Natural Resource Regulatory Assessments - Comprehensive natural resource regulatory assessments are generally performed on properties which are being considered for commercial or industrial development. Federal, state, and local natural resource regulations are designed limit uses that adversely impact critical natural resources, endangered species, wetlands, shorelands, soils, and land forms. A comprehensive knowledge of regulatory restrictions is a critical component in determining property values, potential economic use, and the location of residential, commercial, and industrial development activities.

Endangered Species Assessments and Mitigation - Endangered species assessments are performed in accordance with Act 451 of the 1994 Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act and Part 365 of the Endangered Species Protection Act. Investigations are based upon the historical presence of a species or the presence of favorable conditions for these species to exist. Areas of concern are physically inspected for the presence of endangered species and plants and are identified and mapped. Based on the number and proximity of plants to a project, a permit may be required by the MDEQ to mitigate the impact of development activities on endangered species and critical habitat and/or use alternate engineering methods to reach the endpoint desired by the client.

Wetland Assessments and Mitigation - Based on the presence of wetland indicators, wetland soils, wetland vegetation, and groundwater hydrology, a parcel or a portion of a parcel might be identified as a regulated wetland under Part 303 - Wetlands Protection of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 1994 P.A. 451, as amended. Areas of concern are researched and physically inspected to determine the presence or absence of the determining factors. If an area is determined to be a regulated wetland and development activities impact the wetland, a state and/or a federal permit will be required to allow the completion of activities. Negotiations with MDEQ officials might be required to reach an agreement which is acceptable to the client and the MDEQ.

Floodplain Assessments and Permitting - Dual permitting (federal and state) is required for any construction activities carried out in pre-determined floodplain areas. Activities might be approved depending on variables such as the distance from a waterway, the location within the one hundred year floodplain, and the location and amount of excavation and fill required. All pertinent information is submitted for review by the MDEQ and the United States Army Corp of Engineers (USCOE). Local jurisdictional restrictions are considered during this process as well. Negotiations with the MDEQ and USCOE may be required to reach an agreeable endpoint acceptable to all parties involved.

Michigan Critical Sand Dune Assessments and Permit Applications - Critical sand dune assessments are required for any activities performed in an area that has been designated as a Critical Sand Dune Area under Part 353 - Sand Dunes Protection and Management of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 1994 P.A. 451, as amended. Activities include historical research and review of designated critical dune maps and physical investigation and marking of slopes over 33% that may be encountered during proposed activities. A permit is required by MDEQ on any parcel within this area to ensure that no slopes greater than 33% are impacted. If impact is proposed/planned on these slopes, a special exception permit is required to be filed and approved by representatives from the MDEQ. It should be noted that several site inspections and negotiations with MDEQ personnel might be required to reach a desired outcome for the client.

High Risk Erosion Area Assessments and Permit Applications - Construction activities performed within a high risk erosion area are regulated in accordance with Part 323 - Shoreline Protection and Management of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 1994 P.A. 451, as amended, and/or Part 325, and under federal authority Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 and Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. Areas of high risk erosion are determined by the MDEQ and correspond to shoreline areas that historically have eroded at a rate of one-foot per year or greater due to water/storm action. The MDEQ requires minimum setbacks for permanent structures which are unique to each property and vary with property conditions. This setback might be increased due to the severity of the angle of the bluff and physical conditions of the property. Permitting might require collaboration with MDEQ officials to review existing conditions and long-term erosion effects. If it is determined that a seawall or revetment is the best solution to control furthering erosion, a permit from the USCOE may be required as well as any county or local municipality permits.