Environmental Services

Environmental Permitting & Compliance

EDM specializes in the practical implementation of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA), and the Endangered Species Act (ESA). This includes assisting utilities with obtaining Special Purpose Utility Permits (SPUTs) and assisting with annual reporting requirements. EDM offers nesting and avian use surveys prior to construction, and monitoring during active operations. Surveys can also include UAS visual or thermal orthographic mapping of sites before, during, and after project activity to document compliance. EDM excels at proactive communication and facilitates collaborative solutions addressing the needs of permit applicants, land managers, and regulatory agencies. EDM also conducts regulatory training to help clients understand and comply with the regulatory framework, while maximizing their own professional effectiveness.

Related Technical Specialties Include:

Migratory Bird Treaty Act
Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act
Permitting and Reporting
Wildlife and Nest Clearance Surveys
Environmental Compliance Monitoring
Regulatory Affairs Analysis and Training
Eagle Compensatory Mitigation

FEATURED PROJECT

EDM provided an electric utility with technical support responding to an active bald eagle nest that impacted reliability on a 500kV transmission line serving a major metropolitan area. Through authorizations provided by an emergency BGEPA nest disturbance permit, EDM developed innovative management approaches to reduce risk of future nest-caused impacts during the immediate breeding season and a long-term approach implemented in the non-breeding season once the nest was not in-use. Our specialists developed management actions in close coordination with the utility’s transmission engineers, lineman contractors, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The eagle nest produced young during and after the management actions and the project was deemed a success for both the utility and the eagles.