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.
Technical Studies
Great Ecology conducts technical studies that 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:
The outcome of these studies assist with identifying opportunities for restoration, conservation, onsite mitigation, and impact minimization. For example, they inform whether regulations protecting certain species, such as migratory birds, may limit project work to certain times of the year.
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:
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.
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 aid in permitting and planning commission approvals and to generate accurate artistic renderings for outreach purposes. These analyses are typically performed for:
Renewable Energy Land Use Planning
Great Ecology works with land owners to plan and develop solar and wind renewable energy sites. We support site investigations and evaluations, permitting, due diligence, and overall site planning including the development of 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, saving our clients time and money.
Construction Oversight & Planning
Great Ecology provides construction oversight for ecological components of project construction. In addition, we produce construction drawings, participate in value engineering, construction scheduling, and coordinate with project partners and stakeholders.