Whether energy is developed from renewable resources such as wind, solar, biofuels, hydro and geothermal or from more traditional sources like coal, natural gas and nuclear, the power generation process can be challenging in the face of ever-changing regulations and market demands.
SWCA’s power generation consultants have in-depth knowledge of the many project phases and compliance hurdles that generation industry leaders face. Our comprehensive services and energy expertise guide clients through every step of the power generation process — from initial Plans of Development and right-of-way applications to resource surveying and post-construction monitoring.
Association Involvement
• Gulf Coast Power Association
• Michigan Energy Innovation Business Council (MI EIBC)
Power Generation Services
Relevant Services
SITE SELECTION
- Land and Site Development Services
- Critical Issues Assessments
- Preliminary Outreach
- Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (ESA)
- Site Suitability Assessments (per U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service)
- Permitting Strategies
pre-construction
- Federal, State and Local Agency Coordination
- National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
- Biological Studies
- Avian and Bat Studies
- Terrestrial Wildlife and Plants
- Wetlands and Aquatic Resources
- Cultural Studies
- Indigenous Relations and Ethnography
- Paleontological Studies
- Visual Assessments and Simulations
- Geospatial Data
- Plans of Development and Land Use Applications
- Mitigation Planning
environmental permitting
- Air Permitting
- Federal, State, and Local Environmental Permitting
- Bird and Bat Conservation Strategies
- Species-Specific Conservation Plans
- Environmental Compliance Management Plans
- Worker Environmental Awareness Programs and Training
- Restoration, Invasive Species, and Revegetation Plans
- Unanticipated Discoveries Plans
- Site Design and Stormwater Management
- Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPP)
- Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plans
CONSTRUCTION
- On-the-fly Planning, Permit Modifications, and Workarounds
- Permit Compliance Monitoring, Inspection, and Reporting
- Assistance Obtaining Variances
- Wetland Mitigation Implementation
- Compliance Issue Resolution
- Archaeological and Paleontological Artifact Recovery
post-construction
- Environmental Monitoring and Reporting
- Reclamation and Restoration
- Mitigation Monitoring
- Adaptive Environmental Management
- Vegetation Management and Invasive Species Control
- Environmental Audits
- Enforcement Resolution
Project Spotlights
Solar
Five Tips for Permitting Solar Energy Projects on Bureau of Land Management Land
Navigating the federal regulatory process and requirements for solar permitting on BLM land may seem daunting, but SWCA’s industry experts can help guide the way into business with the BLM. Learn more with these five tips for permitting solar projects on BLM land that can save you time and money.
Visual Resources
Seeing Eye to Eye: How Visual Resources Build Consensus on Sustainable Development
We can all see the huge push for renewable energy right now: utility-scale solar developments, onshore and offshore wind farms, and the need for new generation facilities and transmission lines. All these developments have the potential to change what we see and value in the landscape, which is where visual resources expertise helps to analyze and mitigate visual impacts.
Onshore Wind
Winds of Change: SWCA Assists Standing Rock Sioux Tribe with Environmental Services for Anpetu Wi Wind Farm
A community widely known for its fight against the Dakota Access Pipeline, the people of Standing Rock Sioux Tribe are taking control of their energy future. The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe is developing a 235-megawatt, 60-turbine wind farm named Anpetu Wi (“morning light”) to provide clean energy, independence, and sustainability for their community.
Solar
The Perks of Pollinators: How Natural Habitat is Heating Up in the Solar Industry
Have you heard about the solar industry’s pollinator push? Utility-scale solar developers are reconsidering how to best manage the ground cover for their projects—and they’re buzzing about pollinator-friendly vegetation.
Onshore Wind
What a Dog's Nose Knows
Imagine having a coworker who is innately talented at a particular task, finishes in a fraction of the time it would take you, and does it all with an unwavering determination and endless enthusiasm. That’s Moxie, a 3-year-old springer spaniel who sniffs out bird and bat fatalities on wind farms. Moxie loves her job and she’s very good at it.
Meet the Experts
