Juwi Inc., doing business as JSI Construction Group, LLC, developed a large-scale photovoltaic solar project on approximately 500 acres in El Paso County, Colorado. In order to develop the final site plan and meet permitting requirements, juwi retained Pinyon to conduct a survey of noxious weeds and prepare a Weed Management Plan for the project. Pinyon quickly mobilized to the site to complete the survey and meet the project schedule. Pinyon’s highly responsive Site Characterization and Remediation Technical Group conducted a Phase I ESA to identify potential environmental liabilities that could affect site development.
As the project transitioned from the development to the construction phase, Juwi again retained Pinyon to prepare a memorandum documenting compliance with Colorado Parks and Wildlife and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recommendations. Pinyon’s biologists conducted a habitat assessment, raptor nest survey, and swift fox den survey so that sensitive resources could be addressed prior to construction. Finally, Pinyon conducted an assessment of potential waters of the U.S. within the project footprint, clarifying that no jurisdictional features were present and no Section 404 permit was required.
The project had a tight schedule and urgent need for wildlife avoidance measures prior to construction. Pinyon’s responsiveness and experience saved the client time and money.Pinyon leveraged years of experience planning and permitting renewable energy projects to design a plan to prioritize and rapidly implement avoidance measures for species of concern. Pinyon was also able to save the client money by coordinating field work with another project taking place in the same area. When called upon to conduct an initial, small task for a project (such as the noxious weed survey, in this case), Pinyon can add significant value for clients by identifying other potential constraints that could delay future project phases.
