Environmental Planning and Impact Assessment

ERG provides a broad spectrum of National Environmental Policy Act and related environmental planning and impact assessment services to federal agencies and in support of federally funded programs and projects. Our team of planners, scientists, engineers, compliance experts, and public engagement specialists supports all aspects of the NEPA process, including pre-scoping and initial planning, public scoping, field surveys, impact analysis, inter- and intra-agency coordination, public comment management, assessment of regulatory requirements (e.g., federal cross-cutters), and federal decision-making. We tailor our analyses to the project, developing concise and efficient environmental assessments for simpler, fast-tracked projects and robust, detailed environmental impact statements for more complex projects with significant impacts. In parallel, we lead or manage the environmental consultation processes throughout the environmental review. As applicable to the review, ERG also collects data and conducts field investigations, including wetland delineations and ecological surveys, and works with trusted subcontractors to provide additional services, including archeological and historic architectural investigations. Our NEPA team stays abreast of the frequent changes in the policy and regulatory landscape so we can help clients adapt and modify their NEPA programs to ensure they are meeting current requirements.

National Environmental Policy Act Services

Project-specific reviews, including categorical exclusions, environmental assessments, environmental impact statements
Program-level support (federal agency NEPA program development, refinement, and implementation)
Public involvement and outreach
Public comment review and response
- Use of ERG’s proprietary Comment Categorization and Analysis Tool (Comment CAT™) to provide streamlined support for large projects
- Development of comment-response documents
- Streamlined identification of unique comment topics and form letters

Other Environmental Planning and Assessment Support

Non-NEPA environmental impact assessments, including environmental information documents and California Environmental Quality Act and other state “little NEPA” reviews
Environmental due diligence and constraints analyses
Development of training and guidance materials
Geospatial analysis and geographic information systems

Studies and Consultations

National Historic Preservation Act Section 106 consultations
Endangered Species Act Section 7 consultations
Wetland delineations, botanical and ecological surveys
Archeological investigations and archeological inventory studies (including coordination of specialized subcontractors)
Regulatory applicability analyses
Emissions modeling, greenhouse gas modeling, and climate impact analyses
Environmental justice analyses

Projects

photo of stream-like contaminated transboundary water flower of untreated wastewater

Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement for a Suite of Projects to Mitigate Contaminated Transboundary Flows at the U.S.-Mexico Border

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Aerial view of Pentagon building in the light of the setting sun

Multimedia Environmental Compliance Assessment

U.S. Department of Defense, Washington Headquarters Services

Photo of U.S. Navy military helicopter in the sky

Environmental Assessment for Relocation of the U.S. Navy’s Chemical, Biological, and Radiological Defense Division

U.S. Department of Defense

Photo of uncovered underground water infrastructure during construction

Streamlined NEPA Implementation for EPA’s Community Grants Program

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Photo showing two rows of solar panels in a grassy field

Quick-Response Environmental Assessment for the NIH Animal Center Compressed Natural Gas and Expanded Photovoltaic System

National Institutes of Health

Environmental Impact Statement for Chilled Water System Improvements at National Institutes of Health Campus

National Institutes of Health

Photo of NIST Campus in distance looking past ornamental trees and green grass

Environmental Assessments for National Institute of Standards and Technology Campus Master Plans

National Institute of Standards and Technology

Support for FBI National Environmental Policy Act Implementation Regulations

Federal Bureau of Investigation

Service Area Leads

My lived experience as an immigrant raised in a rural community showed me the importance of engaging disparate voices in developing sustainable solutions to address our most pressing environmental challenges. Now, as an environmental engineer and policy analyst, I am grateful that I can apply my experience to support a broad range of meaningful work, including advancing a circular economy, supporting a just transition, and leading ERG’s environmental and climate justice solutions practice.

Shanika Amarakoon

Through my work as an environmental planner, I have come to appreciate how disclosing impacts through an informed public decision-making process strengthens the subsequent environmental protections. These planning processes are critical to ensuring that environmental protections are part of project commitments and positive community outcomes.

Blake Fox

Federal agencies must consider and mitigate the effects of their actions on the natural and human environment. With evolving mission and regulatory requirements, community interest, and expanding inventories of natural and historic resources, fulfilling this responsibility can be challenging! I am proud to help my clients meet critical mission requirements while serving as stewards of our environment.

Patrick Goodwin

Much of my childhood was spent outdoors observing, collecting, and understanding the natural world. This early passion led me to study biology, communications, and environmental engineering, and ultimately to integrate them into my career in aquatic ecosystems. I have had great opportunities to work with outstanding people and manage large-scale projects across the U.S. I am passionate about delivering high-quality work products that meet and exceed expectations.

Kortney Kirkeby

I am proud to work with such a talented team of engineers, scientists, and planners at ERG. Every day, my team seeks innovative and cost-effective solutions to help our clients resolve complex facility management challenges while fulfilling critical mission requirements.

Alison Poe