Wildlife Regulatory Compliance for Energy, Oil & Gas, and Mining
For executives and environmental managers in the oil & gas, mining, and large infrastructure sectors, environmental rules are not just paperwork; they are potential project roadblocks. Unforeseen delays, large fines, and work stoppages due to wildlife issues can severely impact your bottom line.
At Grouse Mountain Environmental Consultants (GMEC), we know your main priority is keeping projects running safely and on time. We turn complex wildlife regulations, like the ESA, MBTA, and Eagle Act, into predictable steps, ensuring your project moves forward without costly interruptions.
The Three Main Risks: Federal Laws That Stop Work
Your projects must strictly follow key federal wildlife protection laws. Ignoring these rules is a recipe for major problems; proactive planning is the only way to guarantee continuous operation.
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Endangered Species Act (ESA): This law protects rare plants and animals, but for your industry, the real focus is on managing where they live (critical habitat). For instance, restrictions on land use for the Greater Sage-grouse can affect drilling or pipeline routes. We help you get the necessary permits to legally impact a species (Incidental Take Permits), allowing your work to proceed.
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Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA): This law protects almost all native birds, their nests, and eggs. If your construction or maintenance disturbs an active nest, you risk serious fines and work halts. We focus on avoiding nesting seasons and conducting quick surveys before construction to clear work areas and prevent project delays.
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Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (Eagle Act): This law gives special protection to eagles, prohibiting any action that harms or disturbs them. Pipelines, transmission lines, and large facilities inherently create risks. We develop the detailed plans needed to secure Eagle Take Permits, ensuring your operations are legally compliant and protected from severe federal penalties.
Permitting: Your Legal Pass to Operate
To avoid regulatory stops, you need strong, science-backed plans approved by government agencies. We prepare the critical documents that secure your right to operate.
Key Plans and Permits for Your Industry:
Eagle Conservation Plans (ECPs)
- Key Focus: Detailed strategy to reduce and manage the risk of harming eagles.
- Compliance Goal: Getting the legal permit (Incidental Take Permit) to operate near eagles.
Bird & Bat Conservation Strategies (BBCS)
- Key Focus: Plans to identify and minimize collision risks, especially around tall structures and lighting.
- Compliance Goal: Ensuring your operations use the best methods to protect migratory species.
Biological Assessments/Evaluations
- Key Focus: A close look at how your project might affect protected species and their habitats.
- Compliance Goal: The required basis for obtaining ESA permits.
New USFWS General Permits
- Key Focus: Leveraging the new, streamlined permits for certain low-risk activities, such as minor power line work.
- Compliance Goal: Getting quicker, faster approvals when your project qualifies.
Targeted Solutions: Fixing Your Industry’s Specific Problems
Different industries have different choke points when it comes to wildlife compliance. GMEC’s experience means we know where to focus to keep your project moving.
Oil & Gas
- Your Biggest Wildlife Concern: Breaking up habitats (roads, pads) and affecting key species like the Sage-grouse.
- GMEC’s Direct Solution: Fast pre-construction surveys, using habitat banks to offset impact, and optimizing route/site locations.
Mining
- Your Biggest Wildlife Concern: Large-scale land disturbance, long-term land restoration rules, and bird risks near water sources/ponds.
- GMEC’s Direct Solution: Reclamation plans that meet environmental goals, long-term monitoring, and bird deterrents near water features.
Infrastructure
- Your Biggest Wildlife Concern: Placing power lines or pipelines near eagle territories and getting permits across vast stretches of land.
- GMEC’s Direct Solution: Integrating industry best practices (APLIC) and speeding up ESA/Eagle Act Permitting for linear projects.
The GMEC Advantage: Taking the Risk Off Your Schedule
We act as a specialized support system for your internal environmental team, offering the expert science and regulatory relationships needed to get approvals fast. Our mission is to give you certainty and predictability in the compliance process.
Partner with Grouse Mountain Environmental Consultants to ensure compliance doesn’t become a delay.
Ready to ensure your project’s wildlife resource compliance?
