Environmental Permitting
Wetland, Waterbody, and Groundwater
Sections 401 and 404 of the Clean Water Act protect wetlands and waters of the United States. Groundwater is regulated and protected by federal, state, and local statutes depending on the location and the type of the proposed activity. RCI has extensive experience in delineating wetland and water resources and in obtaining necessary permits. When impacts to wetlands, waters, or groundwater are unavoidable, RCI has successfully designed and implemented reclamation and mitigation plans to fully restore or mitigate ecological functions. Our interdisciplinary team experience allow us to efficiently design and implement concurrent baseline surveys and reclamation plans. This efficiency facilitates rapid preparation of environmental documents and permitting.
Vegetation and Wildlife
Federally listed threatened, endangered, and sensitive (TES) vegetation and wildlife species are protected by the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and are also protected by several state statutes. [Section 7(c) of the ESA requires preparation of a Biological Assessment for major construction activities on federal land.] Our biologists have conducted numerous vegetation and wildlife surveys in Nevada and California and are familiar with habitat features for most species of concern. RCI has frequently coordinated TES issues with state and federal agencies and obtained approved site clearances for land disturbing activities. RCI has participated in Section 7 consultations and has prepared multi-species habitat conservation plans.
Air Quality
Air quality in Northern Nevada is regulated by Washoe County or the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) with oversight from the US EPA. Air quality can be a temporary construction issue or a long-term facility issue. RCI is well versed in air quality regulations, emissions inventories, screening level air modeling, and abatement techniques such as dust control or filtering.
NEPA environmental clearance
Environmental clearance for projects on federal land is regulated under several federal and state rules such as NEPA (40 CFR 1500-1508), the BLM or USFS regulations for development on public lands, and/or the State of Nevada Utility Environmental Protection Act (UEPA). RCI has the experience and the staff to prepare the environmental documentation required for construction permits. Our engineering, surveying and drafting services compliment our field surveying and reporting capabilities. As a group of engineering and natural resource professionals, RCI is well suited to assist in construction permitting in a timely and efficient manner.
Erosion Control
Specific areas in Nevada and California host sensitive soil or geologic resources. The type of soil or geology in an area can present construction constraints or dictate the type of restoration procedures appropriate for the area. Our geologists and soil scientists are versed in pipeline construction as well as sediment and erosion control, best management practices, and right-of-way restoration techniques. This combination of experience and knowledge facilitates efficient project permitting.