PGL Environmental Consultants’ Post

if Enviromental is your thing ... check out the links below.

Navigating the permitting process for land development can be complex. Understanding local regulations, environmental impact assessments, and community engagement is crucial. Seeking professional guidance from our team can ensure a smooth process. Contact us today for a consultation. #LandDevelopment #PermittingProcess #ConsultingExpertise #NewYork #DBE #WBE #utilities #smallbusiness #sitedevelopment #heavyequipment #newyork #projectmanagement #construction #wearehiring #womanowned

Today’s takeaway comments about property development vs. wetlands and biology at today’s #NorthStateBIA event: Comment: There’s nothing easy about wetlands permitting. Response: You’re right. The requirements and timelines often do not make sense or are overbearing. The best way to manage these issues is knowing what you are dealing with before buying or applying and then planning your desired outcome. Comment: Is it faster to go through state or federal permits? Response: The EPA’s recent decision to exclude isolated wetlands and waters from federal jurisdiction creates confusion, but also opportunity. State permitting guidelines require agencies to permit projects in 3 months if a complete application is submitted. Comment: The biggest issue we have is with poor customer service and project management. Response: Absolutely. No developer or builder wants to manage someone else’s job. When you hire an environmental consultant, their service should come with response and customer service that anticipates your project goals. #PropertyDevelopment #WetlandsPermitting #EnvironmentalConsultants

Petition Challenging the State Water Resources Control Board's Authority to Designate the Tulare Lake Basin as Probationary under the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act filed in California Superior Court, County of Kings. Introduction to SGMA The Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA), enacted in California in 2014, aims to ensure sustainable groundwater management statewide. SGMA emphasizes local management, empowering agencies to develop and implement plans addressing unique groundwater conditions. This approach seeks to achieve long-term sustainability and prevent overuse, depletion, and contamination. SGMA's Probationary Designation A key mechanism within SGMA is the Probationary Designation. This designation applies when a local groundwater management plan fails significantly or lacks sufficient local will or capacity to sustain the basin. The State Water Board can designate a basin as "probationary" and take corrective measures to ensure sustainable management. This can shift certain responsibilities from local agencies to the state. The Kings County Writ Petition Petitioners filed a Writ of Mandate Petition challenging the State Water Board’s Probationary Designation of the Tulare Lake Basin under SGMA. The petition alleges that the State Water Board exceeded its SGMA-granted authority with this designation. The allegations include: Procedural deficiencies in the State Water Board's decision-making process. Overreach in interpreting their authority under SGMA. Lack of sufficient evidence to justify the probationary status. The petition calls for a judicial review to address these concerns and potentially overturn the Probationary Designation. Potential Impact of the Writ Petition If the Kings County Writ Petition succeeds, it could significantly affect the State Water Board's authority under SGMA. A favorable outcome for Kings County might: Set a legal precedent that limits the State Water Board's power to impose probationary designations. Reinforce local agency authority and control over groundwater management. Necessitate a review and possibly an overhaul of the procedures and standards used by the State Water Board. Such changes could reshape groundwater management under SGMA, encouraging stricter adherence to the legislative intent of local-level management. One of my core areas of specialization at #FrostBrownTodd is representing appropriative, overlying, and Indian water rights. I stay current on all SGMA developments. Stay tuned for updates as this important case progresses. The outcome of this Kings County Writ Petition could have far-reaching implications for groundwater management across California. Let’s keep the conversation going on how we can collectively ensure sustainable groundwater practices while balancing local and state responsibilities. #GroundwaterManagement #SGMA #KingsCounty #SustainableWater #CaliforniaWaterLaw #TulareLakeBasin #StateWaterBoard

The UK's clean water sector is a fountain of opportunity! 💧🌱 In recent years, the focus on environmental sustainability and the drive for cleaner water has surged, leading to a wave of career openings in this vital industry. From engineering roles that dive into the depths of water treatment processes to project management positions that keep the flow of initiatives steady, the spectrum is vast. For those with a passion for innovation, roles in water technology development offer a chance to be at the forefront of creating solutions that ensure safe, clean water for all. Environmental scientists and water quality technicians play a crucial role in monitoring and preserving our water resources, making sure they're not just clean but also sustainable for future generations. On the regulatory side, there's a demand for policy advisors and compliance officers who ensure that water companies meet stringent environmental standards. These roles are essential in maintaining the balance between industry needs and environmental protection. The sector also offers a variety of opportunities in the field of construction and maintenance of water infrastructure. Skilled tradespeople, such as plumbers and pipefitters, are the backbone of the industry, ensuring that the physical systems delivering this precious resource are in top condition. For those who prefer a customer-facing role, there are positions in education and community outreach, where you can spread awareness about water conservation and help foster a water-wise society. At our company, we're proud to be at the confluence of talent and opportunity in the clean water sector. We understand that our success flows from our team—dedicated professionals who are not just skilled but also share our commitment to doing what's right for both people and the planet. If you're looking to make a splash in your career and contribute to a cleaner, greener world, let's connect. The UK's clean water sector is brimming with potential, and together, we can tap into it! #CleanWaterCareers #SustainabilityJobs #EnvironmentalEngineering

The “we just want someone to manage approvals” statement from my last post is often paired with “we’re sick of paying for consultants”. Or in one case "I f***ing hate consultants." I have some bad news. If you’re a small mining or oil and gas company, and hire a team-of-one environmental manager, you’ll still need consultants. It probably won’t even reduce your consultant spend, at least not significantly. Almost all approval applications, bar the most simple administrative amendments, require a level of assessment of environmental values and impacts - ecology, groundwater, surface water and flooding, noise, air quality, etc. No single in-house environmental manager can do all this work - either technically or logistically. Despite what you hope, you’re not hiring an environment manager to do this work. You’re hiring an environmental manager to: - Increase efficiencies by taking the approvals project management workload off other company leaders, so they can focus on their core responsibilities - Bring the technical background and expertise to be able to speak the environmental assessment and approvals language with consultants, lawyers, regulators and other stakeholders - Scope environmental assessment studies, manage consultants and review technical reports - On top of this, provide all the other value that I mentioned in my last post This is where you might save some of the money that you’ve been spending on consultants. Having an experienced environmental professional to scope environmental assessment projects, more closely manage your consultants, and look after the relationship with your regulators and stakeholders might curb some of the spend if you’ve previously relied on a consultant to manage this aspect of your approvals work. But a single in-house enviro manager will never remove the need to use consultants.

🌊 Exciting News Alert! 🌊 Dear LinkedIn Family, We are delighted to share some fantastic news with you all! Through our valued partnership with one of the leading Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) companies specializing in wastewater projects, we are thrilled to unveil new and promising opportunities in the water sector. In light of escalating concerns surrounding water scarcity and the pressing need for sustainable solutions, there has never been a more opportune moment to immerse yourself in water management initiatives. From engineering marvels to pivotal policy development, the spectrum of opportunities within the water sector is vast and diverse. This collaboration not only signifies our commitment to addressing critical water challenges but also underscores our dedication to supporting our client in filling crucial roles and catalyzing economic growth in communities throughout the USA. Whether you are a seasoned professional with years of experience or an ambitious newcomer eager to make your mark, rest assured, there is a place for you in the dynamic and ever-evolving water industry. Let us come together and collectively shape a more sustainable future for generations to come. #WaterManagement #Sustainability #USAOpportunities #Wastewater

As biological consultants, we often focus on wildlife and habitat concerns. However, we understand that project managers juggle many responsibilities, including: ✔ Environmental Compliance  ✔ Worker safety  ✔ Project timelines and budgets  ✔ Equipment and material logistics  ✔ Regulatory requirements from various agencies When you understand that each of these areas also requires its own unique permitting processes, it's clear why many project managers feel overwhelmed. The permitting process can be overwhelming and a significant source of stress and potential delays. We've seen projects hit unexpected roadblocks due to overlooked permits or last-minute discoveries that require additional authorizations. For instance, a seemingly straightforward project can suddenly require a Section 10 incidental take permit if a protected species is found on site, potentially adding months to your timeline. Each permit comes with its own set of requirements, timelines, and potential pitfalls: Environmental Assessments (EAs) or Environmental Impact Statements (EISs) may be required, often involving lengthy public comment periods. Permits might need to be obtained from multiple agencies—federal, state, and local—each with its own procedures and timelines. The specific surveys required can vary widely depending on the project location and potential species present, affecting scheduling and budgeting. Knowing all of this, here’s our advice: ✔ Engage in early consultation to identify all potential permitting needs, helping to avoid surprises down the line. ✔ Align biological surveys and assessments with the project timeline, considering optimal survey windows and agency processing times. ✔ Leverage established relationships with regulatory agencies to help streamline the permitting process. ✔ Translate complex regulatory requirements into clear, actionable steps for the team. Time is money in construction and development, butwith the right expertise the permitting process can go from a potential obstacle to a well-managed part of your project plan. #PermittingProcess #EnvironmentalCompliance #ConstructionChallenges #BiologicalConsulting

Early on, Priyal Dama-Fakir realized that she liked to find solutions, not just point out problems. She chose a career in engineering with the aim to influence change from within industry. Priyal recently transferred from WSP in Africa to WSP in Canada, bringing with her valuable experience in #WaterStewardship, mine water quality and environmental permitting. Learn more 👇 about Priyal's career journey and her thoughts on: 💡 The role of mentorship in a successful career 💡️ Creativity in engineering 💡️ What she finds most fulfilling in her work #CareersInMining #WomenInMining #MineWaterManagement