7eco10

Regulatory Frameworks & Natural Resources on Department of Defense Lands

Obtaining an environmental permit is often a critical element for the success of a project. Project planners may not be aware of the need for a permit or the type of permit required for their plans. The type of regulatory intersect with a particular clean energy project is dependent on location and type of project. Even the most “clean” energy production will have an environmental impact and regulatory concern. We will use the best science available within the most current regulatory framework to address the impact and permit need and move the project forward.  Our natural resource specialists have experience with the following federal regulatory frameworks:

• Sikes Act / Sikes Act Improvement Act (SAIA): Implementation of the SAIA results in a facility Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan (INRMP), which involves state and local wildlife agencies as well as U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and possibly the National Marine Fisheries Service.  7eco10 has recent experience with INRMP development and updating, as well as technical support surveys on DoD lands to support the INRMP.
• Clean Water Act (CWA): 7eco10 helps various DoD entities successfully meet complex  CWA permitting and planning  requirements for wetlands and watersheds.  We  maintain strong working relationships with  permitting agency staffs to minimize the time and cost associated with the permitting process. A project or training activity on military lands may intersect the CWA in a variety of ways such as road construction through  regulated waters or structures placed in open waters.
• Endangered Species Act (ESA): The ESA was enacted to protect various animal and plant species that are considered threatened or endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Marine Fisheries Service.  Our scientists and project managers have extensive experience with both agencies that implement the ESA.  DoD lands now often serve as refugia for ESA-listed species, as habitat is generally maintained on these properties and adjacent development may displace species onto military lands. A project or training activity may intersect with the ESA by potentially affecting regulated species, habitats, or recovery efforts for ESA-listed species.
• Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA): Much of 7eco10′s ornithological work centers on the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA). Over 800 bird species are protected under this legislation.  Our ornithologists work to preserve birds, understand their migratory patterns, and proactively determine how projects will impact bird species.  Both terrestrial and marine-based projects have a regulatory intersect with the MBTA.
• Marine Mammals Protection Act (MMPA): The Marine Mammals Protection Act (MMPA)provides regulatory protections for all marine mammals. Only projects or training activities in marine environments have an intersect with the MMPA.
• National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA): If a project receives federal funds or has some other “nexus” with a federal agency, then the NEPA process is triggered. 7eco10 has unique NEPA experience to guide clients through the NEPA process smoothly and efficiently.