Introduction
System One Environmental was contracted by an oil and gas company to provide continuous monitoring of a bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) nest throughout the duration of pipeline construction activities. The project involved installing a new 2-mile pipeline running west to east, with the active nest located approximately 404 feet north of the project centerline. In coordination with Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), construction was permitted to continue under the condition that a qualified biologist remained on site to monitor the nest for the entirety of operations.
Challenges
The project was anticipated to run for roughly one month, with crews working 10 hours per day, six days a week. Daily coordination with the lead foreman was essential to verify work schedules and ensure consistent monitoring coverage. This effort represented the largest and most intensive wildlife monitoring project System One Environmental had undertaken to date.
Due to the inherently disruptive nature of pipeline construction, it was critical to maintain a constant presence to observe the nest and halt operations immediately if any signs of bald eagle distress were detected. Navigating to and from observation points within an active construction site also posed safety concerns and required skilled, cautious driving. Once positioned, biologists were required to remain at least 1/8 of a mile from the nest while still ensuring clear visibility for accurate behavioral assessments.
Solutions
Through precise scheduling, thorough field observations, and clear, consistent communication with all project stakeholders, System One Environmental successfully provided full-time monitoring for the duration of construction. Despite the scale and complexity of the project, we encountered no coordination issues and maintained a smooth, efficient monitoring process both behind the scenes and in the field.
Conclusion
This project demonstrated our team’s ability to deliver high-quality environmental oversight on large, demanding assignments. With strong expertise, adaptability, and a collaborative approach, System One Environmental effectively supported project success while upholding critical wildlife protection requirements—ultimately contributing to a successful and undisturbed nesting season during construction operations.