Southern California Environmental Update
By Thomas J. McGill, Ph.D.
In this, my first column for Builder/Architect Magazine, I think it's important for you to know both about the column and its author. After all, we'll be discussing some important topics in the months ahead; I know I'd want to understand the information originates from an experienced and credible source.
I am a biologist with nearly 15 years experience working for the federal government in the high desert plus 15 years as an environmental consultant in the Inland Empire. Over my career, I have worked in most types of environmental programs - from rounding up wild burros to preparing airport compatibility studies. However, the majority of my expertise has been in dealing with endangered species issues, in particular, balancing development with species management through creative yet legal solutions to offset possible impacts. For example, I am one of the authors of the first ever Tribal Multi-Species Habitat Conservation Plan prepared for the Agua Calienate Band of Cahuilla Indians which established the benchmark for all future similar documents for Sovereign Nations. I am also an attorney having passed the California State Bar in 1990. I hold a BA in Biology from Harvard, and both a MA in Ecology and a Ph.D. in Genetics from the University of California.
Prior to entry into private industry, I worked for the US Department of the Navy as a wildlife biologist and Head of Environmental Management at the Naval Weapons Station Center, China Lake. I spent my first six years with the Navy studying bugs and bunnies and identifying weeds and seeds. The next nine years, I ran their environmental programs from hazardous waste and air quality permits to protecting archaeological and paleontological resources and Native American rights to clear public works projects and military operations. I also ran the base's airport compatibility and groundwater management programs requiring coordination with the US Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, US Forest Service, LADWP, and local water agencies.
After passing the California Bar in 1993, I left the high desert and returned to my roots in the Inland Empire (born and raised in Fontana). I still maintain my connections to the high desert as a board member of the Death Valley Natural History Association and make three or four trips out there a year. And no, I don't practice law. Although I maintain my membership in the Bar, I chose to remain in the environmental field as a private consultant.
Hopefully, the 30 years of lessons I have learned - some the hard way - can be of a benefit to you. I plan to discuss topics of interest to the development community including recent environmental decisions on preparing environmental reports, dealing with endangered species, dealing with MSHCPs, wetland permitting and whether the new rules may exempt your site, water supply assessments and who should be preparing them, and what you may need to do to comply with AB32 standards. If you would like a specific topic addressed, please let me know via email at tmcgill@brandman.com.
January 2008 Issue