Capabilities for Transmission Facilities

• Feasibility and Critical Flaw Assessments
• Route Planning and Alternatives Analysis
• Installation and Construction Feasibility Assessments
• Interconnect and Substation Expansion Planning
• Geological and Geophysical Surveys
• Noise Impact Evaluation
• Terrestrial, Wetland, and Marine Ecology Studies 
• Cultural Resource Assessments
• Traffic and Navigation Assessments
• Visual Impact Modeling and Analysis Erosion/Sedimentation
  Control Strategies 
• Impact Mitigation and Habitat Restoration Strategies
• EIR/EIS/FERC Report Preparation
• Energy Facility Siting Council Licensing and Reviews
• Local, State, and Federal Regulatory Permitting
• Construction Monitoring and Compliance

ESS has the in-house expertise to evaluate routing and installation constraints for a variety of terrains, environmental conditions, and land use settings. On recent projects these have included agricultural lands; coastal, lake, and marine environments; sensitive cultural and historic resources; rare and endangered species habitat; sensitive visual receptors; contaminated subsurface conditions (aquatic and terrestrial); and aquifer protection zones. We specialize in submarine and offshore installations, as well as overland routes and transits through existing urban rights-of-way.

Regulations, Policy & Planning

ESS Project Manager experience includes FERC Resource Report preparation and state Siting Board/Council licensing and technical reviews. Our Energy Team also participates in state and regional working groups on electric and gas distribution and ISO practices and policy. This team is familiar with the arrangement and constraints of the regional grid and system interconnection requirements. They also have an understanding of the physical equipment and technology involved and the implications for permitting. Our strong working relationships with state and federal regulatory staff facilitate transmission project planning, permitting, and review.