Environmental & land use

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With nearly 20 years of experience inside the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Suzanne brings a rare level of insight into how environmental decisions are made—and how to navigate them effectively. Her work at the EPA spanned complex regulatory enforcement, permitting, compliance oversight, and high‑stakes environmental investigations. She understands the science, the policy, and the internal processes that shape outcomes.

West River Legal uses that experience to help clients:

• Interpret and comply with federal and state environmental regulations
• Navigate permitting and enforcement actions
• Manage complex contamination, remediation, and compliance challenges
• Develop proactive environmental strategies that withstand scrutiny
• Communicate effectively with regulators and stakeholders

We know how agencies think because of the decades Suzanne spent helping shape those decisions. That insider understanding is now your strategic advantage. 

We represent businesses, municipalities, landowners, and nonprofits in cases involving:

• Permit challenges and appeals
• Enforcement actions from state or federal agencies
• Disputes over contamination, cleanup, or site responsibility
• Conflicts involving wetlands, waterways, or natural resources
• Appeals before the Environmental Division and state boards

Our approach is grounded in Vermont’s values: environmental responsibility, fairness, and practical solutions. We fight for outcomes that protect your interests while respecting the landscape we all share.

Vermont’s land use landscape is shaped by some of the most complex regulatory frameworks in the country—Act 250, local zoning ordinances, environmental protections, and community‑driven planning processes. Our firm helps clients navigate these layers with clarity, strategy, and deep local insight.

We represent property owners, developers, municipalities, and community organizations in matters involving:

• Act 250 permitting and compliance
• Zoning applications, appeals, and variance requests
• Environmental and natural resource considerations
• Subdivision approvals and site plan review
• Agricultural, forestry, and conservation land issues
• Municipal land use planning and ordinance drafting

We understand how Vermont communities make decisions—and how to position your project for success. Whether you’re building, expanding, conserving, or defending your property rights, we provide practical guidance, strong advocacy, and a clear path forward.

Managing federal grants requires precision, compliance discipline, and a deep understanding of federal environmental programs. With extensive experience navigating EPA funding structures, regulatory requirements, and post‑award obligations, we help clients secure, manage, and maximize federal environmental grants with confidence.

Our services include:

• Grant application strategy and development
• Compliance with 2 CFR Part 200 (Uniform Guidance)
• Budgeting, cost allowability, and financial management
• Reporting, documentation, and audit readiness
• Post‑award administration and corrective action support
• Oversight of subrecipients and contractors

We ensure your project stays compliant, fundable, and aligned with EPA expectations—reducing risk while increasing your impact.