Environmental Planning Services
GBK helps clients and lead agencies comply with environmental regulations necessary for both project entitlement and operational continuity. We offer the professional qualifications and practical experience required for preparing efficient and effective Preliminary Studies; Environmental Impact Assessments; Findings of No Significant Impact, and Environmental Impact Statements for the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
For projects subject to NEPA, we conduct initial environmental surveys that clearly define the potential range of impacts and scope the environmental review. Subsequently, applicable standards and significance criteria, appropriate design measures, and impact avoidance techniques are applied. Clear mitigation measure and monitoring procedures are then developed for any remaining potential impacts. We also routinely work with the lead agency to develop a range of alternatives appropriate for the plan or project.
GBK's environmental planning services:
- Clearly define the scope of the environmental review, and agencies and organizations that will participate in that review
- Establish the baseline conditions so that the increment of environmental change can be described and analyzed
- Work with the applicant and agency to develop measurable objectives against which the project alternatives will be analyzed
- Use the scoping process to identify key issues, and screen other issues from further review
- Develop a range of alternatives appropriate for the project
- Comply with the noticing and review requirements
- Respond to comments in a timely manner
- Prepare, draft and finalize documents for consideration and certification by lead agency
Reference Project:
NEPA Process and Cumulative Impacts Training
US Army Corps of Engineers, SW Division
GBK provided 40hrs of in-depth training with acclaimed NEPA expert, Dr. Larry Canter. Training was intended to provide a solid understanding of Environmental Impact Assessment for the Corps of Engineers personnel involved in NEPA project management.
Some milestones and deliverables included:
- Understanding the NEPA process and how it has evolved
- Producing EAs, FONSIs, mitigated FONSIs and EISs
- Consideration of impacts across all environmental areas: air, water, land, noise, visual, natural and cultural resources
- How to understand and apply environmental justice
- How to identify and assess cumulative impacts and to understand their increasing importance in the NEPA process
