Minimizing environmental impact while expanding California’s grid
We helped an electric utility launch a major transmission corridor project to expand energy access by bringing energy from the desert regions around Palmdale to the Los Angeles Basin and California at large.
Challenge
Bringing energy generated by wind and solar farms in the desert through the San Gabriel mountains and into the LA Basin presented several challenges, including the need for extensive environmental compliance, mitigation efforts, and coordination of hundreds of biologists for compliance monitoring during construction activities.
The transmission corridor traversed diverse ecosystems, including wetlands and areas with special status species such as the California red-legged frog and arroyo toad. Ensuring minimal impact on these sensitive habitats while maintaining construction schedules was a significant hurdle.
Solution
Our involvement began over 15 years ago with wetland delineations and permitting. Our role expanded to include vegetation surveys, special status plant and wildlife surveys, and biological compliance monitoring during construction. We fielded hundreds of biologists daily to ensure construction activities did not impact existing wetlands or disturb special status species. We also partnered with contractors to meet compliance requirements without delays, showcasing our ability to mobilize and manage large teams.
During construction, which concluded in 2017, we helped write habitat mitigation and monitoring plans, developed restoration plans for temporarily disturbed areas, and oversaw restoration efforts. We also helped develop off-site mitigation to compensate for permanently disturbed areas.
To help the utility meet environmental standards, we provided comprehensive biological consulting and regulatory compliance services throughout the project. This included developing and executing a wetland permitting program, conducting biological surveys, monitoring nesting birds and special-status wildlife species, and providing environmental training for construction and restoration personnel.
Results
By minimizing environmental impact and avoiding construction delays, our team helped the utility meet its regulatory obligations and deliver clean energy to California communities faster. Our mitigation program—restoration, revegetation, acquisition, and protection—spanned 2,400 acres, an area over four times the size of Disneyland. This will provide long-term protection of habitat suitable for a wide range of native wildlife. Our work is ensuring the transmission corridor meets environmental performance standards and strengthens California’s clean energy infrastructure while preserving its natural habitats, reflecting the expertise we bring to complex energy projects anywhere in the country.