Environmental Planning
Our professional staff of environmental specialists are committed to developing compliant and legally defensible NEPA documents and technical studies. Our capabilities range from impact analysis, outreach and engagement, and process streamlining to technical studies in support of achieving local, state, and federal regulatory compliance. Using our extensive knowledge and practical experience, we help our clients navigate the ever-changing regulatory world by interpreting environmental law and policy.
NEPA Compliance & Documentation
As true practitioners and experienced leaders in NEPA compliance, we develop purpose and need statements, complete technical analyses, identify mitigation strategies, interpret current laws and regulations, draft legally defensible NEPA documentation and organize administrative records for projects.
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Air Quality & Noise Policy
Our senior air and noise specialists use their extensive knowledge of state and federal laws to develop policies that meet regulatory requirements. Our practical experience includes managing air and noise technical analyses on system preservation projects to major projects.
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Environmental Justice & Equity
We understand the critical importance that transportation, including mobility and accessibility, has on underserved and disadvantaged populations. Using accepted screening tools, data, and grassroots engagement, our staff identifies underserved and disadvantaged populations, evaluates potential impacts to these communities, and develops meaningful outreach methods so that individual needs are heard and considered in the decision making process.
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Process Streamlining
At Blackwater, we remember the original intent of national environmental policy- protection and conservation. We use our extensive knowledge of local, state and federal regulations to develop programmatic approaches and guidance to help our clients streamline environmental documentation, permitting, and agency coordination processes.
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Technical Analyses
Our environmental staff perform technical services that support NEPA compliance including Section 4(f) Evaluations, development of avoidance, minimization and mitigation measures, indirect and cumulative effects assessments, community effects assessments, and environmental justice and equity assessments. We ensure the most accurate, technically sound, and up-to-date information is being developed.
Public Involvement & Stakeholder Engagement
Successful project delivery rests on meaningful engagement. Our practitioners develop Public Involvement Plans (PIP), identify stakeholders, facilitate response to comments, and determine meaningful engagement approaches and effective outreach methods. We plan, facilitate and participate in community events, small and large public meetings, and other stakeholder events.
Agency Coordination
With many established relationships, our staff coordinate and collaborate with local, state, and federal partners and stakeholders to deliver a streamlined approach to regulatory compliance. Our senior staff are experienced in mitigating conflict through established issue resolution procedures.
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Impact Assessments
Using GIS and other available tools, we perform environmental inventory assessments and environmental impact analysis that support a myriad of technical studies.
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