Land Use Planning
In recent years, there has been a renewed focus on basin-wide planning in water resource management. State and federal regulators, as well as a variety of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are actively promoting comprehensive planning and local community stewardship as alternatives to heavy handed regulatory approaches. Basin-wide planning requires a multidisciplinary approach to problem solving, combining sound science with reasoned public policy. It also, by nature, requires cooperation and collaboration among many diverse interests. Kleinschmidt provides both engineering and environmental services to solve land and water resource problems within a watershed or river basin. These services include fairly large, comprehensive evaluations which seek to balance multiple uses (such as flood control, water supply, water quality, species protection, recreation, and energy production), or smaller assessments focused on a particular resource concern.
State and federal regulatory agencies recognize Kleinschmidt as an expert in permitting and compliance activities both in Maine and throughout New England. Our depth and breadth of knowledge regarding environmental policies and regulations coupled with our strong natural resource science and engineering background allow us to assess and permit projects with a multidisciplinary view.
Kleinschmidt has the expertise to assess proposed projects at the conceptual stage to determine the feasibility of design and site location. We have the personnel to assure that all natural resource assessments associated with permitting processes can be accomplished in house. Additionally, our staff is well versed in the site plan and submittal requirements of agencies throughout New England, allowing us to provide "one stop shopping" for most projects. Inherent in our permitting approach is our role as mediator and negotiator to assure projects meet the client's purpose and need while satisfying regulatory requirements. We advocate a proactive, cooperative approach to most permitting projects, involving jurisdictional agencies at the onset of the design and implementation stages. Our excellent rapport with local, regional, and federal regulators allows for frank yet decisive discussions and resolutions for our projects. This approach minimizes regulatory road blocks by allowing for early input from regulators, proactive problem solving and expedient issuance of permits.
Our clientele ranges from private landowners, municipalities, and land management agents to corporations and utilities. Projects we have permitted include housing developments, boat ramps, marine and freshwater piers, construction activities associated with utility infrastructure improvements, fish passage construction and habitat restoration projects.
Land Use Planning Projects
Alabama and Tombigbee Watershed Management Plans