Below is an overview from Rob highlighting what clients should consider when planning their renewable energy project.
There are many issues to consider when planning projects timeline and budget. The renewable project owner/developer will need to evaluate the lifecycle, environmental impacts, and property acquisition as they plan, budget, and execute their renewable project. A key part to successful development starts with the initial stages of the project; establishing the needs and goals of the owner/developer and the needs of the end user. Performing due diligence through the lifecycle of the project’s planning and execution is required to make sound decisions for siting of the project and acquisition of the land.
Developing a thorough timeline and steps to be expected as the development of the project moves through the process, should include steps such as:
- Critical Issues Analysis – including ecological and critical habitat studies of proposed sites.
- Regulatory Framework – agency coordination and required reporting.
- Environmental Impact Analysis – compilation of results from Critical Issues Analysis into the appropriate NEPA formatting and reporting.
- Permit Acquisition – completion, documentation, and reporting of wetlands delineation(s) and submittal of required permit applications.
- Environmental Site Assessment/Due Diligence – Phase I and Phase II studies.
- Community/Public Involvement
If you are interested in learning more, Rob will be presenting at this year’s Michigan Municipal Energy Association’s fall conference, September 12-14, 2018 in Escanaba, Michigan on the Lifecycle of Renewable Energy Project Development. If you are unable to make it to Escanaba to hear Rob’s presentation, he will be one of NTH’s presenters during our fall webinar series. Stay tuned for topics and dates of our webinars. Please sign up here to be notified when this webinar is scheduled.