Key Facts About Environmental Review Requirements

A land use development attorney provides assistance to developers in understanding the many rules which apply to construction projects. For example, if you are doing a building project, you likely will need to comply with environmental review requirements. 

These environmental review requirements can be extensive, and many developers are not sure where to start when it comes to understanding what is expected of them and fulfilling their obligations. A failure to follow environmental review guidelines could mean delays in getting your project started, could mean your project won't be approved, or could mean extra cost to you. You want to avoid all of these undesirable outcomes and ensure you follow the proper process for environmental review the first time.

Curley & Rothman, LLC knows the environmental review requirements applicable to developers in Montgomery County, and we can provide you with the knowledge and insight you need to be in full compliance. Give us a call today to talk with a Conshohocken, PA land use development attorney to find out more about how we can help.

What are Environmental Review Requirements?

There are different types of environmental review requirements which are in place within the state of Pennsylvania. You need to know what the environmental review requirements are in your location and for your particular type of development project or business endeavor. The best way to understand the environmental review requirements applicable to you is to speak with a land use development attorney.

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection provides information on when permits are required by the department for land use development or redevelopment. The DEP urges developers to submit all documentation early in order to allow sufficient time for review. All permits which are related to the same project generally must be released simultaneously in order for a thorough environmental review to be completed.

Some of the different types of land development which may trigger a required environmental review by DEP include:

• New water mains or extensions of water mains where 15 or more connections or 25 or more people will be served.
• Earth disturbance activities exceeding 5000 square feet. An erosion and sediment control plan must be prepared and available on site for review.
• Projects disturbing one or more acres. Authorization must be obtained through a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System for stormwater discharges.
• Dam safety permits, which must be obtained if the depth of water to be stored behind the dam exceeds 15 feet or the maximum storage capacity of the dam exceeds 50 acre feet.

These are just a few of the many different situations in which permits and/or review are required.

Complying with Environmental Review Requirements

Complying with environmental review requirements can be complicated. You must understand what environmental policies apply to you, and what types of applications have to be submitted in relation to complying with these policies. You also need to know what fees you have to pay, what documentation is necessary to comply with environmental review regulations, and what happens if problems are found during the review.

If you do not understand your obligations or if you fail to comply with any of the requirements, your project can be delayed or it might never get off the ground. The review process itself can be costly, and delays or denials of your project development plan can add significant expense and lead to substantial financial loss.

You do not want to take any chances when it comes to complying with environmental review requirements so you should ensure you have a qualified and experienced legal professional guiding you through each step. A land use development attorney knows the Montgomery County requirements and understands all of the different steps you must take, so get help from a legal professional as early as you can in the process.

How a Conshohocken, PA Land use Development Attorney Can Help

Don't let your costs go higher or your project get delayed because of a failure to comply with all requirements for environmental review. Get the help you need from a Conshohocken, PA land use development attorney who knows the rules inside and out and who can guide you through the entire review process.

Curley & Rothman, LLC has helped many developers with all of their pre-construction obligations, including environmental mandates. Give us a call today at 610-834-8819 or contact us online to learn more about the ways in which we can help you.