Meet
Our Team

President
Laura H. Belanger, PWS

Laura Belanger founded Blueline Environmental Consultants, LLC following a lengthy and successful career in the upstate with Environmental Permitting Consultants, Inc (EPC). Laura has extensive experience in regulatory processes and issues throughout the Southeast. Her dedication to strategic problem solving and client education has made her one of the most sought-after consultants in the state. As president of Blueline, Laura is responsible for overseeing all wetland delineations and permitting. Additionally, she makes it a priority to be available for clients and engineers at all points during the development process to ensure strategic solutions and planning with regard to wetland issues. Laura has worked throughout the Southeast and on Cape Cod, MA conducting wetland delineations, stream assessments and restoration, water quality sampling, protected species assessments and relocations, permitting, and other regulatory analyses.
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Background

Education

  • M.A. in Energy and Environmental Analysis, Boston University
  • B.S. in Biology and Recreation Management, Appalachian State University
  • NCSU River Course Level I - Stream Classification and Assessment
  • NCSU River Course Level II - Stream Restoration Design Principles
  • NCSU River Course Level III - Advanced Stream Restoration Design Principles
  • Stream Mechanics – Natural Channel Design
  • Rosgen Level I - Applied Fluvial Geomorphology
  • Rosgen Level II - River Morphology and Applications
  • Rosgen Level III – River Assessment and Monitoring

Professional Affiliations

  • Professional Wetland Scientist #3514
  • Certified Erosion Prevention & Sediment Control Inspector #17363
  • Society of Wetland Scientists

Areas of Specialization

  • 404/401 Permitting
  • Strategic Planning
  • Regulatory Analysis
  • Mitigation Bank Management
  • Restoration Design

Misc.

  • Army Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation and Management Training
  • OSHA 40 - hour Hazardous Waste Site Operations
  • Adopt-A-Stream Volunteer
  • Vice President - Boys and Girls Club of Henderson County
  • American MENSA

Senior Project Manager
Michelle Evans, PWS

Michelle Evans joined Blueline after working with Laura for 6 years at EPC. Michelle is a project manager specializing in wetland delineation and restoration monitoring. She is responsible for field data collection and report submittals for wetland delineations and yearly stream monitoring projects. Michelle goes above and beyond to provide information, guidance and service to our clients and is beloved by all who come in contact with her.

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Background

Education

  • B.S. in Biology with Marine Biology Emphasis, San Diego State University
  • Graduate-level courses in Coastal and Marine Wetland Studies, Coastal Carolina University
  • South Carolina Native Plant Certificate Courses, Clemson Extension
  • Rosgen Level I - Applied Fluvial Geomorphology

Professional Affiliations

  • Professional Wetland Scientist #3792
  • National Association of Environmental Professionals (SC and NC)
  • Society of Wetland Scientists
  • Upstate Master Naturalist Association

Areas of Specialization

  • Wetland Delineations
  • Restoration Monitoring
  • 404/401 Permitting

Misc.

  • Army Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation and Management Training
  • NC Stream Identification Training (SWITC)
  • SC Upstate Master Naturalist
  • Certified Erosion Prevention & Sedimentation Control Inspector (CEPSCI)
  • NELAP certification in marine benthic and microbiology laboratory techniques
  • Adopt-A-Stream Volunteer
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Project Manager
Rachelle Tones, PWS

Rachelle Toth is a project manager at Blueline Environmental Consulting, LLC. Her responsibilities include field data collection on wetland delineations, monitoring, and protected species habitat assessment. Rachelle has experience in wetland delineation, monitoring, mitigation, projected species habitat assessments, and permitting. Prior to joining Blueline Rachelle was a wilderness-based trip leader for both young adults and corporate groups. A self-described life-long learner, Rachelle has been an excellent addition to our team.

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Background

Education

  • B.S. in Biology, University of South Carolina Beaufort

Professional Affiliations

  • Professional Wetland Scientist #4031
  • Society of Wetland Scientists

Areas of Specialization

  • Wetland Delineations
  • Threatened & Endangered Species Habitat Assessments
  • 404/401 Permitting

Misc.

  • Lowcountry Master Naturalist
  • Army Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation and Management Training

Project Manager
Thomas O'Neal, WPIT

Thomas has been a Project Manager with Blueline Environmental Consulting, LLC since the spring of 2021. Prior to joining Blueline, Thomas spent time in Wyoming working with the Sublette County Conservation District as a member of an ecological site inventory crew and worked with SCDHEC as an Enforcement Project Manager. Thomas’s excellent botany background has proven to be an invaluable asset to our team.
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Background

Education

  • B.S. Environmental Studies & German, Wofford College

Areas of Specialization

  • Wetland Delineations
  • Threatened & Endangered Species Habitat Assessments
  • Vegetation Plans and Monitoring

Misc.

  • Eagle Scout
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Project Manager
Hansen Smith, WPIT

Hansen is a project manager at Blueline Environmental Consulting, LLC, originally joining our team in 2021 as an intern. His responsibilities include field data collection, wetland delineation, and environmental assessments, with a particular focus on projects throughout the Lowcountry and Midlands. Hansen has experience navigating the unique scientific challenges of the region, including complex wetland systems, tidal influences, hydrology, and protected species habitat. As a former camp counselor, he is a strong advocate for having fun at work and is responsible for boosting team morale and reminding all of us to enjoy what we do. His positive attitude and enthusiasm combined with his growing technical experience and adaptability has made him an excellent addition to our team.

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Background

Education

  • B.S. Biology and Environmental Studies, Wofford College

Areas of Specialization

  • Wetland Delineations
  • Threatened & Endangered Species Habitat Assessments

Misc.

  • Army Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation and Management Training
  • Society of Wetland Scientists
  • Wofford Debate Team
  • Habitat for Humanity

Project Manager
Jeff Dellaero

Jeff Dellaero is a project manager at Blueline. His responsibilities include mentoring emerging professionals, wetland delineations, and protected species habitat assessments while particularly specializing in North Carolina. Jeff previously worked in various research labs studying freshwater fish and learned GIS. Jeff’s knowledge of aquatic biology, excellent communication skills, effortless efficiency, and strong work ethic has bolstered our team into new levels.

Jeff Dellaero

Background

Education

  • B.S. in Fish Conservation, Virginia Tech

Areas of Specialization

  • Wetland Delineations
  • Threatened & Endangered Species Habitat Assessments

Misc.

  • Surface Water Identification Training and Certification (SWITC) Certificate of Training
Elyse Bartleson

Project Manager
Elyse Bartleson

Elyse Bartleson is a project manager at Blueline. Her specialties include training early-career team members, wetland delineations, and protected species habitat assessments within the upstate of South Carolina and surrounding states. Elyse previously worked at a non-profit monitoring sensitive habitat and is a certified wildland firefighter. Elyse’s expertise in botany with her keen attention to detail, tireless patience, and constant dedication to learning makes her an immeasurable key part of our team.

Elyse Bartleson

Background

Education

  • B.S. Forest Resources and Conservation - Environmental Law Specialization, University of Florida

Areas of Specialization

  • Wetland Delineations
  • Threatened & Endangered Species Habitat Assessments

Misc.

  • Girl Scout Ambassador