Good planning, for any project, includes considering the effect the project may have on natural resources. Similarly, planning must also include how natural resources will impact existing conditions on the project. Pickering Associates employs experienced, qualified staff, licensed in multiple states, who provide services that range from environmental site assessment to oil and gas produced water management.
Our team recently worked with the Preston County Farmland Protection Board (PCFPB) on two Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessments (ESA). The PCFPB was created by the Preston County Commission in 2004 and is authorized under the Voluntary Farmland Protection Act, which the West Virginia legislature passed into law on March 10, 2000. The purpose of the PCFPB is to preserve farmland throughout Preston County with an incentive based program that purchases the sale of conservation easements from interested farm owners.
Last fall, the PCFPB requested that Pickering Associates assist in their due diligence process for two farms that had applied for a Sale of Conservation Easement by performing two Phase 1 ESAs for the properties. Pickering’s Environmental Scientist, Jesse Daubert, assessed each property with the goal of identifying any recognized environmental conditions in accordance with ASTM Standard Practice E1527-13. This assessment included a site visit, topographical analysis, and historical research for each farm. The findings of the Phase 1 ESA were then issued to the PCFPB in two clear and precise reports.
“I really did not know what to expect as I was very unfamiliar with the process,” said LeDeana Teets, Director of the Preston County Farmland Protection Board. “I was very grateful that Jesse took the time to walk me through the process. My farmers had nothing but praises for Jesse’s respect of their property and willingness to explain details.”
Phase 1 ESAs represent only a portion of the environmental services Pickering Associates offers to the region. Our environmental group also specializes in stream and wetland delineations, habitat assessments, permitting and consultation coordination, mitigation planning, ArcGIS cartography, due diligence assessments, erosion and sediment control reviews, and much more.
“I’ve learned that all of our clients want their projects to be done not only cost effectively, but also with as minimal environmental impact as possible,” said Jesse Daubert, “people really do care about the environment! I enjoy providing these environmental services because through these services I am able to give clients the peace of mind that their projects are not going to adversely impact their neighbors and the communities where they live.”