
alternatives analysis was prepared for the USACE. Saltmarsh and
freshwater mitigation plans were developed and approved by the Suwannee
River Water Management District.
Port Tampa Bay – Seagrass and Oyster
Mitigation - Hillsborough County, FL
Project Director for development and permitting of replacement seagrass
and oyster mitigation projects for the dredging of Berth 150. The
original mitigation projects were determined to be unsuccessful.
Birkitt identified potential areas for seagrass and oyster mitigation.
Three potential seagrass mitigation/recipient areas were surveyed
to select the most appropriate areas for seagrass mitigation. Potential
areas for oyster mitigation were also identified. Coordination with
the USACE, FDEP, and Hillsborough County EPC is underway. Permit
applications have been submitted to all three regulatory agencies.
Birkitt submitted an ERP modification application to the FDEP which
included a UMAM analysis, proposed seagrass transplantation methods,
monitoring methods and success criteria. Coordination with the Hillsborough
County EPC and the USACE is also being conducted to receive approval
of the alternative mitigation projects.
Airports:
NFRA (St. Augustine Airport) Permitting Runway Safety Area Restoration
and Mitigation Project – St. Johns County, FL
Project Director responsible for permitting the restoration of the
eastern Runway Safety Area (RSA) at the St. Augustine Airport. Due
to tidal action and severe storms, the shoreline of the Airport
has significantly eroded bringing the airport out of compliance
with FAA design standards for the width of the RSA. Mitigation for
the project is proposed through restoration of a 16.7 acre on-site
spoil island. Spoil island restoration design requires extensive
coordination with assigned engineers, airport representatives, and
agency staff. The project involves close coordination with multiple
engineering firms for design and preparation of engineering drawings
for both the RSA and mitigation. Issues include sovereign submerged
lands and a requirement to obtain a variance for construction in
Class II Waters. Close coordination with the water management district
and the USACE is required to ensure receipt of all approvals within
a time schedule for construction.
UNFRA (St. Augustine Airport) Permitting
Taxiway C, Tidal Relocation, and Runway Safety Area South Project
– St. Johns County, FL
Project Director responsible for permitting the replacement
of Taxiway C, relocation of a tidal canal, and improvements to the
RSA on the south and west side of the Airport. Taxiway C is not
meeting FAA design standards. Therefore, it is not safe to utilize
the taxiway and the runway at the same time. As a result, the taxiway
will be extended to meet FAA design standards. The relocation of
the Taxiway will result in impacts to saltmarsh and a previously
dredged tidal canal in Class II Waters. The existing tidal canal
will be relocated to maintain navigability to the Tolomato River.
The RSA on the south of the runway is being improved to prevent
future erosion. The project involves close coordination with four
different engineering teams and permitting agencies to receive a
permit within a tight construction schedule. A variance for construction
in Class II Waters is required along with state lands approvals
for activities on sovereign submerged lands.
UNFRA (St. Augustine Airport) RSA and
Spoil Island Restoration - Environmental Construction Oversight
– St. Johns County, FL
Project Director providing environmental construction oversight
and permit compliance services for runway safety improvements at
the St. Augustine Airport coordinating closely with the construction
manager and contractor. Construction of the eastern Runway Safety
Area (RSA) and restoration of a spoil island as mitigation for wetlands
impacts at the airport is complete.
UNFRA (St. Augustine Airport) Environmental
Assessment – St. Johns County, FL
Project Director for preparation of portions of the Environmental
Assessment (EA) and for development of mitigation options for the
proposed Taxiway Extension and RSA. The purpose of the project is
to provide separation between the runway and taxiway to meet FAA
safety standards and to provide the FAA mandated safety requirements.
The project will impact approximately eight acres of estuarine salt
marsh. Restoration of an approximately 16.7 acre spoil island is
being considered as mitigation. Assistance in agency coordination
with the FAA, the St. Johns River Water Management District, the
USACE, state and federal wildlife agencies and other commenting
agencies is required.
Tampa International Airport Stormwater
Site Development – Hillsborough County, FL
Project Director responsible for providing gopher tortoise relocation
permitting services and relocation of 19 tortoises (over 50 burrows)
for the construction of several stormwater ditches as part of the
expansion of the Tampa Airport north terminal. Surveys were conducted
for over 140 acres of gopher tortoise habitat. All required Florida
Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission permits were obtained
and the required After Action Reports submitted.
Tampa International Airport Taxiway V
and W – Hillsborough County, FL
Project Director for relocation of gopher tortoises prior to construction
of Taxiway V and W. Located an off-site area for relocation. Oversaw
field survey for gopher tortoises, preparation of the standard gopher
tortoise relocation permit application, and coordination with the
Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Gopher tortoises were
successfully relocated to an approved site at Upper Tampa Bay Park
within the project schedule.
Gainesville Regional Airport – Alachua
County, FL
Project Manager for development of an Environmental Assessment for
the Gainesville Regional Airport expansion. A detailed description
of existing site conditions was conducted, the EA Existing Conditions
report and an Interim Assessment Report prepared for submittal to
St. Johns River Water Management District and the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA). A portion of Gum Root Swamp was proposed as
mitigation as preservation mitigation for previous wetlands impacts
and permit applications were prepared for tree clearing activities
on the property. Also assisted in negotiations with SJRWMD for permit
compliance issues.
Southwest Florida International Airport
Midfield Expansion – Lee County, FL
Environmental permitting consultation associated with the ERP/Section
404 Permit Application for a 4,178 expansion of the Southwest Florida
International Airport facility in Ft. Myers. Assisting in development
of WRAP scoring guidelines for mitigation park proposed as compensation
for the impacts associated with this expansion, documentation of
consistency with conceptual permit issued in 1995, and permitting
strategy development. The proposed mitigation park is approximately
7,000 acres in size consisting of three adjacent pieces of property.
The proposed mitigation park includes creation, restoration, enhancement
and preservation of wetland and upland areas and is of high ecological
value due to the size of the park, diversity of the habitat, and
extensive use by wildlife including the Florida Panther. In addition,
this area provides connectivity to a continuous network of protected
areas leading to Big Cypress National Preserve.
Van Fleet International Cargo Airport
and Mixed Use Development DRI – Hardee County, FL
Project Manager for a greenfield cargo airport and mixed
use development proposed on approximately 22,000 acres of previously
mined lands in Hardee County, Florida. The project required a Development
of Regional Impact (DRI), and state and federal environmental permits
as well as FAA approval. Key issues were wetlands, wildlife, and
hydrology in addition to land planning. Extensive wildlife and protected
species surveys and vegetation surveys were conducted in accordance
with state and federal wildlife survey methodology. An offsite regional
mitigation approach was evaluated for wetlands impacts. A coordinated
permitting process was planned to ensure consistency among the environmental
reviews by the various regulatory agencies.
Transportation, Utilities and Roadways:
Local Transportation Projects – Hillsborough, Manatee
and Pinellas Counties, FL
Project Director for numerous local transportation projects throughout
the Tampa Bay region including roads and bridge crossings.
Other Experience:
UL-40 Conveyance Project – Palm Beach County, FL
Project Director for the natural resources component of a Reconnaissance
Study for the SFWMD evaluating the conveyance opportunities for
the delivery of water from Lake Okeechobee to southeastern Palm
Beach County, Lake Worth Drainage District, Broward County, and
the Hillsboro Canal. The study will determine the feasibility of
conveying the untreated water in an alternate way versus the current
action which takes the water through the Refuge.
Everglades Agricultural Area Reservoir
Test Cells – Various Counties, FL
Project Director responsible for preparation of the 1502 environmental
permit application. SFWMD planned on constructing a 16,000 acre
reservoir to capture Everglades Agricultural Area Basin runoff.
Two 25 acre test cells were needed to obtain performance data. Ensured
all necessary field efforts including wetland jurisdictional determinations
and threatened and endangered species surveys were conducted accurately
and within scope.
REGULATORY AGENCY EXPERIENCE
- Environmental permit reviewer and supervisor for the Florida
Department of Environmental Regulation for large scale projects
- Special Assistant to Permitting Director providing assistance
to District Managers throughout the state on permitting issues,
litigation support, and wastewater to wetlands permitting
- Assessment of predicted impacts on surface and ground water
quality and wetland and aquatic habitat including freshwater and
estuarine systems and compliance with environmental regulations
for over 1000 projects and discharge situations.
- Rule development for water quality and volume discharges to
wetlands to protect natural resources; assessment of benthic diversity
indices as water quality standards.
- Management and implementation of the statewide industrial and
domestic wastewater and storm water permitting programs for FDER.
- Expert witness testimony regarding wetlands, water quality,
and environmental regulations.
- Established and chaired Governor's Subcommittee on Mosquito
Impoundment Management; development of management concept to protect
and restore wetland, water quality and wildlife value along the
east coast of Florida.
- Project Manager for the Kissimmee River Restoration Demonstration
Project (SFWMD); assessment of water quality, hydrological and
biological impacts and compliance with state and federal environmental
regulations.
- Project Manager for the Florida Keys Seagrass Restoration Project
and the Florida Keys Canal Water Quality Study conducted in coordination
with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
- Environmental scientist responsible for water quality monitoring
data analysis and 305(b) report to the EPA.
EXPERT WITNESS / LITIGATION
ASSISTANCE
1.
Name of Legal Proceeding:
JILL R.C. BUZBY, Individually, and
GARY L. CHRISTENSEN, Individually, Plaintiffs
v.
TURTLE ROCK COMMUNITY
ASSOCIATION, INC., a Florida
Corporation, Defendant
Case Number: 2013 CA 005939 NC
Venue / Jurisdiction of Proceeding: City of Sarasota
Name of the Court: 12th Judicial Circuit in and
for Sarasota County, Florida
Approximate Date of Testimony: Provided expert
witness affidavit on February 12, 2016
Resolution of the Proceedings: Pending
Name of Attorneys/Parties Who Retained Person
for Expert Testimony: Jesse Butler of Dickinson & Gibbons, P.A.
on behalf of Turtle Rock Community Association, Inc.
Summary of Opinions Provided: Presented expert
witness affidavit regarding compliance with environmental permit
requirements of SWFWMD and Sarasota County regulations associated
with storm water lake littoral zones.
2.
Name of Legal Proceeding / Case Number: LUZ2010-06002
– 3400 Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard (Related to DVA2010-06001)
Venue / Jurisdiction of Proceeding: City of Clearwater
Approximate Date of Testimony: August 5, 2010
Resolution of the Proceedings: Approved
Name of Attorneys/Parties Who Retained Person
for Expert Testimony: Esquire, and Johnson, Pope, Bokor, Rupple
& Burns, LLP on behalf of Clearwater Christian College Private
School, Inc.
Summary of Opinions Provided: Presented expert
witness testimony regarding the establishment of a mitigation bank
as mitigation for impacts. Relayed information that was used to
demonstrate how the City would benefit from the approval of the
mitigation bank.
3.
Name of Legal Proceeding / Case Number: DVA 2010-06001
- 3400 Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard (Related to LUZ2010-06002)
Venue / Jurisdiction of Proceeding: City of Clearwater
Approximate Date of Testimony: August 5, 2010
Resolution of the Proceedings: Approved
Name of Attorneys/Parties Who Retained Person
for Expert Testimony: Esquire, and Johnson, Pope, Bokor, Rupple
& Burns, LLP on behalf of Clearwater Christian College Private
School, Inc.
Summary of Opinions Provided: Provided expert
witness testimony regarding mitigation of impacts via establishment
of the mitigation bank. Demonstrated the preferred method is the
approval of the mitigation bank since it would provide the greatest
benefit to the City. Discussed how the mitigation bank aimed to
restore tidal flow, nutrients and therefore wildlife to the habitat.
4.
Provided expert witness testimony and litigation
support to Lennar – US Homes in 2009 for ERP and USACE permitting
with SFWMD for docks, maintenance dredging of canal systems, and
site development.
Name of Legal Proceeding: U.S. Home Corporation,
a foreign Corporation, Plaintiff, vs. D&D Investments of Lee
County, Inc., and Gary L. Tasman, Defendants and D&D Investments
of Lee County, Inc., a Florida Corporation, Plaintiff, vs. U.S.
Home Corporation, a foreign Corporation, Defendant.
Case Number: CASE NO. 06-CA-003092 ; CASE NO.:
07-CA-001947-SW
Venue/Jurisdiction of Proceeding: Circuit Court
Name of the Court: 20th Judicial Circuit in and
for Lee County, Florida
Approximate Date of Testimony: Provided expert
witness testimony in deposition on June 3, 2009
Resolution of the Proceeding: unknown; Ms. Birkitt
withdrawn as an expert witness as focus shifted to engineering matters.
Name of Attorneys/Parties Who Retained Person for Expert Testimony:
Bilzin Sumberg; transferred to Cathy Reiman, Esq.of Roetzel &
Andress (Naples, FL)
Summary of Opinions Provided: Regarding appropriate
processing of environmental permit applications to SFWMD and USACE;
wetlands, wildlife, and water quality impact assessment
5.
Name of Legal Proceeding: Victoria Mccullough,
Plaintiff, vs. South Florida Water Management District and FAR Niente
Stables, et al., Defendant
Case Number: 11-5921
Approximate Date of Testimony: Provided expert
witness testimony in deposition on May 2, 2012
Name of Attorneys/Parties Who Retained Person for Expert Testimony:
Jason D. Lazarus, Esq. of Holland & Knight (West Palm Beach,
FL) and Larry Sellers, Esq. of Holland & Knight (Tallahassee,
FL)
Summary of Opinions Provided: Provided expert
opinions on environmental resource permitting, wetlands ecology,
and wildlife.
6.
Provided expert opinion analysis, report (September
4, 2002), and litigation assistance for a valuation hearing for
land acquired by the Southwest Florida Water Management District
(SWFWMD) by eminent domain for a water supply reservoir in Hillsborough
County, FL for Tampa Bay Water. MacFarlane, Ferguson, and MCMullen,
PA represented SWFWMD. Evaluation focused on potential for development
of a wetlands mitigation bank on the property and included wetlands
impact assessment and benefits of restoration activities.
7.
Expert witness testimony and litigation assistance
for wetlands, wildlife, and environmental permitting issues for
the Buckeye Florida effluent pipeline in Taylor County, FL.
8.
During tenure at FDER, qualified as an expert
witness on wetlands, water quality, and environmental issues on
projects including: City of Sarasota wastewater sprayfield, various
canal projects, power plant certifications, pipeline projects, and
a variety of other projects.
PUBLICATIONS / PRESENTATIONS:
Birkitt, B.F., 2016. National Mitigation and Ecosystem Banking Conference.
Ft. Worth, Texas. Encumbrances in Mitigation Banks.
Birkitt. B.B., 2016. National Mitigation and Ecosystem
Banking Conference. Ft. Worth, Texas. Mitigation Bank Permitting
in Multiple Jurisdictions.
Birkitt, B.F., 1989-2016. Florida Chamber of Commerce
Environmental Permitting Summer School, Marco Island and Growth
Management Course, Orlando. Faculty member for courses covering
ERP wetland regulations, state and federal permitting, wetland mitigation,
mitigation banking, secondary impacts, cumulative impacts, wetland-dependent
wildlife protection, and UMAM.
Birkitt, B.F., 2013. National Mitigation and Ecosystem
Banking Conference. New Orleans, LA. Achieving Community-Based Restoration
Goals and Expanding Mitigation Banking Opportunities.
Birkitt, B.F. 2010-2011. Florida Chamber’s
Growth Management, Energy, Climate Change and the Environmental
Short Course, Orlando. Presentation: Emerging Issues in Mitigation
– State Regulations.
B. Birkitt. 2009. Mitigation Banking: How does
it work? Presentation to Tampa Bay Association of Environmental
Professionals, Tampa, FL.
R. Toth, L. Proenza, and B. Birkitt. 2009. Meeting
Restoration Goals in the Tampa Bay Basin through Mitigation Banking.
Abstract accepted for BASIS V, Tampa Bay Estuary Program. St. Petersburg,
FL.
Birkitt, B.F. 2009. Florida Chamber’s Growth
Management, Energy, Climate Change and the Environmental Short Course,
Daytona, February 2009- Presentation: Impacts on Coastal Communities
- Practical Implications from a Policy and Regulatory Perspective.
Birkitt, B.F. 2008. Environmental Resource Permitting,
Niceville, July 2008—Presentation for the Northwest Florida
Regional Planning Council and training to environmental professionals
regarding new ERP rules being adopted by the Northwest Florida Water
Management District.
Birkitt, B. F., A. B. Hodgson, and B. L. Lane,
2003. The Tampa Bay Mitigation Bank: A New Option for Wetland Mitigation
in the Central Florida Region. In: Proceedings BASIS IV, Tampa Bay
Estuary Program. St. Petersburg, FL.
Birkitt, B.F. and J. Barco, 2002. Utilizing Isolated
Wetlands to Reduce Phosphorus in Lake Okeechobee. Presenter, 27th
Annual Conference National Association of Environmental Professionals,
June 23-26, 2002, Dearborn, Michigan.
Birkitt, B.F. and L. F. Trepper, 2001. New Directions
in Permitting a Large Pipeline Project in Florida – Team Permitting.
Presenter, 26th Annual Conference National Association of Environmental
Professionals, June 24-28 2001, Washington D.C.
Birkitt, B.F. and R. Copp, 1997, Combining Ecosystem
Management and Mitigation Banking: San Pedro Bay Restoration. Proceedings,
22nd Annual Conference of the National Association of Environmental
Professionals, May 19-23, 1997, Orlando, Florida.
Birkitt, B.F., and T. B. Gunter. 1995. Regional
Mitigation for a 615 mile Pipeline: Hydrologic Restoration, Exotic
Species Removal, and Reforestation. Presentation, 22nd Annual Conference
on Ecosystem Restoration and Creation, May 18-19, 1995, Tampa, Florida.
Gunter, T. B. and B.F. Birkitt, 1995. Evaluation
of Natural Recruitment of Wetland Trees and Shrubs Along a North
Florida Pipeline Corridor. Proceedings, 22nd Annual Conference on
Ecosystems Restoration and Creation, May 18-19, 1995, Tampa, Florida.
Birkitt, B.F., 1989, Loxahatchee River Restoration
as Mitigation. Presentation at International Symposium: Wetlands
and River Corridor Management, Association of Wetland Managers,
July 5-9, 1989, Charleston, South Carolina.
Birkitt, B.F. and S. Gray, 1989, Wetland Impact
Evaluation and Mitigation: Comparing Apples to Oranges, in Fisk,
D., Editor, Proceedings of a Symposium on Wetlands: Concerns and
Successes, American Water Resources Conference, September 17-22,
1989, Tampa, Florida, pp 259-267.
Birkitt, B.F., and T.B. Gunter, 1989. Wetland
Preservation as Mitigation: Implementation of the DER Policy, in
Fisk, D., Editor, Proceedings of a Symposium on Wetlands: Concerns
and Successes, American Water Resources Conference, September 17-22,
1989, Tampa, Florida, pp. 355-363.
Birkitt, B.F., 1983. Considerations for the Functional
Restoration of Impounded Wetlands, in Webb, F.J., Editor, 1983 Proceedings
of Tenth Annual Conference on Wetland Restoration and Creation,
Hillsborough Community College, Tampa, Florida.
Birkitt, B.F., 1981. Aquatic Macrophyte and Invertebrate
Community Structure in the Wakulla River, unpublished thesis, Florida
State University.
Birkitt, B.F. and B.J. Dougherty, 1980, Impacts
of Bridging on the Aquatic Ecology of Three Rivers in Florida, Transportation
Research Board Journal.
Birkitt, B.F., B.J. Dougherty, et al., 1979, Effects
of Bridging on Biological Productivity and Diversity, Florida Department
of Transportation Publication FL-ER-9-79, pp. 1-74.
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