Protecting your investment
Identify risks early to improve development, avoid costly redesigns and build with confidence.
Environmental consulting and wetland delineation services
Keep your project on track with our development-first environmental services, combining rapid screening, targeted field verification and a practical permitting strategy.
At Wood, we guide you through environmental and permitting complexities so your projects move forward with confidence, speed and regulatory certainty.
Our environmental consulting services help you minimise the environmental impact of development projects while ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations. Our full lifecycle approach ensures that each phase of development – from early planning and site selection to construction – is managed responsibly and cost-effectively.
With renewable energy timelines accelerating, land competition intensifying and regulatory requirements evolving, environmental and permitting expertise can be the difference between a project that launches on time and one that never leaves the ground.
Wood's environmental and renewable energy project engineering services
Our environmental due diligence services are just one part of our renewable energy toolkit, delivering advisory, project development and project execution services for solar, wind and energy storage projects.
Phase I Environmental Site Assessment: Clearing the way for your project
Accelerate development and avoid costly redesigns
Our proactive environmental risk screening uncovers constraints – such as protected species, contamination risks and jurisdictional wetlands – before they impact your schedule or budget.
You gain early clarity on environmental risks, enabling smarter site selection and faster approvals.
Ensure regulatory compliance and permitting confidence
Ensure alignment with environmental regulations through thorough assessments, stakeholder engagement and permitting support, reducing legal exposure and streamlining approvals.
You gain confidence that your approvals align with technical realities – reducing rework and helping your project move forward with certainty.
Manage stakeholders and community relations
Our experienced team is equipped to communicate effectively across stakeholders and navigate the complex challenges of today’s environmental and permitting landscape with confidence and clarity.
You gain peace of mind knowing stakeholders are engaged proactively, minimising misunderstandings and delays.
Wood’s environmental consulting team has been amazing to work with.
They are very responsive, ask the right questions and can adapt to our specific project needs.
Environmental due diligence risks
Project delays due to environmental constraints
Unanticipated findings, such as wetlands, endangered species habitats or visual impact concerns, can halt or delay development.
Early-stage fieldwork and desktop studies (eg, wetland delineations, bat and avian surveys, visual impact assessments) help de-risk sites and avoid late-stage surprises.
Regulatory uncertainty
Changing environmental regulations and agency expectations can create uncertainty in project timelines and scope.
Our team’s depth of experience and strong relationships with federal, local and state agencies enable proactive compliance strategies and adaptive permitting support.
Interdependencies with other work streams
Environmental constraints often intersect with engineering, permitting, interconnection and land acquisition efforts – misalignment can disrupt critical paths and delay execution.
Wood’s integrated project development and engineering capabilities ensure that environmental due diligence is coordinated across disciplines, enabling seamless execution and alignment with broader project plans.
Environmental consulting services overview
Get clarity before you commit. Through GIS mapping, desktop studies and critical issues analysis, we identify potential environmental constraints – wetlands, protected species, etc – before they derail your project. This proactive insight helps you select viable sites, avoid redesign costs and accelerate permitting.
By planning strategically from the outset, we can help you minimise environmental impacts and optimise site selection.
Our services include:
- Critical issues analysis: Spot potential red flags early – before they turn into project-stopping roadblocks
- Permit matrix: Bring clarity to complex regulatory pathways so you know exactly what's required and when
- Desktop wetlands assessment: Flag potential permitting risks before boots hit the ground
- Desktop protected species habitat assessment: Avoid surprises by screening for sensitive species early
- Site characterisation studies: Understand your site’s environmental story before you start building
Validate your plans with confidence. Our team conducts comprehensive field studies – from wetland delineations to endangered species surveys – to confirm risks and uncover any site-specific challenges. By addressing these early, you reduce the chance of late-stage surprises and keep your schedule intact.
Our due diligence services also include community consultations and risk mitigation planning to address any local concerns.
Our range of due diligence services includes:
- Wetland delineation: Pinpoint wetland boundaries to avoid delays and stay compliant
- Protected species habitat evaluations: Identify sensitive habitats early to confirm potential risks and avoid redesigns or delays
- Environmental site assessments: Detect contamination early to protect your investment
- Stream and riparian corridor surveys: Map sensitive waterways to guide responsible design
- Avian and bat surveys: Identify wildlife risks to support permitting and reduce impacts
Streamline your approvals. We guide you through complex regulatory pathways, preparing complete permit packages and engaging with agencies and stakeholders on your behalf.
This ensures compliance, builds trust and secures approvals faster – so your project can move forward without costly delays.
Our expertise covers a wide range of services:
- Local, regional and national permit applications: Manage approvals at every level without surprises
- Agency and stakeholder consultation: Build trust with regulators and communities to secure faster approvals and reduce opposition risk
- Reclamation and re-vegetation plans: Restore land with purpose to meet compliance and community goals
- Environmental impact assessments (ESAs): Assess project impacts to gain approvals and build stakeholder trust
Protect your project during execution. From environmental monitoring and worker awareness training to post-construction surveys, we ensure construction activities stay compliant, mitigate risks in real-time and safeguard your project's reputation and community relationships.
We provide continuous monitoring and adaptive management strategies to ensure that construction activities align with environmental standards. We work closely with the client and EPCs to ensure that all environmental safeguards are in place and that any unforeseen issues are promptly addressed.
- Environmental management plans: Keep construction compliant with clear, actionable site protocols
- Worker awareness training: Equip crews with the knowledge to protect sensitive resources
- Pre-construction species surveys: Confirm species presence before breaking ground to avoid delays
- Environmental construction monitoring: Track compliance in real time to prevent issues before they escalate
- Post-construction surveys and audits: Validate restoration success and close out permits with confidence
Get a quote for your project
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Erin Cozart
Project Development Team Lead
Connect
Wood advantages
Full lifecycle support
We provide environmental services that span the entire development lifecycle – from early planning and site selection to construction, operations and decommissioning.
This ensures continuity, reduces hand-off risks and supports long-term project success.
Integrated development and engineering expertise
Unlike firms that offer standalone environmental services, our team combines environmental services with engineering, interconnection support and construction management.
This integration ensures that environmental constraints are aligned with engineering realities, helping identify critical paths and execute project plans seamlessly.
Proactive risk mitigation
Through early-stage desktop analyses and field due diligence, our team identifies environmental risks – such as wetlands and endangered species – before they impact permitting or construction.
This proactive approach minimises delays and enhances project viability.
Local knowledge and regulatory insight
With over 75 offices across the U.S. and Canada and local support in 60+ other countries, Wood brings deep local knowledge and strong relationships with regulators.
This helps navigate permitting hurdles efficiently and adapt to evolving environmental regulations.
Digital tools and data‑driven decision support
We can use advanced GIS, remote sensing, our noiseAI species-monitoring technology and environmental data platforms to deliver precise, real‑time insights throughout the project lifecycle.
Our data‑driven approach enhances accuracy, accelerates assessments and enables better‑informed decisions – reducing uncertainty and strengthening project outcomes.
Proven consulting track record
Wood has delivered successful environmental and development support across diverse sectors, applying strategic insight, technical rigour and dependable execution to every project.
Our experience helps clients navigate complexity, manage risks and move projects forward with confidence.
Environmental consulting experience
Wood has delivered environmental studies, wetland delineation services and Phase I Environmental Site Assessments for hundreds of clean energy developments, from early site screening through permitting and investment decisions.
Our clean energy experience spans solar, onshore and offshore wind, battery energy storage, hydrogen and power‑to‑X, with studies completed across North America, Europe, APAC and emerging markets.
We routinely conduct wetland delineations, protected species surveys, avian and bat studies, environmental site assessments, constraints mapping and impact assessments, including for single‑asset developments and large, multi‑site portfolios, aligning environmental findings with engineering, layout optimisation and permitting strategies.
Recent project examples
Wetland delineation services, environmental surveys, due diligence assessments
Wetland delineation services and environmental site assessments for solar portfolio, Midwestern US
Challenge
Coordinating consistent environmental due diligence for a large distributed solar portfolio (~5 MW) across multiple jurisdictions in the Midwest.
Solution
Wetland delineations, protected species and cultural resource assessments, Phase I Environmental Site Assessments, permit reviews and survey/ALTA coordination.
Result
Identified key constraints, including jurisdictional wetlands, threatened and endangered species, and hazardous materials, and supported federal and state compliance to allow for efficient project development.
Environmental surveys and wetland delineation consulting for natural gas pipeline project, Louisiana
Challenge
Assessing and mitigating environmental risk during the maintenance and replacement of ~4,000 feet of existing natural gas pipeline in Natchitoches Parish.
Solution
Field investigations and desktop reviews to identify environmental constraints, including jurisdictional wetlands, threatened and endangered species, and regulatory requirements.
Result
Supported timely infrastructure maintenance while minimizing environmental and regulatory risk.
The Wood team has been great to work with and is always responsive, clear and proactive.
The Permit Matrix in particular exceeded expectations and was exceptionally well researched and easy to follow.
Environmental construction monitoring and consulting for utility-scale solar PV, Texas
Challenge
Environmental construction monitoring for multiple utility-scale solar and wind projects across Texas.
Solution
Bi-weekly on-site inspections to identify permit compliance risks and environmental deficiencies regarding stormwater runoff, wetland setbacks, protected species and cultural resources.
Result
Supported corrective actions and compliance continuity through construction and into operations.
Environmental due diligence services & permitting for large BESS portfolio, Houston area, TX
Challenge
Environmental due diligence assessment and permitting required for a 15-project BESS portfolio in the Houston area.
Solution
Completed wetland delineations, protected species assessments and Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs).
Result
Identified preliminary environmental constraints, including jurisdictional wetlands and hazardous materials, to inform siting decisions and streamline portfolio development.
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Common questions
What do I need before starting environmental due diligence?
Most clients only need a proposed site location and a general understanding of their project goals.
Our team guides you through required studies, permitting pathways and timelines, so you don’t have to manage them alone.
How early should environmental work begin in my development timeline?
The earlier, the better. Early‑stage desktop studies and site screenings help identify constraints such as wetlands, species habitat or contamination risks – before they delay engineering, land acquisition or permitting.
How long do environmental assessments typically take?
Timelines depend on project scope, required fieldwork and regulatory processes. Some desktop studies only take days. Seasonal wildlife surveys or complex permitting can take weeks to months.
We provide a clear schedule at project kick-off to set expectations early.
What factors most commonly delay environmental permitting?
Delays often stem from undiscovered environmental constraints, incomplete documentation or extended agency review cycles.
Our proactive fieldwork, thorough documentation and strong relationships with agencies help streamline approvals.
How much does a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment cost?
Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) costs typically depend on project size, site history, geographic location and the complexity of potential environmental concerns.
Most standard assessments fall within a predictable cost range, but properties with extensive historical use, large acreage or multiple structures may require additional research or field checks.
We provide a clear, upfront estimate based on your site and development goals – ensuring transparency and no surprises as you budget your project.
Can you help us understand which permits we need?
Yes. We create a permit matrix outlining every applicable permit, required steps, responsible agencies and estimated timelines – giving you complete visibility into the approval process.
What happens if a protected species or wetland is found on my project site?
If constraints are identified, we provide mitigation options, redesign guidance and coordination strategies to keep your project moving. Early identification reduces costly redesigns or regulatory delays.
How do you ensure your assessments are accurate and defensible?
All assessments follow established agency protocols, industry standards (such as ASTM or Clean Water Act requirements) and best‑practice methodologies. Work is completed by qualified specialists with deep regulatory experience.
Will your team coordinate with our engineers, EPCs or land team?
Absolutely. Environmental constraints frequently intersect with engineering, land acquisition and interconnection. Our teams work cross‑functionally to keep all development workstreams aligned.
Can you support my project if it spans multiple states or jurisdictions?
Yes. With broad geographic experience and relationships across federal, state and local agencies, we manage differing regulations and ensure consistency across your multi‑state project portfolio.