Providing environmental solutions for a developing California
Bargas is an environmental consulting firm that combines seasoned leadership
experience with skilled project management to help our clients navigate regulatory processes.
TECHNICAL
STUDIES
Bargas performs a wide range of technical studies to support our clients’ needs in developing their projects:
- Protocol-level special-status species surveys – Bargas Environmental Consulting maintains a strong network of in-house specialists and partner experts to address a full range of special-status species (e.g., vernal pool fairy shrimp, giant garter snake, Delhi Sands fly)
- Biological and Cultural Resource Assessments
- Due diligence reviews related to property transfers
- Desktop reviews
- Field-based reviews
- Formal habitat and aquatic resources delineations
- NHPA Section 106 cultural resource reports and CEQA
- Tribal cultural resources evaluations
- Arborist surveys
- CEQA/NEPA – Biological and cultural resources reports and sections
- GIS and digital mapping
Agency
Coordination
& Permitting
At Bargas we differentiate ourselves from other firms by providing clients with alternative approaches to prevent needing permits for their projects. We offer a full range of environmental permitting services:
- Permit avoidance and minimization strategies
- Clean Water Act permitting and compliance including Section 404 dredge and fill permits, Section 401 water quality certifications, Section 408 flood control support
- California Fish and Wildlife Section 1602 Streambed Alteration Agreements
- Federal Endangered Species Act biological assessments and compliance
- Cultural resources – Section 106 and CEQA tribal cultural resources consultations
- Regulatory Agency consultation and coordination
Construction
Support
During the construction phase of projects, we offer services to help our construction contractor clients comply with environmental protection measures required for these activities:
- Biological and cultural resource support for vegetation management activities including utility lines, roadways, weed abatement, and vegetation management projects
- Preconstruction surveys and studies including nesting bird surveys, water resources reviews, and special-status species surveys
- Contractor liaison services
- Contractor environmental awareness programs
- Contractor compliance with environmental requirements
- Contractor supplied biologists
- Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPP) and monitoring
- Pre- and post-construction photo documentation and permit compliance reporting
- Mitigation monitoring and reporting
Land Development/
Private Entities
• Taylor Builders
• Signature Homes
• Richland Communities
• Petrovich Development
• Thomas Law Group
• Golden State Properties
• Galaxy Hotel Group
• Outward Bound California
Energy and
Renewable Energy
• Pacific Gas & Electric
• Southern California Edison
• Southern California Gas
• Sacramento Municipal Utility District
• Clean Focus Renewables
Local Government
• Orange County
• San Bernardino County
• Sacramento County
• El Dorado County
• City of Citrus Heights
• City of Rancho Cucamonga
• City of Shasta Lake
State and Federal
Government
• Caltrans
• California Department of General Services
• US Army Corps of Engineers
Bargas is a federal- and state-certified minority woman-owned small business. In 2017, Bargas received the “Women-Owned Small Business of the Year” award from the U.S. Small Business Administration, Sacramento, and the “Latina Excellence in Business” award from the California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
Gabriel Bargas
Our Inspiration
“I founded Bargas as a testament to, and in recognition of, my grandfather Gabriel Bargas. The firm’s name – Bargas continues the legacy of my grandfather for without his guidance, sacrifice, and fortitude, the Bargas family would not have migrated from Progreso, Mexico to San Francisco. My grandfather left Mexico in the mid-1940s leaving his wife and six daughters behind until he could save enough money to move his family to join him as soon as possible.
His purpose for coming to the United States was a similar story to many other immigrants; to obtain an education and career that would further the possibilities for his family. From the time of his arrival in the United States to his death in 2010, Gabriel was adamant that his family appreciate the many opportunities provided to them, such as the chances for higher education so that we could share what we have learned with our communities.
During decades of family growth and relative prosperity, he continued stressing to his daughters, and his grandchildren, the importance of being self-sufficient through the pursuit of education and establishing a career. Gabriel instilled in the Bargas family the importance of having a life-long work ethic and purpose and leading one’s life from a place of service.
I miss his guidance and seeing the pride in his face, but I know that his legacy and spirit live on in Bargas Environmental Consulting. For that, I owe him my commitment to continue his journey.”
Angela DePaoli
President/CEO of Bargas
Citrus Heights Electric Greenway Trail Improvement Project No. 20-18-00 – City of Citrus Heights
The Citrus Heights Electric Greenway Project is an Active Transportation Program (ATP) grant funded project. The Electric Greenway is a 2.9-mile multi-use trail between Sunrise Boulevard and Wachtel Way largely following an existing Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) electric corridor. The project, in the City of Citrus Heights and unincorporated Orangevale, connects several neighborhoods to seven parks, several schools and the Sunrise Marketplace. Bargas staff biologists conducted botanical surveys and then processed data and identified plants found in the field. A post-field data analysis was conducted, as well as a rare plant survey.
San Bernardino County – On-Call Biological Services
Bargas staff were retained by the County of San Bernardino to serve as the Biological Resources Task Manager responsible for overseeing the biological studies, surveys, compliance monitoring, and documentation in support of County projects. Specific special-status species of concern included desert tortoise, burrowing owl, Mohave ground squirrel, nesting birds and rare plants.
Caltrans – Highway Construction Support in Sierra County
Bargas provided biological and cultural resources support for various construction projects. For each project the work included preparation of a Natural Resources Protection Plan which include a description of local biological resources, as well as requirements for addressing concerns related to special-status species. The work also included conducting preconstruction surveys for sensitive species as well as daily monitoring during construction activities. At the completion of each project a post-construction survey and report that documented conditions at each project site and provided recommendations regarding continuous improvements for improving species protection measures.
Upper Westside Master Planned Development – 2,078-acres in Sacramento County, CA
The Upper Westside Master Planned Development is located in Natomas, Sacramento County and incorporates 2,078-acres. Although in Sacramento County, the proposed project abuts the City of Sacramento and is bordered by Interstate 80 along the south, Garden Highway and the Sacramento River on the west and city limits to the north and east. The conceptual plan proposes 10,219 residential units, five million square feet of commercial development, 185 acres of schools and 510 acres of park. A unique feature is a one-mile long canal that is at the center of the commercial core and is proposed to have 4-5 story retail and office buildings along it. Bargas biologist and cultural resource specialists conducti sede surveys in support of regulatory compliance staff preparing Clean Water Act and Endangered Species Act permit applications for appropriate state and federal agencies review and approval.
PG&E – Pipeline Inspection Project
Bargas provided construction support for a PG&E in-line inspection, cleaning, and retirement of a gas transmission pipeline located in the Delta Region, crossing under the San Joaquin River at Sherman Island, Sacramento and Contra Costa County. Primary responsibilities included pre-construction nesting bird surveys and biological monitoring of construction activities near suitable habitat for western pond turtle, giant garter snake, and in proximity of active nesting birds.
PG&E – El Cerrito Creek Emergency Cleanup Project
Bargas provided permitting support for a PG&E emergency cleanup project related to the explosion of a transformer next to a waterway. Primary responsibilities included completing applications and materials for CDFW Fish and Game Code Section 1602 Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreement, Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 401 Water Quality Certification, and CWA Section 404 Pre-Construction Notification.
Sacramento Area Sewer District – Creek Protection Project
Bargas was retained to provide biological support for the Sacramento Area Sewer District’s Creek Protection project to complete maintenance on sewer pipes at creek crossings in Sacramento County to prevent accidental sewer discharge into local waterways. Primary responsibilities included pre-construction surveys for nesting birds and wester pond turtle, and biological monitoring of construction activities in proximity of an active acorn woodpecker nest.
Glenn County – Glenn County Bridges
Glenn County, with Caltrans and the Federal Highway Administration, retained Bargas Environmental Consulting to provide environmental permitting services for the replacement of four bridges within the County. Bargas provided CEQA permitting services by preparing the necessary permit applications (Clean Water Act Section 401 Certifications) to allow the projects to proceed to implementation. Bargas, with County staff, coordinated with the Central Valley Water Quality Control Board to secure the certifications.
PG&E Managed Projects
Bargas provided support to PG&E Project Managed program for desktop environmental review of electric and gas distribution maintenance projects throughout their service area. Primary responsibilities included developing project descriptions and Google Earth maps for use in the biological, cultural, and EFS subject-matter reviews. This project involved direct communication with PG&E project managers and engineering estimators to obtain details regarding project location, construction schedule, construction methods, and scale of soil-disturbance required. Responsibilities also included investigating the presence of special-status species, protected habitats, and aquatic resources for potential projects using Google Earth and PG&E’s GIS MapGuide program. This information was then used to develop a preliminary environmental screening document and biological constraints report. Project field visits were also conducted to determine if potential habitat for special-status species or aquatic resources were present. If biological constraints to a project were identified, Bargas recommended appropriate avoidance and minimization measures to PG&E.
Orange County/Caltrans – State Route 174 Improvement Project
Bargas staff provided project management and biological support for road safety improvements. Species of concern included arroyo toad and nesting birds. Bargas conducted biological monitoring throughout the nesting bird season. Additionally, Bargas worked with a landscape contractor to implement restoration mitigation measures including site preparation, initial plant installation, and monitoring.
Bargas is growing!
Please feel free to submit a copy of your most current CV and Cover Letter showcasing your areas of expertise.
Bargas provides science-based solutions to our clients and is well experienced in the rigors of interacting with federal and state natural resource agencies. Our company culture and office ambience is relaxed and we pride ourselves in nurturing the human element. Working at Bargas is more than a job; it is a positive life experience with staff being supported to move forward in their chosen careers.
We will review your submittal and you will be notified of our receipt of your resume. If there isn’t a position open currently that meets your qualifications, Bargas will retain your resume on file for future reference.
Woman Minority Business Enterprise (WMBE) Certification #12050063
California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC)
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Certification #41165
California Department of Transportation (Caltrans)
Certified Woman Owned Small Business (WOSB)
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
DUNS Number: 067259694
Supplier Education and Economic Development (SEED) Certified
Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD)
Small Business Supplier #1765601
California Department of General Services (DGS)
DIR Registration No. 1000055852
California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR)
Public Works Contractor (PWC)
Gold Shovel Certified
ISNetWorld Vetted and Compliant
