Environmental Solutions

ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTIONS

Reagan Smith provides Categorical Exclusions, Environmental Assessments and Environmental Impact Statements for projects on Federal and Indian lands. Wetland Delineations are also provided for projects that may impact wetlands. We also provide Soil/Water Sampling and Testing.

Environmental Due Diligence

When purchasing properties it is always prudent to perform Environmental Due Diligence, especially where there is a concern of potential environmental risks exists. Understanding the broad framework of potential environmental liability imposed by state and federal regulations on parties involved in commercial real estate deals. Manage contaminated property transactions including brownfields redevelopment projects. Successfully negotiate the scopes of work for and complete Phase I and Pase II environmental site assessments. Anticipate cleanup requirements and associated costs, understand potential sources of cleanup funding and understand legal issues related to cost recovery. Understand and consider the financial implications of all types of environmental risk, not just superfund liability.

Categorical Exclusions (CE)

Categorical exclusions are "a category of actions which do not individually or cumulatively have a significant effect on the human environment... and for which, therefore, neither an environmental assessment nor an environmental impact statement is required." (40 CFR 1508.4)

Environmental Assessments (EA)

NEPA directs federal agencies to thoroughly assess the environmental consequences of "major federal actions significantly affecting the quality of the human environment." Not all Federal actions require a full Environmental Impact Statement. If the action is not likely to cause a significant impact, the agency may require an abreviated document called an Environmental Assessment (EA). Thus, EAs usually have a determination of "No Significant Impact" or "Notice of Intent to Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement." The principal pathways of impact taken into consideration are as follows: soil contamination impacts, air pollution impacts, noise, health effects, ecology impacts including endangered species assessment, geological hazards assessment and water pollution impacts. The purpose of the assessment is to ensure that decision makers consider environmental impacts before deciding whether to proceed with new projects. Please contact Monica Smith Griffin at msmith@rsenergysolutions.com for more information.

Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)

Under Federal environmental law, an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIS) and originated in the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Certain actions of Federal agencies must be preceded by an EIS. Contrary to a widespread misconception, NEPA does not prohibit the Federal government or its licensees/permittees from harming the environment, but merely requires that the prospective impact be understood and disclosed in advance. NEPA directs federal agencies to thoroughly assess the environmental consequences of "major federal actions significantly affecting the quality of the human environment." Not all Federal actions require a full Environmental Impact Statement. If the action is not likely to cause a significant impact the agency may prepare an abbreviated document called an Environmental Assessment (EA). Reagan Smith Energy Solutions, Inc. has Environmental Specialists dedicated to completing, filing and ensuring your EIS is completed within a reasonable time to fulfill your needs. For more information please contact Monica Smith Griffin at msmith@rsenergysolutions.com.

Soil Sampling and Testing

The Bureau of Land Management requires soil testing of open pits and unlined pads that are constructed and utilized for oil and gas wells with a Federal nexus. Preparation of a Soil Analysis Plan includes soil sampling, testing and analysis. The plan is then submitted to the Bureau of Land Management. If any samples reveal contamination, a Nature and Extent Plan will be required along with remediation. The Nature and Extent Plan involves sampling the contaminated area to determine the extent of contamination. Once the boundary of the contaminated area is determined, remediation of the area is then required. Our staff is trained and experienced in various soil sampling methods, testing and remediation. Please contact Scott St. John at sstjohn@rsenergysolutions.com for more information on Soil Testing.

Water Sampling and Testing

Many seismic and oil & gas operations in densely populated areas require water sampling and testing. Usually, a baseline of the wells in the area is obtained prior to commencing operations. Many operators obtain baseline testing to protect against unsubstantiated claims of contamination or mechanical degradation. After operations are complete, all wells are retested to determine if contamination has taken place.

Our environmental and engineering staff have the capabilities and experience to perform various Water Testing and Mechanical Integrity Tests. Please contact Scott St. John at sstjohn@rsenergysolutions.com for more information on Water Testing.

Wetland Delineation

Wetlands provide crucial environmental and ecological functions. It has therefore become crucial to identify and delineate wetland in any given project area as a first step in analyzing impacts to these important ecosystems. Wetland delineation typically involves identifying and analyzing the vegetation, soil and hydrologic characteristics of an area and determining if those parameters indicate that the area meets the criteria for classification as a freshwater wetland. Those areas are then flagged in the field and the flagged boundaries located by survey crews and plotted on project basemaps. While wetland delineation methodologies may vary slightly from state to state, the US Corps of Engineers methodology is generally regarded as the underlying basis for the various methodologies. For more information contact Scott St. John at sstjohn@rsenergysolutions.com.