Pinyon played a critical role in the planning and development of the North Metro Rail Line, an 18-mile transit corridor expanding Denver’s FasTracks system. Beginning in 2006, Pinyon provided environmental resource analysis and documentation support for the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and Record of Decision (ROD), addressing key areas such as air quality, safety, environmental justice, noise and vibration, wetlands, and cultural resources. As the project advanced, Pinyon’s role expanded to include technical analyses, impact assessments, mitigation strategies, and public engagement support.

In 2014, Pinyon joined the design-build contractor as a subconsultant to construct the first phase, an approximately 13-mile transit facility between Denver Union Station and 124th Avenue. Pinyon led environmental compliance efforts for the design-builder and held key personnel roles, ensuring adherence to National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements through the development of comprehensive management plans, including construction mitigation, stormwater management, hazardous materials, noxious weed management, and wildlife protection. Serving in key leadership roles such as Environmental Compliance Manager, Pinyon tracked over 275 mitigation commitments, facilitated permitting with agencies like the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), and implemented an environmental compliance program, and communicating mitigation status reports to the Regional Transportation District (RTD) and ultimately the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). Pinyon’s expertise in compliance, permitting, and environmental oversight was instrumental in the successful and sustainable development of this vital transit corridor, including streamlined modification submittals to the Section 404 Individual Permit, as well as sampling and compliance documentation to receive the CDPHE Voluntary Cleanup Program No Action Determination. Notably, Pinyon’s innovative use of remote sensing technology expedited stormwater permit closure, streamlining project completion.