Fred Smith Company set out to expand operations at its Knightdale asphalt plant to better serve the growing infrastructure needs of the region. To support this effort, WithersRavenel provided a suite of environmental and planning services designed to help the project move forward responsibly and in compliance with state and federal regulations.
The first step was understanding the natural features of the site. WithersRavenel’s environmental team conducted an on-site review to map out any streams, wetlands, or protected areas like riparian buffers that could affect construction. These findings were essential for planning and permitting.
Next, WithersRavenel submitted a formal request to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to confirm whether any areas on the site fell under federal protection. The team also worked with the North Carolina Division of Water Resources to determine if any buffer rules applied to the streams on the property.
With that critical environmental data in hand, WithersRavenel collaborated with Fred Smith Company to draft a conceptual layout for the expanded plant. This early site plan helped visualize how the facility could grow while staying within regulatory boundaries and minimizing environmental impact.
As the project advanced, WithersRavenel continued to provide environmental consulting, including managing the necessary state and federal water quality permits (known as 401/404 permits). From early planning to regulatory coordination, the firm ensured that Fred Smith Company’s vision for expansion was both feasible and sustainable.