As the nation invests billions to close the digital divide, broadband expansion has become one of the most important infrastructure initiatives of our time. Yet behind every successful fiber line, tower installation, or middle-mile connection lies a crucial step: environmental review and compliance.
Federally funded broadband projects—like those supported by the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program—must meet a range of environmental and cultural regulations before construction begins. These reviews ensure that progress happens responsibly, protecting both natural resources and historic sites.
Key federal requirements include:
🌿 NEPA Environmental Assessments
The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) mandates a detailed review of potential environmental impacts before project approval.
🏛 Section 106 Reviews
Under the National Historic Preservation Act, agencies must evaluate whether projects could affect cultural or historic sites, coordinating with State Historic Preservation Offices (SHPOs) and Tribal Nations.
💧 Clean Water Act & Wetlands Permitting
Any activity that could impact U.S. waters or wetlands requires careful permitting and coordination with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and other regulatory bodies.
🦉 Endangered Species Surveys
Projects must assess potential impacts on threatened or endangered species under the Endangered Species Act, ensuring that critical habitats remain protected.
At ESE Partners, we guide broadband developers, engineering teams, and local governments through each of these steps—delivering streamlined compliance, accurate documentation, and proactive coordination with regulatory agencies. Our team’s experience across large-scale linear infrastructure projects allows us to identify risks early, reduce delays, and keep schedules on track.
