From Cubicles to Construction Sites: My Dual-Perspective Dive into Natural Resource Permitting

By: Novotna Talavera

Imagine an internship where your environmental passion aligns seamlessly with the dynamic challenges of the energy sector, where every decision you make directly impacts the preservation of natural resources in the face of industrial advancement. This summer, I had the privilege of working with the Natural Resource Permitting (NRP) Team at NIPSCO, Indiana’s branch of NiSource, where I navigated the intricate intersections of environmental compliance and utility infrastructure—a journey that deepened my technical acumen and unveiled the true essence of collaborative environmental stewardship.

From the outset, the internship was immersive and multifaceted. It began with a three-day launch at NiSource headquarters in Columbus, Ohio, where I engaged with interns across disciplines—engineering, HR, IT—each contributing to the colossal task of energy provision. These interactions not only broadened my perspective on the energy sector’s complexity but also highlighted the critical role of interdisciplinary collaboration in driving innovation and sustainability.

As a Natural Resource Permitting Intern, I focused on learning the permitting processes vital for Transmission, Distribution, and Storage Infrastructure (TDSIC) electric projects—projects that are the backbone of Indiana’s electric grid. I quickly became an integral part of the permitting team, participating in key discussions and shadowing permitters in the field. These experiences were pivotal in understanding the environmental regulations that govern utility projects and the nuanced challenges of maintaining compliance while driving progress.

The true revelation came during on-site walk downs with engineers, where the scale of these projects—and the environmental stakes—became tangibly clear. Witnessing the interplay between infrastructure development and environmental preservation was eye-opening. It underscored the indispensable role of permitters in safeguarding natural habitats, from wetlands to endangered species territories, all while facilitating essential energy projects.

Beyond fieldwork, I was tasked with developing Environmental Compliance Plans (ECPs) for TDSIC projects—a responsibility that required meticulous attention to detail. These comprehensive documents, encompassing erosion control, stormwater management, and permit logs, are critical in ensuring that every project adheres to stringent environmental standards before construction begins. Completing these ECPs was both challenging and rewarding, as it solidified my understanding of the intricate balance between development and conservation.

Throughout the internship, I gained a panoramic view of the TDSIC permitting process, attending weekly huddles, NRP meetings, and collaborating with external partners like STANTEC and WSP engineers. These interactions provided a holistic understanding of the project lifecycle and the collaborative efforts required to navigate the complexities of environmental compliance. Daily environmental compliance calls were particularly enlightening, offering a glimpse into the real-time problem-solving that defines the Environmental Department’s work.

Mentorship played a crucial role in my growth. Under the guidance of Stephanie, a seasoned permitter, I learned about the minutiae of permitting, from writing ECPs to utilizing project management tools like Smartsheet. Her mentorship was invaluable, culminating in my successful completion of ECPs for the Horn Ditch and Freyer substations in Indiana—milestones that marked my transition from novice to proficient in the permitting process.

The internship’s hands-on nature extended beyond the office, with site visits that offered an in-depth look at the real-world application of our work. Observing power line pole installations, underground gas pipe projects, wetland delineations, and a coal generating station reinforced the importance of fieldwork in the permitting process. These experiences provided a tangible context for the regulatory frameworks I was helping to implement and emphasized the critical need for adaptability in the field.

The capstone of my internship was developing an onboarding manual for Indiana permitters new to the TDSIC process. This living document consolidates essential information and resources, ensuring a smooth transition for new team members and evolving alongside the process itself. The manual underwent rigorous review, with feedback from Stephanie and Natalie, the Indiana NRP team leader, ensuring its accuracy and practicality. I am thrilled that my internship will extend into my senior year, allowing me to refine this resource further.

My favorite aspect of my internship was that no two projects were alike, making it an ideal career for a life-long learner like myself. Furthermore, from day one I was embedded in the NRP Team at the Merrillville, Indiana office, where I was treated as a capable team member and given meaningful tasks– there was no “busy work” involved. This level of responsibility and the support from my mentors instilled confidence and motivated me to contribute my best efforts daily.

In sum, my internship with NIPSCO’s Natural Resource Permitting Team was a transformative experience that sharpened my technical skills and deepened my understanding of the utility industry’s environmental obligations. The knowledge and insights I gained will undoubtedly shape my future career in environmental compliance and natural resource management. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to projects that matter and to work alongside professionals whose dedication to both progress and preservation is truly inspiring.