Wetland Specialist for Aquatica Environmental Consulting in Seattle and King and Snohomish Counties

Meet Our Wetland Specialist.

Teresa Opolka has a bachelor’s degree in biology from Seattle University. She has twelve years of experience as a field biologist, botanist, and environmental consultant. Her experience includes wetland/stream delineations, wetland/stream studies, wetland mitigation plans, technical writing, biological evaluations, local and federal permitting, and botanical studies and surveys in wetlands and forests in the Pacific Northwest. Prior to her consulting experience, Teresa worked for Weyerhaeuser, the U.S. Forest Service, and the University of Washington, College of Forest Resources. She gained experience as a wetland/stream consultant while working for a larger consulting company for six years. She founded Aquatica Environmental Consulting, LLC in early 2006.

Relevant Experience

Wetland and Stream Delineations

Assessed over 2,000 acres of land in the Puget Sound Region for the presence/absence of wetlands, streams, and sensitive wildlife. Delineated hundreds of wetlands with a high rate of agency acceptance.

Technical Writing and Permitting

Prepared hundreds of technical documents in 20 jurisdictions for permit submittal in western Washington. This includes preparation of Critical Area Reports, Mitigation Reports and Plans, Functional Value Assessments, Biological Evaluations, JARPA applications and Wildlife Assessments. Has familiarity with the wetland process and City staff in many Cities in King and Snohomish Counties.

Ernie, our wetlands assistant, loves his work.

Performance Monitoring

Monitored over 50 implemented mitigation projects in 20 jurisdictions within Washington State.

Hydrologic Assessments

Designed and implemented shallow groundwater studies to determine wetland/upland boundaries on 15 projects where site conditions were disturbed as a result of modifications to the hydrology, soil, or vegetation.

Aquatica Environmental Consulting, LLC 425.802.8988