Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Marine Environmental Consultancy Services in San Luis Obispo, CA
Tenera Environmental is a marine environmental consultancy based on the Central Coast of California, serving clients since 1975. Our team of marine scientists, ecologists, and technical specialists provides comprehensive services including marine surveys, environmental impact assessments, and regulatory compliance support. We specialize in understanding the interaction between human activities and marine ecosystems, offering expertise in fields such as oil spill response, coastal development, and habitat monitoring. With decades of experience, we deliver science-based solutions tailored to diverse industries, including energy, government, and renewable resources. Our commitment to quality is reflected in rigorous data collection, advanced technologies like GIS mapping, and adherence to safety and environmental standards.We maintain long-term relationships with regulatory agencies and industry stakeholders, ensuring our clients meet compliance requirements while minimizing ecological impacts. Our scientists hold advanced degrees and certifications in marine biology, ecology, and environmental science, with extensive field experience across the Pacific Coast and beyond. We provide tailored services ranging from storm water management to acoustic monitoring, supporting projects from initial planning through execution. Our work includes high-profile environmental assessments for power plants, desalination facilities, and offshore energy developments. Recognized as a leader in marine environmental science, we combine technical expertise with a dedication to sustainable solutions for complex environmental challenges.
Services
Marine Science
Planning and Permitting
GIS Mapping
Storm Water Monitoring
Oil Spill Response
Policy Assessment
Details
- Year established: 1975
Highlights and features
- We have over 45 years of experience in marine environmental consulting.
- Our team includes AAUS-certified scientific divers and HAZWOPER-qualified specialists.
- We provide rapid oil spill response within hours of notification.
- We maintain long-term partnerships with federal and state regulatory agencies.
- We combine advanced GIS technology with field data for precise environmental assessments.
Services
Marine Science
Our marine science services include biological surveys, hydrographic data collection, and ecosystem assessments using advanced tools like sidescan sonar and GIS mapping. We provide field data and analysis for coastal and offshore projects, supporting environmental compliance and decision-making. Our scientists conduct plankton sampling, habitat monitoring, and marine mammal surveys to assess ecological impacts.
Oil Spill Response
We offer rapid oil spill response with HAZWOPER-certified teams available within hours. Our services include environmental impact assessments, shoreline cleanup, and long-term monitoring. We leverage decades of experience from high-profile spills like Exxon Valdez and Refugio Beach to deliver effective mitigation strategies and regulatory reporting.
GIS Mapping
Our GIS services integrate historical and real-time data for habitat mapping, marine spatial planning, and environmental assessments. Using ESRI software and GPS technology, we create detailed spatial databases to support coastal management, infrastructure projects, and regulatory compliance for clients in energy and government sectors.
Storm Water Monitoring
We help clients meet Clean Water Act requirements through storm water sampling, BMP development, and NPDES permit compliance. Our services include SWPPP planning, employee training, and pollutant discharge monitoring to ensure municipal and industrial operations adhere to environmental regulations.
Policy Assessment
We support policy development with scientific data on coastal regulations, endangered species, and water quality. Our team assists agencies and developers in crafting policies that balance environmental protection with project needs, drawing on decades of field study and regulatory engagement.
People
Joe Phelan
President / Project Director
Joe Phelan holds a PhD in marine larval ecology and has 20+ years of experience in environmental consulting across the UK, Middle East, and USA. He specializes in coastal development impact assessments and stakeholder engagement for energy projects.
John Steinbeck
Principal Scientist
With an M.S. in Biological Sciences, John Steinbeck has 45+ years of experience in marine monitoring. He manages the Diablo Canyon Power Plant's environmental program and has authored key studies on power plant cooling systems' ecological impacts.
Gery Cox
Director Field Operations
Gery Cox has 25+ years of field experience in marine surveys and instrumentation. He leads dive operations and specializes in SCUBA-based subtidal assessments, acoustic monitoring, and endangered species surveys for coastal projects.
Scott Kimura
Project Manager
Scott Kimura holds a Master's in Marine Science and has 40+ years of experience in intertidal ecology. He manages long-term habitat studies and specializes in kelp forest assessments and marine mammal mitigation plans.
Tessa Victor
Lab Manager
Tessa Victor oversees lab operations and plankton analysis with expertise in larval fish identification. She supports storm water compliance and marine mammal surveys, combining lab and field work for coastal environmental monitoring.
Questions
What marine environmental services does Tenera Environmental offer?
We provide marine surveys, oil spill response, regulatory compliance, GIS mapping, storm water monitoring, and environmental impact assessments for coastal and marine projects.
How long has Tenera Environmental been in business?
We have been providing marine environmental consulting services since 1975, with decades of experience in coastal and oceanographic studies.
Does Tenera Environmental handle oil spill response?
Yes, our HAZWOPER-certified team mobilizes within hours for oil spill assessments and mitigation, leveraging decades of field experience.
What areas does Tenera Environmental serve?
We operate along the U.S. Pacific Coast, including California, Alaska, and Hawaii, with international projects in the Middle East.
Can Tenera Environmental assist with regulatory permitting?
We specialize in CEQA compliance, Clean Water Act permitting, and endangered species assessments to support project approvals.
What technologies does Tenera Environmental use?
We employ GIS mapping, acoustic monitoring, sidescan sonar, and remote sensing tools for comprehensive environmental data collection and analysis.
