Threatened or Endangered Species Compliance Assistance
Industrial development in the West and Southwest almost always means operating somewhere within range of a protected species. Whether it’s a well pad in sage grouse country, a mine site near a listed lizard’s habitat, or a pipeline corridor crossing raptor nesting grounds, threatened and endangered species compliance is one of the most consequential parts of getting, and keeping, a project’s permits in good standing.
What T&E Species Compliance Involves
Compliance work starts with knowing what’s actually present on and around a project site, then building a plan that satisfies the Endangered Species Act, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and any relevant state-level protections. Depending on the region and species involved, this typically includes:
- Pre-construction species surveys to identify presence, absence, and habitat suitability
- Seasonal timing restrictions tied to breeding, nesting, or denning periods
- Habitat assessments and avoidance planning during project design
- Ongoing monitoring during construction and operations
- Coordination with regulatory agencies, including BLM, USFWS, and state wildlife agencies
- Documentation and reporting to support permit approval and renewal
Species We Work With
Compliance needs shift significantly depending on region. Some of the species most relevant to industrial development across our service areas include:
Wyoming and the Rockies: Sage Grouse, Raptors, Migratory Birds
Southeast New Mexico and the Permian Basin: Lesser Prairie-Chicken, Dunes Sagebrush Lizard, Burrowing Owl, along with habitat plant species like Shinnery Oak, Sand Sagebrush, Mesquite, Creosote Bush, and Fourwing Saltbush that factor into habitat assessments and revegetation planning
Kern County and the San Joaquin Valley: San Joaquin Kit Fox, Blunt-nosed Leopard Lizard, Giant Kangaroo Rat, California Tiger Salamander
Each of these species carries its own survey protocols, seasonal restrictions, and agency expectations. Knowing which rules actually apply to a given site, and which don’t, is often the difference between a project that stays on schedule and one that doesn’t. Species compliance planning also frequently overlaps with other site-level work, including wetland delineations, where jurisdictional waters and sensitive habitat areas intersect.
Why It Matters for Industrial Projects
Permit approval depends on it. Most oil and gas, mining, and industrial permits in these regions require documented species compliance before ground is disturbed. Missing or incomplete surveys can stall a permit indefinitely.
Timing restrictions affect scheduling. Many species have seasonal windows, breeding season closures, nesting restrictions, that limit when certain work can happen. Planning around these early prevents costly schedule disruptions later.
Enforcement risk is real. Violations under the Endangered Species Act or Migratory Bird Treaty Act can carry significant penalties, and can also affect a company’s standing for future permits in the same region.
Regulatory relationships matter. Consistent, well-documented compliance work builds credibility with the agencies that issue and renew permits, which pays off across a company’s broader project portfolio, not just a single site.
What We Provide
- Pre-construction and ongoing species surveys
- Habitat assessments and avoidance planning
- Seasonal timing guidance to keep projects on schedule
- Agency coordination and permit support
- Monitoring and reporting throughout the project lifecycle
Who This Serves
Oil and gas operators working in sage grouse, Lesser Prairie-Chicken, or Dunes Sagebrush Lizard habitat, mining companies operating near San Joaquin Valley listed species, and industrial developers anywhere species compliance is a condition of permitting.
Get Started
If your project needs threatened or endangered species compliance support, we can help you understand what’s required, plan around it, and keep your permits on track. Contact us to discuss your project.
