Regardless of the quality and/or function of a wetland on your project site, it must be delineated.

If you are planning a project that may disturb, alter, or fill a wetland, stream, pond, or shoreline, you will need a wetland delineation. To avoid unanticipated permit and project delays, environmental assessments and/or field work should be handled early in the project design process, well before submitting applications for construction grading or storm water permits.

Permitting can take anywhere from one month to twelve months or more. Conducting due diligence and completing preliminary environmental assessments early in the project planning phase can make or break your project’s timeline and budget.

What is included in due diligence?

Wetland delineations are only one important piece of the full environmental package of due diligence. Preliminary environmental assessments necessary for Construction Notice of Intent (NOI) also include:

To effectively identify impact areas, preliminary environmental assessments must be completed during the first phases of your project. Environmental experts can help you determine the best site for your needs and identify items that may otherwise go overlooked during the crucial early stages of your project, allowing you to avoid common challenges like contaminated sites, long permitting wait times, and costly workarounds for site plans.

Lessons Learned

When environmental experts are not consulted early in the project planning stages, challenges arise.

During a routine assessment for a project that included the replacement of a 50-ft storm sewer, our team discovered that the project site was contaminated.  As a result, the initial coordination and construction of the project was significantly more expensive than anticipated. If the necessary assessments were completed before the original project RFP and bid, cost projections would have been much different, and likely result in a different project altogether.

Preparing for Project Season

Many assessments can be completed during the construction off-season, and preliminary environmental assessments should occur quickly after you find out about a potential project. It is unnecessary to finalize the details surrounding the project plan before an assessment, as the findings will often influence those project details. Site details are also unnecessary for environmental assessments, as surveyors can utilize a general area. Preliminary environmental assessments can even help you locate the best buildable areas and site alternatives for your project.

LEARN MORE

If you have questions about whether your next project needs a wetland delineation, don’t wait! Delayed permits can cause major project hold-ups and wreak havoc on your budget. Please contact one of our environmental experts today.