Building a Greener Future
- horrocks
- 21 hours ago
- 6 min read
The Importance of Environmental Services in Civil Projects
At Horrocks, we understand that what we do matters, which is why sustainability, safety, and the well-being of our communities are central to our work. We offer a full spectrum of civil engineering services, including environmental services. We know that environmental services play a vital role in the design of new projects because they ensure that developments are sustainable, compliant with regulations, and minimize ecological impact.
Our environmental team produces quality environmental documents, all-encompassing studies, complete and thorough permit applications, and full-spectrum resource impact analyses for public and private sectors.
Environmental Resources
Our well-versed team of professionals—including archaeologists, botanists, biologists, historians, engineers, planners, legal experts, and technical editors—collaborates with owners, project teams, and other key stakeholders to analyze project alternatives and their impacts to environmental resources. Therefore, we focus on sustainable management and protection of natural, cultural, and historical resources. At Horrocks, we design systems and structures that minimize environmental impacts, promote conservation, and ensure the health and safety of ecosystems and human populations.
Throughout the years, our environmental team has worked on a wide range of environmental resource projects that demonstrate our main areas of expertise, such as the following:
BANGERTER HIGHWAY CORRIDOR | Salt Lake County, UT
Horrocks was responsible for conducting an Environmental Study that evaluated the conversion of the 12 remaining at-grade, signalized intersections to grade-separated interchanges, which will make Bangerter Highway a free-flowing expressway for its entire length. In addition to the study, our team will be providing full right-of-way (ROW) design services. Horrocks will provide topographic surveys, third-party agreements, ROW instruments and review, and ROW acquisition on more than 200 properties. Other project challenges include the coordination/relocation of a large-diameter aqueduct, the construction of multiple pedestrian bridges, and city/community outreach.
This State Environmental Study (SES) evaluated the conversion of US-89 from a four-lane highway into a seven-lane grade-separated expressway. Horrocks recorded new cultural resource sites and updated previously recorded sites in the project area. Horrocks was responsible for providing the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) with recommendations on eligibility for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and determining potential effects on cultural resources. Two drainage control features, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in 1931, were revisited during this work. Horrocks worked with UDOT and the SHPO to create a mitigative plan that would preserve portions of these walls for future public education.
In addition, Horrocks provided full ROW design for this accelerated project, where approximately 250 owners were impacted. Our ROW team worked closely with UDOT and the project team to ensure clear communication and prompt responses were provided to the property owners. The project also involved coordination with the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) to obtain new easements for the relocation of existing pipelines and to release easements for the abandoned pipelines.
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Compliance
Our team focuses on meeting local, state, and federal regulations, while also anticipating challenges and minimizing risks from the outset. This commitment is reflected in our continuous collaboration with various state and federal agencies, such as state departments of transportation (DOTs), the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Through these partnerships, we have amassed decades of experience in producing critical environmental documentation, including:
NEPA Compliance & Documentation, including Categorical Exclusions (CEs), Environmental Assessments (EAs), and Environmental Impact Statements (EISs).
By ensuring compliance with the NEPA and other regulatory frameworks, we help our clients navigate complex environmental compliance requirements and avoid potential legal and financial pitfalls. Our team's expertise in environmental evaluations is vital for moving projects forward.
I-15 1800 NORTH INTERCHANGE DESIGN | Farmington, UT
UDOT Region 1 selected the Horrocks and David Evans and Associates (DEA) team to provide environmental re-evaluation and design services for a new interchange on I-15 at 1800 North (SR-37) in Sunset. This interchange connects 1800 North with Hill Air Force Base east of the I-15 corridor. Horrocks completed the original Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) of this interchange in 2015, which has helped us to best serve the client. Horrocks is leading the environmental and structures design for this project while also providing Military Installation Development Authority (MIDA) and Hill Air Force Base coordination, active transportation design, constructability and cost estimates, and Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) services.
THE MILEPOST 11 INTERCHANGE (IC) EIS | Washington City, UT
Horrocks prepared an EIS to evaluate transportation and safety goals at the I-15 and Green Springs Drive interchange (MP-10) and the surrounding roadway system. The EIS included scoping; development of purpose and need; extensive alternatives analysis (46 transportation concepts); environmental resource analyses (social, environmental justice, right-of-way (ROW), site relocations, air quality, noise, cultural resources, historic architecture, Section 4(f), wetlands, threatened and endangered species, hazardous waste, and visual conditions); and a robust public involvement plan with a community coordination team, three public meetings (including a Public Hearing), and extensive coordination with local stakeholders.
Permitting Legislation and Guidance
As part of our work, our environmental team stays on top of the latest permitting laws and guidelines. This proactive approach ensures we provide our clients with the most accurate and effective guidance, helping them navigate complex regulatory requirements. Our environmental experts excel in communication, fostering strong relationships with agency staff and advocating for our clients' projects and needs. This process includes coordinating with federal, state, and local agencies to help our clients obtain the necessary permits, such as the following:
Conditional Letters of map Revision (CLOMRs) and Letters of Map Revision (LOMRs)
Floodplain Development permits
Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 404 permits
State Stream Alteration permits
By securing these permits, we help our clients move their projects forward efficiently, while adhering to environmental regulations and promoting sustainable development.
FEDERAL BRIDGE FORMULA PROGRAM | Rich County, UT
As part of the Federal Bridge Formula Program, Horrocks completed a categorical exclusion assessment of the environmental impacts associated with replacing four rural bridges in Rich County, Utah. Two of the bridges crossed a large canal, and the other two crossed rivers. This work involved documenting historically eligible bridges, canals, ditches, and adjacent homes and farms. The work also included hydraulic analyses, aquatic resources delineation, Section 404 permitting, and understanding and evaluating temporary impacts associated with bypass routes needed during construction.
TOQUERVILLE PARKWAY ROADWAY DESIGN | Toquerville, UT
Horrocks performed environmental and design engineering on Toquerville Parkway, a new 4.4-mile, two-lane highway with two bridges over Ash Creek in Toquerville, Utah. The project used the City’s standard specifications with special provisions for the roadway and UDOT specifications for the bridge, all built to UDOT standards. Our team gathered and evaluated pertinent data related to Ash Creek crossing location and permitting. This work included coordination and permitting with FEMA (floodplain development permit), Section 404 permit, stream alteration permit, and associated cultural and threatened and endangered species clearances.
Public Engagement and Communication
Clear and consistent communication is key to success – constant contact means our work aligns with client needs and desires efficiently and effectively. Additionally, because projects impact communities, our public engagement team proactively engages with local businesses and community members to learn about their needs, gather invaluable feedback, and assemble collective insights as part of a positive and collaborative project development strategy. We believe stakeholder outreach, both during design and construction, is crucial in building and maintaining stakeholder support.
Our dedication to environmental compliance and risk mitigation, combined with our extensive experience and strong agency relationships, positions us as a trusted partner for clients seeking to achieve their project goals while adhering to regulatory standards and promoting environmental stewardship.
Meet Members of Our Environmental Team:
 Ryan Pitts, PLA Utah Env Lead Ryan has 19 years of NEPA experience and has served as Project Manager or Environmental Lead on over 50 projects. He is a proven leader and an effective communicator. |  Nicole Tolley, PE Env Practice Lead Nicole has 21years of experience. She has extensive experience with NEPA and DOT policies and procedures and has been the environmental lead or project manager on numerous environmental studies. |
Mayra Sarria Nevada Environmental Specialist Mayra currently translates her extensive research capabilities and academic knowledge to assist with the preparation of environmental assessments (EAs), cultural resource reports, and biological evaluations (BEs). |  Aaron Woods, RPA, PI Archaeology Team Lead Aaron has 22 years of experience in prehistoric archaeology and cultural resources. He has led numerous archaeological projects, including cultural surveys. |
 Haylie Ferguson, PI Noise and Air Quality Lead Haylie has 11 years of experience performing noise studies and is skilled in examining traffic noise impacts and mitigation measures. |  Nathan Clark, PLA Aquatic Resources and Section 404 Permitting Lead Nathan has 9 years of experience in aquatic resources, including surveying, reporting, and permitting. His expertise encompasses Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, aquatic resource delineations, and both state and federal permitting for Waters of the U.S. |
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