Civil Firma Engineering (CFE) specific areas of environmental expertise include local and regional stormwater, ADEM permitting, NEPA requirements, NPDES permitting, FEMA floodplains and floodways and USFWS threatened and endangered species habitat consultations.

Agencies Involved

Environmental permitting involves multiple agencies at the federal, state, and local levels. It is important to consult with these agencies early in the planning process to ensure compliance with regulations. Their involvement can help streamline the approval process and address any potential concerns. These agencies may have their own additional permits and regulations that must be followed.

Types of Permits

There are several types of permits that may be required for a project, depending on the location and potential impacts. Some of the most common permits include:

Section 404 – Clean Water Act

The US Army Corp of Engineers regulates all impacts to Waters of the U.S. (or WOTUS for short), which includes streams and wetlands. Wetland delineations require a seasoned and experienced investigator to determine what is potentially jurisdictional WOTUS and what is not.

NEPA Services

NEPA (National Environmental Policy Act) services involve conducting an environmental review of a project to determine its potential impacts on the environment. This is required for any project that involves federal funding or permits.

The NEPA process includes an environmental assessment (EA) or an environmental impact statement (EIS), which evaluates the potential impacts of the project and identifies any necessary mitigation measures.

NPDES Permitting

NPDES (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) permits are required for certain industries who discharge stormwater and for any construction project disturbing over 1-acre of land. NPDES permits require that a SWPPP (Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan) be in place to ensure possible sources of pollution are identified and a plan is in place to prevent pollution from entering waterways.

T&E Habitat Assessment

T&E (Threatened and Endangered) species habitat assessment is the process of identifying and evaluating potential impacts to T&E species and their habitats. A qualified environmental consultant will conduct a field survey to determine the likelihood of presence of T&E species and their habitats on the property. This information is then used to consult with the US Fish and Wildlife Service to determine the appropriate permits and mitigation measures needed for the project.

FEMA Floodplains and Floodway Permitting

Development within FEMA defined floodplains or floodways require special permits and analysis. A professional engineer must evaluate the hydraulic impact of any proposed development to certify there is ‘No Rise’ in the floodway. CFE has the specialized tools and experience needed to make these certifications.