Environmental permitting can be complex, time consuming and frustrating. At Padre, we work proactively with our clients to help make the process as smooth and efficient as possible. We identify the necessary permitting requirements for a given project, establish the appropriate agency contacts and work with our clients to develop application packages that fulfill agency requirements. We continue to provide support through the final stages of discretionary approval and beyond by providing adjunct services such as construction monitoring. Jurisdictional authorities that we routinely work with include:
| Agency | Permits |
|---|---|
| U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) | Section 404 Permits of Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. 1344 and Executive Order 11990; Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899. |
| U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) | Consultation under the Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. 1531). Such consultation is typically initiated during the Corps 404 permit process. |
| National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) | Consultation under the Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. 1531), Marine Mammal Protection Act, and Essential Fish Habitat Determination. |
| Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) | The FHWA reviews and requires NEPA compliance for all projects it funds. Additionally, FHWA may require geo-environmental assessments for projects. |
| California Coastal Commission (CCC) | Coastal Development Permits (CDPs) where they retain original jurisdiction (tidelands, submerged lands, and public trust lands). |
| State Lands Commission | Approval authority over State sovereign lands – navigable and tidal waterways. |
| California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) | Section 1602 Stream Alteration Agreement and California Endangered Species Act (Section 2080-2085). |
| California Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) | Permit to discharge water and Water Rights Agreements, water quality certification Clean Water Act (Section 401) as authorized by California Water Code. Approval of Technical Work Plans and Remedial Action Plans associated with assessments and remediation of soil and groundwater impacted by hazardous materials. |
| California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) | Approval authority over State transportation projects – Caltrans has specific requirements for preparation environmental documents, including Natural Environment Studies (NES), Preliminary Environmental Assessment Reports (PEARs), and Initial Site Assessments (ISAs).Caltrans issues encroachment permits for projects encroaching into State highway rights-of-way. |
| Local Agencies | Use Permits, Coastal Development Permits. |