Services
Strategy
Strategic Planning
Our seasoned team excels in developing comprehensive strategies that harmonize regulatory requirements with operational goals, ensuring efficient project execution.
Budgeting
Sunstone specializes in estimating budgets and managing projects and subcontractors to ensure adherence to financial constraints. We understand the critical importance of sticking to a budget, especially for companies with shareholders who rely on accurate financial presentations.
Risk Analysis
A comprehensive risk analysis is crucial to any new project. Our expertise allows us to foresee potential issues with the permitting process early on, ensuring proactive measures are in place to mitigate delays and regulatory hurdles. By integrating a variety of skilled subconsultants into the project team, we are able to address specific environmental challenges effectively. This collaborative approach not only enhances project efficiency but also fosters close working relationships with other industry experts and regulatory bodies.
Navigation
Acquisition of Local, State & Federal permits
It can take 7-10 years, on average, to permit a mine in the United States. At Sunstone, we specialize in guiding our clients through the acquisition of local, state, and federal permits essential for mining projects. Our expert team navigates the intricate regulatory landscapes, ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. We streamline the permit acquisition process, providing strategic advice and support to expedite approvals while maintaining environmental compliance and project integrity.
Baseline Collection Oversight & Planning
Baseline data collection is required for Environmental Assessments (EA) or Environmental Impact Statements (EIS). These studies will assess the existing environmental conditions and potential impacts of proposed projects, as well as setting a baseline for returning the site back to it’s existing condition during the reclamation phase. The Sunstone team works closely with these subcontractors while managing timelines, coordinating surveys, and reviewing the reports to ensure accuracy.
Plan of Operations
A Plan of Operations (PoO) is a detailed roadmap that outlines how mining activities will be conducted while adhering to environmental regulations, ensuring community engagement, and planning for site reclamation. At Sunstone Environmental Solutions, we specialize in developing comprehensive Plans of Operations tailored to our clients’ mining projects. Our expert team collaborates closely with clients to craft PoOs that integrate environmental management strategies, safety protocols, operational desires, and stakeholder engagement plans. Sunstone’s PoO services are designed to mitigate environmental impacts, foster community relations, and facilitate smooth project approvals, providing our clients with a solid foundation for responsible mining operations.
Agency Permit Application Preparation
Sunstone’s experienced team ensures that each permit application is meticulously crafted to meet all regulatory standards and effectively address environmental concerns. By leveraging our strong relationships with regulatory agencies and our deep understanding of Nevada’s regulatory framework, we facilitate timely submission and smooth processing of permit applications. This proactive approach helps expedite project approvals while maintaining compliance. Below are just some examples of required permit applications:
Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) Permits
NDEP Permits such as the Water Pollution Control Permit (WPCP) for managing discharges, the Air Quality Permit for air emissions, and the Reclamation Permit for land disturbance and reclamation plans.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Permits
BLM Permits including Plan of Operations (PoO) approvals for exploration and mining activities on federal lands, and permits related to rights-of-way and surface use authorizations.
Local Government Permits
Depending on the project location, permits from county or municipal authorities may be required for aspects like zoning, land use, and building permits.
NEPA Process Navigation
The NEPA (National Environmental Policy Act) process is a critical federal requirement for assessing environmental impacts before approving projects like mining operations. At Sunstone, we specialize in guiding clients through this intricate process with meticulous attention to detail. Our team oversees comprehensive environmental impact assessments, evaluating potential effects on air quality, water resources, wildlife habitats, and cultural resources. We facilitate compliance with federal regulations by ensuring thorough NEPA requirements are met, supporting clients in navigating public involvement and agency review processes with clarity and confidence.
Process
Civil Engineering
From civil site layouts and utility design to grading and drainage plans, with robust support for residential and commercial improvements, we provide precise construction-level plan sets complemented by essential supporting documents and reports.
Site Analysis & Feasibility Studies
Conduct thorough site assessments and feasibility studies to evaluate the suitability of a piece of land for development. This involves analyzing topography, environmental factors, drainage patterns, and zoning regulations.
Collaboration & Communication
Collaborating with clients, architects, government officials, and other stakeholders to ensure project objectives are met. We also work with a network of specialized consultants, such as geotechnical engineers, environmental scientists, land surveyors, and structural engineers to gather necessary data and ensure comprehensive project design and implementation.
Permitting & Regulatory Compliance
Navigating through the necessary permits and approvals required for land development projects. This involves working closely with regulatory agencies, reviewing and ensuring compliance with local building codes, zoning ordinances, and environmental regulations.
Project Management
Overseeing the execution of land development projects, including coordinating with architects, surveyors, contractors, and other professionals involved in the project. This involves managing timelines, budgets, and resources to ensure successful project completion.
Design & Planning
Developing design plans and site layouts for land development projects. This includes designing residential design plans, roads, parking lots, utilities, stormwater management systems, and other infrastructure elements necessary for the project.
Utility Systems Design
Designing utility systems such as water supply, sanitary sewer disposal, and drainage systems. This involves analyzing water demand, determining pipe sizing and layouts, and ensuring compliance with local regulations. We work closely with reviewers at surrounding government agencies as well as utility companies such as TMWA.
Grading, Drainage & Earthwork
Determining the appropriate grading and earthwork required to prepare the land for construction. This includes analyzing existing site conditions, balancing cut and fill operations, and ensuring proper drainage patterns and erosion control.
Stormwater Management
Designing and implementing stormwater management systems to control runoff and prevent flooding. This includes designing retention ponds, storm drains, and erosion control measures.
Documentation & Reporting
Preparing reports, drawings, specifications, and other project documentation as required. This includes maintaining accurate records of project progress, design changes, and correspondence with stakeholders.
Corrective Action Management ESG Strategic Programs
Sunstone specializes in developing and implementing Corrective Action Management ESG Strategic Programs tailored to the mining industry. Our approach integrates comprehensive environmental management, community engagement, regulatory compliance, and strategic planning to enhance operational efficiency. By partnering with Sunstone, companies can strengthen their ESG performance, mitigate risks, and build resilience in an increasingly demanding regulatory and stakeholder landscape.
GIS Support & Data Management
Supplying GIS (Geographic Information System) support and data management offers significant benefits to our clients in the mining industry. GIS technology allows us to analyze, interpret, and visualize spatial data related to mining projects, which is crucial for decision-making, planning, and regulatory compliance.
Spatial Analysis
GIS enables us to perform spatial analysis to identify optimal locations for mining and exploration activities, assess environmental impacts, and plan infrastructure development. This analysis helps in optimizing resource utilization and minimizing environmental disturbances.
Environmental Monitoring
GIS facilitates real-time monitoring and management of environmental parameters such as water quality, air emissions, and vegetation cover. This proactive approach ensures compliance with regulatory requirements and enables early identification of potential environmental risks.
Project Planning and Management
By integrating GIS into project planning, we can create detailed maps and models that aid in delineating project boundaries, planning access routes, and managing logistics effectively. This improves operational efficiency and reduces project risks.
Stakeholder Engagement
GIS maps and data visualizations enhance communication with stakeholders, including regulatory agencies, local communities, and investors. Clear and informative spatial representations foster transparency and facilitate constructive dialogue about project impacts and benefits.
Data Integration and Decision Support
GIS allows us to integrate various data sources, such as geological surveys, environmental assessments, and socioeconomic data, into a cohesive platform. This integrated approach provides a comprehensive view of project impacts and supports informed decision-making throughout the project lifecycle.
Accountability
Environmental Due Diligence
Our team offers comprehensive environmental due diligence services tailored to the mining industry, aiding clients in assessing the feasibility and viability of their projects. We conduct thorough evaluations of environmental risks and regulatory compliance issues, providing valuable insights that inform strategic decision-making. We can review records, perform site assessments, data analysis, and regulatory reviews, and identify potential environmental liabilities and opportunities for mitigation early in the project lifecycle. This proactive approach not only helps clients navigate regulatory requirements more effectively but also enhances their ability to secure financing, streamline permitting processes, and ultimately ensure sustainable and successful project outcomes.
Regulatory Obligation Management
Regulatory obligation management involves navigating complex regulatory frameworks to ensure compliance with environmental, safety, and operational standards. At Sunstone, we specialize in guiding clients through this process by conducting comprehensive regulatory assessments, developing strategic compliance plans, and managing the permitting process from start to finish. Our expert team leverages extensive industry knowledge and strong relationships with regulatory agencies to streamline approvals, mitigate risks, and support sustainable mining practices.
Compliance Inspection Oversight
Compliance inspection oversight helps ensure adherence to regulatory requirements, environmental standards, and safety protocols. Regulatory agencies mandate regular inspections to monitor mining operations. Our inspections are site-specific, but usually include water quality sampling, visual air emission inspections, and site assessments. Sunstone’s compliance team supports our clients by conducting thorough inspections, documenting findings, and facilitating corrective actions as needed to uphold compliance with permit conditions.
Environmental Project Management
At Sunstone, we provide project management services tailored for the mining industry. Our expertise includes procuring competitive bids, reviewing contractor documents, and overseeing construction and drill programs to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and project goals. Acting as a liaison between mining companies and subcontractors, we foster seamless communication and efficient project execution.
Compliance Sampling, Reporting & Data Analysis
Our compliance team gathers on-site environmental samples using precise protocols and maintains chain of custody procedures to ensure sample integrity. Our team delivers these samples for testing, where we oversee the analysis of water, soil, and other media. We compile and interpret the resulting data into detailed reports that assess compliance with regulatory standards, providing actionable insights and recommendations to our clients.
Clarity
Stakeholder Relations
This is where it all comes together. Gathering all the facts, the status of multiple areas, budgets, projections, and presenting it with the general people magic needed to confidently communicate with stakeholders where we’ve come from, where we are, where we’re are going and when we’ll arrive. With the Sunstone team handling all these services, mystery is effectively removed. One less thing to get in the way of progress, and ultimately business.