NEPA Environmental Review Services for CRE Projects

If your project involves federal funding, approvals, or HUD financing, you may need to complete a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) environmental review.

For developers, lenders, and property owners, navigating NEPA can feel complex. However, with the right guidance, it becomes a manageable and strategic part of the project lifecycle.

At Hillmann, we support NEPA-related environmental reviews with a coordinated, full-service approach—helping clients move projects forward with confidence.

What Is a NEPA Environmental Review?

A NEPA environmental review is a federally required process that evaluates the environmental impacts of a proposed project before agencies approve funding or issue permits.

For many commercial real estate and affordable housing projects, this process ties directly to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and typically follows one of two pathways:

• Part 50 – HUD conducts the environmental review and authorizes the release of funds
• Part 58 – A local or state “Responsible Entity” conducts the environmental review

Importantly, NEPA is not a one-size-fits-all report. Instead, it functions as a coordinated process that brings together multiple environmental studies and compliance checks based on the scope of the proposed project.

When Is NEPA Required?

You may need a NEPA environmental review if your project includes:

• HUD or other federal funding
• Affordable housing financing (LIHTC, CDBG, HOME, etc.)
• Federal permits or agency involvement
• Refinancing or rehabilitation tied to federal programs

If you’re unsure, Hillmann can quickly help determine applicability.

What’s Included in a NEPA Review?

Every NEPA review begins with a clear understanding of the project scope. From the outset, our goal is to determine exactly what level of environmental review is required—and just as importantly, what is not.

We take a focused, strategic approach to ensure clients complete only the studies necessary to achieve regulatory clearance. This helps avoid unnecessary costs, reduces timelines, and minimizes the risk of triggering additional follow-up requirements.

NEPA reviews evaluate a wide range of environmental and site conditions. However, not every project requires every study. Based on the project scope, Hillmann performs and coordinates only the components necessary for compliance, including:

• Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs)
• Asbestos, lead-based paint, and hazardous materials surveys
• Radon testing
• Noise studies
• Floodplain and wetlands analysis
• Endangered species review
• Historic preservation analysis
• Airport hazard evaluations

These elements are often required as part of HUD environmental reviews and are integrated into the overall NEPA process.

Why NEPA Matters for Your Project

NEPA is more than a regulatory requirement. It directly impacts:

• Project timelines – Delays can occur if requirements aren’t addressed early
• Financing eligibility – NEPA clearance is often required before funds are released
• Risk management – Identifies environmental concerns upfront
• Project viability – Ensures alignment with federal and local regulations

A proactive, experienced approach helps keep your project on schedule and aligned with funding requirements.

Why Choose Hillmann for NEPA Support?

Our team helps define the minimum level of review required to achieve clearance, helping avoid unnecessary studies, costs, and delays. With decades of experience supporting environmental reviews, Hillmann brings a fully integrated approach:

• One team coordinating all required studies
• Deep experience with HUD Part 50 and Part 58 reviews
• Alignment with due diligence, energy, and construction services
• Nationwide coverage with local expertise
• Clear communication and rapport with agencies and stakeholders

Because NEPA touches multiple disciplines, our ability to bring everything together under one roof is a key advantage.

Start Your NEPA Review with Confidence

NEPA compliance doesn’t have to slow your project down. With the right strategy and an experienced partner, it becomes a structured, predictable part of the development process. Whether you’re early in planning or ready to begin the environmental review process, Hillmann can guide you every step of the way.

Contact our team today to discuss your project and NEPA requirements.

Helpful Resources

• National Environmental Policy Act
• Council on Environmental Quality
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development