Environmental Planning
Environmental planning encompasses a wide range of services which Spectrum provides. Our environmental planning services include National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance, performing Phase I and Environmental Site Assessment (ESAs), developing Environmental Management Systems (EMSs), meeting Forest Resource Ordinance (FRO) requirements, performing wetland/forest stand delineations, environmental siting studies, and environmental permitting feasibility studies. Provided below is a discussion of each of specific Spectrum’s environmental planning services areas.
NEPA/EIS/EA
Spectrum knows the requirements for preparing environmental documents under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) as well as state environmental protection acts. Spectrum has participated in projects associated with preparing Environmental Assessments (EA) and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) documents under NEPA. Our experience ranges from those projects triggered by the issuance of a federal permit to those funded by a federal agency and in need of a 3rd party EIS document.
Phase I ESA
Spectrum’s staff can provide our clients Phase I Environmental Site Assessment services to complete the environmental due diligence in the real estate transaction process. We have completed various ESA’s in accordance with the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) 1527 Standard Practice for Environmental Site Assessments: Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Process. Spectrum employ’s qualified Environmental Professionals that exceed the requirements set forth by EPA’s AAI Standard. The ESA will include a site visit, historical document research and review, geology/hydrology review, regulatory review, interviews, and a comprehensive Phase I ESA Report. Spectrum has completed ESA’s for government, industrial and commercial clients with various property types including agricultural land, forestland, commercial, and industrial.
Wetland/Forest Stand Delineation
Individuals submitting an application for a subdivision, grading permit, or sediment control plan on a tract that is 40,000 square feet or more in Maryland is subject to the requirements under the Forest Conservation Act, including the submission of a Forest Stand Delineation and a Forest Conservation Plan. Spectrum can provide our clients with a qualified professional who has successfully completed state agency-approved training to assist in the completion of Forest Stand Delineations and review Forest Conservation Plans. In addition, Spectrum has experience in managing forest restoration projects in order to help clients remain in compliance with county-level ordinances.
Environmental Siting Studies
A new facility or expansion of an existing facility will require a detailed analysis of the environmental impact of the proposed development. Spectrum brings regulatory knowledge and practical experience for these studies. Spectrum’s experienced staff can assist the client with this very detailed and complicated process to ensure client needs are met, regulatory agency expectations are exceeded and the public is satisfied with the results.