The mining industry is accustomed to volatile market changes, but new challenges in environmental protection are a necessary focus for current market activities.
Engineering firms in mining are constantly adjusting to volatile changes that commonly face these cyclical markets. Amidst pressures already mounting from today’s plummeting oil costs, ISG has been able to offer stability and consistency through typical mining services while helping clients deal with yet another layer of complexity: wildlife species protection.
The area must first be cleared of vegetation and overburden in a way that poses minimal disruption to the surrounding ecosystems. Occasionally, this means navigating specific regulations in place to protect threatened local species.
To serve our partners in Wisconsin, ISG conducted a wildlife survey for the federally endangered Karner blue butterfly, helping identify existing habitat and potential lupine seeding patterns around the site that would protect the insect’s food supply. It is rewarding to serve our clients, while also serving as good stewards of the land and local species.
The Northern Long-Eared Bat (NLEB) was recently listed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. One of our scientists, Lucas "Batman" Mueller is familiar with the White Noise Syndrome (WNS) zones and precautionary measures to take when removing trees within a certain proximity of hibernaculum areas - which are caves, mines, etc.
Join the conversation #ISGEnvironmental #BugsBatsButterflies
The management of stormwater runoff is a pressing concern for cities across the nation, and the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit program is a critical framework designed to protect water quality and our natural resources.
The Clay County Board of Supervisors (County) knew they needed to address facility repairs in their Administration Building, Courthouse, and General Services Center. While maintaining public buildings does not generate excitement, County leaders recognized that deferring upkeep of public facilities can cost more in the long run if left unaddressed and may result in limiting other more impactful projects.
In the land of 10,000 lakes, Minnesotans love to live near and play in our abundant water systems. But the effects of population growth, land use development, and climate change pose challenges within floodplain areas, contributing to persistent flooding issues.
In the world of real estate development and land acquisition, the road to success is paved with thorough planning and attention to detail. One often overlooked but crucial step in the due diligence process is the Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment (ESA). Before a client begins any project, ISG often conducts a Phase 1 ESA to identify any recognized environmental conditions (RECs) that could impact the property's value or pose potential risks to public health and the environment. The result of the assessment influences the project’s direction and success long-term.