Mediation, Facilitation, and Community Outreach

Overview

EI's mediators and facilitators have an outstanding track record of success in resolving disputes and building consensus on contentious environmental matters. Their success derives from an understanding of and respect for people from all disciplines and an outstanding grasp of technical issues, law and policy. Whether through mediation or facilitation, our experienced specialists are proactive in helping people work through stumbling blocks and differences within reasonable timeframes and budgets.

EI's mediation and facilitation team includes distinguished attorneys and engineers with outstanding cross-disciplinary training and experience. EI's Lead Mediator and Facilitator is nationally recognized as a member of the Mediator Roster of the National Institute of Environmental Conflict Resolution.

EI has used its multidisciplinary approach to achieve successful binding solutions to environmental issues and disputes involving litigation including those regarding:

Land Use
Endangered Species
Water Quality
Safe Drinking Water
Radioactive and Hazardous Waste Management
Projects with Environmental Impacts
Ocean Disposal
Natural Resource Damage Assessment
Flood Risk Management
Environmental Regulator and Regulatee Relationships

If you would like to discuss how EI can assist you regarding mediation or facilitation, please contact us at (206) 525-3362, or email us at staff@eiltd.net.

Example Projects

Flood Risk Management Facilitation

Skagit County, WA

EI designed and facilitated a successful, in-depth public outreach, education and decision-making process to support flood risk management planning in Skagit County. EI created a web page and a video for public education. Based on input from agencies, tribes, local businesses, farmers and other stakeholders, EI designed a process that included a Working Group whose goal was to identify flood risk management alternatives. EI facilitated the Working Group through the yearlong process and led the group to consensus during the time predicted.

Mediation/Facilitation for Columbia River Ecosystem Restoration Planning

US Army Corps of Engineers, Portland District

For the Portland District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, EI facilitated multi-agency ecosystem restoration planning efforts on the Columbia River. This multi-party process involved four workshops and was designed to comprehensively evaluate ecosystem restoration needs. During the facilitation process, EI addressed the requirements to restore both aquatic and terrestrial habitats, including those of native fish populations in the Lower Columbia River. The process involved identifying restoration options, locations and studies necessary prior to implementation. Participants included federal, state, and local interests including the local port authorities, the US Army Corps of Engineers, the US Environmental Protection Agency, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Washington and Oregon State environmental agencies, and representatives of the Washington and Oregon Congressional delegation.

TESTIMONIALS

"I was impressed with the efficiency of the audit team members, who worked closely together to interview personnel in various positions …covering many environmental areas including the hazardous waste facility. The Team's ISO 14001 knowledge was extensive. The recommendations you provided in the audit report have helped ISC Kodiak further develop their EMS and improve their EMS implementation Process."

- Sunsan L. Boyle
Lead Environmental Specialist
US Coast Guard

TESTIMONIALS

"The Siletz Tribe appreciates the work you have done to provide information on the state of the Portland Harbor Superfund Site and the effect of pollutants on tribal members who consume fish from the Willamette River."

- Brenda Bremner
Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians

TESTIMONIALS

“EI's ability to coordinate among our partners in the cooperative process is impressive … EI has shown tremendous ability to ensure open channels of communication with us, with our partners and with those on the other side of the table. Even when negotiations have gotten particularly difficult, EI has demonstrated a sense of ethics and diplomacy, all the while ensuring that the Tribe's voice is heard. “

-Delores Pigsley
Tribal Council Chairman
Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians

TESTIMONIALS

“ Dr. Bridgen obviously has a great deal of EMS implementation experience, which gives her a wealth of examples to broaden and deepen the understanding of the principles and techniques that we are now incorporating at our facilities.“

- Laura Halterman
Department of Veterans Affairs

TESTIMONIALS

The Cook Inlet Regional Citizens Advisory Council was very impressed by EI's exceptional understanding of State and Federal law, through research, perceptive analysis, and their ability to work effectively with various stakeholders.

- Rory Dabney
Program Coordinator
CIRCAC

TESTIMONIALS

"Throughout the two-year process of developing the rule [under the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act], Dr. Bridgen was able not only to juggle the many tasks involved, and to produce high quality products on time, but to offer good alternatives for approaching problems encountered in the course of the project. Her involvement enabled the Agency to develop a good rule, within the time and budget allotted."

-Christine Augustyniak
Deputy Director
Environmental Assistance Division
US EPA

TESTIMONIALS

"We would like to commend EI for your creative and thorough approach to address these issues of concern to the Cook Inlet Regional Citizens Advisory Council (CIRCAC), stakeholders, and the public-at-large ... CIRCACV was very impressed by EI's exceptional understating of State and Federal law, through research, perceptive analysis, and their ability to work effectively with various stakeholders. "

- Rory Dabney
Program Coordinator
CIRCAC

TESTIMONIALS

“The Siletz Tribe appreciates the work you have done to provide information on the state of the Portland Harbor Superfund Site and the effect of pollutants on tribal members who consume fish from the Willamette River."

- Brenda Bremner
Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians

TESTIMONIALS

“I want to commend you and EI for your facilitation. The results of the facilitation were exceptional, with all parties leaving the table happy, surprised, and incredulous at how you got the group to come to consensus over issues on which we had been stuck for a long time.

- Jon Gornick
US Army Corps of Engineers

TESTIMONIALS

“I have been consistently impressed by the high quality of the written work your office produces, as well as the remarkable breadth and depth of technical know-how you and your team have. I have been extremely satisfied with EI's ability to produce high-quality work while staying on time and on or under budget."

- Cathy Hendrickson
Georgetown Crime Prevention & Community Council

TESTIMONIALS

- Sunsan L. Boyle
Lead Environmental Specialist
US Coast Guard

TESTIMONIALS

"I want to commend the performance of EI and, in particular, Valerie Lee in the community involvement and communication effort associated with development of the Kalispel Tribe's EMS...This project is setting a precedent by developing an ISO 14001 compliant EMS to ensure that environmental issues receive the amount of attention that the Tribe, as a steward of the environment, believes they deserve."

-Scott Hall
Kalispel Tribe of Indians

TESTIMONIALS

"Attendees appreciated the opportunity to interact, communicate and relate their experiences and issues with one another. We were very successful in establishing a springboard for further interaction and resolution to the many issues facing the Native American communities …"

- Douglas W. Grosse
National Risk Management Research Labratory
US EPA

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