Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Marine Environmental Consultancy Services in San Luis Obispo, CA
Tenera Environmental is a marine environmental consultancy established in 1975, recognized as a leader in marine and coastal science along the U.S. Pacific Coast. Our team of experts specializes in assessing the interaction between human activities and marine ecosystems, offering services ranging from environmental surveys to policy development. With decades of experience, we provide tailored solutions for industries and government agencies, leveraging advanced tools like GIS and hydrographic surveys. Our staff includes certified divers, taxonomists, ecologists, and data scientists who deliver high-quality data and insights.We maintain long-term relationships with regulatory agencies and have contributed to landmark environmental studies, including oil spill response and endangered species protection. Our commitment to scientific rigor and client collaboration ensures compliance with regulatory standards while promoting sustainable development. We operate from our headquarters in San Luis Obispo, CA, serving clients nationwide through comprehensive environmental consulting services.
Services
Marine Science
Permitting
GIS
Storm Water Monitoring
Policy Development
Oil Spill Response
Biological Surveys
Diving Services
Plankton Taxonomy
Hydrographic Surveys
Details
- Year established: 1975
Highlights and features
- We have over 45 years of experience in marine environmental consulting.
- Our team includes certified scientific divers and HAZWOPER-qualified field scientists.
- We maintain active marine survey programs with specialized equipment like sidescan sonar.
- We provide science-based policy advisory services with regulatory expertise.
- Emergency response mobilization within hours for oil spill incidents.
Associations and certifications
- California Department of General Services (DGS)
Services
Marine Science
Tenera Environmental conducts comprehensive marine science services, including biological surveys, sidescan sonar mapping, and hydrographic studies. Our team uses advanced tools like ADCP current profiling and GIS habitat mapping to deliver data-driven insights. These services help clients understand marine ecosystems and comply with regulatory requirements.
Permitting
We specialize in environmental permitting under the Clean Water Act and endangered species regulations. Our services include CEQA compliance, mitigation monitoring, and environmental impact reports. We assist clients in navigating complex regulatory frameworks to ensure project approvals and compliance.
GIS
Our GIS services integrate baseline and real-time data to create cost-effective solutions for environmental management. We use ESRI ArcGIS and GPS tools for habitat mapping, marine spatial planning, and bathymetry analysis. This supports informed decision-making for coastal and marine projects.
Oil Spill Response
Tenera provides rapid oil spill response with HAZWOPER-qualified scientists and mobilization within hours. Our services include impact assessments, data collection, and compliance reporting. We leverage decades of field experience to minimize environmental damage and ensure regulatory adherence.
Policy Development
We offer policy assessment and development services grounded in ecological research. Our team advises on sustainable development, regulatory alignment, and stakeholder engagement. Services include technical white papers, policy reviews, and strategic planning to balance environmental and project goals.
People
Joe Phelan
President / Project Director
Dr. Joe Phelan leads multi-disciplinary environmental studies with expertise in marine ecology and policy. He has coordinated coastal development projects globally and advised UK government on oil spill response.
John Steinbeck
Principal Scientist
Mr. Steinbeck manages long-term marine monitoring programs, including Diablo Canyon Nuclear Plant studies. He has 45+ years of experience in coastal power plant impact assessments and testified in regulatory hearings.
Gery Cox
Director Field Operations
Gery Cox oversees field operations with expertise in SCUBA surveys and instrumentation. He has conducted endangered species studies and served on sheriff's dive teams for 18 years.
Scott Kimura
Project Manager
Scott Kimura manages marine mammal mitigation plans and intertidal surveys. He has led NOAA studies on oil spill recovery and developed GIS habitat mapping programs for national sanctuaries.
Tessa Victor
Lab Manager
Tessa Victor coordinates plankton analysis and storm water compliance. She manages lab operations for Diablo Canyon Power Plant studies and conducts marine mammal observations during coastal construction projects.
Questions
What marine environmental services does Tenera offer?
We provide marine surveys, permitting, GIS analysis, oil spill response, and policy advisory services for coastal and marine projects.
How long has Tenera been in business?
Tenera Environmental has specialized in marine consulting since 1975, with over 45 years of experience.
Do you offer emergency oil spill response?
Yes, our HAZWOPER-qualified team mobilizes within hours for oil spill impact assessments and mitigation.
What areas do you serve?
We operate from San Luis Obispo, CA, serving clients nationwide with fieldwork across U.S. coastal regions.
Are your scientists certified?
Our team includes AAUS-certified divers, biostatisticians, and specialists in marine taxonomy and GIS analysis.
