ENERGY SERVICES

1/Permitting an Energy Facility

PROBLEM

A proposed energy facility needed to understand and obtain all environmental permits to operate within the law. The permitting process involved the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the state air, water and waste regulatory agencies, the State Historic Preservation Officer, State and U.S. Fish and Wildlife offices, local government and the state regulator for electric generation and transmission.

SMG'S APPROACH

SMG worked with the developer to outline and schedule the likely permitting actions and projected timetables. Our experience with each of the agencies allowed us to realistically estimate the real-time schedule necessary for permit review and issuance. Because of the size and schedule of the project, it was necessary to coordinate all the permits and ensure that information used in one arena was consistent with that needed for another. As permit applications were developed and finalized by SMG's engineering and scientific staff, a hands-on management effort was put into play. This included face-to-face meetings with reviewers at critical stages in the permitting process, especially before application submittal and when responding to questions, which helped move the review process with fewer questions and roadblocks. SMG actively participated in all public comment periods, making sure that positive aspects of the project received comment.

RESULTS

The project remained on schedule. Public comments were substantially positive and the project was able to illustrate its benefit to the community and the environment. Permits have been issued with appropriate and reasonable permit conditions which will enable the facility to operate as planned. The project developer has been able to learn and incorporate the operating requirements as we have negotiated each permit.