2026 Virtual Project Management Workshop

Topic 1: Introduction, Overview of NEPA Compliance (Past, Present, and Future), and Challenges Facing NEPA Project Managers

Moderator: Ted Boling, Perkins Coie
Panel: Eric Beightel, Federal Strategy Director, ESA; Erica Boulanger, Department of Defense; Dr. Michael Smith, WSP

The workshop’s first module includes a facilitated discussion of challenges facing NEPA project managers and student input on project management challenges. Discussion topics will include preparing an EA/EIS with differing or inconsistent agency NEPA procedures, NEPA and State requirements, and NEPA and other environmental requirements. The panel will discuss recent changes to environmental planning policies and tools to track changes, such as Environmental Science Associates’ Federal Policy Tracker.

Topic 2: Threshold Determinations, Project Initiation, and Critical Importance of “Pre-NEPA Planning”

Moderator: Pam Danko, Esq., Environmental Specialist/Attorney, Hudson Danko Engineering
Curriculum Preparers and Presenters: Ron Lamb, Retired US Marine Corps NEPA Program Manager; Jamie Bents, WSP; Mehmet Secilmis, ESRI; Scott Phillips, SWCA

The module will include the importance of “pre-NEPA” planning and critical activities; project manager recommendations and professional responsibilities for determining the appropriate level of NEPA review, appropriate use of categorical exclusions, EAs, and EISs under routine and expedited schedules, and emergencies; and identifying critical path actions and concurrent consultation processes such as NHPA Section 106.  The session will also discuss the application of GIS technology to support the “pre-NEPA” process and proactively plan and save time.  AI tools for site assessment and permitting requirements, such as Transect and Blumen Systems, will also be discussed. 

Topic 3: AI, GIS, and Technologies to Support NEPA Project Management

Moderator: Pam Danko, Esq., Environmental Specialist/Attorney, Hudson Danko Engineering
Curriculum Preparers and Presenters: Lauren Schramm, ESA;
Mehmet Secilmis, ESRI; Stephanie Paz, Sapphos Environmental

Module 3 focuses on the technology innovations that Project Managers need to understand, including appropriate uses of GIS and AI. The module will address the following topics:

• When is it possible to use AI in NEPA reviews EAs and EISs? [e.g., content analysis for comment response or scoping]
• Technology tools such as the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) PermitAI™ application.
• How GIS technology can enhance NEPA project management by supporting scoping and early project planning, managing schedule, cost, and risk spatially, coordinating interdisciplinary and matrixed teams, strengthening NEPA documentation and defensibility, engaging agencies and stakeholders, and ensuring lifecycle continuity beyond NEPA.
• How a project manager could responsibly apply AI to a NEPA review
• QA/QC process that should be added to AI in NEPA reviews
• AI best practices and standards for the Team including training and transparency

Topic 4: Elements of Effective EA/EIS Project Management  

Curriculum Preparers and Presenters: Kristine MacKinnon, Jacobs; Dan Cecchini, Stantec; Jonathan Cain, Sapphos Environmental

Module 4 focuses on the tools, techniques, and best practices of effective Environmental Assessment (EAs) and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) project management during project planning and execution to avoid costly delays and meet project timelines. The module will share proven NEPA project management concepts and skills and case studies discussing:

•  Schedule, Budget, and Contract Management (including use of Work Breakdown Structure and the Critical Path Method)
• Scope Management (including advising action proponent/applicant on scope of requirements)
• Monitoring status of consultation processes, resource and Team Management/SMEs or Media Managers
• Agency oversight of Applicant-driven EAs/EISs
• Quality Control Management
• Records Management
• Risk Management in EA/EIS Project Management (e.g., scope of NEPA and consultations becomes misaligned)
• Discussion of project management technology tools such as Jira, Basecamp, and Trello (tracking tasks and action items/ owners)
• Critical NEPA Project Manager skills and expectations to manage EA/EIS schedule, budget, and contracts.

Topic 5: Stakeholder and Regulatory Coordination Challenges including One Federal Decision, and integrating other regulatory requirements (e.g., NHPA Section 106, CWA Section 404, ESA Section 7) and State review and permitting requirements

Curriculum Preparers and Presenters: Rich Walter, ICF; Mike Mayer, HDR
The module will include Stakeholder and Public Engagement challenges, including working with Cooperating and Participating agencies and Tribes. The module will also discuss regulatory coordination challenges, including One Federal Decision, and integrating other regulatory requirements (e.g., NHPA Section 106, CWA Section 404, ESA Section 7) and State review and permitting requirements. In addition, presenters will discuss tools to assist in coordinating NEPA and associated environmental planning processes. The session will also discuss technology tools such as the USFWS’s Information for Planning and Consultation (IPaC) and the USACE’s Regulatory Request System (RRS).

Topic 6: Managing Effective Interdisciplinary Teams 

Presenters: Ron Lamb, Retired US Marine Corps NEPA Program Manager;
Nik Tompkins-Flagg, Cardno-GS
Module 6 focuses on the tools, techniques, and best practices for NEPA Project Managers to pro-actively manage Interdisciplinary Teams to avoid costly delays and meet project timelines. The module will share proven NEPA project management concepts and skills and case studies covering the following topics:

• Resource and Team Management (including ensuring Team members have sufficient availability and training)
• Communications Management and Tools (including managing team meetings and efficient internal/external commenting processes)
• Team communication policies
• Project Management Plans
• Lead, Cooperating, and Participating Agencies
• Dispute resolution (including recognizing when it’s needed)
• Ensure QA/QC processes are followed
• Records Management/Administrative Record coordinator
• Critical NEPA Project Manager skills and expectations to manage Interdisciplinary Teams
• Risk Management in effectively managing Interdisciplinary Teams (including Applicants)
• Technology tools such as Basecamp, Microsoft Teams,  Doodle (group scheduling tools) and Grammarly
• Course Review/Wrap-up