August 11, 2026

Why Environmental Due Diligence Matters with Danielle Vail & Sarah Johnson - TLP182

In this episode, Ryan sits down with Danielle Vail and Sarah Johnson, Environmental Project Managers at Kimley-Horn, to discuss why environmental due diligence is such an important part of the land development process. Danielle and Sarah share their expertise on identifying environmental considerations early and how those findings can influence a project's feasibility, design, cost, and timeline.

The conversation explores key environmental factors developers should consider before moving forward with a property, including wetlands, protected species, permitting requirements, and environmental surveys. Danielle and Sarah explain why bringing environmental professionals into the process early can help uncover potential challenges before they become costly or time-consuming issues.

Ryan, Danielle, and Sarah also discuss how environmental requirements can affect development plans and why timing matters, particularly when certain studies or surveys can only be completed during specific seasons. They highlight the value of understanding a site's environmental conditions before major decisions are made.

Throughout the episode, Danielle and Sarah offer practical insight for developers and land professionals navigating environmental due diligence. Whether you're evaluating a potential acquisition, planning a new development, or working through the entitlement process, this conversation provides valuable perspective on reducing risk and making more informed decisions early in the development process.