LSI Environmental Compliance Inspector observing clearing near a stream bank.æ Clearing near water requires diligent monitoring to ensure that water quality is not impacted.

Hicks biologists assisting LSI crews to identify migratory bird nesting in construction areas. Migratory birdsÍ nests are protected and crews set up buffer areas so that the animals are not disturbed.

One of the ECIs for the SH 130 project and a member of the Hicks staff.

LSI workers watching a composting and best management practice demo for minimizing impacts to water quality during construction activities.

Examples of Best Management Practices (BMPs) measures used on the SH 130 project to protect Central Texas streams.

Rescue of a great horned owl by one of the Hicks SH 130 members after the owl had been blown out of its nest during a wind storm. æThe owl was rehabilitated in a wildlife rescue center and re-released after it grew to an adult (about 7 months). The owl was nicknamed ñBounceî by Hicks staff.

Hicks SH 130 staff with TX Parks and Wildlife.æ The environmental program included netting out fish from stock ponds that were to be drained for construction of the highway.ææ These fish were used by TX Parks and Wildlife in their youth fishing lessons program. In this way, a valuable resource was put to good use rather than wasted.

Hicks is responsible for all environmental training on the SH 130 project, which means that any employee or subcontractor, who works on the ROW, must attend at least one environmental class developed by Hicks staff.æ Supervisors, foremen and managers are required to take a longer more detailed class. æSH 130 Environmental Manager and Hicks Principal, Tom Van Zandt congratulates the 2000th person to attend environmental training on the highway project.

Migratory Bird Buffer sign and fencing, which is part of the environmental protection program for SH 130.ææ Hicks environmental inspectors are responsible for ensuring that during nesting season, no migratory bird has any ïdirect takeî, or is disturbed in anyway that adversely effects the nesting process.æ One method of protection is to post signs and buffer areas to keep out construction activities until the baby birds have left the nest.

Mulching demo on the SH 130 project to minimize storm water impacts.