Environmental science is becoming increasingly important in our ever-changing world. With climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss becoming more imperative, the work of environmental scientists is essential in developing sustainable solutions to address these challenges. At Timmons Group, our environmental scientists understand how to work collaboratively to plan projects that minimize the impact of human activity on the natural environment.
We recently sat down with Lauren Norris-Heflin, a project manager in our Raleigh environmental group, to learn more about her team and the work they’re doing in North Carolina. Lauren has over a decade of experience supporting environmental tasks and projects in more than 25 states and Canada. She has a variety of experience including an extensive background in NEPA compliance, wetland and stream delineations, environmental permitting, and protected species habitat surveys.
Lauren and her team serve the North Carolina region where their primary focus is jurisdictional water management. They provide additional support for clients through Phase I Environmental Site Assessments and protected species reviews. By using their technical expertise to inspect the effects of human activities on the natural environment, Lauren and her crew are able to develop solutions that will mitigate the ecological impact for potential project sites. They work with internal engineering teams, clients, and agencies to help actualize sustainable project visions.
While working as the middleman between all points of contact, Lauren and her team must also follow a thorough step-by-step process to receive proper permitting for project sites. To determine the environmental risk of a site, her team first conducts initial fieldwork. After examining a site, the team provides agency consultation services where they map out data they discovered and present it to the appropriate environmental agencies to discuss concerns and plans for the project. Next, they work with Timmons Group’s engineers to develop a design for the site that mitigates environmental impact. Finally, they enter the permitting approval process so that a client can move forward with development.
Lauren says her favorite process to work with is the 401/404 permitting where her team is responsible for permitting both stream and wetland impacts. “I find this process exciting because every project is different. When you get down to the details, each project has really unique qualities and constraints. It’s exciting to take those problem-solving steps to prove to the agencies that we have a way to minimize the impact.” It’s obvious that our Raleigh environmental crew is committed to environmental stewardship and how it fits into our clients’ needs.
As project manager, Lauren has helped her staff develop an effective structure that works to their and clients’ advantage. “Everyone on our team is cross-trained and able to perform all the services we provide. We really pride ourselves in the ability to provide succinct services from across our team,” she says. Providing a fundamental foundation of experience to her group gives them the opportunity to develop their skill set and knowledge further in specific areas that they’re interested in, where they can eventually become subject matter experts. This creates a more well-versed and knowledgeable team dynamic.
Focusing on innovation, technical expertise, and environmental sustainability, our environmental practice is committed to creating a more resilient and sustainable future for all. Overall, Lauren and her crew are finding better and more efficient ways to serve their clients and develop tailored solutions that meet their goals and objectives.
Timmons Group’s environmental services are designed to help clients navigate complex environmental challenges and develop solutions that balance economic, social, and environmental considerations. Our interdisciplinary environmental professionals work to address a range of environmental issues, from pollution control and waste management to natural resource conservation and sustainable development.
At Timmons Group, we’re committed to the responsible protection and modification of our earth. Through our commitment to sustainability, we are not only changing the way we interact with the planet but also how the world perceives environmental responsibility. Read more about the environmental services we offer on our website.
