2026
Comparably’s Best Company Outlook
California and Pacific Islands • California
Utica and Angels Conduit Exemption - Cultural Resources Support
SWCA supports Utica Power and Water Authority’s conduit exemption and FERC license surrender with cultural studies, NRHP evaluations, and Tribal and SHPO coordination.
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Salt Lake City
257 East 200 South
Suite 825
Salt Lake City, Utah 84111
Suite 825
Salt Lake City, Utah 84111
Details
Description
Drawing on SWCA’s expertise in hydropower licensing, cultural resources, and Tribal consultation, SWCA has supported Utica Water and Power Authority with the cultural resource compliance efforts associated with a conduit exemption and FERC license surrender. We developed and implemented the cultural resources study program; conducted resource evaluations and targeted field investigations; prepared National Register of Historic Places eligibility evaluations, effects analyses, and supporting documentation; and coordinated with the California SHPO and Tribes. Building on this foundation, SWCA has continued to provide technical support for California Environmental Quality Act Assembly Bill 52 compliance, including Tribal consultation support and ongoing coordination with Stantec.
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Meet the Experts
Lead Project Manager
Indya Messier
Indya Messier is a Lead Project Manager and Environmental Scientist specializing in FERC hydropower licensing, environmental permitting, and regulatory compliance. She brings a decade of consulting experience leading multidisciplinary teams and managing complex projects involving FERC, NEPA, and CEQA processes. Her expertise includes regulatory strategy, stakeholder engagement, environmental studies, and project delivery for utilities, water agencies, and hydropower clients throughout the United States.
Known for her partnership-oriented leadership style, Indya excels at bringing together clients, agencies, Tribes, and project teams to navigate complex regulatory challenges and advance successful project outcomes. She is particularly skilled at aligning diverse stakeholder interests, building consensus, and helping clients move projects efficiently through regulatory review and licensing processes.
Cultural Resources Director
Joshua Peabody
Joshua Peabody is a senior cultural resources professional with nearly three decades of experience leading cultural resources compliance, stakeholder engagement, and historic preservation efforts for complex utility, water, and hydroelectric projects throughout California. As a recognized cultural resources expert in Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) licensing and relicensing, he has conducted cultural resources work on major hydroelectric projects including, Bucks Creek (FERC 619), Big Creek (FERC 67, 120, 2017, 2085, 2086, 2174, and 2175), and Middle Fork American River (FERC 2079) hydroelectric relicensings, guiding clients through National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) Section 106 compliance, National Register evaluations, tribal consultation, and long-term resource management planning. Joshua combines deep knowledge of hydroelectric licensing, Section 106 compliance, tribal consultation, and historic property management with a practical understanding of client objectives, helping project proponents navigate complex regulatory challenges while achieving successful project outcomes.
