About Us

UltraSystems was established in 1994 as a consulting practice specializing in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and to assist private industry and governmental agencies navigate environmental regulations.

The firm’s reputation as a problem-solver comes from our commitment to pragmatism, technical excellence and meticulous communication in servicing our clients. We are committed to successful project management, time management and timely delivery in every project that we undertake. Our firm prepares and reviews CEQA and NEPA compliance documents and supporting technical studies that include the following disciplines: air quality and greenhouse gas emissions, noise, biological, cultural, land use, socioeconomic, hydrology, water supply and aesthetics.

Our projects have ranged in complexity from categorical exemptions and categorical exclusions, to Negative Declarations (ND) and Mitigated Negative Declarations (MND), to full Environmental Impact Reports (EIR) and Environmental Impact Statements (EIS). Additionally, we process and deliver the necessary entitlements, project permits and approvals so that project development is not impeded.

Business Certifications

UltraSystems is certified with various federal, state and local agencies. Currently, the firm holds the following certifications:

• Federal Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE).
• Small Business Enterprise (SBE).
• Woman-owned Business Enterprise (WBE).
• Federal Woman-owned Small Business (WOSB).

UltraSystems employs a diverse, multidisciplinary team of talented and experienced environmental planners, scientists, archaeologists, biologists, geologists, hydrologists, engineers, economists, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) specialists, and support staff to complete environmental analyses, CEQA and NEPA documents, technical studies, permits, and construction environmental monitoring to satisfy environmental laws and regulations from initial project planning through construction. By collaborating across scientific disciplines, UltraSystems delivers practical solutions to real environmental problems. UltraSystems offers clients creative solutions that emphasize resolution of environmental issues early in the planning process when the client has the greatest flexibility for design to avoid or minimize costly permitting and mitigation requirements.

UltraSystems has been providing consulting services to public and private sector clients throughout California since the founding of the firm in 1994. Since then, the firm has prepared over 4,000 environmental reports, engineering studies or technical studies for clients. UltraSystems continues to specialize in providing comprehensive services, emphasizing quality and client-oriented service.

UltraSystems’ team of working professionals offers the highest level of experience, knowledge and commitment in providing environmental and engineering services. Our purpose is to manage each project we undertake efficiently, with respect to the project’s work scope, budget and schedule; ultimately producing and delivering quality work product for that project.

 Meeting Client Expectations

UltraSystems has a long history of providing technological innovation and creative approaches to solving challenging issues. Our clients have relied on UltraSystems to keep them in compliance with federal, state and local environmental laws, regulations and guidelines. The majority of our work stems from repeat customers who trust us to deliver scientific objectivity, environmental expertise, and legally-defensible technical documents, required to meet stringent agency regulations.

UltraSystems’ CEQA/NEPA documents have never been successfully challenged in a court of law. This is a direct result of our proven expertise interpreting and advising our clients on complex environmental legislation and regulations.

 Regulatory Understanding

One of our main goals is to help our clients stay in compliance with environmental rules, laws, and regulations and with license requirements and regulatory permits while also helping to protect the natural environment. Our staff is experienced following the requirements of federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, statutes, guidelines, and regulations, including:

• Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA).
• Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act (A-P Act).
• American Indian Religious Freedom Act (AIRFA).
• American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).
• Archaeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA).
• Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA).
• California: Fish and Game Codes, State Health and Safety Codes, and Public Resources Codes.
• California Clean Air Act (CCAA).
• California Desert Native Plants Act (CDNPA).
• California Endangered Species Act (CESA).
• CEQA.
• Federal Clean Air Act (CAA).
• Federal Clean Water Act (CWA).
• Federal Endangered Species Act (ESA).
• NEPA.
• Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA).
• National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA).
• Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA).
• Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act.

 Hands-on Expertise with Regulatory Agencies

Our understanding of the regulatory processes has helped create a good working relationship with the following federal, state, regional, and local agencies:

• California Air Resources Board (ARB).
• California Coastal Commission (Coastal Commission or CCC).
• California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW).
• California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle).
• California Department of Transportation (Caltrans).
• California Environmental Protection Agency (Cal/EPA).
• Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC).
• Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).
• Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC).
• National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS).
• Regional Water Quality Control Boards (RWQCBs).
• South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD).
• State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO).
• State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB).
• United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE).
• United States Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
• United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).
• United States Forest Service (USFS).

Our respected working relationships with these regulatory agencies are advantageous for our clients to swiftly obtain required permits and project approvals. Our firm has conducted interagency coordination at varying levels of detail and complexity on behalf of clients.