During field reconnaissance for a Pre-Drill Environmental Site Assessment, NTG Environmental personnel observed the Texas Tortoise (Gopherus berlandieri), a state-listed threatened species, at the proposed well site. In order to prevent unnecessary delays to our client’s drilling schedule, NTG Environmental applied for a Scientific Research Permit through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Wildlife Permits Office in Austin, Texas. State-listed species may only be handled by individuals with a Scientific Research Permit obtained through the TPWD. Within three weeks, NTG Environmental returned to the proposed well site with an approved TPWD permit to safely relocate the tortoise(s). Our client experienced minor delays, but was able to use the proposed location without impacting protected wildlife.
