Property
Development

EKI offers a full spectrum of environmental, water resource, and engineering services in support of the complete development lifecycle, from initial due diligence, through project entitlement, environmental review, civil and environmental design, construction, and closeout. We support the entire development community, including private developers, non-profit affordable housing organizations, municipalities, real estate attorneys, and other entities.

Pre-Transaction Due Diligence

EKI provides rigorous, multidisciplinary technical support to help clients evaluate potential risks and liabilities associated with property transactions. Our team works closely with clients and their advisors and attorneys to deliver comprehensive environmental and water resources due diligence services that inform investment decisions and support project feasibility. These services include:

Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) in accordance with ASTM E1527-21 standards. Phase I ESAs include a review of historical review of site usage, site reconnaissance to observe current conditions and potential environmental concerns, and interviews with current and past property owners, occupants, and local officials. Findings are summarized in a comprehensive report outlining Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs).
Phase II ESAs to further investigate potential contamination, typically involving subsurface soil, groundwater, and vapor sampling. Based on the results, EKI provides recommendations for remediation or risk management strategies where Chemicals of Concern (CoCs) may pose risks to human health and the environment.
Surface water rights evaluations, including identification of available water rights and strategies for acquisition and transfer.
Groundwater banking and recharge siting studies, including due diligence investigations of proposed opportunities, hydrogeological and geographical screening, evaluation of regional benefits and impacts, and assessment of political and environmental feasibility.

By integrating environmental and water resource expertise, EKI provides clients with the technical insight needed to make informed decisions that support property acquisition and development.

Project Entitlement and Environmental Review

EKI provides integrated planning and technical services to support entitlement and environmental review processes for development projects across California. Our team helps clients navigate the complexities of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA), and other local, state, and federal regulations. EKI supports residential, commercial, institutional and industrial developments with services that include:

Hazardous material conditions assessments at project sites within historical and regulatory context to identify potential environmental concerns and recommend practical, cost-effective mitigation strategies that meet regulatory requirements and protect human health and the environment.
Water Supply Assessments (WSAs) to determine whether water supplies are sufficient and reliable to support demands associated with the proposed developments over the next 20 years. For residential subdivisions with 500+ dwelling units, EKI also prepares Water Supply Verifications (WSVs) to confirm water availability. Our team works closely with private developers and local water agencies to ensure alignment with Urban Water Management Plans (UWMPs) and other regional planning efforts.
Utility Impact Studies (UISs) to evaluate whether a municipality’s water and wastewater systems can support proposed developments. EKI analyses project plans, utility master plans, and hydraulic models to evaluate infrastructure capacity, projected flows, and future demands.

These analysis support responsible development by minimizing risk, ensuring regulatory compliance, and promoting sustainable design principles.

Civil and Environmental Design

EKI’s team of engineers works alongside teams of architects, planners, and other engineering disciplines to create designs that are seamlessly integrated with our clients’ larger development vision and purpose. EKI develops designs that efficiently embed environmental remedies, mitigations, and controls into our clients’ development plans. Common environmental design features include vapor intrusion mitigation systems, site caps, utility clean corridors, and landfill containment systems.

Water Resources & Engineering. EKI integrates an advanced understanding of water resources and civil engineering design into development projects to ensure reliable infrastructure and long-term sustainability. Our designs include utility plans to support environmental documents and other permitting efforts, with the designs often including sustainability features such as reuse of treated wastewater. For detailed design, EKI prepares detailed plans and specifications for water, wastewater, and recycled water infrastructure that are used to secure competitive bids from contractors.

Construction

Environmental Services. EKI assists our clients in managing the implementation of environmental remedies, mitigations, and controls, including cleanup performed as a component of brownfield site redevelopment, installation of environmental mitigation systems such as site caps, vapor intrusion mitigation systems, and landfill containment systems, and compliance with regulatory requirements for stormwater quality, air quality, and wastewater discharge.

Water Resources & Engineering. During construction, EKI supports our clients with engineering oversight to confirm compliance with the engineering plans and specifications developed during the design phase, as well as construction management services to confirm that the end product meets project objectives. Our work, which includes review of contractor submittals, review of contractor change orders, responding to contractor questions, and verification of piping alignments, depths, and backfill, ensures that the project is delivered efficiently, cost-effectively, and to a high standard of quality.

Project Closeout

Environmental Services. EKI works with our clients and their attorneys to develop project closeout documents, including recordation of Land Use Covenants for brownfield sites with mitigated environmental conditions. We help our clients manage and understand long-term operations & maintenance responsibilities associated with environmental conditions at their properties.

Water Resources & Engineering. After construction is completed, EKI provides ongoing technical consultation related to the proper operation and maintenance of water, wastewater, and recycled water infrastructure. In addition, EKI assists with reporting and documentation that may be needed to fulfill regulatory or permitting requirements.