NEPA & Regulatory Compliance

Navigating Complex Regulatory Requirements

Whether it’s a massive transportation project, a new housing development or storm water system improvements, a project’s impact on the natural and human environment needs to be carefully understood. That requires a team with environmental expertise and the ability to navigate the complexities of national and state regulatory processes.

Our staff of engineers, planners, biologists, environmental scientists, geologists and hydrologists are prepared to combine their expertise to meet your project goals on time and on budget. As a nationally recognized leader in engineering services with a proven record for quality, responsiveness, innovation and safety, Benesch will work diligently to help you achieve and maintain regulatory compliance and minimize impacts to the environment.

Full-Service Support

Your project is too important to your community to let it get slowed down by federal, state and other regulations. No matter the size or complexity of your project, we will guide you through the regulatory compliance process so that you can move forward with ease.

Benesch is experienced with the full spectrum of documentation including Environmental Assessments, Environmental Impact Statements and Categorical Exclusion documentation for federally funded projects. We understand the intricate workings and laws behind NEPA and SEPA and use our experience to accelerate decision-making, especially when the input of multiple federal, state or local agencies is required to comply with environmental laws, regulations or executive orders under the NEPA umbrella.

By assisting with the development and implementation of EHS programs and policies tailored to the specific needs of your community, Benesch can help you create and maintain a healthy, safe and sustainable environment.

In support of your EHS programs, our experts can:

Perform audits, inspections, conformance reviews and safety reviews to evaluate effectiveness of programs, procedures and policies.
Monitor air and water quality, and provide recommendations to address any issues related to pollution or contamination.
Provide emergency support in investigating incidents.

Through Environmental Site Assessments (ESA), Asbestos Containing Materials (ACM) investigations and Hazardous Materials Reviews (HMA), Benesch works to identify concerns that may impact the environment and a project’s success.

If the potential for contamination is found, we can then work to determine the extent and likelihood of encountering contamination and work to find a solution.

Whether it is a noise study, threatened and endangered species assessment or an investigation for the requirements of Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, Benesch has the staff to conduct specialized studies efficiently and accurately.

Through this work, we gain the information to make data-backed decisions that balance project needs with environmental and community concerns.

Photo of a community forum in Port St. Lucie, Florida

Leveraging Integrated Expertise

Making your project a reality—on schedule and on budget—requires a team that understands how the various planning, natural resources and regulatory aspects intersect. From field investigations to document preparation and agency coordination, we work collaboratively to ensure each step is bringing us closer to your final project goal.

This “big picture” approach is supported by a full complement of planning staff with expertise in transportation, water resources, parks and recreation, private development and more.

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Leading the Environmental Approval Process

Environmental approvals can make or break federally funded projects–let Benesch help guide you through these highly complex processes. With experts well-versed in environmental regulations, we’ll navigate all the necessary permits, assessments and approvals required for your projects. Our efforts ensure projects not only have the best chance for approval but also are sustainable, environmentally responsible and supported by the communities they serve.

Aerial of highway

In Omaha, Nebraska, Benesch conducted a Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) Study to identify a location for a new interchange along Interstate 80 in an effort to solve worsening operational and capacity challenges. As a result of Benesch’s work, the study received acknowledgment from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), clearing certain pieces of the study materials to be pulled forward into the next step of the project rather than having to duplicate the work.

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Aerial photo of a retention pond along CTH S in Kenosha, Wisconsin

We Care about Your Project’s Future

Successfully navigating state and federal regulatory processes is critical to your project’s success. To achieve 100% compliance and to keep your project on track for future phases, we take a proactive, quality-driven approach.

Our highly knowledgeable staff have the skills and experience to deliver results quickly and accurately. Coupled with a tiered Quality Assurance/Quality Control process, you can be confident that there will be no missed deadlines, no inaccuracies in our documentation and no questions left unanswered.

Photo of the realigned West Branch of the Schuylkill River.

Improving the Natural and Built Environment

We have a proven record of helping thousands of clients balance project and community needs with environmental stewardship. Our staff partner with clients, stakeholders and environmental groups to help provide communities with the modern infrastructure they need while protecting and enhancing natural resources for future generations.

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