Environmental Planning & Permitting

At Great Ecology, we guide projects from early planning and strategy phases through project implementation, construction, and monitoring. By understanding and identifying potential constraints and project opportunities early in the project process, we can develop permitting strategies, project alternatives, and mitigation approaches that lead to successful projects.

Our approach for completing environmental compliance is tailored to each project’s needs and requirements, due to the complexities of our natural systems and the specific regulations of local, state, and federal agencies. Our team of ecologists and designers work with project partners, regulators, and stakeholders to understand project-specific environmental compliance needs and identify ecologically sensitive solutions to meet your project timelines and objectives.

A conceptual plan for restoring vernal pools
IMG_1926

Technical Studies

Great Ecology understands that technical studies play a key role in environmental planning and permitting processes by identifying project opportunities and regulatory considerations and constraints. Our team is experienced in providing the following technical services:

  • Wetland Delineations
  • Natural Resource Assessments
  • Species and Habitat Surveys
  • Biological Assessments
  • Natural Resource Inventories

    • The outcome of these studies will assist with identifying opportunities for restoration, conservation, onsite mitigation, and impact minimization and can also inform whether regulations protecting certain species, such as migratory birds may limit project work to certain times of the year.

    Featured Project:

    Trail Creek Wetland Mitigation, Soda Springs

    Hunter's Point Post Restoration

    Environmental Compliance

    Great Ecology has extensive permitting and environmental regulatory expertise. We guide clients through all regulatory compliance processes related to the management of ecologically sensitive sites, including:

  • Wetland Delineations
  • Federal & State Wetland Permits (CWA Section 404, State 401 Certification, and other state regulations)
  • Environmental Permits for Mitigation Compliance
  • Monitoring Activities

    • Our team establishes a solid foundation for any project with permitting requirements through comprehensive site knowledge and regulatory coordination.

    Our experts have worked to achieve regulatory successes at the municipal, state, and federal levels, including guiding the regulatory process throughout multiple stakeholder groups to achieve local buy-in while satisfying compliance standards.

    Featured Project:

    Hunter's Point South Waterfront Park, New York

    Visual Impact Analysis

    Great Ecology incorporates visual impact analyses (a.k.a. viewshed analyses) to measure the potential visual impacts to landscapes and landscape views resulting from a proposed development or land management action. Not only do visual impact analyses inform project design and mitigation efforts, but they can be used to generate accurate artistic renderings for outreach purposes. These analyses are typically performed for:

  • Development Applications
  • Environmental Impact Assessments
  • Publicly-Owned Final Designs
  • Any Project Where the Visual Understanding Will Assist our Client

    • Featured Project:

    Solar Site Visual Impact Analysis, Southern CA

    Renewable Energy Land Use Planning

    Great Ecology works with land owners to plan and develop renewable energy sites, including for solar and wind farms. Great Ecology is able to support site investigation and evaluation, permitting, due diligence, and overall site planning, including any developing a strategy to mitigate planned impacts. Great Ecology's knowledge of, and relationship with, local, state, and federal regulations around the United States allows us to streamline the renewable energy land use planning process, which saves our clients time and money.

    Featured Project:

    Solar Site Permitting Plan, Lancaster