This project included the construction of a new bridge over the Choptank River on MD 331 (Dover Road) and construction of the realignment of the MD 331 roadway at the approaches to the new bridge. Beginning 2,400 feet west of the river and extending 2,600 feet east of the river, the project was approximately 1.1 miles long. Also associated with this project was construction of Critical Area and wetland mitigation sites. Coastal Resources, Inc. (CRI) provided a qualified, independent environmental monitor (IEM), independent from the design engineers and construction contractor, to participate in the review of the final design and to oversee subsequent construction of the MD 331 project. The CRI IEM was responsible for monitoring construction activities to ensure that grading, sediment and erosion control and other construction activities were in compliance with environmental permits. The role of the environmental monitor included ensuring that the Permittee requested approvals from the USACE/MDE for any changes involving impacts to regulated aquatic resources. The CRI IEM kept records of the impact totals, to ensure that appropriate mitigation was constructed for all impacts. The CRI IEM made recommendations throughout the construction for further avoidance and minimization of impacts. The CRI IEM notified the USACE/MDE and the resource agencies of any noncompliance or violation. The CRI IEM made recommendations for bringing the project into compliance and provide the USACE/MDE and resource agencies copies of all reports dealing with resolution of noncompliance and violations. The CRI IEM worked with the contractors to ensure the site was quickly brought back into compliance and any damage was restored. The IEM was onsite 24 hours/week, as an extension of the regulatory agencies. The CRI IEM communicated issues concurrently to the sponsoring agencies so that all parties were informed and involved in the solution process. In addition, the CRI IEM attended the agency meetings to provide design and construction updates, review periodic compliance reports prepared, and provide guidance and/or assistance in addressing agency and/or public compliance issues. CRI also collected water quality data such as turbidity and pH during construction activities, on an as needed basis, as part of the IEM duties. Location: Talbot & Caroline Counties, MD Client: Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration Key Services: Interagency CoordinationPermittingIndependent Environmental Monitoring