When should I hire an environmental consultant?
Wading through local, state, and federal environmental permit requirements can be confusing and time consuming. The money you save by “do it yourself” permitting may not be worth all the aggravation it has caused. Additionally, you may notice many technical requirements that require professional expertise. Among them are: wetland delineation, wetland wildlife and habitat assessments, soil and site suitability evaluations for septic system construction, and a myriad of others. If this is the case, Environmental Solutions is well-prepared to help you fulfill those requirements in a professional and timely manner.
What will Ecosystem Solutions, Inc. do for me before, during, and after the permitting process?
We will meet with you and/or other professionals (land surveyors, engineers, etc.) that you have hired to discuss your project in order to determine what needs to be completed and how best to proceed in order to obtain environmental permits for you. This also includes assistance in site design and alternatives analysis. Staff will attend meetings with local, state, or federal authorities regarding your project throughout the permitting process. This includes, for example, Conservation Commission hearings, RI Department of Environmental Management and Coastal Resources Management Council. As part of our work, Ecosystem Solutions, Inc. will conduct historical reviews of environmental permitting on your property, be a liaison between you and any other consultant you may hire and between you and the regulatory authorities. Staff will perform all field studies and complete reports within the bounds of their professional expertise as required by regulatory authorities. If there is an aspect of project development the staff at Ecosystem Solutions, Inc. lacks expertise in, appropriate professionals will be identified and subcontracted to complete that work. Ecosystem Solutions, Inc. will also conduct site evaluations during and after the construction phase to assure permit requirements are met, as necessary.
How long will the process take?
It is difficult to predict how long it will take to obtain an environmental permit or come into compliance with environmental laws. Project type and complexity, season, number of regulatory review staff on hand to review your project, and others play a part in the equation. For a more accurate determination, it is best to contact the company directly.
What do I do if enforcement action is taken against me by regulatory authorities?
Stop any work within those areas and call Ecosystem Solutions, Inc. immediately. If your problem involves wetlands or NPDES Phase II violations, the staff at Ecosystem Solutions, Inc. is well-prepared to handle cases to help you comply with state, local, and federal regulations should violations be discovered. With a background in wildlife biology, wetland conservation and ecology, and soil erosion and sediment control, Ecosystem Solutions, Inc. can work with you to ensure that all restoration requirements are met. Ecosystem Solutions, Inc. will also provide expert court testimony, if needed.