Upload
others
View
2
Download
0
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS
MAY 2017 One Embarcadero Center, Suite 740 San Francisco, CA 94111 650-373-1200
www.panoramaenv.com
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Company Profile ........................................................................................................................ 1
Representative Clients .............................................................................................................. 4
Services ....................................................................................................................................... 5
Project Experience .................................................................................................................. 12
Staff Biographies ...................................................................................................................... 17
Testimonials .............................................................................................................................. 23
PANORAMA ENVIRONMENTAL, INC. 1
COMPANY PROFILE
Panorama Environmental, Inc. (Panorama) is a San Francisco-based environmental
consulting firm that specializes in helping companies and agencies resolve complex
environmental issues that arise from planned or current development projects. For over
30 years, Panorama’s highly qualified professionals have collaborated closely
with our clients to create solutions that are as economically savvy as they are
environmentally sound.
Company History Panorama was established in 1983 as MHA Environmental
Consulting, Inc. In 2007, RMT, Inc. (RMT) acquired MHA to
expedite growth of its west coast operations and to expand the
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), National
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), renewable energy, and
permitting capabilities of the company. The successful merger
resulted in a strengthened west coast presence for RMT.
In 2011, RMT decided to focus its efforts on construction of
renewable energy projects and RMT was sold by parent Alliant
Energy. The San Mateo office of RMT became Panorama and
moved to San Francisco.
Premier Organization For over 30 years, the Panorama team has fostered enduring
relationships focused on meeting and exceeding the needs of
each individual client. Our staff understands the financial and
business impacts of environmental compliance. We continually
CERTIFICATIONS California Department of
General Services – Small Business (SB)
San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency – Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)
CPUC Supplier Clearinghouse – Women-owned Business Enterprise (WBE)
City and County of San Francisco – Local Business Enterprise (LBE)
Federal Small Business Administration – Disadvantaged Women-owned Small Business (DWOSB)
PANORAMA ENVIRONMENTAL, INC. 2
provide value to our clients through proactive, early identification of issues and providing
timely, cost‐effective compliance solutions. Panorama’s unique approach to environmental
consulting involves several key aspects:
Strategic planning for project definition and permitting. Early and thorough definition of a project reduces costs and schedules. At Panorama, we think
strategically and plan ahead, identifying what needs to be accomplished over time
and the potential impacts of planning decisions.
Integration of CEQA, NEPA, and environmental permitting. Panorama
encourages clients to integrate the CEQA, NEPA, and permitting processes.
Panorama looks ahead to the permitting requirements of a project to ensure that
issues are addressed early in the environmental review. This approach avoids
surprises and delays in the permitting process.
Tailored teams of local resource experts. Panorama has an extensive network of
environmental specialists (in fields such as biology, hydrology, cultural resources,
traffic) throughout the United States (and in several countries). We tailor each
project team to meet the geographic and resource‐specific needs of the project.
Early and frequent public and agency outreach. Consultation with involved
agencies and the public is crucial on projects of public interest. Panorama seeks
input and addresses issues early to reduce costs and shorten schedules.
Flexible and responsive project managers and team members. Team members
understand our role as service providers. We respond promptly to client and
agency requests and understand the urgency of projects. We are here to help our
clients reach their goals in a cost‐effective and timely manner.
Creative problem solving. Panorama team members know how to solve problems.
We do not stop at obstacles, but develop innovative approaches to meet goals,
schedules, and budgets.
How are We Different from other Firms? Quality. All projects have Principal oversight and senior review
Critical Thinking. We critically assess all input—from scientists, agencies, and engineers
Fast-track Schedules. We know how to move your project through the process to meet your
schedule
Effective Tools. We use state of the art software tools to minimize our overhead and streamline
our workflow. Our proprietary CEQA document database and the Panorama in‐house training
program accelerate our projects.
PANORAMA ENVIRONMENTAL, INC. 3
Panorama’s success has been based on a creative and team approach to consulting that is
inclusive of agency staff, applicants, and consultants.
PANORAMA ENVIRONMENTAL, INC. 4
REPRESENTATIVE CLIENTS
Panorama provides service to government agencies and private companies.
Panorama’s reputation for excellence and quality services is demonstrated by our long-
standing, repeat client base shown below.
Local Government/Special Districts City and County of San Francisco*
City of Burlingame*
City of Los Angeles, Dept. of Water
and Power*
City of Redwood City*
City of San Mateo*
County of Inyo*
City of Palo Alto*
County of San Mateo*
Marin Municipal Water District*
Santa Clara Valley Water District*
Town of Los Altos Hills*
Tri‐Valley Groundwater Management District
State Government California Public Utilities Commission*
Oregon Institute of Technology*
Federal Government U.S. Department of Defense‐Navy, Army*
U.S. Bureau of Land Management*
U.S. Department of Energy*
U.S. Forest Service*
* Indicates multiple contracts
Private Anadarko Petroleum Corporation
Bechtel Enterprises*
CalEnergy, Inc.*
Calpine Corporation*
Gradient Resources*
Mainstream Renewable Power*
Quincy Engineering*
Ormat*
Pacific Gas and Electric Company*
Southern California Edison*
Vulcan Chemicals*
Associations California Geothermal Energy Collaborative*
Geothermal Energy Association*
Geothermal Resources Council*
International Geothermal Association*
National Geothermal Collaborative*
International Geologica Geothermal /Electricité de Djibouti*
GreenMax/GDC*
Kenya Electricity Generating Company*
U.S.‐East Africa Geothermal Partnership
PANORAMA ENVIRONMENTAL, INC. 5
SERVICES
Experience has proven that early attention to environmental issues reduces costs and
advances permitting schedules. Our services facilitate environmentally sound
development for project proponents, government agencies, and public interest groups,
and are designed to move your project through the regulatory process to construction.
The services we provide are described below.
Project Definition and Engineering Support Panorama routinely assists project proponents early in the engineering phase to fully define
projects using our project definition checklist. Panorama team members have worked closely
with engineers to enhance projects and define feasible alternatives. Early and thorough project
definition streamlines the CEQA, NEPA, and permitting review processes and avoids delays
during construction. Our team includes experts in energy infrastructure in the west.
Project and Environmental Feasibility Studies Environmental and permitting feasibility studies are increasingly
critical in project planning. Panorama identifies constraints
(including “fatal flaws”) and major cost items in permitting
proposed development projects. Feasibility studies have
included reconnaissance‐level resource surveys, agency
consultations, detailed cost estimates, and permitting schedules
and strategies.
Project Siting Studies Preliminary studies are conducted for screening large areas for facility siting. Panorama
performs preliminary and/or detailed site assessments, which identify constraints and
alternative site rankings (qualitative and quantitative).
PANORAMA ENVIRONMENTAL, INC. 6
Project Design Review Panorama works with project proponents and regulatory review agencies to ensure that
environmental requirements and constraints are addressed in the early stages of engineering
design and economic analysis. We assist clients in preparing project descriptions and
environmental components of operation for submittal to regulatory agencies. This work avoids
costly re‐design and reduced mitigation costs.
Public Engagement Panorama develops and implements comprehensive public
engagement programs tailored to the needs of individual projects
and clients to achieve informed consent from the community.
Laurie Hietter and Tania Treis have authored two publications on
public engagement (Geothermal Outreach Principles and Comment
Analysis Report and Geothermal Education and Outreach).
Services for public engagement programs include:
Identifying stakeholders
Outreach to interested citizens, agencies, and special interest groups
Coordinating, developing, and conducting public and agency scoping meetings,
workshops, seminars, and hearings
Preparing Scoping Reports
Conducting one‐on‐one interviews
Developing and hosting websites
Writing and distributing newsletters
Developing and managing social media campaigns
Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Panorama provides GIS services throughout the continuum of
environmental analysis and project development. Typical services
include the following:
Developing and maintaining project‐specific
geospatial databases
Developing mailing lists from assessor parcel data
Preparing facility layout maps for project features, pipeline,
transmission line, and access road easements
Conducting viewshed analyses
Analyzing data and preparing graphics to facilitate stakeholder outreach and public
meetings and hearings, feasibility studies, parcel priority rankings, route selection,
resource management, environmental review and permitting, and tracking
environmental compliance during construction
PANORAMA ENVIRONMENTAL, INC. 7
CEQA/NEPA Compliance Panorama prepares federal and state environmental reports under CEQA and NEPA including:
CEQA NEPA Categorical Exemptions
Initial Studies (ISs)
Negative Declarations (NDs) and
Mitigated Negative Declarations
(MNDs)
Environmental Impact Reports (EIRs)
Categorical Exclusions
Environmental Assessments (EAs)
Findings of No Significant Impact
(FONSIs)
Environmental Impact Statements (EISs)
Panorama is especially adept at preparing joint federal/state environmental documents with
multiple‐agency jurisdictions, including joint EIR/EISs, EIR/EAs, and IS/EAs.
Panorama provides clients with services that include:
Assisting agencies in determining the appropriate type of environmental
documentation required under CEQA and NEPA (e.g., IS/MND vs. EIR)
Identifying lead, cooperating, and responsible agencies
Defining significance thresholds
Identifying appropriate tasks and schedules for CEQA/NEPA compliance
Preparing and distributing agency notices
Conducting baseline resource studies
Conducting public hearings and leading public engagement programs
Developing and maintaining project websites and social media programs
Defining and implementing mitigation monitoring and reporting programs
Performing all aspects of document production including graphics, printing, and
distribution
Defining and implementing Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Programs
Resource Surveys and Monitoring Panorama designs and performs surveys for baseline data collection, monitoring, and
fulfillment of mitigation requirements. We conduct surveys and studies for:
Vegetation, fish, invertebrates, and
wildlife
Threatened, rare, endangered, and special‐
status species
Surface water evaluation and monitoring
Groundwater resource evaluation and
monitoring
Hydrologic evaluation and monitoring
Cultural resources (archaeological,
historical, and ethnographic)
Wetlands
Air quality monitoring and modeling
Ambient noise measurement and impact
modeling
Aesthetics, visual evaluations, and
simulations
Transportation and traffic
Land use, growth impacts, and
socioeconomics
Geology and soils
Paleontological resources
PANORAMA ENVIRONMENTAL, INC. 8
Data collection is conducted using state of the art methods following existing or negotiated
protocols. GIS tools are used for data analysis and manipulation for graphical display of results.
Data Collection and Research Panorama provides specialized technical expertise in a wide
variety of fields including air quality, archaeology,
biogeochemistry, biology, botany, ecology, entomology,
ethnography, forestry, geology, groundwater, herpetology,
hydrology, ichthyology, mammalogy, noise, ornithology,
population biology, transportation, visual resources, and water
quality. We tailor our research team to match the geographic,
resource, and project issues, and draw upon our wide network
of technical specialists located throughout the west. Panorama has built an extensive network of
highly qualified experts over the last 30 years.
Panorama offers a wide array of services for short‐ and long‐term scientific research to address
practical questions in resource management. Such research services include cost‐effective study
design, field data collection and data management, mathematical modeling, statistical analysis,
technical writing and editing, and presentation and interpretation of results to a diverse
audience. Our project managers are particularly skilled in explaining complex scientific issues
to decision‐makers on boards and commissions.
Wetland Delineation and Habitat Mitigation Panorama provides wetland delineation services to identify
waters of the State and waters of the United States in compliance
with Section 404 of the federal Clean Water Act. Panorama
consults with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE), the
California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), and the
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) to verify wetland
delineations and obtain permits for effects to wetlands.
Panorama develops habitat mitigation and monitoring plans
and 404(b)(1) alternatives analyses. We also prepare, implement, and monitor habitat
restoration and mitigation plans for arid lands, and for wetland, riparian, and upland habitats.
PANORAMA ENVIRONMENTAL, INC. 9
Endangered, Threatened, Rare, and Special-status Species Panorama designs and implements survey protocols for
threatened, rare, endangered, and special‐status species as part
of almost every project. Our experience includes writing and
implementing habitat and species management plans, as well as
federal 10(a) permit applications, Habitat Conservation Plans,
and Incidental Take Permits. Panorama assists clients in
obtaining state and federal endangered species permits and
conducting consultations with CDFW and USFWS (2090, 2081,
Section 7, and Section 10a) through preparing Biological Assessments and Biological
Evaluations. Our team provides assistance for state and federal biological opinions, mitigation
banking, and training on Habitat Conservation Plans and protocols.
Environmental Permits and Supporting Information Panorama performs permit feasibility analyses, collects data, prepares permit applications, and
assists with obtaining coverage for a wide range of state and federal permits including air,
water, waste discharge, and stream and lake alteration.
The permits and supporting information we obtain or provide include, but are not limited to:
Land Use Conditional Use Permits
Special Use Permits
Caltrans Encroachment
Preliminary Environmental Study
Preliminary Environmental Analysis
Report
Natural Environment Study
Categorical Exclusion with Studies
Archaeological Survey Reports
Historic Properties Survey Reports
Historic Resources Evaluation Report
Air Clean Air Act Prevention of Significant
Deterioration (PSD) permits
Authority to Construct
Permit to Operate
Biology Incidental Take Permits
Biological Opinions
Consistency Determination
Orders of Waste Discharge
National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System (NPDES) permits
Clean Water Act Section 401 Water
Quality Certification
Clean Water Act Section 404 discharge
permits (individual and nationwide)
Joint Aquatic Resources Permit
Applications (JARPAs)
Construction Stormwater Discharge
Permits (i.e., Stormwater Pollution
Prevention Plans [SWPPPs])
Streambed Alteration Agreements
(California Fish and Game Code
Sections 1601 and 1603)
PANORAMA ENVIRONMENTAL, INC. 10
Environmental Impact Mitigation Plans Panorama provides practical, creative solutions for mitigating impacts for a full range of
environmental parameters (as a separate service or as part of the environmental analysis
process). Mitigation plans include game and non‐game species mitigation, revegetation, noise
attenuation, cultural resources evaluation and data recovery programs, and fisheries habitat
protection and enhancement. The plans are designed to provide clear and cost‐effective
mitigation and compliance measures to reduce or avoid adverse effects.
Environmental Compliance Monitoring Effective environmental compliance begins with well‐written
mitigation measures and permit conditions. Panorama assesses
the effectiveness of and compliance with construction and post‐
construction permit requirements. Our services include
construction monitoring, audits, and verification of compliance
with mitigation measures and permit conditions.
Panorama teaches corporate and agency staff procedures for
implementation of environmental regulations, including permit and environmental reporting
requirements. Panorama also trains construction and field personnel on field procedures and
safety using video presentations, brochures, tailgate lectures, and on‐site training.
Habitat Restoration Panorama provides habitat restoration and vegetation
enhancement plans that increase the ecological functions and
value of the habitat on a project site to meet regulatory agency
requirements. Panorama understands what habitat components
are important for restoration, based on years of field experience
and decades of working with regulatory agencies. Panorama has
experience with a wide variety of habitat enhancement
techniques, and uses the state of the art management tools and
monitoring methods. Our successful restoration and mitigation
projects result from a collaboration of hydrologists, engineers,
landscape architects, agency staff, and the public. We have
worked on projects on federal, state, and land owned by local
jurisdictions, such as cities, irrigation and water districts. We have
also worked to restore and enhance wildlife habitat in suburban and urban landscaping for a
wide variety of clients, including private landowners.
Establishing project mitigation objectives with successful monitoring criteria are essential parts
of any habitat restoration plan. Our habitat restoration goals ensure that any restoration project
is self‐sustaining and supports a diversity of plant and animal species. Panorama also monitors
restoration sites and prepares monitoring reports required by federal, state or local permits. Our
PANORAMA ENVIRONMENTAL, INC. 11
habitat management plans incorporate adaptive management strategies to allow for early and
successful adjustments to habitat restoration efforts.
Panorama scientists have expertise in preparing restoration and mitigation plans for:
Arid environments including desert/desert riparian
Wetland habitats including tidal areas, freshwater marshes, and seasonal wetlands
Riparian habitats including salmonid (cold water) streams
International Environmental and Social Impact Analysis Panorama provides project applicants and
governmental agencies with assistance in meeting
environmental and social analysis requirements to
support geothermal and other energy development.
Team members have conducted environmental and
social analysis in Kenya, Djibouti, Trinidad, Colombia,
and other locations.
Panorama staff team with
local experts to provide
the broad experience of
our team combined with local knowledge of site‐specific resources.
Several Panorama team members are fluent in Spanish, and
Panorama has prepared documents in multiple languages.
Panorama provides compliance services to meet national and
international requirements such as National Environmental
Management Acts and environmental and social safeguard
policies. Panorama has prepared environmental and social
documents that comply with requirements of various donor and
funding entities such as the World Bank, African Development
Bank, and French Development Bank.
Services have included:
Environmental and social issue overview
Environmental and social regulation summaries
Health and safety analysis
Preliminary Environmental and Social Impact Assessments
Environmental and Social Impact Assessments
Environmental and Social Management Plans
Social engagement (national and local)
Environmental and social impact mitigation and safeguard measures
Environmental, regulatory, social, and climate change training and capacity building
PANORAMA ENVIRONMENTAL, INC. 12
PROJECT EXPERIENCE
Panorama has managed and prepared CEQA and NEPA environmental documents,
regulatory permit applications, natural resource surveys, mitigation programs, and
federal and state environmental compliance programs for a variety of industries and
agencies. Our projects range from complete environmental services for large-scale,
complex industrial projects (energy, infrastructure, mineral processing) to simple, small-
scale development projects (redevelopment housing, water wells, road and bridge
improvements).
ENERGY: TRANSMISSION ENERGY: GEOTHERMAL
PG&E Cabrillo to Santa Ynez 115-kV Reconductoring IS/MND
PG&E Atascadero to San Luis Obispo 115-kV Reconductoring IS/MND
PG&E On-call Environmental and Biological Services
PG&E Fulton to Fitch Transmission IS/MND
Southern California Edison El Casco System Proponent’s Environmental Assessment (PEA) and monitoring
Olkaria Geothermal Field Environmental Oversight
Djibouti Geothermal Exploration ESMP
Bottle Rock Power Geothermal Expansion Project
Gradient Resources, Inc., Patua Phases I & II Geothermal Power Plant EAs
U.S. Navy Geothermal Resources and Energy Project EIS
Calpine Fourmile Hill Geothermal Development Project EIS/EIR
PANORAMA ENVIRONMENTAL, INC. 13
ENERGY: TRANSMISSION ENERGY: GEOTHERMAL Southern California Edison Valley to Ivyglen Transmission Siting and PEA
Southern California Edison Ritter Ranch Substation and Telecommunications (PEA)
San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) Salt Creek Substation and Transmission EIR
SDG&E Sycamore-Peñasquitos Transmission EIR
Fourmile Hill Transmission Line EIS/EIR
Coso Geothermal Development 115 and 230 kV Transmission Lines EA and EA/EIR
CalEnergy Coso Geothermal Development Environmental Documents (EIS, EA/EIR, and EAs)
Coso Hay Ranch Water Extraction and Delivery System EIR
Ormat Carson Lake Exploration EA and Plan of Development
CalEnergy Newberry Geothermal Pilot Plant Project EIS
Oregon Institute of Technology Geothermal Project EA
Town of Lakeview Geothermal Project EA
Canby Cascaded Geothermal Project EA
National Geothermal Collaborative Outreach Report
California Geothermal Energy Collaborative/CEC Public Outreach Guide
ENERGY: SOLAR ENERGY: WIND
Caithness/Bechtel Soda Mountain 350-MW Solar Project Environmental, Engineering, and Permitting Support
SunCal Barstow and Jacumba Applications for Certification
Confidential Client Environmental and Transmission Review for Multiple Solar Installations
SoloPower Production Facility Categorical Exclusion and Studies
Pattern Energy Santa Isabel Wind Development EIS, Puerto Rico
Helo Sand Canyon Wind Development Engineering and Permitting
Western Wind Windstar Construction Monitoring
Confidential Client GIS Constraints Analysis for Wind Development in California
Graham Pass Wind Project Feasibility Study
Duke Energy Confidential Project Due Diligence
PANORAMA ENVIRONMENTAL, INC. 14
ENERGY: UNDERGROUND GAS STORAGE AND GAS/OIL PIPELINES WATER AND NATURAL RESOURCES
Gill Ranch Gas Storage, Pipeline, and Transmission Line IS/MND
Wild Goose Natural Gas Storage Expansion and Pipeline EIR
Decommissioning and Sale of the Montebello Gas Field IS/MND
Wyoming-California Pipeline Company WyCal Natural Gas Pipeline Resource Surveys and Environmental Reviews
CPUC Valuation and Sale of Southern California Edison Fuel Oil Pipeline Environmental Review
Shell Marsh Creek Oil Pipeline Replacement Mitigation Monitoring
Marin Municipal Water District Wildfire Protection and Habitat Improvement Plan EIR
Inyo County Public Works Habitat Restoration Plans for Sabrina and Trona Wildrose Areas
Santa Clara Valley Water District Dam Maintenance Program and Program EIR
Santa Clara Valley Water District Pipeline Maintenance Program and Program EIR/EA
Montara Water and Sanitary District Master Plan Phase I EIR
Western Water Company Olancha Water Project CUP and Environmental Review
Tri-Valley Ground Water Management District/U.S. Filter Tri-Valley Surplus Groundwater Project Studies and Initial Study
Soda Mountain Solar Groundwater Modeling, Drilling, and Well Test
INFRASTRUCTURE: TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE: WASTEWATER
Half Moon Bay Highway 1/Terrace Avenue Signalization EIR
City of Bishop Grove Street Sidewalks Project IS/MND
Ione Wastewater Treatment Plant Master Plan EIR
Grass Valley Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrades IS/MND
PANORAMA ENVIRONMENTAL, INC. 15
INFRASTRUCTURE: TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE: WASTEWATER Inyo County Emergency Road Repair Environmental Studies, CEQA/NEPA compliance, and Permitting
Colusa Road Improvement Project Initial Study
Owens Lake Soda Ash Mining and Railroad Rehab EIS/EIR
Tecopa Sewage Lagoon Repair Project EA/IS and Monitoring
Los Altos Hills Sewer Replacement Project IS/MND
Jamestown Effluent Pipeline EIR
INFRASTRUCTURE: TELECOMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE: LANDFILLS
Channel Islands Telephone Company for the Channel Islands Telecommunication Infrastructure IS/EA
ExteNet Systems, LLC, State Route 35 Distributed Antenna System IS/MND
El Casco System Transmission and Telecom PEA
Cortina Landfill Road Improvements Project Initial Study
Yreka Landfill Project EIR
East Third Avenue Landfill Closure Project Initial Study
INFRASTRUCTURE: BRIDGES MINING AND PROCESSING
Sabrina Road Bridge Replacement Studies and Initial Study, NES
Riverside Road Bridge Replacement NES, Cat Ex with Studies
Norfolk Street Bridge Rehabilitation Project NES
Walker Creek Bridge Replacement Initial Study and Cat Ex with Studies
Topaz Bridge Maintenance Permitting
CariSal Calcium Chloride Project Application and Certificate of Environmental Clearance, Trinidad and Tobago
Owens Lake Soda Ash Company Mining and Processing and Railroad EIR/EIS
U.S. Borax Trona Upgrade Project Conditional Use Permit Application and Initial Study
Briggs Gold Mine Studies, Panamint Valley
PANORAMA ENVIRONMENTAL, INC. 16
PARKS AND RECREATION URBAN DEVELOPMENT/PLANNING
City of Bishop Pine to Park Path Project IS/MND
Dehy Park Improvements Project IS/MND
Laws Railroad Restoration Project IS/EA
Berkeley Bay Trail Extension around the Berkeley Marina IS/MND
County of San Mateo Trails Plan Program Update and Program EIR
Bair Island Bay Trail Improvement Project IS/EA
San Mateo Shoreline Parks Master Plan IS/MND
DeLaveaga Park Vegetation Management Plan IS/MND
Beresford Park Master Plan IS/MND
Santa Cruz Skate Track EIR
Neary Lagoon Skate Park EIR
On-call Services for the San Mateo County Planning Department
On-call CEQA Assistance for the Santa Clara County Planning Department
On-call CEQA Assistance for the City of Burlingame
On-call CEQA Assistance for the City of Redwood City
Alhambra Valley Estates EIR
Laurel Way Planned Development EIR
Sand Hill Estates Lawler Ranch Road EIR
Sunrise Assisted Living Facility EIR
Bowden Ranch Development EIR
Terrace Point Specific Plan EIR
City of Palo Alto High-Speed Rail Assistance
PANORAMA ENVIRONMENTAL, INC. 17
STAFF BIOGRAPHIES
Panorama maintains an interdisciplinary team of scientists, environmental planners, GIS
specialists, and graphic designers. Our in-house team is supported by noted experts
throughout the western U.S. Panorama team members are extraordinary and forward
thinking. Each team member is an expert in environmental regulations and CEQA
compliance. Team members focus on identifying and meeting client needs, planning
ahead to avoid surprises, and moving projects forward to construction.
Laurie Hietter, Principal
Laurie has over 30 years of experience in preparing and leading preparation of complex CEQA/NEPA environmental documents and project permitting. She is a leader in the environmental field, and is routinely solicited by agency staff and project proponents to provide training and
advice on environmental impacts and permitting strategies. Laurie has a deep understanding of water management and power generation (especially solar and geothermal), transmission, and gas storage and transmission issues. Her technical experience has focused on project definition, strategic planning for permitting, CEQA and NEPA compliance, and resource studies. She also developed comprehensive public involvement plans for highly controversial projects, working with nationally renowned facilitators from MIT, and co-authored public engagement publications. Laurie’s international work includes preparing and reviewing ESIAs and ESMPs for geothermal projects in Kenya, Djibouti, and St. Lucia.
Tania Treis, Principal
Tania’s over 15 years of program and project management experience includes establishing collaborative team environments across multiple companies; managing task orders, schedules, budgets, and administrative records; and serving as the liaison between the client, the technical team, and the agencies.
She has managed the preparation of over 50 environmental studies including permitting due diligence, environmental programs, and CEQA and NEPA documents. She has focused on the permitting of complex water, energy, and infrastructure projects over the last 15 years. Tania excels at the definition of projects for the permitting process and at proactive engagement with team members, including project engineers and agency staff. Her approach is framed by a keen awareness of project implementation and mitigation feasibility. Her technical understanding includes disciplines such as biology, geology, hydrology, and cultural resources. Tania co-authored a CEC publication on public engagement.
PANORAMA ENVIRONMENTAL, INC. 18
Curtis Williams, AICP, Principal Planner
Curtis has extensive planning experience, with over 25 years at a management level, and specialized expertise in planning for environmentally sensitive areas, zoning ordinances, and environmental review. He has a particular expertise in planning for transportation improvements. Curtis
served as Director of Planning for City of Palo Alto from 2008 through 2013 and previously as Director of Planning for City of Woodside and Town of Los Altos Hills. He has also worked as a consultant for many years, including leading preparation of CEQA documents for development in local cities and counties. Curtis is a certified mediator for conflict management and certified in alternative dispute resolution.
Susanne Heim, Director Susanne has 10 years of professional experience in environmental planning, management, and hydrology. Her expertise includes preparation and management of environmental documents under regional, state, and federal environmental regulations including CEQA, NEPA, federal and California
Endangered Species Acts, National Historic Preservation Act, and Clean Water Act. Susanne has also developed mitigation measures through coordination with agencies and managed mitigation monitoring programs. Susanne has experience working in the Lake Tahoe Basin, Nevada, California, and Djibouti and has managed over 40 contracting actions for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers including projects related to watershed sustainability, web-database development, environmental restoration, and NEPA compliance. Susanne also has been trained in Six Sigma quality management and World Bank environmental compliance.
Jeff Thomas, Senior Manager/Regulatory Specialist
Jeff Thomas has over 20 years combined of consulting and city government experience in environmental and land use planning, regulatory compliance strategy and permitting, and biological resources management. His experience includes complex environmental planning projects,
providing technical direction, QA/QC, client interface, and representation at public and stakeholder meetings. Jeff has directed and participated in the preparation of numerous environmental documents and resource evaluations supporting NEPA, CEQA, NHPA Section 10, Clean Water Act Sections 401 and 404, Rivers and Harbors Act Section 10, California Fish and Game Code Section 1600, federal ESA (USFWS and NMFS Section 7), California ESA (CESA Section 2081), and Marine Mammal Protection Act, environmental compliance monitoring, habitat restoration planning and implementation, and conservation planning (ESA Section 10, Natural Community Conservation Planning Program).
Sheila Hoyer, Project Manager
Sheila has over 4 years combined environmental experience, including regulating and enforcing Clean Air Act Title I sources, reviewing EIRs for CEQA compliance, and construction compliance monitoring. Her air quality experience includes reviewing construction and
compliance plan applications and issuing permits, inspecting sites for erosion and fugitive dust mitigation, complaint investigation and resolution, and issuing citations. She has analyzed ambient air quality data, developed air quality emission inventories and maintained data bases utilizing GIS and GPS while providing technical assistance to the Air Quality Board, governing bodies, the public and other agencies. Sheila has advocated and implemented standards, policies and ordinances by oral and written presentations, including the production of Public Service Announcements and the publication of brochures and pamphlets. She rewrote, and the agencies adopted, the air quality sections of the Rapid City, South Dakota Municipal Code and the Pennington County, South Dakota Ordinance.
PANORAMA ENVIRONMENTAL, INC. 19
Aaron Lui, Project Manager/GIS Specialist
Aaron has over 7 years of experience working in the environmental consulting field on energy, infrastructure, transportation, and housing development projects. He has managed agency responsibilities for utility clients, preparation of environmental documents, and
implementation of mitigation monitoring programs for multi-year construction projects. Aaron has also managed communication responsibilities between agencies, project developers, contractors, and the public. Aaron has extensive experience preparing and editing project descriptions and CEQA analyses topics, as well as developing geographic information systems (GIS), cartography, and graphic design. Aaron is currently the Project Manager for a transmission project in Sonoma County and co-managing a multi-phase cartography project for an urban transportation agency.
Rita Wilke, Project Manager
Rita has 5 years of consulting experience and 8 years of experience in the environmental field. She has managed public works infrastructure projects including road and bridge construction projects and culvert extensions. She also has experience preparing CEQA
analyses for a variety of resource topics, including noise, hazards, utilities and public services, recreation, and visual resources. Rita has prepared permit applications for Regional Water Quality Control Boards and CDFW, and has extensive experience coordinating with State and federal agencies. Rita has experience managing mitigation compliance efforts and conducting mitigation monitoring at project sites across California. Rita is currently managing a variety of public works project in Inyo County and is acting as Deputy Project Manager for a 10-mile transmission project in Riverside County.
Caitlin Gilleran, Project Manager
Caitlin has over 6 years of environmental planner and technical analysis experience. In her work, Caitlin has assisted in the preparation of environmental documentation for an array of mixed-use, residential, institutional, transportation, mitigation, and infrastructure projects. Caitlin has
experience in preparation of CEQA and NEPA documentation including writing environmental impact analyses, reviewing technical studies, and research. Caitlin also has experience with crucial administrative tasks, such as tracking and maintaining budgets, client relationships, and technical expert management. Caitlin is especially effective in achieving deadlines by meeting deliverable targets with efficient workload management. She has technical expertise in modeling air quality and greenhouse gas emissions using CalEEMod and analyzing the results. Caitlin has experience with local and federal agencies from her time as an intern.
Okorie Puryear, Project Manager
Okorie Puryear has ten years of professional experience conducting environmental review and mitigaiton monitoring of large infrastructure projects in compliance with CEQA and NEPA. Okorie has substantial experience obtaining permitting approval for water resource impacts and was
the Project Manager and lead permitting specialist for decommissioning of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge. He has experience negotiating permit conditions and obtaining approvals from CDFW, USFWS, and NMFS for impacts to threatened and endangered species and marine mammals. He also has substantial experience obtaining water qualtiy certification and implementing mitigaiton strategies in accordance with Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act and Sections 401 and 404 of the Clean Water Act. Okorie has a diverse range of skills, including biological studies, field sampling, species identification, and research and report writing in support of compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and other permitting needs.
PANORAMA ENVIRONMENTAL, INC. 20
Kara Dewhurst, Ph.D. Environmental Planner
Kara has over 4 years of experience as an environmental consultant with a focus on the social and environmental impacts of large power projects. She conducted a social impact assessment and implemented community development initiatives for the proposed Nevado Del Ruiz
geothermal project in Colombia as the Director of Social Programs at the Dewhurst Group, LLC. As an environmental planner at Panorama, Kara prepares environmental analyses for transmission, energy, and conservation planning projects. She also assists with the public scoping and stakeholder engagement processes. She recently completed her Ph.D. in sociology at the University of Virginia with a concentration in renewable energy development, where she received her M.A. in 2012. She holds a B.A., also in sociology, from the University of Pennsylvania.
Corey Fong, Cartographer/GIS Specialist
Corey has over 10 years of experience with a range of expertise including Environmental Science, Geography, and computer aided cartography. He uses ArcGIS software from ESRI to create and maintain GIS data and geodatabases. He has experience with the Spatial Analyst and 3D
Analyst extensions for viewshed and slope analysis and modelling. Corey uses Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and Acrobat to edit maps and figures for environmental documents. TerraSync and Pathfinder Office software are used to integrate biological survey GPS data into project specific GIS. He has also generated project models using Google SketchUp 7 for placement in computer generated 3D virtual tours of proposed projects. Corey has also worked as a backcountry ranger for the U.S. Forest Service in the Emigrant Wilderness of California.
Kimi Worrell, Environmental Planner
Kimi has 4 years of experience in the environmental field. As an Environmental Planner with Panorama, Kimi prepares environmental documents and manages document production for various transmission, infrastructure, energy, development, and land
management projects under CEQA and various international regulations, including the social and environmental frameworks from the World Bank, IFC, and African Development Bank. Kimi has focused on identifying project impacts on aesthetics, cultural resources, air quality, and recreation; developing feasible and verifiable mitigation; and reviewing documents for completeness and consistency. She also has experience with vital administrative tasks, including managing technical experts and invoicing. Kimi’s prior experience includes GIS analysis, forestry, and developing forest management plans.
Naomi Takahashi, Environmental Planner
Naomi has 2 years of environmental consulting experience in energy, transmission, transportation, planning, and water projects in California. She conducts background research for documents necessary to comply with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and National
Environmental Policy Act, drafts sections of CEQA documents, and manages document production and distribution. With over 8 years of experience in technical editing and data presentation geared towards the public and the scientific community, Naomi also provides editorial support and coordinates public outreach efforts. Naomi has a Master’s of Science in Environmental Management from the University of San Francisco where her coursework focused on Environmental Health and Hazards.
PANORAMA ENVIRONMENTAL, INC. 21
Sean Pagnon, Environmental Scientist
Sean has five months of experience performing environmental field work through his Conservation and Land Management Internship with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Under the direction of BLM’s Field Botanist, Sean monitored and maintained ecological restoration sites, collected field GPS data,
created maps with ArcGIS, collected native plant seed, and used R to analyze a dataset studying the effects of sheep grazing. He gained a working knowledge of California flora, fauna, and ecosystems, as well as experience using Trimble Juno units. He also worked with several students, volunteer groups, and BLM partner organizations leading outdoor education classes, mentoring undergraduate students for capstone projects, and working with local consulting and greenhouse organizations to coordinate native plant seed collection and storage.
Dave Jorns, Office Manager/ Creative Services Manager
Dave is an administrative and creative services professional with over 24 years of experience. He brings a valuable blend of creativity, technical knowledge, and leadership to each project. Dave has a special interest in document design and visual branding. During his career he
supervised the formatting and production of document and design deliverables for a variety of clients, including regulatory agencies, transit agencies, cities, universities, hospitals, and consulting firms. Dave is an expert-level user of Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite. He has extensive experience building documents with text styles, color palettes, macros and libraries.
Geoff Hornek, Air Quality and Noise Specialist
Geoff’s technical capabilities include measuring ambient air pollutant and noise levels, performing computer-based air dispersion and noise attenuation modeling, conducting air toxic health risk assessments, and designing environmentally superior
alternatives to mitigate air pollutant and noise problems and their related health impacts. He has a Master of Science Degree in Engineering/Applied Science and a BS in Physics. He has also completed coursework towards a Master of Public Health degree in environmental health.
Bryan Mori, Wildlife Biologist
Bryan has 24 years of experience in the field of biological consulting throughout Central California. Bryan has conducted baseline inventories; biological assessments, impact analysis and development of mitigation measures for environmental review documents; surveys for threatened and
endangered species; preparation of wildlife management plans for parks and open space areas; and development and implementation of monitoring programs. Bryan is a Certified Wildlife Biologist through the Wildlife Society. He possesses a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Recovery Permit (TE-778668-8) and California Department of Fish and Game Scientific Collection Permit and MOU for California tiger salamander, Santa Cruz long-toed salamander and California red-legged frog (SCP 1912).
PANORAMA ENVIRONMENTAL, INC. 22
Korey Klutz Biologist/Project Manager Korey Klutz has over ten years of experience conducting biological research in southern California and more than three years of experience as a project manager. His experience includes performing general biological inventories, rare plant surveys, sensitive wildlife surveys, habitat restoration and habitat conservation planning. Korey also has considerable experience managing and conducting construction monitoring on mass grading sites, linear pipelines, residential developments, and school construction sites. He also has extensive experience in preparing biological technical reports in support of California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and local jurisdictional agency compliance documentation.
Additional Team Members Panorama has an exceptional network of technical specialists located throughout the west. Our long experience with local biologists and archaeologists in the project area allows us to bring the best expert at the least cost. Our network includes experts in all areas of environmental analysis, as well as engineers who are expert in power plants, transmission, water engineering, traffic, and infrastructure projects.
PANORAMA ENVIRONMENTAL, INC. 23
PANORAMA TESTIMONIALS
“Panorama Environmental is working with the Marin Municipal Water District to prepare a Programmatic EIR for our Draft Wildfire Protection and Habitat Improvement Plan, which is designed to address both wildfire risk reduction and invasive species spread on the vast Mt. Tamalpais watershed. Panorama brought to the project the vast depth of experience, expertise, and creativity needed to tackle the challenge of evaluating the potential effects of the Plan, including the potential introduction of herbicides as one of many tools in the vegetation management toolbox. We have been extremely satisfied with Panorama’s work to date on this project, especially with the thoughtful creativity they have demonstrated in addressing complex and emotional issues in a straight-forward, easily understood way.”
Dain Anderson, Marin Municipal Water District
“I have had the opportunity to work with Panorama on Inyo County public works projects over the last 8 years…From my experience…, I have found them to be very proactive and responsive to the needs of the County. They have worked closely with internal and contracted engineers to develop mitigations that meet engineering needs and project objectives, providing creative input where appropriate. It is also my experience that Panorama prepares documents that are complete and that are readily accepted by agencies. Their communication style, flexibility, and working relationship with our staff have enabled us to complete projects on schedule and comply with all environmental permits. I would highly recommend the services of Panorama Environmental, Inc. They have provided the County with excellent customer service over the years. You can have confidence your projects will be proactively and satisfactorily managed if you hire Panorama.”
Lynn Flanigan, P.E., Inyo County Department of Public Works
“In a complex and changing permitting environment like California, having a good consultant is a competitive advantage. Panorama has proved efficient, experienced, organized, and nimble in an industry dominated by giants with large overheads. Importantly, they bring the intangibles of taking pride in the project and seeing the project from the developer’s perspective– they have been consistently pro-active and strategically sound. It is only a matter of time before Panorama strings together a number of big successes for their clients.”
Matthew Casey, Mainstream Renewable Energy
“I have been consistently impressed with how knowledgeable the Panorama team is regarding permitting matters, BLM policies, and environmental sciences and how thoughtful and resourceful they are in assessing environmental issues that arise in the permitting process. Where they do not have in-house expertise in a particular area, they are able to bring in another top-quality firm with the requisite expertise and manage the work so as to produce the required product in a timely manner. They are also a pleasure to work with and conduct themselves with a high level of professionalism. I have no hesitation in recommending Panorama for environmental consulting services.”
Harry Davitian, Entek Power Services
www.panoramaenv.com