Protecting Our Environment

SCE’s archaeologists and biologists are committed to protecting cultural resources, birds, special status species, their habitats, and ecosystems using strategic compliance-driven standards, guidance, and technical expertise.

Our dedicated team of environmental specialists manage programs designed to identify, avoid and minimize impacts to biological and cultural resources. We obtain necessary approvals and permits from state and federal environmental resource and land management agencies for its 42,000+ projects annually. We also engage with native American tribes and non-governmental organizations to develop balanced environmental strategies.

We manage resource compliance programs that provide:

• Regulatory compliance governance and oversight
• Risk assessment and management
• Resource management guidance
• Projects and maintenance activity support
• Agency engagement and coordination
• Resource consultation and permitting
• Strategic planning for SCE initiatives
• Emergency response support

While planning work, SCE uses resource databases, GIS mapping, and other tools to identify vegetation communities, sensitive habitat, and areas of historical significance and stipulate measures to ensure the protection and avoidance of sensitive resources.

At our work sites, we may conduct pre-activity surveys for sensitive resources, use monitors with stop work authority during activities, avoid carrying out work during breeding and nesting seasons, and use helicopters or walk to sites rather than driving across natural areas. Our goal is to minimize unavoidable environmental impacts and consult with regulatory agencies to mitigate and restore affected areas.