We have over four decades of combined experience in wetlands environmental planning and regulatory compliance consulting. We strongly believe that protecting and preserving our wetlands provides all of us with healthier, happier lives, and that this can be accomplished while still allowing businesses to thrive. We forge strong partnerships with local and regional businesses, government entities, and other environmental professionals to ensure that the quality of life in our communities is strengthened.
Rutledge Clement Riddle, PWS, Principal
Education
— Master of Planning, University of Virginia, 1998.
— Bachelor of Science, Natural Resources, University of the South, 1991.
Professional Associations
— Certified Professional Wetland Scientist, 2001
— Society of Wetland Scientists
— The National Association of Environmental Professionals
Professional Background
Clement founded ClearWater Environmental Consultants, Inc. in 2002. He has over 29 years of experience with wetland permitting, environmental planning, and natural resource studies in North Carolina. He is responsible for overseeing all environmental projects, and serves as the Principal for large and technical permitting projects.
Tyson Kurtz, Biologist
Education
— Bachelor of Science, Environmental Biology, Minors in Environmental Sustainability and Environmental Geoscience, Honors Program Graduate, Clarion University of Pennsylvania, 2016.
Professional Associations, Honors, and Training
— North Carolina Stream Assessment Method Training (NCSAM), 2019
— North Carolina Wetland Assessment Method Training (NCWAM), 2019
— NC Surface Water Identification Training and Certification, 2019
— Virginia Stormwater Inspector Certification, 2018
Professional Background
Tyson has been employed by ClearWater Environmental Consultants, Inc. since 2019. He has 3.5 years of experience conducting stream and wetland research, delineations, and permitting. He has completed the Swamp School wetland delineation class, NC State’s Stream bank repair workshop, NCDOTs ESC/Stormwater Management Level 1 & 2 courses, and NCAEP North Carolina Stream Identification Method Version 4.11 in 2020. He is currently in Principles of Wetland Design with the Swamp School.
Tyson’s primary duties at ClearWater Environmental include wetland and stream delineations, GIS mapping, aquatic resource monitoring, threatened and endangered species surveys, and 404 and 401 environmental permitting.
Most importantly, Tyson has completed a kickflip (which is a skateboard trick for those not familiar) in 41 of the 50 states. He hopes to get to the remaining 9 states when his knee is good enough.
Britten Yant, Biologist
Education
— Bachelor of Science, Environmental, Safety and Occupational Health, University of Findlay, 2014
— Certification in GIS Fundamentals, Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, 2019
Professional Associations, Honors, and Training
— 38-Hour USACE Wetland Delineation Training, 2015
— Ohio Rapid Assessment Method for Wetlands Training, 2015
— Identification of Common Wetland Plants Training Course, 2016
— North Carolina Stream Assessment Method Training Course, 2017
— North Carolina Wetland Assessment Method Training Course, 2017
— Surface Water Identification Training and Certification Program, 2017
— NC NHP Rare Plants and Natural Communities Workshop, 2019
— Certified Professional Wetland Scientist, 2020
— NC State Stream Bank Repair Certification, 2021
— Level I: Erosion & Sediment Control Installer/Inspector, 2021
— Level II: Erosion & Sediment Control/Stormwater Site Manager, 2021
Professional Background
Britten has been working full time in the environmental consulting field since 2014. He has experience working with state, local, and federal regulators for both the private and public sectors. His expertise includes performing wetland delineations in accordance with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers standards, aiding clients in the environmental permitting/mitigation process, assisting clients in meeting state and federal regulatory compliance, and performing threatened and endangered species surveys. Britten also specializes in integrated mapping using GPS/GIS technology and can provide an accurate representation of features delineated on a project to a client or regulator in an easy-to-understand deliverable product.
In his free time Britten enjoys rock climbing, kayaking and fly fishing. Last year Britten completed an unguided summit of Mt. Rainier.
