Role of an Environmental Consultant on Your Project

The President has said it.  Greenspan has said it.  Your checkbook may have said it, too. The economy is tight.  Developers and landowners are looking for ways to save money on their projects.  What is the best way to use an Environmental Consultant in order to save money on your project?  Engaging the services of an Environmental Consultant at the appropriate time can save a great deal of money and avoid unanticipated and costly expenses and time delays.

Raedeke Associates, Inc. can help you by providing:

SITE ASSESSMENTS:  If you are thinking about purchasing raw land or a partially developed property, Raedeke Associates, Inc. can provide you with an initial site reconnaissance.  By using our expertise early on, we can identify any potential sensitive area constraints such as wetlands, streams, or wildlife issues before you expend money on engineers, architects, or lawyers!  Depending on the size and location of the property, these assessments can take less than a day, but can save you from optioning or purchasing a property that doesn't have enough developable land to met your bottom-line needs.

WETLAND DELINEATION:  If you already have a site and a plan, Raedeke Associates, Inc. can provide you with professional, defendable, and accurate due-diligence site review or wetland delineations as you enter your permitting process.  A defendable delineation backed by a professional reputation is ultimately a lot less costly to your pocketbook and timeline than an unrealistic line no agency is going to believe.

PERMITTING:  Raedeke Associates, Inc. is experienced with all aspects of local, state, and federal permitting processes, including WDOE 401 Water Quality Certification, Coastal Zone Consistency Response, federal 404 permits for wetland impacts, and Biological Evaluations (BE's).  We can assist you with projects ranging from SEPA to EIS levels of complexity.  Agency review and permitting, as well as site planning, are smoother and less expensive when you involve permitting experts early.

MITIGATION MONITORING:  If you are responsible for the success of a mitigation site, a spring check-up can alert you to any potential problems.  Long-term monitoring site checks usually occur in the fall, so a spring check-up gives you time to correct any issues and avoid costly replanting and a potential extension of your long-term monitoring period.  Raedeke Associates, Inc. can help you assess the condition of your mitigation site, propose corrections, and conduct both required and supplemental monitoring to help ensure a more successful and timely release of your bond.

WILDLIFE SURVEYS:    You may be required to conduct wildlife surveys for breeding birds, nesting raptors, or amphibians as part of your application or permitting process.  Early spring (March through May) is an important window for conducting these surveys.  Surveys conducted during the wrong season are often unacceptable to agencies and can result in costly and lengthy time delays.  The interdisciplinary staff at Raedeke Associates, Inc. can incorporate wildlife surveys into wetland, stream, or permitting site visits to save you time and money.

If you have any questions on our environmental services please call us at (206) 525-8122.