The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 focuses on the impact of proposed actions (construction) on natural, urban, historic and cultural resources.  If the action is entirely or partly financed, assisted, conducted, regulated or approved by a federal agency, a study must be conducted to determine the resource impact.





NEPA Services

Whether it's an environmental clearance, a wetland delineation, an Environmental Assessment (EA), or a comprehensive Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), Blackshare Environmental has the skilled staff and experience necessary to help clients through the permitting and NEPA process. Blackshare Environmental staff has provided these services on pipelines, railroads, highways, telecommunication towers, corridors, airports, Native American gaming facilities, road improvement / bridge projects and even on a proposed wind farm project.

Permitting and NEPA services provided include:

Permitting / Clearances

The Blackshare Environmental staff has permitted and cleared literally thousands of miles of corridor and numerous area projects. Blackshare Environmental is experienced at negotiating and working with all of the agencies critical to the permitting process.

NEPA Screens/Environmental Assessments (EA)/Environmental Impact Statements (EIS)

Depending on the level of effort required by the jurisdictional agency, Blackshare Environmental can provide a cursory review of NEPA issues or can manage a complete EIS which includes project alternatives, an assessment of the affected environment and the environmental consequence of the proposed action.

Wetlands

Blackshare Environmental provides wetland identification, delineation and planning utilizing trained wetland specialists. Blackshare Environmental also assists clients with construction permitting including Section 401 and 404 permits issued through the Nationwide and/or Individual Permit Programs.

Threatened and Endangered Species Studies

Blackshare Environmental assists clients in complying with the Endangered Species Act of 1973. Studies can include literature research and correspondence with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, state fish and wildlife agencies and a field reconnaissance to obtain information on sensitive and critical habitats.

Cultural Resource Evaluation

Blackshare Environmental helps clients comply with Section 106 requirements of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and is accomplished at working with State Historical Preservation Officers (SHPO) and Native American Tribes.

FERC Reports

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) requires a specific scope and format for projects under their jurisdiction. Our Blackshare Environmental staff has in-depth experience with FERC Environmental Reports and FERC 7C Reports, which are a compilation of individual resource reports.