Braun Intertec, a Minneapolis-based engineering, consulting and testing firm with offices throughout the United States, is pleased to announce Jeff Smith, a 30-year veteran of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), has joined the Braun Intertec Environmental Consulting Group as a principal scientist and director of environmental compliance and permitting for the Upper Midwest. In his new role, Smith will be responsible for developing the environmental permitting and compliance practice and providing clients with best-in-class regulatory services. Jeff Smith, Principal Scientist and Director of Environmental Compliance and Permitting “I am delighted to welcome Jeff Smith to Braun Intertec,” says CEO,...
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EPA Repeal of 2015 Clean Water Act Rule: What’s Next?
美国环境保护署(EPA)宣布d September 12 the finalized repeal of the 2015 Clean Water Act rule which expanded the definition of Waters of the United States (WOTUS) and limited pollution into surface waters of the U.S. through regulations and permitting. The EPA rule is now expected to cover fewer waterways and narrow existing protections, covering only wetlands adjacent to a major body of water, or bodies connected to a major waterway by surface water. Opponents of this rule have felt this repeal was long overdue and expect it will reduce federal permitting requirements for development and industry. History...
Read MoreConstruction Stormwater Permits and Compliance: Why You Need a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan
What Are Construction Stormwater Permits? Construction stormwater permits are a set of regulations that aim to eliminate pollutants in stormwater runoff at construction sites. Federal stormwater regulations have been around since the 1970s and have continued to become more and more stringent with each reissuance of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Construction Stormwater General Permit. These days, most states have their own set of regulations described in their construction stormwater permits which owners and operators must abide by. Additionally, most large municipalities have ordinances, and many watershed districts also have their own set of regulations. State and local requirements often...
Read MoreAvoid Delays! How to get a Wetland Permit
Efficient Wetland Permitting Like clockwork, the much-awaited onset of warmer weather in northern states brings the start of construction season. Contractors are actively digging and moving dirt, and in some cases, that activity impacts wetlands. Regardless of the season or locale, I have a few tips to help successfully identify and manage impacts to wetlands and other water bodies and how to obtain a subsequent wetland permit on construction projects. To begin with, if there is a chance that wetlands may be affected, I recommend early communication with regulatory agencies. This includes the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)...
Read More[OnDemand Webinar] Environmental Review, Permitting and Compliance
View a recorded version of our webinar. Our presentation will strengthen your knowledge on wetland issues as they affect industry and development, with a focus on understanding tasks and milestones that are necessary to avoid project delays and regulatory violations. We will discuss federal regulations, such as Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, and select state regulations....
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